WHAT JESUS DID IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

The term difficult suggest that which is uneasy; full of problems. Whereas, situations are all the circumstances and things that are happening at a particular time and in a particular place. The topic in essence has to do with Jesus' response to those circumstances surrounding him that were not easy, that were full of problems, that caused him a lot of troubles.

Troubles will come. Life on earth is tough and are full of struggles and difficult times. Jesus was not ignorant of this fact, therefore he noted, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Suffering and trials are part of life since the fall when sin entered the world. When one is feeling sorry for oneself about situations he faces, he should not ask "why me? instead ask 'why not me?" James said, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (1:2-4). All a man needs is the sufficiency of God's grace. Like Paul, Christians all cry for God to take away the thorns in our flesh. But how could we have known the power and sufficiency of the grace of God without thorns in our flesh- 2Corinthians 12:7-9.

If courageous and better character are to be developed, then a world where hardship, risk, pain and difficulty are is needful. In such an environment, how do one react? Let's look at these reactions:

• Elijah questioned: "O Lord my God, have you also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" (1Kings 17:20)

• Gideon pondered: "If the Lord is with us why then has all these happened to us" (Judges 6:13)

• Habakkuk complained: Why do you look on those who deal treacherously and hold your tongue when the wicked devours one more righteous than he? Habakkuk 1:13

• Job screamed: "My soul loathes my life: I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the betterness of my soul, I will say God do not condemn me: show me why you contend with me. Does it seem good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands, and shine on the council of the wicked- Job 10:1-3.

NB: Man's attitude toward any perceived difficulty is the same WHEN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS COMES.

One person's problem may differ from another person's problem. A man's perception of his problem may help him overcome the problem. On the other hand, his perception makes him a victim. It is real. It must come. Therefore, Christians need to know that:

Difficult situation is either created by an individaul to himself or caused by someone else. Examples; It can be from one's pride, which Solomon says it comes before a fall. Or as a result of one's ignorant of the effect of an action. Or even as a consequence of progratination which not only create difficult situations but amount to sin. When difficult situation is caused by someone, such is always seen as an enemy.

Difficult situation is challenging- it tests one's ability Phillippian 4:11-12- Colin's skills.
A difficult situation is demanding. It demands one's effort. One must drive to do beyond that which is expected of him in difficult times - Romans 12:11 "Be not slothful in business..." (KJV). "Never be lacking in zeal..."(NIV). It also demands one's patience. The singular reason is that the other side of the river holds greater blessing (James 1:12)

Difficult situations test one's identity. Christians ought to remain Christians at all times. No compromise of standards. It must be remembered that nothing is right because of the situation in which it is done, if it is not in itself right.

WHAT DID JESUS DO?

He Appealed to God's word. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus told Satan who presented to him difficult situations "It is written..." Therefore, in one's hopeless situations one should always appeal to God's word; for it holds all the encouragement needed.

Jesus prayed. Matthew records in 26:36-46 show that Jesus prayed three times asking God to take the cup (difficult situation) away from him.

• It is ungodly for Christians not to pray in Critical Conditions

• It is human for Christians to pray harder only in Critical Conditions

• It is godly Christians praying always (Hebrews 4:16).

Jesus let God's will prevail. In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus concluded his request with the statement, "...not my will but your will be done." By his actions, reactions and inactions, man has always insisted, "Not your will but my will." It must be noted that man's limitation does not allow man to know and do what is best for himself. God always have a better agenda for man (Jeremiah 29:10-11).

Jesus prayed for the perceived enemies. As recorded in Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." Do you pray for the down fall of your enemies? Do you shift blame on someone for the situation you are in? It is one's duty to pray for, not revengefully against one's persecutors (Matthew 5:44,45)

He gave thanks to the Father. In Matthew 14:15-17, it was indeed a difficult situation feeding 5000 men with just  two fishes and five loaves of bread. In this situation of little food, Jesus gave thanks. Always appreciate God for the little he has provided and thus committing him to provide even more

Are you struggling throuh difficult time? Do you feel like you cannot cope anymore? Are you struggling financially? Are you trying to cope with the illness or death of a loved one? Do you feel like God is no longer there? Have you no one to turn to? Is it a struggle to get out of bed each morning? Be assured and encouraged that you are not alone- God loves you and will see you through. He is always there for you even when you feel far from Him or cannot feel His presence (John 17:15, 1Peter 5:9-10).

By B. S. David and N. B. Effeh

RE-DEFINING OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS BIBLE STUDIES

Christianity is a teaching as well as a doing religion. It is a religion that demands intensive research in order to enhance effectiveness and practicality. Paul knew this, thereby he wrote to Timothy "Study to show thyself approved unto God.." 2Timothy 2:15.

HOW IS OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS STUDIES?
Our attitude is poor.
This is seen in the fact that a number of Christians today do not seat down to intensively reason together.
Most of us are unconcern about Bible studies, receiving ourselves that we all are teachers. We most note that teaching is different from giving a piece of advice-sermon.
There is no zeal towards studies. We often read about the Berean Christians, who zealously study to know if what they were taught were true.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STUDY?
To take a course or courses on a subject matter.
To acquire knowledge on a subject.
It is an artwork made in order to practice or demonstrate a subject or technique

WHY MUST WE STUDY?
To Be Approved unto God and Man

That we can rightly and properly handle God's word
That we may be qualify to lead His Church as Elders, Deacon, Preachers and teachers 1Timothy 3:2
That we may not be ashamed because of lack of knowledge of what to teach the Church and the Defence to give "whenever we are asked of the reason of our faith in Christ

We Must study in Order to Properly Deal with Conflicting Issues that are Killing the Brotherhood

We Must Study Because is a Literature and it has principles and rules for its interpretation

So That We Will Not Be Arguing the Word of God blindly 2Timothy 2:14

So As to be godly 2Timothy 2:16

HOW SHOULD WE STUDY?
Systematically
Deductively

Most local congregations are crying for proper leadership, and we can never have it unless we bend down and study. Let's redefine our attitude. The field is ripe, but the harvesters are few.

A CHRISTIAN

What does it mean to you to wear the name Christian? How do you identify with that term? One might answer, “I have been immersed into Christ.” Of course, this is where we contact the cleansing blood of Christ. The terms disciple and Christian are used synonymously in Acts 11:26, where the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Jesus said to be His disciples, one must be immersed (Matthew 28:19). Yet, is that all there is to it? Someone else might respond, “Well, I go to church,” meaning he assembles with fellow Christians on the first day of the week. Of course, this is God’s desire for His people, that we might honor and glorify Him and His Son, and by doing so together be built up and edified. This is what the early Christians did (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:22-25). Yet, is that all there is to it? Others might respond, “I have the hope of eternal life.” What greater blessing is there than having the promise of life after death? God has placed eternity in human beings’ hearts, but not all understand it or seek it. Most people long for something beyond today, but they don’t know how to go about finding it, or to even know if it’s real. As children of God, we have sure promises about what lies beyond the grave (1 John 3:1-2). Yet, is that all there is to it? You see, all of these responses are correct, but being a Christian is more than feelings as well as more than externals. To wear the name Christian should begin from within, without which the externals alone are meaningless. It is a decision based on the conviction of the heart, the inner person desiring a relationship with God in Christ, willing to yield self in submission to Deity, an attitude of devotion and trust that leads to serving, worship and becoming more like Christ. “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). To put emphasis merely on the externals, and not to begin with the heart, with giving God our whole heart, will make living a Christian life a struggle at best and failure at worst. David understood the importance of starting a relationship with God from within when he said, “I will praise You with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor Your name forever” (Psalm 86:12). When Jesus answered the question of which is the greatest commandment, He said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). The writer of Hebrews writer warned, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). A heart that is not committed to the Lord will lead to a life that is not truly transformed. “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Being a Christian is a change that begins within, and then, it permeates without, influencing all we say and do. Without this, it’s just a name worn without the power of cleansing and conviction that shapes us in the image of Christ. “We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). It’s one thing to wear the name Christian, and it is another thing to try and act like a Christian, but wouldn’t we rather truly be Christians instead? It starts from within, changing our thoughts, our attitudes, everything about how we think and feel, which changes how we act. What does wearing the name Christian mean to you? “God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:27-28). http://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/