Every religion offers salvation if you are good. God only saves those who are unworthy of salvation. God saved us while we were still His enemies. There is only one God and one mediator, Jesus Christ. If you go outside of Jesus there is no hope and no salvation.
[0:00] Thank you for choosing to listen to today's message by Reverend Dr. David Etchie. We know you will be blessed as you seek and serve God. We believe that this message will stir up a desire for more of God even as you listen.
[0:14] Be blessed. Let's go straight into God's Word. 1 Peter 3, verse 16. It says that having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
[0:42] Verse 17. For it is better if the will of God be so that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil doing.
[0:55] Verse 18. It says that for Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.
[1:13] Verse 19. By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison. Amen. So, very interesting text.
[1:28] In our previous session, our previous teaching, I spoke about how, I spoke about how it's important to, the Bible says that he who will love life, actually, look at verse 10.
[1:46] For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, from evil and his lips that they speak no gal.
[1:57] So, I spoke about how to see good days, how to have good days, and to love life. To love life, I was, in my studies, I was talking to one of our brothers, I think, yeah, one of our brothers, who is French speaking.
[2:17] And I, I asked him, how, there's a way to say, to love life in French. French. And I said, how do you say it?
[2:29] And then, I asked him, is that a way to say love life? And then he said, yeah, there's a phrase in French that, to, to say love life means that, la, la joie de vivre, la joie, la joie, la joie de vivre, which is very important.
[2:46] It's, la joie de vivre is the love of life. French call it, la joie de vivre, the love of life. So he said, last week, I was practically, last Sunday, I was practically talking about, la joie de vivre, to love life.
[3:01] Okay. Not to hate life, or not to pass through life, or not, not to be tired of life, not, not to, you know, to give up in life, but to love life.
[3:12] So he will love life, to reduce the drama, in your life. So, a lot of people who are not happy, their lives are full of drama. Drama. Drama with one boy, drama with one girl, drama with one baby mother, drama with one baby father, or three baby fathers, or three baby mothers.
[3:30] Drama with not studying, and poor performance, and education. Drama with going to do drugs, and now you are in trouble. Drama with watching, some bad stuff, you are caught. Drama.
[3:41] Drama with fighting, with your mother, and there's tension, at your house. Drama with lying. Some of us, a lot of drama, in our lives, has a lot to do, with the lies you have been telling, and it's been bringing, so much drama, in your life.
[3:53] You remember your ex, is full of lies, one lie after the other. Drama. He says that, if you want, la joie de vivre, if you want to have good days, and love life, there are things, that you must do.
[4:07] So I actually, spoke much about that, last Sunday. But somebody, drew my attention, and asked a question, that, I, about, yeah, when, from verse 8, we should be of one mind, and have compassion, one on another, love as brethren, brothers, be pitiful, be pitiful, be cared, not, rendering evil, for evil, or railing, for railing, but on the contrary, wise, yeah, and then from, the verse 10 talks about, for he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain, his friend, his tongue from evil.
[4:57] Someone asked, Pastor, but you mentioned, in the previous teaching, that Peter was quoting, he was quoting, from the book of Psalms, and you said, you're going to, make a bit of reference, to it, so let me just, mention it briefly, in the book of Psalms, Peter was quoting, that's very interesting, he was quoting, okay, let's read it again, look at something, verse 10, for he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain, his tongue from evil, and his lips, from speaking out, Psalm 34, verse 12, verse 12, verse 12, what man is he, that desires love, desires love, life, loveth many days, that he may see good, is that, is that not the same thing, look at the next verse, verse 11, sorry, verse 12, I'm sorry, keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips, from speaking guile, when you read, Peter, he said, keep your tongue from evil, and your lips, from speaking guile, and then Peter goes on, in verse 11, of 1 Peter chapter 3, let him eschew evil, this is normally, a good exercise, if you have your own Bible, in front of you, so you can, let him eschew evil, and do good, let him seek peace, and ensue it, back to Psalm 34,
[6:13] Psalm 34, verse 13, and verse 14, it says that word, depart from evil, and do good, seek peace, and pursue, did you see that, that's the same thing, Peter was quoting, so, in their writings, and their epistles, Peter, Paul, apostle, Paul, John, even Jesus, kept quoting, from the, making references, to the Old Testament, they quoted from different sections, of the Old Testament, these are all, to show that the Bible, is one, okay, those people who say, I don't believe in the Old Testament, it's just the New Testament, they are in error, because the Old Testament, is a necessary part, of the New Testament, and the New Testament, is a necessary part, of the Old Testament, those days, when I was growing up, I, we, when, there's this distribution, of Bible, it's called Gideon's, Gideon's Bible, it's New Testament, pocket Bible, small one, you can put it, in your pocket, or anywhere, and, people had it, a lot around, and, but when I, I became born again, I was growing, and I used to disciple people, I told, I used to tell them that, my friend, that is not a Bible, what you are holding, is just, a section of the Bible, the pocket Bible, is not a Bible,
[7:19] New Testament, and some, is not a complete Bible, all right, it's part of the Bible, whatever is said in it, is okay, but it's not the whole Bible, so you, when I ask, who has got a Bible, don't pull out that thing, that is not a Bible, that's just the New Testament, the section of the Bible, so, the Bible, the complete Bible, is from Genesis, all the way to Revelation, that is the Bible, 66 books, 60, no more, no less, okay, don't mind those who said, the gospel of Thomas, is not part of the Bible, it's their own part, they can't read it, let them read it, but it's not part of, the Bible, all right, so, we have, so they used to quote, from these, books, Jesus quoted a lot of time, from Psalm, he quoted from Genesis, he quoted, what Moses has said, he quoted Jonah, can you imagine, he even quoted Jonah, he made references to Jonah, Jesus Christ, made references to Jonah, made references to Abraham, made references to Noah, made references to Sodom and Gomorrah, lots,
[8:20] Jesus made references to, and he made references to, in the beginning, God created male and female, he made references to all those things, so, can you imagine, if you take Genesis out of the Bible, you have actually destroyed, invalidated the Bible, that is why, the big bang theory, big bang theory, his agenda, is to try and mute, what Genesis has got to say, as soon as you mute it, the Bible loses value, revelations and Genesis, are two essential aspects, of the Bible, very important, all right, now let's move on from there, so, he quotes Peter, Peter quotes Psalm, Psalm 34, and as we see, look at the verse 15 again, Psalm 34, verse 15, he says that, let him, and then he quotes on, the eyes of the Lord, the eyes of the Lord, are upon the righteous, and his ears are open, to their cry, is that not what Peter said, in 1 Peter chapter 3, he was quoting exactly, look at 1 Peter chapter 3, for the eyes of the Lord, are over, the eyes of the Lord, are over the righteous, the eyes of the Lord, are upon the, over the righteous, and his ears are, eyes of the Lord, are open to their prayers, but the face of the Lord, is against them, that do evil, this is very important, so Peter is quoting, from Psalm 34, verse 15, and look at Psalm 34, verse 16, and then we go back to Peter,
[9:44] I want to draw, no, let's go to Peter, 1 Peter chapter 3, first we come to verse 15, so for the eyes of the, the next verse, the face of the Lord, and who is he, so Peter ends, now Peter continues, that he will see, who will harm you, if you are followers, so this is not part of the Psalm, so go to the verse 12 again, let me show you something, when you look at the verse 12, for the eyes of the Lord, are over the righteous, and his ears, are open to their prayers, but the face of the Lord, is against them, that do evil, and Peter ends it there, but look at verse 16, Psalm, verse 15 and 16, Psalm 34, verse 15 and 16, says, the eyes of the Lord, are upon the righteous, his ears are open, to their cry, and then, is that all, and the face of the Lord, is against them, that do evil, Peter ends it there, but the scripture says, and to cut off, the remembrance of them, from the earth, to wipe some people off, now this is, that's why I brought you here, this is very important, the pastor, you left,
[10:46] Peter left some part, of the quotation, he should have ended, verse 16, but the good news, is that Jesus, also did something similar, Jesus read, from Isaiah chapter 61, the spirit of the Lord, is upon me, for he has anointed me, to preach the gospel, to the poor, and then verse 2, Psalm 61 verse 2, and after saying all that, he says, and to proclaim, the acceptable year, of the Lord, and the day of vengeance, now this is Isaiah, Luke chapter 4, verse 19, Jesus is quotation, after he quoted, he said, and to preach what, the acceptable year, of the Lord, okay let's continue, verse 20, verse 20, and he closed the book, by Isaiah chapter, 51 verse 2, Isaiah chapter 61 verse 2, to proclaim, the acceptable year, of the Lord, Jesus stopped there, and the day of vengeance, how about that one, that comma, is very significant, in theology, that's the same thing,
[11:48] Peter did, and when you read, the New Testament, very careful, there are about, 24 of such commas, commas, that separates, the scripture, the according, and the leaves, it is comma, it's not the end, it is comma, but they ended there, why, because, it is, what Jesus said, the acceptable year, of the Lord, to proclaim, it was the time, he was on earth, but the day of vengeance, is going to come later, so the day of vengeance, is going to take place, in the second coming, of Christ, so he quoted, the first part, of the scripture, and said, now, this is fulfilled, in your hearing, because the other part, is not fulfilled, in your hearing, it's going to be fulfilled, at the second coming, I hope someone, is getting what I'm teaching, and so Peter, quotes the same thing, now let's go back, to Peter, and he says, that he will love life, and see good days, should do all these things, and then, when he gets to the verse, let's go to some, okay, verse 12, go to the verse 12, and it said, the eyes of the Lord, for the eyes of the Lord, are over the righteous, and his ears, are open to their prayers, but the face of the Lord, is against the evil, them that do evil, look at Psalm again,
[13:01] Psalm 34, verse 16, the face of the Lord, is against them, that do evil, Peter stop there, how about to cut off, the remembrance, that is the, one of the comments, I'm talking about, that is not yet happening, it's going to happen, at the second, oh, at the second coming of Christ, that will happen, at the, so Peter, left it here, because this is what, we are fulfilling at the moment, and so, they had the habit, of making references, to the Old Testament, and explaining, what was said, in the Old Testament, in the New Testament era, this, to some people, it's just trivial, this is what sometimes, people who are unlearned, Peter, first Peter chapter, second Peter chapter 3, I think verse 15 and 16, somewhere, it's the people who are unlearned, there are hard things, in the scriptures, you know, but if you come to the scripture, with a negative heart, you will see things, that actually, in a wrong way, it says, as also, in all his epistles, talking about Paul, in all his epistles, speaking in them, of these things, in which are some, some things, hard to understand, which they, that are unlearned, and unstable rest, give me a look in James, which, which, untought, and unstable people, twist to their own distraction, there are people, and some of us, listen, let me,
[14:26] I can't stop bringing this, because, I'm a pastor, okay, listen to this, very carefully, I'm a pastor, and, one of the fundamental jobs, of the pastor, is to help people, to see, or to explain, the Bible, for people to understand, fundamental job, is not to prophesy, the fundamental job, of the pastor, is to explain the Bible, and help people, to understand, secondly, the primary job, of the pastor, secondly, is to protect, the sheep, so, every pastor, must be interested, in, negative, in the, in the Bible, or, in the early church, it's called, heresies, heresies, wrong teachings, that are meant, to, to lead people, into distraction, and so, in first Peter, sorry, in first Timothy, or second Timothy, I'm sorry, chapter two, Paul writes to Timothy, and he says that, steady to show, steady to show yourself, approved unto God, a workman, verse 15, second Timothy, to 15, steady to show yourself, approved unto God, a workman, that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing, the word of truth, is at the end of the story, look at the verse 16, verse 16, bashan, profane, and vain, babbly, for they increase, unto ungodliness, there are some statements, there are some babblings, they so call, some of them, so call it teachings, but some teachings, increase unto ungodliness, some of us, you are safe, understanding the scriptures, from where you are, and growing in it, than thinking that,
[16:07] I'm looking for deep inside, the tree of knowledge, of goodness, deep things, deep revelation, deep doctrine, and deep doctrine, that begins to tell you, that if you sin, it doesn't matter, sin matters, I will say it again, some I hear, there are some people, it's because of social media, anybody at all, makes himself an authority, and all you have to do, is say some things, that sound nice, in people's ears, and get them to listen, and then get people to, listen, there are some people, who, that talk, because they are not, really born again, or maybe they're, born again, but they have not, really submitted, Jesus is not their Lord, they just want him as Savior, now watch this, there are people who, there are things, they don't like, all of us actually, there are things in the Bible, that we wish, was not there, right, right, some of you wish, fornication was, it's okay, but sorry, sorry, sorry, fornication, is a sin, sorry, sorry, some of us wish, wish revenge, to revenge, or, not forgive this person ever, some of us, the things you have been through, this teaching on forgiveness, is one of your biggest problems, you don't like it, you don't like it, but you are a Christian, so you are managing to, accept it, and work with it, but, you really don't like it, you really don't like it, some people, don't like pastors, to mention fornication, at all, some pastors, don't, they can't dare mention it, they, they can't dare mention it, hey, they can't mention it, they can't mention it, because some financiers, in their church, are practical, major, major, professional fornicators, they live on, number one, fornication road, so, the flesh, doesn't like to hear, some things, that is why, not everybody, will feel comfortable, in courage, and we are happy with it, we are actually happy, we have to preach some things, that will drive some people out, it's better, drive them out, because they are not looking for Jesus, they are not looking for Jesus, they are looking for nice people, kissy kissy, huggy huggy, you guys are so amazing, the devil is a liar, we preach Christ, and him crucified, we preach Christ, and him crucified, shout hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, so there are things, and there are people, who have made themselves, authorities, and they are on internet, teaching things, that people, want to hear, so there are, some people who tell you, there's no need,
[18:53] I don't believe in titan, there's no need, you give money to any church, the money you give to a church, you have to go and give it, to save the whales, go and give it to somebody, who is suffering on the road, you are an ignorant, and, you are unlearned, let me put it, that's the language, of the unlearned, the spiritually dumb, doesn't understand, doesn't have a working knowledge, of how spiritual things, operate, and then, ah, hey, all these titan, so people are, just say, just type online, record something, and say, I've got the non-proper understanding, about titan, titan is no good, you will see the number of people, who will call themselves Christian, beginning to follow you, and like me, what, maybe you're a thief, maybe you're a thief like Judas, maybe, maybe you have been in church, and you're a, you're a, you're a backsliding person, so, because, the human heart, is dark, it doesn't like light, and sometimes, the weight, and the beam of the, the true gospel, it is too hard, for some people, but that is what saves us, that is what helps us, that is what, excuse our life, from drama, so, coming back to the, the text, people, will always read into, what the Bible is not saying, that's why, as a pastor, it's my job, to, teach the word of God, to, our congregation, and all those, lovely people,
[20:28] God sends, to hear us, so that they will be, at least, have, systematic, steady growth, in God's word, steady growth, in God's word, from, from, the Bible calls it, precept upon precept, precept upon, here a little, there a little, precept upon precept, precept upon precept, teaching systematically, for people to begin to, understand, gradually, ah, there's nothing like anointing, there's nothing, we are all anointed, shh, prove it, prove it, prove it to your life, prove it to your life, prove it to your life, we are all anointed, how God, anointed Jesus of Nazareth, with the Holy Ghost, and power, didn't we see, the effect of the anointing, you too, prove the effect, of the anointing, in changed lives, in impacted lives, prove it, I always have revelation, revelation, please put the revelation aside, and let us see, the fruits, of your works, the fruits, of the Holy Ghost, the life of God, inside you, must bear fruits, not just mere talk, the Bible says, the kingdom of God, is not in talk, is not in words, but it is in power, it is in power, 1 Corinthians chapter 4, verse 20,
[21:47] I think so, said, the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, is not, is not words, it's not in words, but it is in, the kingdom of God, is not in words, but in power, verse 2, verse 2 says that, I came, no, chapter 2, verse 4 rather, chapter 2 from, 1 Corinthians chapter 2, talks about how, my speech, and my preaching, was not with enticing, words of man's widow, but oh, oh, this is what we call, anointing, anointing, demonstration, of the Holy Spirit, of the Spirit, and power, so that your faith, will not rest, in the wisdom of men, wisdom of men, nice, nice things, it sounds very intelligent, it sounds very intellectual, but it's void, of the life of God, it's void, it's empty, of the life of God, you follow some teachings, and your sinning rate, increases, you follow some teachings, and your prayer life, diminishes, permits, you follow some teachers, and some teachings, and your, your desire, for evangelism, is taken away, is eroded, you follow some teachings, and your, your, you can, you know, you are working with God, that's what, that's inner, closeness to God, is taken away, is eroded from your life, can't you see it, when people begin, to make a lot of noise, please, it's not about the noise, we need to see, the evident manifestation, of the impact, of God's word, in your life, the impact, stop telling me, oh, you know, it's just the grace, of God, that is keeping us, yes, the grace, that keeps us, also empowers us, to continue living, to the glory of his name, every, if it is grace, if it is grace, then it will show, in your living, it will be evidenced, in your living, so, back to the text, as I was saying, let me,
[23:51] I think, let me finish, the second Timothy, chapter 2, verse 16, for, for, for, um, shun profane babblins, shun these things, for the increase, unto more, on godliness, some of you, know what I'm talking about, the increase, unto more, on godliness, since you started, following this, kind of teachers, following this, kind of, haven't you realized, that your fire, has actually, been washed away, he, he, he, he, he, gone down, and your, you, you've gone back, to your former, guy, you've gone back, to your former ways, you, you are doing well, you are doing well, all right, the next verse, look at the next verse, and I'll move on, to 1st Peter again, and their words, and their word, will eat as doth, give me Nuki James, please, and their message, will spread like, cancer, hymenus, and philetus, are of this sort, who now, have changed, look at the next verse, and they are of this, who have strayed, concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection, is already passed, and they have overthrown, the faith of many, there are people, there are some of us, you know, there are other people, you were on fire with, for Jesus, now they have started, following some teachings, and you can tell, they have been overthrown, their faith has been overthrown, from the faith, okay, stay away from such ones, because now, it is because of, social media, everybody, is an authority, and is speaking freely, speaking freely, one, one thing they see, it's like, oh yeah, this way, and they take pieces, all together, piece, piece, piece here, piece here, piece meals, all over, band them together, and is this, this, this, a full package, no it's not, that is why, one of the ways, to help people, grow in the word, is to teach, systematically, sometimes, it's good, to take a whole book, like what we are doing, take a whole book, you won't jump, from something, you, everyone, you touch on it, because the Bible, is analogia scriptura, remember, analogia scriptura, it speaks with, one voice, everything, so, it's not, it's actually, by the time, we finish first Peter, we have covered, so many things, look, we are in chapter three, we've already covered marriage, we have already, we've already covered, salvation, we've already covered hope, we've already covered love, we've already covered faith, we've covered, so many things, just in first Peter, and this is even, chapter three, halfway, by the time, we finish first Peter, you are loaded, with supernatural strength, and understanding, in the word of God, someone shout hallelujah, so, he says that, so,
[26:35] I've just explained, that for you, now let's jump, to the original reading, having a good, because last, the other time, I spoke about, how sanctify, verse 15, but sanctify the Lord, in your heart, not in your marriage, not in your career, not in your money, not in your ministry, sanctify, that thing starts, from the heart, if it doesn't start, from the heart, it will be an exercise, in futility, so, sanctify the Lord, in your heart, this thing, starts from your heart, my sister, my brother, this work with God, this ministry work, starts from the heart, some people, I want to just, do ministry, I want to, and if you are not careful, when we remove, the service noise, there's nothing else, to you, because it's, the thing is, it's just skin deep, it's not from the heart, that is why, you can, so, you can be, so easily offended, from the ministry, you say God has called you to do, that's why you can be, so offended, out of service, and you have become, like a red bus, in London, with, out of service, in front, out of service, you are not in service, or red bus, anywhere, in town, the bus is coming, you are waiting for the bus, you think wow, my day has come, my opportunity,
[27:47] I'm happy, because I'm cold, it's too cold here, only for the bus to show up, and he said, out of service, there are people, in the church, who are now, out of service, meanwhile, God has called you, for a great work, God has called you, how, why have you left the choir, because you didn't like, the way the choir leaders, talks, but is she the one, who called you, into your ministry, you have left the choir, you have left the ashes, you have left the outreach, you have left that, because, ask for me, and some people go as fast, I don't want to get involved anymore, listen, you will pay for it, I'm telling you, it's not me, you will pay for it, Kai, you will pay for it, you see the way I'm busy, I'm doing my own, I'm running my race, I'm not running for you, I'm running for my, I'm running my race, I am running my race, you too run your race, because I'll be judged, on what I am doing, you will also be judged, and rewarded, based on what you have done, but if you have not done anything, he will say, he will say to you, away from me, you lazy, and wicked servant, in spite of all the excuses, you have for not doing it, he said you are a wicked, and lazy servant, wicked, because you have been called to serve, away from me, but you will not hear that, you will hear, well done, you shall hear well done, you shall hear well done, in the mighty name of Jesus,
[29:07] I pray that may we receive grace, to run, and sanctify the Lord, in our hearts, and be ready, to give an answer, an answer, to every man, that asks you, of the reason, of the hope that, is in you, I think I took my time, to explain this, but the hope that is in you, watch this, hope, be ready to give an answer, to give an answer, to every, apologia, to every man, that asks you, a reason for the hope, that is in you, watch this, with meekness, and fear, with meekness, and fear, Christians, when we are even, defending what we believe, it must be done, there are four ways, to do it, number one, do it, with a humble heart, even if you are, defending your faith, explain, do it with a humble heart, number two, thoughtfully, think about it, let thought, go into it, don't let us just, talk, so, if it should be thoughtfully, then we should expose ourselves, to hearing, sound, words, wholesome, words, healthy, words, okay, and it helps us, to understand things, so that you can defend it, not emotively, or emotionally, so, thoughtfully, reasonably, so we have to, answer people, humbly, thoughtfully, reasonably, it must make sense, you must be able to, talk sensibly, thoughtfully, and then, sensibly, reason, this is a, there's a reason, now, apologia, and when, for instance, when you go to court, the idea here is like, a lawyer, in court, who is going to, defend a case, a defense lawyer, he has to be able to prove, beyond doubt, that this case, is like this, is in their favor, that's the job, so, apologia really means, to be, to, as I said the other time, to prove it, to explain it, clearly, and cogently, now, which is slightly different, from the job, of a detective, the detective, is trying to, investigate, and establish, the boundaries, and the lines, of the truth, the lawyer, defense lawyer, goes to defend, the truth, goes to speak, for the truth, whilst the, investigate, the detective, investigates, and analyzes, to make sure, he knows, the boundaries, of the truth, now, what the, this all requires, some skill, and intentionality, okay, and what the detective does, is what you can call, in, in, in, in certain circles, we can, we can say, it is, the Greek word is, episteme, epistemology, trying to establish, the boundaries, of the truth, trying to establish, the boundaries, of knowledge, truth, information, this is, how it is, there are a lot of people, who don't understand anything, and they hear one thing, and they hear another thing, and then they, jump into conclusion, and run, run helter skelter, until they are found wanting, but we have to take our time, and listen to, teachings, expose ourselves, some people don't actually, like teachings, some people say, pastor,
[32:37] I like, encounter face, prophesy, this teaching, prophesy, I need testimony, I need testimony, we will actually, we are actually, loving you more, by giving you the word, that can deliver, any day, any time, cheaply, is the word, all our encounters, and testimonies, are birthed, by God's, God's word, so, apologia, is to defend, the faith, epistemology, is to, to draw, the line, or investigate the truth, and find the boundaries, of the truth, we, sometimes, epistemology, or that kind of research, helps a lot, in our, in our defense, but, if there's a formal, as I said, formal apologia, and informal, even sometimes, your way of living, your way of living, someone asks you, why are you going to church, you're able to tell, give a reason, why I go to church, not because, pastors say, we should come, because, that says, why are you serving, in church so much, every time, you are doing church, church, because one day,
[33:46] I'm going to give an account, for the hope, that is in us, we have to be willing, to be able, ready, we should be ready, to be able, to give, an account, of, the hope, that is in us, and now, this is very important, then, that, with me, with me, the first 16 says, that, having a good conscience, I mentioned conscience, but I won't go, unto that again, because, I say good conscience, necessary for your Christian work, that, whereas, they speak, evil of you, watch this, they may, be ashamed, that falsely, accuse, your good conversation, in Christ, conversation, they mean conduct, okay, conduct, conduct, lifestyle, behavior, okay, very important, conduct in Christ, so, conversation, they are accusing you, falsely, but they'll be put to shame, those who revile, your good conduct, in Christ, may be put to shame, how would they be doing, how would they, how would that happen, that when they, defame you, as an evildoer, those who revile you, your good conduct, will be put to shame, why, because you have a good conscience, and you are living, a certain life, now, watch this, listen to me, the best, the best, defense, against, accusation, to anybody, the best defense, against, accusation, is doing the right thing, right behavior, doing the right thing, is your best defense, when you do the right thing, do the right thing, as they are speaking, negative about you, your right behavior, will defend you, do the right thing, church, let us do the right thing, let us be people, who are good, not just good, people, we have to see good ways, not just good, but we also, do the right thing, do the right thing, do the right thing, so as they are accusing, as I said,
[35:50] Christians are always, in the classroom, being investigated, being examined, cross examined, for, for, for accusation, but when you do the right, right thing, that's what he's saying, they get ashamed, because there's no grounds, there's no grounds, you live with people, do the right thing, do the right thing, why are you, why are you doing things, and when you see church people, you are dodgy now, why do you watch, things on television, which when, other people are coming down, you have to change the channel quickly, why are you, why, why do they need, to change the channel, why are you, say, you are a husband, why are you deleting, some text messages, between you and some, why are you deleting it, leave it on the phone, and, don't take your phone, everywhere, in, in the, when you have it in the bathroom, you put it under the bath, because you don't want your wife, to come near the phone, or your, your iPad goes to the bathroom, with you, when you are showering, you know, when you are showering, because of that, you are bought special, waterproof, protective, for your, because, you, do the right thing, someone say, do the right thing, that's the best defense, that's the best defense, against accusation, okay, and it applies to all of us, all of us have to, do the right thing, there are times, you, you, you, you tell, maybe you told your friend, you are going to pray, and you go, and you are on the phone, soon as you hear their food, they will start, my friend, that's what happens, so, there are times,
[37:36] I'm even trying to pray, you know, there are times, you are praying, you are so tired, and you doze off, then, I hear my wife shut the door, then I wake up again, I begin to, in fact, I was praying, but I went off, so I continued praying, and then, when they come, I say, oh, you have been, yes I have been here, for the past one hour, just praying, hey my friend, you are not just praying, you are not just praying, you are sleeping, praying, sleep, sleep, sleep, pray, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, so, now, it says that, so let's do the right thing, verse 17 is very important, because when you do the right thing, it's better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for, you see, doing the right thing, do well, than doing evil, so even if you are doing the right thing, and because you are doing the right thing, you are suffering, he said, it is the will, it is better, there are times, it might not be the will of God, God will intervene, without letting you suffer, there are times, pleasing God, doing the right thing, and you are being punished, for doing the right thing, and God is quiet, he said, if it is the will of God, don't worry, if it is not the will of God, vengeance belongs to God, he will intervene, but you, your hard job, is to do the right thing, now, if you are suffering, for what you have done wrong, that is, please don't say,
[38:54] I am suffering for Christ, no, you are not suffering for Christ, you are suffering for your gossip, you are suffering for your, you know, sometimes, some people become born again, and then now, some things in your past, you know, comes up, because the police have now found out, some stuff, and then they come, but you are now born again, but you are not suffering for Christ, you are suffering for your own fault, take it, peacefully, and believe God to come out of it, so, he said, when you suffer, for doing the right thing, if it's the will of God, he said, it's better, can you imagine, this is what normally, people would not like to hear too much, how can you tell me, it's better to suffer, it's better to suffer, hey, so can you have that, as a will of God, suffering, yes, Christianity, Christianity, it's better to suffer, doing the will of God, it's better to suffer, doing the will of God, let me repeat it, it's better to suffer, doing the will of God, is better to suffer, doing the will of God, husband, is better to suffer, doing the will of God, wife, is better to suffer, doing the will of God, daughter, is better to suffer, doing the will of God, son, is better to suffer, doing the will of God, student, is better to suffer, doing the will of God, friend, is better to suffer, doing the will of God, employee, is better to suffer, during the will of God.
[40:20] Contractor. It's better to suffer during the will of God. It's better. This should be part of our Christian worldview. Can I repeat that?
[40:31] This should be part of our Christian worldview. That I will do the right thing. I will do well. Even if I have to suffer and God allows it, so be it. I will still do the right thing.
[40:43] This is Christian. This is Christianity. It's not only the healing process. Prosperity. Breakthroughs. That should be driving us. These things should also drive. It should be our worldview.
[40:55] It should be our worldview. There are too many people who are running for prosperity. Running for, bless me, bless me pastor. Bless me Lord. Bless me Lord. Bless me. But when you check their lives, there are no traces of desire to live a way that will glorify God.
[41:11] Doesn't matter how much it costs them. Doesn't matter how much it costs them. But I see you are a new breed. God is raising a new generation. God is raising a new breed. God is raising a new army that is about to give the world a taste of what it means to be a true Christian and a godly person filled with the Holy Spirit and the anointing.
[41:33] So shall it be in Jesus name. For, this is, look at this. It said for, I think I will end on verse 18. I will end on verse 18. For Christ has once suffered for, you see, why should you do that?
[41:47] Because Christ also has once suffered, oh, oh, that's a strong one. All right, I'll, I'll, I'll pick on that. Christ has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.
[42:07] This is very loaded. Okay. But first of all, the suffering for Christ is not just for redemption. It's not just redemptive suffering.
[42:18] It is redemptive, fundamentally, I'm going to go into that a little bit. But this text is showing us that the suffering for Christ is also exemplary. He gave us an example.
[42:30] In fact, first John chapter three, verse 16, not John 3, 16, the other one, first John 3, 16. All right. I mean, since I know, I knew that's the scripture, I've never, I've always remembered.
[42:41] John 3, 16, the other one, John, first John 3, 16. Hereby, perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[42:57] And we ought, because he did it, we also, he's exemplary. He did it and gave us an example. And what did he do? He laid down his life for us.
[43:08] He laid down his life for us. Now, this is the core of the Christian message. And so let me tackle that and then we can end on that. First Peter chapter three, verse 18.
[43:18] For Christ, for Christ has also, for Christ also has once suffered for, oh, oh, oh, oh, this is serious.
[43:29] Who did he suffer for? He suffered for sins. Christ. So, so one, he did not suffer for himself. It wasn't martyrdom.
[43:41] He wasn't a martyr. Please. Christ was not a martyr. He wasn't a martyr. He was a substitute. He was, the suffering was not for him.
[43:54] He was suffering for the unjust. But let me pick it step by step. For Christ also has once suffered for sins. Now, sins, let's all say sins.
[44:07] Plural. There is a difference between, sometimes when you read the New Testament, you come across sins and sin. Now, this sins is talking about our outward conduct, the things we have done.
[44:23] That's sins. Our behavior, our conduct, the outward conduct. And the same thing, the same thing in a lot of other places. For instance, in Hebrews chapter nine, verse 28, it talks about how he suffered, he died for our sins.
[44:41] Plural. Okay. So Hebrews 9, 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the what? Sins. Okay. That sins is the behavior, things that we have done.
[44:53] First Corinthians chapter 15, verse three. It talks about the gospel, the definition of the gospel. This is so, this is one of the most powerful scriptures. It defines the gospel very clearly.
[45:05] This, that, you see, the, the, the gospel, the gospel is not about, um, having a good life. The gospel is not, I mean, it's part of it.
[45:18] Okay. It's, but the actual gospel is not about how, um, do you know, there are people who say the most important, in fact, there are bishops, bishops, bishops, who say, sometimes they are interviewed on BBC and other places.
[45:37] Bishops. Some of them are worse than book shopkeepers. Uh, bishops who say things like, it is, what matters is about the teachings of Christ.
[45:50] Christians, this Easter, this Easter, if we can focus on the teachings of Christ, and the example he set for us, by loving our neighbors, that's how they are missing you.
[46:03] That's how they are missing you. By loving our neighbors as ourselves, living in peace and harmony, with one another, let's accept everybody.
[46:14] Let's, let's tolerate everybody. This is what Jesus came. This is why he came. He came so we can love one another. He came so we can go and feed everybody.
[46:25] You meet a Buddhist, what do you tell him? No, tell him just be a good Buddhist. You meet a Hindu, what do you tell him? No, you don't have to talk about Christ. Let's just feed him, and tell him, you know, be a good Buddhist, a Hindu, and ask you a good Hindu.
[46:41] That's also your way of serving Christ. That is a lie from the pit of hell. That is not Christianity. That is not, you can't serve Christ following Buddha.
[46:55] There's a big difference between Christ and Buddha. There's a big difference between Christ and Mohammed. There's a big difference between Christ and even Moses. That's a big difference.
[47:07] Oh, but we are all serving one God. Where did you hear that from? What's your scientific reason for saying that? What you are saying is as unscientific as anything you can think about.
[47:19] That we are all worshiping one God. But there are several ways in worshiping him. One will go this way. The other will go that way. Any Christian who talks like that is actually not a Christian.
[47:31] It's a clear sign that he's not a Christian. Now, that is where the rubber hits the road. That is where the world finds problem with Christianity. Not our niceness. Not our goodness.
[47:43] Not our kindness. Not because we are commanded by our Lord to be kind, to be nice, to feed the hungry, to love, to forgive. We don't have a choice. We are commanded not to be vicious.
[47:54] We are commanded not to be aggressive. We are commanded not to be violent. We are commanded to be gentle. In fact, when you are defending the faith, he said, do it with fear and humility.
[48:05] Fear. Do it with meekness. Meek, meek. Oh, we are commanded. So, they love that one. But, they don't love the actual message.
[48:16] And what is the actual message? Do you know the actual message? Should I tell you the actual message? Let me tell you the gospel. They don't like the gospel. But sorry, we can't do anything about the gospel. Because, if we can love, then we also have to keep the gospel.
[48:27] We have to preach the gospel. We have to, don't let us decorate the gospel and change it a little bit and alter it a little bit so that people will just like it a little bit more.
[48:38] No, no, don't change it. God is, Bible says, the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men. So, even if you think it's foolishness, the foolishness of God, Bible says that in the wisdom of God, God, 1 Corinthians chapter 1, 1 Corinthians chapter 1, verse 21, 22, 23, Bible says that for God, but because the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
[49:01] Now, verse 22 and 23, it says that it's pleased God that through the foolishness of preaching, hey, can you imagine? After that, after that, in the wisdom of God, sorry, after, after that, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God.
[49:21] Do you know that, what that means? So, the way the world does this is research, education, so the more learned you are, the more you know things, understand things better. Bible says that it has pleased God, huh?
[49:34] It has pleased God. In God's wisdom, in God's wise way of doing things, he has planned that the world, it will take the research of specialists or intelligent people to find God.
[49:47] So, the more wise you are in the world, it doesn't mean you will find God. You can be a philosopher. Haven't you noticed that a lot of professors are lost? A lot of professors, especially in the top, top, top, top, top, intellectuals, when they speak, you say, wow, this man is so academic, this man is so learned, but he's so bankrupt spiritually.
[50:12] Because, in the wisdom of God, God has programmed that the world through wisdom will not know God. it has pleased God and he's actually happy that by the foolishness of preaching, preaching, they say, oh, all this nonsense, I don't like it, all this, he said, no, no, no problem, you don't have to like it.
[50:32] But God's plan, God is happy that he will save people through the foolish, what you call foolishness, he will save people through the foolishness of preaching. You say, preaching is foolishness, God said, no problem, not how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel, no problem, I will save people through their preaching, I will save people through their preaching, they say, don't preach, they say, if you preach, they will kill you, let them kill you, I will save through their preaching.
[50:55] And now, so they have to go as far as altering your preaching and say, you cannot say this in your preaching, you cannot say that Jesus is the only way, but I'm not saying it, the one who said, a preacher is a messenger, messenger, he carries a message, a courier man doesn't have to change anything on the address, the courier man doesn't have to open the package and take some things out because it's so big and he can't enter the man's letter hole, so I have to take some things out, remove the watch from the packaging because there's nobody at home, so me, the courier man, decide to remove the watch from the package and put just the watch inside the letter box, no, I can't do that, if he can't enter, I don't have to temper with it, I don't have to temper with it, Bible says that, for there is no other name given amongst men, Acts chapter 4, verse 12, no name given amongst men, Mark, I feel like preaching, this is their gospel, neither is there salvation in any other, for there is, there is none other name, none other means, none other, under heaven, amongst human beings, whereby we must be saved, there is none other, sorry,
[52:09] I search and search, I search all, all over, couldn't find nobody, I've searched, I've searched, searched, searched, he said, there is no other, there is no other, we might prefer other options, but sorry, God has not got any other option, there is only one menu, there is only one menu, there is only one menu, on the table, and the menu is Jesus, Jesus, and so he said, we preach Christ, Christ crucified, not the preaching, not the teachings of Christ, please, we are not preaching, the teachings of Christ, we preach Christ, that's the gospel, the gospel is not about, the behavior of Christ, but the gospel, is fundamentally, let's look at it, let me confirm it, 1st Corinthians chapter 15, verse 2, verse 3, and verse 4, verse 2, Paul said my gospel, 1st Corinthians 15 please, verse 2, by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory, what I preach unto you, unless you are believed in me, now look at verse 3, it mentions the gospel here, now, for I delivered, delivered unto you, first of all, first of all, that which I also receive, how Christ, how that Christ, died for our sins, okay, he didn't die for himself, he died for our sins, according to the scriptures, the next verse, according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again, the third day, according to the scriptures, this is what is called, the gospel, this is what it's called, so it's not, the gospel is not so much, about the teaching, love your neighbor, as yourself teaching, okay, that's, please, are you saying, that's not important, it's important, you can't be in Christ, without following his words, following his teachings, it's, but, that's not what saves, what saves, can I tell you salvation,
[54:05] God has not, okay, let me put it this way, when you look at, other religions, okay, other religions, in the world, if they have any salvation, to offer, it is always offered, to the good people, yeah, every religion, offers salvation, to people who are good, you have to be good, you have to do this, take what then, it's okay, you are in, you have to, then you are in, you have to do, then you are in, you have to stop fornicating, you have to stop stealing, you have to stop lies, and then you are in, and so, there's no hope, for tax collectors, there's no hope, for tax collectors, there's no hope, for prostitutes, hallelujah, there's no hope, there's no hope, but thank God, the gospel is good news, it's good, because you know what, God has not, God, listen to this, I think I wrote it up, let me read it for you, this is a serious word, God only saves, those who are, unworthy of salvation, God only saves, those who don't deserve salvation,
[55:08] God only saves, self-admitted sinners, wretched, wicked people, self, you have admitted, that I am a sinner, first Timothy chapter 1 verse 15, it, this is a true saying, and worthy of all, acceptation, that Christ came, did you see that, that Jesus Christ, came into the world, to do what, to do what, not to, he didn't have time, for good people, he came for sinners, he came, that's what we read, we just read, Romans, we just read in, first Peter, chapter 3 verse 18, it says that, Christ died for our sins, the just, the just for the unjust, he actually died, for the people, who are not just, he came to save, those who are sinners, he came to save, those who are wretched, he came to save, the bad guys, he came to save, God doesn't have, salvation for the good guys, he only has, that's why some of you, when you look at, what you used to be, thank God for salvation, thank God for salvation, thank God for salvation, when you look at, who you used to be, the things you used to do, the places you used to go, the kind of things, you could imagine, and execute, and today, look at you, today, look at you,
[56:22] God came to, and Paul said, he came to die for sinners, and I am chief, I am chief amongst them, instead, I am chief sinner, the gospel is only for, sinners, the gospel is not, for the good guys, Jesus said, Mark chapter 2, verse 17, Luke chapter 5, verse 32, he said, the son of man, came to call, sinners, to repentance, he came to call, sinners, not righteous people, not good people, he came to call, sinners, Romans chapter 5, verse 6, and verse 10, oh, I feel like preaching, my time is up, but someone got to hear this, for when we were yet without strength, in due time, he died for the bad guys, Christ died for the bad guys, Christ, oh, am I talking to some people, who used to be bad, you used to be bad, and Christ has died for you, maybe you are listening to me, and you know you are so bad, you know you are so bad, but I have good news for you, it's called the gospel, I have good news for you, Christ came for you,
[57:22] Christ came to die for you, you are the kind of people God saves, God saves people, who admit, that they are sinners, self-admitted sinners, self-admitted wicked, self-admitted wretched, self-admitted unjust, you admit, that you need help, you admit, Romans chapter 5, verse 6 again, he says, Christ died, for the ungodly, Christ died, for, guys, this is serious, all religions, salvation, if they have, even salvation, but their so-called salvation, is offered to the good guys, to the good cops, to the good guys, but God, his salvation, is offered, to the bad guys, Zacchaeus, come down from the tree, Luke 19, come down for today, I'll be in your house, Zacchaeus, me, a taskulator like me, he said, come, I will, I came for you, woman, where are your accusers, nobody, was able to accuse me, he said, then go, I also do not accuse you, but go and sin no more, tell those guys, who say go and sin, more,
[58:28] Jesus said, go and sin no more, Luke chapter, John chapter 18, chapter 8, go and sin no more, go and sin no more, he saves you, not to continue in sin, he saves you, and watch this, if you are genuinely saved, you'll be empowered, to be able to overcome sin, if you are genuinely saved, there are people, who are now preaching, it's okay to sin, because they were never, even saved, they were never saved, they managed to come, into the church, they like our music, some will even sing, in the choir, singing in the choir, doesn't mean, you're on your way to heaven, you can be singing, in the choir, and still will be going, straight to hell, you can be, in fact, you can even preach, you can be preaching, on the streets, and yet you will die, and go to hell, because you are not born again, you are not born again, the new birth, is the supernatural, activity of God, which can never be explained, by human reasoning, you are not born again, you are in the choir, you are listening to preaching, you are receiving healing, miracle, I receive,
[59:28] I receive, and you are not born again, you are on your way to, hell, you are on your way to, hell, hell, hell, hell, hell, so what will I do, that's what God, is waiting for, God is waiting for you, to say, I'm a helpless sinner, and look at verse 10, Romans chapter 5 verse 10, Romans chapter 5 verse 10, I feel like preaching, Romans chapter 5 verse 10, Romans 5 verse 10, It says that, for if when we were enemies, ah, so God saves only his enemies.
[60:05] If when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son. You see how the death is important? How much more being reconciled shall be saved by his life? Did you see how important the death is?
[60:18] We are reconciled to God. In 1 Timothy 2, verse 5, he says there is one God. There is one God. I'm telling you, there are not many gods.
[60:30] There's only one God and only one mediator. He says, oh, no, no, you can't say that. But sorry, it's not me. The Bible says there is one mediator between God and man. The man Christ Jesus.
[60:41] Jesus. If you go outside of Jesus, there's no hope, no salvation, no salvation. Are you trying to say that? Are you trying to say that so all those people who have never heard the gospel, when they die, they are going to hell?
[60:52] Yes, that's what I'm saying. Listen, how can that be fair? When you die, go and ask God. In his own wisdom, this might sound foolishness and fair.
[61:04] Listen, life has never been fair. So please don't let us go down that route of fairness. Because when people talk about fairness, they are beginning to talk about things that they don't even have a proper understanding.
[61:16] I'm not saying that, I mean, generally, when there is equity, okay, there is niceness and kindness and people are also giving opportunity.
[61:26] I'm not saying it's bad. But don't live your life by, it's not fair. It's not fair. So I'm very angry. It's not fair. Why is it that my father was not there? Why is it that my father was not there?
[61:36] Why is it that my mother was not there? It's not fair. So you have become a bitter, bitter person in life and unproductive, very angry person because you are beaten into this deception that life is supposed to be fair to you at the expense of others.
[61:53] Well, the gospel is, the good news is Christ came to die for sinners. Back to 1 Peter. It says that for Christ has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust.
[62:05] Why? That he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. I want to establish the fact that he died for our sins, the things we have done.
[62:17] And there's a scripture that talks about his sacrifice. He was a sacrifice for sin, which is different from our sins. Sin is the nature, the nature, our nature by birth, that thing that we inherited from Adam.
[62:32] Jesus Christ on the cross, he was offered for 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 5, verse 21, said he was made to be sin for who knew no sin. It's not sins.
[62:43] This is sin. He was made to be, he who knew no sin was made, he was made to be sin. Okay? That's very important. In Hebrews chapter 9, verse 26, it talks about he was offered for sin.
[62:58] He was given as an offer, but now at once, he has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Sin, not our sins. So there's a difference.
[63:09] Our sins is our outward behavior, the conduct that we have done. But sin is the nature by birth, that thing that makes you want to continue on living in sin. Jesus Christ crushed it so that you can say, I'm not no guy's slave to sin.
[63:25] I am the child of God. We thank God for using his servant, Reverend Dr. David Enfrey, to share this awesome word. If this message has blessed you in any way, please spread the word by sharing it and send us an email to amen at charis.org.
[63:41] Remember to stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter for regular updates on what God is doing here at Charis Ministries. Stay blessed.