Zion College of Theology and Leadership Development

Great is your faithfulness oh Lord. Thanks for your Mercy!

CITIZENSHIP, CHRISTIANS, POLITICS
AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN NIGERIA

A) CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
The word citizenship means:
The state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen.
The character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen.

Citizenship Education include the following:
Peace Education. Multicultural Education. Environmental Education. Human Right Education. International Education. Development Education.

Biblical Reference: Acts 22:25-27
[25] And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
[26] When the centurion heard that , he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
[27] Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.

Romans 13:1-3,5-7[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. [7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due ; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

😎 CLASSIFICATION OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Denominationalism, Charismatic Movements, Pentecostalism, Missionary, Evangelical movement, Field Mission, Freelancers, Spiritualist

CATEGORIZATION OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Born Again and the nominal Christians
Born Again: Earthly minded, Philanthropists, and Kingdom investors

C) CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS
The relationship between Christianity and politics is a historically complex subject and a frequent source of disagreement throughout the history of Christianity, as well as in modern politics between the Christian right and Christian left.

4 reasons Christians should care about politics

During the course of a presidential campaign, it is common to hear evangelicals, especially younger ones, quip, “I’m just not that interested in politics,” or, “Politics just aren’t my thing.” These dismissive remarks are often delivered with a veneer of piousness implying that political engagement is inherently defiled, occupying an arena unfit for those serious about the gospel. For those inundated with television ads, robo-calls, campaign mail and the overall negative tone of politics, this might be a tempting position to adopt. However, it is not a position Bible-believing, gospel-loving Christians can or should accept as congruent with Scripture.

The message of the gospel is that by grace through faith sinners can be reconciled with God (Ephesians 2:7-8). This message transforms individuals and enables them to lead godly lives. Mandated by Scripture (Matthew 28:19-20), Christians are charged to share the good news and disciple others in faith.

The gospel is a holistic message with implications for all areas of life, including how Christians engage the political process. Here are four reasons Christians should care about politics:

1. The Christian worldview speaks to all areas of life.
A frequently raised objection against Christian engagement with politics is that anything besides explicit preaching and teaching of the Bible is a distraction from the mission of the church. However, this is a limited understanding of the kingdom of God and contrary to examples in Scripture.

The Christian worldview provides a comprehensive understanding of reality. It speaks to all areas of life, including political engagement. In fact, the Bible speaks about civil government and provides examples of faithful engagement.

In the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel served in civil government, exerting influence to further the flourishing of their nations.

In the New Testament, Jesus engaged in holistic ministry, caring for the spiritual and physical needs of people. Feeding the hungry and healing diseases were an outworking and extension of the reconciliatory message of the gospel.

Paul also advocates this approach: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). And: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Engaging in “good works” should include participating in the political process because of the legitimate and significant role of government. The decisions made by government have a substantial impact on people and the way we interact with them. A Christian worldview should include a political theology that recognizes every area of life must be included in the “good works” of believers, especially politics, an area with significant real-life implications for people.

2. Politics are unavoidable.
As “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11), it can be tempting for Christians to adopt a mindset that earthly governing systems are inconsequential to the task of furthering the gospel. But ask a pastor in an underground church or a missionary attempting to access a closed country if politics are inconsequential. Religious liberty, passports and visas are not unnecessary luxuries but are often vital for pastors and missionaries seeking to preach and teach the gospel.

Augustine’s City of God offers guidance on this point. Believers are citizens of the “City of God,” but on this side of eternity, we also belong to the “City of Man” and therefore must be good citizens of both cities. There are biblical examples of how membership in the earthly city can be leveraged for furthering the reach of the heavenly. Paul’s appeal to his Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37, 22:25) is a model of this.

In an American context, engaging these dual cities takes on added significance because of the words prefacing the Constitution: “We the people.” In the United States, ultimate national sovereignty is entrusted to the people. James Madison explained that the “consent of the people” is the “pure original fountain of all legitimate authority.” This reality makes politics unavoidable for American citizens who control their political future.

Because politics have real-world implications for Christian evangelism, missions and preaching the gospel, Christians ought to engage the political process by leveraging their rightful authority, advocating for laws and policies that contribute to human flourishing.

3. We need to love our neighbor.
When questioned by religious authorities on the law, Jesus explained that loving God with heart, soul and mind was the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). He added that second in priority was: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

Followers of Christ are called to love and serve their neighbors (Matthew 28:19-20). When asked about the qualifications of “neighbor,” Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), indicating that irrespective of race, background, social status or occupation, neighborly love is owed.

In a very real sense, politics is one of the most important areas in which Christians demonstrate love to neighbor. In fact, how can Christians claim to care about others and not engage the arena that most profoundly shapes basic rights and freedoms? Caring for the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick and lonely is important to Jesus and should be to His followers as well. Jesus said, “As you did it to one of the least of these you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

Fulfilling the biblical mandate to love neighbor and care for the “least of these” should be a priority for every believer. Again, a holistic approach is essential. Loving neighbor includes volunteering at a homeless shelter, as well as influencing laws that encourage human flourishing. Good government and laws are not negligible factors in the prosperity and freedom of a society.

For example, the majority of North Koreans are held in economic bo***ge by corrupt political forces, whereas in South Korea, citizens are given liberty and a system that encourages prosperity. The people of North Korea need more than food pantries and improved hospitals; they need political leadership and policies that recognize human rights. Advocating for these changes in totalitarian countries is crucial for loving our neighbors in oppressed areas.

Obedience to the golden rule includes seeking laws that protect unborn children, strengthen marriages and families, advocate for the vulnerable, and provide opportunity for flourishing. Politics is a means of effecting great change and must be engaged by Christians who love their neighbor.

4. Government restrains evil and promotes good.
Government derives its authority from God to promote good and restrain evil. This mandate is expressly stated in Romans 13:1-7. Elsewhere, Paul urges that prayers be made “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Paul understood the need for Christian participation in government.

Government plays a role in the work of God’s kingdom on earth. Good government encourages an environment conducive for people living peaceably, whereas bad government fosters unrest and instability. Because of sin, the legitimate institution of government has, at times, been used illegitimately throughout history. However, numerous examples persist of Christians reasserting their influence and redeeming government to promote good and restrain evil.

In How Christianity Changed the World, Alvin Schmidt documents Christian influence in government. Examples include outlawing infanticide, child abandonment and gladiatorial games in ancient Rome, ending the practice of human sacrifice among European cultures, banning pe******ia and polygamy, and prohibiting the burning of widows in India. William Wilberforce, a committed Christian, was the force behind the successful effort to abolish the slave trade in England. In the United States, two-thirds of abolitionists were Christian pastors. In the 1960’s, Martin Luther King Jr., a Christian pastor, helped lead the civil rights movement against racial segregation and discrimination.

Carl Henry rightfully stated that Christians should “work through civil authority for the advancement of justice and human good” to provide “critical illumination, personal example, and vocational leadership.” This has been the historic witness of Christians concerned about government promoting good and restraining evil.

Jeremiah 29:7 says: “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Referring to Babylon, the prophet recognized that secular government served a legitimate purpose in God’s plan for Israel. This is still true. Today, good governments promote literacy, advance just laws, provide religious liberty and allow churches to preach and teach. Good government can serve as a conduit for the furthering of the gospel and human flourishing.

Christian witness in the public square contributes transcendent values about moral and ethical issues. Christian withdrawal opens a moral vacuum susceptible to influences that pressure government to move outside the purview designated by God. Politics affects government, shapes society and influences culture. Because of what the Bible teaches and the inevitability of its effect on our culture, Christians must care about politics.

D) DEFINITION OF SOCIAL CHANGE
Sociologists define social change as changes in human interactions and relationships that transform cultural and social institutions. These changes occur over time and often have profound and long-term consequences for society. Well known examples of such change have resulted from social movements in civil rights, women's rights, to name just a few. Relationships have changed, institutions have changed, and cultural norms have changed as a result of these social change movements. Social change is the transformation of culture and social institutions over time. It is an alteration in the social order of a society. It may include changes in nature, social institutions, social behaviors, or social relations.

AGENCIES OF SOCIAL CHANGE
Development of ICT - Information, communication, network
Globalization - website, social streaming, postage, etc
Industrialization - commerce, urbanization,
Environmental challenges - global warming, desertification, ecology
Social struggles and disorderliness - problems of migration and refugees
Political philosophy and ideology - human rights, feminism,
Social classes and institutions
Social shutter stock and tourism

Implications for Theological Education
Study to get familiar with social ethics, and how they affect the operation of church missions
Get familiar with the doctrines of different social movements and organization, and prepare for its impact on the church
Development of ICT - Information, communication, network and twenty-first century church organization
Globalization - website, social streaming, postage, etc and how they can become extension of your pulpit.
Industrialization - commerce, urbanization,. The impacts of such social changes on the new method of evangelism
Environmental challenges - global warming, desertification, ecology . Implications on church Auditorium and cathedrals
Social struggles and disorderliness - problems of migration and refugees. What can the church do to help?
Political philosophy and ideology - human rights, feminism. Church would need rigorous teachings and discipleship
Social classes and institutions. Should we shutdown on some social institutions?
Social shutter stock and tourism. How can we take advantage of it?

Foursquare, Omoluabi
Covenant of Peace
Isaiah 54:10; Mark 10:49-52

Introduction
Covenant are inspired words made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture. The agreement between God and the Saints, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him. Your peace therefore depends on two things: 1) how many of those inspired words you can discern in the scriptures; and how many of them your faith can capture and you agree with. Examples of such words are…

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Isaiah 43:19
I will do a new thing … I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 54:10
The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed..

Isaiah 54:15
…. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Isaiah 55:12
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:13
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Exhortation: Mark 10:51-52
(1) Placement of your faith is critical to your success in prayer.
We fix our mind on the following:
@ The power and greatness of God
@ God's faithfulness to his people from generation to generation
@ God has a glowing covenant with his people, which he would never break or bend
@ The Mercy of God endures unto generation.

(2) Effectual prayers work on two concepts:
@ It must be specific… What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? (Mark 10:52)
@ It leans heavily on the condition of your faith… Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. (53)

Prayer Points
1) The glory of Accomplishments
Meta ni ogo: Ogo Ibere, Ogo Itesiwaju, ati Ogo Aseyori
He that begun a great work shall accomplish it….
This is a year of accomplishments… Pray to God to help you…

2) A New Start
Three things are critical to success: Mind, Hands, Knees
@ Renew, Revive, Bless my spirit and mind
@ Weak, Flappy, Wearied, Dead hands must receive life and strength
@ Receive strong legs like iron; swift feet in running to success.
The prophetic - Isaiah 43:2

3) Walk Away from…
@ discouragement @ depressing situations. @ hatred, rejection, loneliness. @ lack, borrowing, indebtedness. @ darkness and its cohort. @ unwholesome relationship. @ backwardness and retrogression. @ confusion. @ family shrine.
The prophetic - Gen 26:12

4) Fresh Wine - John 2:1-10
Jesus shall go with me…
Give me a grace to soar and accomplish purpose…
Block all irrelevant people and replace them with people of substance
The prophetic - Job 22:29

Man of grace: He's deep in knowledge and fresh in understanding - Pro 17:27

EVERLASTING PRIESTHOOD
Hebrews 7:25

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times.

How will you feel if you wake up this morning and you hear the voice of Jesus saying, ‘'I have prayed for you?” Jesus lives forever and His priesthood lasts forever. He is alive and he's interceding on our behalf to God. He is praying on behalf of the church before the father (Romans 8:34). Most inconceivable is heaven without Jesus, praying actively for the Saints and pilgrims to keep our faith strong, do well in our daily life, and develop a passion to pursue God’s will for our lives. Jesus is praying for all, just like he prayed for Simon Peter on the night he (Jesus) was arrested. He said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32).

What a soothing relief to know that your pastor prays for you daily. Pastors are priests in the order of Jesus. A pastor that fails in this regard has no business with the pulpit, and you have nothing to do in his congregation. We can never have a stronger army than when God is on our side - John Hagee. What a friend we have in Jesus, all our pains and griefs to bear; what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. What a heart-warming encounter, or blessing to know that Jesus loves us this much! We must worship and praise God daily for praying for us constantly. That's an assurance from the Bible. Other books are given for information; but the Bible is given for transformation - Hagee. We must always remind ourselves of his intercession for us, so that we can keep our faith strong and we can share what he has done for us with others. Talk more to Jesus today about your struggles, he will carry you through it. You're blessed indeed. Amen.
Daddy Zion

The move of the Spirit
Galatians 6:8

“…the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

The principle of the kingdom is inquisitive on seed sowing. If we sow to the Spirit, God's blessing is waiting for us; if we sow to the flesh, corruption is the reward (Galatians 6:8). As we practice the principles, Holy Spirit empowers us to live the Christian life. We must soak our heart in the word and learn how to sow to the Spirit, so that Holy Spirit can impart his life to us. Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another (Galatians 6:4).

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). Let us tap through when the stream is around us live! Let us sow to the Spirit: pray the scripture, memorize the verses and meditate upon the truth there in; worship and sing psalms; give regularly towards mission; and rigorously engage in evangelism. We glean the word and the power of the Spirit cleanses and empowers us for our daily tasks. Let us flow in the power of the Holy Spirit, as we navigate our way through the day’s activity.

Think about the surfer who looks for the next great wave to ride. The rider focuses all attention on the movement of the waters to determine when, where, and how to jump on the board to catch the best wave. Check on the direction towards where the Spirit is moving, and move along with him. Ride on the wave of the Spirit and flow with him! I speak comfort to your soul; speed to your achievement; and strength to your mind in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Quest with Daddy Zion

The best of God
Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

There are great words from our quest scripture today: they include, the yoke of Christ, need to learn from Christ exemplary life, the meekness of Christ, and Christ’s ultimate rest unto our souls. The yoke of Christ is the spirit of service to God and humanity.God has created us and given us limitless possibilities. He's given each of us imagination in which to think extraordinarily! We must serve the Lord with all our heart to have a successful life immersed in God’s favor.

We all have Career vision, marital dream, religious missions, parenting and education to pursue. We also have commitment towards our creator, an obligation that cannot be compromised. Joseph dreamed, but he contended with the meaning, parental understanding, envious brethren, numerous temptation to compromise his spiritual standpoint and unjustified incarceration. Every morning you have a choice: You can stay in bed and continue to sleep with your dreams getting wasted inside of you; or, you can get up, pray and pursue your vision! But I wish you remember that life is too short to be wasted in the wrong places and with the wrong people! Therefore, live within your purpose!

In the words of Walter Sheehan, “We shall never experience the best that God has for us until we can let go the past. We will never let go of the past until we can have faith that God will do expertly what he says he will. We will always have the opportunities to make decision.” Do you really want the best of God? Forget your past (stress, affliction, disappointment, etc.); your affliction shall not arise the second time. God cannot fail; therefore, you must believe him. Due diligence is required to think through whatever decisions you take. You are responsible for the consequences of your decisions! I declare favor for you today, which will put you at the right place, and to meet the right person at the right time! God’s favor will bring your promotion! Amen.

Daily Quest with Daddy Zion

Growing in Godliness - Believer’s loyalty
Text: Acts 4: 32-37; 5:1-11

1) Loyalty in worship
Strictly maintain a clear conscience before God and people
Acquaint yourself to responsible Bible study, prayer program and fellowship. Faithfully exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit
Becoming strong in grace by drawing deeply from God.
Strictly avoid any canal indulgence, and do not succumb to carnal desires.Devote yourself to Spirit-filled living, Spirit-inspired devotion, and bearing the fruit of the
Spirit.

2) Service with Loyalty 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Loyalty in service requires Faithfulness to commitments or obligations, Faithfulness to one's oath, commitments, or obligations: to be loyal to a vow.
Faithful to any leader, party, or cause, or to any person or thing conceived as deserving fidelity, we must Communicate the truth with accuracy, we must Guide the word diligently, Hold firmly to the truth of the scriptures and Becoming a committed servant of God’s word. Don't get frustrated with the pressure from the opposition. Avoid being drag into unnecessary arguments, deceit, heresy, philosophy,
technology, modernity, materialism, and so forth.

3) Stages of Loyalty
First and foremost our loyalty must be to the God Almighty
We should also be loyal to the church of God
We should be loyal to our family
We should be loyal to our supervising agent in the body of Christ

4) Strength of loyalty
Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and loyalty to Him
Sound mind is required. You must know what you're up to, and find the purpose for it.
Clear instruction from the leadership is also imperative. Uncertain instructions creates
confusion in the body of Christ.
You also need prayers and determination to do what is write, no matter the cost.

5) Divine Perspective 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Remove disloyal officer quickly (1 Cor 5:6, John13:27
Don't be under pressure to appoint or promote people. No one can stamped God!
Loyalty demands full persuasion, especially in the face of accusations 2Tim 1:12
Jesus said “He that is not with me is against me” (Mathew 12:30). If you don't stand
for Christ, you would definitely stand for the devil
A loyal person does not withhold information - 1 Corinthian 5:1, 1 Corinthian 1:11
Loyalty must be on principles, not emotions
Loyalty is expensive: it can cost you relationship or friendship - James 4:4
Beware of those who disown you in crisis, while under pressure, moral weakness,
worldly, financial weakness, better off syndrome, attack father/senior in the ministry,
hurt and never recover from it, stagnated officers, too proud to do menial jobs.

Keep waiting upon Him
Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Today is the Lord's day. Get ready for God in worship and prayer, as he carries you on the eagle's wing. Joined the singing, prophesying, shouting, as the Saints are gathered to worship before the throne (Ps 100:4). Let the Lord's praise flow like a stream of life from your belly. Don't be distracted! Don't lose focus! Stay put in faith, believing God for something that can transform your life. Be at home in the presence of the Lord. The Lord is looking for portals where the Spirit of God can come down and visit the congregation.

You need faith. Faith is the daring of the soul to see further than the natural eyes can see. Throw your faith behind your prayers and your worship. Don’t allow your mind to become a hindrance to the things you can accomplish in life. Envision great and mighty things in the Lord.

God is sending a message of comfort to all who are burdened to hear from him; he shall give u rest. You shall receive power to fly above your challenges. God shall pull you out and put you on higher podium. You’ve been considered small and very insignificant, but God will change your story. The glory you’ve brought to the world shall not be taken away from you. The Lord shall deliver you from the danger of hell, poverty, financial crunch, breakdown of health and social incarceration. Amen.

Daily Quest with Daddy Zion

ZION FAITH MISSION, NIGERIA
FATHERS’ DAY/ZION MEN CONFERENCE 2017
Theme: Total Victory: Fatherhood emancipation
Pro 21:31; 1 Tim 5:8

The Scriptures
1) Proverbs 21:31
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord .

2) 1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Who is a father?
The founder of a race, family, or line; progenitor. Abraham
A man who exercises paternal care over other persons; paternal protector or provider
A person who has originated or established something. Martin Luther
One of the leading men in a city, town, etc. Obafemi Awolowo
The early Christian writers, whose works are the main sources for the history, doctrines, and observances of the church. Peter, Paul

Synoptic Profile
1. Fatherhood passion
You are a father only to whoever you take charge (self, immediate family, your little community, church fathers, fathers of the nation, father of a generation)

2. Fatherhood Historiography —
Whatever you do today shall become history tomorrow. Abraham received God's call and obeyed; He pitched tent near Bethel; Separated from Lot to face his mission; Gave tithe to Melchizedek; He took Hagar as concubine; Entertained the Lord and angels; Interceded for S***m; Offered Isaac as sacrifice in obedience to God; Finds wife for Isaac.

3. Fatherhood Compromise:
Abraham denied his wife twice; Sarah sought his compromise twice

3. Fatherhood Strength:
A godly and focused father draws his strength from faith-life, family circle, career and skills, friends and associates in accordance to the will and word of God

4. Fatherhood Emancipation: Your (total) victory.
Battles of life come from inside and outside of us. There are internal and external factors.
The reason for the battle is your unknown mission. The intent of the enemy is to steal, kill or destroy the mission.
No one will crown you if the battle is ongoing. You must fight, and your victory must be lawful.
The battle is against your background, attitude to life, forces of evil, contact and association.
Total victory begins with God — submit to God; resist the devil. That's the spiritual principle
Next to God is your mind, attitude, concentration, industry, perseverance, faith and prayers.
Liberation brings emancipation; emancipation brings total victory
Your victory defines who you are in history

May the Lord give you a sense of purpose. Amen.