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God’s Grace in Roman’s –Where Sin Abounds Grace Superabounds

We saw from our last discussion that, by the obedience of one man Christ Jesus, we are forever made righteous.

Then the apostle continues;

Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Romans 5:2

Oh what an eye opening statement. Observe this statement carefully “the law entered, that the offense might abound”

The first revelation here is that the law was not God’s primary agenda; the everlasting covenant of God with Abraham was already founded on promises before ‘the law entered’ into what was already built to serve a particular purpose and not to invalidate God’s eternal covenant.

For what purpose did the law enter? We hear “the law entered, that the offense might abound,” neither that righteousness nor holiness should abound but that sin should abound or increase.

This is where we have missed it. When we hear about the grace of God and how that it is only when we receive not little grace but abundance of grace that we reign in life (Roman 5:17). Many go to thinking grace promotes lasciviousness. A hundred times no.

The word translated for abound is from the Greek word “pleonazo” which means “to do, make or be more, i.e. increase…to superabound” (Strong’s).

What empowers sin is the law. The law was never given to make any man holy, but help sin to overpower us so will look to Jesus for salvation. It was given to increase sin and not to limit sin.

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Romans 5:20

Observe the statement “strength of sin is the law” what empowers sin is the law and not grace. Grace swallows up sin.

The Greek word used above for strength is the word “dunamis”, meaning miraculous power, force (Strong’s G1411). Power is the ability to do work, hence, the ability to sin or work out sin is the law.

The miracle working power of sin is the law. But Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:11-12

This is a mystery many of us haven’t come to understand. We often think that “how can ‘thou shall not’ which is already forbidding sin increase offence?”

There is no spirit or life in ‘thou shall nots’. You cannot find strength when you turn from looking to Jesus and look to the law to please God. Life begets life, condemnation only leads to condemnation.

The law was given to help sin fight against our self-righteousness so we would turn to Jesus.

However the apostle states something worthy of note in the last part of the verse;

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20

The law gave sin absolute dominion over us that we saw ourselves wretched in need of a saviour but grace rather found us where it wanted and has much more abounded.

The law through sin rather led us to the abundance of God’s grace…

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21

Confession

Father I thank you for the abundance of grace in Christ Jesus, your superabundant grace that has whipped off my sin history. The law has finished its work of condemnation in my life, for it has nailed me and my sins to the cross of Jesus.

I declare that grace reigns in my life through righteousness manifesting eternal life in my body, finances, home, career and ministry. My life is a product of God’s grace. Praise Jesus!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Beloved you are here, right in the midst of my glory. You have already entered the moment of favour.

I am making all things beautiful, just a very little while and you will see my goodness. This barren tree is becoming a fruitful field, and the fruitful field a forest abounding with the harvest.”

Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? Isaiah 29:17

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | Righteous By One Man’s Obedience |

We began to see from our last discussion that by the offence of Adam we all received sin, however, Adam was a type, a demonstration of what Christ would do, for we hear;

For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:17

We received sin and death in Adam but in Christ we receive the gift of righteousness and abundance of grace. Observe carefully that in Christ also righteousness is received as a gift and not a reward for our good works.

We receive abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness which empowers us to reign in life by one Jesus Christ. The word used above for reign is from the Greek word basileuo and it means to rule as kings (Strong’s G936).

It means those that receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness rule as kings in life over the works of darkness by one man’s obedience. For we hear;

Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18

Hallelujah, all men were condemned just because of one man’s offence, today, by the righteousness of Christ fulfilled on the cross the free gift of justification comes upon all that receive the son of God, freely, without any demands and without respect of persons…

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:19

Observe carefully that it does not say it is by the obedience of two people, we and Christ that makes us righteous, but by the obedience of Christ alone we are made righteous… “by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Many of us don’t have a problem believing that it was only by the disobedience of Adam that we all became sinners, however, when we hear it is only by the obedience of Christ that we are made righteous we think it’s not right, Yet Paul says that Adam was a figure of what Christ would do for the world (Romans 5:14).

This thought is repeated over and over in this chapter so someone doesn’t miss it, for this is the foundation of the gospel of Christ.

When it comes to matters of justification, our obedience is to believe the gospel. When we believe in what Christ has done, we have done the works of God, for the work of Christ is credited to our accounts. His obedience becomes our obedience.

The Lord answered this question when asked what our works to earn justification before God were;

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29

Our work is to believe in the son of God. When we believe in him, his obedience becomes our obedience so that by his obedience we are forever made righteous before God.

This is why we don’t rise or fall in our level of righteousness because it is never from us but from what Christ has done. His person in us is our righteousness.

Now when the apostle spoke these truths in this simple manner, many in his days were tempted to say he was advocating disobedience (Romans 3:8).

You see, when God takes his abode in the quarters of our hearts, he comes in with his desires, the Holy Spirit changes our hearts by giving us the heart of flesh( Ezekiel 36:26) to which the love of God is shed abroad in (Romans 5:5).

We move from “I just hate worshiping” to “how I love being in his presence.” From “I love immorality” to “I hate this, Lord empower me to live above sin.” This is because God is now in us, working in us both to will and to do that which is pleasing in his sight.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Philippians 2:13

May the Lord work mightily in us to bring forth great things that will change our lives, families and nations in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Confession

Blessed Father, I am blessed in the work of your son Jesus who loved me and gave himself for me. The work of Christ is mine. His righteousness is my righteousness, his holiness my holiness, his health my health, all his perfections are mine. His obedience has justified me eternally.

In Christ, I am the word of God made manifest in flesh. By nature I am born of God and without effort eternal life is my present hour manifestation in all. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord…The began speaking to me concerning this year through this word;

And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof. Isaiah 37:30

The Lord told me directly from the experience of Hezekiah king of Judah when the Assyrians outnumbering them besieged them in Jerusalem. The Lord began to show me that the signs in the years in the case of Hezekiah were a revelation of what happened in 2020 and 2021, prophetic signs leading to 2022. (2020, 2021, 2022 mark three individual years).

In the year 2020 the world experienced a pandemic, we were locked down and sowing and reaping were minimal for many in different spheres even in our churches. It continued the same in 2021 in many places. By and large in the lives of a lot of people also 2020 and 2021 were almost the same in their results. No genuine outstanding results.

But all these were a prophetic sign, if the last two years look like you were locked down in life, your results were almost same, this 2022 being the 3rd year God says “and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.”

The Lord says “2022 is a year of harvest”

We have seed, time and harvest. When the spiritual season of harvest has come sowing and reaping are spontaneous without time differences.

This is the season where the Lord says “the plowman shall overtake him that reaps. One blessing upon another, the mountains are dropping sweet wine as all the hills melt, for everything that was once barren will overflow with my blessings. I am setting free my captive sons and bringing them back to Zion, they shall be fruitful, rebuild the nations, and prosper in my kingdom.”

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. Amos 9:13-14

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | Adam A type of Salvation in Christ |

We saw from our last discussion that by the sin of one man, death passed upon all men, we all are born from Adam sinners whether we committed the actual sin or not until we are born again into the family of Christ where we receive the new nature.

Then the Apostle continues;

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:14

Now if you have followed carefully from our previous discussion, we saw that until the law, God was not imputing men’s sins against them “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses.”

Why will death still reign when God was not counting men’s sins against them?

First, man was now spiritually severed from God which is the real death having consequences.

Secondly, even though God was not imputing men’ sins against them; the wages of sin is death. When men yield to sin, they are yielding to the author of that sin which is the devil;

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16

So when you yield to sin, you are giving the enemy an inroad into your life who comes to steal, kill and to destroy (John 10:10). Unforgiveness kills you (Proverbs 11:17), strife introduces every evil work into your life (James 3:16), sexual immorality destroys you (1Corinthinas. 6:18).

We keep ourselves away from sin not because God’s judgment is hanging over us, but we have an enemy we don’t want to give place into our lives. When we live holy we keep the devil out of our lives and not to make God love us more, God is already pleased with us in Christ.

Therefore, “death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”

Death reigned even over those that did not directly violate the command given to Adam in the Garden of Eden. Men all received sin not by directly eating of the fruit but by inheritance. Not fair, isn’t it?

How can you just be born a sinner without even knowing where the Garden of Eden is?

How can you be called a sinner because your forefather sinned?

How can you just receive the gift of sin when you have not “sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression,”

This is the mystery of the gospel of Christ. The mystery of righteousness, for we hear that what happened in the case of Adam “is the figure of him that was to come.”

By Adam’s sin we received the gift of sin when we didn’t commit the actual sin, but all this was a type of what Christ was to do for the sinner. In the case of Christ it would be the opposite, for we hear;

But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Romans 5:15

Through the offence of one man, Adam, we received the gift of death, however, one man called Jesus did something superior and opposite to what Adam did. By one man’s offence we received sin, and we also sinned, for sin was our very nature, however, by one man’s cross grace abounds;

And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. Romans 5:16

By one man we received the gift of condemnation; a type, announcing that by Jesus we receive the free gift of justification from all our sins. As it was not fair in the case of Adam, even so it is not fair in the case of Christ. We rejoice over the bondage of sin today by the gift of justification through Christ.

May we sit and observe how we became sinners and receive holy anger to stand in the justification we have freely received from the grace of Christ that has come to us through his cross.

Confession

I am a child of God, a product of the resurrection life of Christ. By Christ I have come out of death and condemnation, and have received a justified life of glory.

I am crucified with Christ and raised up together with him, the person who could get sick, fail, and die died on the cross. Today I am seated with Christ in glory far above sickness and disease, poverty and lack, shame and unrest. I am free in Christ. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “What you see is a way of the Spirit. I have caused the hungry to move to the wilderness where I cause living waters to flow, where I turn dry grounds into water springs revealing my arm Strength.

You are where I have desired you to be, in this state, in this wilderness, I am causing pools of living waters to break forth.

Take your eyes off what you see and sow the fields, plant the seeds and receive fruits of increase. What you see is rather a revelation of my loving-kindness.

Child, I lead the hungry to dry places, and then I turn the dry grounds into springs of waters, bless and multiply them greatly. This is the mystery of encountering my blessing. Be wise, observe these things keenly and understand rather my love towards you.

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. Psalm 107:35-38, 43

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

God’s Grace in Romans

We saw from our last discussion that the love of the father surpasses understanding. Paul argued that, while we were enemies with God through our wicked works, He loved us enough to give his life in the presence of active sin, now that we are the sons of God; much more shall the life of Christ save us from sin, and also from the wrath to come.

Then the Apostle continues;

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12

He begins to explain here the condition of the world. The entire human race began with just a man. God created Adam and gave him the earth and we all came from just a single man. God created one man called Adam and from him all the generations of the earth have emerged.

Naturally, we all have one forefather, Adam. And when he chose to sin, he corrupted his nature of innocence, for he died the day he accepted sin into his life and consequently into this world.

Now as sons and daughters came forth from the seed of Adam, they all came forth with the corrupted sinful nature, “so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”

We all came forth from our mother’s wombs fashioned in sin. Our spiritual and natural genetic order formed after sin, the body completely dead in sin.

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5

So the apostle’s argument here is that, we are sinners by birth and not by commission. We inherited sin from Adam, and many who will not accept God’s remedy will go to hell whether they never believed they were sinners or not.

If they have lived all their lives comparing themselves among themselves, seeing themselves better than their neighbors thus blinding themselves with their own understanding of goodness, and holding on to religious beliefs without accepting a new spiritual ancestry, many will be surprised to burn in the fire on the last day.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10

There is a clear way out of sin. God has always loved man and has been relentlessly pursuing us. Many think the moment Adam sinned and took upon himself the sin nature, God just dumped him and began counting his sins against him, no beloved.

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Romans 5:13

Even though Adam and his sons now took upon themselves the sinful nature and accepted the decree of the father concerning eating the tree of knowledge of good and evil which was death, God did not immediately impute sins to men, an announcement of his true character of love.

For instance, Cain killed Abel and God protected and extended mercy to the first murderer (Ge 4:9-15). The above verse tells us clearly that it took 2000 years before God began imputing sin to man, for from Adam to the law was 2000 years.

But what about the days of Noah? What about Sodom and Gomorrah?

Remember, when God created the earth he gave man dominion, the right to exercise authority over the earth which man turned and handed over to Satan when he obeyed him (Romans 6:16.)

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16

So before the coming of the second Adam (Christ), no man had authority to cast out devils. This is why you will never find anywhere under the old testament where a demon was cast out. It was when Jesus came that he announced;

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. John 12:31

So for God to preserve a godly seed through which Christ would come, God out of love, in his plan to redeem the whole human race would cut off the nations possessed with pervasive spirits, homosexual devils and all sorts of unclean spirits Satan was using to corrupt God’s redemptive plan.

Since there was no one with the right to cast out a devil, God’s acts of judgment were rather acts of love to preserve for him an un-possessed or rather a godly lineage through which Christ would come and redeem us all.

So of a truth; “For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.”

However, when the law came and righteousness was demanded from men fashioned in sin, man’s desire to become like God through his strength was given an opportunity, but man’s goodness couldn’t measure up so the wrath of God was loosed over the sins of men.

But something happened. The son of God, found a godly woman from the seed of David, came forth through her, went to the cross and died redeeming us from the curse and bondage of the law, set us free to enjoy the undeserved, unearned, and unmerited favour of our God today.

When we receive the love of God by accepting his son Jesus, we enter God’s realm of no imputation of sin. This love the father has longed to pour out upon us from the beginning of the world.

Confession

Blessed Father, Thank you for the privilege you have given me to be born again into your family. I am born of God; I have left the ancestry of the curse of sin into the family of righteousness and glory.

I live in Zion where daily I enjoy grace upon grace, blessings upon blessings, one level of glory to the other. My body prospers in divine health, my soul enjoys divine peace and my spirit is consistently in communion with my father. Praise God for Jesus.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “I have your hand in mine, so do not fear; my hand of justice, power, victory, and salvation is drawing you up over the obstacles step by step. Everywhere you turn my helping hand is providing the victory. Only be strong and assured in my salvation.

All those that rise against you rise against me, shame and confusion is their portion, but I am your portion. All those that strive against you are altogether a vain thing, but you have I held close with my arm of strength. Saying to you, I am upholding you with the right hand of my righteousness, you will not fall but move from victory to victory.”

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing, and they that strive with thee shall perish. Isaiah 41:10-11

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

God’s Grace in Romans.

We saw from our last discussion the place of tribulation, patience, experience and hope in our walk with God. We saw that tribulation do not produce patience, but it exercises the fruit of patience already resident in the spirit of the believer. And while we are patient, we gain experience as we hope in the positive picture created by God’s word in our hearts which never disappoints because it is backed up by God’s love.
Then the apostle continues;

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

Observe carefully the language used in expressing God’s love in the verse above, “For when we were yet without strength” an expression of the total depravity of man. Completely held captive by the devil and were enemies with God through our wicked works.

Our lives were not ok and then Jesus came to spice up our lives. We were not good people on our best behaviour then Jesus came to make us better , but we were ungodly, dead in our sins and the uncircumcision of our hearts (Ephesians 2:2).

Then “in due time Christ died for the ungodly,” O’ the love of God, Christ our saviour died not for those who see themselves as good people, but for the weak and depraved sinners as I and you.

If we were somehow good before God’s eyes his death for us would somewhat be justifiable since we could say he died for us while we were loving and following his Will, however, it wasn’t so with us, yet he chose to lay down his life for the ungodly. This is why we hear;

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6

While we were yet cussing and blaspheming God, while we were yet profaning the counsel of God. While we were yet haters of God through our wicked works. While we were yet living in disobedience, God’s love kept on pursuing us.

God loved us enough to die for us while we were yet sinners, totally headed the opposite direction. Christ did not die for us because there was something good in us to deserve his mercy; however, God’s love chose not to impute our sins against but upon his son Christ Jesus.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2Corinthians 5:19

While the Roman soldiers stood mocking and the Jews blaspheming the prince of life, we hear him proclaim forgiveness, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

The apostle sat down and examined this love of God demonstrated in Christ and puts up and unchallengeable argument. That if God loved us enough to die for us while we were yet ungodly and directly expressing our dishonour of him through our wicked works..

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:8

The very thing that could have disqualified us from God’s goodness was our sins. Yet if in the presence of active sin the love of God could not be hindered, what else can separate us from the love of God?

If we were fighting against him but still yet his love prevailed “Much more then, being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him”

Observe carefully the means of our justification, being the blood and not our works. The only thing that justifies is the blood and if this is so, then we ought not to fear the coming wrath of God, for “we shall be saved from wrath through him” and not through our works.

This is a simple argument, that if someone died for you while you yet hated him, when you become his friend, he will show you greater love and not greater condemnation. So the apostle declares;

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:6

What qualified us to enjoy God’s wealth is the life of his son, what keeps us is the life of his son, and what will save us from the wrath to come is still the life of his son and nothing more, “we shall be saved by his life.”

What a loving assurance. Yet many of us are not assured absolutely in the love of God. It as though God loved us but the moment we became born again, God became unwarrantable toward every failure and more sensitive to judge when we now miss the mark.

No, never, beloved, God’s grace abounds on us much more now that we are no longer his enemies. At least, now we have accepted him as our father, this alone has satisfied his heart and all he longs to do is to rejoice over us with the heart of a loving father.

This doesn’t mean God won’t correct us; however, he does it in love, to keep us from evil and not to condemn the ones Christ died for. Because, of a truth, we are a joyful generation for through Christ we have received the atonement for our lifetime of sin.

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:11

Confession
Gracious father, I am blessed to have come to understand your heart of love toward me. Oh I am beloved of my father. Before I was formed in my mother’s womb you knew me, knew my sins and died for me before any of them came into being.

Now that I have received your forgiveness, much more does your grace abound toward me? Thank you father for daily your love and faithfulness supplies to me divine health, heavenly wealth, unquenchable peace, and unstoppable joy as I walk confidently in your presence.

Prophetic Insight
In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Do not think your labour has been in vain, do not think your God has left you unrewarded. Now is the acceptable time, as the seasons unveil, you will see my favour made manifest over you, Favour upon favour.

I have prepared you as a manifestation of my covenant, passed you through the furnace of fire to show forth my beauty. I have heard you dear one and I will help you, I have chosen you to make manifest my covenant of blessing to your family, nation and the world, to cause many to see my face and to receive their inheritance. People will see you and glorify your God.

Do not be afraid, I will preserve you. I will help you that they may know that I love you, that I am faithful and that I am the true and only God who will not forsake those that trust in him.”

Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; Isaiah 49:8

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans |Tribulation, Patience, and Hope |

We saw from our last discussion that being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By faith in the son of God, we have gained admission into God’s superabundant grace where we stand rejoicing in hope.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 5:3

What a statement “Glory in tribulations?” who rejoices in tribulations?

The apostle said this from a viewpoint of someone who had a sure foundation. Only those who have discovered that righteousness is not earned but only received by faith in Christ can rejoice amid troubles.

If our faith is in our performance for God, then when troubles come, we cannot rejoice for we would know in ourselves that we do not measure up to God’s standard.

Our faith will be in our efforts, thinking now that we have failed we are getting what we deserve. And the way out is to perfect our works so God can hear us again, a life of bondage and misery.

However, when you know you stand by and in the grace of God through faith, you are unshakable. You are secured in the righteousness of Christ on your behalf to produce the miracle desired.

You can beat your chest and declare “I know God loves me, and by Christ, this one too shall pass away.”

Then we hear “Knowing that tribulation worketh patience”

Many a time we have confused this statement for something disastrous. We have come to accept the error that tribulations produce patience, hence, God gives us troubles so that troubles can make us patient.

This is pivotal as many submit to Satan the author of their problems thinking God is the source of their attacks

The moment one accepts this reasoning he becomes passive and the enemy empowered. God is a good God. God does not create troubles to make us patient. The devil is the author of evil, (John 10:10) but every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17).

When we say this evil is from God then we have yielded to satan (Romans 6:16), and have not submitted to God, therefore, we cannot actively resist the devil (James 4:7)

Observe that the word used above for “worketh” does not mean to produce. It is from the Greek word “KATERGAZOMAI,” and it means “to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion” (Strong’s Concordance).

Paul does not say tribulations produce patience, but tribulations put patience to use. patience comes from the scriptures (Romans 15:4) and not from tribulations. In tribulations, we have an opportunity to exercise the grace of God in us through standing on his word which is a source of patience.

Bible patience is faith exercised over a prolonged period and not just to passively wait on God for something.

Thence we hear;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Romans 5:4

As tribulations tend to exercise patience, even so, patience exercises and increase the experience. When we have fought a battle and won we have gathered experience.

Now we can boast of the faithfulness of God, we have tasted his goodness, enjoyed his love and grace, we have seen his power amid our weaknesses, and how much he is willing to stoop low to carry us out our death.

Now we can sincerely be thankful and humble. And this experience puts to use “hope”
Now we have stood on the scriptures and have gained patience and experience, there is an image in our hearts through the word of God of what God can do, and this scriptural imagination is what is called “hope”

It comes when we see what God has done through the eyes of our hearts. It is the evidence of faith. Faith only produces what hope has seen (Hebrews 11:1).

This is why we hear:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5

Once we have the evidence in our hearts, once we have this biblical hope working in us, there’s no panicking, for faith has found a substance to bring into manifestation.

This is hope “maketh not ashamed” because through patience we have seen God come through, we have had an experiential knowledge of God through his love “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Confession

Father, I know you as a good God. You are not the source of the evils around me but the devil. You have not given me troubles to make me a better person rather afflictions come for the sake of your word.

I refuse to allow Satan to steal your word from my heart, I refuse to allow him to steal my joy. I am working in patience, hoping in your goodness continually.

I refuse to accommodate any form of weakness in my body, I refuse failure. I declare that I live and reign above them all in the mighty name of Jesus.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw as he said to a child of God “You have found favor in my eyes”

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52

“Dear Child, you have found favor in my eyes. It is my goodwill to give you the kingdom. By my favor, the heavens answer to you, and the hearts of men will respond to you dear child.

The King delights in you and has opened the doors of the kingdom of heaven and the kingdoms of the world to you. I am bringing you before kings, making you the joy of many generations as a demonstration of how much I have loved you.”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | By Faith We Have Peace With God |

We saw from our last discussion that Jesus died for us and upon his due satisfaction of divine justice, he was raised to life.

Then the apostle continues;

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 5:1

Objectively, faith does not justify any man. It is God that justifies. Faith only receives the justification procured by Christ.

Hence, subjectively, we are justified by faith and the results of our justification by faith are that “we have peace with God”

God has always loved man and has never changed his mind. When Adam fell, God did not altogether forsake man, but some obstacles came between God and man.

The throne of God is established with the scepter of righteousness, and upon man’s decision to choose unrighteousness, divine justice and the law of God now stood between God’s love for man.

On the part of man, sin, rebellion, and guilt stood right between him and God. Condemnation and the fear of God’s wrath removed peace from our hearts.

Then one day we heard the good news declared by the heavenly host;

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14

At first glance, I thought the angels pronounced peace on earth, therefore, no more wars and rumors of wars. Families enjoying on every side, however, Jesus said the opposite of that.

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

So what then were the angels declaring at the birth of Jesus?

It was that divine justice would now be satisfied by the savior and God’s “good will towards men” would be realized. The obstacles that stood between God’s love and man are now removed. God and man are no longer enemies.

On the side of man, the sins that separated him from a holy God, his inability to fulfill the law of righteousness will be removed. Sins taken out and righteousness given to him as a gift “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:“

The only place the believer can experience the peace of God is through faith in what Christ has done. Before we are saved, we cannot please God. And after we are saved, it is still the same. We please God only by faith (Hebrews 11:6). We are to continue the same way we came in (Colossians 2:6).

Sadly, many of us have begun in the Spirit but are now seeking to be made perfect by the flesh which is why there is no peace in our hearts.

You cannot perform enough to be accepted by God, you can only rest in what Christ has done and receive the blessings of God in his peace. Christianity becomes awesome when we believe and walk in this truth.

For we hear;

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

What gives us access to the riches of God’s grace is faith. The word used above for access is from the Greek word ‘prosagoge’ which means ‘admission’ (Strong’s Concordance).

By faith, we gain admission into God’s unconditional and inexhaustible grace. By faith, we stand in God’s wealth free of charge.

When we stand here we ” rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” A lot of us only rejoice when our outward circumstances look pleasing. When things go the way we have desired we praise God and are joyful.

Then something goes wrong, all of sudden we are angry at God and bitter in our hearts. We start asking God to give us joy as though he took it away. What changed was our focus. By faith, we consistently stand in the grace of God.

And because of this faith in his grace, we have hope and we rejoice continually for this good news never changes. Since we stand in his grace, whatsoever comes against us the favor of God swallows it up and gives us the victory. Hallelujah!

Confession

Heavenly Father, blessed be your name for coming after me. You have leveled mountains, broken through all barriers just to reduce a sinner like me.

Today by faith in your love through Christ I have received peace with you. I stand today in the riches of your grace. I stand in divine health, full of life, joy, and prosperity. My life is a manifestation of your glory. Praise Jesus!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a ceremonial feast and I heard the Lord say “I have now given you the promise”

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he is lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Galatians 4:1-2

As I sat with the Lord, I heard “Dear Child, this is the appointed time, this is the time for the manifestation of the promise. I have now given you the promise, so do not be afraid.

The doors that have refused to open in the past will now open, for before this time, I was still preparing you for your inheritance.

Walk in your authority and see things change, I have given you charge over your inheritance. This is the time of my glorious will being fulfilled in your life. “

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | His Resurrection Our Justification |

We saw from our last discussion that the Abrahamic hope which produces results is that which is received from the word of God and not just a mere wish for things. That Abraham was fully persuaded that what God spoke he was able to perform.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Romans 4:22

Observe carefully the word “therefore” from the above verse signifying conclusion drawn from the preceding discussion.

In context, prior to this conclusion, God made a promise to a man — who was completely unqualified, his body dead and that of his wife — yet he believed in the righteousness of God.

He believed that God who spoke was gracious, kind and merciful, self-sufficient and overwhelmingly powerful to do what he had promised, and God said, for putting faith in my goodness, faithfulness, righteousness and power, I declare you righteous even though you are unqualified.

This is how Abraham was accepted as a righteous man before God. His persuasion didn’t come from anything but in the abilities of God.

He only exercised unqualified faith in who God is and what he was able to do irrespective of his physical wretchedness. And God was so pleased with Abraham and called him his friend.

Then we hear:

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; Romans 4:23

This great work of God in the life of Abraham was a pattern for all. God does not respect persons (Romans 2:11). If he accepted Abraham only by faith then all men are justified by faith alone and not by their works.

For we hear;

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Romans 4:24

Just as with Abraham, once we believe in Christ righteousness is credited to our accounts despite our insufficiencies.

Many of us have not realized that we are dead outside of Christ therefore we are trying with all we can to perform so we can be justified by our performance.

The story of Abraham gives us a powerful picture of our condition before God, he was dead in his body, we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1).

The target of our faith is to believe that as God raised Abraham’s body from the dead through faith, even so by our faith in Christ God imputes righteousness to us and raises us up to enjoy the righteousness of Christ.

He has already accomplished our salvation. Our sins, our death he paid the price with his body and life. And it’s very shocking to hear what the next verse says…

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:25

Observe carefully this statement “and was raised again for our justification”.

Jesus died for our offences and upon full satisfaction of the penalty and the requirements for our righteousness he was authorized by God to be raised from the dead.

This means without full satisfaction of divine justice he wouldn’t have been raised to glory. And if we were not declared righteous by his work he wouldn’t have been glorified.

“who was betrayed and crucified because of our sins, and was raised [from the dead] because of our justification [our acquittal—absolving us of all sin before God].” — Rom 4:25 AMP

That he is raised to life today is because all requirements for our justification are met. The justice of God is completely satisfied and we were — already declared righteous before he was raised to life.

To know that the reason why Christ is alive in glory today is because we are already justified, declared righteous before God overwhelms my heart with joy. It reveals how much God loves and values us.

Confession

My heavenly Father loves me. I’m loved and valued. I am worth the death of the prince of life, the king of kings, the son of God because God loves me.

Today I am justified. All my offences, sicknesses, and sorrows were carried upon the body of my saviour.

I have passed from death to life, from sickness to health, from sin to righteousness, from poverty to wealth, for I dwell in Christ. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Hear me child, my definition of success is different from the world. Many measure success by the abundance of things but I see success as relationship with me and doing what I ask you to do.

As long as you follow me, you are in the blessing, and I am with you in all you do, hence, you are a prosperous child.

You have a different destination, your forwardness may look slow but it’s because you are on a different course of life, therefore, be content, for I am well pleased with you.”

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man, and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Genesis 39:2

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | True Hope |

We saw from our last discussion the creative power of God’s word in Abraham’s life when he told him I have made you a father of many nations. Abraham believed in a God who calls those things that be not as though they were because what God speaks becomes reality.

Then the apostle continues;

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Romans 4:18

When God made a promise to Abraham, there was nothing physically possible within his power to assist him in bringing forth the promise. His body was literary dead and Sarah’s womb dead too.

All that God spoke to him was “against hope.” Against all rational grounds of hope. Without supernatural aid, it was a tale to laugh at, which at difficult times he and his wife did (Genesis 17:17, 18:12).

But something is resounding “Who against hope believed in hope.” Where there is no hope, how do you still believe in hope?

This is a supernatural kind of hope. Only God can give this kind of hope. I often meet a lot of people who say I hoping that this would be and that would happen and right behind their eyes I only see a wish.

Many times they are not persuaded it will happen or they are persuaded it would happen but it’s just a mere desire.

This kind of hope against all hope, where your condition looks outwardly dead and hopeless but you are completely convinced change is on the way can only come from heaven.

How do you receive this kind of hope?

We hear;

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4

Observe this statement “through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Biblical hope comes from the word of God. The scriptures are given to us with thousands of promises to provide comfort, patience, and hope.

If Abraham was just wishing that maybe he would have a son through Sarah, if he was just saying that this person has it so I too will have mine, he never would have had comfort, patience, and this supernatural hope.

He exercised a divine kind of hope which comes through the word of God even as we hear “according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.”

Our hope must be according to that which is spoken by the Lord to us, if not it is just a mere wish. God’s word is the only source of genuine hope. A hope that never fails (Romans 5:1—5)

Then we hear:

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: Romans 4:19

Once he heard from God nothing could stop his persuasion. Once we receive a word from the Lord we ought not to consider anything other than the power of God to do that which he has spoken.

Our God is the God of the impossible. There is nothing too hard for our father. So, our eyes, heart, and hope must be fixed on the word even as…

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Romans 4:20-21

It’s amazing what Abraham did “giving glory to God; ” Imagine Abraham going about giving God glory, declaring God’s goodness that he was a father of many nations when his body was dead and Sarah’s womb also dead. Many today think it’s foolishness and mere blabbing.

True faith speaks (2 Corinthians 4:13). Confessing what God says about you even when you have not seen it yet is giving God glory, saying the same thing with God, and accepting or receiving the manifestation.

Confession

Father, I thank you for your word. In your word are precious promises laid up for me as a partaker of the riches of Christ.

I declare that the word is giving me hope, comfort, and patience. I am persuaded that I am blessed with all spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ.

All these blessings come upon me and the manifestation overtakes me in Jesus’ name. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Dear Child, look not to your insufficiency, don’t be dismayed by your need. I am not limited to your emptiness, neither am I to your performance.

It’s all about my love and will to bless you. Look away from yourself and trust my love, power, and faithfulness to perform my word.

It may look worthless but trust me, I am faithful, I will not fail you.”

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

God’s Grace in Romans | Creating Reality By The Word |

We saw from our last discussion that the law releases the wrath of God, for where there is no law, there is no transgression. That today we are redeemed from the curse of the law by the death of Christ where our hearts are assured for the blessing only in his grace.

Then the apostle continues;

(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17

When God made Abraham the father of all nations, all Abraham did was to believe that God had the power to raise the dead because his circumstances were directly opposite.

This is key in receiving from God, for where faith is there is no sight. Faith and sight are antagonistic.

God told Abraham, “I have made thee a father of many nations,” changed his name from Abram “high father” to Abraham “father of a multitude,” one year before the birth of Isaac.

God spoke in the past tense “I have made,” and it took one year before Abraham saw the manifestation. Abraham knew a God that “calleth those things which be not as though they were”

God creates through words. However, We are told in Mark 4:26-29 that the word is a seed.

When God spoke the word, all Abraham did was to receive the seed of God’s word into his body, the sown seed grew, produced strength and vitality in his body, quickened the womb of Sarah, and produced Isaac.

All these took time to accomplish. It took a year when his name was changed from Abram to Abraham before the child came forth. This is the process of change.

The word of God carries the creative power of God. It does not look to external things to create a reality. The word is the life source of all things.

This is why God calls the things that be not as though they were because his word creates the reality he speaks.

Today that same power is given to us in Christ Jesus. It does not matter what things are dead in Our lives, what matters is the word which has the creative ability of God to recreate our circumstances.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

The same way God desired Isaac, he sowed his word in Abraham and Sarah to produce the life he desired, even so in Christ Jesus we have the power of life and death right in our tongues (1Corinthians 3:21-23.)

There are thousands of seeds in God’s word, seeds of health, wealth, peace, joy, and every kind of prosperity.

All we need do is go to the word, take a promise that concerns our need, sow in our heart, meditate upon it until it germinates, in other words until it becomes real to you, then leave it there for some time, give it time to grow and produce the change you desire.

This is a law of how the kingdom works (Mark 4:26-29). Miracles are an exception where, because of God’s love, he compresses time to save us from immediate ruin. But apart from that, this is a rule of how the kingdom works.

It does not matter your situation, God does not use external things, God creates by the word. You have the word of life in your tongue, you can sow It and receive your desired harvest.

For instance, if you are sick, the word of God tells us;

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

By the stripes of Jesus we are already healed (1Peter 2:24). I bet many of us today are familiar with these scriptures, however, there is a difference between knowing about an apple and planting it in your garden.

The apple you know won’t produce fruits for you, it is the apple you sow in your garden that will grow and produce fruits for you. Many of us know that God can heal, but we don’t believe that he has already healed us personally. We haven’t sown the word in our hearts.

God sowed a seed in the garden of Abram’s heart, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham (the fulfillment of the word), and Abraham believed and went about calling himself the father of all nations one year before he even saw the manifestation.

You take God’s word concerning your life, you sow it in your heart, believe you have received the healing or breakthrough, and watch as God’s word grows and produces the results.

Confession

Father, blessed be your name for all you have done for me in Christ. You call me the forgiven, righteous, healed, prosperous, highly favored, deeply loved, and greatly blessed in Christ.

My circumstances may not look like it yet, but I believe your word. I refuse every negative evidence according to my senses.

I declare I have passed from death to life, from sickness to health, from poverty to prosperity, from depression to joy, from weakness to the power of God.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Pay close attention to the rhythm of your walk with me so far and see the progress I have given you my child.

Recount the victories and see how I have led you progressively right from the beginning. I have NOT and will NEVER leave you helpless.

What you have not seen is that I am giving you the inheritance little by little as you mature in me lest the blessing becomes a curse to you.”

And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee. Deuteronomy 7:22

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church