Hi lovelies!
Hope your week is going well. I know mine is.
I’m still reeling from the whole being a writer on Bella Naija, Naija Stories and now, My church website. Thanks for all your comments and views. I see them all. The Bella Naija story has over 150 comments and the Naija post one has over 400 views!!! Thanks a lot people for all your encouraging words too. I am thankful. God bless you all. Muah!
Anyways, I was doing my usual browsing through/studying of the Bible and I found out something I thought I’d share: Being a lukewarm Christian is worse than being an outright sinner! *gasps*
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot”. Revelation 3:15
The time has come that we choose: God or devil, sin or righteousness, obedience or disobedience, light or darkness and invariably, heaven or hell. There is no in-between. There is no semi-hot hell or not-so-beautiful heaven with bronze floors that the lukewarm people go to.
Whilst watching Daddy GO on a programme called “Shout Hallelujah” (by the way, it is on 8.30-9.00pm every day on OHTV-199), I learned that: Temi, it’s better to go all out for Christ or all out for the devil. Nothing should be done with mediocrity.Our God is an excellent God. He is not average. He loathes average. The devil, on the other hand, can ‘manage’. Daddy GO said, if you want to be bad, please be very very very bad. So that when in hell, you can hi5 the devil and say: at least, I enjoyed myself.
But what a shame it will be if after all the prayer and fasting and long Choir Practices and abstaining from clubs, immorality and not drinking, not womanising with your friends, not doing credit card fraud no matter how broke you are despite all your “guys” doing it, all the tithes and offering, Jehovah says, I know ye not and “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.” Or after all our soprano and alto and harmony, we hear, “Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols”. (Amos 5:21-23) That will not be our lot in Jesus’ name. We will know the Truth and heed the Truth.
Revelation 3:14-19 sometimes frightens me. Revelation 3:16 says, ‘So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth’. May we not be spued out of Christ’s mouth. Note that for the lukewarm Christian to be spat out of Jesus’ mouth, he was once inside. He got into the mouth in the first place. But then, he lost his zeal. He lost his vision. He perished. John 3:16-God loves us dearly. Revelation 3:16-He will separate the goats from the sheep and cast the goats to eternal damnation. Even the mixed-breed sheepish goat or goatish sheep will be condemned.
Let he that has ears hear.
This earth is just a passing phase. Heaven is our final destination. We will get there in Jesus’ name. We will not be sidetracked. In heaven, we will all rush to each other and hug ourselves. Not one of us will be missing. Then we will rush up to God and confirm about those things we never quite understood such as the Hebrew women, the difference between trial and temptation and then sing Him a special special number maybe “Only You are Holy” by Donnie McClurkin #justsaying.
NB: Please guys pray for me as I know that he that knoweth the truth and does it not, to him is sin. Loads more is expected of they that tell of the Word. The great news is that we are not left alone in this race. We have a Helper in the Holy Spirit!
That’s all folks (for now)
Temiville.xoxo
Nov 15, 2010 @ 20:48:35
But what a shame it will be if after all the prayer and fasting and long Choir Practices and abstaining from clubs, immorality and not drinking, not womanising with your friends, not doing credit card fraud no matter how broke you are despite all your “guys” doing it, all the tithes and offering, Jehovah says, I know ye not
_____
This part above is the part that gets me each time. What a big shame it will be! I pray that our faith continues to be strengthened because it is not easy. This race eh?
Nov 16, 2010 @ 14:21:17
Amen Myne… I pray we all remain faithful to the end…
Nov 18, 2010 @ 08:23:12
his part grips me too. And i know that truly the Lord hates mediocrity. I choose to be all for him even tho it is a constant struggle to remain on the right path. i will never choose to completely abandon my Lord. Love your blog because many a time i catch the word here. thank you
follow me at http://www.mbabaziannet.blogspot.com
Nov 15, 2010 @ 20:54:47
Word!! It is so hard to be straight on track all through but God dey sha. He will help
Nov 16, 2010 @ 02:55:52
iConcur
Nov 16, 2010 @ 14:23:07
Enkay hi, I think it only difficult when we try to use our own ability and strength to run the race. We need to totally depend on the Help of the Holy Spirit for by strength shall no man prevail.
The devil tries to make us rely on our own ability alone but the truth is that we need the Lord and only He can help us.
Nov 15, 2010 @ 20:56:57
I think its encouraging that we have the Holy spirit if not, it would all seem undoable. But we can do all things through Christ.
Nov 15, 2010 @ 22:13:49
Temi, we are all responsible for the word that we have heard. God is looking for serious sons and daughters that are ready to walk and talk what they believe. The time has come for everyone of us to pick up our cross and follow Him wholeheartedly
Even though we are all at different places on this journey, yet still we can do a lot with what we have received.
We all need to pray for one another that as we have picked up our cross we will fight a good fight of faith and we will never look back for.
Luke9:62 – And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
My prayer is that we will all be a vessel of honor santified and meet for the master use.
Thanks for this post, food for thought especially as we are going into the new year shortly. I will be entering a new and better person.
Nov 16, 2010 @ 14:25:46
Amen oh, Aunty B, that is my daily desire, my cry to God and I know He will not fail. As Taiwo as said we do not have a High Priest who would just ignore our weaknesses. He cares and He will uphold us to the very end.
Nov 15, 2010 @ 23:11:23
Loads more is expected when you know the truth. So true. May God give you the grace to not just speak His word, but to live it out loud. His way is perfect, and those who know His way and walk in it, will at the end of the day, see His face.
Congrats again *smiles*
Nov 16, 2010 @ 13:40:20
Amen!!!
Nov 16, 2010 @ 14:26:50
Thanks Jaycee. That part of the Bible used to hold me back from talking about God before but now I know better. His grace is sufficient.
Nov 16, 2010 @ 00:14:43
Hmm, I must say that this post got me thinking..sadly, this is true, as Christians, one time or the other we have fallen into the lukewarm category :(… I think the only solution is to submit to the person of the Holy Spirit. When those times come, that is, times when you don’t feel like praying, or reading the bible or you just do not feel like being spiritual, or that sneaky snake comes whispering in your thoughts about how it would be lovely to do something else, this is in fact when we should ask for grace, for by strength shall no man prevail…”for we do not have a HIGH PRIEST who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in every way tested and overcame, therefore draw near to the Throne of Grace and ask for mercy and grace in time of need”. I pray on behalf of all Christians in the world that the life of Jesus would continue to be our light and we would continue to grow until Christ is fully formed in us, in Jesus name. Amen
Nov 16, 2010 @ 02:55:27
Thanks Taiwo for those scriptures. They are so apt. His grace is sufficient.
Nov 16, 2010 @ 14:29:32
I love the way you put it Taiwo. I agree with every single word. God bless you!
Nov 16, 2010 @ 00:44:00
Nice one temi, this got me thinking over and over again. like james said in james 2 vs 10
for whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
Nov 16, 2010 @ 14:30:44
True! I pray we won’t stumble at any point and we’ll remain faithful to the end.
Nov 16, 2010 @ 02:54:17
Wow, you broke it DOWN. Word!!!
Nov 16, 2010 @ 11:35:05
Congratulations….
Truth is, faith is only an illusion until it is truly tested.
I struggle on a daily basis to walk on the right path (of a believer).
Even driving from point A to B is fraught with temptations because you come across people who really annoy you….!
All we can do is to – sincerely – try our best to behave like true Christains; starting with loving our neighbours as we love ourselves.
Problem is most people dont even love themselves….!
Oh well………………….
Nov 16, 2010 @ 14:32:08
I totally understand your point, totally. When these things happen I just ask God for strength to things really right all the time. God help us all.
Nov 16, 2010 @ 13:37:51
True stuff!!!
Love the songs by the way… well done
Nov 16, 2010 @ 15:08:49
This is exactly what I needed to read. I am still asking God to give me the strength I need to become fully on fire for him…Thank you!
Nov 16, 2010 @ 17:57:31
I am a little confused now, how then are you hot for God? I thot doing the things you mentioned like: ‘prayer and fasting, abstaining from clubs, immorality and not drinking….. all the tithes and offering’ is a way of making a stand for what you believe in as a Christian and setting yourself apart from the rest of the world. What makes a hot Christian?
Nov 17, 2010 @ 16:21:48
Hey Busola,
It means that it will be really sad if after living like a Christian, one goes to hell simply because he/she could not maintain that Christian life till the very end. Blowing hot today and then cold tomorrow will not cut it. That is what I mean. Hope that helps.xoxo.
Nov 17, 2010 @ 17:09:10
A hot christian stays hot and does not fall by the side.
Nov 17, 2010 @ 00:13:54
you speak the truth.. hmm very scary but true… lost of pondering to do 🙂
Nov 17, 2010 @ 17:04:13
I would like to thank you for this. I have been struggling with being HOT. I love God and all but I wonder whether I’m hot if I still listen to worldly music and do the occasional drinking (Smirnoff Ice) nothing too heavy. I love God with my life but I know I have a lot to do in order to live a HOT life. Thanks a lot. I’m loving your blog. It is the very truth!
Nov 17, 2010 @ 20:22:00
very lovely message.
the Bible makes us to understand that this end time, the love of many would wax cold, lovers of themselves than of God. the old time religion days made us very much prepared for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, so much that you do a daily self examination to be sure that you are upright and ready to hear the trumpet call. I believe we should not be distracted with the pleasures of the world but be focused, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
God bless you all as we run this race that is set beore us.
okeydoks
Nov 18, 2010 @ 14:13:16
Hmm very true…
Nov 17, 2010 @ 20:22:24
very lovely message.
the Bible makes us to understand that this end time, the love of many would wax cold, lovers of themselves than of God. the old time religion days made us very much prepared for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, so much that you do a daily self examination to be sure that you are upright and ready to hear the trumpet call. I believe we should not be distracted with the pleasures of the world but be focused, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
God bless you all as we run this race that is set before us.
okeydoks
Nov 17, 2010 @ 21:29:41
Good to hear! Use you new role to stay positive for God. Also I want you to check this guy (Actually Pastor Justin Cox)
http://www.youtube.com/user/pastorJustinofP4cm
really cool guy.
Abiodun
http://thorpepodcast.wordpress.com
Nov 18, 2010 @ 14:12:34
Hi…I’ve seen a few of his videos. Thanks so much for sharing. Cool blog btw. x
Nov 19, 2010 @ 01:10:58
Hi
I don’t mean 2 b a party-poopper but I’m coming from a 2tally different place. I hv bin HOT 4 God. Damn perfect if I say so myself. Unfortunately, things hv bin goin downhill instead. Name IT and I hv refrained from it but people who are blatantly lukewarm around me, r d ones wit the testimonies and miracles.
I don’t think being HOT 4 God is difficult. I’m sorry its not. We either want to do it or we don’t. I hv done it for a year but I’m sorry to say that that year was d worst year of my life by a mile. So I’m thinking, I might be better off lukewarm.
Nov 19, 2010 @ 02:39:58
hiya,
when i read your post, i was quite saddened at your conclusion nevertheless i understand where you are coming from.
i want to start by saying that Gods word stands sure. if his word is against being lukewarm, the best bet is to avoid being in that situation.
i understand when you say that last year wasn’t the best for you but that doesn’t mean that some things did not work. the fact that you are a Christian doesn’t necessarily mean everything would work out as and when planned. i have got a couple of questions also for God but the truth is that daily, i learn to trust God, knowing that his ways n tots ain’t like ours. here are a couple of Bible stories to back up my point.
David was anointed King but took forever to get there–
Joseph knew he was going to be great after the dream and all but checkout how long it took him to get into the palace, as if that wasn’t all, he went into prison again–
quite a number of Bible references.
the thing is this, the fact that things did not or is not going on very well doesn’t mean God is not aware or with you on the boat- remember Jesus on the boat when the sea was troubled? Mark4:36–
be not weary in well doing–2thess 3:13
one thing that keeps me going is that i cannot deny the fact that God is alive and his words are yea and amen. it could be something i did or did not do, maybe not the right time for it, a test of my faith……
there is a process before the product. Rom 8:28.
Be strong, keep confessing the word and speaking positively and it shall come to pass.
Cheers
Nov 20, 2010 @ 13:11:14
There are basic laws that govern life, whether you are a believer or not. ” Give and you will receive, love and you will be loved, work hard and you will be successful, apply for loads of jobs and you will get one”. God loves all his children and his laws apply to all.
Some people think because they are born again, they can just relax and have everything going their way. The fact is prayer without action will not yield any result. Believe me. Faith is an exercise. Its action!
Dont get me wrong, as believers we should stand out, but you will not ‘get there’ untill you do what it takes. You obey the ‘laws’ and top it up with the holy spirit, and then test God to see if he doesnt perform!.
Cheers
Nov 21, 2010 @ 00:45:19
I feel your frustration but please don’t be deceived by the appearances of happiness amongst the ‘lukewarm’. God is not a man that will lie. Trust me, it pays to be on fire for God. Let us just ask Him for strength and grace to stay faithful.
Nov 21, 2010 @ 01:09:51
Here is the Psalm… It answers your questions about when sinners prosper… (remember the Bible has answers to all of your concerns)
Psalm 73 (New International Version)
Psalm 73
BOOK III
Psalms 73–89
A psalm of Asaph.
1 Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.[a]
5 They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity[b];
their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.[c]
11 They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
12 This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments.
15 If I had spoken out like that,
I would have betrayed your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes;
when you arise, Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
Nov 21, 2010 @ 01:05:01
Hi there,
I’m only just responding now to your comment not because I’m just seeing it but because I was seeking a wise way to respond ’cause I know just where you are coming from 🙂
I decided to go my Pastor. He pointed me to Psalm 73 and I thought I’d share it with you. Indulge me and read it in its entirety, please (I’ll copy and paste it after the comment).
Please do not be discouraged when things do not go how you want them to. God is a prayer answering God no matter what. The Bible calls us ‘overcomers’ ( 1 John 2:13-14) and tells us that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) .
As an overcomer, you must have something(s) to overcome. Likewise, in order to be more that a conqueror, you must have what you are conquering. This means that things might not always be smooth sailing.
The Bible says that in life, you will go through trials and temptation but cheer up for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him from them all (Psalm 34:19).
It might seem like the worst year in your life but may I suggest like OkikiJesus says that you speak to God about how low you feel? Ask Him to give you His strength in exchange for your weaknesses. Open up and talk (obviously when you are all alone:)) tell Him exactly how you feel dry and all and ask Him for help in humility.
Life in Christ pays oh, I wont even lie to you at all. Hold on, He will not leave you nor forsake you.
xxx
Nov 19, 2010 @ 22:26:36
your reply is appreciated but expected.
i know all the bible references to waiting for your time amidst God’s promises. The difference is that in the bible, God gave them a promise and their FAITH and DEDICATION saw them through.
the truth is ‘ i cant hear him’. i listen for his voice and direction in the sermons of my pastor, the prophecies of celebrated men of God, conversations with my peers advise from my parents. i listen with keen interest, ready to take direction, ready to heed. super-attentive lest a snooze makes me miss my chance.
Do you know what i hear?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….NOTHING
This brings me to the issue of Faith (belief in the unknown) hmmmmmm
Thanks anyway Wande
Nov 21, 2010 @ 00:48:52
Hmm…you do make a really interesting point concerning the fact that you don’t hear God.
I think you should take some time out and pour out all your questions at His feet. Remember, He is our Father. Not just God but Father. Ask his holy spirit to help. I have also felt dry before. In fact, I still do sometimes but remember he said,’ draw near to me and I will draw near to you’. Ask him, speak to him open up. He is not a wicked God. It will be fine 🙂
Nov 21, 2010 @ 04:44:42
Justme,
I have walked in your shoes before and I hear you loud and clear. You are entitled to express how you feel, i respect you for owning your feelings and your honesty.
I can see and feel past your words, i hear your heart. There is nothing wrong with you, every fibre of you is screaming “where are you Lord?, reveal yourself to me! You remind me of Moses saying to God, “if your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here”. You want more of God and you need to see His power, His glory.
You are in my prayers and I am very confident that this season will not last long and it will lead to a greater awaken of the power of God in your life.
Come back to this blog and share it when it happens, because friend it will.
Regards
Buky of BUKVILLE
Nov 21, 2010 @ 15:27:47
Thanks Temiville. I had kinda slipped into lukewarmness. This is a kinda wake-up call
Nov 22, 2010 @ 15:45:06
You are welcome.xoxo
Oct 20, 2011 @ 20:18:08
“The Way” is truly narrow. We need grace daily. Thank U̶̲̥̅̊ Temi.
Jan 30, 2012 @ 21:40:55
Wow I’ve been reading your blog all day long and I just feel like this post among others is talking to me… I love God and all but I’ve been lukewarm in my walk with God. I don’t know how to explain it but sometimes I only pick the teachings that agree with way I feel at the moment and ignore the ones that I don’t agree with or I’m not comfortable with.. I’m only giving half of myself away and not all.. I’m aware of being lukewarm and I’m trying but I need to get out of my comfort zone… His grace is sufficient for me!…
http://www.theepitomeofbeauty.blogspot.com