Living Hill Christian Church

Prophetic Teaching & Prophecy
May 17, 2021

Discovering Christ In Ephesians

We saw from our last discussion that as God has freely, fully and liberally forgiven us, so are we to forgive a brother that errs against us.

Then we heard the apostle continue;

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; Ephesians 5:1

Observe carefully the word “therefore” in the above verse, a connection to the previous chapter opening up a conclusion drawn from that discussion.

The subject of the previous verse was an admonition for us to walk in the spirit of love and kindness, forgiving our offenders in the same manner God for Christ sake has forgiven us. Then we hear ”be ye therefore followers of God.”

The Greek word used above for followers is the word mimētēs and it means an imitator (Strong’s G3402).

This is far beyond just being a friend of God, far beyond just following, but an active participation in whatsoever the father does.

God is a loving father, full of grace and compassion. Because of who he is, he does what he does. God cannot help but be good, for he is Good. because he is love, he loves and changes not.

As beneficiaries of the life of Christ, we are to be imitators of our father, doing only those things we see him do.

Not so we can become forgiven, not so we can become children of God but “as dear children “

Then the apostle continues;

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:2

“And walk in love,” let all your deportment and conversations be that which becomes a child with the spirit of love.

This is what it means to walk in the spirit, and it is the key to opening the door to hearing God’s voice in our hearts. God is love and when we walk in love, we are walking in the Spirit.

“as Christ also hath loved us.” You see, today the Christian walk is just to ask ‘how does God treat me?’ once we find the answer, therein lies our manner of conduct.

So how does God treats us?

we hear “and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

What speaks for us is the sacrificial life of Christ, a sweet smelling savour before the Almighty. God treats our faults, sorrows and griefs by the sacrifice of himself.

The value he has placed on us is nothing less than his own very life. Don’t be deceived, you are valued, you are worth the life of God.

Then the apostle continues;

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Ephesians 5:3

Observe carefully the last statement “as becometh saints,“ not so we could be saints.

The Greek word used here for saints is the word hagios and it means to be sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious ceremonially consecrated) (Strong’s G40).

I have picked this out because most times we often pick little statements out of context and make whole false doctrines.

Fornication, all uncleanness, covetousness, all these odious and abominable vices are not to be mentioned amongst us because we are sacred, a people purified by the blood of Jesus. Not so we could become saints, and not so we could be admitted into heaven.

Observe these following verses and notice the last statement;

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:4-6

The last statement is often used to put believers in bondage to the fear of a religious angry god, “for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”

It does not say the wrath of God comes upon “dear children” or “saints” as we have being observing in context, but upon the children of disobedience.

We are not the children of disobedience, for we have obeyed the gospel which has made us the children of God. All these fruits are not the fruit of our Spirit and this is why we are told;

Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Ephesians 5:7

We are not to be partakers of these lowest and debasing vices because we are now a holy nation, a peculiar people. A people created with the life and nature of God. We have left that common manner of life, and even so are we told;

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Ephesians 5:8

A perfect admonition by the apostle. This is how to admonish believers without condemnation. Those are things of our past life, a believer is not to labeled with a sinner’s identity.

We are already light, already children of the Almighty, already seated with Christ in the heavenly.

We used to be darkness, but are now light in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are to walk as children of light, and not as those who are still under the wrath of God.

Confession

Good Lord, father of lights, blessed be your name. I am a Child of a loving God, born out of God’s love, a seed of love. I declare I have the ability in Christ to be a living imitation of my father.

As I see my father work, even so I do, for I am a sacred being, a holy vessel, recreated in Christ Jesus unto good works.

My life is a manifestation of the nature of Christ. I proclaim, the life of Christ is made manifest in my spirit, soul and body, producing health, vitality, godly conduct, prosperity and peace.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Why are you overwhelmed? why have you begun to give in to what your eyes are seeing?

Have you forgotten I began this good work in you? Do not be self centered, look at the lives that are tied to what you are doing. Many have faith that I am with you, even as I have counted you faithful.

There is nothing behind you. It is just an imagination I have not given reality to. Do not be deceived, you have lost nothing, you will lose nothing, for in loosing your life in this, you will find my life.

Be content but hopeful, be patient in your trials, stand strong in faith, for the Spirit of glory is upon you.”

“Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?” 2 Corinthians 10:7a

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1 Timothy 1:12

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.1 Peter 4:13-14

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

Prophetic Teaching & Prophecy
May 10, 2021

Discovering Christ In Ephesians

We saw from our last discussion that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, owned and vacuum packed, authenticated, secured until the coming of the Lord, thus, knowing what has been wrought in us we ought not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

The statement “And be ye kind one to another” admonishes the believer to be affable, mild, good, courteous, polite, toward the members of the Christian brotherhood.

A truly reformed soul is benignant. True Christianity produces courteousness. There is no true religion in rudeness, hatred, stiffness, repulsiveness or misanthropic temper, but the courtesy of a genuine Christian is renovated by philanthropy.

So we are admonished to treat everyone with kindness, being “tenderhearted,” which is opposed to being hardhearted. We are to show compassion and pity toward an erring brethren, we are to be close at hand to them that are needy not putting on a censorious spirit, but bearing with them that are weak and overtaken.

Then we hear ‘‘forgiving one another.” If the apostle had ended his admonition here it would have been pretty good. But he goes on to explain the manner or model to which we are to forgive one another.

We hear “forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

If we are to forgive one another even as God forgave us, then the question is this, how did God forgive us?

First, God forgave us FREELY: There was no merit on our side for God to forgive us. There was nothing we could do to deserve or earn his forgiveness. God did not even wait for us to repent or tender an apology before forgiving us, but we hear,

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God was not waiting for an apology from us before he would forgive us. We were still blaspheming God, while we were still cursing and chewing, God loved us so much as to give his own very life for the very one who was at enmity with him.

This is where we don’t see most times. When we are offended, we feel those that offend us are under obligation to ask us for forgiveness before we would forgive.

We entrap our hearts in bitterness, praying things shouldn’t go on well with them so they can return and apologize to us so we can be loosed from our bondage of unforgiveness.

This is not so with the God-kind of love. God has forgiven the entire world, the only thing left to do is to receive the forgiveness made available by the cross of Christ. This is the manner we are to forgive, we are not to sit back in bitterness waiting for an apology.

If we are given an apology, praise God, but it is not a basis for forgiveness.

Second, God forgave us FULLY: God did not pick and choose which sins to forgive. He has forgiven us all our offences, past, present and future by the one time death of his son. All our trespasses are forgiven not minding the magnitude. Our innumerable sins are Liberally forgiven. Even so are we to forgive.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Colossians 2:13

Third, God did not forgive us for our sakes, He loved us but forgave us for the SAKE OF CHRIST. This is why his forgiveness is unwavering and eternal. Even so are we to forgive.

Whenever we offend, he looks at the sacrifice of Christ and for Christ’s sake, his forgiveness flows to us.

How good or bad people are aren’t the basis for us forgiving them. When it comes to forgiving those that err against us, they are totally obliterated.

It is only left for us to say the sacrifice of Christ does not suffice our forgiving them.

You see, the wages of sin is death, if we can pay for the least of our sins, then we are qualified to be unforgiving towards others, but if we dare not go to the cross for our sins, then we are to reserve unqualified forgiveness to all those that err against us.

Confession.

Blessed Lord, thank you for this gift of forgiveness of sins. The vicarious death and victorious resurrection of Christ has procured for me the free, full and liberal forgiveness of sins from my Holy God.

As a partaker of the nature of God, having a heart of flesh and a new Spirit, the love of God is flowing from my heart and releasing forgiveness to all those that err against me.

I have tender heart, a compassionate Spirit, disposed to love, kindness, and longsuffering. I walk in love and forgiveness, overcoming evil with the goodness of Christ. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight.

In an encounter of the Lord I heard “Do not be weary, though you see your faith as being weak, it is mighty in my sight. Your little labours are producing sounds of glory in heaven.

Do not faint in the good work I have placed in your heart to do. Do not give in to vain reasonings, you will not be mocked, your season of harvest will surely come”

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

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

Prophetic Teaching & Prophecy
4 May, 2021

Discovering Christ In Ephesians

We saw from our last discussion that Christian’s are to labour, not just to meet their needs, but the main object is to give to him that is in need.

Then we hear the apostle continue,

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

Observe the statement “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,” the word translated for grieve here is the Greek word lupeō which means to distress, to be sad (Strong’s G3076)

This does not literally mean the Holy Spirit is always in a mood swing in us, as we sometimes do not do things the way he would have us do. Not that he is literary pained at our going astray as though he is so fragile and can be heart broken.

The Holy Spirit is the power and fire of God. He is the eternal and all powerful being. Thus this statement is made to relate to our human minds our relationship with him; the same way a friend feels sorrowful when evil is done against him, same way we should view all ungodly conducts as making the Holy one grieve.

Whatsoever the Holy Spirit does not brook or put up with is viewed as grieving the Holy Spirit. This statement is made to bring to our recognition the need for intimate relationship with the Spirit.

They way many have viewed this scripture for long is as though we are the ones protecting the Holy Spirit. They make it look as if the Holy Spirit is so fragile like a new born baby we must daily be fighting to protect. This is not what is meant as stated further “whereby ye are sealed”

The Spirit is rather the one who has sealed us. The word translated for seal here is the Greek Word sphragizo indicating ownership, authentication, permanency, security and destination ( Strong’s G4972, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.)

We are not trying to secure the Holy Spirit, we are not trying to own him, he has secured us, we are vacuum packed by the Holy Spirit.

We have also misunderstood this statement, many say when we grieve the Holy Spirit he leaves us. So don’t grieve him, when you grieve him he leaves. This is what I was taught in my early Christian life. All these teachings do not match scripture, they are just additions to God’s word.

It does not say grieve not the Holy Spirit of God who if you do will leave you, but we hear, “whereby ye are sealed” and for how long? “unto the day of redemption “

We are sealed; permanently owned, authenticated, secured, and the destination is unto the day of the redemption of our purchased bodies. Until Christ comes back to redeem us from this earthly tabernacles, the Holy Spirit is the one securing us.

Now this is it, not grieving the Holy Spirit is an act of gratitude for all the Lord has done for us. Without the seal, there never would have been a way for us to be kept sacred, secured, and authenticated for heaven and all the blessings of God.

He is the pledge, the foretaste, the guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14).

To indulge in conducts that would bring displeasure to the Holy One is to show contempt for what the Lord has done. It is to devalue the work of God for and in you. This is ingratitude.

Now you may ask, how do I avoid grieving the Holy Spirit?

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians 4:31

These are but a few. The Holy Spirit loves to rejoice over you. Seek to know him and enjoy deep intimacy with him. His is the custodian of the deep secrets of God. He is our father, friend, lover, protector, and guide.

Confession.

Father I thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, I am not an orphan, I am not alone. I have a comforter, one who is called to my side, the one you have given to be with me even forever, the Holy Spirit.

I pour out my gratitude to you for this unspeakable gift. I obtain grace from your throne to live a lifestyle most pleasing to the Holy Spirit. I distance my thoughts and actions from anything that would make it look as though I devalue your gift to me.

I ask for a deeper revelation of the Holy Spirit that will deepen my relationship with him. Thank you blessed Lord for always hearing me, in Jesus’ name Amen!

Prophetic Insight.
In an encounter of the Lord, I heard “Do not go back on my word, My word is truth and not your circumstance. Do not give in to despair, rise up and rejoice!

Do not live your life on your experience, but on my word. Hold on to my word despite what you see.

Just a few days ago your heart saw and you were rejoicing in my promise. What your heart believed and was glad for, you shall have.

Reject the pressure, for it has come because of my promise. Persevere! Reject despondency, stay in hope. For you will surely testify of my goodness.”

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 2 Corinthians 5:7

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 13:21

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

Prophetic Teaching & Prophecy
April 26, 2021

Discovering Christ In Ephesians

We saw from our last discussion that we are not to allow anger have it’s way in our lives, for it opens the door for the enemy to attack our lives.

Then we hear the apostle continue:

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Ephesians 4:28

Theft, a universal pagan vice for self-aggrandization. The unbelieving world is a place everyone is out to please the flesh, self-comfort is a trigger toward procuring earthly good.

But as for us, we are a Christ generation, a selfless people who ought to put away pilfering. Then we hear something very important “but rather let him labour”

Christianity is a religion that promotes industry. It is intended that evey Christian have some means of support, a calling, business or profession and not to be lazy.

Our Lord Jesus was a carpenter, Paul a tent maker. There is no disgrace in labour. There is no shame in making a shoe, constructing a house or making a tent.

It has been said that it is very hard to see a lazy man accept Christianity, but when he does, he seizes to be lazy and becomes industrious as the Christian religion begins to transform his mind.

Then we hear “working with his hands the thing which is good”

The kind of work we are to be engaged in is here specified “that which is good”

Whatsoever will not help a man on his way to heaven ought not to be ventured into by a child of God.

A shoemaker provides shoes to warm the feet and to protect from bruises. This is good and helpful to man on his way to heaven.

The vendor of intoxicating drink helps no man but aids men on their way to hell. We are to avoid whatsoever is injurious to man, but to work that which is good.

But why? “That he may have to give him that needeth”

This defies the mentality of our former animal nature. Where we were inclined to working so we could meet our needs, we are here admonished that the reason we are to labour is to meet the needs of others.

We are to look beyond ourselves to seeking the well being of others. This doesn’t mean we are not to support ourselves, but a truly transformed Christian has committed the keeping of himself to Christ and is out to lay down his life for others.

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

Again observe;

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren, But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:16-17

Wrong teachings make Christianity all about personal comfort. Christ the author of our faith lived and died for others. The apostles who are the pillars of the church all died for others. It is very irritating the kind of Christianity been practised today.

If you would keenly observe a lot of things that many are depressed about today, a huge percentage is all about self-comfort.

Are you labouring just so you could meet the needs of others or its all about me, myself and I?

Oh beloved, we are a transformed people, we are dead to that old animal nature. We are to live unto God and others.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

Unwholesome talk, that which is corrupt, an obscene and filthy conversation is what prevails in the pagan world.

But since we have come out of that putrefied world, let our conversion be that which becomes the God-kind creation.

Words are powerful, they can give life or produce death. Our words ought to build people up to take on their inheritance. And the words that build are here specified, words that “minister grace” to our hearers.

Words that minister the unconditional love of God. Words that minister the free favour of God upon the unqualified.

Confession.
Loving father I thank you for the beauties of Christ upon my life. As an heir of Christ, an heir of the authority in the name of Jesus. I take charge over my life. I speak divine alignment to every course of my life.

I speak o every system in my being, to my spirit, soul and body I command all things in my life to respond and align to the good, accepted and perfect will of God for me in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight.
In an encounter of the Lord, I heard “I am releasing a wisdom that will cause you to build beyond what you have expected. Where you have been weary there is a strength coming upon you that will cause you attain heights in me that will announce my blessings upon your life.

It’s not about the standard of the world, its not about what they think should be, but what I know is good for you my child.

Stand strong! The foundation of your life has been strengthened through this, and I AM now giving you the wisdom, knowledge and understanding needed for the establishment of my promises over your life.

Your life is a house I have always desired to show forth my glory. As you continue to follow my leadings, staying faithful and looking to my grace, what I have prepared will soon be made manifest.”

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4

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

Prophetic Teaching & Prophecy
19 April, 2021

Discovering Christ In Ephesians

We saw from our last discussion that we are now in Christ. Created righteous and truly holy. We are to wear who we are in our consciousness and walk in righteousness and holiness as a manifestation of our nature.

Then the apostle continues;

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25

This is stressed in this chapter because he who was once a liar, even after conversion would be tempted to fall back into that lifestyle except his mind is renewed to who he now is.

Since we have put away the old man, since we have put off our former conversation, an old way of living, we are here admonished that from the righteousness of the new man, let truth flow and let falsehood be kept aside.

We are to “speak every man truth with his neighborhour,” but why should we speak truth to each other?

We hear “for we are members of one another.”

The reason is not for us to do so we could become partakers of Christ, but because we already are members of one body, even the body of Christ. This is pivotal as many of us have been taught the other way round.

We are brought up with a mentality of works-salvation where we do things to earn a blessing from God, but knowing who we are in Christ changes everything.

Falsehood tends to loosen the bonds of brotherhood. When we were pagans, this was a universal lifestyle amongst us. But today, when we lie to another, we lie to ourselves, we rather put a hindrance to the growth of our own kingdom, even the growth of our own spiritual body.

The same way the members of our body do count on each other, the eye never thinking the hand will deceive it, neither does the hand think otherwise, so are we to maintain harmony and spiritual confidence among ourselves.

Then we hear;

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4:26

There is a godly anger and an ungodly anger. Anger against sin is godly, against spiritual things is sinful and ungodly.

Anger dwells even in God as we can see from his displeasure against sin, emptying his wrath upon his own son on the cross for all our sins.

We also know it dwelt in Christ, as he uttered woes to cities that rejected him, as he made a whip and dislodged the money changers in the temple. God’s kind of anger is holy anger.

You see, anger is a common trait in us. When an accident happens or when something negative we do not plan for happens, anger is excited in us. It could be toward self defence, attack or revenge.

When these emotions are excited and we deal with the resultant effect, we have destroyed the sin in the anger. But when we allow it to have it’s effects, the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.

Harbouring the seeds of a negatively excited emotion over a long period of time is strife that develops strongholds, and opens the door for every evil work.

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James 3:16

This is why we must guard our heart against anger. In fact we are told “let not the sun go down upon your wrath,” do not allow it to take root is what is meant here.

The devil easily gains entrance into our lives to destroy our bodies, cause depression, destroy beautiful relationships that would have excelled if governed by forgiveness, when he lays unnecessary burdens upon our hearts. This is why we hear the admonition;

Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27

It costs more to walk in anger than to forgive. I am yet to see a Christian that would love the mission of the devil to be fulfilled in his or her life (to kill, steal, and destroy).

Don’t rent the devil space in your life through anger or vengeance. Leave vengeance to God. There are tremendous benefits when we show mercy. Our spirit, soul and body experiences the peace and goodness of God.

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. Proverbs 11:17

May we walk in love, enjoy God’s peace and keep the devil out of our lives.

Confession.

Glorious father, blessed be your name. Thank you for making me a fruit of Christ’s resurrection. A product of divine excellence. The Life of Jesus was given for me to live full of health, honour, power and excellence.

I am Child of light. I walk in Truth. I walk in love. I walk in divine wisdom. I am not a sinner trying to do righteous works, but I am righteous and good works are flowing out of God’s righteousness in me. I Am victorious over Satan, sin, sickness and disease. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight.

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw a child of God who has been faithful in stewarding the word of God over this one’s life despite what looked like a hopeless situation.

I saw the Lord appear and spoke this word “because you have been faithful in the midst of trials, I have given you all the resources you need”

When I heard this I was surrounded with awe and a satisfaction came over me which seemed like the door of a long awaited expectation is now thrown open in the spirit by the Lord.

Then further, I saw the Lord restoring things in the lives of many, things were coming back to life and in the midst of the shock in the hearts God’s people, since many had become weary not knowing God’s heart toward them, I heard him say “I AM doing this so you will know I am your father”

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:20

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