Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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 (Romans 6:3-4)  


It’s important for us to understand what’s meant by the statement “…baptized into Jesus Christ…”  in the scripture above. It’s different from dipping someone into water for a baptism. Water baptism is symbolic: when you’re dipped into water in baptism, you’re declaring that you’ve identified with the Lord in His vicarious death and burial. You’re brought out of the water in likeness of His resurrection.

The subject in Romans 6 isn’t water baptism. It’s the immersion of the believer into Christ, upon his proclamation of His Lordship and faith in His resurrection. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul the Apostle uses the term “in  Christ” when he declares: ...if any man be in Christ, He is a new creature....” You become one with Him! God sees you in Jesus Christ. When we say we’re in Christ, it’s not like having something inside a container; rather, it means we’re inseparably united with Him, joined with Him in one Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).

Ephesians 5:30 says, “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches...” (John 15:5), meaning that we’re of the same stock with Him. You’ve become the expression of Christ. This is how you should and must think. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says,  “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…”; that  body is Christ.

Now that you’ve been baptised into Jesus Christ, the Bible says to walk accordingly, walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Walk bold. Be absolutely fearless, knowing that you and Christ are one. With Him, you’re indomitable—ever making progress. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
I’m inseparably one with Christ, for in Him I live, move and have  my being! I’m the embodiment and expression of His glory and divinity. My inseparable oneness with Him makes me supernatural, impregnable to sickness, disease and infirmity. No matter what comes my way, I’m bold and fearless! Glory to God!

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13). 

Many years ago, as a young teenager, I was preparing, alongside my friends, for a crusade; so, we met often, praying and fasting, with words of prophecy. One day, I arrived early to pray ahead of the others. While I was praying, speaking in tongues, I had the intuition that I was saying things in the Spirit that had to do with the crusade, but the words were coming out in tongues and I didn’t have the interpretation. None of my friends, two of whom had the gift of interpretation of tongues, had come. 

I continued speaking in tongues and I was still feeling the unction so strong. Then, I said, “Lord, I need the gift of the interpretation of tongues so I can know what the Spirit is bringing to my understanding.” As I continued praying and speaking in tongues, suddenly, I received the interpretation and began to speak them out in English Language. Oh, how elated I was! 

Then I took my journal and began to write. I spoke the words and interpreted. And guess what? Those things that were brought to my understanding about the crusade all came to pass. Praise God! Interpretation of tongues is so important. Tongues and interpretation of tongues equal prophecy. And prophecy brings edification. 

As you speak in tongues in prophetic utterance, you can trust the Holy Spirit to bring the message to your understanding. If you thought you were blessed speaking in tongues, wait until you receive the interpretation. The experience will bring you such unspeakable joy! If you don’t have the interpretation, the Lord says to ask for it, and it’s His desire to grant it, through the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

PRAYER 
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who has given me the ability to speak in tongues and commune with you in a heavenly language. I take advantage of this privilege, not only to declare divine mysteries, but also to bring them to my understanding through prophetic utterance, by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 
1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:12-19
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1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:1-53 & 2 Chronicles 29-30 
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 & Isaiah 3

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). 

God expects that when we receive His Word, we should live accordingly. When we have words in Scripture that show us principles of life or that give us definite instructions from God, we have to take heed; we have to take such words seriously and live by them. His instructions make great. 

Life becomes challenging, a labyrinth of confusion for those who don’t follow God’s Word but would rather act on human wisdom and intelligence. Take for instance, the experience of Isaac in Genesis 26. He received an instruction from the Lord not to leave his country to Egypt, because of the famine in his country. People were migrating to Egypt at the time for greener pastures so it made sense (human wisdom) that Isaac sought to leave Gerar to seek relief in Egypt. 

However, the Lord instructed him, saying, “… dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father” (Genesis 26:2-3). Isaac followed the Lord’s instruction and the result is penned for us in Genesis 26:12-13: he grew, waxed great, and became very great, so much so that the Philistines envied him in the same land that was impoverished by famine.

Follow the leading of God’s Spirit for your life. There’s no other way to greatness and a successful life besides following God’s plan, His instructions, will and purpose for your life. It makes no difference the pressure you’re under, yield to the Spirit for answers; don’t make impulsive decisions that’d most certainly worsen the situation. Consult and trust Him for guidance. 

The Holy Spirit knows and has the blueprint for your greatness and prosperity. Your greatness is His plan and His idea. He said to Abraham, “…I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). Never suppose that your greatness is dependent upon your works or anyone. As the seed of Abraham, greatness is in you, harnessed and brought to the fore as you follow God’s instructions and fulfil His purpose for your life.

CONFESSION
I’m the seed of Abraham, graced for greatness and anointed to be fruitful and productive in every good work. I’ve been ordained to prosper and to live in glory. Therefore, I live the glorious life, fulfilling my purpose and destiny in Christ. Great things are happening for me and through me, by the power of the Word and the ability of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 
Genesis 26:12-13; Galatians 3:29; Proverbs 4:13

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 6:1-15 & 2 Chronicles 26-28 
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2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 & Isaiah 2

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).  
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Imagine you were on a flight that was experiencing some turbulence and you were beginning to get worried. Then you heard the captain say, “Please be informed there’s some turbulence in the air, but it’s not a problem at all. So, sit back and relax; we’re fine.” You’re most certainly going to feel a sudden calm; the anxiety will disappear. Why? The captain says the turbulence doesn’t matter!
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This is the kind of assurance we have from Jesus in our theme verse. He said, “…be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Such powerful, comforting and uplifting words! In the midst of the trials, temptations, troubles; in the midst of the persecution and hatred, He wants you to be of good cheer, because everything is going to be all right. Never allow sadness and unhappiness in your life as a result of whatever you may be going through. You’re a victor in Christ Jesus.

TEven when things don’t seem to be going right, be unflustered. The Word says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2). That challenging situation is for your promotion and testimony. You live on the mountaintop, because you’re seated together with Christ in the place of glory and dominion. Therefore, when you face distressing situations, turbulent times, live above them.

Even when things don’t seem to be going right, be unflustered. The Word says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2). That challenging situation is for your promotion and testimony. You live on the mountaintop, because you’re seated together with Christ in the place of glory and dominion. Therefore, when you face distressing situations, turbulent times, live above them.

Christ has made us masters over circumstances. Now He wants you to display extraordinary courage in fulfilling His dream for you. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything…” (NIV). It makes no difference what’s going on; don’t lose your cool! It’s been written about you already that you won: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Cheer up, for your future is greater than your past. Praise God!
CONFESSION
God has separated me from the world and given me a life that’s beyond this world: a life of faith and victory through the Word. I live victoriously and triumphantly above sickness, disease, inflation and terror. I’m more than a conqueror because greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. Hallelujah!

I pray that Christ may make His home in your hearts through your faith; so that having your roots deep and your foundations strong, in love, you may become mighty to grasp the idea (Ephesians 3:17 WNT).  
As a result of ignorance of the Word, some Christians sing certain songs that aren’t consistent with the New Testament. For example, some would sing, “Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.” That doesn’t make any sense, because the Holy Spirit lives in you. He’s not in heaven; so, where is He going to “fall” from?
They could sing such a song and get so emotional and cry, thinking they’re getting blessed. But the truth is, they’re not really getting blessed; rather, such songs create a certain kind of unbelief that’s difficult to cure, resulting in their faith getting weaker and more and more ineffective.
How could a Christian be asking the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on him when the Holy Spirit is with us and in us forever? Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16). Since the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, He hasn’t gone back, and He’ll never leave us. It’s a painful thing in the body of Christ, to see God’s children in search of what they already have.
This isn’t unconnected with the reason for the Apostle Paul’s prayer in our theme verse: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith….” “Wasn’t Christ already dwelling in their hearts?” you may wonder. Yes, you’d notice he didn’t say, “Our hearts”; he was praying for the spiritually immature in Christ.
That’s how we pray for young converts, because they haven’t recognized the indwelling Christ. Sadly, many, including those who have been Christians for a long time, still require this prayer today because they haven’t recognized the indwelling Christ. They’re still in search of what’s right inside them. They want something to come from Heaven; yet, everything they could ever ask for has been granted them (2 Peter 1:3). Colossians 1:27 says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Recognize Him in you. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
Christ is alive in me, because He has settled and made His home in my heart by faith; everything about Him is resident in my spirit. I’m living the supernatural life, naturally, because Christ is in me. I don’t walk in darkness about anything, because I’m conscious of His light in my heart, guiding me in the path of righteousness, to fulfil my destiny in Him. Hallelujah!

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15)  
There’s a type of spirit that many Christians are oblivious of, and the Bible talks about it in 1 Corinthians 2:12; it’s “the spirit of the world”: “Now we have received, not THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” This spirit is responsible for worldliness amongst Christians. That’s the spirit that tries to set trends—the trends of the world.

When Christians aren’t careful, they find themselves moving with those trends of the world; what the world says, how things are done, not realising they’re being swayed by the spirit of the world into worldliness. We can use certain things in the world without following what the Bible calls, “The fashion of this world” that passes away (1 Corinthians 7:31).

The fashion of this world refers to the trend of this world, and it’s under the spirit of the world. Remember that Satan is the god of this world’s system. So, when our theme verse says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…,” that’s what it’s talking about. Refuse to be controlled or influenced by the systems of this present world. Jesus said you’re in the world, but not of the world. Hallelujah!

Some people today are drifting; they’re born again, but they’ve been conquered by the world. They don’t have the Gospel-motive. Your motivation in life should and must be Christ Jesus and the purpose for which He died. Don’t let your focus be on the transient things of this failing world, for none of its so-called “trends” can give you true joy.

Paul said in Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” This is the attitude that you must have.
PRAYERS
Dear Father, I thank you for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by whom I navigate my way through life. I refuse to be swayed by the spirit of the world, for I’m not enticed by the fashion or trends of this world. I’m from above, and my mind is set on things above, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (2 Corinthians 4:13) 
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2 Timothy 3:1 admonishes that in the last days, perilous times shall come. Nevertheless, Romans 8:35-37 lets us know that in spite of the tribulation, distress, famine, peril, and pandemics that would characterise the signs of the end of the age, you have nothing to fear. This is because you’re more than a conqueror: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword…Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:35-37). 
What you need is to hold on to God’s Word; know and have it in your consciousness and establish it through speaking. The power is in affirmation. For example, the Word says, “No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). Jesus said in Luke 10:19, “…nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Then in John 16:33, He also said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Believe and affirm these truths. 
Jesus didn’t overcome the world for Himself but for you. He overcame the world and all the evil, darkness and negativities therein, and gave you the victory. What you’re required to do now is to establish and maintain that victory in your life with your faith-filled confessions. He said in Mark 11:23, “…whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” The Word of God in your mouth is a creative force. Praise God!
PRAYER 
I declare that my life is for glory and beauty; and in my path, there’s life, success, victory, and health. I pray for God’s people around the world, who may be sick or afflicted, that the healing power of God works through them, and their health is perfected, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: 
Luke 6:45; Philemon 1:6; Proverbs 18:21 
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 13 John 18:28-19:1-16 &1 Chronicles 14-16 
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN :1 Corinthians 15:29-39 & Proverbs 31

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17-18  
The above scripture is extraordinary; it reveals something striking about you—the Christian— the new creation: you’re superior to sickness, disease, and infirmities. You have a life that can’t be infected by any disease pathogen. You can’t be poisoned or destroyed.

It makes no difference that you were told that a certain poison or virus has gotten into your system; it shall have no power over you. In Luke 10:19, Jesus said, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

This is either true or false, but thank God it’s true! Live with the consciousness that you’re a partaker of the divine nature. Don’t join the bandwagon of those who are flustered and rattled by the spread of infectious diseases; the life in you is divine; it’s not sustained by blood but by the Spirit of God who lives inside you: “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11).

The foregoing verse isn’t a promise but a vital reality now that the Holy Spirit lives in you: He’s the life of your physical body. Maybe you’ve even been diagnosed with an incurable disease as you read this; declare the Word until the divine life in you gains the ascendancy. With faith in your heart, keep affirming, “The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead lives in me and has invigorated my physical body.

I have the life of God in me; that life destroys sickness and disease. I walk in divine health. I refuse to be sick!” Christians are people who have come from death. They’re a different breed. That’s why the Bible says, “But ye are a chosen generation…” (1 Peter 2:9). The word, “generation” is the same word for “breed.” You’re a special breed, superior to anything that’s of the devil.

Take charge of your life from the realm of the spirit and subdue your world and your environment. Even now, declare that you live victoriously through the Word, and by the Spirit, over and above sickness, disease and death. Hallelujah!
PRAYERS
I walk in victory and dominion over Satan, the world, and its systems. Thank you, Father, for your divine life in me, and the power of your Word and the Holy Spirit to live triumphantly above sickness, disease and infirmities, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For by words thou shalt be justified, and by words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:37)

A major reason some Christians have never really enjoyed the spiritual splendourand glory of Christianity is that they’ve never truly understood the importance of words. Even though they’ve been born again for long, they’ve struggled for the most part. Some eventually give up after many years of struggling to live the Christian life because they don’t understand the foundational principle of the Christian life. It’s about words!<br>
We function in the reality of the new creation through words. This is the spiritual principle that makes salvation possible in the first place: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10: 9-10).

Our salvation is only activated when we vocalize our faith in the Lordship of Jesus. Salvation is the beginning of all the blessings in Christ; and if this principle works for salvation, it’ll work for everything in Christ.

The Lord Jesus, during His earthly ministry, was an absolute success because He spoke the Father’s words and lived in them. In John 12:49, He said, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.” Hebrews 13:5-6 makes reference to the same principle. It says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. SO that we may boldly say. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

The foregoing scriptures imply that our confessions should be in accordance with the Word of God, because we’re children of the Word. We live by words. Recall the words of Jesus in our opening verse: For by words thou shalt be justified, and by words thou shalt be condemned.” It’s about your words: the right words coming out of your lips.

CONFESSION
Through my wholesome, faith-filled words, I create A triumphant life and blessed future; I shape my life and future to align with God’s divine provisions and destiny for me and all that concerns me. I hold fasT to the profession of faith without wavering. I declare that I live in divine health, supernatural abundance, and in continual victory and prosperity, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.<br> 
                                                                                                                                                                     

Jesus replied, “Why do you say ‘if you can’? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!” (Mark 9:23 CEV). 
Imagine that you were given a pill and told that if you’d take the pill, it makes no difference the infirmity, disease or sickness that attacks your body; irrespective of the location of the problem, the pill would effect a cure. What would your response be? I’m sure you wouldn’t hesitate to place an order for that pill immediately. You’d even want to have it in excess. 
But did you know that there’s actually such a pill? It’s called the pill of faith! In Mark 9:23, Jesus said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The word “believe” as used in the King James Version and several other versions is wrongly applied. It’s from the same word as “faith,” only that it’s the verb form. Faith is the noun, and “believe” is the verb of faith. This means the verse should actually read, “All things are possible to him that has faith.” 
The CEV, which we quoted in our theme verse puts it more accurately; it says, “…Anything is possible for someone who has faith!” How reassuring! And reading it from the 21st verse makes it even more so. Jesus didn’t say, “Many things are possible if you have faith,” but that “ANYTHING is possible.” Meaning that it doesn’t matter what the situation is; God has given you power to make your life beautiful. You can do anything and change anything that’s contrary to God’s will for you with your faith. 
When the disciples were terrified and cried to Jesus for help when they faced turbulent weather, the Bible says He turned to them and said, “…Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25). In other words, use the pill! It can do anything. There wouldn’t be any hopelessness or despondency in your life if you’d put your faith to work. Hallelujah! 
CONFESSION 
Blessed be God! I’ve overcome the world, its systems, and structures. My faith is strong and effective for continuous success, victories, and triumphs! I have no fear, for nothing is impossible unto me. My life is being constantly framed by the Word of God, resulting in ever-increasing praise and glory to the Father. Hallelujah! 
FURTHER STUDY: 
Mark 11:22-23; 2 Corinthians 4:13; 1 John 5:4; 
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:18-16:1-16; 1 Chronicles 5-6 
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 14:31-40; Proverbs 27