RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 13 AUGUST 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: BOLD AND PASSIONATE FOR THE KINGDOM

KEY VERSE: And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen (Mark 16:20).

Preach the Gospel with passion, and as you do, the Lord will confirm His Word with signs following. We have something to give to the world; it’s the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Recall what the Lord charged us to do: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). He has given us both the power and authority to do mighty works in His Name and demonstrate the character of the Holy Spirit to our world.

Therefore, take your place in the ministry of the Gospel. Never lose focus of the Master’s calling on your life. Serve Him selflessly, with an undying passion. If you’re passionate for Him, He’ll be passionate for you; He’ll stand up for you if you’d stand up for Him: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

The Bible says, “For the love of Christ constrainetus; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Here, the Apostle Paul says our love and passion for the Lord compels us with the truth of the Gospel.

The Lord is with you, strong and mighty; and with the faith of God in your spirit, take your partnership in the Gospel to a higher level. Get “wild” for God! Invest your time and resources in world evangelism. Keep winning souls and let nothing quench your love for the Lord.

The Bible says those that turn many to righteousness shall shine as stars forever (Daniel 12:3). Shine evermore by making an impact with the Gospel. Be so passionate for the Gospel that its impact in men’s lives, and spread around the world, is all that matters to you.

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 4:15-17 CEV, Matthew 6:33 & Acts 20:18-24

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 12 AUGUST 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: WE EXECUTE JUDGEMENT ON SATAN AND HIS DEMONS

KEY VERSE: Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgement written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord (Psalm 149:5-9).

The Lord Jesus occupies the most exalted position there is. He’s seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all principality, and power, might, and dominion, and every name that is named. But the most exciting part is that you’re in Him. You’re seated with Him in glory, with dominion over Satan and the princes of darkness (Ephesians 2:6).

That’s the reason in Christianity, we don’t fight the devil or negotiate with him; we cast him out. We exercise dominion and execute judgement over Satan and the principalities of darkness. They’ve been judged, and we’re the ones authorized to execute the judgement; it’s part of our heritage in Christ:

_*“To execute upon them (Satan and his demons) the judgement written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD”*_ (Psalm 149:9). In John 16:11, Jesus said, _*“…the prince of this world is judged”*_; it’s your responsibility to keep him under your feet. That’s why the Bible says to cast him out! You don’t struggle with Satan. The resurrection of Jesus made a champion of you. You operate from a higher realm where your words are backed by Deity.

Even now, address Satan with words of power and break his influence over your town, city, country, home or environment. You’re the one in charge. Use your authority in the Name of Jesus to frustrate and overturn his activities. Jesus gave you all authority in heaven and in the earth (Matthew 28:18-19); use it every day against Satan and the demons of darkness. Glory to God!

*CONFESSION*

*I walk in dominion over Satan and the princes of darkness, because I’m seated with Christ in glory, dominion and power. I reign and rule over circumstances and elements of this world, today and always, because I live in, and by the Name of Jesus. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*Ephesians 2:4-6*

_4- But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,_

_5- even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),_

_6- and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,_

*Matthew 28:18-19*

_18- And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth._

_19- Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,_

*John 12:31 AMPC*

_31- Now the judgment (crisis) of this world is coming on [sentence is now being passed on this world]. Now the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world shall be cast out (expelled)._

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Romans 14-15:1-4 & Psalms 90-93

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Luke 15:11-19 & Judges 20

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: THE DAY OF SALVATION KEY VERSE: (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation) (2 Corinthians 6:2).

More than ever before, there’s a burning passion in the hearts of God’s people to preach the Gospel, just as there’s a great hunger and yearning for salvation in the hearts of men and women around the world. The Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh. Recall the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

That’s the season we are in now! We’ve been endued with power to be effectual in soul winning. The message is available to everyone, and everyone can give their hearts to Christ, because this is the acceptable time! Jesus called it “...the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:19). And it’s aptly corroborated in our theme verse: “…now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation).” This is the day of salvation. Glory to God!

However, the acceptable time would wind up and judgement would begin. Jesus brought in the acceptable time; He’ll come back for the day of vengeance. But at the moment, we’re workers together with God in the acceptable time, bringing men and women into salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Help those around you receive salvation through the power of God that works in you in this hour of His grace. Take the Gospel to the lost, hopeless, hurting and downtrodden in your world and in the regions beyond. Remember, the time is short; therefore, glorify God by being fervent and effectual in leading souls to Christ.

FURTHER STUDY

Isaiah 49:7-9 TLB &

Hebrews 3:7-8

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 10 AUGUST 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: SEPARATED FROM JUDGEMENT

KEY VERSE: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

There’s a word of judgement and condemnation that’s already working in the world. Anyone who’s born into this world inherits that judgement. But when you’re born again, a new life begins with acquittal: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”(Romans 5:1). Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

It parallels the words of Jesus in our opening verse; anyone who believes in Him is severed from judgement. You’re not numbered amongst them that perish; there’s a divine decree to that effect. All the negativities in the world: the darkness, diseases, sicknesses, infirmities, poverty, defeat and failure are a result of the curse, the judgement that’s at work in the world. But you’re not of this world (John 17:16); you’re from above; from a heavenly kingdom.

Keep yourself separated from, and in dominion over, all the negative influences and elements of this world through your faith-filled words. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 says “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak….” Keep declaring the Word of victory over your life.

Every so often, affirm that you live above this world and have overcome its failing systems! Your life is for the glory of God, for the expression of His righteousness, dominion and excellence. No sickness, disease or infirmity should be allowed to thrive in your body, because the Spirit of Him that raised Christ from the dead lives and perambulates in you! He’s invigorated your whole being with the divine life. Have this consciousness and make these affirmations always.

FURTHER STUDY: Galatians 3:13 AMPC & Romans 8:1 AMPC

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 08 AUGUST 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: FOLLOW THE MASTER’S EXAMPLE KEY VERSE: And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

Everything about your life should focus on winning people to Jesus Christ; there’s no higher priority than that for the Christian. The Lord Jesus Himself was a Master soul winner. In John 4:6-42, He encountered a certain woman at the well of Samaria, and engaged her in a dialogue. The woman came to draw water from the well. But to get her attention, the Lord initiated a conversation with her on something that was of interest to her—the water.

Upon getting her full attention, the Master witnessed to the woman, who believed and went about telling others about her encounter with the Christ. Matthew 4 tells us another beautiful story of how Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee and saw two brothers who were fishermen: Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew. He said to them, “…Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

The Master always knew how to engage others in a conversation on a subject that was of interes to them, in a bid to witness to them. If you’ve often wondered how to engage people in a conversation in order to lead them to Christ, emulate the strategy of the Master.

Observe what such people might be interested in, and initiate a conversation along that line. You can ask that he or she explain something to you about a book or magazine they might be holding or reading, and then you listen with rapt attention. If you do, they’re more likely to also give you their attention when you start witnessing to them.

Of course, there are times the Lord could give you specific instructions about someone you need to witness to. At such times, don’t negotiate; go right ahead and follow the Lord’s guidance. Whatever He tells or inspires you to say at that time and place, that do. He said in Psalm 81:10, “…open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Always be bold, and the Lord will honour His Word in and through you.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 9:16 & Acts 17:22-34

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 07 AUGUST 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: RAISED TOGETHER WITH CHRIST KEY VERSE: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).

When Jesus died on the Cross, He died for all men. This means legally, all men have been saved. But Christianity didn’t begin from the Cross or death of Jesus, but from the resurrection. His resurrection made the new life in Christ possible.

This is the reason the only way anyone can experience the vital reality of salvation is to act on Romans 10:9-10. It says, “…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Recall the words of the Spirit through the Apostle Paul in Romans 6:4: _*“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”*_ When God raised Jesus from the dead, we were raised together with Him, to a newness of life. We became new creatures in Christ Jesus, alive to God, with the transcendent life.

The new creation is the product of His resurrection. You’ve been brought out of spiritual death into life. You’ve been raised together with Christ, and seated with Him in the heavenly realms; now the Bible says you should seek those things which are above: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

Have the consciousness of one who’s born from above and is seated together with Christ in the place of dominion, glory and power! Let the things of God, of His heavenly Kingdom to which you’ve been born mean more to you. Speak the heavenly language; live and see from above.

FURTHER STUDY:

Ephesians 1:18-23 & Ephesians 2:4-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 06 AUGUST 2021 PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: CHRIST AT HOME IN YOU KEY VERSE: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

“Christ in you” refers to all that’s in the character, personality, potency of the glory and graces of Christ embodied in you. And that’s done by the Holy Spirit. Recall the words of Jesus in John 14:23; “…If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” This was before His death, burial, resurrection and ascension to heaven. He had said in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter…ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

He made good on His promise, and on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and indwelt the disciples. Today, being born again, we’ve become His living temple; He’s set up His abode in us. This was a mystery in the Old Testament; the prophets and even the angels wondered how it would be possible for God to make His home in men’s hearts.

But it was ever God’s desire; He said in Proverbs 8:31, “…my delights were with the sons of men.” Paul, by the Spirit, eventually writes and unveils this mystery as read in our theme scripture. So, when we say, “Christ in you,” we’re looking at the character, the beauty, all of the glory, power, and the righteousness of God encapsulated in a man.

Ephesians 3:17 says, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith….” That word “dwell” means “settle”; so, you’re one in whom Christ has settled. He has made His home in your heart by faith; there’s a mingling; a oneness of spirit. His very life, the very quality of His personality and the characteristics of His glory are all in you today. Glory to His Name forever!

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 6:19, John 14:16-17 AMPC & 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

*THURSDAY 05 AUGUST 2021*

PASTOR CHRIS

*TOPIC:* *ALIGN YOURSELF WITH GOD’S VISION*

*KEY VERSE:* _*And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)..*_

Some people live their lives pursuing their own selfish interests, not aligning themselves with God’s vision. What’s God’s vision? It’s that men come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Therefore, connect your dreams to His dream; and purify your motives with His love.

Soul winning should be the compelling motive and propelling force in your life. You’re first a Christian before being a politician, teacher, banker, student, etc.; therefore, fulfil your calling in the Gospel. Let the expansion of God’s Kingdom be your number one passion. Therein lies true joy, fulfilment and all the blessings you could ever desire.

There’s a depth in God, a realm of joy and fulfilment you’ll never know until you make your life count in soul winning. Jesus said in Mark 16:15, _*“...Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”*_ In Matthew 24:14, He said, _*“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”*_

The instruction to take the message of salvation to the ends of the earth wasn’t just to pastors and evangelists, but to every Christian. You’re a minister of the New Testament (2 Corinthians 3:6); a bearer of the glad tidings of salvation. You’ve been commissioned to reach out to those living in darkness with the light of salvation.

You’re a light in a dark world; therefore, be aglow with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Beam it with steady radiance to others so they can become lights as well. You’re God’s man for the hour, holding forth the word of life—opening the eyes of them that are lost—turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, thank you for the grace for salvation that’s at work even now as your children all around the world proclaim the Gospel. Many are turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, as they hear and receive the Gospel today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY*

*Habakkuk 2:14*

_14- “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith._

*Acts 26:16-18*

_16- But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you._

_17- I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,_

_18- to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’_

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Romans 8:18-39 & Psalms 70-73

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*

Luke 13:10-21 & Judges 11

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 04 AUGUST 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: THE KINGDOM IN YOU KEY VERSE: Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14).

Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. He said the time was fulfilled, and that the Kingdom of God was near (Mark 1:15). What is the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God isn’t a place; it’s the reign of God, where He rules as Lord, and expresses Himself—His glory and His goodness.

That’s why Jesus cautioned that when we’re told, “the Kingdom of God is over there,” or “it’s over here,” don’t believe it, because the Kingdom doesn’t come by observation; it’s within you (Luke 17:20-21). God’s plan in this age is to set up His Kingdom in the hearts of men as a spiritual kingdom.

Recall when Jesus was brought before Pilate, in John 18:36-37; Pilate asked Him some questions to which He responded, “…My Kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36). God’s Kingdom isn’t a physical structure; yet Jesus said, “It has come!” Indeed, it has, because it’s in our hearts.

The Gospel today is that God’s Kingdom can be set up in the hearts of men; it has arrived! Jesus said, “…If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). This wasn’t provided in the days of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Elisha, David, Solomon and the patriarchs of old; but it is in our day.

When Jesus came, He brought the Kingdom in Him. Now that we’ve received Him, we have the Kingdom in us: the glory, grace and the life of God—all of divinity has been set up in your heart! God is at home in you now. You’ve become, not just a citizen of the Kingdom, but also the bearer or carrier of the Kingdom, of divine verities. Hallelujah! FURTHER STUDY: Colossians 1:27, 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 & Luke 17:21

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 03 AUGUST 2021

PASTOR CHRIS

TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH THE GOSPEL KEY VERSE: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith... (Romans 1:16-17).

Through the years, men have sought righteousness, but the righteousness of God is only revealed in the Gospel of Christ. Until one accepts the Gospel he or she will never know or receive the righteousness of God, and be able to live a righteous life.

This Righteousness is the rightness of God in the human spirit. It is the nature of God that gives the ability to stand in the presence of God without condemnation, guilt, fear or inferiority. It’s the ability to stand in fellowship and rightness with God. There’s no other way to come into this extraordinary fellowship and oneness with the Lord except through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is why we can’t afford to be quiet about the Gospel. It’s the answer to man’s cry. There’s no other way for men to receive salvation, learn of and understand the righteousness of God, outside of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, preach the Gospel. Spread the good news of righteousness to everyone in your world, being absolutely convinced that it’s man’s only way to be made right with God.

Romans 10:9-10 says, “…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” If you’ve never been born again, now is the time: Confess the Lordship of Jesus over your life, believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Accordingly, the life and nature of God will be imparted to your spirit—with the ability to walk in, and manifest the righteousness of God. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

Romans 3:20-22 & Romans 4:1-5