In our previous post, the first two tests necessary for successful enrollment or admission into the school of marriage were thoroughly discussed. You can kindly find it on our blog site. Welcome as we continue to explore these all-important tests. The patience test is a must-pass requirement.
The pursuit of an ideal life partnerrepresents a profound and meaningful journey, marked by moments of joy and challenges. Within the sacred scriptures of the Bible, we encounter invaluable guidance that illuminates the art of selecting the perfect life partner. At the heart of these teachings lies a recurring theme – the virtue of patience. This enduring quality plays a pivotal role in navigating this significant journey.
The Biblical Emphasis on Patience: The Bible venerates patience as a virtue of the highest caliber. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul includes patience among the fruits of the Spirit, emphasizing its profound significance in our lives. This patience extends gracefully to the intricate process of discovering a life partner. Proverbs 19:14 wisely reminds us that, “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” Here, we discern that finding the right life partner isn’t solely a result of our efforts but requires divine guidance and timing.
The Time for Everything – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 stands as one of the most renowned passages on patience. It elegantly articulates the concept of “a time for everything,” including a time to embark on the quest for a life partner and a time to patiently await the arrival of the right person. This passage poignantly underscores that hastening into a relationship, devoid of patience, can lead to heartache and disillusionment.
The Foundation of Love – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Love, as meticulously described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, forms the bedrock of any flourishing marriage. It unequivocally states that love is patient, and this enduring patience holds paramount importance in the selection process. Hasty decisions in matters of the heart can cloud our judgment and obstruct our ability to truly comprehend the essence of the person we are considering as a life partner.
Seeking Counsel and Wisdom: Proverbs 15:22: The Bible imparts the invaluable wisdom of seeking counsel from others. Proverbs 15:22 wisely proclaims, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” This underscores the profound significance of seeking divine guidance in understanding God’s purpose for your life. Allow the word of God to become your guiding light, enabling you to make judicious decisions concerning a life partner.
The Tale of Ruth and Boaz: An Epitome of Patience: The Book of Ruth unveils the extraordinary narrative of Ruth and Boaz, serving as a powerful testament to the virtues of patience and unwavering faith in the pursuit of a life partner. Ruth’s patience and unwavering devotion led her to the right partner, perfectly aligned with God’s divine timing.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the art of selecting the perfect life partner is a profound odyssey that demands patience, faith, and an unwavering trust in God’s divine plan. The Bible consistently reinforces the significance of patience as a virtuous quality, and it sternly warns against the perils of hastiness in matters of the heart. By earnestly seeking divine guidance, drawing wisdom from trusted counsel, and allowing patience to serve as the North Star guiding your path, you greatly enhance your prospects of discovering a life partner harmoniously aligned with God’s divine will, and thus, bestowing upon you enduring happiness and fulfillment.
Indeed, as previously discussed in our post, institutions worldwide typically require prospective students to pass their entrance examinations as a fundamental prerequisite for admission. Similarly, marriage as an institution also places significant emphasis on its own entry requirements.
Marriage is not a casual commitment but a sacred union, and just as educational institutions seek qualified candidates, marriage seeks individuals who meet certain criteria. We outlined prayer test as the first criteria for any one seeking admission into the school of marriage.
Today in this post, we shall be focusing on the second entry requirements for any candidate seeking for enrollment in the school called marriage .
PromiseTest:
Certainly! The Bible is filled with promises that provide guidance and assurance to God’s children in various aspects of their lives, including marriage and relationships. It is essential for believers to seek scriptural backing and discernment before committing to a marriage or relationship.
. In this reflection, we will explore the significance of having a promise from God as an anchor in relationships and the importance of being convinced of our choice.
One of the most well-known promises in the Bible comes from Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, including our relationships. It suggests that when we seek His guidance in our choices, especially in matters as significant as marriage and relationships, we can trust that His plan will lead us to a hopeful and prosperous future.
When contemplating a life partner, it is essential to find scriptural backing for the relationship. Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” This verse highlights the importance of seeking a partner with qualities that align with God’s standards and values. It emphasizes that a godly relationship is indeed a blessing and receives favor from the Lord.
In the book of Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and seeking His wisdom in every decision, including choosing a life partner.
Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 6:14, it is written, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” This verse underscores the significance of being aligned in faith and values with your partner to ensure a harmonious and God-honoring relationship.
Before saying Yes I Do to a man or woman in a relationship, it is crucial to seek confirmation from God through prayer and the study of His Word. Psalm 37:4 encourages us, saying, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This means that when our delight is in the Lord, He aligns our desires with His will, including the desire for a godly relationship.
Before saying Yes I Do to a potential life partner it is significant to be convinced of them and their alignment with God’s plan for your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse encourages us to rely on God’s wisdom and discernment when making decisions, especially those concerning relationships. Being convinced of a person means having confidence in their character, values, and shared commitment to a godly journey together.
In conclusion, as God’s children, we should seek scriptural backing and the guidance of the Holy Spirit when considering marriage or a relationship. Trusting in God’s promises and seeking His wisdom will ensure that we make choices that are pleasing to Him and lead to a fulfilling and God-centered union.
Be rest assured that God has ordained you for a glorious and successful marriage. All you need to do is to keep preparing for this glorious marriage.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit is a central and foundational concept in Christian theology. It refers to the active work and presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and in the world. This ministry plays a crucial role in the life of the Christian, providing guidance, empowerment, and transformation. To explore […]
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit is a central and foundational concept in Christian theology. It refers to the active work and presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and in the world. This ministry plays a crucial role in the life of the Christian, providing guidance, empowerment, and transformation. To explore this topic comprehensively, let’s delve into it with scriptural backing.
The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the third person of the Holy Trinity, alongside God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is introduced in the book of Genesis, where we read about the Spirit of God hovering over the waters at the creation of the world (Genesis 1:2). From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Holy Spirit’s ministry is highlighted and revealed in various ways.
In conclusion, the Ministry of the Holy Spirit is multifaceted and vital in the life of a Christian. It involves conviction, indwelling, teaching, empowerment, and guidance. The Holy Spirit’s work is grounded in the teachings of the Bible, providing believers with the strength and wisdom they need to live a life that is pleasing to God and to fulfill their calling in Christ.
Conviction and Regeneration: One of the primary roles of the Holy Spirit is to convict individuals of their need for salvation and to regenerate their hearts. Jesus Himself taught about this ministry in John 16:8-9, stating, “And when he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.” This conviction leads people to repentance and faith in Christ.
Indwelling of Believers: The Holy Spirit takes up residence within the hearts of believers. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” This indwelling presence empowers and guides believers in their walk with God.
Teaching and Revelation: The Holy Spirit is also referred to as the Spirit of truth and is responsible for teaching and revealing God’s truths to believers. Jesus promised this in John 14:26, saying, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Fruit of the Spirit: In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are produced in the lives of believers as a result of the Holy Spirit’s ministry.
Empowerment for Ministry: The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts for service in the body of Christ (the Church). 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 explains how the Spirit distributes gifts such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues for the common good of the Church.
Comforter and Advocate: Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Advocate in John 14:16-17, emphasizing the Spirit’s role in comforting, guiding, and supporting believers in their faith journey.
Conviction of Righteousness: In John 16:10, Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in convicting the world of righteousness, highlighting the standard of righteousness found in Christ.
Bishop David Oyedepo delivered an impactful message on the power of love during the NATAR 2023 Day 3 Evening Session at Triumphant Christian Centre in Ikeja on 7th September 2023. His sermon focused on unveiling the breakthrough power that love holds.
Prayer and fasting alone cannot ensure a peaceful home if there is no love between husband and wife.
As a wife, submitting to your husband is crucial for finding rest, no matter how much you pray.
The church is transitioning from focusing solely on preaching to emphasizing teaching.
Preaching warms you spiritually, while teaching has the power to transform your life.
One cannot go far in the Kingdom of God without being open to receiving instruction.
Chasing after money is a futile use of energy.
I have personally experienced God’s prosperity plan for 41 years, never lacking, begging, or borrowing.
The blessings bestowed by mothers and fathers give individuals an advantage over those who struggle.
When promoting God’s Kingdom becomes our joy, lack becomes a thing of the past.
Every genuine lover of God is destined to be a pioneer, a trendsetter, and a trailblazer in their pursuits.
Remaining in love with God ensures a remarkable and awe-inspiring existence on Earth.
In this era of enlightenment, love becomes our key to unlocking the realm of revelation.
The effectiveness of one’s faith is always limited by their level of love for God.
I am not surprised by the progress God has brought us; it would have been surprising if He hadn’t.
Tonight, I’ll be sharing a message titled ” UNVEILING THE BREAKTHROUGH POWER OF LOVE.” You won’t need to struggle to make things happen any longer. The supernatural order of breakthrough is a portion of every born-again child of God. Love is inherent in every true believer of God. Let me emphasize that a breakthrough is not merely a goal; it is your inherent right as a believer. It’s not something you aspire to; it’s your birthright. Just as Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world,” we are redeemed as the world’s light, prevailing over darkness through redemption.
Furthermore, we are redeemed for a glorious destiny, and every child of God possesses a magnificent future. People will witness your life and praise God for it because being a child of God is being a marvel; it’s not your ambition but your birthright.
WE ARE REDEEMED TO BE ADMIRABLE. Drawing inspiration from Isaac’s testimony in Genesis 26:12-14 and Galatians 3:29, we understand that we are redeemed to be admired, just like Isaac. After NATAR 2023, everyone’s stories will undoubtedly take a turn for the better, as this is our divine inheritance in Christ.
However, a question arises: why do so many believers struggle to survive, despite their glorious destinies? Isaiah 5:13 and Hosea 4:6 provide the answer – it’s due to a lack of knowledge. As John 8:32 states, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NATAR 2023 has been dedicated to enlightening people, helping them grasp what rightfully belongs to them in Christ and how to access it. This night won’t be easily forgotten; something transformative is happening in your life.
DISTINGUISHING PREACHING FROM TEACHING. It’s crucial to differentiate between preaching and teaching. Preaching spiritually warms you up while teaching leads to life transformation. Understanding what God promises you and what actions you must take to attain those promises is the key. Mere knowledge of God’s word won’t change your position; you must follow through with action because God’s kingdom operates on deeds. Luke 6:40 highlights this point – knowing isn’t enough; it’s the belief-driven application that works. Neglecting action and merely holding on to promises won’t suffice; it’s time to move into the era of covenant, where aligning with God’s word is essential for change.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EMBRACING INSTRUCTIONS. Embrace and enjoy the instructions found in the Scriptures, for they encompass principles, correction, reproof, and guidance. Instructions constitute a significant portion of the Bible, approximately 75%. Disregarding instructions hinders progress in the Kingdom. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 underscores the importance of obedience – no need for begging; just follow God’s instructions and soar.
Remember, 39 years ago, the Lord revealed that there’s a place for you at the top if you’re interested. To attain it, you must heed God’s instructions, not just preach them. Preaching without action doesn’t add value; it’s the doing aspect that propels you to great heights. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes this.
We are transitioning from a preaching era, where warmth is generated but action is lacking, to a teaching era. In this era, covenant tables are set, revealing what you must do for change to happen. That’s our purpose.
HONORING YOUR PARENTS AND GIVING. Start honoring your parents through giving. A young man in our church, after hearing this, approached his parents, expressed his appreciation, and gave what he had. Within days, he secured a managerial job after completing NYSC. As the Bible says, “Honor your father and mother, and it shall be well with you.” For those who give, their blessings are abundant.
1 Chronicles 29:3 teaches us that when Kingdom promotion becomes a delight, lack is no longer a concern. Like David, who gave generously, you too can give from your resources, not just from the Kingdom treasury, and thrive.
In conclusion, when a believer truly loves God, dwelling in Him and allowing Him to dwell in you, you become a breakthrough personality on earth. Being sold out to God means supernaturally standing out in life. You can’t be sold out to God and remain stagnant; you naturally command the supernatural. All true lovers of God are dedicated servants.
In the past, when we needed to pay our church’s rent, I spoke with our leaders and emphasized that being sold out to God was my secret. You can’t fake genuine dedication to God; it naturally makes you stand out. You confidently command the supernatural, free from pressure and tension, as life’s blessings unfold effortlessly. Tonight, I’ll be presenting a message titled “Revealing the Breakthrough Power of Love.” You won’t need to endure struggles to achieve your goals any longer because the breakthrough power of love is inherent in every true believer of God. Let me emphasize that a breakthrough is not merely a goal; it is your inherent right as a believer. It’s not something you aspire to; it’s your birthright. Just as Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world,” we are redeemed as the world’s light, prevailing over darkness through redemption.
Furthermore, we are redeemed for a glorious destiny, and every child of God possesses a magnificent future. People will witness your life and praise God for it because being a child of God is being a marvel; it’s not your ambition but your birthright.
WE ARE REDEEMED TO BE ADMIRABLE. Drawing inspiration from Isaac’s testimony in Genesis 26:12-14 and Galatians 3:29, we understand that we are redeemed to be admired, just like Isaac. After NATAR 2023, everyone’s stories will undoubtedly take a turn for the better, as this is our divine inheritance in Christ.
However, a question arises: why do so many believers struggle to survive, despite their glorious destinies? Isaiah 5:13 and Hosea 4:6 provide the answer – it’s due to a lack of knowledge. As John 8:32 states, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NATAR 2023 has been dedicated to enlightening people, helping them grasp what rightfully belongs to them in Christ and how to access it. This night won’t be easily forgotten; something transformative is happening in your life.
DISTINGUISHING PREACHING FROM TEACHING. It’s crucial to differentiate between preaching and teaching. Preaching spiritually warms you up while teaching leads to life transformation. Understanding what God promises you and what actions you must take to attain those promises is the key. Mere knowledge of God’s word won’t change your position; you must follow through with action because God’s kingdom operates on deeds. Luke 6:40 highlights this point – knowing isn’t enough; it’s the belief-driven application that works. Neglecting action and merely holding on to promises won’t suffice; it’s time to move into the era of covenant, where aligning with God’s word is essential for change.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EMBRACING INSTRUCTIONS. Embrace and enjoy the instructions found in the Scriptures, for they encompass principles, correction, reproof, and guidance. Instructions constitute a significant portion of the Bible, approximately 75%. Disregarding instructions hinders progress in the Kingdom. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 underscores the importance of obedience – no need for begging; just follow God’s instructions and soar.
Remember, 39 years ago, the Lord revealed that there’s a place for you at the top if you’re interested. To attain it, you must heed God’s instructions, not just preach them. Preaching without action doesn’t add value; it’s the doing aspect that propels you to great heights. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes this.
We are transitioning from a preaching era, where warmth is generated but action is lacking, to a teaching era. In this era, covenant tables are set, revealing what you must do for change to happen. That’s our purpose.
HONORING YOUR PARENTS AND GIVING. Start honoring your parents through giving. A young man in our church, after hearing this, approached his parents, expressed his appreciation, and gave what he had. Within days, he secured a managerial job after completing NYSC. As the Bible says, “Honor your father and mother, and it shall be well with you.” For those who give, their blessings are abundant.
1 Chronicles 29:3 teaches us that when Kingdom promotion becomes a delight, lack is no longer a concern. Like David, who gave generously, you too can give from your resources, not just from the Kingdom treasury, and thrive.
In conclusion, when a believer truly loves God, dwelling in Him and allowing Him to dwell in you, you become a breakthrough personality on earth. Being sold out to God means supernaturally standing out in life. You can’t be sold out to God and remain stagnant; you naturally command the supernatural. All true lovers of God are dedicated servants.
In the past, when we needed to pay our church’s rent, I spoke with our leaders and emphasized that being sold out to God was my secret. You can’t fake genuine dedication to God; it naturally makes you stand out. You confidently command the supernatural, free from pressure and tension, as life’s blessings unfold effortlessly.
God is committed to changing your story but you have to be a lover of God. Love can create an open door where there is a closed door.
It is important to let every single out there know that marriage is a covenant heritage of the redeemed. God spoke in Genesis that it is not good for man to be alone. Genesis 2:18 (KJV) And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him and help meet for him. God doesn’t want you to be alone; He, therefore established marriage institutions for man and woman.
In this post, I will be showing you some tests that your relationship must go through before you can finally Say Yes I Do To that man or the woman. Marriage is a divine institution ordained by God. Many people want to enter into this God-ordained institution without good knowledge and adequate preparation. No institution in the world admits any student who did not pass their entry test. Until a student passes the entry, such a student is not qualified for admission to the institution.
Most people know for sure that marriage is an institution, yet are struggling to enter into it without passing the entry tests. No wonder many are going through back doors to secure their entry into marriage college without having the right information and knowledge of what to do. There are tests you must pass before your enrollment into this institution can be successful.
There are many collapsed marriages today in our society because of the wrong concept such as ” I Love Him”. “I love her”. “He has money”. “He’s popular or famous”, ” Love is blind”. If you enter into marriage with any of these in your mind, you are bound to fail. If you go into marriage believing that love is blind, then marriage will open your eyes. If you fall in love hastily without you pass the marriage tests, you will fall out of love hastily. For you to build an enduring marriage relationship you must pass the entry test.
1. PRAYER TEST. The prayer test is a must-pass test for every relationship that must stand the test of time. It is the first test that your would-be spouse must pass. Prayer is the first key that every relationship or marriage needs for it to be successful. If you must succeed in marriage you must pass this test. Abraham’s servant passed this test before Rebecca came out…
Genesis 24:12-13, 15 (KJV) And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And it came to pass before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. If your relationship or marriage does not begin with God in prayer, it will eventually end up in disappointment, promise, and failure. If does not begin with prayer, it will be full of errors and complaints. Abraham prayed for Eliezer for divine direction and Eliezer prayed for divine connection. Once you prayed very well before your journey into marriage, you won’t miss the identity of your God-ordained husband or wife… But it is my prayer and desire that you won’t miss your steps in marriage.
PRAY THE FOLLOWING PRAYERS 1. Lord I repent of all my errors in finding my spouse my way. 2. Father, I reject every disappointment programmed into my marital destiny. 3. Every yoke of marital delay hindering my wedding be destroyed now. 4. Father grant me divine direction for the establishment of my marital success. 5. Father in the name of Jesus, I refused to make the wrong choice. 6. Father in the name of Jesus, connect me with my God-ordained husband/wife. 7. According to the word of God, I’m beautifully made, therefore I shall be beautifully married in the name of Jesus. 8. My marriage shall be blessed with goodly and God-fearing children. 9. I refused to have failed marriage. 10. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers.
KINGDOM EVENTS 