Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;(1 Timothy 4:1, KJV).

God gave his servant, Chimdi Ohahuna, a teaching revivalist the task to awaken the body of Christ in these last days. The purpose is so that many will be saved from departing from the faith by reason of the deception and manipulation of Satan.

In pursuit of this revival vision, the body of Christ must in these days boldly stand and say NO to the practice of the works of the flesh in the Church, and every believer is tasked to carry out personal examination to know if they are spiritually minded or carnal Christians. Also, there is the need for understanding the Fruit of the Holy Spirit and the relevance of having them operational in each believer and as a body of Christ.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

  Galatians 5:19-21

Focus: Works of the Flesh - Variance

In scriptures, we are admonished about the works of the flesh. Firstly, let's consider what are the works of the flesh?

The word "work" is from the Greek word "ἔργον; Transliteration: ergon". Thayer defines this term as business, employment, that which any one is occupied. Hence, the works of the flesh are those fleshy tendencies, attitudes and mind sets that keep us employed and occupied.

As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh lead and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit. And, so long as we work for our flesh, we cannot work for the Holy Spirit and vice versa.

Also, when we work for the flesh we are subject to the dictates of our flesh thus slaves to it. As slaves, we will have no control over our fleshy desires and must do what the flesh dictates per time.

Variance is one of the works of the flesh from the Greek word "eris". What is variance? Thayer defines the term as contention, strife & wrangling; other Greek definitions adds quarrel and debate. The continuous presence of contention, strife, wrangling, a quarrel and debate in our relationships is a proof of the presence of variance dominating us, this implies that we are being led by the flesh and allowing it determine the direction of our relationships.

Many believe that variance is the proof of healthy relationships however, the opposite is the truth as revealed by the word of God. Variance is the proof of a fleshy and dangerous relationship, which is not compliant with the word of God and shows that we are not led by the Holy Spirit.Variance is the proof that we are not allowing the fruit of the spirit in us to be revealed and this means that, we are carnal Christians no matter how spiritual we think we are.

Prayer: May we yield ourselves more to the Holy Spirit in Jesus.

Focus: Works of the Flesh- Witchcraft pt1.

The cry of the Spirit campaign is geared towards awakening the consciousness of "say NO to the works of the flesh" in the body of Christ. Previously, we understood that the word "work" is from the Greek word "ἔργον; Transliteration: ergon". And, Thayer defines this term as business, employment, that which any one is occupied. Hence, the works of the flesh are those fleshy tendencies, attitudes and mind sets that keep us employed and occupied.

As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh lead and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit. And, so long as we work for our flesh, we cannot work for the Holy Spirit and vice versa.Also, when we work for the flesh we are subject to the dictates of our flesh thus slaves to it. As slaves, we will have no control over our fleshy desires and must do what the flesh dictates per time.

It is important we note that the book of Galatians was written by Paul the Apostle to the Churches in Galatia, this means that it was written to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ not unbelievers. So, every work of the flesh spoken about can be practiced by believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, if we allow the flesh rule us.

Witchcraft is one of the works of the flesh from the Greek word φαρμακεία: pharmakeia (this is the root word for pharmacy). What is witchcraft? Thayer defines the term as the use or the administering of drugs, poisoning, sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it. Metaphorically the deceptions and seductions of idolatry.

Thayer's first explanation for witchcraft does not imply that, the use and administration of pharmaceutical drugs is negative because when medications are used and prescribed for the treatment of the right ailments,  they are good. However, witchcraft sets in when drugs are abused. Such abuse can arise as a result of either over use or under use of of drugs.

Over use of Drugs is the end result of over dependence on drugs and this is poisonous. And, over dependence on drugs is the result of not depending on God. God wants to be our all in all, our first and last resort and the one we absolutely depend on.

As believers, when we need relief or treatment and our first resort is physical medications instead of the word of God and prayers it reveals to us that, we are dependent on physical medications not on God and His word. This shows that we are flesh led and not spirit led believers.

Although we will need physical medications where the need arises, our first resort should not be physical medications, our first resort must be God via His word and prayer. However,  if the need arises for us to resort to physical medications, while we resort to them, we must trust in God and not the medications for our healing and restoration of health. This truth also applies to every aspect of our lives.

Prayer: May we depend more on God and yield ourselves more to His Holy Spirit in Jesus name, Amen.

Grace to you!

Focus: Works of the Flesh - Witchcraft pt2.

The cry of the Spirit campaign - an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh lead and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

Witchcraft is one of the works of the flesh from the Greek word φαρμακεία: pharmakeia (this is the root word for pharmacy). Thayer defines the witchcraft as the use or the administering of drugs, poisoning, sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.

Sorcery and magical arts are inseparable arts of the practice of witchcraft . Sorcery is defined by the  Merriam-Webster dictionary as the use of magical powers that are obtained through evil spirits. Also, magic is defined by the Merriam-Websters dictionary  as an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source.

Sorcery and magic are connected with idolatry and fostered by it. Idolatry is defined by the Merriam-Websters dictionary as the worship of a picture or object as a god.

Therefore, worship entails the worshiper giving worth to who or what  he/she worships and giving of worth is fueled by love. In other words, one cannot give worth to who and what he/she does not love. Hence, worship is the worth given to someone or something due to the love one has for that person or thing.

So, Idolatry is giving the love and worth that belongs to Yahweh to any other being or thing.Sorcery and magic are the proofs of idolatry, as believers in the Lord Jesus, when we take the love we are meant to give to God and give it to anyone or anything, we open our lives for the powers of evil spirits that is, magic to manipulate us and give free access to extraordinary powers from supernatural sources that are not in compliance with the operations of the Holy Spirit to influence our lives and decision.

Brethren, we must watch what we love and give worth to as believers in Christ.

Prayer- May we love only the Lord Jesus and only be  influenced by His Holy Spirit.

Focus: Works of The Flesh - Lasciviousness

The cry of the Spirit campaign - an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh led and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

Another works of the flesh listed in our Scripture text is Lasciviousness. The term in Greek is ἀσέλγεια: aselgeia, and Thayer defines lasciviousness as unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence.

We will consider unbridled lust in this examination. Whenever we hear the word lust and because of our orientation over time, we think of something bad. But there is another definition of lust which speaks otherwise.The Merriam-Webster dictionary also defines lust as a strong desire for something.

A strong desire is a pertinent necessity for success in every pursuit in life, this means that without lust we cannot succeed in our chosen pursuits in life. However, what and how we lust matters a lot. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, It is good for us to lust after good things, but it is dangerous for us to have unbridled lust towards good things. This is due to the fact that, our choices are not between good and bad but, between God and good. An unbridled lust for good things reveals that we lack moderation and self control. Also, it is impossible for one to have unbridled lust for good things and God at the same time. One option has to be chosen at the expense of the other.

Brethren, we are only safe when we have lust for God and His kingdom, because the Holy Spirit will put a check on us when we are going into excesses and prevent lasciviousness. But, when we have unbridled lust for good things only, no one and nothing can put a check on us and this is dangerous and could end badly.

Prayer- May we lust only after God and His kingdom in Jesus name.

Grace to you!

Focus: Works of The Flesh - Lasciviousness pt2.

The cry of the Spirit campaign - an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh led and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

One of the words that defines Lasciviousness, in Greek ἀσέλγεια: aselgeia, is licentiousness. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines licentiousness as lacking legal or moral restraints; or disregard for strict rules of correctness.

As believers in the Lord Jesus, we were saved by grace through faith. This grace teaches us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Thus, we are able to understand that Grace also has boundaries.

Also, we have been set free from the law of sin and death.  Although, we have been set free from the law of sin and death, we are still constrained by the law of life in Christ Jesus which is the law of love.

Many times, Christians take liberty as freedom to indulge in licentious behaviors, unknown to them that liberty is freedom to operate within legal boundaries. Christians do so due to the lack of understanding that the liberty given us by Grace has boundaries. Lack of this understanding makes some Christians lose their guards, break their legal and moral restraints and disregard strict rule of correctness ingrained in the Christian faith.

There is a thin line between liberty and licentiousness,making licentiousness very slippery terrain to operate in works of the flesh.

Beloved, we must guard our hearts and lives to ensure that we do not slip from liberty to licentiousness.

Prayer- May we continuously depend on God's grace so we can watch and pray, so as not to slip into licentiousness.

Grace to you!

Focus: Works of The Flesh - Lasciviousness pt3

The cry of the Spirit campaign- an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh led and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

One word that defines lasciviousness (Gr: ἀσέλγεια- aselgeia), is wantonness. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines wanton as showing no thought or care for the rights, feelings, or safety of others.

Sometimes, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have an incomplete understanding of the personal nature of our walk with God and personal responsibility to work out our own salvation, in summary the personal nature of the Christian race.

This incomplete understanding has led to a number of saints becoming stumbling blocks to others, Christians and non Christians inclusive. The reason for this is that some Christians believe that their Christian life is a personal one to be lived personally, and how it affects others is not important. This is not completely true.

Our individual walk with God is based on what our individual conscience can handle as pure or impure. To one his conscience sees nothing wrong with eating meat dedicated to idols, but to another, his conscience sees something wrong with eating meat dedicated to idols (1Corinthians 8). Eating meat dedicated to idols is illustrative for all conscience related physical actions that is, external actions that do not defile us internally (spiritually).

As Christians we are to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), this means that we are to care for the rights, feelings and safety of others especially fellow believers. Thus, anything that will harm a fellow Christian because he has a weak conscience,  we are to avoid doing or indulging in such act even though our conscience can handle it. Also anything that will make a brother stumble or fall we must avoid doing or indulging such acts.

When an understanding of the personal nature of the Christian life makes a Christian show no thought or care for the rights, feelings, or safety of others, he/she has slipped into wantonness.

Prayer: May we depend more on the Holy Spirit and Grace of God to live in a manner that will not lead to the stumbling and destruction of others in Jesus name.

Grace to you!

Focus: Works of The Flesh- Lasciviousness pt4.

The cry of the Spirit campaign - an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh led and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

A word that defines lasciviousness (Gr: ἀσέλγεια- aselgeia), is shamelessness. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines shameless as insensible to disgrace. This means that, a shameless person has lost his/her basic sense of reasoning which makes him/her sensitive to and detest disgrace.

In the Christendom, shamelessness implies that a Christian works for the flesh, and is insensible to the disgrace that results from working for the flesh.  Disgrace develops from working for the flesh by living contrary to the word of God we hear and profess.

The disciples of Jesus were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26). The word Christian is from the Greek word Χριστιανός: Christianos, which means a follower of Christ. They were called Christians because; they followed Christ in deeds and lifestyle not only, in words.

By following Christ in deeds and lifestyle, they fulfilled the purpose for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on them as Jesus spoke in Acts 1:8, which was for them to be witnesses not majorly do witnessesing. Being witnesses, is witnessing with our lifestyle and deeds while, doing witnessing is witnessing with our words only.

When we choose to do witnessing instead of been witnesses, our lives will be contrary to the words we speak, and this leads to shame. It's heart breaking to see a Christian who is comfortable to say the word of God and live or act contrary to it. Such a Christian is regarded as shameless and has chosen to do witnessing for Christ, instead of being a witness for Him. A believer who makes practice of shamelessness will never represent Christ well on earth.

We received the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus, as such, never become ashamed of the gospel of Jesus (Romans 1:16, 2Timothy 1:8). Also, the world awaits the manifestation of the witnesses of Jesus (Romans 8:9)

Prayer: May all who professes Christ be witnesses of Him in Jesus name, Amen.

Grace to you!

Focus: Works of The Flesh - Lasciviousness pt5.

The cry of the Spirit campaign - an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh led and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

One word that defines lasciviousness (Gr: ἀσέλγεια- aselgeia), is Insolence. The  Merriam-Webster dictionary defines insolence as rude or impolite : having or showing a lack of respect for other people.

We live in times where courtesy and good manners are fast eroding and people comport themselves in the way that deems fit to them. This has greatly destroyed the smooth operations of human relations and broken the invisible web that networks humans  (of all class, cadre, age, gender, tribe, nationality, colour, location, religion and status) together. Also, other creatures are not excluded from the list.

Man's insolence i.e lack of respect for fellow man and other creations has adversely affected the smooth operations of nature, this has led to untold conflicts, disputes, rivalries, divorces, murders, genocides, wars, natural disasters and natural depletion that could have been avoided.

A major reason for the increasing rate of the effects of man's insolence towards fellow man and nature is the lack of understanding that "Respect is reciprocal".

Most times, we seek respect but we are not willing to give respect in return. Husbands seek respect (submission) from their wives but do not want to give respect (love) to their wives  (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19). Fathers seek respect (obedience) from their children but do not want to give respect to their children by not provoking them to anger (Colossians 3:21). Elders want the younger to submit and serve them but are not willing to submit and serve the younger (1 Peter 5:5).

Also, some feel that impolite exhibition of boldness or effrontery is right but, this is actually impudent and insolent. As Christians when we have or show lack of respect for other people or impolitely exhibit boldness or effrontery, we are working for our flesh under its director called lasciviousness and directly under the manager called insolence. This will not allow us reconcile many to our Lord Jesus.

Prayer: May we depend on the Holy Spirit to ensure we reconcile many with our lifestyle in Jesus name. Amen.

Grace to you!

Focus: Works of The Flesh - Lasciviousness pt6.

This is the cry of the Spirit campaign, an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh led and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

One word that defines lasciviousness (Gr: ἀσέλγεια- aselgeia), is Outrageousness. The  Merriam-Webster dictionary defines outrageousness as very bad or wrong in a way that causes anger : too bad to be accepted or allowed, going beyond all standards of what is right or decent.

As applied to the body of Christ, outrageousness is not just about being bad/ doing bad; it is about not going beyond all standards of what is right & decent in accordance to God's word.

As Christians, excesses are only accepted from us by God when they are within the confines of scriptural admonitions which are thus;

1. Prayer: Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We were told to pray without intermission and incessantly, anything that is done without intermission and incessantly, will be done in excess. But no matter how much we pray without intermission and incessantly, we can never pray in excess.

2. Meditating on God's word (Joshua 1:8): This book of the law shall not depart  out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.... Day and night actually implies "All day" this means it should be done in excess, but no matter how much we meditate on the word of God all day, we cannot do it in excess.

When we pray without ceasing we communicate with God without ceasing, when meditate all day, we align our thoughts to God's word all day. When we pray and meditate on the word of God in this manner, our thoughts, life, decisions, actions and all that pertains to us are guided by the Holy Spirit.

However, when our excesses are outside of prayer and meditating on the word of God, we have slipped into outrageousness even if it is a good thing we are doing. This is anchored on the truth that, as Christians our choices are not between good and evil but, between God and good (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23).

Prayer: May we continuously pray without ceasing and meditate on God's word day and night.

Grace to you!

Focus: Works of the Flesh- Sedition

This is the cry of the Spirit campaign, an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh". As believers, when we are employed and occupied by fleshy tendencies, we are flesh led and canal Christians who work for the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

The Greek word for Sedition is "διχοστασία: dichostasia", this is the root word for dichotomy, and Thayer Defines it as dissension and division.

In this study we will focus on the first word used by Thayer to define sedition which is dissension. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines dissension as;

● Disagreement that causes the people in a group to argue about something that is important to them.

● Disagreement; especially: partisan and contentious quarreling.

Disagreements arise from important things and the Christian faith is not estranged from this. Over the years the Christian faith has been plagued by a lot of disagreements and arguments, from doctrines to teachings, from feasts to festivals, from practices to activities, from ideologies to terminologies. From days to duties and the list goes on.

As Christians, we disagree many times and engage in partisan and contentious quarrels from time to time because "...we all see in a glass and know in parts..." 1Corithians 13:12. Over the years these disagreements and quarrels have led to our disunity and disintegration. But, our disagreements must not disunite us; this is because none of us knows it all. Our diversity in reasoning is actually great strength if we know how to synergize our different mental processes.

Therefore, when knowledge derived from the word of God brings about disagreements, partisan and contentious quarrels among Christians and leads us to disunity and disintegration, we have slipped into sedition. The practice of sedition is not healthy for the church of Jesus- His body and bride.

We must take deliberate measures by the leading of and absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit to ensure that our knowledge diversity does not lead us to sedition.

Prayer: May we depend on the Holy Spirit and take practical measures to ensure that we do not slip into sedition in Jesus name. Amen.

Grace to you!

Compiled by Chimdi M. Ohahuna

Focus: Works of the Flesh- Sedition pt2

The cry of the Spirit campaign, an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh".

The Greek word for Sedition is "διχοστασία: dichostasia", this is the root word for dichotomy, and Thayer defines it as dissension and division.

 In this study we will focus on the second word used by Thayer to define sedition which is division. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines divide as;

● To separate (something) into two or more parts or pieces.

● To separate (something) into classes or categories.

Over the years, the church of Jesus has been divided into parts, pieces, classes and categories via the instrument of doctrines and beliefs. As a result of this, believers in the Lord Jesus have been divided into various denominations and sects. This is not new to the Church because in the time of the Apostles, the church was divided between Paul and Apollos (1 Corinthians 3:4).

The division experienced by the first Church had its source from teachings, same applies to the division experienced by the church today. The church of Jesus is divided on the grounds of doctrines and beliefs which are the end results of teachings. Over time, we have been taught different things from the same Bible which have stirred up a lot of arguments among Christians. As a result, we have been made to believe that we are different from each other. Is this not carnality? (1 Corinthians 3:4).

The teachings in themselves may not be wrong but, our comprehension and carnal desires could be wrong. One problem with the Christian faith is that we argue about a lot of things that are not important to our faith-life.

The Christian faith was built on three (3) major promises  which have been fulfilled by God:

(1)The promise of the Messiah (Redeemer). Genesis 3:19,

(2) The promise of prosperity.  Genesis 12:1-5

(3) The promise of the Holy Spirit. Joel 2:28.

 Also, John 3:16 tells of three (3) steps a person takes to become a Christian (assurance of salvation);

• Receive God's love
• Receive God's son, Jesus
• Believe in Jesus.

Division arises when teachings are not focused on Jesus Christ. Outside of Christ, we will disagree with one, two or all of God's promises; and disagree with the requirements to be met for salvation. Taking a critical look at the Christian faith over the years, the reason(s) for our division have stemmed from either the three (3) major promises and/or assurance of salvation. If this is not the case, then there is no division, but if it is the then we are divided.

Division is the end product of reading the Bible with carnal lenses which focuses on man's knowledge in parts and in a blurred (glass view) perspective 1 Corinthians 13:12. This practice in the end removes Jesus from our focus as believers and prevent us from seeing Him through the pages of the scriptures.

 Prayer: May we choose to see only Jesus in the Bible and totally do away with our lenses of carnality as we study God's word in Jesus name. Amen.

Grace to you!

 Compiled by Chimdi M. Ohahuna

Focus: Works of the Flesh- Sedition pt3

The cry of the Spirit campaign, an awakening for the body of Christ to "say NO to the works of the flesh".

The Greek word for Sedition is "διχοστασία: dichostasia", this is the root word for dichotomy, and Thayer defines it as dissension and division. Hence, in this study we will focus on the word dichotomy. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines dichotomy as; 

● A difference between two opposite things : a division into two opposite groups

●  A division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities.

This simply means that, dichotomy is not just about differences alone, it is about opposites. The crucial issue with dichotomy is that it places a double emphasis which entails differences and opposites.

One major challenge the body of Christ has faced over the years is that in our different denominations we have been taught and indoctrinated in different ways. Based on these differed teachings and doctrines, we have built our  different traditions and cultures, and have become divided and opposite with each other.

The gross and dangerous effects of dichotomy in the church of Jesus is visible in the fact that the devil uses it as a weapon  to fight the church; and this has inflicted more  pain to the church than any other weapon. This is because, the weapon of dichotomy is used by Christians to fight fellow brethren. This is a self destructive device used by the enemy to tear and pull us down. The devil uses dichotomy because he knows that Jesus said  a house divided against itself cannot stand. (read Matthew 12:25, Mark 3:25, Luke 12:52).

 Taking a critical look at the church today, we discover that our major challenge is not the government neither is it other religions, our major challenge stems from fellow Christians. The greatest fight against the saint comes from the fold, even our Lord, Master and Saviour Jesus Christ was betrayed by one among His disciples (Mark 14:18, Luke 22:48.)

 As members of the body of Christ, we have classified ourselves into sects based on our different culture, traditions, backgrounds and doctrines, by so doing we keep stopping  and opposing  each other. We do this because we are ignorant of the truth that the one who binds us together is JESUS and he alone must be our focus. Our knowledge and acceptance of each other on the grounds of teachings, doctrines, culture, tradition, and practices must not be the basis of our operations as these are bound to engender differences.

When Jesus is our focus, we will understand that so long as we follow Jesus, we will not oppose or stop others in the body who differ from us because he that is not against us is with us.(Mark 9:38-41).

Prayer: May we focus on JESUS alone and support all who do likewise in Jesus name. Amen

Grace to you!

Compiled by Chimdi M. Ohahuna