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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do LOVE Your NEIGHBOUR And The STRANGER! 

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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do LOVE Your NEIGHBOUR And The STRANGER! 

“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” Matthew 5:46-47. 

We live in a moment in history wherein lots of people are so much engaged and entangled with the spirit of entitlement at another person’s cost, thereby making it impossible for some to share love because they are expecting to be the collector of love and not the giver of love, as Scripturally enjoined: 

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” Luke 6:38. 

More so, because of the current challenges of the unstable state of the world, community, neighbourhoods, family and such like, especially in terms of the economic atmosphere, some people are so desperate and in such haste that the simple acts of kindness in relationship and in relating with others is diminishing. Such was the depravity of humane nature from the zealous Church folk – the Priest [Pastor] and the Levites [Choir Leader] – unlike the non-Church folk, the Samaritan, as in Luke 10:25-37. They were so carried away with their zealousness that they forgot the act of kindness of life resources [time, finance (cash/kind), etc] to use to help others in critical need, no matter how little [small]. 

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to SUPPORT THE WEAK, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is MORE BLESSED to GIVE than to RECEIVE” Acts 20:35. 

And many have become so committed to matters of – things and activities and programmes and such like – than having a humane commitment to their fellow human beings in times of difficulty. When someone is in trouble, people are more interested in taking photos to create content for others to applaud and make jest of the person, rather than helping to solve the problem of the person in trouble where need be, especially when it is within their capacity to help in that duration of time. You can see series of unwarranted and appalling images and photos on social media depicting people in situations that shouldn’t be taken, and more so displayed, but are out there – sometimes you wonder why the person taking the photo couldn’t help that child from a wicked maid or parents or leader or whoever, instead of spending time to take photos to the point of death of such an individual, when help could have been possible.  

A genuine Father’s heart at its best is in loving one’s neighbour as Christ admonished the enquiring Lawyer about who his neighbour truly was and is, in order to do life and live godly in God in Christ Jesus’ stead Amen. [Luke 10:25-37]. 

If we truly want to get into the father’s hearts at its best, we should endeavour to be humane in the midst of our busy schedule, to love our neighbours as we do life and live godly in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to INHERIT eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how READEST thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy NEIGHBOUR as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was NEIGHBOUR unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, GO, and DO thou likewise” Luke 10:25-37. 

“And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 and thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the FIRST commandment. 31 And the SECOND is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy NEIGHBOUR as thyself. THERE IS NONE OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE” Mark 12:28-31. 

“But the STRANGER that DWELLETH with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt LOVE him as thyself; for ye were STRANGERS in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God” Leviticus 19:34. 

SUMMARY 

The message is THE FATHER’S HEART – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AND THE STRANGER. 

It teaches that genuine godliness is not found in religious activity or busyness, but in humane, practical love — giving time, resources and kindness to our neighbour and even to strangers, just as Jesus commanded and modelled in the Good Samaritan. 

KEY POINTS 

  1. GOD’S GREATEST COMMAND IS LOVE FOR GOD, NEIGHBOUR AND STRANGER

“Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God… and thy NEIGHBOUR as thyself. THERE IS NONE OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE” Mark 12:30-31 
“The STRANGER that DWELLETH with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt LOVE him as thyself” Leviticus 19:34 
Loving only those who love us back is not the Father’s standard Matthew 5:46-47. 

  1. ENTITLEMENT AND ECONOMIC HARDSHIP ARE KILLING COMPASSION

We live in a time where many are engaged and entangled with the spirit of entitlement at another person’s cost. 
Because of the unstable economy and desperation, simple acts of kindness in relationship are diminishing. 
People now expect to be collectors of love instead of givers of love Luke 6:38. 

  1. RELIGIOUS ZEAL WITHOUT MERCY IS DEPRAVITY

Like the Priest [Pastor] and Levite [Choir Leader] in Luke 10:25-37, many are carried away with zealousness — things, activities and programmes — but forgot the act of kindness with life resources [time, finance, cash/kind]. 
They passed by on the other side while the Samaritan, a non-Church folk, had compassion, bound wounds, and paid for care. 
“It is MORE BLESSED to GIVE than to RECEIVE” Acts 20:35 

  1. SOCIAL MEDIA CULTURE IS REPLACING COMPASSION WITH CONTENT

Many are more committed to matters of things and activities than to human beings in difficulty. 
When someone is in trouble, people take photos for applause and jest instead of helping, even when it is within their capacity. 
Appalling images go online while help could have saved lives. 

  1. THE FATHER’S HEART IS TO LOVE AND SHOW MERCY

A genuine Father’s heart at its best is loving one’s neighbour as yourself Luke 10:27. 
Jesus’ answer to “WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?” was: The one who showed mercy Luke 10:37. 
Therefore: “GO, and DO thou likewise” Luke 10:37.  

CALL TO ACTION 

  1. Be a Giver, Not Just a Collector: Practice Luke 6:38 — Give love, time and resources. What you measure out will be measured back to you. 
  2. Choose Humanity Over Busyness: Do not let programmes, activities and zeal make you pass by on the other side Luke 10:31-32. Support the weak Acts 20:35. 
  3. Love Neighbour and Stranger Practically: In the midst of your busy schedule, endeavour to be humane. Help in critical need, no matter how little. 
  4. Reject Content Over Compassion: When you see someone in trouble, help first. Don’t prioritise photos and applause over saving a life. 
  5. Live the Two Greatest Commandments: Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbour and the stranger as yourself Mark 12:30-31; Leviticus 19:34. That is doing life and living godly in Christ Jesus’ stead. 

Conclusion: If we truly want to get into the Father’s heart at its best, we must love our neighbours as we do life and live godly in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do WELCOME The Prodigals HOME! 

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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do WELCOME The Prodigals HOME! 

Genuine love of God that is pure and remarkable is to be intentional and unreservedly living and loving beyond the walls and boundaries of comfort, but in letting God be — by loving the prodigals also in spite of and irrespective of, instead of playing the elder brother’s unhinged role of distrust towards the prodigals in all measures. 

 For it was while we were yet sinners that God’s love was shown to us without sentiment, prejudice and dissimulation. And God has given us such an amount of His lavished gracious love by the Holy Spirit to enable us to do likewise in His grace, as written: 

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE of God is SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us. 6 For when we were yet WITHOUT STRENGTH, in due time Christ DIED for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God COMMENDETH HIS LOVE toward us, in that, while we were YET SINNERS, Christ DIED for us” Romans 5:5-8. 

So, let us have such boundless love of God in fulfilling purpose, to welcome home the prodigals and give them the opportunity to share in the fellowship of the brethren, to enact and enhance relationship with Father God in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. Be blessed in life and grace through this knowledge and understanding in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring[b] out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found” Luke 15:11-32. 

 
SUMMARY 
The message is a call to reflect THE FATHER’S HEART – LOVE AT ITS BEST by WELCOMING THE PRODIGALS HOME with boundless, unreserved love, instead of the elder brother’s spirit of distrust. 

KEY POINTS 

  1. GOD’S LOVE IS THE STANDARD FOR HOW WE TREAT PRODIGALS

Genuine love of God is pure, remarkable, intentional and unreserved. It goes beyond the walls and boundaries of comfort. 
It calls us to love prodigals in spite of and irrespective of, instead of taking the elder brother’s unhinged role of distrust Luke 15:25-30.

  1. GOD FIRST LOVED US WHILE WE WERE SINNERS

“But God COMMENDETH HIS LOVE toward us, in that, while we were YET SINNERS, Christ DIED for us” Romans 5:8 
God showed us love without sentiment, prejudice and dissimulation when we were WITHOUT STRENGTH. 
The Holy Spirit has shed abroad God’s lavished gracious love in our hearts to enable us to do likewise Romans 5:5.

  1. THE FATHER’S HEART IS TO WELCOME, RESTORE AND CELEBRATE

In the parable Luke 15:11-32: 

  • The Father saw the prodigal while he was still a great way off, had compassion, ran, and kissed him 
  • He clothed him, put a ring on his hand, and killed the fatted calf  
  • His response: “for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found”  
    This is love at its best — restoring relationship and fellowship without shame.  
  1. OUR ROLE IS TO FULFIL PURPOSE BY WELCOMING THEM

We are to give prodigals the opportunity to share in the fellowship of the brethren so they can enact and enhance relationship with Father God in Christ Jesus’ stead. 
This fulfils God’s purpose of restoration, not condemnation. 

CALL TO ACTION 

  1. Choose God’s Love Over Comfort: Be intentional and unreserved. Step beyond personal comfort to reach prodigals Romans 5:5.
  2. Reject the Elder Brother Spirit: Do not respond with distrust, anger or comparison Luke 15:28-30. Choose compassion instead. 
  3. Welcome Them Home: Create room in the fellowship of the brethren. Celebrate their return. Restore dignity with the “robe, ring and sandals” Luke 15:22. 
  4. Enable Relationship with the Father: Your love should point them back to Father God in Christ Jesus’ stead, so they can be fully restored. 
  5. Walk in the Spirit’s Enablement: God has given us His love by the Holy Spirit to love as He loves Romans 5:5. Rely on that grace. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Are – Being THERE For Your Friends!   

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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Are – Being THERE For Your Friends! 

The saying goes that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Hence the scripture in same scenario exhorts us to be friendly enough to our friends as written: 

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” Proverbs 18:24. 

To authenticate such graciousness and gracefulness in friendship, our Lord and Saviour could not hold back from letting the Disciples know that they were more than servants to Him. He ushered them into the friendship measure. Hence He told them the great mystery of who He is and what they are to Him in every measure — in the love He has with the Father — and then shared it with them and with us today, as written: 

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another” John 15:9-17. 

Beloved, love is at its best in Father God’s heart when we show forth the genuine love of God in friendship, especially to friends when it does matter, as Jesus did towards Lazarus and family [Mary and Martha], in the course and cause of His humanity for Father God’s purpose. [John 11:1-46] 

May you be blessed in life and grace with Father God’s heart’s best, as you ensure yourself to be assured in His love through friendship and friendliness, in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again. 8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. 11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. 17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 and many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done” John 11:1-46. 

SUMMARY 
The message is a call to demonstrate LOVE AT ITS BEST by BEING THERE FOR YOUR FRIENDS in genuine friendship, just as Jesus did with His Disciples and with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. 

KEY POINTS 

  1. GOD’S STANDARD FOR FRIENDSHIP: BE FRIENDLY

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” Proverbs 18:24 
Genuine friendship requires intentionality. To have friends, we must first show ourselves friendly, especially when it does matter.

  1. JESUS MODELED FRIENDSHIP AT ITS HIGHEST LEVEL

Jesus did not hold back from revealing that the Disciples were more than servants. He ushered them into the friendship measure John 15:14-15. 
He shared the great mystery of His love with the Father with them: 

  • “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love” John 15:9 
  • “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13 
  • “Henceforth I call you not servants… but I have called you friends” John 15:15 
    True friendship is proven by sacrificial love, obedience, and sharing the heart of God.  
  1. JESUS SHOWED FRIENDSHIP IN ACTION: LAZARUS, MARY AND MARTHA

Jesus demonstrated the genuine love of God in friendship with Lazarus and family John 11:1-46. 
He called Lazarus “Our friend” John 11:11, wept with them John 11:35, and showed up for them in their time of need. 
The Jews testified: “Behold how he loved him!” John 11:36 
This is love in the course and cause of His humanity for Father God’s purpose.

  1. THE RESULT OF GODLY FRIENDSHIP

When we walk in friendship and friendliness: 

We reflect Father God’s heart. 

We abide in Christ’s love by keeping His commandments John 15:10 

We experience fullness of joy John 15:11 

We bear fruit that remains John 15:16 

CALL TO ACTION 

  1. Be Friendly and Be There: Show yourself friendly to your friends, especially in times of need Proverbs 18:24. Don’t wait to be needed — be present. 
  2. Love Sacrificially Like Christ: Love one another as Jesus loved us John 15:12. Be willing to lay down your life, time, and comfort for your friends.
  3. Walk in Obedience and Intimacy: You are Christ’s friend if you do what He commands John 15:14. Continue in His love and share His heart with others. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do TREASURE The WORD Of God – In LOVE! 

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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do TREASURE The WORD Of God – In LOVE! 

“O how LOVE I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy COMMANDMENTS [WORDS] hast MADE ME WISER than mine enemies: for they are ever with me” Psalms 119:97-98/Emphasis Mine. 

When God’s Word in love becomes a command and not just advice that determines and defines your life, you will fear no evil as you do life and live godly in Christ Jesus’ stead. [Ecclesiastes 8:5; 1 John 4:17-18] 

Love is the antidote that silences fear by the Word. For where love is operational, faith is at work. [Galatians 5:6, 13; 2 Timothy 1:7] 

I welcome you to treasure God’s Word in love, as we are enjoined to do in 1 John 5:3. Let us keep and do God’s Word in love, for God’s Word is not irksome, burdensome, a taskmaster, enslaving, or grievous by any means. 

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who LOVES Him who begot also LOVES Him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we LOVE the children of God, when we LOVE God and KEEP His COMMANDMENTS [WORDS]. 3 For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep His COMMANDMENTS [WORDS]. And His COMMANDMENTS [WORDS] are not BURDENSOME [GRIEVOUS, IRKSOME, TASKMASTER, ENSLAVING]” 1 John 5:1-3/Emphasis Mine. 

Treasuring God’s WORD in love will give you the faith leverage to overcome and triumph, to have dominion, victory and to be more than a conqueror over the world system. You will also be assured of God’s enabling to thrive in life and grace, in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. [1 John 5:4-5; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:35-39] 

Be Blessed in the word by love. 

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“Neither have I gone back from the COMMANDMENT [WORD] of his lips; I have ESTEEMED THE WORDS of his mouth MORE THAN MY NECESSARY FOOD” Job 23:12/Emphasis Mine. 

“O how LOVE I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy COMMANDMENTS [WORDS] hast MADE ME WISER than mine enemies: for they are ever with me” Psalms 119:97-98/Emphasis Mine. 

 
SUMMARY 
The message is a call to TREASURE GOD’S WORD IN LOVE as a command, not just advice, so that we can live fearlessly, walk in faith, overcome the world, and thrive in God’s grace in Christ Jesus. 

It is titled “The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do TREASURE The WORD Of God – In LOVE!” and it connects loving God with keeping, esteeming, and living by His Word. 

KEY POINTS 

  1. TREASURING GOD’S WORD SHOWS LOVE FOR GOD

“O how LOVE I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” Psalm 119:97 
To love God is to keep His commandments 1 John 5:3. God’s Word is not burdensome, irksome, a taskmaster, or enslaving. It is to be esteemed more than necessary food Job 23:12.

  1. GOD’S WORD IN LOVE REMOVES FEAR AND RELEASES FAITH

When God’s Word becomes a command that determines and defines your life, you will fear no evil Ecclesiastes 8:5. 
Love is the antidote that silences fear by the Word 1 John 4:17-18. 
Where love is operational, faith is at work Galatians 5:6, 13; 2 Timothy 1:7.

  1. THE WORD MAKES US WISE AND GIVES VICTORY

Through His commandments/words, God has MADE ME WISER than mine enemies Psalm 119:98. 
Treasuring God’s Word in love gives you faith leverage to overcome, triumph, have dominion, victory, and to be more than a conqueror over the world system 1 John 5:4-5; Romans 8:35-39. 
It also gives you God’s enabling to thrive in life and grace 2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:57.

  1. THE EVIDENCE OF LOVE IS OBEDIENCE

By this we know that we LOVE the children of God, when we LOVE God and KEEP His COMMANDMENTS 1 John 5:2. 
To love Him who begot is to love those begotten of Him. True love keeps and does the Word. 

CALL TO ACTION 

  1. Treasure God’s Word: Meditate on it all day. Esteem it above your necessary food Job 23:12; Psalm 119:97. 
  2. Keep and Do God’s Word in Love: Let it move from being mere advice to being the command that governs your life 1 John 5:3. 
  3. Live by the Word: Allow the Word to define how you do life and live godly in Christ Jesus’ stead, so that fear has no place Ecclesiastes 8:5; 1 John 4:17-18. 
  4. Walk in Faith and Victory: Position yourself to overcome, have dominion, and thrive by God’s enabling as you treasure the Word 1 John 5:4-5; Romans 8:35-39. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST

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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do NOURISH And CHERISH Your SPOUSE And FAMILY!

“Wives, SUBMIT yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, LOVE your wives, and be not BITTER against them. 20 Children, OBEY your parents in ALL THINGS: for this is WELL PLEASING unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, PROVOKE not your children to ANGER, lest they be DISCOURAGED” Colossians 3:18-21. 

There is nothing as awesome as to MARRY the PERSON you LOVE and to LOVE the PERSON you MARRIED. It makes a great deal to the making of a WHOLESOME family and home. 

As such, it is imperative that we intentionally LOVE, NURTURE, NOURISH and CHERISH our SPOUSE, and the FAMILY we have made out of such a unique relationship. 

And the best route to make it happen is to do life with your spouse through knowledge in the love of God in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being ROOTED and GROUNDED in LOVE, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to KNOW the LOVE of Christ which PASSES [TRANSCENDS, SURPASSES] knowledge; that you may be FILLED with all the FULLNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19/NKJV/Emphasis mine. 

“. . . 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to KNOWLEDGE, giving HONOUR unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your PRAYERS be NOT HINDERED . . .” 1 Peter 3:1-12. 

I pray our Father God gives you the wisdom to see reasons in the grace with speed to ensure love as your hallmark and bedrock assurance in doing life and living godly in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.  

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“Be ye therefore FOLLOWERS of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a SWEETSMELLING SAVOUR. . .21 SUBMITTING yourselves one to another in the FEAR (REVERENCE) of God. 22 Wives, SUBMIT yourselves unto your own husbands, AS unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their OWN husbands in EVERY THING. 25 Husbands, LOVE your wives, EVEN AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT; 26 that he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might PRESENT it to himself a GLORIOUS church, not having SPOT, or WRINKLE, or ANY SUCH THING; but that it should be HOLY and WITHOUT BLEMISH. 28 So ought men to LOVE their wives as their own bodies. He that LOVETH his wife LOVETH himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but NOURISHETH and CHERISHETH it, even as the Lord the church: 30 for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33 

“And Isaac BROUGHT her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he LOVED her: and Isaac was COMFORTED after his mother’s death” Genesis 24:67. 

“Wives, SUBMIT yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, LOVE your wives, and be not BITTER against them. 20 Children, OBEY your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, PROVOKE not your children to ANGER, lest they be DISCOURAGED” Colossians 3:18-21. 

“Children, OBEY your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 HONOUR thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, PROVOKE not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the NURTURE and ADMONITION of the Lord” Ephesians 6:1-4. 

“That they may TEACH the young women to be SOBER, to LOVE their husbands, to LOVE their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” Titus 2:4-8. 

“RID me, and DELIVER me from the hand of STRANGE children, whose MOUTH speaketh vanity, and their RIGHT HAND is a right hand of FALSEHOOD: 12 that our SONS may be as plants GROWN up in their YOUTH; that our DAUGHTERS may be as corner stones, POLISHED after the SIMILITUDE of a PALACE: 13 that our GARNERS may be full, AFFORDING all MANNER of store: that our SHEEP may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 that our OXEN may be strong to labour; that there be NO BREAKING in, nor GOING out; that there be no COMPLAINING in our streets. 15 HAPPY is that people, that is in such a case: yea, HAPPY is that people, whose God is the Lord” Psalms 144:12-15. 

 
SUMMARY: 
The message is a call to build wholesome, Christ-centred homes by intentionally loving, nourishing, cherishing and nurturing our spouses and families through the knowledge and love of God. 

KEY POINTS 

  1. GOD’S ORDER FOR THE FAMILY

The foundation is Colossians 3:18-21. 

  • Wives: SUBMIT to your husbands as unto the Lord. 
  • Husbands: LOVE your wives and be not BITTER. 
  • Children: OBEY parents in ALL THINGS for it is well pleasing to the Lord. 
  • Fathers: PROVOKE NOT your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 
    This order brings peace and reflects God’s design.
  1. MARRIAGE IS MEANT TO BE LOVE AT ITS BEST

“There is nothing as awesome as to MARRY the PERSON you LOVE and to LOVE the PERSON you MARRIED.” 
A wholesome home is built when spouses intentionally LOVE, NURTURE, NOURISH and CHERISH each other. Husbands are to love wives EVEN AS CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH – to sanctify, cleanse, and present her glorious without spot or wrinkle Ephesians 5:25-27. Wives are to reverence and submit as the Church is subject to Christ Ephesians 5:22-24.

  1. THE ROOT OF FAMILY LOVE IS GOD’S LOVE

We must be ROOTED and GROUNDED in LOVE Ephesians 3:17 to comprehend the width, length, depth and height of Christ’s love. 
We are to WALK IN LOVE as Christ gave Himself for us Ephesians 5:2. 
Husbands are to dwell with wives according to KNOWLEDGE, giving HONOUR to them so that our PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED 1 Peter 3:7.

  1. RAISING GODLY CHILDREN
  • NURTURE and ADMONITION of the Lord Ephesians 6:4 
  • OBEY and HONOUR parents Ephesians 6:1-2 
  • Teach young women to LOVE their husbands, LOVE their children, be keepers at home Titus 2:4-5 
  • Teach young men to be sober minded and a pattern of good works Titus 2:6-7 
    The goal: Sons as plants grown up, daughters as corner stones polished Psalm 144:12. A home with no breaking, no complaining, and God as Lord Psalm 144:14-15.
  1. EXAMPLE OF GODLY LOVE

Isaac loved Rebekah and was COMFORTED Genesis 24:67 – showing marriage brings healing and comfort. 

CALL TO ACTION 

  1. For Husbands: Love your wife sacrificially, nourish and cherish her, and dwell with her with knowledge and honour. Do not be bitter or provoke. 
  2. For Wives: Submit to your husband as unto the Lord, and reverence him. Love your husband and children intentionally. 
  3. For Parents: Bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Do not provoke them to anger. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST

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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You knowingly And Intentionally LOVE And WASH The Feet Of The BLACK SHEEP [Staff/Family] Among You! 

“Now before the FEAST OF THE PASSOVER, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, HE LOVED THEM UNTO THE END. . 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. AND WHEN HE HAD DIPPED THE SOP, HE GAVE IT TO JUDAS ISCARIOT, THE SON OF SIMON. 27 AND AFTER THE SOP SATAN ENTERED INTO HIM. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly . . . 29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 HE THEN HAVING RECEIVED THE SOP WENT IMMEDIATELY OUT: AND IT WAS NIGHT . . .” John 13:1-32. 

Only by God’s kind of LOVE — Agape — can one be calm and at peace, dine and wash the feet of the one you know so well betrayed you to your enemies. Jesus loves all unto the end — for only LOVE can THRIVE in the midst of fear, evil, hatred and wickedness in our world as we live godly in Christ Jesus’ stead. 
1 John 4:17-18; Galatians 1:3-5 

Love is the ONLY invincible trap – which I call the LOVE SET TRAP — to send your traitors, conspirators, betrayers and blackmailers, and such like, to their own night of DARKNESS — effortlessly and without stress. 

Hence our REDEMPTION is perfectly GRACIOUS and GRACEFUL in the power of God’s LOVE. 

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in LOVE, [18] be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His LOVE [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; [19] and [that you may come] to KNOW [practically, through personal experience] the LOVE of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]” Ephesians 3:17-19/Amplified. 

Love was the trap set to get the DEVIL and COHORTS to enhance our REDEMPTION. Jesus loves all to the end. While He was LOVING His own, SATAN and COHORTS – Judas Iscariot included – were at work, not knowing that it was the Father God’s gateway and set trap to bring redemption into reality. Satan entered Judas; he made himself a VESSEL OF OFFENCE even in the midst of Christ Jesus offering and devoting love and sacrifice of service to them all as living examples for His DISCIPLES to follow. 

“Which NONE OF THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNEW: for had they known it, they would not have CRUCIFIED the Lord of glory” 1 Corinthians 2:8. 

“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the PRINCE OF THIS WORLD cometh, and HATH NOTHING in me” John 14:30. 

LOVE IS AND WAS AT ITS BEST when God in Christ Jesus, knowingly and intentionally, EXPRESSED His LOVE and WASHED the FEET of the BLACK SHEEP member [Judas Iscariot] among His DISCIPLES – that was an incredible time bomb! And I can testify to such an atmosphere in real life in the cause of this godly journey of grace, living in Christ Jesus’ stead as an experience I can testify to. 

It is WORTH noting that LOVE is a double-edged sword and it is the only blow that satan and cohorts cannot DECIPHER when it matters. It is God’s final blow – indescribable and incomprehensible and impenetrable. LOVE silenced Judas Iscariot in person and crumbled the devil and cohorts, fallen angels, on the cross to the emancipation of humanity from the chains and shackles of darkness. 

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that OFFENCES WILL COME: but WOE unto him, through WHOM they come!” Luke 17:1. 

“Now before the FEAST OF THE PASSOVER, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, HE LOVED THEM UNTO THE END . . . 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 IF I THEN, YOUR LORD AND MASTER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET; YE ALSO OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you . . . 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. AND WHEN HE HAD DIPPED THE SOP, HE GAVE IT TO JUDAS ISCARIOT, THE SON OF SIMON. 27 AND AFTER THE SOP SATAN ENTERED INTO HIM. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly . . . 29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 HE THEN HAVING RECEIVED THE SOP WENT IMMEDIATELY OUT: AND IT WAS NIGHT . . .” John 13:1-32. 

LOVE was God’s SET TRAP to make our REDEMPTION a reality and to deliver an unprecedented, silencing and unforgettable blow to SATAN and COHORTS. It’s time to make your FAITH effectual through LOVE – [Galatians 5:6, 13-14]. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“Which NONE OF THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNEW: for had they known it, they would not have CRUCIFIED the Lord of glory” 1 Corinthians 2:8. 

“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the PRINCE OF THIS WORLD cometh, and HATH NOTHING in me” John 14:30. 

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that OFFENCES WILL COME: but WOE unto him, through WHOM they come!” Luke 17:1. 

“Herein is our LOVE MADE PERFECT, that we may have BOLDNESS in the day of judgment: BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. 18 There is NO FEAR IN LOVE; but PERFECT LOVE CASTETH OUT FEAR: because FEAR HATH TORMENT. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:17-18. 

“For in Jesus Christ NEITHER circumcision availeth anything, NOR uncircumcision; but FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE . . . 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by LOVE serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself” Galatians 5:6, 13-14. 

“Now before the FEAST OF THE PASSOVER, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, HE LOVED THEM UNTO THE END. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 HE RISETH FROM SUPPER, AND LAID ASIDE HIS GARMENTS; AND TOOK A TOWEL, AND GIRDED HIMSELF. 5 AFTER THAT HE POURETH WATER INTO A BASON, AND BEGAN TO WASH THE DISCIPLES’ FEET, AND TO WIPE THEM WITH THE TOWEL WHEREWITH HE WAS GIRDED. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, BUT NOT ALL. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 IF I THEN, YOUR LORD AND MASTER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET; YE ALSO OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. AND WHEN HE HAD DIPPED THE SOP, HE GAVE IT TO JUDAS ISCARIOT, THE SON OF SIMON. 27 AND AFTER THE SOP SATAN ENTERED INTO HIM. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 HE THEN HAVING RECEIVED THE SOP WENT IMMEDIATELY OUT: AND IT WAS NIGHT. 31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him” John 13:1-32. 

SUMMARY 

The message is a prophetic teaching on THE FATHER’S HEART — LOVE AT ITS BEST. It uses Jesus washing the feet of Judas Iscariot at the Last Supper as the ultimate picture of Agape LOVE. 

The core argument is this: Only God’s kind of LOVE can intentionally love, serve, and wash the feet of a betrayer. That same LOVE was God’s “SET TRAP” to bring about our REDEMPTION, and it is also the “two-edged sword” that silences the devil, defeats darkness, and makes our faith effectual today. 

KEY POINTS: 

  1. JESUS LOVED UNTO THE END — EVEN THE BLACK SHEEP
    John 13:1-32
    Before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowingly and intentionally loved His own unto the end. He dipped the sop and gave it to Judas Iscariot, then washed his feet too. While Jesus was LOVING and serving, SATAN and COHORTS were at work in Judas. Jesus did this as a living example for His DISCIPLES to follow: “IF I THEN, YOUR LORD AND MASTER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET; YE ALSO OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET.” 
  2. LOVE IS GOD’S SET TRAP FOR REDEMPTION
    1 Corinthians 2:8; John 14:30
    LOVE was the trap God set to get the DEVIL and COHORTS. They did not know it, or they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. The “Prince of this world” had NOTHING in Christ. Through that LOVE on the cross, satan and fallen angels were crumbled and humanity was emancipated from the chains of darkness. 
  3. AGAPE LOVE THRIVES IN THE MIDST OF EVIL
    1 John 4:17-18; Galatians 1:3-5
    Only God’s Agape LOVE can keep one calm and at peace and still dine and serve the one who betrays you. Only LOVE can THRIVE in the midst of fear, evil, hatred and wickedness as we live godly in Christ Jesus’ stead. 
  4. LOVE IS THE ONLY INVINCIBLE, TWO-EDGED SWORD
    LOVE is the ONLY invincible trap — the LOVE SET TRAP. It is a double-edged sword that satan and cohorts cannot DECIPHER.
  • Edge 1: It builds, serves, and fulfils the law — “by LOVE serve one another” Galatians 5:13-14 
  • Edge 2: It judges, silences and defeats — it sent Judas and the powers of darkness to their own night of DARKNESS. 
    It is God’s final blow: indescribable, incomprehensible and impenetrable. 
  1. LOVE MAKES FAITH EFFECTUAL AND ROOTED
    Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 3:17-19
    Faith works by LOVE. We are to be deeply rooted and securely grounded in LOVE so we can comprehend the width, length, height and depth of Christ’s LOVE, and be filled with all the fullness of God. “Herein is our LOVE MADE PERFECT… BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD.” 
  2. OFFENCES WILL COME, BUT LOVE MUST ANSWER
    Luke 17:1
    Jesus warned that offences will come. The test of discipleship is to respond like Him — with LOVE without prejudice, even to traitors, conspirators, betrayers and blackmailers. 

CALL TO ACTION: 

  1. WASH FEET LIKE JESUS — John 13:14-15 
    Knowingly and intentionally LOVE and serve even the “BLACK SHEEP” [Staff/Family] among you. Give the example Christ gave. 
  2. MAKE YOUR FAITH EFFECTUAL THROUGH LOVE — Galatians 5:6 
    Let your faith work by LOVE. Use your liberty to serve one another, not the flesh. 
  3. BE ROOTED IN LOVE — Ephesians 3:17-19 
    Be grounded in God’s LOVE so you can experience the fullness of God and walk in boldness without fear. 
  4. WIELD LOVE AS YOUR WEAPON — 1 John 4:18 
    Let perfect LOVE cast out fear. Use LOVE as God’s SET TRAP — to overcome evil with good, and to silence the works of darkness effortlessly. 
  5. LIVE AS CHRIST LIVED — 1 John 4:17 
    “AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD.” Let your life reflect the Father’s Heart — LOVE AT ITS BEST. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST 

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The Father’s Heart – LOVE AT ITS BEST: When You Do OWE NOTHING But LOVE – And To See LOVE As An Inescapable, Supreme And Global Obligation Without Prejudice! 

“OWE no one ANYTHING except to LOVE one another, for he who LOVES another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all SUMMED up in this saying, namely, “You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself.” 10 LOVE does no harm to a neighbor; therefore LOVE is the FULFILLMENT of the law” Romans 13:8-10. 

God’s LOVE is a beautiful gift given to us to share with one another and beyond borders. And this act of God’s love is the best and only way to serve God and the brethren in the grace. It is then that the Father’s heart is known — that we are His disciples indeed, as it is written: 

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by LOVE SERVE one another” Galatians 5:13. 

Jesus instructed the disciples to love one another, for by this the world will distinguish them as His people and disciples. How much more is this needed and relevant today in our walk of grace, as it is written: 

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another“ John 13:34-35. 

Let us embrace God’s word in love, and without reservation, to OWE one another nothing except this gracious love given to us to share, as it is written, and then live in the FULLNESS of it as the true disciples [followers] of Father God in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. [Romans 13:8-10]. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“OWE no one ANYTHING except to LOVE one another, for he who LOVES another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all SUMMED up in this saying, namely, “You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself.” 10 LOVE does no harm to a neighbor; therefore LOVE is the FULFILLMENT of the law” Romans 13:8-10. 

“Let LOVE BE WITHOUT DISSIMULATION (DISCRIMINATION, PREJUDICE, HYPOCRISY). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with BROTHERLY LOVE; in honour preferring one another; 11 not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 RECOMPENSE to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine ENEMY hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” Romans 12:9-21. 

“Beloved, let us LOVE ONE ANOTHER: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” 1 John 4:7-21. 
 
SUMMARY 
The message is a call to live out THE FATHER’S HEART through LOVE — not as an option, but as an inescapable, supreme, and global obligation without prejudice, discrimination or hypocrisy. 

It presents God’s LOVE as the most beautiful gift given to believers, and the only true way to serve God and the brethren. The entire message centres on Romans 13:8-10: that we OWE no one anything except LOVE, because LOVE is the fulfilment of the law and the mark by which the world knows we are Christ’s disciples. 

KEY POINTS: 

  1. LOVE IS OUR SUPREME DEBT AND OBLIGATION
    Romans 13:8-10
    We OWE no one anything except to LOVE one another. All commandments are summed up in “You shall LOVE your neighbour as yourself.” LOVE does no harm; therefore, LOVE is the FULFILMENT of the law. 
     
  2. LOVE IS THE EVIDENCE OF DISCIPLESHIP
    John 13:34-35
    Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us. By this LOVE the world will distinguish us as His people and disciples. This is most needed today in our walk of grace. 
     
  3. LOVE IS HOW WE SERVE GOD AND THE BRETHREN
    Galatians 5:13
    God’s LOVE is a beautiful gift to be shared beyond borders. Serving one another by LOVE is the best way to serve God. It is then that the Father’s heart is known through us. 
     
  4. LOVE MUST BE WITHOUT DISSIMULATION
    Romans 12:9-21
    LOVE must be without discrimination, prejudice or hypocrisy. It is kindly, hospitable, peaceable, and overcomes evil with good — even towards enemies. 
     
  5. LOVE IS THE NATURE OF GOD IN US
    1 John 4:7-21
    God IS LOVE. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. Perfect LOVE casts out fear, and as He is, so are we in this world.
  6. LOVE LIVED IN FULLNESS IS OUR IDENTITY
    We are called to embrace God’s word without reservation and to live in the FULLNESS of this gracious LOVE as true disciples [followers] of Father God in Christ Jesus’ stead.

CALL TO ACTION: 

  1. OWE LOVE ONLY — Romans 13:8 
    Make LOVE your daily, inescapable obligation to everyone — neighbour, brethren, and even enemies — without prejudice.
  2. SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE — Galatians 5:13 
    Use your liberty not for the flesh, but to serve God and people through practical acts of LOVE. 
  3. LET YOUR LOVE BE GENUINE — Romans 12:9 
    Let LOVE be without dissimulation. Abhor evil, cleave to good, rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and overcome evil with good. 
  4. LIVE AS CHRIST’S DISCIPLES — John 13:35 
    Let the world know you are His by the way you LOVE one another. 
  5. WALK IN THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S LOVE — 1 John 4:16-17 
    Dwell in LOVE, because as God is, so are we in this world. Let perfect LOVE cast out fear. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

EXPERIENCING SPIRITUAL FAMINE IN THE GRACE

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EXPERIENCING SPIRITUAL FAMINE IN THE GRACE: HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S WORD TO OVERCOME!  

One major effect and resultant of spiritual famine is physical famine. 
And if you leave it unchecked, the dire effects are unpredictable and unimaginable. 

So, do not give room or wait to learn from experience — especially when you know you are not in faith, meaning, not in fellowship by the Holy Spirit and not being governed by the word of grace in the faith. 

Do not learn from experience. Build up your faith by THE WORD, so that by the process, you can BECOME what you want to be in the grace in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

SELAH – Pause And Think. 

SCRIPTURAL FOOD FOR THOUGHTS: 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not BURDENSOME [GRIEVOUS, TASKMASTER, IRKSOME]. For whatever is born of God OVERCOMES the world. And this is the victory that has OVERCOME the world—our FAITH. Who is he who OVERCOMES the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5/NKJV/Emphasis Mine. 

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, 19 To DELIVER their soul from death, And TO KEEP THEM ALIVE IN FAMINE” Psalms NKJV. 

“The Lord knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, And in the days of FAMINE they shall be SATISFIED” Psalms 37:18-19/NKJV. 

“And they OVERCAME him by THE BLOOD of the Lamb, and by THE WORD of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” Revelation 12:11. 

“But [as surely as] God is faithful and means what He says, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No” [at the same time]. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but has proved to be “Yes” in Him [true and faithful, the divine “Yes” affirming God’s promises]. 20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “YES.” So through Him we say our “AMEN” to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who establishes and confirms us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and who has anointed us [empowering us with the gifts of the Spirit]; 22 it is He who has also put His seal on us [that is, He has appropriated us and certified us as His] and has given us the [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as a pledge [like a security deposit to guarantee the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life]” 2 Corinthians 1:18-22/Amplified. 
 
SUMMARY 
The message is a warning against SPIRITUAL FAMINE and a call to overcome it by FAITH IN GOD’S WORD. It teaches that unchecked spiritual famine leads to physical famine, but God DELIVERS, SATISFIES and KEEPS ALIVE those who hope in Him. The victory over famine and the world is through FAITH, THE WORD, and THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, established in Christ Jesus’ stead.

Key Points: 

  1. SPIRITUAL FAMINE LEADS TO PHYSICAL FAMINE 
    “One major effect and resultant of spiritual famine is physical famine. And if you leave it unchecked, the dire effects are unpredictable and unimaginable.” 
    Being out of faith means: not in fellowship by the Holy Spirit and not being governed by the word of grace in the faith.
  2. DO NOT LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE, BUILD BY THE WORD 
    “Do not give room or wait to learn from experience… Do not learn from experience. Build up your faith by THE WORD, so that by the process, you can BECOME what you want to be in the grace in Christ Jesus’ stead.” 
    Faith is built intentionally, not through painful trial and error.
  3. FAITH IN GOD’S WORD BRINGS VICTORY AND OVERCOMING 
    “For whatever is born of God OVERCOMES the world. And this is the victory that has OVERCOME the world—our FAITH” 1 John 5:4-5. 
    “And they OVERCAME him by THE BLOOD of the Lamb, and by THE WORD of their testimony” Revelation 12:11.
  4. GOD’S PROMISE IN TIMES OF FAMINE 
    DELIVERANCE: “To DELIVER their soul from death, And TO KEEP THEM ALIVE IN FAMINE” Psalms 33:18-19. 
    SATISFACTION: “And in the days of FAMINE they shall be SATISFIED” Psalms 37:18-19. 
    God watches over those who fear Him and hope in His mercy. 
    GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD 
    “For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “YES.” So through Him we say our “AMEN” to the glory of God” 2 Corinthians 1:20 Amplified. 
    God establishes, anoints, seals and gives the Holy Spirit as a pledge. His commandments are not BURDENSOME 1 John 5:3.  

Call to Action: 

  1. RECOGNISE AND REJECT SPIRITUAL FAMINE: Do not stay in a place of no fellowship, no Holy Spirit governance, and no word of grace. Address it before it produces physical effects.
  2. BUILD YOUR FAITH BY THE WORD: Intentionally feed on THE WORD daily. Let it govern you so you BECOME what you are meant to be in grace. 
  3. PLACE YOUR HOPE IN GOD’S MERCY: Fear the Lord and hope in His mercy. He will DELIVER from death and SATISFY you even in famine. 
  4. OVERCOME BY FAITH, BLOOD AND TESTIMONY: Stand on the promises of God — all are “YES” in Christ. Overcome the world and the enemy by faith and by the Word of your testimony. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

GOD’S LIGHT – ILLUMINATES 

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GOD’S LIGHT – ILLUMINATES: DON’T REFUSE LIGHT TO WALK INTO DARKNESS – LIKE JUDAS ISCARIOT! 

“. . . He (Judas Iscariot) then having RECEIVED the sop went IMMEDIATELY out: and it was NIGHT. . .” John 13:30. 

Whatever we become in life is as a RESULT of the CHOICES we make out of it. Judas Iscariot REFUSED the LIGHT of life and WALKED from the light of life into his DARKNESS — that is, into his NIGHT. 

You should always have it in mind and in your consciousness, that there is something about you and God in the light. For He is light and because He dwells in you, He is there in you to ensure that He brings forth light out of you in every context and ramification of darkness in your doing life and living godly in Him, in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

“For God, who COMMANDED the LIGHT to SHINE OUT of DARKNESS, hath SHINED in our HEARTS, to give the LIGHT of the KNOWLEDGE of the GLORY of God in the FACE of Jesus Christ” 2 Corinthians 4:6. 

I pray you will ensure you stay in the LIGHT that OUTSHINES all DARKNESS for your good and BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. 

And staying in the LIGHT is staying in His WORD. And staying in His WORD is the illumination in our spirit being to outshine all darkness. 

Light will always be superior to darkness. The darker, the brighter. And when you are enveloped by The Word, darkness will be revealed and kept at bay. 

“In the beginning [before all time] was THE WORD (Christ), and the Word was with God, and THE WORD was God Himself. 2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the LIGHT of men. 5 The Light SHINES on in the DARKNESS, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]” John 1:1-5 Amplified. 

And because the WORD is of FAITH, and FAITH PLEASES God, that gives the enabling for us to be actively engaged — that is, to be synchronised to the heavenly for our earthly affairs — thereby illuminating, glowing and radiating the essence of God in Christ Jesus’ stead in you. 

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“But all things that are REPROVED are made MANIFEST by the LIGHT: for whatsoever doth make MANIFEST is LIGHT. 14 Wherefore he saith, AWAKE thou that SLEEPEST, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall GIVE thee LIGHT” Ephesians 5:13-14. 

“In the beginning [before all time] was THE WORD (Christ), and the Word was with God, and THE WORD was God Himself. 2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the LIGHT of men. 5 The Light SHINES on in the DARKNESS, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]” John 1:1-5 Amplified. 

“When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 He then having RECEIVED the sop went IMMEDIATELY out: and it was NIGHT” John 13:21-30. 

 
SUMMARY: 
The message is a solemn warning and exhortation to CHOOSE GOD’S LIGHT and REFUSE DARKNESS. It teaches that whatever we become in life is the RESULT of our CHOICES, using Judas Iscariot as the example of one who REFUSED the LIGHT and walked into NIGHT. Because God dwells in us as LIGHT, we are called to stay in His WORD so that His LIGHT can OUTSHINE all darkness and radiate Christ through us. 

Key Points: 

  1. THE CHOICE OF LIGHT OR DARKNESS DETERMINES OUR DESTINY 
    “Whatever we become in life is as a RESULT of the CHOICES we make out of it.” 
    Judas Iscariot REFUSED the LIGHT of life and WALKED into his DARKNESS — “He then having RECEIVED the sop went IMMEDIATELY out: and it was NIGHT” John 13:30. His choice led him out of fellowship into darkness.
  2. GOD IS LIGHT AND DWELLS IN US TO BRING FORTH LIGHT 
    “For He is light and because He dwells in you, He is there in you to ensure that He brings forth light out of you in every context and ramification of darkness” 
    “For God, who COMMANDED the LIGHT to SHINE OUT of DARKNESS, hath SHINED in our HEARTS, to give the LIGHT of the KNOWLEDGE of the GLORY of God in the FACE of Jesus Christ” 2 Corinthians 4:6.
  3. STAYING IN THE WORD IS STAYING IN THE LIGHT 
    “And staying in the LIGHT is staying in His WORD. And staying in His WORD is the illumination in our spirit being to outshine all darkness.” 
    “In Him was life… and the life was the LIGHT of men. The Light SHINES on in the DARKNESS, and the darkness did not… overpower it” John 1:1-5 Amplified. 
    When you are enveloped by The Word, darkness is REVEALED and KEPT AT BAY.
  4. LIGHT IS SUPERIOR TO DARKNESS 
    “Light will always be superior to darkness. The darker, the brighter.” 
    “But all things that are REPROVED are made MANIFEST by the LIGHT: for whatsoever doth make MANIFEST is LIGHT” Ephesians 5:13-14. 
    Darkness cannot understand, overpower, or absorb the Light John 1:5.
  5. FAITH SYNCHRONISES US TO HEAVEN FOR EARTHLY ILLUMINATION 
    “And because the WORD is of FAITH, and FAITH PLEASES God, that gives the enabling for us to be actively engaged — that is, to be synchronised to the heavenly for our earthly affairs — thereby illuminating, glowing and radiating the essence of God in Christ Jesus’ stead in you.”  

Call to Action: 

  1. DON’T REFUSE LIGHT TO WALK INTO DARKNESS: Make the conscious choice daily to remain in the LIGHT. Do not follow the pattern of Judas who chose darkness. 
  2. STAY IN THE WORD: Ensure you stay in the LIGHT that OUTSHINES all DARKNESS for your good and BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus’ stead. Let His Word be the illumination of your spirit. 
  3. BE AWARE OF GOD IN YOU: Always have it in mind and in your consciousness that there is something about you and God in the light. He is in you to bring forth light in every area of darkness. 
  4. LIVE GODLY AND RADIATE CHRIST: Be actively engaged, synchronised to the heavenly for your earthly affairs, so you can illuminate, glow and radiate the essence of God in Christ Jesus’ stead. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

BEAUTIFY And COLOUR Your WORLDS – Even In PERSECUTION

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BEAUTIFY And COLOUR Your WORLDS – Even In PERSECUTION: It’s The MARK of GRACE, GODLINESS And GODLY LIVING! 

“Yea, and ALL that will LIVE GODLY in Christ Jesus shall suffer PERSECUTION” 2 Timothy 3:12. 

“But let NONE OF YOU SUFFER as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man SUFFER as a Christian, let him NOT BE ASHAMED; but let him GLORIFY God on this behalf” 1 Peter 4:15-16. 

For some, the subject of — PERSECUTION, REJECTION, DESPITE, TRIALS — of their FAITH and the SUFFERING for their FAITH in Christ Jesus should not be MARRIED together with the good deeds that are promised in the GOSPEL. 

And I have grown to know that the known beautiful and lovely ROSE FLOWERS which give such gracious fragrance, aroma and lovely scent and more, are not without THORNS from where they are plucked to offer as a love gesture. It is because I have bought lots for my dear and lovely sweet wife over time to know it well too. 

In the same scenario, the Christian FAITH journey is MARKED with PERSECUTION, DESPITE, REJECTION and such like, even in the midst of the GRACIOUSNESS and GRACEFULNESS and BLESSEDNESS and LOVINGKINDNESS and GOODNESS and ABUNDANCE. 

So in the midst of God’s BEAUTY and COLOUR, there can be challenging times, PERSECUTION and the SUFFERING for your good FAITH by those who have mistaken, misconstrued and misunderstood you for your FAITH in Christ Jesus’ stead. 

“Peter started saying to Him, “Look, we have GIVEN UP EVERYTHING and FOLLOWED You [becoming Your DISCIPLES and accepting You as Teacher and Lord].” 29 Jesus said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, there is NO ONE who has GIVEN UP a house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for MY sake and for the GOSPEL’S sake, 30 who will not RECEIVE a hundred times as much now in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms—along with PERSECUTIONS; and in the age to come, ETERNAL LIFE” Mark 10:28-30/Amplified. 

The Scriptures thus indicate that all who might choose GODLY LIVING in this world ahead of the world to come, MUST suffer PERSECUTION — that is, to be persecuted, despised, rejected and such like. [2 Timothy 3:10-12/Amplified]. 

Meaning, you do not have to avoid or abandon your glorious and precious FAITH of beauty and colour in Christ Jesus, just because of the PERSECUTION, which many unfortunately have ignored to hold unto and have walked away to avoid being PERSECUTED as such. 

The first early DISCIPLES — FOLLOWERS — of Christ Jesus once questioned our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in this context of their FAITH, in order to ascertain and to know if there is/are any gain in following Christ Jesus’ stead towards God. Christ Jesus hesitated not to inform them of the GOOD, GOODNESS and REWARD of following the cause and course of the Gospel. 
And He equally informed them of one major truth — that PERSECUTION is part of the marked set in the following of Him in God to fulfil PURPOSE. [Mark 10:28-30; Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 8:28-30]. 

Apostle Paul, the endowed writer of more than half of the New Testament epistles, did charge, admonish and exhort in many of his writings, especially the writ in Romans 8:35-39, of the essence of PERSECUTION; and how that should not deter one’s essence, to get glued to the LOVE of God in Christ Jesus’ stead. 

He reckoned that the suffering or challenges that are as a result of PERSECUTION cannot be COMPARED to the GLORY to be REVEALED in us all who draw not back — that is, back away from our continual FAITH in following the cause of God in Christ Jesus. 

“For I reckon that the SUFFERINGS of this PRESENT TIME are not WORTHY to be COMPARED with the GLORY which shall be REVEALED in us” Romans 8:18. 

I urge you TODAY and NOW, to keep holding on steadfastly in the FAITH of God in Christ Jesus’ stead no matter what does appear to challenge your FAITH and all you seem to be going through at present, in LIFE and GRACE in Christ Jesus’ stead. 

I will caution in the light of Apostle Peter’s epistle, that when you do suffer in PERSECUTION as if you are an evil DOER when you are not, do REJOICE in Christ Jesus for such is of the Kingdom of God. 

Meaning, let it not be that your suffering acclaimed as PERSECUTION is not what you’ve CREATED or caused of your self doing as an EVIL DOER — for that WORTH no benefit at all in Christ Jesus’ stead. [1 Peter 4:15-16; 1 Peter 3:13-18; 1 Peter 2:19-23]. 

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“But let NONE OF YOU SUFFER as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man SUFFER as a Christian, let him NOT BE ASHAMED; but let him glorify God on this behalf” 1 Peter 4:15-16. 

“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE, HAPPY ARE YE: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that FALSELY ACCUSE YOUR GOOD CONVERSATION (CONDUCT) in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, THAT YE SUFFER FOR WELL DOING, THAN FOR EVIL DOING. 18 For Christ also hath once SUFFERED for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” 1 Peter 3:13-18/Emphasis Mine. 

“For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, SUFFERING WRONGFULLY. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 FOR EVEN HEREUNTO WERE YE CALLED: because Christ also SUFFERED for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, that ye should FOLLOW HIS STEPS: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE THREATENED NOT; but COMMITTED himself to him that JUDGETH RIGHTEOUSLY” 1 Peter 2:19-23. 

“Now you have diligently followed [my example, that is] my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 11 PERSECUTIONS, and SUFFERINGS—such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, but the Lord rescued me from them all! 12 Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are DETERMINED TO LIVE GODLY LIVES in Christ Jesus will be HUNTED AND PERSECUTED [because of their faith]” 2 Timothy 3:10-12/Amplified. 

“Peter started saying to Him, “Look, we have given up everything and followed You [becoming Your disciples and accepting You as Teacher and Lord].” 29 Jesus said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, there is no one who has given up a house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, 30 who will not receive a hundred times as much now in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms—along with PERSECUTIONS; and in the age to come, eternal life” Mark 10:28-30/Amplified. 

“Blessed are they which are PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall REVILE you, and PERSECUTE you, and shall say all manner of EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” Matthew 5:10-12. 

“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 WHEREIN I SUFFER TROUBLE, AS AN EVIL DOER, EVEN UNTO BONDS; BUT THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOUND. 10 Therefore I ENDURE all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” 2 Timothy 2:8-10. 

“Who shall SEPARATE us from the love of Christ? shall TRIBULATION, or DISTRESS, or PERSECUTION, or FAMINE, or NAKEDNESS, or PERIL, or SWORD? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to SEPARATE us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8:35-39. 

“Let us HOLD FAST the profession of our FAITH WITHOUT WAVERING; (for he is faithful that promised;) . . . 35 CAST NOT AWAY THEREFORE YOUR CONFIDENCE, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” Hebrews 10:23, 35-39. 

“Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; ONLY LEST THEY SHOULD SUFFER PERSECUTION FOR THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision AVAILETH any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God” Galatians 6:11-16. 

SUMMARY 
The message is a call to BELIEVERS to BEAUTIFY and COLOUR their WORLDS even in PERSECUTION, knowing that SUFFERING FOR CHRIST is the MARK of GRACE, GODLINESS and GODLY LIVING, and that God’s reward far outweighs any present trial. 

It anchors on the truth that persecution is not an accident of faith, but part of the marked path for all who choose to LIVE GODLY in Christ Jesus. 
 

Key Points: 

  1. PERSECUTION IS INSEPARABLE FROM GODLY LIVING 
    “Yea, and ALL that will LIVE GODLY in Christ Jesus shall suffer PERSECUTION” 2 Timothy 3:12. 
    The Christian FAITH journey is MARKED with PERSECUTION, DESPITE, REJECTION and TRIALS, even in the midst of God’s GRACIOUSNESS, GRACEFULNESS, BLESSEDNESS, LOVINGKINDNESS, GOODNESS and ABUNDANCE.
  2. THE ROSE AND THORN PRINCIPLE 
    Just as beautiful ROSE FLOWERS with fragrance and scent are not without THORNS, so the Gospel of beauty and colour also comes with suffering. 
    Good deeds promised in the GOSPEL are not to be separated from the reality of persecution.
  3. SUFFER AS A CHRISTIAN, NOT AS AN EVIL DOER 
    “Let NONE OF YOU SUFFER as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer… Yet if any man SUFFER as a Christian, let him NOT BE ASHAMED; but let him GLORIFY God” 1 Peter 4:15-16. 
    Your suffering must not be what you’ve CREATED by living as an EVIL DOER — for that WORTH no benefit. Suffer FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE 1 Peter 3:14, 17.
  4. THE REWARD OUTWEIGHS THE PERSECUTION 
    Christ promised that those who give up anything for His sake and the GOSPEL’S sake will RECEIVE a hundredfold now, along with PERSECUTIONS, and in the age to come, ETERNAL LIFE Mark 10:29-30. 
    “The SUFFERINGS of this PRESENT TIME are not WORTHY to be COMPARED with the GLORY which shall be REVEALED in us” Romans 8:18. 
    Nothing shall SEPARATE us from the LOVE of God in Christ Jesus Romans 8:35-39.
  5. CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES ARE OUR EXAMPLE 
    Christ SUFFERED for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, that we should FOLLOW HIS STEPS. 1 Peter 2:21-23. 
    Paul ENDURED PERSECUTIONS at Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and even bonds “AS AN EVIL DOER”, yet “THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOUND” 2 Timothy 2:9-10; 3:11.
  6. THE EXHORTATION TO STEADFASTNESS 
    HOLD FAST the profession of our FAITH WITHOUT WAVERING Hebrews 10:23. 
    CAST NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE Hebrews 10:35. 
    WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION Hebrews 10:39. 

Call to Action: 

  1. DO NOT ABANDON YOUR FAITH: Do not avoid or abandon your glorious and precious FAITH of beauty and colour in Christ Jesus because of PERSECUTION.
  2. REJOICE IN SUFFERING FOR CHRIST: When you suffer as a Christian and not as an evil doer, REJOICE — for such is of the Kingdom of God. 1 Peter 4:16; Matthew 5:10-12. 
  3. HOLD ON STEADFASTLY TODAY AND NOW: Keep holding on steadfastly in the FAITH of God in Christ Jesus’ stead no matter what challenges your FAITH, in LIFE and GRACE. 
  4. BEAUTIFY AND COLOUR YOUR WORLD: Even in persecution, live godly, reflect God’s BEAUTY and COLOUR, and endure with patience, knowing great is your reward in heaven. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI