Christopher Ikechi Teaching Ministries

UNDERSTANDING DREAM PATTERNS
A dream is a divine drama played to the spirit of man to communicate a divine message.

The message usually comes coded in the form of mystery and needs to be interpreted to decode the true meaning.

A dream is a kind of revelation to the human spirit via closed vision (Job 33:14-16).

Whenever you see yourself receiving the same pattern or kind of dreams, it means God is emphasizing something important to you.

So, He uses the pattern of repetition to draw your attention to something of utmost importance that He wants you to be aware of.

Pharoah had two different dreams with the same pattern. God used this medium to communicate the future of Egypt to Pharoah (Gen 41:1-8).

Pharoah's dream was repeated to emphasize the seriousness of the future situation of Egypt (Gen 41:25).

That was what made Pharaoh to be troubled, eventually leading him to seek for who to interpret his dreams and give clarity (Gen 41:8).

By divine gifting, Joseph was able to interprete Pharoah's dreams, which led to Egypt becoming world power (Gen 41:56-57).

Joseph had the same pattern of dreams on two different occasions, which signified his rise to glory.

Joseph had two different dreams with the same meaning; the two dreams were about the mantle of leadership in two different dimensions.

Joseph was destined to be the leader of his father's house; he and his brethren were in the farm and they submitted to him (Gen 37:5-8).

Joseph was also destined to be a global leader.

The second dream was an extension of the first dream, meaning the whole world would bow to Joseph (Gen 37:9-11).

When you start having dreams with the same pattern, it means there is something very important God is trying to bring to your attention.

Therefore, you should be very sensitive and make the utmost use of your dream patterns as they serve as a means of divine direction and a pointer to your destiny.

Receive the grace to fulfill your destiny in Jesus' name.

Hallelujah!

YOU NEED THE VOICE OF GOD
God has always been in the business of speaking to man.

He desires a consistent fellowship with us, therefore a divine relationship with man.

Communication is the life - blood of relationship and for the process of communication to be valid, there must be "message" and "feedback."

Therefore, there must be two or more parties involved.

Adam, the first man created by God, had fellowship with God via His voice when he received his vision and instructions (Gen 1:28-30; 2:15-17).

God desires a personal relationship with you and has made available the grace for you to hear Him (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18).

In the past, it was not everyone that had the ability to hear from God.

Man needed to pass through routine spiritual protocols to access the supernatural.

Some of the protocols included animal sacrifice, burning of incense, ablution and the observation of certain ordinances contained in the old testament (Heb 9:10; Eph 2:15).

Therefore, the offices of the king, the priest and the prophet were commissioned to mediate between man and God.

But today, salvation has become personal by means of the death of Christ that tore the veil between God and man (Phil 2:12; Mtt 23:44-45).

Going through life without constantly hearing from God is like embarking on an intercontinental journey by air or sea without navigational guide, which equals a su***de mission.

That's why the Word says, "Without Me, ye can do nothing" (Jn 15:5).

God has been speaking to you through different means, but you have not been paying attention to receive the message He has for you.

The solution to your struggles are contained in the message God has for you.

Why are you running away from your solution?

That thing you are struggling with will bow to you only if you pay attention to what God has to say to you.

Endeavor to hear from God and be safe.

God bless you.

FEATURES OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE
Traditional marriage is the marriage recommended in the scriptures.

The features include:

1. Consent
The bride's father must honour the bride's request to get married and give her out in marriage honorably.

A man can't give out his daughter in marriage without her consent.

A father can't marry his daughter to a man who is not her wish; a woman's choice of husband must be respected by her father.

Rebecca's consent was gotten before she was handed over to Isaac as wife (Gen 24:57-59).

2. Introduction
Introduction has two stages: informal and formal. Informal is the first stage where the man presents himself to the bride's family for initial screening.

The second stage is the ceremony where the man and woman are bethrothed to each other in the presence of both families.

Introduction is where the bride's consent to marry the groom is officially honoured.

3. Bride price
This is a token demanded by the bride's family from the groom.

The bride price transfers the authority of the bride's father over his daughter to the groom, and qualifies the bride to start bearing the name of the groom.

Bride price validates the marriage and gives the couple the right to have s*x without commiting fornication (Gen 24:53).

4. Father's blessing
The bride's father releases blessings upon the couple and God honours it because the bride is given out honorably.

The Father's blessing also carries spiritual weight because of the father's spiritual coverage over his daughter.

The bride price is a spiritual seed sown by the groom to unlock the father's blessing for his new-found home (Gen 24:60).

5. Festivity
This includes merriment to entertain all witnesses present at the joining occasion, serving as evidence of the solemnization of the marriage in the presence of family members and the community at large.

The marriage in Cana and Rebecca's marriage ceremony are examples (Jn 2:1-11; Gen 24:54).

Hallelujah!

THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGE
Solemnization is the process of officially validating a marriage.

Marriage has spiritual and legal dimensions.

Without the payment of bride pride, marriage is not spiritually valid.

Biblically, the family is responsible to solemnize marriage via the payment of bride price, offering of the father's blessings and festivity.

Isaac paid bride prize by his father's chief servant (Gen 24:1-67).

Jacob paid bride price with 7 years service for each of his wives (Gen 29:16-30).

Othniel paid bride price with service (Josh 15:16-17).

David paid bride price in kind (1 Sam 18:25-27).

The marriage in Cana was a family affair. Jesus was invited to grace the occasion and not to conduct the wedding; it obviously involved bride price, as was the tradition (Jn 2:1-2).

The family is older than both the church and the government combined, as it is the first institution to conduct marriage.

Traditional marriage can be registered with customary court for official documentation.

The government is instituted by God as the biggest stakeholder in society and can solemnize and certify the "legality" of marriage.

Solemnization of marriage by governmental institution is legal but not necessarily godly because it lacks bride price.

One can be "legally" married, yet their marriage is not recognized in the eyes of the Lord.

Doing court marriage without parental consent (bride price) makes you legally married in the eyes of the law, but not in the eyes of the Lord.

Court/Church wedding without traditional marriage is spiritually insufficient.

This is because divine laws are superior to human laws (Isa 55:8-9).

Government is instituted to regulate life on earth, and it's powers also covers domestic violence and legal protection in marriage.

Traditional marriage is a stand-alone marriage both spiritually and legally; court/church wedding stands alone legally but needs the support of traditional marriage to stand well spiritually.

Hallelujah!

UNDERSTANDING DIVINE MARRIAGE
Throughout the Scriptures, God uses divine precedents to model and establish earthly things for man to follow.

That's why bible says, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Mtt 6:10).

It is urgent to know that marriage is a foreshadow of salvation (Eph 5: 31-32).

Every saint is a bride of Christ, and is to live a life of purity as a pre-wedding condition.

In divine marriage, our spirit, soul and body are to be dedicated to God (1 Cor 6:17-20).

The church is presently in courtship with Christ. That's why grace is made available like never before in the history of mankind.

In courtship, parties study each other for compatibility, offenses are readily forgiven and grace is available to meet up to requirements.

However, red flags can stop the courtship to transition into marriage.

Divine courtship is symbolized with the parable of the 10 virgins (Mtt 25:1-13).

The 10 virgins were christians in courtship with Christ, but five of them did not retain the "Spirit within" which is symbolized by the oil in their lamps.

Courtship is not marriage but a pre-trial or a probation to marriage.

The church is the bride of Christ and is currently bethrothed to God (Rev 21:2).

Therefore, the church must remain purified to be eventually married to Christ (Rev 19:7-9; Tit 3:5; Eph 5:27).

The actual marriage happens at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-9).

We are to occupy till Jesus comes and finally marries us to Himself; to occupy is to remain steadfast in the things of the Spirit.

To pass this probation, we are to maintain the status of vessels of honour (2 Tim 2:20-21).

Every bride is honoured on the day of marital solemnization; this is when Christ rewards us for being steadfast and faithful in our walk with Him (Rev 22:12).

Those who pass the test of divine courtship will be eventually married to Christ by receiving eternal life.

Will you be one of them?

Hallelujah!

THE BIBLICAL MARRIAGE
Marriage is not a church thing; yet, the church has hijacked it out of greed, ignorance, the quest for power and covetousness.

Marriages recorded in scriptures were all traditional marriages conducted by the family, meaning marriage is a family thing.

Traditional marriage is borne out of the divine order of leadership and submission.

Great men who walked with God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and David had traditional marriages (1 Pet 3:6; Gen 24:50-53; 29:20; 41:45; 1 Sam 18:27).

Today, based on real evidence, many marriages conducted by the church are often "endured" rather than "enjoyed," leading to divorce.

The marriage in Cana was a traditional marriage; here Jesus was invited, not to conduct the wedding, but to feast with the celebrants (Jn 2:1-2).

The conduct of wedding by the church usurps the authority of the family to solemnize marriage.

Marriage is not a mandate of the church (Eph 4:11-13; Act 6:4).

Traditional marriage is a reflection and demonstration of the man's care and leadership over the woman; this is demonstrated by the payment of bride price (1 Cor 11:3).

The bride price transfers the authority and responsibilities of the bride's father over the woman to the groom, including material provisions and spiritual coverage.

The woman's subjection to the man is symbolized by means of her kneeling down to serve her husband a cup of drink in the presence of witnesses, which aligns with scripture (Eph 5:22-25).

In contrast, church wedding is an offshoot of court wedding, and makes the couple equal in authority and responsibilities, which contradits the scriptures.

Nowhere in scriptures is the wife equal to her husband (Eph 5:22-23; Col 3:18; Tit 2:5; 1 pet 3:1; 1 Cor 11:3).

Traditional marriage is the God-ordained marriage, solemnized by bride prize. It is a legal, stand-alone and authorized marriage both in the eyes of the Lord and in the eyes of the law.

God bless you.

Hallelujah!

PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE MARITAL ARRANGEMENT (3).

1. Leadership
The man is clearly the leader in marriage and his position should not be contested or usurped by the woman (1 Cor 11:3; Col 3:18).

The man's headship was ordained in the beginning and the Word cannot be broken (Gen 3:16).

Marriage is a fundamental ministry of every woman and her calling in that ministry should not be modified (1Cor 7:20).

2. Continuous s*xual in*******se S*xual drive is the strongest of the drives in humans. It was put in man for procreation and marital pleasure.

Couples shouldn't deny each other of s*x and use it as a weapon against themselves, as it can lead to infidelity (1 Cor 7:5).

3. The invalidity of marriage at earthly cessation of life
Marriage is not transcendental; it only exists within the bounds of life here on earth (1 Cor 7:39).

Marriage does not extend into the after-life; it begins at the payment of bride price and terminates at the death of either partner (Mtt 22:30).

4. Transparency
Adam and Eve were both naked and were not ashamed (Gen 2:25).

"If there is nothing to fear, there is nothing to hide".

A marriage that is shrouded in secrecy is dwelling on a shaky foundation and won't last.

5. Marital liberty
There is no fear in love, so the man and the woman both have liberty as partners in marriage without limitations (1 Jn 4:18).

In marriage, a couple has full-fledged liberty, devoid of any element of guilt.

Marriage should be enjoyed and not endured as no party should be plagued with fear.

6. Unique nature of couples
Men are like a switch and women are like a pressing iron.

A switch can be switched on and off at any time while a pressing iron takes time to get hot or cold.

The couple should deal with each other with care, tack and diplomacy and be sensitive to their various needs (1 Pet 3:7).

Wisdom makes you get the utmost from your spouse.

May you enjoy your marriage in Jesus' name.

Hallelujah!

PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE MARITAL ARRANGEMENT (2).
The below principles guide you in your marital journey:

1. Independence
Marriage is a definite, distinct and a godly union with full-fledged rights, duties and responsibilities, devoid of any external influence.

The couple must leave their respective families to form a new independent nucleus family (Gen 2:24).

2. Oneness
Unity in spirit, soul and body makes the couple a force to reckon with (Ecl 4:9-11).

To be one, the couple must embrace transparency, honesty and truthfulness and be ever ready to forgive each other (Gen 2:25).

A family that prays together, plays together and does things together, will stay together.

3. Third party
Marriage is strictly between a couple; third parties should be handled with maturity and sensitivity.

Extended family members, friends and acquaintances can be "qualified visitors" who are welcome, but are certainly not part of the marital union.

The couple must not allow third parties decide for them.

Eve allowed a third party into her marriage and the rest was history (Gen 3:1-7).

4. Divorce
Divorce is permissive only on the grounds of infidelity, and if the "offended" chooses to remain a "eu**ch" (Mtt 19:12).

If you divorce your spouse, you must remain celebate till death do either of you part (1Cor 7:10-11, 39).

Real evidence shows that those who divorce find someone to satisfy their s*xual needs; that's why in reality, divorce is not an option (Mtt 19:8).

5. Forgiveness
Marriage is full of irritations and offenses from both parties; this is because no one is perfect (Ecl 7:20).

You must manage offenses to keep your marriage, and to do this, temperance is needed.

Divorcing your spouse means you have not forgiven them.

Forgiveness is very key in marriage, as it dilutes everything that may want to divide the couple (Sos 8:7).

Many waters cannot quench love; forgiveness strengthens marriage.

Let your marriage be blessed in Jesus' name.

Hallelujah!

PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE MARITAL ARRANGEMENT
Marriage is a divine arrangement for companionship and procreation (Gen 2:24).

It was instituted as an authorized platform to bring into fruition the divine order of multiplicity as commanded by God (Gen 1:28).

Below are some principles governing marriage:

1. Love
Without love, marriage is a joke; love is the nature of God.

If you don't know God, you don't have love, therefore, you can't love your spouse the godly way (1Jn 4:8).

You cannot cheat on your spouse and claim to love them.

2. Submission
Submission is a fundamental principle of marriage (1Cor 11:3; Eph 5:22).

The woman must submit to the authority of the man as it is based on divine order (1 Cor 14:40; Gen 3:16).

3. Fidelity
Fidelity is the greatest element of marital bliss and unity (Heb 13:4; Prov 5:15-17).

Infidelity drives away divine presence in marriage, breaks marital covenant and attracts illegal third parties, thereby defiling the union.

Many marriages have been defiled, and are under demonic seige because of infidelity.

4. Equal conjugal rights
The couple has a right to each other's body for s*x or romance at anytime without restraint, for mutual s*xual gratification and this
right is unconditional (1 Cor 7:3-5).

5. Permission for s*xual abstinence
Spiritual activities are the most cogent reason for s*xual abstinence in marriage, despite other reasons like child birth or health issues (1 Cor 7:5).

Despite any reason, the couple should get consent based on mutual understanding to avoid s*xual deprivation.

6. Assent
This is the right of the couple to choose whom to marry.

Marriage is for two independent adults, solely responsible for their actions.

Parents can advise, support and guide their children into marriage, but should not make the choice for them, as forced marriage is un-biblical.

Rebecca's assent was gotten before her hand was given out in marriage (Gen 24:57-59).

Hallelujah!

CLOSING THE LOOPHOLES IN YOUR LIFE (2)
The devil cannot harm you without your consent. You must give him permission into your life and he gets this permission via subtle means.

Normally, a christian is very powerful than the devil, combined with the whole of his evil kingdom. This is because, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 Jn 4:4).

With this reality, the devil makes use of subtle and crafty means to have access to you with or without your knowledge.

The dark kingdom does SWOT analysis on you to determine the best possible way to have access into your life so as to sow their evil seed of discord.

The aim is to create a separation between you and God so as to bypass the divine hedge over you via the below loopholes (Ecl 10:8):

1. Ignorance
Ignorance of the Word makes you inferior to the devil in wisdom (Isa 5:13).

2. Greed
Greed is a bait that entangles you to captivity (Prov 15:27).

3. Indoctrination
This is manipulation via wrong doctrine (1 Tim 4:1).

4. Spiritual slumber
This includes poor spiritual will and faint-heartedness (Mtt 13:25; 26:41).

5. Distractions
These are mercenaries hired to make you lose divine focus (Rom 8:35).

6. Anger
Emotional provocation that makes you get violent, in the process, making you to sin (Eph 4:26).

7. Pride
Over-exaggeration of your importance to undermine others (Prov 25:14).

May God help you as you examine yourself and make amends in Jesus' name.

Hallelujah!

LOOPHOLES THAT MAKE YOU POROUS TO DANGER IN YOUR DREAM WORLD
The devil needs your consent to enter into your life (Ecl 10:8).

The dark kingdom cannot influence or harm you without your consent; they don't have that ability.

Therefore, they use crafty means to get that consent from you, with or without your knowledge (Eph 4:27).

A loophole was exploited by Satan in the garden of Eden (Gen 3:1).

The below loopholes are used to establish a stronghold for legal grounds to carry out demonic activities in a person's life:

1. Talkertiveness
The bible admonishes us to be swift to hear and slow to speak (Jam 1:19).

Talkertiveness can make you talk away your destiny, even in your dream world (Eph 5:4).

2. Gluttony
Hunger can make you eat in your dream (Isa 29:8).

The enemy can feed you with polluted food in your dream world to steal your glory.

You must exercise control over your stomach by not living by bread alone to avoid manipulations (Prov 23:21; Mtt 4:4).

3. S*x
S*x is a major way destinies are manipulated in the dream.

Evil entities use the image of your loved ones to have s*x with you.

The plan is to establish a s*xual covenant with you to gain a legal ground in your life; this is because s*x binds two people as one (1 Cor 6:16).

4. Polluted anointing
The devil can transform into an angel of light or into a popular "man of God" to anoint you with darkness in your dream (2 Cor 11:14).

Obviously, you will think the angel or man of God is divine, not knowing that they are agents of darkness.

I close every loophole in your life in Jesus' name (Job 5:12).

Hallelujah!