Grace Kingdom Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans – Revitalized by the Spirit

We saw in our last discussion that, our reality is produced by the power of our minds; if our minds are stayed upon the truth of God’s word we will produce the life therein, but if our mind is carnal, then it is absent from God’s will, therefore, will produce death.

Even So the apostle continues;

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8

A man without the spirit cannot please God. Faith is a fruit of the Spirit, it is not found in the power of the flesh but in dependence on the Spirit of God.

They that worship God in the flesh without the Spirit cannot please him. This is the huge difference the Christian religion holds with others.

We contact God spirit to spirit and mere observance of fleshly rudiments doesn’t come close to pleasing God. We please God by faith and faith is a fruit of the Spirit of God in a man.

For we hear the apostle explain this huge difference;

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9

Paul explains here very clearly what it means to be in the flesh and to be in the Spirit. The Spirit of God in a man is the difference.

Every born again child of God is in the Spirit and all unbelievers are in the flesh, hence, they can’t please God.

There’s only one way to God and that way is Christ dwelling in a man through his Spirit. Those religions that problem we are also God’s children but reject Christ “are none of his.”

Although the believer cannot be in the flesh, he can go after the flesh. This is why Paul here explains the core difference. We can be tempted and may go carnal; however, we cannot live therein any longer. We are dead to the nature of sin and alive to God through his spirit in us.

Again observe this statement carefully “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

This means that having the Spirit of Christ in a man is what defines our faith, it is not that we believe that one day Christ will come and live in us, No, he lives in us right now and if he is not in you then you are not a child of God.

But if he is in you then we a hear;

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Romans 8:10

This is not a maybe or maybe not issue, this is absolutely none negotiable; Christ must be in you right now and if he is you then you are born again, and if you are, then, though the effect of the sin nature was that your flesh died, it became weak, sick and irresponsive to God.

Now the impact of the new nature is that the Spirit is presently the life of the flesh because he is a righteous spirit.

What destroyed the body was the old sinful nature – what revives the body is the new righteous nature; the spirit of Christ in us.

Just like if someone has cancer and the effect was that body parts are chopped off. Even though the cancer maybe gone, the effects will still be there, the parts chopped off will not be there.

Even so the old nature, though gone, has left its effects, but we have hope, the new spirit is now the life of our flesh.

And so we hear the apostle explain more;

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11

The apostle here compels us with a powerful picture of Christ’s resurrection. That the same way the Lord’s Spirit came back and entered his body, destroying death and every consequence, any one that has received the Spirit of Christ is revitalized. The Holy Spirit has vitalized our death doomed bodies.

Observe how we have followed this present reality in context; it does not talk of the future but a present experience. Observe again this statement “his Spirit that dwelleth in you” not shall dwell in you.

If you are born again then he dwells in you and as you believe this word and start confessing the reality in your life, you will receive this full quickening into your soul and body and the depressive and suicidal thoughts, the weaknesses and sicknesses, the curse of death will be broken over you.

You will experience the resurrection power of God transforming your body for Christ is a life giving Spirit.

Confession

Thank you heavenly Father for the blessedness of making me a partaker of the Spirit of Christ, in Christ, my body is revitalized.

The curse of death is broken and the Law of the Spirit of life is at work in my members. I refuse to be sick and I refuse to die.

I experience the incorruptible life of Christ in all my members. I am strong and healthy walking in the health and wealth of Christ. Glory to God!

Prophetic Insight

As many sons are pushing forward to enter into this great door of authority, power and wealth, the warfare is strong.

I saw adversaries pressing in on the Lord’s soldiers but I heard a chant of victory in the Spirit as these ones began to proclaim the victors’ declaration “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.”

As I saw this, victory broke out I heard the Lord Say “Dear one, I have not given you over to death, I have only allowed you to be refined to work the works of your God.

This is the moment of your deliverance. Take your liberty and rise.

Don’t be discouraged, you are entering and shall show forth my mighty deeds to your generation”

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: Psalms 118:17-19

Blessings in Christ;
~Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans – The Power of Your Mind

We saw in our last discussion that the righteousness of the law is fulfilled by Christ and deposited in us as a Free Gift, today; we are qualified to partake of the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:4

They that go after carnal things have their minds set on physical or fleshly things. The word translated above for flesh is the Greek word SARX and it means flesh as stripped of the skin, the meat of an animal, a symbol of external things etc… (Strong’s G4561).

You see, I admit that to go after the flesh also means to indulge in sinful acts, however, it is not just limited to that in this context: to be fleshly minded means to set your mind on external things.

For example, we learnt in the preceding verse (4) that the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us.

However, if you go out there and find yourself missing the mark, maybe saying what you ought not to have said, the mind that is carnal will argue that ‘if I am righteous then why am I still failing?’

How can God still love me now after everything I have done?
How can I still be qualified for this blessing knowing what I have done?

That’s a fleshly mind, a mind that is set only on the external things. The mind that is set on the spirit will look beyond that and realize that the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in me and not by me.

I don’t have to fulfill the law for God to bless me, I am blessed by the obedience of Christ, even though I have failed I believe God still loves me and I am qualified by the righteousness of Christ.

I may not feel healed but I believe by the stripes of Jesus I am healed. That’s a spiritual mind.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:5

When you think you are a sinner you will give birth to sin, when you think you are righteous, you will produce righteousness. Your reality is produced by the power of your mind, for “as he thinks in is heart, so is he” Proverb 23:7

The word translated above for carnally is still the same word SARX translated flesh in verse 4, this is why I shared with us in context it does not necessary means sinfulness.

To fix your mind on external things =death. Notice it doesn’t say to be carnally minded tends to death but carnal mindedness is death.

Death here doesn’t just speak of eternal death or departing from this world, but it encapsulates everything that came as a result of sin; depression, sickness, etc.

If you are depressed it just means that you have set your mind on carnal things, you are looking on things on the external.

It is never God’s fault that we are sick or depressed it’s always because we have let something else be planted in our minds.

On the other hand we hear that “to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
You may ask, what does it mean to be spiritually minded?

It means to be word minded. The Lord said “the words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life” John 6:63

When you set your mind on what the word says concerning you the reality of the word becomes your experience. As you behold you are transformed into the same image.

In Romans 12:1-2, we are told to present our bodies, our entire physical circumstances before God and refuse to judge things after the world’s system but to renew our minds to what the word says concerning our circumstances, and we shall be transformed into the image of the word set in our hearts.

However, if we do not take upon us kingdom thinking, our minds are absent from the Lord, hence, the mind has become an enemy of the word or law of God;

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:6

As Christians we walk by faith; heeding only to the word and not by sight or carnal observations. When we set our minds on sight – we are far from the will of God. Our minds are eliminated from the will of God for they are producing the reality we have planted in them.

Confession

I set my mind on Spiritual things. I refuse to judge by what I see but I judge by the testimony of the word.

The word says I am righteous; I believe and confess I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; healed, delivered and set free. My life only radiates the glory and perfections of Christ. Glory to God!

Prophetic Insight

I saw as many sons and daughters of the Lord have prayed good prayers for years waiting to receive the harvest of their prayers.

The Lord began to minster to me that have been in his Good will, now

“Many of my sons and daughters are about to enter into my acceptable will. I have accepted your cries and you are going to be accepted in your ecosystem.

I am heightening the apostolic authority over you and you are going to command great changes in your sphere and even in the body of Christ. Many men and women will take direction by the sound of your voice.”

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

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

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God’s Grace in Romans – All Requirements fulfilled

We saw from our previous discussion that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Romans 8:3

This freedom that we have today is a freedom from the penalty of sin, having received the gift of eternal life and righteousness, this is what the law was intended to give, however, the intent was defeated.

The law was like an exam; get a 100% score and God gives you the prize. But this awesome plan was defeated.

You may ask; why was the law defeated?

The law made an offer, that if the flesh could meet up with its demands for perfection then life and righteousness would be issued forth by God.

But the law was defeated, so we hear “For what the law could not do,” not because the law itself was weak- for the law is perfect (Romans 7:12), however, it was because of the weakness of the flesh, “in that it was weak through the flesh.”

There was no power in the flesh of a fallen man to fulfill the demands of the law. Only a perfect and sinless man could meet up with that; so only the Lion of the tribe of Judah was able to overcome and to receive the life and righteousness of God as the prize.

God had to become a man in the person of Jesus, God was made manifest in flesh, his flesh looked like every other fallen man’s flesh but it was only “in the likeness of sinful flesh,” that he descended.

It was actually a sinless flesh fully sufficient for the requirements of an undefiled and well approved sacrifice for sin.

When God looked at him having qualified, he accepted him as the perfect offering for sin and God in his son’s flesh “condemned sin in the flesh.”

This does not mean that God looked at Jesus and said ‘I condemn sin in your flesh, there shall be no more sin imputation.’ No, never. The word used above for condemned is from the Greek word katakrino and it means “to judge against, that is to sentence…’’ (Strong’s G2632).

Jesus perfectly kept the law and received eternal life and righteousness as the prize but it wasn’t what he needed for he was already perfect, it was for imperfect people as you and I.

But to give to us this prize the justice of God must be satisfied; you can’t have a prize in a race you have not competed in. So Jesus said to the father, let them have my place while I take their place in death (1 Peter. 3:18).

So the Lord God emptied his wrath upon the body of Jesus. God judged sin against his own righteous son, sentenced him to death so;

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:4

So he fulfilled the demands of the law in our place. The righteous requirements of the law were now fulfilled by Christ in our place. Observe it does not say ‘by us’ but “in us.’’

He fulfilled it and came to live in us, so when we receive Jesus the law is fulfilled in us but not by us. Huge difference!

This is why he said;

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Mathew 5:17

Another beautiful thing now is that, not only did we receive righteousness; we also received eternal life which is the life of God.

Through the help of the Holy Spirit the life of God in us can now find expression in our bodies, we can now live vibrant holy lives that the law couldn’t produce in us.

Confession

Thank you Lord for taking my place in Judgment; today my sins are judged in the body of Christ and I have received his life and righteousness.

The requirements for eternal life which comes with the health, power, wealth, joy, peace and all-round perfect well-being is fulfilled in me.

Hence, my life is a perpetual manifestation of the fullness of God. Glory to God!

Prophetic Insight

In this encounter, the Lord began to share with me on what to engage in walking into the open door he has placed for many in the Body of Christ.

He began to explain to me that “I am about taking many sons and daughters to the next stage of authority, where the things that limited them are waded off.

A place of greater glory, a place of global acceptance in the display of my glory.

However –my power must be put at work in them through prayer. Those that will give themselves to prayer and fasting this season will walk into this door which I have set before them.”

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. 1Corinthians 16:9

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Mark 4:28

NB. Stages in The manifestation of God’s kingdom: First the blade –then The ear – then The full corn in the ear”

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

God’s Grace in Romans –Freedom by The Law of The Spirit of Life

We saw from our last discussion that, here in Christ, there is therefore zero condemnation coming to us from God. Then we hear the Apostle continue;

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

We saw in the previous chapter the depravity of man in keeping the law because of the wantonness of the flesh which is called a law, since it is totally unable to respond to the things of God, completely dead in sin. Then chapter 8 opens up the freedom we have in Christ, a freedom from condemnation.

But this verse here now goes further in proffering a living hope to the impotent flesh. What the power of the flesh could not beget, by the power of the Holy Spirit we are delivered from the bondage of “the law of sin and death.”

This law of sin and death can be explained as the influence of sin and the resultant wages of this influence. That is “when we sin we receive death instead of life or when we sin we receive the curse instead of blessing.”

The scripture reveals that the only wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23).This means the things that came as a result of sin are all under the umbrella of death.

If it were possible to keep the law of God through the power of the flesh then the blessings of Deuteronomy 28:1-14 would come to us. However, if we are not able to accomplish the demands then the curses (Sickness, Fear, poverty, death etc…) mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 becomes ours.

Inversely, here is the beautiful thing, because our nature of sin is exchanged for the new nature, we now have the Spirit of God as our new life and he cannot be cursed, hence, by this Spirit of life we have being set free from the law of sin and death even though we have not perfectly kept the law of God.

We are no longer under a “do good get good – do bad get bad” relationship with God any more. We no longer get what we deserve but we get what the Spirit deserves. We get what only Jesus deserves.

He took our place by becoming a curse, paying all the wages by his death, and has redeemed us from the curse of the law of sin and death having given to us the Spirit of blessing, even the Spirit of life.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14.

This is why Jesus had to die, if there was any other way to pay for sin then he wouldn’t have needed to come. Since only death is the wages of sin, our Lord didn’t hesitate, the son of God loved us enough to become cursed, practically received our sins into his body, was condemned and sentenced to death.

Died and took our place in hell, was raised to life having satisfied every demand of justice. Today he gives to everyone that believes his resurrected Spirit which can never be condemned or cursed again. This is the true blessing of Abraham, and this is the law of life.

Confession

Thank you dear Jesus! Today I have the spirit of life which has delivered me from a do good get good – do bad get bad relationship with God. The law of sin and death is defeated for I have the Spirit of blessing functioning in my life.

Every fiber of my being is invigorated with the miracle working life of God; my world energized and set on the course of eternal victory. Glory to God!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord I heard “I have seen your faithfulness, with the little strength you have you have endured in the face of cruel trials. Patiently waiting to receive the manifestation of my promise, now I say to you dear child, ‘I give you this open door which no man can shut.’

It is time to walk into the promise dear child. I have put a permanent embargo on the forces that fought your entering into my glorious estate. Push through and enter into this victorious next phase of your life.”

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Revelation 3:8

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

God’s Grace in Romans – No More Condemnation

We saw from out last discussion that we are altogether wretched, completely impotent of serving God in our strength, however, blessed be God for the glorious life of Christ at work in us. Then the apostle continues;

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

You see, there are three words from the above verse that are needful in reconnoitering the subject of no condemnation right before us. The words; “therefore,” “now,” and “no,”

First; ‘therefore,’ which is a conjunction term used in drawing conclusion from a previous discussion. This word therefore means “For that reason” “consequently” or “in consequence of,” as defined by various English dictionaries.

So for what reason did Paul make the above conclusion of no condemnation? This is where we have to remember his previous discussion in the forgoing chapter. We saw him conclude in the last two verses about his wretched state, Romans 7:24-25;

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25

Where he differentiates his flesh from his spirit, that the flesh even after salvation, is still under the effects of sin , however, his spirit is alive to God.

This means that he is not totally free from the presence of sin – though free from its inherent nature (Romans 7:21).

This is why he concludes “I myself serve (present continuous tense) with the flesh – the law of sin.”

So how can he be guiltless before a perfectly holy God? He now finds the answer in Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”

In the context of his discussion, this answer is not freedom for sinless people but absolute freedom from the guilt and condemnation of the presence of sin for wretched believer; those who are alive to their weak and hopeless condition in themselves outside of Christ.

Why do I say absolute freedom?

The word “now,” is from the Greek word “NUN” meaning “the immediate present” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). ‘Now’ is “a primary particle of present time; (Strong’s Concordance).

So this speaks of a present condition of guiltlessness and not a future state.

Then we have “no” from the Greek word “OUDEIS” a term of forceful emphasis meaning “not even one…i.e. none” (Strong’s Concordance).

Therefore, there is not even one jot, iota, whit, atom, bit, speck, title, dot, or mite of condemnation for the man in Christ.

Once a man enters into Christ, though there may still be manifestations of the presence of sin, however, he is totally free from the guilt and condemnation of sin – from God.

Now you may ask; why did pastor emphasis – from God?

The next part of the verse explains it; “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Now remember Paul showed us clearly that he tried walking after the flesh, that is – he tried serving God by the power of his flesh but instead of finding freedom he discovered he was all the more condemned.

Believers don’t walk in the flesh, for we are not in the flesh but in Spirit (Romans 8:8), however, we can walk after the flesh.
Now if we walk after the flesh, that is; if we try to serve God under the power of our flesh, we will discover how wretched we are and we will be condemned, but “NOT BY GOD,” our heart will rather condemn us the same way Paul’s heart condemned him.

If we walk after the flesh in the way of sin, condemnation will “Never” come from God as long as we are in Christ, rather, God will deal with us to help us come out of the sin so we won’t be condemned (1Corinthians 11:32).

However, if we stay there long enough Satan will condemn us, our heart will also condemn us even though God is not angry or counting our sins against us.

So we walk after the spirit, that is; we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for power, righteousness, holiness, wisdom, and all things, this way when we fail, our eyes are still on Christ as our righteousness so we are not condemned.

We were never looking to the flesh where there is no good thing so our hearts stand steadfast on Christ, receiving forgiveness and righteousness, hence we are not condemned.

Our hearts receive the flow of the love of God; his forgiveness and perfect justification for the ungodly flows continuously into our hearts, enabling us to serve him acceptably in his unconditional and unmerited grace.

Confession

Blessed be God, the life of Christ is now my source of strength and righteousness. I stand in Christ justified, qualified for every blessing.

God’s nature of righteousness is at work in me, producing life and wholeness. Every sphere of my life is invigorated with the miracle-working power of God. I live continuously in favour, power and glory. Praise Jesus!

Prophetic Insight

I see sons and daughters of the Lord who have waited on him for so long for the blessing. As I sat with the Lord in prayer, I heard the Lord say to many;

“The wait is over; this is the moment of your lifting. I am no longer resting until I see my glory cover your life as the waters cover the sea.

My anointing will now burn as a flame bringing deliverance and lifting just like I have promised. It is time dear one, your wait is over”

For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. Isaiah 62:1

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

God’s Grace in Romans — Christ, the Way Out!

We saw from our last discussion that, before new birth, and after the new birth, no man can serve God in the flesh for therein lies no good thing, the flesh is destitute of the power to perform good works.

So we hear the apostle continue;

“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:20.

Without reliance on the Spirit he explains how miserable we are. He knew God’s law is good but “the good that I would I do not,” rather my flesh lusts after that which is forbidden.

This total inability of the flesh to do that which is good he calls a law.

“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” Romans 7:21.

This evil he speaks about is not something externally present around him, however, as he had stated earlier in verse 18, in his flesh lies no good thing.

His born-again Spirit is created according to God, but it is trapped in a body that is dead because of sin.

So the new man longs to serve God;

“For I delight in the law of God after the inward man,” Romans 7:22.

But the total depravity of the flesh has become a force against his spirit (Galatians 5:17).

“But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members,” Romans 7:23.

Observe carefully this; the word used above for law is from the Greek NOMOS and it means “a force or influence impelling to action” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).

It does not mean the sin nature or the old man directly but it speaks of that which influences sin. The total depravity of the flesh is a constant influence or propelling force of sin.

The old patterns, attitudes, emotions and mindsets the sin nature left behind are constantly at war with the mind of the Spirit.

This total depravity of the flesh to respond to God in itself which he termed the law or influence of sin in his members he now explains it clearly, calling this law “the body of death.”

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24.

Just like it is a law that a dead man cannot respond to stimuli, even so he calls it a law that a body dead in sin cannot respond to the things of God, (Romans 8:10).

He tried using the law to ignite his body to respond to the things of God, however, the law only commanded him but couldn’t give his flesh life to do that which is good, (Galatians 3:21).

He resorted to human strength and academic excellence for he was well educated but this couldn’t help him either, (Philippians 3:4-7).

He now finds himself where God wants all men to be, “O wretched man that I am,” sinners in need of a saviour.

Complete nothings without God’s help. Totally depraved with no plea, our only hope is a saviour outside of ourselves.

So he reaches out “who shall deliver me from the body of this death.” Only one man is capable, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed. Only his life can revitalize the body to respond to God.

“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh The Law of sin.” Romans 7:25.

So through the energy of Christ at work in me, my body can be quickened to serve The LORD.

But the Truth still remains that in my flesh alone, “I serve The Law of sin” — but I am not only flesh, in my mind, in my inner man — I serve The Law of God.

Confession

Thank you LORD Jesus for The Salvation I have in you!

Christ my strength, Christ my wealth, Christ my health, Christ my all.

I cannot be weak and I cannot be defeated, for You are my sum of all spiritual and material things.

I can do all things through your energy at work in me.

Glory to God!

Prophetic Insight

I saw many sons and daughters of The LORD hoping and wishing to break grounds and begin the possession of their promise, however, many felt the capacity needed, or what it takes to command authority in these territories won’t be released by the father to them.

They are seeing themselves not fit for these huge breakthroughs.

But hear what The Father says to you, “I AM for you dear Child. saved you because I have always desired to give you The Kingdom.

My Life I have laid down as a proof that nothing is too big for Me to give to you. How much more these little blessings?

I will hold back nothing until you are lifted. I have freely given you all things my dear elect . I will never accept any evil charge against you for I AM your own justice.

Watch out for the Signs of this Word. You will begin to see little but tangible manifestations of My Favour.

Do not wave them off as just another fleeing Dream. Pick these Signs, hold unto this little signs and reach out for the greater blessings”

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” Romans 8:31-33.

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

God’s Grace in Romans | Power Beyond the flesh |

We continued to see from our last discussion the work of the law in igniting the lust of the sin nature; however, the law is not the problem but the inability of the sin nature in carrying out its demands. And so the apostle declares in the continuing verse;

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. Romans 7:13

Although we saw that the law is the ministration of death, however, the law itself is not death and the law does not directly minister death. The law demands life from the sinful nature which instead of issuing life works out death in the fallen carnal man;

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 7:14

The fallen man with the sin nature is already in captivity. The born-again Christian with the residue of sin in the flesh is already deceived if he thinks the law can be kept by the power of his flesh. Both the man in Adam and the man in Christ cannot rely on the flesh, for if the both do, we hear;

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Romans 7:15

This is where we see a lot of debate coming in. many have asserted that Paul here only speaks of when he was an unsaved man, and many here argue that Paul was talking not of his state before salvation but after salvation. That he still couldn’t serve God after salvation.

Paul did not narrow his statement to either parties but speaks in a general form for either party. Whether saved or Unsaved Paul stated that it was impossible to keep the law of God through the power of the flesh. This is Paul’s view point.

Paul means that no one can serve God in the power of the flesh for there is no good thing there (Romans 7:18). The flesh is destitute of the ability to be perfectly obedient to God’s perfect law.

He had already stated several times that it has always being the inability of the flesh, the sin nature’s activity in working death in our members that has rendered us insufficient in obeying God’s perfect standard.

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Romans 7:16-17

The Bible does not assert that after we are saved we are completely rid of sin, the sin nature is gone but it left behind patterns, mindsets that must be kept under. We fight to daily put to death the deeds of the flesh (Roman 8:13). For not in our spirits but in the core of our flesh we are still not born again;

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:18

And so he makes a clear distinction between his spirit now born again and his flesh which is yet to be redeemed (Ephesians 1:14) wherein is no good thing. Then he goes on to reveal the main problem which is not a saved or unsaved issue but an issue of performance.

For we hear “but how to perform that which is good I find not:” In the flesh apart from the ability of the Spirit no one can serve God. However, as we depend on the Spirit of God, as we are led by his Spirit we are led in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Confession

Thank you Father for the power of the Spirit at work in me; I rest in you and declare that your Spirit empowers me to live in accordance to your will.

I walk in a higher standard of life far above sin, weakness, failure and death – for I am no longer under the bondage of the law.

Prophetic Insight

I heard this for many sons and daughters of the Lord who are in intense warfare right now for their promise. I hear the Lord say to you “Hold your peace dear child, these forces you see today you shall see them no more.

You need not fight for deliverance – for in me you are already delivered; be of good cheer, this battle is already won.

Stand fast, hold onto the word and see my victory for you manifesting. I will not forsake you. I brought you out and I am taking you into the promise.”

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:13-14

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

God’s Grace in Romans – From Death to Life

We saw from our last discussion that we are born with the sin nature; however, it remains dead until the law enters our conscience and starts holding us accountable to our sins.

Then the apostle continues;

And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Romans 7:10

Since sin had already killed our flesh (Romans 8:10) and there was no way to keep the law of God in our strength, the commandment rather led to separation from God and not union. It led to death in relationship with God.

When anyone comes to the age of accountability; where we now know we are sinning against God, the first thing the law does is to kill every self-trust in us. We are immediately sentenced by the law to be who we are, dead in sin and looking for a saviour (Galatians 3:22).

So instead of giving life the law is rather ordained to death. It is a ministration of death and not righteousness. This is why we hear;

For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Romans 7:10

This is the truth about the sin nature: You see, the sin nature is fashioned after Satan and its main characteristic is the lust. The sin nature manifests itself through lust;

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Galatians 5:17

Lust is what brought the Angel down. He wanted what he couldn’t have. You see, the moment the law entices the flesh with ‘thou shall not,’ the sin nature is ignited; the lust in the sin nature will definitely long to have what it cannot have.

The moment you tell a man not to do something he likes, you have set him up to build an unstoppable hunger for the very thing he cannot have (Romans 7:8).

This is what the law did. The sin nature has been there, but the law entered to help men lust after perfection in the flesh so they would be condemned and reach out for a saviour outside of themselves. The law was not given to provide righteousness; however, it was given to minster death to our supposed relationship with God;

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 2Corinthians 3:7

This is why there is no problem with the law; the law has done a clean job in letting us know we are sinners and altogether an unclean thing. The law is holy, just and good;

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Romans 7:12

But we are sinners in need of a saviour and Jesus is that saviour. Where the law ministered death, the Spirit of Christ in us which is our righteousness continuously ministers righteousness in and through us to the glory of Christ.

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 2Corinthians 3:9

Confession

Heavenly Father I thank you for this revelation; outside of Christ I am as impure and unqualified as the devil, but I am never outside of Christ. I am In Christ and Christ is in me, hence, the righteousness of Christ is my inheritance.

I reign with Christ always, triumphing over sin, sicknesses, devils, lack and fear. I am the irreversibly blessed in Christ.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard this for many in the body of Christ, I heard the Lord say “keep not silent! Keep your faith and keep standing on the word for I am establishing you.

I am making you a praise in the earth. I am giving your faith more evidence and expanding your sphere of authority.

Keep moving, and as you move, prepare for greater glory. My word has gone out to the ends of the earth, marshaling the host after my glory in you. I say to you dear child, you shall once again be called “Sought Out” a people with the ever present help of God.”

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth…And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62:6,7,12

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

God’s Grace in Romans | How to Start a Sin Revival |

We saw from our last discussion that we are effectually delivered from every kind of law – the Moral, Ceremonial and Civil laws.

Then the apostle continues;

But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. Romans 7:8

Now keep in mind that all through this chapter and the previous, the sin spoken about is not the actions but the sin nature. So he means that the sin nature was in him, but it looked for an occasion to be made manifest.

Therefore, what made the sin nature to showcase itself was nothing but the law. The law came to reveal sin (Rom 3:20). The nature of sin was there, the lust was there, however, without the commandment it wasn’t ignited.

The commandment now ignited or made the lust in us come alive.A very perfect way of looking at this can be observed in the next verse;

For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. Romans 7:8

Observe carefully the statement “I was alive.” which in Romans 6:11 and verse 13 means to be in relationship with God. So the question is this; when was he ever alive without the law in his life?

For the law was given thousands of years before the birth of Paul.

It is clear that Paul speaks here of a time in life when sins are not imputed to men, which others call the ‘age of innocence.’

Even though a child is born from the belly with the sin nature, that child doesn’t know that he or she is sinning against God at the early stage. When Daddy or mummy says to a child don’t do this, they think if they do they are only sinning against their immediate parents.

At this age God doesn’t impute there sin nature against them, this is why David said he was going to his son who died an infant as a result of his adultery with Beersheba (2 Samuel 12:23).

But a time comes in a child’s life when they come to that age where they realize it’s not all about Mum and Dad, but there is a God I am sinning against. Others call this stage the ‘age of accountability.’ This is when God begins to impute their sin nature against them.

And this stage varies from person to person. And it also depends on the circumstances that surround the functionality of each child.

So a child is in relationship with God at this age, they can hear and receive from God during this stage, Jesus even spoke of their angels (Mathew 18:10).

The Child is said to be alive, but when that heart is now exposed to the law of God, the sin nature which was there but ignored is now held accountable and that individual becomes alive to the sin nature and dead to God.

Condemnation ushers in and from our minds we become separated from God (Ephesians 4:18).

This is why Paul said “when the commandment came” not when sin came, because sin had been there all the time. The commandment only came to revive the sin that was ignored.

Now having said this, in the same manner, when a man is born again; he becomes alive to God and dead to the law. Jesus took the penalty of the sin nature by himself being made a curse on a tree, fulfilling the demands of the law for all individuals forever.

Now when the law is reintroduced to a born-again Christian, the consequence is that, the residue of the sin nature in the flesh is revived, he becomes aware of his insufficiencies when he tries to fulfill the law, then condemnation sets in, and from his mind he feels separated from God even though God is not imputing his sins against him.

He begins to feel; how can God still bless me knowing all I have done? How can God use someone like me? But the God of all grace has eternally imputed our sins upon the body of Jesus once for all time. Hallelujah!

Confession
Thank you father, today I am dead to the law and alive to God. I am alive to righteousness, alive to divine health and prosperity. My life only expresses the liberty of the sons of God. Glory to Jesus!

Prophetic Insight
In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “get ready dear child, I am taking you to the next level. You have dwelt here for too long, be up and ready, you are going forward”

The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: Turn you, and take your journey…Deuteronomy 1:6-7

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

God’s Grace in Romans | The Law is Good – We Are Not|

We saw from our last discussion that we are delivered from the law where we were in bondage through the body of Christ judged on the cross.

Then the apostle continues;

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Romans 7:7

Now there are a few things we must carefully observe from the above verse;

First, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid.”

Many have done the mistake of thinking because we are delivered fron the law the then law in itself is not good. God forbid! The law is not sin, the law, in of itself is perfect.

The problem has never been with the law, but with our depraved nature. It is with the fallen man who lacks the capacity to fulfill the demands of the law (Romans 8:3).

Man was created with a living body that was alive to God. When sin entered, sin killed the flesh and rendered it incapable of responding to God (Romans 8:10-11).

Therefore, it is because of the weakness or inability of the flesh that God had to deliver us from the law’s overwhelming demands. Only a sinless God-man could keep the law, and this is what Jesus did on our behalf.

The law is good, but we are not. Hence, the law is good, but not good for us!

Second, “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. “

When the word of God speaks of we been delivered from the law, many of us have jumped into this conclusion that it is the ceremonial law that we are delivered from. That the moral law is still binding, that we are to keep the moral law for righteousness.

In context, the previous verse tells us we are delivered from the law, this verse now goes on to explain mentioning “Thou shalt not covet” which is not a ceremonial law but the moral, the last commandment on the big 10.

We are delivered from the ceremonial (animal sacrifices and diverse washings), Moral and Civil laws. We are totally free in Christ, for there is no law given that can give life and righteousness (Galatians 3:21).

Life and righteousness are fruits of God’s Spirit at work in a man. These fruits are a manifestation of the nature of Christ functioning in a man.

Righteousness doesn’t come from beholding tables of stone, but from the pulsating life of Christ in the heart of a new man, where only Christ deserves the praise.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11

                                 Confession

I live in God’s Spirit and where the Spirit is, there is liberty. I am not free to live a life of sin, but l am free from the bondage and penalty of sin.

I glorify God in my spirit and in my body which are God’s with health, soundness and righteousness. Praise Jesus!

                            Prophetic Insight

I Heard “Don’t let him steal the word, don’t doubt whether it was me who led you out or not. I am saying to you, I spoke to your heart; What you heard was my word.

What you see is a war against what I have already begun to do in your life. It is all targeted to unproot my word and to stop you from seeing what I have begun to do, however, it is all a test of your faith.

Go forth, you are walking on the word, do not see these boisterous winds and receive fear into your heart. Your help will always appear dear child”

Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. Luke 8:13(NIV)

Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Mathew 14:29-30

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