Your Heavenly Account

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Isaac Peter OkayoMay 8, 2016

Sunday Messages – Jinja Pentecostal Church
8th & 15th May 2016

Philippians 4:15-17, “You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”

Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome to the church he planted during his second missionary journey. Philippi was one of the cities in the region of Macedonia. It was the first place Paul set foot in the region of Macedonia after the Holy Spirit objected to their plan to continue in Asia Minor, speaking in a vision in which a man was beckoning from Macedonia (Acts 16:12-40). Lydia, a wealthy lady was the fist convert and housed the church in Philippi.

The church, having heard of Paul’s imprisonment, decided to send a hefty financial assistance to Paul in prison in Rome. This was sent by brother Epaphroditus. He sent the letter to the Philippians through Epaphroditus as an acknowledgment and thanks for their support. This was not the first gift, but one of the many supports apostle Paul had benefited from Philippians 4:10, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.“

[To see the full sermon notes click on this PDF file: Heavenly-Account-Sermon-May-8-15-2016]

Resting in the Lord

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Isaac Peter OkayoOctober 13, 2013

Sunday Message – Jinja Pentecostal Church

29th September 2013 – Sermon by Pastor Isaac Peter Oyako
(attended by 307 people)

TEXTS: Psalms 131:2 “Surely I have composed and quieted my soul, like a weaned a weaned child within me.”

Psalms 37:7 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. . . .“

Mathew: 11: 28 ““Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest, . . . . .Take my Yoke upon you and learn from me. . . . You will find rest for your souls.”

THEME: Resting in the Lord

INTRODUCTION:

To rest in the Lord, or to be rested in the Him, implies a total surrender, trust and faith in God to solve a given challenge. It means that the problem, not only exists, but it is beyond your capacity to handle it. It also implies that you do nothing of your own to try to resolve it, but wait upon the Lord to show you the way forward.

There is a true story I came across many years ago that illustrates the principle of relaxing your efforts and completely depending upon God.

There was sports man who never believed in the existence God. He was a staunch Atheist who never believed in miracles or the existence of a supernatural power. One day, as he was mountaineering (climbing mountains was his area of specialty), he stepped on a loose rock and tumbled from a very great height.

Fortunately, he caught a firm protruding cliff and remained hanging on it. Down below him, probably a couple thousand feet, were a cluster of sharp rocks waiting to crush him.

There seemed be no way of survival: He could not stay in a hanging position forever. This man remembered what they used to tell about a miraculous God, in whom he never believed. Now he prayed, saying, “God if you are there, please save me, and I will serve you the rest of my life.”

A voice, replied saying, “I am God; I can save you, on one condition – that you release that rock cliff you are hanging on.”

He replied saying, “God, if I release this cliff, I will crush on the rocks below and die.”

God repeated, “The only condition is for you to remove your hands from that rock first.”

Finally, he said, “At your word am I am leaving this cliff.” He released the cliff, and the fall was so gentle as if the was using a parachute: he landed gently on the rocks below him without any harm or pain.

Our human solutions, worry, and the backlog of other human efforts inhibit God’s activity and obscure God’s miracle. God is delighted in taking full charge of everything that we cannot do, so that He magnifies Himself, as God, the El-Shaddai. God’s profound interest is that, His children get to know him intimately and deeply. Difficult situations He allows in our lives are better opportunities for us to know Him.He prefers to work out things as we patiently and restfully wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4).

Many times, I have been misled by a demonic version of this principle of waiting and resting on God. The demonic version says, “Pray while running,” implying that when you are struck by great difficulty, rely not on God alone, but use your effort to help God solve the problem.”

I see this quite contrary to the Scriptures, which clearly states that God helps the helpless. (Isaiah 40:29, Proverbs 3: 5-6).

God is known to bring us to our wits end first. Have you ever been to your wits end? The Bible tells us, “They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.” (Psalm 107:27). I love this Hebrew phrase. Biblical scholarship says “at their wits’ end” literally means: “all their wisdom and skill are swallowed up.” This makes sense because
the passage is referring doing business in great waters, God’s wonders in the deep, the raising of the stormy wind and waves, their soul suffering emotional “melt down,” until finally coming to their wits’ end. (Psalm 107:23-27). The Psalmist is saying, all my wisdom and innovative ideas for escape are being swallowed up like a water spout sucking everything into its black, watery hole along with my ship!

BODY:

There are two basic truths leading to a rested life in Christ. Living a rested life in Christ does not imply absence of physical activity, but emotional tranquil, that arises from absolute confidence in the Lord’s word amidst great turmoil.

1. Understanding our relationship as “sons” and “daughters” and not “slaves” in the kingdom (John 1:12)

In Christ, we belong to a family of God, and heirs together with Christ (Romans 8:16-17). We are described as members of the Kingdom of Priests, and a royal Priesthood (1Peter 2:9). We come from backgrounds where we are accepted on behalf of our works. So we work hard in order to be accepted by our parents. This is not the case with God. He loves and has accepted us on the basis of our faith in His son Jesus Christ. What we do, we do alongside Him, as part of a family assignment, but not to earn acceptance.

God has assigned the earth to Mankind (Psalms 115:16). Our first ministry is to the Lord. From the overflow of that worship and obedience and acknowledgment of our dependence on Him (Christ, who is our life) comes our ministry to others. To reverse the order is to rob ourselves of freshness, vitality and effectiveness – regardless of how well-intentioned we may be. We are a kingdom of priests. Not independently, but in unity, though we all have different gifting, callings and expressions of the life of Christ through us.

One of the Names for the Lord Jesus Christ is “King of kings.” Notice that He is not just the King of subjects. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. This doesn’t merely mean that He is the King that is better than all the other kings (though of course that is true). He is the King Who reigns over all the “little k” kings. Who are these “little k” kings?

I am! You are, if you are a born-again believer in Jesus! We are given the opportunity (and responsibility) of ruling and reigning “on the earth” with Him! Everywhere we go, we are ambassadors of the heavenly Kingdom. We carry heaven with us and fulfill the original mandate given to Adam and Eve to “…be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.” In other words, we are to advance the agenda, the Kingdom of our Father God! We are a Priesthood of Kings! From our attitude and posture of humility, worship and delight in caring about those people and things that are on the Heart of God, we have been privileged by grace to partner with the Almighty!

Again, in Romans 8:22: “The entire creation groans and travails together in pain until now waiting for the unveiling of the sons of God.” God’s greatest goal is not to get us to heaven, but to get heaven into us and through us to His world, to conform us to the image of Christ! Arise and shine kings and priests of our God for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord has arisen upon you.

2. The scoop of God’s love: God’s love is infinite in greatness, and therefore can meet all our needs (Romans 8:32)

Jesus says, “look at the birds, look at the grass: God takes care of them. Aren’t you more important than a bird? God is going to provide.” Now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have to work. Obviously we do. The birds have to gather all their seeds, and make their nests, and do other bird chores, whatever those are, but they don’t worry about it. When was the last time you saw a worried bird, wringing its little wings in worry? You never see that.

Again, many times; we view God and rate Him according to the experiences from our totally limited and imperfect human parents. But God also deals with us as a father or mother deals with their children. He prunes us (John 15:2. The word, “prune” is an agricultural term meaning removal of unnecessary leaves and branches from a plant with the intention of obtaining maximum fruits. A lot of plant sap can be wasted on branches and leaves that could have been converted to more and better fruits. In the similar way, a Christian’s vital life could be used on less profitable ways if some things are not cut off. God removes outgrowth in a person’s life in order to make them more suitable and available for his service. This process is likely to be hurtful and detestable, but finally beneficial. This does not reflect God’s hatred or incapability. At the end of the divine course, we are able to appreciate it.

Another area often misunderstood is God’s training: Training is God’s responsibility to ensure that His children and servants understand and know Him. Knowing and understanding God is more important than the service rendered unto Him (Jeremiah 9: 23-24). It is important to study the Bible and acquire knowledge of the Bible, Leadership and Theology from seminaries, but that does not guarantee the quality that God desires to achieve in the life of a person He intends to make use of. Real divine training is in the furnace of affliction, as prophet Isaiah puts it (Isaiah 48:10). We learn practical lessons of love, endurance, forgiveness, trust etc., through hard and painful times. A miracle would not be valid unless God has brought one to the end of himself (the wits end).

King David seems to imply the same scenario of intense challenges as a means of understanding God’s statutes (Psalms 119: 71). Another area is Discipline (Hebrews 12:3-11). In God’s kingdom, there is order, purity and spotlessness. As we strive to walk with God, human nature is constantly in opposition, and occasionally infiltrates, making us susceptible to error. We grow progressively into Christ-likeness, and along the way, both accidental and deliberate errors are made. Obviously as any loving father does, He makes a correction. In human terms spanking a child in a mistake becomes inevitable. A firm hand of discipline is a parental responsibility, which a wise child would appreciate.

SUMMARY:

God delights in our rested life. Rest comes as a result of understanding our relationship with God as sons and daughters. A miracle happens through our faith, sometimes after taking an action based on the rhema. He always acts in His perfect timing, not my own. He will fulfill His promise, giving glory to His name. He makes sure that all my human input is rendered futile first so that I am not eligible to receive any credit and tamper with His glory.

As long as I try to make it happen, my effort becomes rather a hindrance and the vision remains unfulfilled for as long as I still keep trying. Only when all my different alternatives and efforts are exhausted and all natural hope is gone (reach the wits end) can God supernaturally move, fulfill His promise and bring glory to Himself.

I should not worry about the possibility of hearing from Satan in the same way that I hear from Him. It is easy to distinguish the voice of Satan from His, because Satan’s thoughts are consistent with his name and nature. He is the “Accuser”, “A liar”, “Angel of Light”, “A Thief”, “Adversary” and “Enemy”. Therefore, judging of my journeying should be based on the above and the Word.

In a similar way, the thoughts from the Holy Spirit are consistent with His nature, names and characteristics. His names are diametrically opposite to the one of Satan. The Holy Spirit is, “Comforter,” “Spirit of Truth,” “Edifier”, “Exhorter”, and “Teacher”. His words are always calming, soothing and consoling. The words will always come to me with gentleness and solace and full of grace, compassion and hope. They will lift my heart and bring a breath of life to my entire being.

One Day Leadership Seminar Message

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Isaac Peter OkayoSeptember 15, 2013

by Pastor Isaac Peter Oyako
Miracle Center – Jinja on 12th September 2013
(25 Senior Church Leaders attended)

leaders attending one-day seminar by Pastor Isaac Peter Oyako

TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 1:3-4 “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculations rather than further the administration of God which is by faith. (NASB)

THEME: TAKING CARE OF THE CHURCH OF THE LORD

INTRODUCTION: The book of 1 Timothy is a pastoral letter in which Apostle is instructing his son in the faith, Timothy to take care of the church at Ephesus. This letter contains practical instruction that can be applicable to the church of today. After release from his first Roman imprisonment, apostle revisited several of the cities in which he had the churches including Ephesus. He had to hurry to Macedonia for reasons not specified in scripture. However, he had to retain Timothy to continue with the corrections he had begun.

The city of Ephesus was in the present day Turkey in Asia Minor. The city was best known for the magnificent temple of a goddess, Artemis (Diana) which was among the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city was idolatrous and highly wicked.

The Church in Ephesus was probably planted by a devoted couple, Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:18-19, 26), Paul visited them to strengthen the work there, and pastor the churches in Ephesus for three years. After release from Prison, he visited them along with Timothy and found three major challenges which he partly dealt with, and left the task to Timothy to continue dealing with the problem, as he headed for Macedonia. The challenges found at the churches in Ephesus that compelled the apostle to retain Timothy there to deal with were;

(i) False doctrine (1Timothy 1:3-7;4:1-3;6:3-5)
(ii) Disorder in church service (1Timothy 2:1-15)
(iii) Inadequacy of qualified leaders in the churches(I Timothy 3:1-14;6:6-19)

Note: Apostle Paul had initiated correction by strongly dealing with the problem by excommunicating (Putting under church discipline) two leaders who had drifted into false doctrine. The two were Hymenaeaus and Alexander who were apparently leaders in the church (1Timothy 1:20). It seems, the problems in Ephesus did not get completely solved because thirty years later apostle John warned them of forsaking their first love (Revelations 2:1-7)

THE THREE INPORTANT THINGS THAT PASTORS MUST PAY CAREFULL ATTENTION IN WHILE TAKING CARE OF THE CHURCH:

(1) Sound Doctrine

A pastor must know, and always defend, a sound Biblical Christian doctrine. Some people had crept in among the leadership in the church in Ephesus and started to divert the attention of people from the sound Christian doctrine and apostolic teachings: They had introduced the following false practices to divert and replace the true Biblical learning and growth:

(i) Myths: Is a story or a legend which is believed by many people to explain something but does not have any real proof. There were so many legends about God, death, Angels that were not scripturally supported. Every generation and culture have such myths about occurrences to try to explain things of distant past, which are not Biblically supported.

(ii) Genealogies: The study of the family history and the ancestry of an individual or people groups. This was time consuming without any value. The devil uses such strategy.

(iii) Abstinence from Marriage: A false teaching that advocates total purity is attained when one is not married. Some people, even today, believe that having sex with their rightful and legal spouses makes them less holy.

(iv) Abstinence from some foods: This was trying to take the church back to the Jewish dietary restrictions which were abolished during the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:6-29). Salvation by works has always been man’s weakness ever since the inception of the church. Today is the same; people thinking of an additional work to the Grace of God through the atoning death of Jesus Christ.

(v) Undermining Scripture ( a strange doctrine) and Holiness: Any other teaching which is not Biblically supported and undermines purity and holiness ,unity, liberty ,peace, humility etc. is strange and is from the devil.

False doctrines, also known as doctrine of demons, are teachings that try to undermine the faith in Scripture and Jesus Christ’s accomplishments on the cross, His deity as God, salvation by Grace, and not a result of human effort. The Pastors should keep alert to protect the gospel’s central truth.

The pastor must be well conversant with the sound doctrine, full of discernment and wisdom to identify in time, and combat falsehood that tries to creep into the church. He must ordain immature and tested people into church leadership. He must not be a compromiser fearing man. Unfortunately Apostle Peter was caught up in this weakness, but we thank God Apostle Paul who saved the situation by publicly confronting him (Galatians 2:14). Peter was inconsistent. He had stopped living according to Jewish customs because he rightly believed that God accepted him because he trusted in Jesus alone for his salvation. But he was forcing Gentiles (non-Jews) to be circumcised and obey the Jewish food laws. He was wrong. But that was not just a private error in his personal life; it affected many other people and got in the way of the simplicity of the gospel.

Private sin should be dealt with personally and out of the public gaze; but when error infects other people, a public rebuke is necessary. Was Paul brave or foolhardy in challenging Peter in that way? Neither! Paul was simply being faithful to the truth of the gospel and pointed out Peter’s inconsistency to cause others to see that Peter had not set the right example. Those who followed him were foolish too.

(2) Order in the Church

Another problem to be dealt with in the Ephesians churches was the order during church service. The church was marred by disorder, bitterness and confusion, and therefore necessitated immediate straightening. Apparently the following seemed to be happening during the church service:

(i) Women had hijacked leadership positions during a church worship service. I do not really believe that the Scripture restricts women from preaching. Looking at context in which this strong instruction was given, women were living self styled lives which, was a common practice of showing off with gold woven in the braided hair, expensive clothes, jewelry. Because the cultures of that time marginalized against women, the women abused the newly found liberty in Christ and over shot turning the church serves into a mess, and full of disruption. Paul was urging men to take leadership position during church service to avoid dissentions and bitterness in the church as a result of the behavior of women. Paul was dealing with a similar problem in the Corinthian Church 1 Corinthians 14:34- .There was confusion as church services were disrupted by prophecies, completions and quarreling publicly among women. Although, the concept of women preaching and teaching in the church is a debatable issue, the principal truths are that women must exercise some restrain in public gatherings, most especially in the church. This, in any way, does not demean a female sex, but taking full consideration of their nature as a weaker and intuitive sex.

(ii) Because women in the church were living self centered and impure lives of showing off in dressings and hair styles carrying the worldly practice of wearing indecently with the underlying intention of attracting attention in the church (1 Timothy 5:6:11-15; 2 Timothy 3:6) strong corrective measures were inevitable to protect the poorer women from self pity, and men from lust. Paul was concerned about a woman and their nature vis-à-vis church leadership. In the Philippians church, women who helped Paul to begin a church in Philippi (Acts 16:13) later on clashed, dividing the church into two functions over personal issues (Philippians 4:2-3). Women are easily inflammable, and less temperate and prudent than their counterparts, the men.

Unsuitability of a woman in leadership is corroborated by the sad story of mankind, when Eva usurped the authority of Adam and led him to violate the law by eating the forbidden fruit.

A pastor must know that an account is required of him from the Lord over the stewardship given to him, the church. Therefore, he must be with enough authority to bring sanity where things may attempt to go in an opposite direction. Apostle had been very strong, to warn, rebuke and administer discipline wherever it necessary. Fear and timidity is not for a shepherd of God’s flock.

Church discipline: The church operates in the spirit of love and not revenge. The offender must be shown their faults in love with the main aim of restoration first. When the person shows remorse, there is no need of subjecting the offender into church discipline, but forgive and restore (Mathew 18:15-18). Excommunication (handing the offender to the devil) is the maximum sentence to be handed to hardcore, stubborn sinning brethren. Otherwise preliminary forms of disciplines do exist, and can be administered appropriately such as:

(i) Warnings (Titus 3:10)
(ii) Rebuke (1Timothy 5:19-20

(iii) Isolation (2Thes3: 14-15)

Note carefully that, you the restorer, do not also fall into temptation of hatred, competition and pride, but be in submission to the will of God always while dealing with a person caught in a trespass. (Galatians 6:1)

(3) Qualified church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

A church requires a tested and qualified staff ranging from pastors, elders and deacons (1Timothy 5:22; 3:10). The qualification meant here is not academic paper qualification, but proven character. Character, conduct and clear conscience are the pillars of church leadership and community approval. There are15 bible based qualification of a church staff:

(i) Above reproach or scandal: No valid accusation laid upon him either in a criminal case or otherwise.

(ii) A one-woman husband. This does not imply that singles do not qualify, but it simply means sexual purity with devotion to one legal wife.

(iii) Temperate: Behaving in a calm way in any situation.

(iv)Prudent: Sensible and careful while making judgments and avoiding unnecessary risks.

(v) Respectable: Considered by society as acceptable and good person.

(vi) Hospitable: A person pleased to receive guests; generous and friendly to visitors.

(vii) Able to teach: Ability to communicate the expound on the truth from God with the Spirit of Holy Spirit . This also includes counseling. This necessitates schooling but not limited to it.

(viii) Not addicted to wine: He must not be a drinker or the use of intoxicants such drugs, etc.

(ix) Not Pugnacious: Not having a strong desire to argue and fight with other people: Must be self controlled always.

(x) Gentle: Calm and kind. Behaving in a careful way and not pushing for recognition.

(xi) Peaceable: Not involving or causing arguments or violence.

(xii) Free from love of Money: contented in life, not craving to be rich. He is not suffering from the Love of the world (1Timothy 6:6-11).

(xiii) Manages his household well: He is on top of things bringing every one under control for Godly things.

(xiv) Not a new convert: He must have lasted in Christianity with proven experience and testimony.

(xv) A good reputation with outsiders: Must have unimpeachable testimony among unbelievers in the community.

Such men were rare in the church of Ephesus and are still rare in our days too.

( 4) Summary

The church of Christ is a very important asset in the sight of God. It cost God His own Son Jesus Christ to die in the cross to purchase it. It drew the Holy Spirit to dwell on earth to support it, till He hands it over at the rapture. God wants the church to conform to His nature of Holiness, love and united. Pastoral work is a stewardship given to an individual who must give accountability. Therefore, vigilance, discernment and God’s authority must be operational. Pastoral work is not for jokers or money minters. A church is not a commercial enterprise or employment base for job seekers. It is for men with a clear calling, fully trained with proven Character, conduct and clear conscience. Playboys and jokers should find some thing else but not the church of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Sunday Message – Jinja Pentecostal Church

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Isaac Peter OkayoJuly 7, 2013

30 June 2013 – Sermon by Pastor Isaac Peter Oyako
(attended by 320 people)

TEXT: 2Corithians 8:1-5 “Now, brethren we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given to the churches of Macedonia that in great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality, for I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of saints, and this not, as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NASB)

THEME: The Anemic Churches

Pastor Isaac Peter Oyako preaching in Jinja Pentecostal Church - June 30th

INTRODUCTION: Macedonia was an impoverished region of Northern Greece. Apostle Paul was referring to the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. This region was ravaged by many wars, and suffered the Roman policy of heavy taxation to keep the residence absolutely poor and submissive.

In spite of their suffering and severe economic depravity, people gave beyond their means to meet the needs of others whom they believed needed more help than they did.

The Macedonian people were selfless, having given their lives to the Lord first. They gave freely within and beyond their means. God does not set limits on our giving but expects people to give liberally. God’s people should not give under compulsion, manipulation, coercion or intimidation.

The Jinja Pentecostal Church on Sunday June 30th

Money is the blood (life) of the church. Without money, the church is likened to an anemic person. Anemia is described as condition when the number of red blood cells or concentrations of hemoglobin are low. Hemoglobin is a protein (metalloprotein) inside the red blood cells that contains iron and transports oxygen. Some of the characteristics of anemic persons are, easily fatigued and loss of energy, shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise, dizziness and insomnia. Such a person is considered a patient and is not worth to perform his or her duties effectively.

The purpose of a local church in a given locality: It is important for each believer in Christ to be part of the local church where he or she is nurtured and gets involved in building the body of Christ. God has two basic reasons for any local church in a given location. Each of the two reasons requires material resources (money). Without sufficient resources, the local church is rendered non-functional, redundant, or half-dead.

(i) Reason One: The local church functions as the arm of the Lord to meet the needs of the poor. The poor must be clearly identified and separated from the Lazy, who dread work, (Proverbs 6:6-11).

From the inception of the church after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the Church immediately faced the dilemma of the poor. They did not simply ignore it, but worked out the solution of the problem, (Acts 6:1-5).

The poor should be top priority in any local church community. When Paul was coming to ministry, Pillars of the Church, (Peter, John and James) tried to caution him of the noble task of caring for the poor. Paul and Barnabas needed no reminder because the Lord had already revealed that to them, (Galatians 2:9-10).

From the beginning of the nation of Israel, God had given very clear laws and policies regarding the poor and the vulnerable in their communities. Such policies as gleaning were meant to benefit the poor. What is amazing is the day of final judgment of mankind. The Lord will consider the physical services rendered unto the poor as a criteria for deciding (Mathew 25:31-36).

Some people have begun churches as an income generation and call them their religions. I always joke with them to find out if their religion has met the Biblical standard of James 1:26.

Apart from the constant poor, there are natural catastrophes such as famine outbreak, conflict, earth quake and mudslides, floods, tornadoes, etc. In an event of such occurrence, immediate intervention is expected from the church first. These would require prayer, then intervention with material resources. As James puts it, practical faith is louder than professed faith devoid of action. (James 2: 14-20).

(ii) Reason Two: To win souls and make disciples for Jesus Christ. Evangelism and discipleship is a key factor in the existence of the church; that is the essence of the Great Commission (Mathew 28:18-20). The disciples were instructed to remain in Jerusalem waiting for the promises of the Holy Spirit to enable them have power to be witnesses of Jesus Christ throughout the whole earth, (Acts 1:8). The gospel has to reach the people. Some one has to take the gospel, and that some one must be sent – (Romans10:14-15). Besides taking the gospel, the believers have to be fed constantly in the Word and guided through counseling. All these are Biblically entitled to support. (1Corinthians 9:13-14, 1Timothy 9:13-14).

The Local Church Revenue Sources: If the local church has to fulfill her obligations above, then it has to have revenue sources as well as clear administration of the resources. This enhances confidence among the donors (congregation). Just like any institutional donor agency, accountability and effectiveness in dealing with money is a prerequisite to continuous flow of funding.

Biblically Clear Revenues are:

(i) Regular Offerings: These are thanksgiving offerings brought to God regularly each time there is a church meeting or fellowship. It is a love offering which should be given cheerfully as part of the worship to God, as directed to Israel not to appear before Him empty-handed. (Exodus 23:15, Dueteronomy 16:16-17). It should really be without blemish, (Exodus 12:5; Leviticus 19:3, Numbers 6:4).

(ii) Designated Offerings: This is not a permanent offering, but short term to meet a specific need, and there after it stops. It could be a response to emergency humanitarian need, or anything that need immediate intervention. Moses did fund-raising for specific projects given by God, (Exodus 25:1-9; 35:4-9). Again, in most communities in Africa, the enemy has hijacked this area of special offerings for elaborate marriage and graduation feasts, with total negligence of the poor, sick and vulnerable people.

(iii) Tithes (10%) of all Incomes. Although this is not a condition for salvation, many church leaders try to intimidate people into paying it. Tithing is Biblical, an expression of acknowledgment of God as the provider, (Malachi 3:8-12). This message was for Israel in their time of economic distress. I believe it is quite applicable to the church as well. There is tremendous blessing in correct tithing. By all means, if the tithe giver is in great need, the tithe may be borrowed from God and paid with interest of 20% (Leviticus 27:31). Tithes were taken to store houses, which in our case is to the church, not to an individual. Tithes supported the Levites and, the poor. Today the gospel ministers are not the exact parallels of Leviticus priests who must depend on the church entirely. Paul set an example of tent-building, which is a honorary example to Church ministers to work and earn a living somewhere else, (2Thessolonians 3:6-15).

(iv) First Fruits: Israel at that time was predominantly an agricultural economy. Every first fruit was to be given in honor of the Lord, (Proverbs 3:9-10). I believe this can be worked out even in a cash-income-earning community. Some people have devoted their entire first earning in honor of the Lord. This, however, should not be taken as a law, but the people who do it, should be allowed freedom to do it without compulsion, purely as loving honor to the Lord their God.

Management of Church Resources: One of the chief causes of lack of funds in many churches is because people have lost the morale of giving, due to poor management of resources and absence of transparency. In such cases, financial systems are quite opaque and only beneficial to the Pastor. Such churches seem like an economic enterprise for an individual. Deacon board or church eldership may exist, but dance to the tune of the pastor and members of his family. I believe this is not the function of the gift of administration mentioned in the Scriptures, (2 Corinthians 8:16-24, 1Corinthians 12:28).

I believe it is wise for the head of the church to concentrate on core spiritual matters, such as preaching, teaching, counseling, prayer and leave direct handling of financial resources to trusted people with a gift of administration, the way the early church apostles saw it. (Acts 6:2-5) .Administration of church funds should focus on Biblical areas, such as supporting workers (salary), the poor and evangelism.

By having some one else, rather than pastor, handle church funds, protects the pastor’s integrity, and boosts the confidence of church members. Administrative team need to give regular updates to the congregation of income, expenditure, debts and surpluses. Expenditure projections, budget and budget discipline are very crucial in administration of church funds.

Money is a very important factor in the church, for which a church leader must exercise restrain and live within his means, with much contentment. (1Timothy 6:6-11). Many times the devil has used this area of finances to break fellowships.

Summary: Money per se (by itself) is not evil, but very necessary for the operation of the church. A church with sufficient income is likened to a healthy person who is capable of work.

Relationships

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Isaac Peter OkayoJune 30, 2013

At Uganda Institute of Laborartory Technology, Jinja, Sermon by Pastor Isaac Peter Oyako
(on 12th June, 2013. with 50 single youths present, ages 21-25)

TEXT: He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 18:22),
House and Wealth are inheritance from the fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord, (Proverbs 19:14)

THEME: Relationships

INTRODUCTION: Pure relationships between single boys and single girls in the church is a gift from God. Immorality, which is defined as having sexual relationship outside proper marriage, is not acceptable in the church and it is highly condemned in Scripture. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), and it lays a bad foundation for marriage and generally the future of a person involved. Sanctity of the body is a basis of worship of God.

Today around the world, family isn’t what God had designed it to be, because the Biblical principles have been ignored. This begins in a time of relationship or courtship. A time of relationship or courtship is that period when two single people of opposite sex, ( man and women), have shown considerable interest in one another and are in a relationship, but are not yet married. This is a foundational stage that should not involve sexual intimacy yet between the two. Any engagement in sexual intimacy is sin, and will lead to judgment from God. Marriage is true when the following have occurred:
(i) Giving and receiving: Every woman needs the blessing of her parent or guardian in the process of marriage. (Giving; Mathew 24:38, 1 Corinthians 7::38) ,
(ii) The Vows: Marriage is a covenant relationship, therefore a clear commitment in the form of a vow must be witnessed by family members and friends. ( Malachi 2: 14-16)
(iii) Permission by the legal authority of the state or the church.

Anything that falls below the standard above is not considered proper marriage. Cohabitation is not acceptable marriage in the sight of God and the church, and therefore not acceptable among true believers of Jesus Christ. Any one that is living in this kind of arrangement is trapped in perpetually illicit sexual practice, and is disgraceful to the Lord. Repentance and restitution in the form of either sanctification of the marriage, or separation, are the only options available for any believer in Jesus Christ who is trapped in this scenario.

Beginning of a relationship: Marital relationship is God’s idea (Genesis 2:18), and therefore this project must involve the designer at all stages. Relating with intention of marriage should begin with God. God is the only perfect “match maker” who knows a suitable complement for each one. Many youths have made a shipwreck of this entire project of marriage by amplifying the external factors like beauty, and material possessions above the Designer’s prescription (Proverbs 31:30; Psalms 37:25). The timing depends on the pressure that one feels. Burning is not necessarily the working of demons, but could be a genuine calling to married life. (1 Corinthians 7:9). Not every one is called to marriage, and in that case, a person should not be pressured into marriage. There are vital steps that are quite critical:

(i) Prayer of preparation: Just like any serious undertaking, marriage needs a lot of preparation as well. There are virtues such as patience and other critical values that must be acquired first. Rushing into marriage minus these personal adjustments has led to a catastrophic end. The Basic prayer should not be, “God, give me a spouse.” but “God, prepare me to be a blessing to my spouse”. There are things in a person’s life that God should deal with first before blessing you with a spouse. Transformation and renewal are critical before finding God’s perfect will (Romans 12:2). There are Biblical values that a woman intending to marry should have:

R = Righteousness (Fear of God in her body, mind and action)
O = Obedience (adopting a culture of submission and respect for all)
D = Diligence (Household management capacity)

For any man preparing for a good marriage, he should have attained:
R = Righteousness (Fear of the Lord in all aspects)
O = Organized (Have direction in life for the woman to fit in)
L = Love (develop tender loving care and understanding)
F = Faith (enough capacity to trust God for everything)

God, if given the leverage, is always willing to
Lead us in the right direction (Isaiah 64:4).
That implies that we have to engage neutral gear first, listen carefully and are willing to wait.

(ii) To know the answer. Many people expect spectacular signs such as visions, angelic visitations, powerful dreams etc. This is a deception from the enemy. Although those may have happened to some people, it does not mean it should happen to every one. Spectacular signs should not be sough for in any decision; they happen rarely, and is always to non-believers, people of low faith, and disobedient to the Lord. God dwells in a believer, therefore He communicates from within – through inner peace, and strong but gentle willingness. (Philippians 2:13) ; ( Isaiah 30:21). There must be other verifications such as the Rhema and positive corresponding testimony from other people and counselors (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22)

(iii) Initial approach: Boys should not try to use a manipulative approach to win girls, but should genuinely express their affection and give plenty of room for the girl to make a decision. They should know that the girl has a right to consult God and conduct a wide research about them first. They should also know that there may be other people in her consideration list, and should not be offended by any delays. Meanwhile, they should expect either positive or negative response from the girl. Girls should consider each proposal quite carefully, and always in the light of Scripture. Counselors engaged in this consultation should be godly, mature and grounded in Biblical values. This is the second most important decision in life, and should not be treated playfully.

The Period of Engagement: This is a very important stage, and is considered the foundation stage. At this stage, the boy and girl are not considered married yet, and therefore should not engage in sexual intercourse. The couple-to-be must set up policies to avoid involvement in sexual sin, which actually, is the spoiler number one. Of the cases of painful break ups that I have handled, over 70% had indulged in premarital sexual relationship. The couple-to-be needs to transparently share information regarding each other. This includes past experiences, life ambition, family, friends, weaknesses and prayer requests.

They should create quality time with each other. This is very possible without sexual sin. Some boys have also gone to a far extreme in order to avoid sin. They have made a relationship quite boring. Whenever they find time together, the boys turns out to be a pastor or an evangelist to the sister. One girl shared with me her experience, when she got so disgusted she quit the relationship. She accused him of being a man of “Halleluiah” only, and probably too holy to be on earth. He kept a minimum distance of 5 meters from her without any smile or humor. She wondered what could happen on the day of the honeymoon with such an angel. I think the two extremes should be avoided.

The use of money and material benefits should be minimal. Commercializing a relationship is dangerous, and it is considered spoiler number two. Marriage is not a parasitic arrangement in which one items sucks the sap from the host. Proper marriage is a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit from each other. This does not completely rule out gifts and surprises once in a while, this is a vital component of love. However, it should flow in both directions. Lopsided flow of gifts is a fault line in a relationship that could be a recipe of manipulation, dominion and control.

While serious commitment and trust is necessary in a relationship, it should not be made an idol. “Dargonizing” (from the word Dargon, the philistian Idol of the Bible time) a relationship is risky. Many have suffered massive emotional break down as a result of unexpected pull out. The Motto should be, “LOVE TIGHT BUT HOLD LOOSE.”

Putting on masks, or adopting artificial behavior is deceptive, and are signs of a wrong foundation. Freedom and lack of tension is a characteristic of true and genuine love. (1John 4:18). In a true relationship, adjustments are made on both sides, but not without arguments, and some times accompanied by tears.

My Example: My wife Christine and I are happily married for 22 years now. We understand, support and complement each other. She has been my source of inspiration and encouragement in ministry. But we came to this stability from a long way. We related for two years before marriage, and it was the stormiest of all our time together We both agreed to avoid sin, and that was quite easy. However, we experienced countless arguments, break-ups and reconnection during the two years of courtship.

One day I invited her to attend my sister’s marriage in Soroti, some 6 hours from Kampala City where she was student in the University. We had arranged that she also could meet my parents for the first time. I travelled to Kampala to pick her up. We boarded a bus at about 8:00 am expecting to be in Soroti around early afternoon.

However, just shortly after one hour of travel, we picked a heated argument which shocked our neighbors in the bus. She made up her mind not to attend my sister’s marriage any more, disembark at Kumi, her home town, just 50 minutes before Soroti and return to Kampala the following day. For twenty minutes, each of was silent and frustrated. I realized I was the one in the wrong, but because of ego ,could not stoop down to apologize. I thought of an alternative, and that was to buy her a drink with the hope that the problem could be solved. I was terribly mistaken. The bus stopped briefly at Iganga bus terminal. I got out and bought a chapatti ( pan cake) and a bottle of soft drink. I laid those in her lap, but to my surprise, she picked them up , opened the bus window tossed my gift out. We both went silent for another two and half hours.

At first I could not believe that she had changed her mind not to attend my sister’s wedding, till she notified the bus conductor of her decision to stop in Kumi, her home town. I realized I had to plead guilty and ask for forgiveness. She forgave me readily, and also requested for my forgiveness for tossing my gift out of the bus window. We made up as though nothing had happened. We enjoyed the last two hours of our journey. We learned each other’s likes and dislikes during this time.

Marriage: The end of engagement is proper marriage. This process should not be made complicated and unaffordable. What are really necessary are:
(i) The parents or guardians of both the man and woman
(ii) The Legal officer ( Priest or Pastor)
(iii) A couple of friends and relatives to witness the vows.

It is a ploy of the devil to make young people think marriage (the wedding) should be fancy. Young people strive for so called powerful wedding ceremonies, “using the resources they do not have,” to “impress the people they may not even like.” This attitude must be corrected. It does not necessarily mean that a wedding ceremony attended by thousands of people with 20 step-cakes, a fleet of vehicles and first class decorations is automatically successful marriage. Many young people go deep in debts and loans for a fancy wedding. The poor people, or those without connections, simply shy a way from proper marriage and opt for cohabitation, which is not acceptable.

STUDENT’S QUESTIONS AND MY ANSWERS ON RELATIONSHIPS

QUESTION 1: If I have a friend preparing to get married and his friend (Fiancé) had sex with another person, what will happen to me if I don’t tell her (my friend)?

ANSWER 1: Not alerting your friend about the engagement of his or her intended spouse is a terrible weakness on your side. (Ephesians 5:11). It shows that you do not love your friend, and are happy to see him or her head into danger. (Mathew 7:12). True Biblical love would mean confronting your friends intended spouse with evidence, and if he or she does not respond, involve other people including church Leadership.

QUESTION 2: I am in a relationship but the parents of my partner don’t want us to get married. What should I do?

ANSWER 2: There is no easy answer to this. However, the reason for refusal by the parents needs to be known, and if it is genuine it should be respected. For example, if the intended spouse is not a believer, a strong Christian family will protest against such relationship on Biblical grounds (2 Corinthians 6:14-17, 1 Corinthians 15:33). But generally, children have to obey their parents in the Lord, and marital relationship need the blessing of the parents (Ephesians 6:1). But at times there are situations where parents are simply manipulative and selfish, here it is necessary to resist them in love, honor and respect.

QUESTION 3: Pastor, tell us, does God truly show a person a partner and if so how?

ANSWER 3: Yes, I believe He really does. He is a perfect Matchmaker. He has promised a blessing of a spouse. Proverbs 19:14, Psalms 32:8-9. He puts genuine love and peace in the heart of both people. This can also confirmed by approval of friends and relatives.

QUESTION 4: What makes a good relationship and what do I need to know before getting married?

ANSWER 4: A good relationship is based on the fear of God, sincerity and transparency. Before one gets into a relationship, he or she needs to know that he or she is entering into a serious, divine project, where there no room for jokers. He or she should be sure of a call in that direction and the timing must also be perfect (Song of Songs 2:7; 3:5; 8:6-7).

QUESTION 5: I have a friend aged 27 years and says she does not want to think of getting married at all and yet she is healthy. Is it good not to marry at all?

ANSWER 5: Marriage is not a must for every one. There are people who have the grace to stay single and are happier in that way. They should not be forced to marriage. One has to feel the calling to marriage first, (1 Corinthians 7:9), and confirm that they have the capacity to execute the marital responsibilities (1 Corinthians 7:2-5 and 1 Timothy 5:8).

QUESTION 6: Is it okay for me to chew the money (de-tooth) those men who keep disturbing me that they want to have sex with me?

ANSWER 6: For a Christian woman, de-toothing is a not acceptable. It is a form of deceit and indirect prostitution driven by the Love of money (1Timothy 6:6-11). De-toothing is a deadly game that could lead to rape and murder.

QUESTION 7: We had sexual relationship in our relationship but asked God to forgive us. We promised each other never to mess up again until we wed. Will God forgive us?

ANSWER 8: Absolutely, God will forgive any one who is repentant (1 John 1:8-9; Isaiah 1: 18; Psalms 103:12). However, the forgiveness of God does not mean that the consequence of that sin won’t follow you and your children even for generations (Exodus 34:6-7)

QUESTION 9: How will I know that this person who is getting closer to me has the intention of falling in love with me?

ANSWER 9: A good marriage has to have an element of friendship. Research has proved that marriages which have endured the test began as friendship. The best is to ask God and avoid developing feelings without proof from God and the other person. You can also conduct a litmus test on this. Unreciprocated love is painful and can lead to deadly hysteria.

QUESTION 10: What should be done to brothers who break sisters’ hearts in the fellowship?
ANSWER 10: Brothers in Christ should exercise caution and discipline in the church not to engage sisters in a relationship and disengage at will. This is hurtful. Each church has to come up with a Biblical policy to prevent this scenario. It is very hurting. It is estimated that over 86% of females in African universities, of ages 20-25, have experience this kind of abuse. This is a common phenomenon that mostly happens after the couple getting engaged has premarital sex. A boy simply walks away leaving the girl in emotional anguish. I have often told girls that the easiest way to loose your boyfriend, and close the relationship, is giving him sex before marriage.

QUESTION 11: How can I make my relationship lively and enjoyable?

ANSWER 11: By creating quality time together to engage in discussions, planning and prayer. But caution should be taken not to be involved sexual relations and romance. Premarital sex is number one killer of a good relationship. Arguments, quarrels and forgiveness, including laughter and tears are excellent ingredients for a good relationship to grow: Remember marriage is also defined as a union of two forgivers. Also try to avoid making a relationship boring, cold and lifeless.

QUESTION 12: At what time/stage do I need to involve counselor in my relationship?

ANSWER 12: At all stages you need a counselor, and serious guidance. Proverbs 11:14; 15:22.

QUESTION 13: Pastor, I really have strong feelings for this brother. I have tried all the visible ways at least to make him understand me, without me telling him any thing, but the brother is not sensitive at all. What should I do because I am dying inside for this brother.

ANSWER 13: The best thing you should do is to establish that what you are going through is from God, and it is God’s will for you to marry that brother. Make sure it is not lust or infatuation. If it God’s will, may be the timing is not right, and when the right time comes, the brother will respond. You need to rest in the Lord and allow Him work for you. (Psalms 37: 4-7) (Isaiah 64:4). It is not proper for a woman to approach a man for marriage in most cultures of the world.

QUESTION 14: We are all born again. If we decided to concubine and later sanctify our marriage is it okay?

ANSWER 14: To concubine (to cohabit) is wrong, and should not be practiced by a believer in Christ Jesus Christ. It disgraces the body of Christ (the Church) and your parents. Besides that, you have no legal security in that arrangement.

THE END

Message at Busia Mustard Seed Church, Uganda

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Isaac Peter OkayoJune 30, 2013

[Preached by Pastor Isaac Peter Oyako on 9th June 2013
(on Uganda-Kenya border) 183 in the service, (not counting children under 15)]

TEXT: Mathew 7:21-23 Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will declare to them, I never knew you. …NASB)