Oblation Magazine

22/10/2025

THE KINGDOM CULTURE: Demonstrating God's Presence on Earth

Culture refers to the values, practices, and way of life that define a particular group or society.
In this context, the Kingdom Culture refers to the values, practices, and way of life that define the kingdom of God.

What is the Kingdom Culture?

The Kingdom Culture is the manifestation of God's presence and power on earth, characterized by the values and practices of heaven. It's the way of life that reflects God's heart, mind, and intentions. As Christians, we often pray for God's kingdom to come, but do we truly understand what that means?

Biblical Foundation:

In Matthew 12:28, Jesus says, "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." This verse highlights the practices of the kingdom of God, which Jesus demonstrated during His ministry on earth.

God's Plan: Establishing Heaven on Earth, making the earth an extension of heaven.

God's original plan was to establish heaven on earth, where His will, intentions, glory, influence, power, and objectives would reign supreme. Whenever there's presence of the kingdom of God anywhere, anytime on earth, that means the absence of Satan, evil, and demons.

Characteristics of the Kingdom Culture:

When the kingdom of God is present:
- Demons are cast out
- Sickness, disability, and affliction disappear
- Darkness is replaced by light
- God's power and influence reign supreme
All this will happen instantly because in Heaven where God resident, such don't exist, so, it is the duty of the kingdom to eradicate the manifestation of the kingdom of darkness whenever it is present.

Whenever miracles happen, it's a demonstration of the kingdom's presence. This culture is not limited to church settings; it's meant to be experienced in all aspects of life.

Inviting the Kingdom into Our Lives:

To experience the kingdom culture, we can pray for God's kingdom to come into our lives and situations. As Jesus taught us, "Let your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).

The Impact of the Kingdom Culture:

When we invite God's kingdom into our lives, it transforms:
- Our environment
- Our relationships
- Our bodies
- Our jobs
- Our families
Into the kingdom culture and we experience what the kingdom of God is.

By praying for the kingdom to come, we can experience the fullness of God's presence and power in our lives, and demonstrate the culture of heaven on earth.

To pray for miracle is to pray for God's kingdom invasion into your life.

Shalom!
Akinsulure Samuel


.SamMusic

22/10/2025

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTEXTUAL BIBLE STUDY: Avoiding Misinterpretation and Heresy.

When studying the Bible, it's essential to consider the context in which a passage is written. One way to approach this is by examining the sequence: Pre-text → Text → Post-text

UNDERSTANDING THE SEQUENCE

- PRE-TEXT: The verses or passages that come before the specific text being studied. These provide background information, setup, or context for the text.

- TEXT: The specific passage or verse being studied.

- POST-TEXT: The verses or passages that come after the text. These provide further explanation, application, or consequences of the text.

The sequence in summary is:
1. Pre-text (verses before)
2. Text (the passage itself)
3. Post-text (verses after)

WHY IS THIS SEQUENCE IMPORTANT?

Studying the Pre-text → Text → Post-text sequence helps you:
- Understand the author's intent and message
- Avoid misinterpretation and misapplication
- Gain a deeper understanding of the broader context

THE DANGERS OF IGNORING CONTEXT

Ignoring the context can lead to:
- Misinterpretation: Taking verses out of context can result in incorrect understanding and application.
- Heresy: Misinterpretation can lead to false teachings and heresy, which can be harmful to individuals and communities.
- Confusion: Without context, readers may struggle to understand the passage's meaning, leading to confusion and frustration.

Example:

Let's say you're studying John 3:16. To understand the context, you would examine:
- Pre-text (John 3:1-15): Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, highlighting the need for spiritual rebirth.
- Text (John 3:16): "For God so loved the world..."
- Post-text (John 3:17-21): The consequences of God's love and the purpose of Jesus' coming.

By considering the Pre-text → Text → Post-text sequence, you'll gain a richer understanding of God's love and its implications.

BEST PRACTICES FOR CONTEXTUAL BIBLE STUDY

1. Read the surrounding verses and chapters: Understand the flow of the passage and its context.

2. Research the historical context: Learn about the culture, history, and setting of the passage.

3. Consult commentaries or study Bibles: Gain insights from scholars and experts.

4. Pray for understanding and guidance: Ask God to illuminate His Word and guide your study.

5. Approach with humility and openness: Recognize your limitations and be willing to learn from others.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY AND OPENNESS

When studying the Bible, it's essential to approach with humility and openness. Recognize that:
- You may not have all the answers
- You can learn from others
- Correction and feedback are opportunities for growth

By adopting a humble and open approach, you'll be more likely to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and avoid misinterpretation.

CONCLUSION:

Contextual Bible study is crucial for accurate interpretation and application. By examining the Pre-text → Text → Post-text sequence, you'll gain a richer understanding of God's Word. May God guide and bless your Bible study journey! 🙏

Shalom!
Akinsulure Samuel


.SamMusic

21/03/2025

21/03/2025

THE ARROW IN THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY

As children of God, we are designed to fulfill a unique purpose and bring glory to His name. Psalm 127:4 beautifully illustrates this concept, saying, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are children born in one's youth." In this article, we'll explore the metaphor of "the arrow in the hands of the mighty" and discover how it can empower us to achieve great things.

Understanding the Metaphor

The arrow represents our skills, talents, and abilities, as well as our identity as children of God. The mighty, on the other hand, represents God Himself, our higher power, and authority. Just as an arrow is designed to fly straight and hit its target, we are born with unique potential and purpose. As children of God, we are called to fulfill His plans and purposes, and to bring glory to His name.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit

As believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to achieve great things and to overcome challenges. Just as a skilled archer carefully aims and releases an arrow, God carefully guides and directs us to fulfill our purpose. We are not alone in our journey; the Holy Spirit is our Helper, our Comforter, and our Guide.

The Process of Being Launched

Before an arrow is released, it must be pulled back. Similarly, we may experience a period of waiting, reflection, or even seeming backwardness before being launched into our purpose. This can be a challenging time, but it's a crucial part of the process. It allows us to build strength, gain perspective, and prepare for the launch ahead.

When the time is right, God will release us, and we will be launched into our purpose. The strength of the launch will depend on the strength of the hand of the mighty, which is God Himself. We can trust that God's timing is perfect, and that He will launch us into our purpose at the right moment.

Our Role in Society and the Kingdom

As children of God, we are ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in the world. We are called to challenge the kingdom of darkness and to advance the kingdom of God. Just as an arrow can pierce through darkness and hit its target, we can pierce through the darkness of the world and bring light and hope to those around us.

Parenting and Leadership

As parents, we reflect God's love and care to our children, guiding and directing them to fulfill their purpose. As leaders, we are called to serve others, empowering and equipping them to fulfill their purpose. Just as a skilled archer teaches others how to shoot, we as parents and leaders must teach and equip others to fulfill their purpose.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying on Course

As arrows in the hands of the mighty God, we must navigate life's challenges and stay on course to fulfill our purpose. We must adapt to changing circumstances, just as an arrow must be adjusted to account for wind and other external factors. By trusting in the hand of the mighty, we can overcome any obstacle and stay on course to fulfill our purpose.

Conclusion

The phrase "The arrow in the hands of the mighty" reminds us that our lives are in the hands of a mighty God, who is guiding and directing us to fulfill His plans and purposes. As we navigate the challenges of life, we must trust in the hand of the mighty, knowing that He is working everything out for our good. And when the time is right, God will launch us into our purpose, and we will soar to heights we never thought possible.

may you be blessed as you read, pray and be patient with God for Him to fire you to the greater heights, you can never be misfired, just trust him as he's seriously working on you.

Your testimony is coming soon. Amen!

It's me again,
yours sincerely,

Akinsulure Samuel & Ministries
March, 2025

20/03/2025

WE HAVE ONLY TODAY!

Making the Most of the Present Moment

In the grand tapestry of life, we often find ourselves entangled in the threads of yesterday's regrets and tomorrow's uncertainties. However, the truth remains that we have only today to truly manage.

This moment, this day, is all we have to make a change, to leave a lasting impact, to repent, and to strive for righteousness.

The Uncertainty of Tomorrow

Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is uncertain. We often take tomorrow for granted, assuming that it will inevitably come. But the truth is, it may never come. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

The Importance of Living in the Present

Each day is a gift, and we must make the most of it. We must repeat the cycle of goodness, kindness, and compassion every day, for we never know when our time will run out.

As Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

I Remember This:

I'll never forget a story that still moves me till today. Some years back in Kano state, Nigeria, my father was preaching on this very topic. Unknowingly to him, one of the men sitting directly in front of him would not live to see the next day. Tragically, the man passed away just minutes before midnight.

The Urgency of Salvation

As 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." God doesn't plan salvation for tomorrow but now!

The Consequences of Our Choice

Let us choose wisely, for the consequences of our choice will be eternal.
As Matthew 25:31-46 says:
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Conclusion

We have only today to make a change, to repent, and to strive for righteousness. Let us make the most of this day, this moment, and surrender our lives to Christ. For in Him alone can we find true life, forgiveness, and salvation.

As John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

May you be blessed as you yield to this emergency call and may you not miss the only opportunity you have now.

Akinsulure Samuel (A.Sam)
2025

13/03/2025

BE FRUITFUL, MULTIPLY AND GOVERN

Genesis 1:28 is a well-known verse that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. The verse says, "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (KJV)

While traditional interpretations often focus on the literal meaning of these words, a fresh perspective offers a more metaphorical understanding.

Be Fruitful: Producing Something of Value

What if "be fruitful" means to produce something of value? In this context, every individual is seen as having a unique "product" or gift within them, which they're meant to share with the world. This resonates with the idea of each person having a purpose or calling.

Be Multiplied: Increasing and Replicating Value

"Be multiplied" means to increase or replicate that value. A practical example of this concept can be seen in the story of MacDonald's. They started with a product (fast food), multiplied it by expanding their reach, and replenished it by controlling the quality and consistency of their product through franchise models.

Govern: Sustaining and Controlling Value

"Replenish" or "govern" means to sustain and control that value. This interpretation encourages individuals to discover their inner "product" or gift and share it with the world, while also being mindful of sustaining and controlling that product or gifts to maximize its impact.

By embracing this fresh perspective, we can unlock a new level of understanding and empowerment. Each person has something valuable to offer, and by sharing our gifts, we can create a ripple effect of goodness and kindness.

So, what is your unique "product" or gift? What value can you produce, multiply, and govern to make a positive impact in the world?

May God interpret this article more clearer to you as you read.

Just reasoning out loud!
Akinsulure Samuel (A.Sam)

11/03/2025

THE MISCONCEPTION OF "GOING TO HEAVEN"

1. A Central Theme in Modern Christianity:

The concept of "going to heaven" has become a dominant theme in modern Christianity, often overshadowing other aspects of the faith.

2. Influenced by Historical Factors:

This idea has been influenced by various historical, cultural, and theological factors, which have shaped the way Christians understand and articulate their faith.

3. Not Entirely Biblical:
While the Bible does speak of heaven and the afterlife, the concept of "going to heaven" as a central theme is not entirely biblical.

The Original Message of Jesus

1. The Kingdom of God:
Jesus' primary message was about the kingdom of God, which He proclaimed as being near (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:14-15).

2. The Lord's Prayer:
Jesus taught His disciples to pray for God's kingdom to come on earth, emphasizing the connection between heaven and earth (Matthew 6:10).

3. A Present and Future Reality:
Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is both a present and future reality, which can be experienced on earth (Matthew 12:28, Luke 17:21).

The Kingdom of God on Earth

1. God's Desire to Dwell with Humanity:
The Bible emphasizes that God's desire is to dwell with humanity on earth, not just in heaven (Revelation 21:3-4).

2. A New Heaven and a New Earth:
The Bible speaks of a future time when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where He will dwell with humanity (Revelation 21:1-4).

3. The Kingdom of God as a Present Reality:
Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is not just a future reality but also a present reality that can be experienced on earth (Matthew 12:28, Luke 17:21).

The Devil's Strategy

1. Distracting Christians from the Original Message: Satan has attempted to distract Christians from the original message of the kingdom of God by introducing the concept of "going to heaven" as the primary focus of Christianity.

2. A Misconception with Far-Reaching Consequences:
This misconception has led to a lack of emphasis on proclaiming the kingdom of God on earth, which has far-reaching consequences for the church and its mission.

The Importance of Preaching the Kingdom

1. Jesus' Commission to His Disciples:
Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach the gospel of the kingdom to all nations (Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:10).

2. Fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission:
Preaching the kingdom of God is essential for fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission and hastening His return.

3. Experiencing the Reality of God's Kingdom:
By preaching the kingdom of God, believers can experience the reality of God's kingdom in their lives and participate in its advancement on earth.

Conclusion

1. Reclaiming the Original Message:
It's essential for Christians to reclaim the original message of Jesus and focus on proclaiming the kingdom of God on earth.

2. Fulfilling Jesus' Commission:
By doing so, we can fulfill Jesus' commission, hasten His return, and experience the reality of God's kingdom in our lives.

3. Advancing the Kingdom of God:
Ultimately, our goal should be to advance the kingdom of God on earth, which requires a clear understanding of Jesus' original message and a commitment to proclaiming it to all nations.

06/03/2025

THE NEW TESTAMENT CASE FOR TITHING: Unlocking 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

Introduction

I've been taking my time to read and study many books and articles to know the mind of many people on this particular subject that is seriously trending on social media all over the world.

Me too feel i should just put down my own thoughts on the subject. Sorry I've writing a long article.

Tithing, or giving 10% of one's income to support ministry and ministers, is often viewed as an Old Testament practice. However, Paul's writings in the New Testament provide a strong case for tithing, particularly in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14.

The Biblical Foundation

In the Old Testament, the Levites received tithes (10% of the people's income) to support their ministry (Numbers 18:20-24, Deuteronomy 18:1-5).
This system ensured that those who served at the altar were cared for, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties.

Numbers 18:20-24 KJV (King James Version)

20 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.
21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.
24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

These verses highlight God's instruction to Aaron regarding the Levites' role, inheritance, and support through tithes.

Deuteronomy 18:1-5 KJV (King James Version)

1 The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.
2 Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.
3 And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
4 The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstfleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
5 For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

These verses emphasize God's provision for the Levites, who served as priests, through offerings and tithes from the Israelites.

JESUS VIEW OF TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 23:23 (NLT) says;

23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the smallest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, but do not neglect the more important things.

Here, Jesus isn’t condemning tithing in the new testament; instead, He’s emphasizing the importance of balance and priorities. The Pharisees were meticulous about tithing, but neglected key aspects of God’s law, such as:
- Justice (standing up for the oppressed)
- Mercy (showing compassion)
- Faith (trusting God)
Jesus isn’t dismissing tithing; He’s saying, “Yes, tithe, but don’t neglect the weightier matters.” He’s highlighting the Pharisees’ misplaced priorities and hypocrisy.

In this context, Jesus is teaching:
1. Tithing is important, but not at the expense of other vital aspects of faith.
2. Love and compassion for others should take precedence.
3. Religious rituals, including tithing, must be accompanied by genuine faith and heart.

PAUL'S NEW TESTAMENT APPRECIATION

In 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, Paul writes, "Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." (NKJV)

Paul connects the support of Levites in the Old Covenant to the support of ministry workers in the New Covenant. He references the Old Testament system of supporting Levites through tithes and applies this principle to New Testament ministry workers, emphasizing their need for financial support.

Key Points:
- Paul links the support of ministry workers to the Old Testament model.
- He stresses the importance of financial support for those who preach the gospel.
- This passage provides a basis for the practice of giving to support ministry in the New Testament.

I think the misconception that tithing is not in the New Testament stems from:

1. Misinterpretation of Jesus' words in Matthew 23:23-24, thinking He's abolishing tithing instead of emphasizing balance.

2. Overemphasis on the New Testament's shift from Law to Grace, assuming tithing is part of the "old" Law.

3. Misunderstanding Paul's teachings on freedom from the Law (e.g., Galatians 3:24-25, Romans 6:14-15), thinking tithing is included.

However,
4. Jesus didn't condemn tithing; He emphasized balance and priorities.

5. The early Christian church, comprised mostly of Jews, continued tithing as part of their heritage (Acts 2:44-45, 4:34-37).

6. Paul's teachings on giving (2 Corinthians 8-9, 1 Corinthians 16:2) built upon the Old Testament principle of tithing.

The Jewish tradition of tithing predates the New Testament, and Jesus' teachings reinforced its importance. The issue wasn't tithing itself, but the Pharisees' legalism and neglect of other vital aspects of faith.

Let us consider some New Testament passages supporting tithing:

- Matthew 23:23-24
- Luke 11:42 (Jesus commends tithing, but emphasizes love and justice)
- Hebrews 7:1-10 (tithing is used to illustrate the superiority of Jesus' priesthood)
- 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (Paul connects Old Testament tithing to supporting New Testament ministers)

Tithing, when balanced with love and compassion, remains an important aspect of Christian stewardship.

Conclusion

While Paul does not explicitly command a 10% tithe in the New Testament, his connection to the Old Testament system implies that percentage.

Many Christian traditions and teachings have continued to emphasize the 10% tithe as a standard for giving.

Although Paul did not collect tithes from the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 11:7-9), he challenged them for failing to support him, even though he said, he robbed other churches of their wages to support his ministerial assignment to the Corinthians ( 2 Corinthians 11:8 )

This highlights the importance of generosity and supporting those who serve in ministry.

Let us embrace the New Testament call to generosity and support the spread of the gospel through tithing or giving more, continuing the biblical tradition of caring for those who serve.

Dear ministers, we can embrace the New Testament call to generosity and support for the spread of the gospel and populating the kingdom of God, both are acceptable by our God.

Please, let's be careful with the way we are handling the issue of tithing and giving on social media, or else, we may burn the bridge we would later have to cross due to missintepretation of the word of God.

Caution must be applied, we could be walking on dangerous precipice.

Paying of tithe or giving no be by force oo!! If you like, do it, if don't want to do it, don't, but don't drag others to it. It's between you and your God.

May God help us to be faithful to Him in all ramifications and uphold His church all over the world. Amen!

Just my little contribution and my school of thought. You can correct me if I'm wrong, im learning every day.

I come in peace!
Shalom!
Akinsulure Samuel (A.Sam)

02/03/2025

02/03/2025