RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: THE KINGDOM WAY OF LIFE

KEY VERSE: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:13)

*MESSAGE*

When you were born again, you were born into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. Even though you now live and walk in His presence, you still have to learn how to live in this real Kingdom of Light, and the Scriptures will help you understand this by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul writing to Timothy said: “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God…” (1 Timothy 3:15). This means there’s a way to behave oneself in the house of God. Christianity isn’t a way of life, but it has a way of life. In this Kingdom, there’s a language; we have our communication protocols. There’s a way of life; we think differently. This is something the devil doesn’t want many to know. He wants them to remain in the dark.

The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel how the children of Israel asked for a king. God gave them Saul to be their king, and straightaway, Israel became a kingdom. Samuel knew a kingdom doesn’t function like every other society, and so the Bible says he “…told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord...” (1 Samuel 10:25). He told the people “the manner of the kingdom.” What does this mean?

As you study several translations, you’ll discover that he taught them the principles, rights, privileges, judgments and ways of life of the kingdom. He had to write how the kingdom functions and delivered it to the people. This is exactly what Jesus did. He came preaching the Kingdom of God and every now and then, He explained how the Kingdom worked or functioned. Often, He’d say, “The Kingdom of Heaven is as this or that.” He was telling us how it works. He taught about the importance of words, and about prayer in the Kingdom.

Now that you’re in the Kingdom of God, don’t live like they do in the world. The Bible says, _*“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). There’s a different mentality in the Kingdom, a different way of life that you must imbibe.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Timothy 3:14-15 & Colossians 3:1-2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 19 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: YOU’RE A CHILD OF THE DAY

KEY VERSE: But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).

MESSAGE

The expression “a thief in the night” has troubled some Christians for several years. Some don’t understand what it means, while others are terrified by it. They imagine that if they do something wrong before going to bed and Jesus comes as a thief in the night,

they won’t go with Him. But that’s not what it means.

If you look at our opening verse closely, you’ll observe that Paul was writing to the brethren or brotherhood. He said, “…brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you....” The word “brethren” actually refers to those who are in Christ; males and females. The next verse shows something really important: “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). This obviously wasn’t referring to the brethren, because he said: “For when they shall say….” When he referred to the brotherhood, he said “ye.”

“They” in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 refers to the world; those who aren’t yet in Christ. The Bible describes them as the children of disobedience, appointed to God’s wrath: “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Ephesians 2:3). But for you who are born again, the Bible says, _*“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief”*_ (1 Thessalonians 5:4).

Every place where the Lord Jesus talked about coming suddenly upon people, it had to do with judgement, and He wasn’t referring to the Church. In John 5:24, He says, _*“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life”*_ (NIV). You’re a child of light and of the day; you’re neither of the night nor of darkness!

Serve the Lord with joy and in expectation of His soon return. Declare just like Jesus: “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5).

FURTHER STUDY :

Ephesians 5:8, Revelation 3:10 &

1 Thessalonians 5:5

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 18 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: THE EPISTLES: A REVELATION OF YOU

KEY VERSE: Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men

(2 Corinthians 3:2). MESSAGE

Once, I was discussing the Scriptures with a Christian leader many years ago. I quoted a portion of Scriptures he wasn’t familiar with, and startled, he asked me, “Where did you get that from?” When I showed it to him from the Epistles, he was amazed. He had never known it, having never majored on the Epistles.

It’s the same with a good number of God’s people; they’ve never majored on the Epistles. In fact, some of them see the Epistles only as letters to the churches, but they’re more than just letters. It’s the same way some people see the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as mere historical books of the New Testament.

No! They’re the revelation of the man, Christ Jesus. When you study the gospels, you’ll come to the conclusion that Jesus is alive. His words are as alive today as they were back then when He spoke them. That’s not history. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the revelation of the Head of the Church. The Epistles, on the other hand, are the revelation of the Body of Christ. Hallelujah! This refers to us: the new creation, the Christians, the ones that are born again.

When you study the Epistles, you discover you. For instance, there’s not a single place in the Epistles where the Christian is asked to have faith. Rather, they let you know that you already have faith: “…according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). This is a true picture of who you are; you’re a man or woman of faith! The Epistles are the album of the new creation. Give attention to them. Study and meditate on the truths therein and live accordingly.

FURTHER STUDY

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV & 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*MONDAY 17 JANUARY 2022*

PASTOR CHRIS

*TOPIC:* *EXAMINE THE SPIRITS*

*KEY VERSE:* _*Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).*_

*MESSAGE*

When the Apostle John spoke of “false prophets,” the reference was essentially to “professors of deception” who were inspired of demons to deceive the world. We’re seeing many of such in these end times. That’s why John says to examine the spirits; he’s referring to voices of human beings inspired by some demonic spirits that seek to influence, deceive and sway the nations.

When you read our theme verse in context into the second and third verses, you’d notice John was talking about the antichrist spirit; not the “Antichrist” himself—who is also called “the beast,” “the man of lawlessness,” or “the man of sin”—but the spirit behind his works. That antichrist spirit, since John’s day, has been in the world and we’re able to discern his works.

Thanks be unto God! Not only are we able to discern his works and those of his false prophets and messengers, we’ve overcome them: 1 John 4:4 says, _*“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”*_

In the 5th and 6th verses, he continues, _*“They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error”*_ (1 John 4:5-6). Walk in God’s truth and be spiritually alert and you’ll be shielded against preachers of pseudo-science and the deceit that they propagate.

Remember, truth is in your spirit, because the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of truth—lives in you. 2 John 1:2 says, _*“for the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever.”*_ God’s truth protects you, delivers and saves you from trouble. Psalm 91:4 says, _*“…his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”*_

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, thank you for your Word by which I navigate my way through life. I’m discerning and perceptive; I’m invincible to the false doctrines, deceptions, ruse, wiles, shams, lies and sways of the antichrist spirit of darkness in the world today, for I’m led by your Word and guided by your Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*2 Peter 2:1 AMPC*

_1- BUT ALSO [in those days] there arose false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among yourselves, who will subtly and stealthily introduce heretical doctrines (destructive heresies), even denying and disowning the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction._

*1 John 2:18-20*

_18- Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour._

_19- They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us._

_20- But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things._

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Matthew 12:22-50 & Genesis 40-41

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Acts 10:1-8 & Job 5-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 16 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: WE’RE THE HOPE OF THE NATIONS

KEY VERSE: The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully (Ezekiel 22:29). MESSAGE

One of the reasons judgment will come on the world is the injustice and oppression that’s prevalent in different nations today. You’ll find organizations, agencies and even governments enacting policies that oppress their people. They use regulations to crush and further impoverish the already poor and needy in their societies, while creating opportunities for themselves and their allies.

For some, this problem is merely a political issue, but we know from the Scriptures that it’s more than just politics; it’s spiritual. The Bible tells us in the Book of Isaiah how an evil spirit is responsible for the impoverishment of many nations in the world today: “...I removed the boundaries of nations, I plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their kings. As one reaches into a nest, so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations; as people gather abandoned eggs, so I gathered all the countries; not one flapped a wing, or opened its mouth to chirp’” (Isaiah 10:13-14 NIV).

Many ignorantly suppose that the downward trenin their economies is due to market forces, but the Bible makes it clear who plundered their wealth. That’s why we must keep praying for the nations so that instead of oppression and injustice, there’ll be peace, godliness and honesty. He knows this is possible in our day; that’s why He asked us to pray. Let’s exercise our authority and dominion in Christ over the nations.

We’re the only ones that can free the nations. The Bible says the whole creation is in groaning, expecting to be set free, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19). We have the authority in the Name of Jesus to turn things around in the nations. So, use the Name of Jesus against these demonic powers and break their hold and influence. Declare, by the Spirit, the power of righteousness upon the leaders of your community, city, town, nation or organization where you work, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

2 Thessalonians 2:7, Jeremiah 29:7 &

Romans 8:19-22

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 15 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: “RHEMA” FOR WAR

KEY VERSE: And take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:17-18).

MESSAGE

In our previous study, we learnt about the armour of God, and particularly about our defensive paraphernalia as listed in Ephesians 6:14-17. Of all the seven pieces of this armour, only one is for the offensive and that’s the sword of the Spirit. The sword of the Spirit is the Word or “Rhema” of God. Rhema is the Greek translated, “word” in this verse.

Rhema is a now word—a personal word for the moment concerning you. It’s different from the Logos of God, which is God’s Word in general. The Bible admonishes us to take Rhema and win with it. How? By talking. Rhema is the spoken Word; it is the inspired utterance of the Word of God from your mouth, whereas Logos, by comparison, is more reasoned than inspired.

The Bible describes the “Rhema” of God as “the sword of the Spirit.” A sword symbolizes judgment and a readiness to attack. It’s thus an offensive weapon that you direct, not at yourself but towards the adversary. In our opening verse, Paul shows us how to use

Rhema to wage a good warfare: he says, “...Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” This is a different kind of Rhema; it’s a Rhema of war! When the Bible tells us to take the sword of the Spirit, that’s a militant expression. He’s letting us know we’re not just supposed to be on the defensive but to constantly mount attacks on the forces of evil.

As we pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, we utter words of faith directed towards whatever it is we want to effect changes in, and also against the forces of darkness and the powers of evil.

Is your organization mounting pressure on you to take a position against God’s Word? Is the government in your country enacting policies that are unfavourable to the Gospel? Don’t give up; don’t get worn out. You’re the one to wear the devil out. Resist him with the spoken Word.

FURTHER STUDY

1 John 4:4 &

Hebrews 4:12

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 14 JANUARY 2022 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: TAKE UP THE SHIELD OF FAITH

KEY VERSE: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13).

*MESSAGE*

When you read about the armour of God in Ephesians 6, you’ll discover that the description of what we’re supposed to put on reveals how the enemy fights. We can decipher, from our own defensive paraphernalia what weapons the enemy uses: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation…” (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Notice what it says about faith: with it, you can quench all of Satan’s fiery darts. That tells us what kind of material his missiles are. His missiles all have to do with making you accept something or believe something against God. These may be fiery darts of discouragement, depression, fear, failure or sickness; all aimed at making you take a stand against God’s Word. But the Bible says, “…taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16). With your faith, you can put out, not some, but all of the fiery missiles of the wicked one. Your faith is your shield.

Take up your faith! Don’t give it up. Someone said, “I was actually acting in faith, but things went wrong and I gave up.” No! Don’t drop your faith; the missiles directed at you from demonic forces can only be neutralized by faith.

The Bible says “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The more of God’s Word that comes into your spirit, the more faith you get. And the more you use your faith, the more it’s strengthened; and when the devil throws his missiles, you’ll be unmoved because they’ll be disintegrated by your shield of faith.

FURTHER STUDY

1 John 5:4, 1 Corinthians 16:13 & Romans 4:19-20

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 13 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: PARTNERS WITH HIM THROUGH PRAYER

*KEY VERSE: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

MESSAGE*

The different kinds of prayer mentioned in our opening text cover all the kinds of prayer you ought to pray for others. It says, _*“…first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.…”*_ The word “supplications” is from the Greek “deµsis”, which refers to petitions or a definite request. In the general sense, a petition is a formal written plea or entreaty with legal demands. Thus, in these supplications, we make requests on the legal basis of the provisions of the Gospel.

The next one is “prayers,” and this is from the Greek word “proseuchµ” which means “to offer prayers.” “Proseuchµ” is a derivative of another Greek word, “proseuchomai” which means “to pray to God in worship.” God wants us to offer prayers of worship, proclaiming blessings upon all men.

Next on the list is “intercessions,” from the Greek word “enteuxis,” a derivative of “entugchanÛ,” which refers to having a discussion, like an interview. Here you can actually talk like you’re familiar with the person you’re discussing with and present your case.

It’s like what the Bible says in Isaiah 43:25-26: _*“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.”*_ The Lord says, _*“Let us plead together.”*_ In other words, “Let’s argue together” like they do in a court of law. That’s what you do when you intercede; you present your case.

The final one is “giving of thanks,” from the Greek, “Eucharistia.” With this kind of prayer, you express your gratitude to the Lord for what He’s done and still doing in the lives of all men around the world. God needs us as partners with Him through prayer. His desire is to have all men saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Let your consciousness of the Gospel spur you to prayers and intercession for the sinners, for the lost, and for the nations. Pray that many more will receive salvation and live for the Lord. Ensure you pray this way continually; it’s what you have to do.

FURTHER STUDY

*1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMPC*

_1- Philippians 4:6-7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 12 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: PRAYING FOR ALL MEN

KEY VERSE: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men (1 Timothy 2:1).

MESSAGE

The underlined portion of our opening verse suggests that the sentence is a continuation of a subject earlier introduced. The most relevant context is found in the 18th verse of the preceding chapter, where Paul writes to Timothy, saying: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18).

The next two verses are a brief digression, after which Paul continues, “I exhort therefore….” So Paul was actually showing Timothy how to war a good warfare. He said, “…first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” “First of all” means this is priority in warring a good warfare. You begin by praying, not for your personal requests, but for all men.

For a long time, a number of God’s people weren’t praying with this in mind. Many were more concerned about their personal agenda and what they wanted from God such as money, property, fame and other earthly things. The adversary took advantage of this for a long time to wreak havoc in different nations, but thank God the Church has learnt and is now awake to her responsibilities. We’re acting on the Word, praying first for all men.

We’ve been called to war a good warfare and the instruction is clear. He says, “First of all,” meaning before you pray for other things—be it your family, business, finances and so on—pray for all men. How important this is! In fact, it ought to be a foundational teaching in the Churches. As we lead souls to Christ and bring them to Church, we ought to let them know they have an enemy whose goal it is to destroy them. We must teach them to pray as soldiers, not for their personal needs, but for all men.

The ongoing Pastor Chris Live “Pray-a-thon” is an opportunity for you to join millions of others in carrying out your priestly ministry of prayer and intercession for all men in a nonstop prayer marathon. Praying this way is God’s instruction, and it should be our way of life. You can join millions of Christians praying together at the same time—effecting global changes through the “PastorChrisLive Global Prayer Network.” To join the Live stream, and follow @PastorChrisLive, download the KingsChat App by visiting https://lwappstore.com

FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 6:18 & 1 Timothy 2:1-4

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 11 JANUARY 2022

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: KNOW AND WALK IN HIS LIGHT

KEY VERSE: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).*

*MESSAGE*

The word “wiles” in our opening verse is translated from the Greek “methodeia,” which refers to trickery. Trickery is primarily defined as a verbal misrepresentation. It’s when something is said with the intention to mislead and take advantage of someone for some purpose. That’s like what happens on the news sometimes. We know who’s behind this trickery; it’s none other than the devil, whom the Bible calls the slanderer and traducer (Ephesians 6:11).

A better expression than trickery, however, is “lying in wait.” We find this same expression used in Ephesians 4:14: _*“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”*_ This is “methodeia”: lying in wait for the purpose of deception.

Satan’s modus operandi is based on deception with misrepresentations. The biggest strategy with which he enforces this agenda is misinformation through the news media. As a Christian, you shouldn’t be ignorant of this. Ephesians 5:6 says, _*“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”*_

This is why you ought to know and walk in God’s truth—His light. Jesus said “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

In other words, when you walk in His light, you’ll never be deceived. Give yourself to the study of God’s Word. His Word illumines your path and enlightens your heart and mind such that you’re never deceived or in the dark. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY 1 Peter 5:8-9 & Psalm 119:15