The Condescending Goodness of Christ - Pastor Ekpenyong

2 Corinthians 8:9amp “For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).”

Christianity is simply taking your place in Christ as He has taken yours.

It is your choice to take His place, as this is what the Father has made us and made available for us in Christ. Refuse to believe any gospel that tells you otherwise.

It is quite easy to be deceived into thinking that you have to work hard to earn whatever you desire of God, however, that is what it is – deception.

You take your place in Christ by believing, accepting and taking possession of all that’s available for you.

Just as our Lord became poor in one stroke, it’s in the same vein that we became rich. Halleluyah!

Literally thinking about this, is to see how our Father condescended to express His love and kindness.

The more you allow this truth to be at home with you, the better for you. You have been removed from the rat race and a life fraught with uncertainty and brought into the kingdom of His dear son whom He loves.

You may have started out in life with deprivation and scarceness, however, the day you came into Christ is the day you were transported into this life of abundance and provision; a realm of partaking of our inheritance with the saints in light.

Let this life that you now live in Christ be your contemplation and experience.

Glory!

Check:

Colossians 1:12-13

1Corinthians 3:21-23

Acts 20:20-32

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken

His Plan Is On Course - Pastor Ekpenyong

Romans 8:28NCV We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan.

A purpose driven life is the foundation for grooming disappointments into a robust background of attaining your greatest heights of accomplishment and fulfilment.

A purpose driven life rides on the good, bad and ugly events of life to its advantage.

The purpose driven life is a life of no disadvantages. Halleluyah!

From our text, the basis of this conviction is that God as our partner called us because He had a plan in which He fit us according to His grand design and purpose.

This is what propelled men like Joseph to tell his brothers that though they sold him as a slave for evil, God meant it for good in order to preserve them in the future.

Understand that when your life is on purpose, every situation becomes favourable to you.

It is so because every circumstance no matter how adverse has been ordained to bring good from and for you.

Therefore, quit feeling sorry for yourself and reassure your heart in the Father’s plan and love.

Jer 29:11 AMP

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Glory!

Check: 

Genesis 45:5-8

Daniel 3:1-30

Jeremiah 29:11

#WavesofGlory 

#WholeCitiesTaken 

The Activity of Rest - Pastor Ekpenyong

Hebrews 4:10Weymouth “For He who has been admitted to His rest, has rested from His works as God did from His.”

The essence of our new life in Christ will find greater expression when we come into His rest.

This is because this new life can only be lived by faith and rest is the hallmark of true faith.

When you believe, you come into rest.

The point of rest is where you believe God’s word concerning you and your circumstances to the extent that you are not trying to fix it any other way nor are you reminding God about it.

You may want to ask so what do I do if I shouldn’t try to fix it or pray to remind or convince God? You give Him praise.

This is because what so ever God has given you His word for is done.

Until this fact settles in your heart, don’t stop speaking the word that was given to you.

Begin the journey of being at rest in God, you will see how sweet and stressless the life of a believer was designed to be for you have been called into a life of rest.

Glory!

Check:

Hebrews 1:3

Genesis 2:2

Hebrews 4:1-11

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken

Make Room For His Goodness - Pastor Ekpenyong

Psalm 34:8ERV “Give the Lord a chance to show you how good he is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on him!”

Our Father is good and irreversibly so. This implies that His personal involvement and commitment to us is beyond the rule of law.

Unfortunately, many are judging our good Father based on their experiences and other people's own; whereas it is our responsibility to find out and be persuaded by same.

What we must realise and always remember is that our Father’s goodness was settled over 2022 years ago.

Therefore, it should never really be a question of whether He will do good but how well we are persuaded about His goodness.

Choose to believe in His goodness and His commitment to fulfil every promise He has made to lead and keep you.

You will never be overcomed by the challenges of life because our faithful Father has assured that He will always make a way.

Refuse to be pressured into anxiety, fear and doubt because the Father in His nature will always prepare and equip you for any challenge you will ever encounter.

Make room for the Father and you’ll be shocked beyond your wildest dreams. It is experiencing His goodness that gives you a change of mind.

Glory!

Check:

1 Corinthians 10:13

Exodus 13:17

Romans 2:4

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken

Make Yourself Available - Pastor Ekpenyong

Ezekiel 22:30 MSG "I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn't have to destroy it. I couldn't find anyone. Not one.”

God heard the cry of the Israelites and called Moses and said to him “come now therefore and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people the children of Israel out of Egypt”.

Just like Moses, you are the answer to someone’s prayer.

God has been preparing you all these years for a purpose, your journey and experiences along the way are not coincidental.

The reason you are afraid is because all you see is yourself; your abilities, weakness and challenges.

Change your view and see God’s ability in you.

God needs a channel to reach the world; to preserve humanity in the flood, He found Noah.

To save the world from the extremities of famine, He found Joseph.

To reach the Gentiles with the Gospel, He found Paul.

To save the Jews from Haman’s plot, He found Esther.

God works with those who avail themselves to do His will on the earth.

Your willingness and availability sets you off on the path.

Glory!

Check:

Exodus 3:1-12

Psalm 86:11TLB

James 2:22TLB

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken

The Priceless Heirloom of The Righteous - Pastor Ekpenyong

1 Peter 1:4amp [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.

It is so wonderful to know that despite the tricks and onslaught of the devil and his cohorts, he cannot do anything about your future in Christ.

The second implication of our opening text is that, this inheritance has your name on it because it is kept for you. Yes you!

Don’t ever be deceived into thinking that, somebody faster and smarter than you will take your inheritance as was the case with Jacob and Esau.

Nobody or situation can steal your inheritance away from you for it is reserved for you. Halleluyah!

This shows you the extent of the Father’s estimation of you and everything that concerns you.

Your inheritance is so priceless that you ought not to lie down in self-pity and depression but rather square up your shoulders and put a spring in your steps because God’s estimation of you is higher than any honours you will ever be accorded by men.

Therefore, anytime you find yourself wondering what will become of you and your future; remind yourself that you have an inheritance that is not subject to destruction and decay or litigation because it has been reserved for you exclusively.

Glory!

Check:

Acts 20:32

Romans 11:29

Romans 9:11-16

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken

Embolden Yourself - Pastor Ekpenyong

1 Samuel 30:6 CEV “David was desperate. His soldiers were so upset over what had happened to their sons and daughters that they were thinking about stoning David to death. But he felt the Lord God giving him strength.”

We live in a fast-paced world where everything is moving so fast with so much action and constant activity.

However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your soul receives daily nourishment and encouragement by every means available so that you will be in the right spirit.

Suffice it to say that the first thing which should be your daily quest is not how you will better serve the Lord or do your job better; rather that you should be happy and emboldened in the Lord.

This is how to prevent the strain and burnout that many experience because of the pressures and contradictions of life and living.

David was distressed as well as his soldiers having all suffered the same loss and yet he encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord.

You will become a better person and witness in your sphere of influence when you are strong and happy in the Lord.

Glory!

Check:

Psalm 18:2

Jude 1:20

Ephesians 6:10

#WavesofGlory

#WholeCitiesTaken