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CONVERSION OF SINNERS AND RESTORATION OF BACKSLIDERS

Luke 15:11-32,Acts 3:19, Jeremiah 3:22
How foolish is the child who leaves a tender mother and an affectionate father and
ventures into a wild unforgiving and dangerous world alone? It is like a sheep that
rejectsthe sheltering fold of the shepherd, forsaking green pastures and still waters,
to roam over dry sandor gobleating in the forest among wolves in the midst of
danger how foolish a creature it proves itself! So is every sinner and the backslider
who forsakes a throne of mercy for a dunghill! ...leaving gold for dross ... despising
the blossoming of the roses of grace ... to shiver in frozen regions among the ice
caves and bitter frosty snow of absence from the Lord's presence.It is not the Saviors
desire that one sinner or backslider be lost but that all might be saved.
I.

THE DECEPTION OF SIN AND DESCRIPTION OF BACKSLIDING

Luke 15:11-14. Give me the part of goods that falleth to me - A desire to be

independent of God.Sin kills men, grace revives men; so, like the prodigal, they that
were dead are alive. But by this we see the sinfulness of sin, that it makes use of the
law which was ordained to life, to condemn and pass sentence of death upon sinful
men. That which was made to be our strength against sin is become the strength of
sin (1 Corinthians 15:56). Death would be weak without its sting, which is sin, and sin
would be weak without its strength, which is the law. So sinful is sin, exceedingly and
beyond measure sinful, it works death by that which is good and which was ordained
to life.
Just as one sinner destroys much good, so does one sin; it is like a dead fly in a box of
ointment Whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point, he is
guilty of all' (James 2:10); for the nature of all sin is in every and any sin. We see
seven examples of the deceitfulness of sin on the sinner.
1. Sin persuades us that such and such a thing is not a sin, though it looks like a
sin. That was the bait Eve fell for.
2. Sin would persuade that what may be sin in another cannot be sin in you,
because of your circumstance. It is one sin only, and this only once, says Sin.
But if sin is good, why only
3. Sin consoles you that the evil was only committed once and so can be ignored.
But when the Serpent's head is in, it is hard to keep out the whole body; one

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4.

5.

6.

7.

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makes way for the other. A single sin is against the Almighty God who has set
the wages of sin as death! Romans 6:23
It is in secret and no-one will see it, says Sin. But this is a lie because every sin
has at least two witnesses God and conscience know all the sins that man can
commit. Hebrews 4:13
Sin promises gain, pleasure, honour and fame. But Sin's gain is loss. The
pleasures of sin are grievous, and its honours are disgraces and shame. Ask
Adam and Eve. Romans 6:2. Sin promises like a God but pays like a Devil.
But you have only to repent, says Sin, and God will forgive you. But remember
that he who promised forgiveness to them that repent has not promised
repentance to them that sin.
It is only your infirmity (weakness), says Sin. You cannot help it. But that which
is only an infirmity today may become a disease tomorrow, if not prevented.
Once the will is engaged, it is past an infirmity and has become a sin.

Sin is worse than death. Death is killing, but sin much more so. Death deprives of
natural and temporal life, but sin deprives us of spiritual and eternal life. Death kills
only the body, but sin kills the soul and brings upon it a worse death than the first
death, that is, the second death. Men may kill us but only God can destroy us, that is
damn us, and he never does that except for sin. Thus sin is more killing than death is
killing.
The word "backslide" literally means "turn back" or "turn away." (a) Turning from
God. 1 Kings 11:9 (b) Turning from our first love. Revelations 2:4 (c) Turning from the
gospel. Galatians 1:6, 7; 3:1-5 (d) Turning to Satan 1 Timothy 5:1 (e) Turning to evil.
Psalm 125:5 (f) Turning to the world. 2 Timothy 4:10 (g) Turning aside, off-course,
"like a deceitful bow. Jeremiah 14:7
Backsliding occurs when the Christian is gradually led off from close walking with God,
loses the lively sense of divine things, becomes too much attached to the world and
too much occupied with secular concerns; until at length the keeping of the heart is
neglected, prayer and the seeking of the Lord in private are omitted or slightly
performed, zeal for the advancement of Christs kingdom is quenched, and many
things once rejected by a sensitive conscience are now indulged and defended.
All this may take place and continue long before the person is aware of his danger, or
acknowledges that there has been any serious departure from God. The 'forms of

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religion' may still be kept up, and 'open sin' avoided. But more commonly backsliders
fall into some evil habits--they are evidently too much conformed to the world, and
often go too far in participating in the pleasures and amusements of the world.
Scriptural metaphors for backsliding are:Trying to serve two masters. Matthew 6:24;
Forsaking the Lord. 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 15:6, 7; Going our own way.
Jeremiah 8:6; Leaving our first love; unfaithfulness. Ezekiel 16, 23; Hosea 2 and 3;
Revelation 2:4; Forgetting God. Jeremiah 18:15; Falling away(apostasia, Greek). 2
Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Timothy 1:15; 2:17, 18; 4:10-16; Growing cold. Mathew 24:12;
Revelation 3:16; Departing from the faith. 1 Timothy 4:1; Putting a hand to the plow
and looking back.Luke 9:62; "Salt that has lost its savour." Matthew 5:13; "A dog
returning to his vomit." Proverbs 26:11; A dead branch. John 15:6; Hebrews 6:8; A
disease (for which only God has a cure). Isaiah 1:5, 6; Jeremiah 3:22; Hosea 14:4-7
II.

THE DOOM OF SINNERS AND THE DESTINY OF BACKSLIDERS

Luke 15:14-16 The prodigal son went far from God (He took a journey into a far
country): God was not in all his thoughts: And squandered away his substance - All
the grace he had received.He began to be in want All his worldly pleasures failing,
he grew conscious of his want of real good. Psalm 9:17. Whether a single wicked or a
nation, go has no respect for numbers when he judges sin. Hebrews 6:26-31`If, after
we have received the knowledge of the truth,' after we have experimentally known it,
'we sin wilfully,' -- which we have undoubtedly done, and that over and over, -- 'there
remaineth no other sacrifice for sin; but a certain looking for of judgment and fiery
indignation, which shall devour the adversaries'. `It is impossible for those that were
once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of
the Holy Ghost, -- if they fall away,' `to renew them again unto repentance: Seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.'
Hebrews 6:4-6. To remain in sin or backslidden state is dangerous and damnable.
God is angry with the wicked everyday Psalm 7:11.
III.

THE DAYSPRING OF CONVERSION AND DELIGHT OF RESTORATION

Luke 15:17-24. After a long stray away outside the Fathers love, the dayspring of
repentance shone in his heart. To be converted is the recovery of a soul from a dead
and lost condition; and then the angels rejoice (Luke 15:7-10). There is a kind of joy in
hell among the devils when one who is converted sins and when sinners are not
converted: and so there is joy in heaven at the conversion of a sinner. Conversion is a

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resurrection from the dead. It is the standing miracle in the Church of Christ Jesus. It
towers above all miracles that can be wrought in the life of any man.
As vile as sin makes sinners and backsliders appear to God, yet His patience is
exceedingly great, His goodness exceedingly rich, and His long-suffering exceedingly
marvelous, even such as to cause wonder! God entreats sinners, his enemies, to be
reconciled 2Corinthians 5:20. Imagine the Father standing at a sinner's door and
knocking Revelation 3:20. Only love unexplainable can make God wait on sinners to
be gracious to them Isaiah 30:18. Conversion begins, is carried on and is completed in
the hearts and thoughts of men Isaiah 55:7, Psalm 119:59. It begins there, for while
men are dead in sins they do not consider or regard what is in their heart and
thoughts. But when the grace of God comes in power, and they receive it in truth,
they begin to think and consider, What shall we do to be saved?
Four Internal Elements of True Conversion and Restoration
1. Belief. Romans 10:14; Acts 16:31. A person needs to understand and agree
with some basic facts about Jesus. A personal belief in the reality of the person
of Jesus. His tender love and compassion. His vicarious sacrifice to atone for
our sins.
2. Repentance. Luke 15:17-20a. Conversion involves more than simple agreement
with facts about Jesus. It means a change of mind and of direction. Repentance
is not the same as sorrow or remorse. It is a radical and undisputable rejection
of the way of sin and the pattern of life that leads to sin.
3. Trust and Assurance of Forgiveness. Responding to Jesus also touches our
affections. A converted person will begin to grasp on an emotional level that
God loves them and has forgiven them.
4. Commitment, Allegiance, and Devotion. Philippians 3:7, Galatians 3:20. As we
encounter and get to know Jesus, we develop a determination to live for him in
the world. Following him becomes more important than any other call on our
lives.
Hear the Fathers voice echo through the corridors of heaven as he beckons to you
today: "Return unto Me, and I will return unto youReturn, ye backsliding children,
and I will heal your backslidings Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath
torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up Break up your
fallow ground"... the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away
his face from you, if ye return unto him; for it is time to seek the Lord... If thou wilt

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return, O Israel, saith the Lord, return unto me (Malachi 3:7, Jeremiah 3:12-14, 22;
Hosea 6:1, Hosea 10:12, 2 Chronicles 30:9; Jeremiah 4:1). Jesus died for the sinners
conversion and the backsliders restoration to full fellowship with God. Like the
prodigal son made a decision, I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto
him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more
worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose,
and came to his father. Luke 15: 18-20. Every sinner needs to personally make a
choice for Jesus. He still stands at the door and knocks. Why will you tarry when Jesus
is calling?

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HOLINESS OF HEART FOR HEAVEN-BOUND SAINTS

Matthew 5:8

The Celestial City/ the Place: Heaven is a glorious place. It is the hope of every child
of God. It is a Unique Palace of:

Unbelievable wonders

Unspeakable words

Unfathomable worth

Unparalleled worship

Unequalled wellness (health)

Unsurpassed warmth and welcomes

Unmatched wealth

Unsullied wears

Unimaginable clement weather

Unending jubilant wakefulness and walk

The Citizens/the People
The Citizens of this Celestial city and all those who have hope of habiting in this place
possess one unique feature, Holiness of Heart.
And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever
worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book
of life. Rev 21:27
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matt 5:8
Holiness of heart is an operation of the Spirit of God on those who are already in
Jesus, by which they are rendered increasingly holyliving to God, to righteousness
and to holiness. Dr. Adams Clarke, the great Methodist Commentator, once said:
The whole design of God was to restore man to His image and raise him from the
ruins of his fall, in a word to make him perfect, to blot out all his sins, purify his soul
and fill him with holiness, so that no unholy temper, evil desire or impure affection or
passion shall lodge or have any being with him.
Holiness of Heart is the Visa that qualifies us for heaven. If we spend years in colleges
and schools to be informed and gainfully employed for our short life-span on this
phase, then it would be fool-hardy of us not to prepare for the long-lasting years
beyond earthly existence. As many that have this hope must purify themselves, even

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as he is pure. Christ has not prepared a palace of gold for pigs of grime neither would
2
he wrap a row of wastes in robes of white?
The world has gone crazy following things that are not real and many are losing their
heads to the polluted sites on the Net; discotheques, slangs of Hollywoods and
Nollywoods, and musical videos of superstars, to mention a few. The Heaven-bound
Saint must not to blend with the trends or bend his convictions to the many fiends
of purity around, he must give himself to Holiness
It is woven with the pages of the scriptures. It is an inescapable truth of the
scriptures. As we look at various lives in the scriptures and the commands of His
words, we are made to see how indispensable this experience is. If we must be true
to God and ourselves we cannot overlook this. It is God's expectation for our lives.
This is no fluke. The practices of this age do not lessen the weight of this age-long
command rather, makes it shine brighter and brighter.
Whether you call it holiness, righteousness, purity or sanctification it boils down to
the same thing. Don't let these grand words put you off. You might have always
regarded it as something only the church leaders should seek. It is not so. Having
called us from sin, God also calls us to a new relationship that is sweet and gracious, a
friendship that is special and glorious. This attains a pitch where all is totally
consecrated to God and there is outward and inward purity. It is not something far
off that isn't attainable. It is God's delight to impart this nature, better still, His nature
into us.
Little wonder, Enoch was translated, Noah was told 'come thou and all thy house into
the ark' and Abraham was told, 'I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou
perfect. (Gen 17:1) What do you think the Lord means by these?
The Lord isn't done with you yet. He still wants to take you to greater heights. Launch
yourself to a deeper relationship of righteousness that exceed that of the Pharisees.
While God demands salvation from sinners He demands holiness of life from
believers. This experience is not progressiveyou can't grow into it but you can grow
in it. It demands total consecration or yieldedness.
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3

Call to Holiness of heart

Consecration for Holiness of heart
Continuity in Holiness of heart

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Call and Challenge for Holiness of Heart

Consecration and Commitment for Holiness of Heart
Consistency and Continuity in Holiness for Heaven
Compelling Challenge for Holiness of Heart
Complete Consecration for Holiness of Heart
Christians Continuity in Holiness for Heaven
Point 1
1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4: 3, 4, 7; 5:23; Luke 1:75; Hebrews 12:14
By calling us to Holiness of heart, the Lord is calling us to the following:
1.

Divine Will
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from
fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in
sanctification and honour; 1 Thess. 4: 3, 4
Holiness of heart is not optional, it is imperative. God is holy; His people must
be holy outwardly and inwardly, in action as well as in thought and motives.
This should be the greatest incentive for holiness in our lives. And it is possible!
He who calls unto holiness is Himself the Sanctifier. Christ's high priestly prayer
reveals God's will and purpose for the sanctification of the believers.

2.

Distinct Word of God

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in
your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all
manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1Peter
1:14-16
I just want to take God's word literally. If he says it this way, I just I want to
believe He means every bit of it. Without reading your own meaning to it, what
do you think 'be ye holy for I am holy means?'

3.

Delicate Worth to have

God wants us to be truly and thoroughly clean, with no lose hair hanging
somewhere. There is still more from Calvary for our total beauty. When you
think you're done, he reaches out and calls us back for a retouch. His own

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touch goes beyond our outward frame. He reaches down into our core, our
hearts and purges it more.
Christ does not just want someone that appears beautiful outwardly alone, he
wants to present to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:25. He
looks through the covering of our frame and wants the motives to be pure,
wants the intentions to clean, wants our work to be done wholeheartedly.
4.

Designed Way of life

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord: Heb 12:14
This is how he expects us to live. This is life at its normal shape and form.
Anything below this is mal-functioning. It is expected because God himself his
holy, heaven is holy with holy angels.

5.

Dazzling Wonder
And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to
love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou
mayest live. Deut 30:6
We are familiar with circumcision of male children. What is 'circumcision of the
heart?' It wasn't enough that the Israelites were out of Egypt. God did not
stand back to say, 'yes my purpose has been achieved, I have delivered them.'
He went ahead to say something like, Israel I am not done with you yet. I must
still get Egypt out of your heart. What a marvel, the foreskin of the heart can
be removed too.
It is only rational that if you do not commit sin outwardly, you also abstain
from it internally. Will the purpose of it not be defeated if man must be
defeated inwardly. Even our body he calls his temple. He doesn't want to do
without any part of us. Where are you today? Are you living every moment of
the day as fully as you can (internally pure)? What type of man is living within
youa defeated, deformed or a depraved soul. Do you hide it in a smiling face,
good works or in several activities?

6.

Dearing/ Daring Weapon

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b

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The weapon of prayer must be whet by righteousness to be effective.

Remember Hezekiah approached God on this note. 'Then he turned his face to
the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD,
remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect
heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.'
2 Kings 20:2-3
7.
5:48

Dignifying Weight of power

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Mat
The greatest honour or weight of power we can have is to look like our
heavenly father. When a child bears the resemblance of his father, not just
physically but in good character, it is dignifying.

8.

Durable Wear
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness Eph 6:14
Our own self-righteous rags cannot cover us. Get this durable wear from the
Lord's store and be shielded from sin

9.

Divine Work
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole
spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ. 1Th 5:23
Apart from our own stance in abstaining from all appearance of evil, this
passage tells us about the source of our Holiness. This experience must be
sustained throughout our lives in our actions, in thoughts, in feelings as well as
in motives.

10.

Definite Work after the new birth

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water
by the word, 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. Eph 5:25-27

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It is not attained progressively by works, growth, struggle or suppression. It is

an instantaneous experience obtained by faith in the sanctifying blood of Jesus
Christ after we have consecrated (or set apart our lives to serve God) and
demonstrated deep thirst and hunger to be like Jesus Christ. We do not grow
into Holiness but we grow in Holiness after initial experience.
11.

Daily Watchword
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of
holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the
wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Isa 35:8
Live by holiness, Live in holiness, Live with holiness

12.

Deep Walk
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram,
and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou
perfect. Gen 17:1
God is calling us to a deeper walk from internal struggles with base passions,
worldly lusts and ugly tempers, self interest and criticism of those who do not
share our views, fear of men, worldly pleasures and enjoyment

13.

Desirable Wealth
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.1Th 4:7
Apart from the fact that it accords abundant life in Christ (John 10:10), Perfect
love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18), destruction of the old man(Romans 6:6)
and the root of sin, perfect peace of God that passes understanding, full and
abiding joy, fitness for heaven, the Christian life becomes an enjoyable
experience and not an enduring one.
Also with this experience greater grace to function is accorded the believer.
With the resulting Unity and oneness with other brethren (Ps 133:1-3; John
17:20-23), the work of God prospers and greater things are achieved. Again
there is promptness and delight in doing God's will and it makes us love God
with all your heart soul and might

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14.

Double wash cure/Deep-seated washing

Our lives can be beautiful inside out. One way of achieving this is to go to God 7
for a deep seated cleansing. 'Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye
shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse
you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I
will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of
flesh.' Eze. 36: 25, 26

15.

Deliberate weeding away

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And
ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you. Lev
20:7-8

16.

Delightsome Winning streak

This definite Christian experience plunges the believer into the profound depth
of God's grace and liberates him to a boundless successful living.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy
place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his
soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psa. 24:3, 4

17.

Dominant Wake-up call/Consideration

18.

Donated work of Christ

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood,
suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the
camp, bearing his reproach. Heb 13:12, 13

19.

Doable Wish of God (Achievable, possible, attainable& feasible)

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude 1:24

20.

De rigueur wreath
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons
ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 2Peter 3:11

21.

Demanded Wedding garment

So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as
many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with

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guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man
which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how
camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Matt 22:10-12
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the
Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. Rev. 19:7
Point 2

Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:19-21; Mat 5:6

God's call to Holiness of heart should yield a resolute consecration and produce
passionate desire and pursuit in every believer after this all-important experience.
We must consecrate and be willing to obey and submit to God's will of Holiness.
Real consecration makes us to put aside irrelevant things that can hinder us from
becoming what God wants us to be. Sincere consecration demands that we bring
ourselves before the Lord and lay everything on the altar. It transcends mere wishful
thinking, head knowledge, indulgence or complacency and surpasses every form of
Sanctimony.
We need to dethrone self and crush self will, we need to enthrone Christ and pray
that God's will might be fulfilled in our lives. Christ has the power to wrought this
experience in the heart of everyone that prays for it. If you can believe all things are
possible.
Point 3
Christian holiness is not optional but essential to the manifestation of God's glory in a
believer. Our commitment should be to hold fast and not let go Holiness of heart.
Believers must endeavour to keep what they have. We must be Vigilant and watchful,
abiding in Christ through Obedience (John 15:4); constantly resisting Satan and Living
a Consistent life of prayer. There is also the need to study the word of God and be in
constant fellowship with other children of God. (Hebrews 10: 25)

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POWER OVER TEMPTATION AND PATIENCE IN TRIALS

James 1:2-4; 12-15; 1Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 12:1-5

All men experience temptations and trials in life. It is a common to laityand their
leaders as well as young and matured believers. No one is immune against
temptation and trials for in that he himself (Christ) hath suffered being tempted...
Believers must understand that as long as they put on this physical tabernacle,
temptations and trials will come their way. But the Lord is very pitiful and of tender
mercy, He had made adequate provision for believers to overcome temptations and
trials. God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are
able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that ye may be able
to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Testimonies abound in the Scriptures and in our contemporary time of men and
women who triumphed over temptations and patiently endured trials. For such and
other believers, there await eternal reward. Blessed is the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord
hath promised to them that love him.
Though Christians are faced with great challenges to deny and disobey the Lord, to
doubt and distort the Lords Word and to derail and depart from the Lord, the
promised reward should be his focus as a pilgrim. let us run with patience the
race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him endure the cross, despising the shame, and
is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured
such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your
minds (Hebrews 12:1-3).
(1) POWER TO OVERCOME TEMPTERS AND TEMPTATIONS
James 1:13-15; Matthew 4:4-10; Psalm 119:11; 1 Peter 5:8,9; Ephesians 6:10-18
Temptation is suggestion or enticement to do evil. To be tempted is not sinful but
yielding to it brings defeat, sorrow, suffering and eternal punishment. The chief agent
in temptation is Satan. He is the tempter, very subtle and tactical. He is behind every
subtle attempt to make believer fall from grace wherein they stand in Christ.The devil
uses all means, people, things and circumstances available to him. He may tempt
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through the corruption of the human heart (Joshua 7:21), entice through the mind
and the eye gate (Genesis 3:1-6), influence through the behaviour of evil companions
(1Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 22:24,25) or lead into temptation and sin through the
carelessness of others (2 Samuel 11:2-5). Very often, the tempter targets the areas
and time of our peculiar weakness. The world, the flesh, an ungodly environment,
evil association, self-indulgence, and an unbridled tongue always provide opportunity
for the tempter to tempt us. Temptation may come through a respected leader, like
Jeremiah (Jeremiah 35:1-6), through influential woman, like Potiphars wife (Genesis
39:7-15), through your own appetite, like Esau (Genesis 25:29-34) or through other
source. Victory is however sure if believers rely on the power of the Lord and utilize
the provision He made for him to overcome. To be triumphant over the tempter and
his temptation, believers should:
i. Read the word of God; affirm it and practise it always.
ii. Reject every temptation with the written Word (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:11).
iii. Resist the devil (Matthew 4:10; James 4:7)
iv. Renounce instantaneously any suggestion to sin.
v. Remain watchful and prayerful (1 Peter 5:8,9)
vi. Run from the tempter (Genesis 39:11) and never be presumptuous (1
Corinthians 10:12)
vii. Refrain from loneliness and idleness (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 2 Samuel 11:1-5)
viii. Remember to put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11).
ix. Renew his consecration daily
x. Rely completely on Gods grace.
(2) PATIENCE IN TRIBULATIONS AND TRIALS
James 1:12; 5:7-11; 1 Peter 2:20; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 6:12-15; 10:36
Christian trial or tribulation is simply an instance of challenges to test our faith in and
love for God. It is equally a common experience of all believers. Yea, and all that will
live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). There are several
accounts of trials of godly people in both the Old and New Testaments. The early
church believers experienced it. Therefore, when trial comes, do not count it a
strange thing. Trial of faith from the Lord is for a specific purpose in our lives and it is
not as a result of sin (Job 1:8-12). Behind every trial of faith, there is a divinely
designed purpose to be accomplished in the life of the afflicted believer. Ignorance of

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this purpose often makes people to grudge or murmur when being tried. The
3
purpose of trial of faith may be:
i. To refine and purge us in order to be a holy vessel unto the Lord (Mal 3:3).
ii. To prove us and know what is in our hearts (2 Chronicles 32:31; Proverbs 17:3).
iii. To make us fit for Heaven (James 1:12) by restraining us to the way of the
cross.
iv. To humble us and make us dependent only on His grace (2 Corinthians 12:7).
v. To mature us and develop some spiritual qualities in us (1 Peter 1:7).
Trials can be in various forms: persecution, reproach, tribulation (Acts 14:22),
sickness, affliction, imprisonmentetc.Many are the afflictions of the righteous but
the Lord delivers them in all (Psalm 34:19).

Trial of faith is not to break us but to mould us into Christs image.Our attitudes will
determine the outcome of our trial. Patience is a key virtue needed to sail through
during trials. The following suggestions are helpful in overcoming tribulation and trial
of faith:
i. Endure patiently (James 1:12; 5:11; 1 Peter 2:20).
ii. Stand firm on your biblical conviction (Daniel 3:16-18)
iii. Remain prayerful and always give thanks (Philippians 4:6; Romans 5:3), and
pray for your persecutors (Luke 6:28).
iv. Have faith in Gods ability to deliver (Daniel 3:17), and fear not (Matthew
10:28).
v. Be submissive to the will of God (Matthew 26:39).
vi. Do good to your persecutors (Luke 6:27; Rom 12:20-21) and never retaliate
(Rom 12:17).
vii.
Let your words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
viii.
Continue serving the Lord faithfully in spite of your situation (Romans
8:35; 12:11).
ix. Whatever may be your situation, always remember that God will never leave
you alone.
(3) PROMISE FOR OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS AND TRIALS
1 Corinthians 10:13; Job 2:9,10; 13:15; 17:9; 42:10; James 5:7-11
Whatever the temptation and trial confronting the believer, the Lord has promised
him victory for there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;
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but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that ye may be able to bear
4
it. The life of Job should be an encouragement to believers of this age. He suffered
many trials: lost all his children and material possession and was afflicted with
sickness in his body. His friends unjustly accused him and strong temptation came
from his wife to curse God and die. With all these, Job waited patiently for the
deliverance from the Lord, he overcame and retained his trust in God. Though he
slay me, yet will I trust him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him (Job
13:15).Ultimately, Jobs patience was rewarded: And the Lord turned the captivity
of Job and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). James
identifies Job as a classic example of patience as he admonished believers to wait
patiently for the promised mercy of God. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the
coming of the LordTake, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the
name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.Behold, we
count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have
seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy (James
5:7,10-11).
Believers must be resolute in their decision to follow the Lord, be firm in their
conviction, unflagging in commitment and courageous in resisting temptation. God in
His faithfulness will grant victory in all areas.

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SAVING SINNERS FROM AN ETERNALLY BURNING HELL

Mark 9: 43-48; Isaiah 66: 24; 2Corinthians 5: 10, 11; Hebrews 3: 12-14

The Almighty God is a God of love and has demonstrated the love through the
offering of His only begotten, Jesus Christ, on the cross of Calvary for the salvation of
humanity from the doom coming upon the wicked and all who die in sin. (John 3: 16,
Hebrews 9: 27). Every one that die as sinners are automatically condemned to the
eternally burning hell and this is unequivocally confirmed by the scriptures The
wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God, where there
worm dieth not the fire is NOT quenched. (Psalm 9: 17, Mark 9: 44). Our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ preached about Hell fire much more than Heaven so as to
seriously warn humanity of the impending damnation and irreversibility of Hells
unending fiery suffering. Hell is a horrible place of eternal fiery, fearful and furious
torments. It was originally prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25: 41) as
a place of eternal punishment for rebellion and wickedness but any man or woman
that chose satans lordship, serves him and eventually dies in that condition of
disobedience, rebellion towards God and rejection of Christ will end up in the same
place as the devil. The knowledge of Hell should compel every saint to take up the
responsibility of proclaiming the gospel of Christ which is able to save. Sequel to
salvation, the new converts (as well as the saints) must continue in the way of
holiness unto the end in order to escape the eternally burning hell (Hebrews 3: 1214).
1. THE REALITY OF AN ETERNAL BURNING HELL
Matthew 10: 28; Luke 16: 19-28;Revelation 20: 13-15; 2Peter 2: 6; Daniel 12: 2;
Isaiah 5:14, 24; 33:14; 34: 9,10; Revelation 21:8; Isaiah 66: 24; Jude 7.
Hell is not a fantasy, a fairy tale nor a fable but a fact. It is a real place. It is captured
in the scriptures as a place of agonizing torment and everlasting punishment in
unquenchable fire for the sinner (Mark 9: 43-48). Due to its frightful details, there are
those who merely explain away hell as just a biblical truth and nothing more than
that justifying themselves that God is too loving to cast any one into such a place of
gruesome pain. The Holy Scriptures, however, clearly provides ample illustrations of
hell, as the indisputable abode of torment for sinners. Christ spent considerable time
lending weight to the reality of hell. He warned repeatedly on the danger of hell. The
Apostles also followed same pattern as the Lord Jesus Christ and never minimised the
reality of hell (Romans 2:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 1: 8, 9; Hebrews 10: 26, 27; James
3:5,6; 2Peter 2:4,9; Jude 7, 23; Matthew 3: 7-10). Even the old testaments prophets

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never took the reality of hell lightly (Psalm 9: 17, Isaiah 66: 24). The church of God
today cannot and must not to lower the emphasis and position on hell.
When a sinner dies, his soul immediately proceeds to hell where, with full
consciousness, he tastes the excruciating preliminary pain that hell offers. The
account of Lazarus and the rich man, best exemplifies the eternal, irreversible
punishment awaiting the sinner in hell (Luke 16:23, 24). All erroneous doctrines are
debunked and dissolved (Doctrine of Purgatory, Doctrine of Annihilation).
There is a way of escape from the eternal burning hell and that way is Jesus Christ,
the redeemer.
2. THE REDEMPTION AND ESCAPE FROM THE BURNING HELL
John 3:16, 17; 14: 6; Acts 2: 38, 40, 4: 12, 17: 30, 31; Hebrews 2: 1-3; 1John 3: 8;
Isaiah 55: 6, 7; Genesis 19: 17; Luke 12: 4-5; Matthew 1: 21; Ezekiel 18: 20, 21;
Hebrews 3: 12 -14.
From time immemorial God has always made a way for the penitent man to escape
the consummation of judgment with the wicked. God did not originally created hell
for man that He created in His own image so God right from the beginning had
prepared an atonement plan after the fall of man (Genesis 3: 15). The command
from the Lord to repent is inevitable for anyone that desires to escape the damnation
of hell. Christs sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary procures redemption for the
whole human race. After redemption, one must abide in Christ and remain steadfast
in the faith to the end in order to finally escape the eternal burning hell. This
wonderful news of escape must be propagated by those that have been redeemed by
the precious blood of Jesus Christ and this task is becoming more urgent than ever
because many souls are dying every minute and going into hell. This exercise must
not be handled with levity but with passionate burden to rescue the perishing world
around us.
3. THE RESPONSIBILITIESOF EVANGELISM AND ESTABLISHMENT BY BURDENED
HEARTS
Ezekiel 33: 7-9; 3:17; Daniel 12:3; Matthew 28: 19, 20; Ezekiel 3: 17; Mark 16: 15,
16; 2 Corinthians 5: 11; Jude 22, 23; Romans 9: 1, 2, 10:1, 13-15; Genesis 19: 1214; John 4: 32, 34, 9: 4; 2Timothy 4: 1, 2, 3-5.
Every Christian has the responsibility of reaching out to all the souls around them
with the utmost goal of leading them to Christ and ensuring that they are properly
established in the truth so as to finally escape hells doom and damnation. The Lord
has charged us and made us watchmen and watchwomen over the souls in our

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locations, districts and groups and so we must arise and give it the urgency it
demands (John 9:4).
This work must be carried out with passionate burden to see the sinners saved and
rescued from destruction. This requires divine wisdom, thorough knowledge of the
scriptures, exemplary living, fervent prayers, Holy Ghost baptism and watchfulness.
The song writer charges us also with this classic rendition:
Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep oer the erring one, Lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the Mighty to save.
In these last days may the Lord depend on us as His mouth piece to pronounce the
His saving words and depopulate those on their way to the suffering and torment of
the eternally burning hell.

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December Retreat 2014

UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL EVANGELISM

Mark 16:15-20; Acts 1:8; John 3:1-7; 4:5-29

Personal evangelism is the person-to-person sharing of the gospel of Christ

with sinners with the aim of leading them to salvation. The primary purpose of
Christ coming into the world was to die for the salvation of man (John 3:14-18; 1
Timothy 1:15). He came to seek and to save the lost. He could not allow any other
thing to becloud His vision of saving the lost. He came for that purpose and died
for it (John 6:15; 19:37; 1 John 3:8). Christ preached to great multitudes who
came from many regions to hear him (Luke 15:2; Matthew 4:23-25). He also used
the personal evangelism strategy to reach individuals and families. He used
different approaches to reach different people. (1) With Nicodemus Christ used a
direct approach: Ye must be born again (John 3:1-7). (2) With the Samaritan
woman, He used an indirect approach: Give me to drink (John 4:5-7). (3) With
the woman caught in adultery by the Scribes and Pharisees, He used a situational
approach (John 8:2-11). He applied the same approach with the informants who
told Him of the Galilaeans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were
sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you,
Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:1-3). Jesus
reached out to His twelve disciples whom He called apostles through personal
evangelism (John 1:29-51; Matthew 4:19-22; Luke 6:13).
For a local church to grow, the members must go and preach the Word
right where the sinners are. Many sinners do not go to church, therefore, the
church must go out to meet them where they are: in their houses, offices, town
or village square, civic centres, playgrounds, hospitals, prisons, schools and
marketplaces (Acts 20:20; 17:16-31; 16:20-34). No other business should thrill the
heart of a New Testament believer than personal evangelism. Winning the lost is
a task that must be done; failure to carry it out carries great consequences.
1.

CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECTING PERSONAL EVANGELISM

John 3:16-18, 36; Ezekiel 3:17-21; 18:4; 33:1-16; Romans 1:14-16; Matthew
10:32,33; John 4:35-38; 9:4; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.
Sinners cannot get saved without the preaching of the gospel. It is the soul
winners duty to preach to them. The implication of neglecting personal

evangelism includes (1) the loss and waste of ripened harvest, (2)
requirement of sinners blood from negligent soul winners (Ezekiel 3:17-21;
33:1-16), (3) Christ being ashamed of Christians that neglect to witness
(Mark 8:38), (4) loss of soul winners reward (Daniel 12:3; Proverbs 11:30),
(5) spiritual decline and stunted growth of the local churches, and (6) delay
in answer to prayer. The consequences of neglecting personal evangelism
on the part of the sinners, the soul winners and church are so great. Every
believer must therefore wake up to this great responsibility. We must rise
up to renew our first love for Christ (Revelation 2:1-5).
2.

COMPELLING NECESSITY OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM

1 Corinthians 9:16; Jeremiah 20:9; Matthew 9:36; John 9:4; Acts 4:20; 18:5;
20:22-24; Ezekiel 3:17-21; 2 Corinthians 5:11a; John 4:35; Romans 9:3; 10:1;
1 Corinthians 9:22; Psalm 90:12; Mark 5:18-20.
Personal evangelism is a compelling necessity for every believer. It is not
the will of God that anyone should perish: He wants all men to be saved.
The Lord Jesus Christ was not only involved in personal evangelism but also
sent out His disciples to do so. They were to preach to every creature
everywhere. Paul the apostle said, For though I preach the gospel, I have
nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I
preach not the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16). To him, souls are more
valuable than any other thing in the world.
It is an obligation for every believer to personally bear witness of Christ and
the task is urgent in view of (i) shortness of time, (ii) the brevity of life
(Psalm 90:12; John 9:27-29), (iii) reality of eternal judgment of the lost
(Psalm 9:17), and (iv) the need for believers to be free from the blood of all
men (Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-16). Concern for our loved ones, members of
our families, tribesmen, friends, co-workers and neighbours requires us to
witness to them (Romans 9:3; 10:1). The vastness of the harvest field that is
waiting for labourers should compel us to assist before they are wasted.

3.

COMMITMENT NEEDED FOR PERSONAL EVANGELISM

Isaiah 6:5-8; John 9:4; Luke 4:43; John 18:37; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Acts 4:1320; 19:15-19; 20:20-24; Romans 1:14-16; 2 Timothy 2:3, 4; Psalm 126:5, 6; 1
Corinthians 15:58.

Commitment is an act of devoting oneself entirely to a given cause until the

goal is achieved. Personal evangelism requires individual commitment. Our
Lord Jesus Christ was personally committed to it. He said, I must work the
works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man
can work (John 9:4). Believers must be determined to preach to all men till
the end of their lives on earth. In spite of trials, hardship and afflictions, a
soul winner must never give up.
Every spiritual effort must be made in order to sustain the zeal and fire for
personal evangelism. This could be done through constant praying, yielding
to the promptings of the Spirit to preach, regular reading of literature and
listening to messages on evangelism, making deliberate plan to preach the
gospel every day, and maintaining the freshness of the Spirit (Acts 8:23,24;
1 Timothy 4:13; Romans 10:17; Acts 17:17).

DEEPER LIFE CAMPUS FELLLOWSHIP

December Retreat 2014 PROGRAMME
Day
&
Date

Thursday
December
18
Friday
December
19
Saturday
December
20
Sunday
December
21

Faith
Clinic
6.30 8.00 Am

Morning
Message
9.0010.30am

Bible
Teaching
10.45 12.15pm

Bible
Study
12.302.00pm

Believers
Ministry
4.005.30pm

Evening
Revival
Message
Session
5.45 - 7.15 7.30-9.00
Pm
Pm

Are You Ready For His Return?

Prayer
That
Prevails
And Faith
That
Never
Fails
Faith That
Perseveres
Until
Christ
Comes

Conversions
Of Sinners
And
Restoration
Of
Backsliders

Constant
Readiness
For Christs
Glorious
Coming

Holiness Of
Heart For
HeavenBound
Saints

Day Of Special Miracles

Possessing
Heavens
Supply For
Every
Hour

Bible
Study I

Unwavering
Commitment
To Personal
Evangelism

Power
Over
Temptation
And
Patience In
Trials

The Earthly
And Eternal Bible
Rewards Of Study II
Faithfulness

Saving
Sinners From
An Eternally
Burning Hell

Night Of Special Miracles

Making
The Word
Work
Mightily
In Us

Are You Prepared For The

Rapture?