PPM WORKER’S HANDBOOK

PECULIAR PEOPLES MINISTRIES

WORKER’S HANDBOOK

We are going to start this short study by stating unequivocally that you will not be very successful as a co-labourer in His Vineyard without the following:

1. Being filled with The Holy Spirit

2. Learning the secret of hearing His voice

3. Walking in love

4. Living the sanctified life

5. Learning the secret of walking by faith, which is the final and most important.

THE VISION OF PPM

Before proceeding, it is important to set out the vision of Peculiar People Ministries (PPM). Habakkuk 1:1-3 “1. I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

1. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

2. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry”. From the above we can see that for every vision, we have:

• The master who gives the vision

• The Vision or the message

• The Visionary or the messenger and finally

• The runners

1. PRAISE, CREATE, HEALER

On the night of 22 November 2008 to the early morning of 23 November 2008, as I was sleeping, I heard the Lord say to me, as His voice filled the room, “Praise, Create, Healer”.

There are two things about this: One is that The Lord is emphasising the exercising of kingdom authority and dominion in this end time. There will be an extravagant display of the power gifts in this end times which are the gifts of working of special faith, working of miracles and the gifts of healings (1 Corinthians12:9 -10). The manifestation of these power gifts will be responsible for much of the move of God, not just revival, that we will see in this end times.

We are about to see a display of the healings and creative miracles in this end times that is unparalleled in the history of the Church. This unparalleled display of healings and creative miracles will be bathed and fuelled by heavenly sounds (anointed worship and praise) that will fill the earth in this end times.

Not long ago during a prayer meeting while standing at the altar, The Lord referred me to the scripture:

“Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth” (James 5:7b).

He said to me that this ‘precious fruit of the earth’ here must, first rise up to Him as the incense of old before the earth can be reaped in this end time. He then began to say that there is coming an ‘explosion’ of Heavenly praise and worship in this end times.

Presently, we have very dominant worship groups arising once in a while from different corners of the earth. However very soon there will be a saturation of the earth by so many very highly anointed praise and worship songs and groups. This move of God that is coming in signs and wonders of creative miracles and healings, is going to be spearheaded by these outbursts of Heavenly Sounds.

The above is one explanation of what The Lord meant when He said to me that early morning: “Praise, create, healer”. The second is where we Pecular People Ministries come in, in the whole equation.

Pecular People Ministries is required to play a leading role in the whole equation. This is why we are not going to be taking Praise and Worship lightly. Talking about praise and worship, we are implying spirit and true worship. In other words, the worshippers MUST be living a set apart, consecrated lives.

1. END TIME REVELATOR

Somewhere around about the year 2010, one evening I had a divine visitation while I prayed with a friend at my home. We had spent a bit of time praying and worshipping in the Holy Spirit. Then all of a sudden, I was in the Spirit and I heard the Lord say:

“You are an end time revelation”, and then there was a pause and then He added: “Have you seen your calling”.

This is the reason why our calling and vision is heavily pivoted towards this end times with special attention to the unveiling of ‘mysteries’.

Revelation 10:7 “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to his servants the prophets”.

1 Timothy 3:16 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory”.

1. DISCIPLESHIP

From the year 2015 till quite recently, The Lord have repeatedly at different times spoken to me about School. He has spoken about Discipleship, Healing School, School of Prophets etc.

To be precise, on 04 May 2017 and 17 May 2017 at 7:57 am and 7:32 am respectively and again on the 03 August 2017 at 7:48 am, He spoke to me about these. Again, on the 29 January 2018 at 8:48 pm as I waited on The Lord, His voice filled the room as He again emphasized the same. Other times were 06 February 2018 and 28 June 2018 at 6:44 am and 7:16 am respectively. This is just to mention but a few.

The Daniel School of Prophets and The Discipleship Classes that we are running at the moment are the products of these mandates from the Lord. The Secular Schools and Hospitals will come in the future as these are all part of the instructions.

1. WATCHMAN – A PROPHETIC VOICE TO THE NATIONS

Pecular People Ministries is called as a Watchman over as a watch man. I have heard the Lord supernaturally say to me that we are as Watchman. Twice the Lord have in two different encounters referred me to the book of Ezekiel chapters one, two and three. Isaiah 21:11- 12 “The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, the morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come”.

1. FEEDING THE POOR – JOSEPH MINISTRY

One of the major callings of The Lord on Pecular People Ministry is ‘To recover the poor from their Poverty’. Finally, we are positioned for the End Time Harvest and to help prepare His bride as His friend.

THE FARMER, THE SOLDER AND THE ATHLETE

The Christian and subsequently the Christian worker are likened to:

1. A Solder (2 Timothy 2:3-4

2. An athlete (2 Timothy 2:5)

3. A farmer (2 Timothy 2:1 -7)

It is important to note here that there are some attributes that are common to these above professions and these are:

• Discipline

• Suffering or deprivation

• Endurance and

• Persistence

1. A SOLDIER

2 Timothy 2:3 -7 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things”.

‘ENDURING HARDNESS’

The phrase ‘endure hardness’ is from the Greek word ‘kakopatheo’ which means ‘to suffer hardship’. This could be literally translated as to ‘take your share of suffering or rough treatment’.

Hence as a Christian but even more so as a Christian worker, expect what an average solder goes through, which are:

• Hurt

• Fatigues

• Wounds

• Burdens

• SACRIFICE/DEPRIVATIONS and in extreme case

• Death

• Casualty/ies

Note that all the ills mentioned above come with war.

Before proceeding it is important to point out here that though we are talking about enduring suffering, we are not talking about suffering from things like sickness, poverty etc. We have been redeemed from these things (Galatians 3:13).

ENTANGLEMENT

1 Timothy 2:4 To not be entangled is to be focused on one thing and one thing only, which is that ‘he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier’ (2 Timothy 2:4 kJV). According to the online English dictionary, ‘entanglement’ is the action or fact of entangling or being entangled; a complicated or compromising relationship or situation. Like I said earlier, to not be entangled is to be focused on one thing and one thing only which is: that ‘he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier’(2 Tim 2:4 KJV)

It means to be single minded. One may ask, to be single minded in what? The answer is found in (2 Timothy 2:4) and (2 Timothy 2:2). In summary, what this is saying is that we are to be single minded, focused on one thing – Pleasing the Lord.

This is accomplished by teaching others what we have been thought and which is called Discipleship.

2 Timothy 2:2 NLT “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others”.

Social functions such as weddings, gardening, our responsibility at work (when it conflicts with making disciple of all men), family affairs, none of these should come at the expense of the gospel.

Jesus said things like: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 KJV).

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NIV)

Luke 9:62 “Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” NIV

Peter said in (1 Peter 2:21) “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (KJV).

Please note: This is not the suffering of sickness. We have to be careful here to distinguish between His suffering for us as our substitute and suffering for as a model to follow. The suffering here is mostly persecution.

Let’s have a look at some of the things that Paul went through:1Thesalonians 3:3-4

“In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know” NLT.

“Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass” Berean Study Bible.

2 Corinthians 11:23 – 27 “… in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received l forty stripes save one. Thrice was l beaten with rods, once was l stoned, thrice l suffered ship wreck, a night and a day l have been in the deep; In journeys often, in perils of water, in robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, perils by the heathen, in perils in the City, in perils in the wilderness, in perils the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness”.

Timothy himself went to prison as well for the gospel.

Hebrew 13:23 “I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you”.

QUESTION

Do you love Him enough to?

• Endure hardness for Him

• To not be entangled for His sake

1. AN ATHLETE

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete, does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules (2 Timothy 2:5 NIV). Every athlete learns that he has to deny himself certain things if he wants to win. He cannot eat just any kind of food; he has to give up sweets, French fries, and all the rich, luxurious indulgences that others can freely have. He may have to eat things that don’t really thrill his pallet while others enjoy something tasty, but he does it. The athlete does not indulge in certain pleasures, he disciplines himself.

1 Corinthians 9:24 -27 (kJV) “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So, run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”.

1 Cor 9:24 – 27 (NLT) “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified”.

1. A FARMER

2 Timothy 2:6 The ‘hardworking’ farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops (NIV). The word ‘hardworking’ is from the Greek word ‘kopiao’ which means ‘to work to the point of exhaustion’.

It takes hours of reading the Bible and reading books about the Bible, until you see life the way the Bible sees it. It takes, perhaps, hours of listening to tapes, attending services, sharing and relating with other Christians as they are struggling and letting them see how you are. It takes diligent labour. It is not something that comes automatically because you happen to be a Christian.

QUALIFICATIONS OF A CHRISTAIN WORKER

QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ELDER

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honourable position”. They must have the following qualifications:

1. An elder must be a man whose life is above reproach

2. He must be faithful to his wife: not dealing with infidelity or Adultery/ fornication

3. He must exercise self-control

4. live wisely: Be able to demonstrate common-sense

5. Have a good reputation

6. He must enjoy having guests in his home

7. He must be able to teach

8. He must not be a heavy drinker

9. Must not be violent

10. He must be gentle

11. Not quarrelsome

12. Not love money

13. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect & obey him.

14. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

15. An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.

16. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

In the same way, Deacons:

1. Must be well respected

2. Have integrity

3. Must not be heavy drinkers

4. Must not be dishonest with money

5. Must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealedand

6. Must live with a clear conscience. {The mystery of faith now revealed is essentially in (1 Timothy 3:16): the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.}

Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. Moreover:

1. In the same way, their wives must be respected

2. The must not slander others.

3. They must exercise self-control

4. Be faithful in everything they do

5. A deacon must be faithful to his wife

6. He must manage his children and household well

Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with:

• Respect from others and

• Will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

THE AIM OR OBJECTIVE FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED APOSTLE

PAUL’S WRITING TO TIMOTHY “I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14).

It is very important to note that God has an expectation on how we are to behave or carry ourselves in His House. How are we supposed to behave?

Answer: Enumerated the above, but we must emphasise here that LOVE is the guiding principle in and outside the household of God that is in the Church.

NOTE: More generally, the divine instruction given to the Church on how to live and how the average Christian or the New Creation man is to conduct him/her self both in the household of God, that is the church and the secular like in the business etc is written in the Epistles.

It is important to note that the Bible is divided into Two Parts:

• The Old Testament and

• The New Testament

More generally, the bible is subdivided into:

• The Law

• The Prophets

• The Gospels

• The Epistles and

• The Acts of the Apostles

Have you taken note of such phrases in the bible like?

Isaiah 8:16 & 20 “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples”

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them”. The new creation man is instructed on how to live basically in the epistles and not in the law nor the prophets nor the gospels.

This is why we have such scriptures as:

• Matthew 18:15 – 21 – How to deal with a difficult none compliant Brother /Sister

• 1 John 5:16-17 – How to react when a Brother/ Sister falls into sin

• 1 Cor 5:1-13 – How to deal with abominable acts or sins in the Church

• 1 Corinthians 14:26 – 40 – Order of Worship (Believers Meeting)

• 1 and 2 Timothy – Qualifications of a Worker, etc

Summary: Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.

GRACE AND CALLING – GIVEN ACCORDING TO

THE MEASURE OF THE GIFT OF CHRIST

Discovering your place/calling

Psalm 16:6 “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage”.

Where are your Pleasant Places?

Everyone has a ministry, but not everyone is in the Fivefold Ministry. There are Fivefold ministries in the Bible. (Ephesians 4:11) “And he gave some: Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers”1 Corinthians 12:28-31 “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way!”

Romans 12:3-8” For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one member one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness”. 2 Corinthians 8:1-8 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich”. Like I said earlier, it doesn’t matter whether you are in the fivefold ministry or not. The most important thing is to find your own calling and to pursue it. God does not reward ministry, but he rewards faithfulness. The question is: Are you faithful in your calling? Where is our faithfulness gauged from? Note: Grace can be increased (2 Peter 1:2) “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord”.

(2) IDENTIFY YOUR RACE First it is important to point out here that God plants people in churches or fellowships and that is your place of provision. Blessing is the place of that planting. (Psalm 92:13) “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God”. Are you running your race or someone else’s race? Athletes who run in another’s lane are disqualified irrespective of how talented they may be. How can you be sure that you are not running another man’s race? How do we eliminate the danger of running in vain?

• Ephesians 2:16 “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain”.

• Galatians 2:2 “I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain”.

A careful reading of the above clearly brings out a truth which is that it’s all of Grace.

How do you discover your calling and what do we do while we are in the process of discovery?

1). Ask, Seek and Knock

2). What do you love so much to do?

3). What problem do you hate most?

Why is it often difficult to find out our callings?

Answer:

1)Carnality (Romans 12:1-2)

2). Unrenewed Mind (Romans 12:1-2 )

3). Wrong Motive Jeremiah 17:9

4). Setting an Idol in our hearts (Ezekiel 14:1-5) etc.

• AVOIDING THE DANGER OF INTRUDING INTO ANOTHER MAN’S OFFICE OR THE DANGERS OF NOT STAYING IN YOUR PLACE OF CALLING.

For some reasons like:

• Ignorance or Inability to discover ones calling or gifting. Examples are:

(a). Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-7)

1. “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 2. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. 3.Then Moses said unto Aaron, this is itthat the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. 4. And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp. 5. So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said. 6. And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled. 7. And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses”.

(b). Uzzah and the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:1-14) 1. “And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.

1. And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, if it seemgood unto you, and that it beof the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: 3. And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul. 4. And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. 5. So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjath-jearim. 6. And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjath-jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the Cherubims, whose name is called on it. 7. And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. 8. And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. 9. And when they came unto the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.10. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. 11. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day.12. And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? 13. So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14. And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had”.

• Pride

Uzziah’s Pride, Leprosy, Death (2 Chronicles 26:1-23)16. “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. 17. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men.18. And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. 19.Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. 20. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. 21. And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land. 22. Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write. 23. So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead”. Note: Beloved let us learn to stay in our place of Assignment. Let every Department strive to excel in their calling. This include:

• Pastoral Team

• Alter Attendant

• Ushers

• Prayer Team

• Protocol

• Hospitality

• Evangelism / Outreach Department

• Choir/ Music Department

• Irreverence or Carelessness, Lying ‘Irreverence’: according to com, means ‘lack of respect or veneration or being disrespectful’. During fellowship we should be conscious of the Lord’s presence. If you are late, please go straight to a chair instead of trying to greet people and laugh or move around. People should stop going to give anybody water when the service is on or going to the kitchen. The Kitchen should be locked with key when the service is on. All these things grieve the Holy Ghost and we wonder why the power of God is not strong enough to break yokes during meetings. Worst still, we have become so irreverent to the point where people are texting and fiddling with their handsets during meetings. It is important to note also, that every intrusion into someone’s office is irreverence. We should note also that ignorance did not exonerate Nadab and Abihu. These two sons of Aaron did not know any better, as even their father Aaron was only just conscripted into this Divine service by none other than The Lord Himself. Aaron having grown up in Egypt, neither knew the God of Israel nor his ways. Nevertheless, The Lord conscripted him as Moses’s mouth piece and he was learning on the job. Despite this ‘golden reason’ which one would have thought should have be enough to spare these young men, both died in the tabernacle. The argument that this could only happen in the old testament is put to bed by what happened to Ananias and Saphira in Acts of apostles, which incidentally again was the church in its infancy. One would have thought that since the church was just barely born and that the people in church at the time were but just young converts that heaven would be more gracious, yet they were not spared.

(a). Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5: 1 – 10) 1. “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2. And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4. Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9. Then Peter said unto her, how is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10.Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things”.

(b). Gehazi’s Greed and Leprosy (2 Kings 5:15-27)

Note: Not serving God the right way can result in death. In both the Old and New Testament, we witness such very sad and tragic events, so this is not just an Old Testament stuff as some believe and claim.

(3). DICIPLINE:

• Training (1 Corinthians 9:25) “All athletes are disciplinedin their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified”. Athletes, boxers, musicians and dancers are all known for the very tight discipline that they employ. Below are they areas that an end time Army of Light should engage with regards to training:

• Bodily Exercise (1 Timothy 4:8) “Train yourself in godliness. Exercise for the body is not useless, but godliness is useful in every respect, possessing, as it does, the promise of Life now and of the Life which is soon coming”. Weymouth New Testament

“For exercise of the body profits a little for this time, but righteousness profits in everything, and it has the promise of life for this time and of the future. Aramaic Bible in Plain English. “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future”. Good News Translation

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (NLT).

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (KJV).

• Senses Training (Hebrews 5:11-14) “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

1. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.13. For every one that useth milk isunskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (KJV)

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (NIV)

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil”. English standard version

“Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong”. NLT

“But solid food is for the mature, the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil”. Berean Literal Bible

Note: Did you notice from the above that the Bible rates this training of the senses by ‘constant use’ as Maturity.

(c) Godliness or Spiritual Exercise This can be categorised into:

1. What we call prophetic training

2. Soul winning or evangelism

3. Praying in the Holy spirit – praying in tongues, singing in tongues, trying to interpret your tongues (both prayers and songs)

4. Reading, studying, meditating, memorizing, confessing and practising the word.

5. Practising walking in love and walking by faith

6. Practising teaching and preaching etc

(d). Confidentiality (1 Samuel 10:1-16) 14. “And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.

1. And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.

2. And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not”.

(e). God has Secrets “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant” (Psalm 25:14).

“The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them”. Berean Study Bible

“The LORD advises those who fear him. He reveals to them the intent of his promise”. God’s Word Translation

GOSSIP SEPARATES FRIENDS

(Proverbs 16:28) “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends” (NLT) “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends” (NIV) “Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends”. Contemporary English Version

“Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships”. Good News Translation

“A perverse man sows strife: and a whisperer separates best friends” (KJV)

(Proverbs18:8) “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly”.

(Proverbs 17:9) “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends”.

“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” (NIV)

(1 Peter 4:8) “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of Sins”. Christian Standard Bible

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins”. NLT

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins”. NIV. ABRAHAM HID GOD’S COMMAND TO SACRIFICE ISAAC Genesis 22:1-3

Long Life Product of Bridle Tongue: If you refuse to stop gossiping, early death is the resulting consequence. (Psalm 34:11-13) 12. “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 13. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

1. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it”. (KJV)

13.“keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies”. (NIV)

“Then don’t say cruel things and don’t tell lies”. Contemporary English Version

What does it mean to speak evil?

Answer: (Number 13:32) “So, they spread a false report among the Israelites about the land they had explored. They said, “That land doesn’t even produce enough to feed the people who live there. Everyone we saw was very tall”, Good News Translation

“Then they started spreading rumors and saying, “We won’t be able to grow anything in that soil. And the people are like giants”. Contemporary English Version.

“So, they gave a negative report to the Israelites about the land they had scouted: “The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size”. Christian Standard Version

From the above, speaking ‘evil’ means:

• Spreading a false report

• Giving a negative report

• Spreading rumours.

• WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Run with a purpose to win So that it can be on record that you competed? Or to win? Or what? (1 Corinthians 9:24) “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain”. (1 Corinthians 9:26) So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing

• MOTIVE: WHY ARE YOU SERVING? Motive is the most difficult lesson in these criteria. Definition: The online English dictionary defines Motive as:

• A reason for doing something

• Reason, motivation

• Rationale, grounds, cause, basis, occasion

• Thinking

• The whys and wherefores

• Object, purpose, intention, design

(Jeremiah 17:9) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (kJV) “You people of Judah are so deceitful that you even fool yourselves, and you can’t change”. Contemporary English version

“Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed. Good news translation

“The human mind is the most deceitful of all things. It is incurable. No one can understand how deceitful it is. God’s Word Translation.

“The heart is perverse above all things, and unsearchable, who can know it”? Douay-Rheims Bible.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it”? New Heart English Bible

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it”? New International Version

(Jeremiah 17;10) “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” (KJV)

(Proverbs 16:2) “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD” (NIV) “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives” (NLT) “We may think we know what is right, but the LORD is the judge of our motives”. Contemporary English Version. It is important to note here that we have words like ‘weighs’, ‘examines and ‘judges’. The Lord weighs, examines and judges’ motives for what purpose? To reward. He is a rewarder, but that comes after examining, judging and weighing our actions which of course stems from our motives. (Hebrew 4:12-13) KJV “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do”. Pride, anger, revenge, a sense of entitlement, or the desire for approval. Below are some of the motives behind our actions:

• The desire for approval of men: What does the bible say about this

• The desire for recognition: What does the bible say about this

• The desire for the praise of men: What does the bible say about this

• Pride: What does the bible say about this

• A sense of entitlement: What does the bible say about this

• Revenge: What does the bible say about this

• Selfish Motive: What does the bible say about this (James 4:3)

(Revelation14:1-5) “And l looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 2. And l heard a voice of many waters, as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3. And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four hundred thousand which were redeemed from the earth. 4. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfriuts unto God and to the Lamb. 5. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God”

(John 1:47-51) “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God” (Revelation 14:5) 47. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48. Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man”.

(Genesis 32:22-32) “And he rose up that night, and took his two women-servants and his eleven sons and passed over the ford Jabbok. 23. And he took them and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. 24. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hallow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27. And he said unto him, what is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28. And he said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for l have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. 31. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him and he halted upon his thigh. 32. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.” This is the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel for blessing. The blessing that was given to him to take away the most important thing that he felt was the secret of his power which was his guile.

• GIVING WITH THE WRONG MOTIVE Even in our giving, He weighs, judges and examines our motives.

(2 Corinthians 9:7) “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver”. (Matthew 6:1-4) 1. “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you”.

• PREACHING WITH WRONG MOTIVE (Philippians 1:15 -16) “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ for contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds”

• PRAYING WITH THE WONG MOTIVE:

• Selfishness/Witchcraft

• Selfishness (James 4:3)

• Recognition and Praise of men (Matthew 6:5)

• FASTING WITH THE WRONG MOTIVE: Some also fast with wrong motives as well (Matthew 6:16)

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

• Marriage

• Business

• Healing

• Papers

• Jesus

(Proverbs 21:27) “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind”? We should all guard our hearts from the Pulpit to the Phew. (Proverbs 4:23)

PURE MOTIVE The pure motive is to please God. (1 Thessalonians 2:4). “For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts”. (NLT) “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts”. (NIV) “God was pleased to trust us with his message. We didn’t speak to please people, but to please God who knows our motives”. Contemporary English Bible “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, the One examining our hearts”. Berean Literal Bible. Hear Apostle Paul: “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant”. (NLT) Galatians 1:10) “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ”. (NIV) “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” NASB

1 Corinthians 4:5 “So, don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time–before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due”. (NLT)

BELOW ARE SOME QUESTION GUIDES

1). If the Lord demands today that I take a back seat like to relinquish my position, will I delightfully oblige?

2). Am I doing this, what I am doing in the name of the Lord for the praise of men?

3). If there is no conspicuous payoff, will l still be performing this function?

4). If I start to receive persecution because of this, will I still continue doing this?

5). If some cynically, criticize my service or genuinely misunderstood my good intentions and criticizes me, will I still continue?

6). If I am being despitefully used, that is if those I am serving show absolutely no appreciation, repay me in any way, will I still be doing this?

7). What is your yardstick in judging the success or failure of your service to Him dependent or how faithful are you to what He called you to do or how do you stack with others?

FOLLOWING THE RULES OF THE RACE: – LOVE

Are you following the rules? Every sport has its own rules:

Football, volleyball, handball, basketball, boxing, etc.

Even in prayers, there are different kinds of prayers each of which has its own rules: intercessory prayers, prayer of faith, prayer of dedication and consecration etc.

WHATEVER IS OUR CALLING OR DEPARTMENT, THE ONLY WAY THAT WE CAN LAWFULLY PURSUE IT IS BY WALKING IN LOVE.

This is why The Lord Jesus said that: 15. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.16. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21. Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”. Comparing this text with (John 15) we can see that the fruit that is being referred to here is the fruit of love.

HOW DOES ONE MEET UP WITH THE VERY HIGH REQUIREMENTS OR CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTABLE DIVINE SERVICE?

• By Faith (Philippians 4:13)” I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. (Matthew 19:26) “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible”. (Mark 10:26) “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Luke 1:37) “For with God nothing shall be impossible”.

(2). Fasting Every worker should fast at least once a week. It is said that John Westly would not work with any worker in church who was not committed to fasting twice a week.

(3). Praying in the Holy Ghost: Every worker should spend at least 1 hour praying in the Holy Spirit daily

(4). The Word: Every worker sets a target to read through the bible from Genesis to Revelation once a year. This means that you set aside quality time to read at least five to six chapters daily. Note: We are dedicating every Wednesdays as our fasting day.

THE ADVANTAGES OR THE REWARD OF SERVING THE LORD & APPLICATION

(Exodus 23:25-27)25. “And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. 26. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil. 27. I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee”. The advantages of serving The Lord are:

• Financial blessings M&S testimony

• Sound health

• No Miscarriage both regards to the fruit of the womb and endeavors in life like business, academics etc.

• Fruitfulness

• Longevity

• Victory

NOTE: Compare (Exodus 23:25-27) with (Hebrews 8:6-7) (Hebrew 8:6-7) “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

• Husband and children and property (Exodus 1:21) “And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses”. (KJV) “And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own”(NLT) “And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own” (NIV) “And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own” Berean Study Bible.

• Prosperity: (1 Chronicles 13:1-14) “And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. 2. And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seemgood unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: 3. And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.4. And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. 5. So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim. 6. And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it. 7. And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. 8. And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. 9. And when they came unto the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.10. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.11. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. 12. And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?13.So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.14. And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.

In summary without:

1). Being filled with the Holy Spirit and learning the secrets of

2). Hearing His voice

3). Walking in love

4). Living the sanctified life and finally which is the most important

5). Learning the secret of walking by faith

You will not be very successful as His Co-Labourer in His Vineyard without carrying out the above summarised points.