The Fragrance Place - Warri

365 days of

13-04-2023

Romans 6:3-5,9-11
[3]Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

When Jesus died, it wasn't just his death but ours as well. He identified with man, his sins, and his death; Jesus took it all upon himself. This is what Paul was teaching here: identification (being identified in Christ). Paul called it baptism. This is not about water baptism. Baptism here implies identification with his death on the cross.

[4]Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Again, by identification, we identify with his burial. It's important because Jesus wasn't just chilling in the grave. His body was in the grave; his soul was in hell (Acts 2:27). We identify with his burial in that, when Christ was buried, we were buried with him.

When Christ rose from the dead, we rose with him. We identify with his resurrection. We were raised with him. His resurrection is ours.

[5]For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

We have been planted together in the likeness of his death and resurrection. These are spiritual realities of identification, not just physical activities.

The Greek word "sumphutos" was translated as "planted together." It means to "grow along" and also to be "closely united." This means that we and Jesus are united in his death, burial, and resurrection.

[9]Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
[10]For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
[11]Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Greek word "logizomai" was translated as "reckon." It means to estimate, conclude, reason, or think.

Likewise, reason and think of yourself as dead to sin but alive to God through Jesus.
Likewise, conclude and estimate yourself to be dead to sin but alive to God through Jesus.

When one believes in Jesus, he is baptized into Christ, his death, burial, and resurrection. The baptism spoken of here is that of identification with Christ and his work of redemption.

Confession: I affirm that I've been baptized into Christ. I've been baptized into his death, burial, and resurrection. I affirm that I walk in the newness of life.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

365 days of

12-04-2023

1 John 2:27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. NLT

This phrase from the KJV
"But as the same anointing teacheth you of all things KJV," has been grossly used out of context as though the Holy Spirit is out to teach you just anything and everything. So you see believers who know so little about Jesus from the Scriptures anxiously waiting for the Holy Spirit to teach them about mathematics, engineering, business, etc. using this KJV verse as a premise.

"For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true (the truth)—it is not a lie." We must look at the context here critically by studying the pretexts.

1 John 2:3-4,18-20,22,24,26-27
[3]And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4]He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Notice that from the beginning of the chapter, John already let his audience know that he was writing about them knowing Christ precisely. The knowledge of Christ is what he called the truth.

[18]Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
[20]But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
[22]Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

The antichrist is any teaching that counters and denies the precise knowledge of Christ. While the Antichrist inspires and sponsors erroneous teachings that hide the truth, the Holy Spirit inspires teachings that communicate the truth and desires to bring every believer into a precise understanding of the truth. This is why John said, "You have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things." All things here refer to the truth regarding Christ. Hence the unction of the Holy Ghost is strictly for learning and knowing the truth regarding Christ from the scripture.

[24]Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
[26]These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
[27]But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

John was simply referring to the truth that he had taught them by the Holy Spirit from the beginning. He told them to hold on to only the teachings inspired by the Holy Spirit from the scriptures that he taught them. Then he warned them about the false teachers who are out to seduce them with false teachings; he told them that they don't need any man (a false teacher) to teach them.

The primary priority of the Holy Spirit is to teach about Jesus (the truth). In other words, the Holy Spirit doesn't just teach everything; rather, He teaches Jesus as everything. He reveals Jesus to us primarily.

Every other knowledge can be acquired by earthly means; if you desire to gain knowledge in law, you don't need the Bible or the Holy Spirit; just go to law school, and you'll have the legal knowledge you desire. Same with business; go to business school. To gain knowledge in engineering, go to engineering school. The Holy Spirit isn't responsible for teaching such knowledge. He teaches Jesus only.

1 John 2:27 ends with a clear evidence of the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit "So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ".

This clearly shows that everything the Holy Spirit teaches is about Christ. The teachings of the Holy Spirit will not make you a lawyer, businessman, engineer, etc.; attending the relevant schools will achieve these. Rather, the Holy Spirit teaches Christ, and his teachings cause us to remain in fellowship with Christ and walk much more like Christ.

An evidence of the Holy Spirit and spiritual growth in a believer is not exploits in business or career, as some claim. Unbelievers and unserious believers have succeeded in these without the Holy Spirit. Rather, growth in the knowledge of Christ and new creation realities is the true evidence of the Holy Spirit in a believer. The end point of every one of the Holy Spirit's teachings is that it brings you into fellowship with Jesus—you become more intimate with Jesus. Any knowledge that doesn't pull you closer to Jesus is surely not from the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit teaches Jesus from the scriptures. He reveals Jesus to us in our everyday lives. He leads us to deeper intimacy with Jesus. From today, you'll enjoy the teachings of the Holy Spirit in your daily life, and you'll grow deeper in your fellowship with Jesus. Note: The Holy Spirit teaches through God's men.

Confession: I affirm that I have the unction/anointing of the Holy Spirit that teaches me all things regarding Christ. I know all things in Christ by the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures. I give heed to the truth I have received from my teacher through the utterance of the Holy Spirit. I affirm that I have no business with false teachers who oppose the truth.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

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8am | This Sunday | The Fragrance Place | Warri

You'll be edified.
You'll be built up to function effectively in God's plan.

365 days of

11-03-2023

1 Corinthians 3:6-9
[6]I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
[7]So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
[8]Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
[9]For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

As believers, we are coworkers with God. We need to be very involved in the father's business. As we collaborate with God, the Father's business or kingdom expands. Just as Paul demonstrated,

- Paul planted - Apollos watered - God provided the growth

Consider this: if Paul did not plant, Apollos would have nothing to water, and God would have nothing to increase. Similarly, if Paul planted but Apollos refused to water, God will have nothing to increase and Paul may not see the anticipated increase. So our participation in the father's business is extremely important.

Our willingness to actively participate in the expansion of God's kingdom, particularly in and through the church, has positive consequences because everyone, including God, can anticipate an increase. And our unwillingness to actively participate can stop the anticipated increase. As a result, whether you are active or inactive has implications and consequences.

Paul quickly added that everyone will be rewarded based on their own efforts. As a result, we should make an effort to be involved in the Father's business. Paul will be rewarded for planting, and Apollos will be rewarded for watering. No reward will be given to the believer who refuses to plant and water. "No reward" is the consequence for doing nothing or doing the work poorly.

Mark 16:20
[20]And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

God's method of accomplishing his work is through available men. God will work in and through believers as long as they are willing to be used by him.

There's usually the thought that God will do his work without us because he is God. As a result, some have become disinterested in ministry matters. However, God's intention is to work through us, but if we are unable to do so, he will work through others to accomplish what he intended to do through us.

It is an honor to work alongside God. We must not take this privilege for granted. We should value this privilege highly. We should treasure the honor of being God's partners.

Confession: I affirm that I am a labourer together with God. I affirm that God is working in and through me. It's a great privilege that God chose me as his partner in ministry. I don't treat this privilege lightly, therefore I labour diligently.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

365 days of

365 days of

10-03-2023

Ephesians 2:10
[10]For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

"Workmanship" is translated from the Greek word "poiēma". Poiēma means the best and final product of a skilled craftsman. Usually, these are the best works put forth for exhibition. The craftsman ensures he exhibits/displays only the best and most skillful work or product.

"We're God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus." This is a very powerful statement. It means that we're God's final product, his master piece, and the best of his creation.

God created us in Christ Jesus; this means that the man in Christ is a work done by God. The new creation in Christ is an expression of divine creativity. The believer created in Christ Jesus is God's best.

Of all of God's creation, it's the new creation in Christ that is his workmanship. Hence the body of believers in Christ, that is, the church, is God's exhibition to all of creation.

Ephesians 3:10
[10]To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

The church is a direct expression of the manifold wisdom of God. The new creation in Christ is a product of God's manifold wisdom. Through the church of Christ, the manifold wisdom of God is being made known even to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, because we're God's workmanship in Christ Jesus. The church is simply God's wisdom on display.

Ephesians 2:7-10
[7]That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8]For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9]Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10]For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The heritage of the new creation in Christ is priceless, ageless, and endless. Even in the ages to come, we'll still be God's workmanship, and God will continue to show us off as the best expressions of the exceeding riches of his grace and kindness.

It's important to remember that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ for good works. We became his workmanship solely through grace, without our own efforts. However, as God's workmanship, we are created for his work. We were created to carry out his mission. God intended for us to walk in his works as his workmanship.

As a result, being God's workmanship entails both status and responsibility. We recognize our status as God's workmanship created in Christ; we are saved solely by grace. We also recognize our responsibility as God's workmanship, walking in the works that God has ordained for us.

Confession: I am God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. I affirm that I am a product of God's manifold wisdom. I am God's manifold wisdom on display. I affirm that my heritage in Christ is priceless, ageless, and endless. I walk in my new creation status and every good work that God has prepared for me.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

365 days of

09-03-2023

Luke 2:49
[49]And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

The business of the kingdom is the business of the Father. Jesus took the business of the Father personally. We should have the same attitude toward the kingdom as Christ does. Since we have the same Spirit of Christ, we can have the same attitude toward God's business just like Christ did.

Jesus is both our saviour and our pattern for service. The ones who are saved should go about their father's business just like he did. It's not Christlike for a believer to be unconcerned, unmoved, and nonchalant about kingdom business. Rather, God's plan is that every believer should be engaged in his business.

John 9:4
[4]I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Jesus went about the work with much urgency. Much urgency is required from us as we go about God's work. It's a privilege to partner with God and work for him with the time we have here. It's for a limited time; let's maximize the time we have and be productive. Maximize every day for his work while it is day.

Sometimes, we feel like we have forever to do God's work, and we're tempted to keep postponing our dedication, commitment, and consecration to God's work. Some have said, "I will do God's work in the future but not today." That's the lure of the devil to keep you from maximizing your "day time" in serving the Lord.

At age 12, Jesus was already engrossed in the Father's business. At age 30, he was found doing his father's business. He died doing his father's business. The Apostles and early disciples never turned back from following Christ, and they went about doing the Father's business for decades until they died.

Don't let anyone tell you that it's not possible to live a devoted life of service consistently. You can spend your lifetime doing God's business. You can spend the next decades doing the father's business with a sense of urgency.

Confession: I acknowledge that the business of the Father is my business, the ministry of the Father is my ministry, and the work of the Father is my work. I dedicate my life to God and his work. I do the work of the Father with a sense of urgency.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

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365 days of

09-12-2022

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. NKJV

Believers in Christ will not face judgment because Jesus has already paid the penalty for our sins. The term "judgment" refers to the penalty for sin, which is death. The believer has passed from death (judgment) to life in Christ. This is the believer's reality. For the believer, there is no judgment of sin and death.

Consider the following:

1 Corinthians 3:13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done.

Does the fact that believers have escaped judgment imply that they should live carelessly? Definitely not. We will not be judged based on our sin or our destination (heaven or hell). However, our work will be evaluated and judged.

14. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.

The essence of this judgment is reward. Every good work and labor of love in ministry will be rewarded by Christ. Your work and life on earth must add value to the kingdom. Every believer has been called to do the work of the ministry.

Don't think you're just an ordinary believer whose actions are unimportant. The saved life is not an ordinary life; it has received eternal life, has been filled with the Holy Spirit, has been declared righteous, and has been blessed with all spiritual blessings. You are not ordinary. You've been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. You've been called into ministry. Your faithfulness, commitment, and devotion are all important; your work will be judged. You will be rewarded if your work is in accordance with God's plan. This assessment concerns our work and reward.

15. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

Even if you are saved, you can suffer great loss. In other words, this is a judgment for those who have already been saved. It does not determine salvation.

The loss of a reward is referred to as a great loss. Don't be that believer who is content with being saved but uninterested in ministry work. It is a great loss to refuse to be effective in ministry. It is also a great loss to do ministry in your own way, which is contrary to God's design for ministry. Make certain that you do not suffer this terrible loss. Make an effort to carry out and fulfil your ministry.

No believer will miss heaven, but some will miss their reward. Why should you miss your reward? Why should your work be burnt? Do your ministry work well and live your life in accordance with God's plan right now so that your work would stand the test of judgment and you'll receive Christ's reward for your work.

Confession: I affirm that I have been called to do the work of ministry. I choose to carry out the work of the ministry in accordance with God's plan. I affirm that my work will stand the test and fire of God's judgment and my work will not be burnt. I will not suffer any loss of reward. Rather, I will be rewarded by the Lord. I affirm that my devotion, commitment, and faithfulness to ministry are important. I am a good steward.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

365 days of

08-12-2022

Romans 3:24-25 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.

It is important to understand that salvation and how God dealt with sin are entirely God's plan, not ours. It may appear to be too simple for us to understand and accept. We might expect righteousness to be difficult, but God provides it as a free gift. One of the most difficult challenges for people today is recognizing and embracing God's grace, and ceasing from their works.

The preceding verses state unequivocally that Jesus has delivered us from the penalty or wages of our sins. Why? because Christ became the payment for our sins. It was our sin that led Christ to the cross, the grave, and hell. And if Christ truly rose from the dead (which he did), then sin was defeated. Anyone who believes in Jesus is therefore declared righteous. Righteousness is God's declaration, not our works. This was God's response to sin. This is how God dealt with sin once and for all.

The human or religious mind will resist the simplicity of the gospel; we naturally want those who do wrong to pay for it, but Christ has already paid for it all. It is important to note that the penalty is the spiritual consequence of sin, which Christ removed. Believers may still face physical consequences for their actions, but they can never be spiritually separated from God.

Hebrews 10:17-18 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

God doesn't remembers sin. There is no longer any trace or record of sin. Amazing. So who remembers sin? - The devil and our minds When you are reminded of your past sins and mistakes, it is not from God. He has no recollection or remembrance of sin.

The only evidence that sin has been forgiven is Jesus' long-ago sacrifice. There will never be a need for another sacrifice because Jesus is sufficient. Every sin has been forgiven. We simply receive this forgiveness by faith in Christ. Or Forgiveness is rejected by unbelief in Christ. This is the gospel, which is both too good to be true. It is not about how we feel or think. God is merciful, kind, and gracious.

Confession: I affirm that salvation is a gift from God to me. Righteousness is God's declaration that through his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has set me free from the penalty of sin. I affirm that God does not remember my sins or mistakes. I believe that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient. God is, indeed, good, kind, and gracious.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

365 days of

06-12-2022

1 Corinthians 15:55-57
[55]O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56]The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57]But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

God has given us victory over sin, death, hell, and the devil through Christ. The believer's habitat is one of victory. Victory has become our habit. Keep in mind that you are already a winner in Christ.

1 John 5:4
[4]For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Your faith in Christ has given you victory over the world. You are victorious. Victory is your current status.

2 Corinthians 2:14
[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

We always win in Christ. We are triumphant. God has designed us to live lives of triumph and victory. You cannot walk in defeat or maintain a defeat mindset. No, you are victorious. Put on a triumphant and victorious frame of mind.

Colossians 2:15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Christ's victory is our victory. The devil has been permanently defeated. We don't need to do anything else to defeat the devil. We simply walk in Christ's victory. This indicates that Christ's work was complete. Thank God, he completed everything—complete, finished, and perfect work.

Colossians 3:3-4 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Your true life is concealed in Christ in God. You are untouchable and unreachable by the devil. Christ is your source of life. Can you picture Christ being bothered by witches, wizards, and the devil? So, why are you bothered? They can't do any harm. You're victorious. Christ is your life, and God has hidden you in Christ.

Psalms 125:1-3
[1]They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
[2]As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
[3]For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

David recognized that victory was his portion in God. The Lord has surrounded you. This indicates that your life is hidden in Christ in God. Jesus and the Father are all around you. Your safety is guaranteed by the Godhead. As a result, the rod of the wicked will never rest on you because you are God's righteousness in Christ.

Psalms 27:1-6
[1] (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
[2] When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
[3] Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
[4] One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

The Lord is your light, salvation, strength, and defender. You must not be afraid of anything, anyone, or the devil. Whatever enemies or wars arise against you, you should be more than confident because you dwell in God's house. In Christ, you are like Mount Zion; the evil one cannot move, remove, or touch you.

[5]For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
[6]And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

You are hidden in Christ. You have been set on a rock that cannot be moved. You have been lifted far above the enemies and their works. You are sitting with Christ in heavenly places. In response to the victories you have in Christ, you should offer sacrifices of joy and sing praises to him.

Confession: I affirm that God has given me victory in Christ. Victory is my status and habitat. I have victory over sin, death, hell, and the devil. I always triumph in Christ. My life is hidden in Christ in God. My security is secured and ensured by the Godhead. I am not afraid. The rod of evil cannot rest on me. I am untouchable. I can't be defeated. I have a winning mentality. The Lord is the light, salvation, strength, and defender of my life.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place

365 days of Grace

03-12-2022

2 Timothy 1:9 God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began

It is important to note that God did not save us based on our works. We are not saved by our works either. In other words, salvation is not based on works, nor is it sustained by good works.

Similarly, God did not call us based on our works. Works express performance. This means that our salvation and calling have nothing to do with how well we perform.

Salvation does not require performance. Rather, the person who freely receives salvation is also empowered to do good works.

God saved and called us in accordance with his own plan and grace. The word "purpose" refers to God's plan, design, and intent for salvation. It's not our intention. So, through salvation, we receive God's plan for us; we walk in his purpose for us; and we function in his design for us.

God saved and called us through his grace. Grace means that salvation is not based on our ability, nor is it based on what we deserve. So, in salvation, we receive what we could never achieve through our own efforts; we receive what we do not deserve—all by grace.

Hebrews 2:9
[9]But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

The grace of God speaks of the substitutionary death of Jesus for us. He tasted death for everyone. Hence, we are saved by his death and resurrection. This is what it means to be saved by grace; we are saved because Jesus died and rose again for us.

So we see that our salvation and calling are not according to works but according to God's purpose and grace, which were given to us in Christ.

Confession: I affirm that God saved me not because of my works, but because of his purpose and grace in Christ. I affirm that I have received God's plan for me in Christ, that I walk in his intention for me, and that I function in God's design for me. I declare that I am saved by grace because Jesus died and rose again. I am saved solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Chuka Zelibe
The Fragrance Place