HOW DID SIN GET INTO MAN?

Memory verse: Rom. 5:12, Just as through one-man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.

Psalm 51:5, BEHOLD I WAS BROUGHT FORTH IN INIQUITY AND IN SIN. AND IN SIN MY MOTHER CONCEIVED ME. David made this statement while pleading for forgiveness from God. Nevertheless, this brought to light the sinful nature of man; and subsequently the world?

Rom. 5: 12, JUST AS THROUGH ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD---. From this verse we know that sin was not in man neither was it in the world when it was created. From the following verses of the scriptures we will find out how sin got into man and into the world.

Man was created neither with sin nor had he a sinful nature, but rather he was good. As written in Gen. 1:31 AND GOD SAW EVERY THING THAT HE MADE, AND, BEHOLD IT WAS GOOD. With this statement we understand that man was created and declared to be good by God himself. But the enemy of man THE DEVIL out of envy and wickedness did not want man to remain in his good nature, therefore he misled the first parents of humankind Adam and Eve into sin.

Gen 3:1-23, NOW THE SERPENT WAS SUBTLER THAN ANY BEAST OF THE FIELD--- AND HE SAID TO THE WOMAN, YEA, HAD GOD SAID, E SHALL NOT EAT OF THE FRUIT OF THE TREE IN THE GARDEN. AND THE WOMAN SAID TO HIM --- BUT OF THE FRUIT OF THE TREE IN THE MIDST OF THE GARDEN, GOD SAID, YE SHALL NOT EAT OF IT, NEITHER SHALL YE TOUCH IT --- LEST YOU DIE. AND THE SERPENT SAID UNTO THE WOMAN, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.FOR GOD DOTH KNOW THAT IN THE DAY THAT YE SHALL EAT THEREOF, THEN YOUR EYES SHALL BE OPENED, AND YE SHALL BE AS GODS, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL--- AND SHE TOOK OF THE FRUIT THEREOF, AND DID EAT, AND GAVE ALSO UNTO HER HUSBAND WITH HER, AND HE DID EAT.

This singular disobedience brought sin into the world. Adam and his wife did not envisage the catastrophes and calamities that will befall them and their offspring as the consequences of their negligible action. Even so when we disobey God we may not fully appreciate the dire consequences of our actions, but when the retributions begin to unfold then do we realize the damages that we have brought upon ourselves.

That is why the bible says, one sinner destroys much good, and also, a little leaven leavens the whole lump (Ecc. 9:18, 1 Cor 5:6). Therefore, a little meddling with sin can ruin the life of someone unto eternity. Read: Gen. 2:15-17, 2 Cor. 11:3.

THE STATE OF A SINNER

Memory verse: Eph. 2: 2, In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.

The bible makes us to understand that the whole world lies in the hand of the wicked one, 1 John 5:19. Satan is the ruler of this world, because of this he tries to bring everything and person under his control. This he accomplishes through his seducing power and enticement. The weakness of a natural man to resist his power has made many people to bow to his deception and manipulation. The bible went further to say that all sinners are his children.

The bible went further to say that all sinners are his children. 1 John 3:8, HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN IS OF THE DEVIL; FOR THE DEVIL SINNETH FROM THE BEGINNING. Although everyone likes to be addressed as a child of God but the truth remains; everyone who sins is a child of Satan. For this reason no sinner has any inheritance with God. It is an erroneous belief for a sinner to expect God to receive him into his abode at the time of his death. Through this, we understand that a sinner is wretched, miserable and blind. For this is how it is said of him in Rev. 3:17.

In his condition he is regarded as being dead spiritually. Col. 2:13, AND YOU BEING DEAD IN YOUR TRESPASS. A sinner is spiritually dead because he has no life of God. A sinner is past feeling for he has neither guilt nor concern for his sins, because of this he goes ahead to sin with greed. Some even boast of their exploits in sin, that was why the bible says SINNERS MOCK AT SIN (Pro. 14:19). A sinner lives in sin; i.e. he dwells, walks and has his being in sin. He never has enough of iniquities neither is the fear of God in his eyes.

(1) A sinner is without Christ

(2) A stranger from the covenant of promise

(3) Has no hope

(4) Is without God in the world

Being without Christ means being without life. For in Christ was life and this life is the light of men (John 1:4). Moreover, he says, I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE (John 10:10).

Being a stranger to the covenant of promise means that a person has no right to the covenant of God with his people; covenant which was sealed with Christ blood. Therefore an unbeliever is not covered with Jesus blood. A sinner who refuses to repent has no hope because Jesus is the hope of all mankind. For in him shall the gentiles hope (Rom. 15:12).

ALL HAVE SINNED

Memory verse: Rom.3: 23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Rom. 3: 10, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE. This shows that man has now gotten a sinful nature, although he was not created so. God in his word says, ALL HAVE SINNED, which means we all have sinned against Him. We also were all born in iniquity; this does not mean that we inherited sin from our parents, but that our parents gave birth to us while having their human sinful nature. It is not possible for man to do righteousness and fulfill the will of God through his natural efforts though he may desire to be righteous because of the demand of his own conscience.

Rom. 7: 15, FOR WHAT I AM DOING I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. FOR WHAT I WILL, TO DO, THAT I DO NOT PRACTICE, BUT WHAT I HATE, THAT I DO. From this statement, we could picture a man who desired to do righteousness whole-heartedly but was unable, though he sought it with all his heart.

No form of righteousness acquired through human effort receives the approval from God, because it is always incomplete and full of ignorance. This is why the scriptures say in Isa.64:6 WE ARE ALL LIKE AN UNCLEAN THING, AND ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS ARE LIKE FILTHY RAGS ---AND OUR INIQUITIES, LIKE A WIND, HAVE TAKEN US AWAY.

The scripture went ahead to say, IF WE SAY THAT WE THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM (GOD) A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US, 1 John 1:10. Even a new baby born to a heathen is not holy because, it is only the word of God and the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit that sanctify us through faith. Such a baby can only be sanctified by the faith of his parents (1 Cor. 7:14).

Read Psalms 14:2-3, Psalms 58:3-4, Rom.3:9-18, Rom.7:14-24, Job 9:20, Job 25:4-6, Psalms 32:3-5.

THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE

Memory verse: 2 "Cor. 7:10, For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but sorrow of the world produces death".

Acts 17:30, The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all men every where to repent.

Repentance is a commandment of God to humankind. Repentance is not a question of choice but an indispensable need. Because turning to righteousness is not possible except repentance takes place.

WHAT IS REPENTANCE?

Repentance is an expression of regret for past actions, and the sorrow for it. Rom.33: 27, He looks upon men, and if any say, “I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not”

Someone must take stock of his past life and see by himself that these deeds were contrary to righteousness and are sins against God. These considerations make someone to make a turn around. Strong and resolute decisions accompany repentance, else it will fail. Many have purportedly repented times without number and fell back, why? The failure of their earlier bid to repent was due to the facts that the persons concerned have not yet considered their past ways destructive and dangerous.

Successful and abiding repentance is the one that comes from God; this is the kind of repentance that the bible calls GODLY REPENTANCE. 2 Cor. 7: 10, for godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted. Godly repentance is the kind of repentance that comes through the conviction of the gospel of Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit convicts someone his decision to repent is backed by the power of the same Spirit. If one is convicted by the gospel he receives the faith to repent from the gospel. For the Spirit convicts the world of sin, and judgment, and of righteousness. Even as faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

TAKING DECISION

Memory verse: Joshua 24:15…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

There is a moment of decision before every man who comes into this world. God in Deuteronomy 30:15 said to the Israelites “See, I have set before you life and good, death and evil” Till this day the word remain active and real. Through the gospel life through Jesus Christ is being preached, in the same gospel the consequences of sin, which is eternal punishment in hell fire is being proclaimed. It is therefore left to every to make the decision of his destination by himself.

You have to speak for yourself (John 9:21b). To this end Jesus our Lord gave an advice to the intending convert in the book of Luke 14:28-30, For which of you intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it- lest after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see him will begin to mock him, “saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Therefore ought someone to consider seriously his bid to follow Jesus; because if there are other things that you love more your soul, you will be drawn back.

This is why the Lord also said, “Whoever of you does forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

Read Deut. 30:15-20, John 9:21, Luke 14:28-33, Luke 9:55-62.

BEGINNING WITH GOD (1)

BY FAITH

Memory verses: Heb. 11:6, ‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Heb. 11: 1.

Faith is to believe without seeing what you believe; therefore faith is based on absolute trust, and is absolute trust. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord, Jer. 17: 7. The Lord Jesus said also blessed is he who believes without seeing.

Therefore one has to make up his mind to believe all that the bible says about God. Having strong confidence on the bible as the infallible word of God will aid in strengthening your faith.

One is called a believer because he believes God’s word without doubt. Obedience to the word of God sanctifies and separates unto God. Rom. 6: 17, God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Many today are dying in their sins and perishing because they did not have in the word of God.

It is a grievous mistake for you to keep on doubting the word of God, for he that doubts the word of God is in effect saying that there is no God.

It is therefore necessary that you say this, “Remember thy word to your servant, upon which you have caused me to Hope” Psalms 119:49.

Read Psalms 119:18, Heb. 11, 1 Pet. 1: 8.

BEGINNING WITH GOD (1)

SEEKING THE WAY

Memory verse: “John 14:6, I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the father but by me.”

God is in heaven that to reach him is not humanly possible; because of this He has made a way through which we could easily reach him. Due to the fact that God is a God orderliness he deemed it necessary appoint a way through which men should contact him. There are many that feel that it is not necessary for man to have a mediator between and God. Among those who reason in this way are people who neither know the greatness of God, presumptuous men, despisers of God, men who walk according to human wisdom. To them the bible has this to say “1 Cor. 1: 21, …the world by wisdom knows not God”

This claim is buttressed by the fact the Father testified to this himself when He said, “…this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” Matt. 17:5. Hear ye him, is a command and not a suggestion; therefore this command must be obeyed by as many as seek for life. God through Moses indicated this when He said through Moses “The Lord your God raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, like unto me; unto to him shall ye hearken” Deut. 18: 15.” ‘Hear you him’ was commanded even from the Old Testament, God only confirmed this commandment in the mountain of transfiguration in the New Testament. Therefore if wants to seek the true God he should first all seek for the way for shall he be able to find his destination.

Even as God further said “Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls” Jer. 6: 16. Through these verse we come to understand that to find God we need to find the way, for it only when we find the true way should we be able to find rest for our souls.

Come unto me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11: 28). Jesus Christ is the way to God without Him there is no true way to God. Let us as many as are desirous of seeking after God ask Him to please show us the way.

Read Matt. 11:27, John 17:3.

WHY DO WE SEEK FOR GOD

Memory verse: Acts 17:27 "that they seek God, in the hope that they might feel after him. Yet He is far from each one of us".

Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the saviour, Isaiah 45:15. God created man on earth but since man corrupted his own ways and have gone after vanities God withdrew Himself from man waiting for when man will see the need for him to resume a relationship with his creator.

Unpleasant circumstances are the main reason why man seeks his maker. In a situation of comfort and abundance of all things, naturally man may not see the need for him to seek after God. They spend their days in wealth…Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of their ways. What is the Almighty that we should serve him? And what profit shall we have, if we pray to him? (Job 21:13-15). If all things go well for us may be none of us will be here today.

Therefore count that adversity that brought you into this place as a blessing, for without it you would have no need to ask for the knowledge of God. As many as set out to seek for God without necessities pressing end up falling out of the way. Needs that pressurizes someone to seek after God are many it might be a spiritual or material need; but the truth remains that there must a circumstance that creates the need for us to seek after God.

When our Lord Jesus Christ came he said, “They that are healthy seek not physicians but they that are sick” That is why he went ahead to say The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. (Luke 4:18).

The saviour came for those who have the need of God, those whom life difficult situations have pressed after God human efforts could not alleviate their situations.

PURPOSES FOR SEEKING AFTER GOD (1)

MATERIAL NEEDS

Memory verse: Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses, Psalms 107:13.

Call upon me in the time of trouble and I will deliver: and you will glorify me, Psalms 50:15. God himself knows that in time of trouble that as many as are mindful of him will surely call upon him. He also made a promise that he will answer them, this is meant to encourage humankind to seek after God when they find themselves in the midst of trouble.

However some rebellious men have turned to other gods when they are trouble. These people were not taught on the reason why the troubles came. See this group of unrepentant men and hear what the bible spoke about them. Rev. 9: 20-21. The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of their of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver and bronze and stone and wood, cannot either see or hear or walk; nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their immorality or their theft.

God is against them because they did not repent from their sins; neither did they seek after the true God in the time of their trouble. For when a sinner turns to the true God when he is in distress God will use that opportunity to show him his sins, and the need for him to repent.

However if someone will desire to have God solve his problems while he goes ahead to live is sin, such a person will not find the true God; rather he will fall prey to pretentious demons who disguise themselves to look like the true God. These who have deceived many are so spoken of in the bible “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore we examine ourselves one by one to find out the reasons why we are seeking for God; and to know if we are among God who want to continue in sin for grace to abound.

Read Rom. 6:1-2, Rom. 8:28, 1 Peter 5:7.

PURPOSES FOR SEEKING AFTER GOD (2)

SPIRITUAL NEED

Memory verse: Psalms 42:1-2, As a hart longs for flowing streams, so long my soul for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I behold the face of God?

The most enduring reason for seeking after God is when someone seeks after God for his soul need. The consciousness of the existence of God is built in the human mind on the day that he was created. Although due to the manipulation of Satan this consciousness is overwhelmed by events that surround our life from birth.

We know the story of the prodigal son how he went away from his father in other to establish his ways outside his father’s control. The bible made us to understand that there came a time that there arose a famine in that land where he went to sojourn during that famine the bible said that he began to be in want. In this want he said, “How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish in this hunger. This is the hunger and thirstiness with which a true seeker of God must seek for him.

When the soul is hungry for God, then will he draw near unto God with true heart. With or without material prosperity he must forge ahead to seek his maker. To these the bible admonishes “Seek you first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all other things will be added unto you” Matt: 6:33. Those who came to God to seek after righteousness and sanctification will never be discouraged nor disappointed no matter the trials that may come their way.

However if someone comes seeking for food and drink he may not last long in this race, because the kingdom of God is not in food and drink. There were those whom the Lord Jesus rebuked because they came seeking for him that He may provide them with food and drink. To these people He said, “You seek me because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled” (John 6:26).

Read Luke 15:12-32, Rom. 14:17-18, John 6:22-29.

THE CALL OF GOD

Memory verse: Rom. 8: 30, Moreover whom he did predestinate, them He also called: and whom he called, them He also justified, and whom He justified, them He also glorified.

God calls somebody, if God does not call someone he will not be a true worshipper though he tries to follow after God. Some people who opted to follow after God when He has not called them find it difficult to fix in into true worship and follower-ship.

Even as it is written in the bible in Rom. 9:16, So then it is not him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God who shows mercy. This verse explains that following after God is not a question of human choice; but it rests on the choice of God. That is why Romans 8:30 says that it is those that he predestinated that he also called. God knows the end from the beginning that is why he is called the omnipotent.

No one has the right to ask God the reason why he chose some people and reject others; for the clay has no right to ask the potter why did you make me like. It is note worthy also that God’s judgments are all in righteousness, and his ways pass finding out.

It is note worthy that God does not call any one because of that person’s goodness or achievement or status, or colour or pedigree. Rather he calls someone out of His own mercies.

“For the children being not yet born, neither having done good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him that calleth; it was said, the elder shall serve the younger” Rom. 9: 11-12). For by grace are you saved, it is not of yourselves, not of works lest any man should boast.

For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. (1 Cor. 1: 26).

You should count yourself blessed to have been called by God, and make sure you don’t joke with the opportunity given you by God out of His love to you. With this explanation you should know you were given an opportunity in a million. There are many out there who desired to have this grace, but were not given. There are many in hell fire crying to be a chance to return to the earth, but they are not permitted. Although God has called you but remember that many are called but few are chosen (Matt. 22:14).

Read Rom. 11: 33-36, Job 34:10-19, Rom. 9:19-21, Eph. 2:8-9.

VARIOUS WAYS THROUGH WHICH GOD CALLS PEOPLE

Memory verse: Rom. 8: 30, Moreover whom he did predestinate, them He also called: and whom he called, them He also justified, and whom He justified, themMemory verse: Heb. 1:1-2, In many and various ways God spoke to our fathers…but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things.

God calls people through various ways, just as we humans call someone through various ways too. We do call people through the means of signs, voice, tapping, beckoning etc. even so does God. God called Abraham by appearing to him in a vision, some times God spoke to him audibly; (as when a man talks to a man), Gen. 15:1, Gen. 17: 1, Gen. 12:1.

To Moses God sent an angel who appeared to him in a flame of fire, as Moses drew near to behold the sight God called him audibly by his name, Moses, Moses. (Exo. 3:1-6).

Samuel was called by a man’s voice; when he heard the voice he thought that it was Eli who called him. He could not discern the voice until Eli told him that it was God that was calling him.(1 Sam. 3:4-10).

God in another manner spoke to the nation of Israel, and that was by fire, thunder, lightening, earthquake, trumpet, thick smoke, darkness and a voice. (Exo. 19: 16-20).

To Elijah it was a small still voice, yet there are those called through other means. In our days God primarily calls us through the gospel, as it is written in the book 2 Thess. 2:14, ‘Whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory by our Lord Jesus Christ’ When the gospel is being preached God is calling somebody to repentance, and subsequently to himself. If any obeys the gospel from the bottom of his heart, such a person has being called by God and has answered the call of God. If someone hardens his heart against the gospel he has rejected the call of God and is condemned.

There are those whom God calls by creating a strong thirst for God in their soul. The thought of their future keeps on haunting them; they never find peace and rest in all human activities until they answer that call. Times surely come when the soul of man is awakened to this reality. At times like this there is hunger for God in the inner man. The consequences of sin and everlasting judgment keep on troubling the mind: at times like this God is calling somebody. If he refuses to yield to this divine pressure he is doomed forever. Therefore today if you hear his voice don't harden your heart. Heb. 3: 7-12

God has issued a general invitation to all through Jesus Christ ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever that believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16)

Read Rom. 2: 5-6, , Rom. 11: 29.

INITIATING YOU INTO CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH

1 PETER 2:2, As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

WATER BAPTISM

Memory verse: Mark 16:15-16; And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not is damned.

Baptism is one of the pillars of Christian doctrine, which must not be ignored. It is commandment that must be observed as long as we have the opportunity.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is an English word that was adopted from the Greek word bapto, WHICH MEANS TO DEEP. Therefore when the word baptism is used, it is means one has accepted an immersion into water, as demanded by his new found religion.

The Prophet, John Baptist or John the baptizer initiated baptism; He was the son of Zecharias and Elizabeth of the family lineage of Abija, of the sons of Aaron the high priest (Luke 1). - The word of God came to John the son of Zecharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Luke 2:2-3).

As John was preaching people were coming to him at the river Jordan for to be baptised. As written in the book of Matthew 3:5-6, THEN WENT OUT TO HIM JERUSALEM AND ALL ABOUT JORDAN, AND WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS. We note here that they were coming to Jordan – a river, to be baptized. It did not say that they were coming to the temple or synagogues to be sprinkled with water; rather they were being immersed in the river, signifying a burial in water.

Even our Lord Jesus Christ submitted to the baptism of John and He too came to the river. THEN CAME JESUS FROM GALILEE TO JORDAN UNTO JOHN, TO BE BAPTIZED OF HIM (Matt. 3:13). It was further proven that Jesus went into the water to be baptized in verse 16 of the same Matt. 3, AND JESUS, WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED, WENT OUT STRAIGHTWAY OUT OF THE WATER. With this we understand that Jesus we understand the Jesus was immersed in the water when he was baptized.

Therefore the practice in some denominations whereby people are sprinkle with water in the name of baptism is not acceptable to God, according to His word. John baptized in Enon near to Salim because there was much water there (JOHN 3:22-23). Subsequently the Ethiopian Eunuch went down with Philip into the water to be baptized (Acts 8:36-37). With the foregoing we understand all the places where baptism was conducted it took place in a river. Therefore, should we do well to obey the scriptural injunction and not do our own will? Baptism is an ordination of God that is not subject to human amendment.

BAPTISM: WHAT SIGNIFICANCE?

Memory verse: Rom. 6:3: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. Baptism is not a mere religious ritual, but a fulfillment of the mystery and power of God. Baptism signifies the mainstay of the Christian faith. If the purpose that baptism is meant to serve is not there, our faith is vain.

As we read in our memory verse, when baptized that we are baptized into the death of Christ. Again in Rom. 6:4-5 it is written; Therefore we are buried by baptism into His death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection.

These verses reveal to us the main theme of baptism: i.e.

(1) Being baptized into the death of Jesus.

(2) Being buried with Christ

(3) Being resurrected with Christ.

These three events are the cornerstone of the Christian doctrine; and which the gospel. 1 Cor. 15:1-4, - brethren I declare unto you the gospel - wherein ye stand-

(1) how that Christ died for our sins

(2) and that He was buried

(3) and that He rose again the third day.

On these three pillars our faith stands. For Jesus did not come that we may keep the law or learn a religion; but He came to overcome death.

In Heb. 2: 14-15, it is written; Forasmuch then, as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; THAT THROUGH DEATH HE MIGHT DESTROY HIM THAT HAS THE POWER OF DEATH, THAT IS THE DEVIL. AND DELIVER THEM WHO FEAR OF DEATH WERE ALL THEIR LIFETIME SUBJECT TO BONDAGE.

The bible made us also to understand that death reigned from Adam to Moses (Rom. 5: 14), so through all the ages death was the king reigning over all creatures, none could restrain it. Then it became needful that a solution is found, but of all that was born of women none was able to do this. This is why Jesus came. He came to destroy the power of death, and to set at liberty those that are held captive in the prison of death - that is to say, hell or hades. Gospel, which means GOOD NEWS came to break the good news of freedom from death and hell.

This he did on the cross of Calvary; just as it is written, HE DISARMED THE PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS AND MADE A PUBLIC EXAMPLE OF THEM (Coll. 2:15).

The bible says in the book of 2 Tim. 1:10, that Christ our Saviour abolished death, and has brought immortality to light through the gospel. Therefore the gospel is centered on this issue of:

- death

- burial

- resurrection

Therefore, one is regarded as a believer is he or she accepts and confesses these three testimonies. That is, Christ died, was buried and resurrected by the glory of the father. Faith in these events can only be declared by accepting a demonstration of them in your own self; and this is through baptism.

Through baptism therefore,

(1) You will die with Christ

(2) You will be buried with Him

(3) You will be resurrected with Him.

This is the first practical confession of faith. From then onwards you will be living a new life (a resurrected life) with Christ. This is the essence of baptism, the bible described it as THE ANSWER OF GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD (1 Peter 3:21).

Coll. 2:12 Buried with Him in baptism wherein also ye are raised with Him through THE FAITH OF THE OPERATION OF GOD, who raised Him from the dead. Baptism is the demonstration of faith in the operation and power of God. If any is baptized he has confirmed the power of God and victory over death through His son Jesus Christ. Procuring for him at that instant the power o resurrection, from thence he will die no more. At the day of his physical death hell has no dominion over him any more that through faith he has obtained resurrection from the dead through Christ Jesus.

For this reason baptism is not an exercise to be ignored. If any do ignore it deliberately it is to the peril of his soul, which consequence may be eternal portion in hell fire.

BAPTISM: IN WHAT NAME?

Memory verse: Acts 2:38, Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remissions of sins, and you shall receive the gift of Holy Ghost.

Lack of the proper knowledge of the word of God has led many Churches into practicing the wrong type of baptism. This is owing to the fact that they are not able to understand the bible which is a book of mysteries and knowledge. For this reason we need the Holy Spirit to help us in its interpretation; else we will be making many mistakes.

Considering the memory verse we have just read we will discover that Peter said the Jews that they should repent and baptized in THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. He did not tell them to repent and be baptized in the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit. But we read from the book of Matt. 28:19, GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF

THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The instruction of the Lord here was to baptize people in the name (not names) of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He said name (singular) not names (plural). It then means that the Lord was not setting confusion, rather it is our lack of understanding that is creating the confusion. If we go about calling upon these three personalities when baptizing, it means we are not after a name, but names.

Therefore what He meant was, baptize them in a single name that unites these three persons in one. In (RSV) John 17:11b, the Lord said HOLY FATHER, KEEP THEM IN THY NAME, WHICH THOU HAS GIVEN ME. With this comment Jesus was saying to God, IT IS YOUR NAME THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME. Proven that his personal name is not Jesus, but Emmanuel (Matt. 1: 23). The name Jesus, which is by interpretation SAVIOUR, is the name of His Father. His Father christened him (Jesus) with His own name as a mark of honour and inheritance. In Isaiah 45:21-22 God said, I am a Just God, A SAVIOUR, there is none beside me. Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth.

Jesus earlier said in VERSE 6 OF JOHN 17, I HAVE MANIFESTED YOUR NAME TO THE MEN WHOM YOU GAVE ME OUT OF THE WORLD. Here still, emphasizing that the name JESUS which he manifested to us is His fathers name. For there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved, except the name Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is the Lord that is, the Spirit of the Lord Jesus and also the Spirit of the Father (2 Cor. 3:17, Gala 4:6). For both the Father and the Son are one Spirit for He gives not the Spirit by measure to him (John 3:34). Elsewhere the bible says in the book of 1 John 5:7 (KJV) there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. These persons of the trinity are one in agreement not in personality. For this reason they are manifested to the whole world under one name JESUS. Whatever you ask for or do in this name is acceptable to all of the three. Even so we are clearly admonished in the book of Coll. 3:17, to do everything in the name of JESUS.

Moreover, Father, Son, Holy Ghost are not names; but are designations or positions. When you call The Father, Son, Holy Ghost, you have called no name; but when you call JESUS you have called a name that unites these three members of Trinity.

It must be noted also that in all the places where baptism was conducted in the time of the early apostles, it was conducted in the name of Jesus; not otherwise. In Acts 10:47-48, Acts 8:16, Acts 19:5, Acts 22:16, It is written, - They were baptized in the name of Jesus. He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Lord. When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus - Arise and be baptized - calling on his name.

With these references we can prove that baptism was conducted in the name of the Lord (only) in the early Church. Although they were the people who were directly instructed to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet they knowing the mind of the Lord did the correct thing. By now we ought to have realized that it is unscriptural to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism should and must be conducted in the name of Jesus.

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Memory verse: Acts 1:8, For John truly baptized with water; but you will be baptized with Holy Ghost not many days from hence.

There are three kinds of baptisms:

(1) The Water baptism

(2) The baptism of the Holy Spirit

(3) The baptism of Fire (hell fire Matt. 3: 11).

In this second study on baptism we are going to study the baptism of the Holy Spirit, even as the Lord promised His disciples when he was about ascending into heaven after resurrection. He promised to immerse them in the Holy Spirit so that the Holy Spirit will dominate their lives. He wished that we should be fully covered in the Spirit of God, being fully under the influence of the Holy Spirit all spheres of our life.

HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit, though a person, is an invisible being. Since He is invisible, there is only one way of associating with Him and this is by faith. Even as it is written in the word of God: ‘for the Just shall live by faith’.

There are three ways of receiving the Holy Spirit:

(1) By hearing of faith

(2) By prayer

(3) By laying on of hands.

RECEIVING THE SPIRIT BY HEARING OF FAITH:

The bible makes us to understand that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, (Rom. 10: 17). Just as the word became flesh in the womb of Mary when she heard it, so does the word become the Spirit of God in us, if we believe. When Paul was speaking to the Galatians Church he asked them “Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by the hearing of faith”? (Gal. 3:2). These believers received the Spirit of God by faith, just as it is possible for you today to receive the same Spirit by faith. Not only they, but also the family and friends of Cornelius were baptised with the Holy Spirit as they were listening to Apostles Peter’s sermon (Acts 10:44-48). Just as it is written, “While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on them”.

The Lord in John 20:22 breathed into His disciples and said to them “Receive ye the Holy Spirit”. This Word they heard but it was not fulfilled until the Pentecost day. As it is written in Acts 2:1-13, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were in one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They received the Holy Spirit by hearing a sound on Pentecost day. It was on that day that what they heard earlier came to pass by the hearing of the sound of the wind.

Therefore, being excited while hearing the word of God with every attention and faith, enable one to receive the Spirit by hearing of faith.

Will you not open your heart even this hour for the Holy Spirit to come into your life?

Read John 20:22, Acts 2:1-13, 2 Kings 3:15.

RECEIVING THE SPIRIT THROUGH PRAYER

Memory verse: Luke 11:13, ‘If you then, being evil, know to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?’

From the memory verse we will understand that God has made a firm promise to give the Holy Spirit to those who will ask of Him. If someone needs the Spirit of God in his life, he should pray unto God concerning this, because He is waiting for such seekers.

After Pentecost, there was a time the Church in Jerusalem felt the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit once again as recorded in (Acts 4:31). For this the bible has this to say “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost” The Spirit was poured out here because they asked for it. Till this day God still gives the Spirit in such manner.

RECEIVING THE SPIRIT BY LAYING ON OF HANDS

Some men of God filled with the Holy Ghost and power has the grace bestowed on them through which people receive the Holy Spirit at the laying on of their hands. It is not all believers that have this grace, but only those who are called into the office of apostleship.

Someone sent on a special assignment like Ananias of Damascus who was sent by the Lord to go and pray for Saul that he may both receive his sight and the Holy Spirit can perform this fit (Acts 9:10-19).

When Philip the evangelist took the gospel to Samaria, the people listened to his gospel and believed as he performed many great miracles. Despite all his miracles God did not grant him to give them the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands.

When the need arose for these new believers to be filled with the Spirit, the Church in Jerusalem sent two apostles, namely Peter and John; Who when they came prayed for them that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:12-18).

Read Acts 19:5-7, Heb. 2: 4.

MANIFESTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

SPEAKING WITH TONGUES

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 14: 2, ‘For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries’.

When someone newly receives the Holy Spirit there is a way that the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in the person’s life. That is, there is a way the Holy Spirit shows that He is now dwelling in the recipient. Many supernatural things will begin to manifest in the person’s life. However, in this chapter we will limit ourselves to only one of the manifestations: ‘speaking with new tongues’.

The manifestations of the Spirit are events indicating that something wonderful has taken place in that person. As it is written in 2 Cor. 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal”. All born again believers have right to this. What a believer needs is to pray and ask to be given his or her own share of the manifestation; in fact it is like a birthright.

On the day of Pentecost, speaking with new tongues was the outward manifestation that drew the attention of the city dwellers. ‘And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance’ (Acts 2:4). Since that day of Pentecost speaking with tongues has been a permanent feature in Christianity until today.

The New Testament is filled the stories of the Churches being filled with the Spirit which was manifested through the speaking of new tongues. As we read in the memory verse, it is not necessary that the speaker worry about the meaning of what he is uttering. For the speaker is speaking not to men but God, he is speaking mysteries through the Holy Spirit unto God. However as the speaker grows in the spirit and knowledge, he will be in a position to ask God to give him the grace to interpret it.

It is very necessary that all should desire to speak with new tongues as it enhances someone’s prayer life, because through this the Spirit makes intercession for us (Rom.8: 26-27).

THE MISSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Memory verse: John 16:7, ‘Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I go not away, the comforter will not come to you’.

The earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ was short lived, because of this He was not able to accomplish all He desired. For this reason He promised to send us another comforter in the person of the Holy Spirit whose mission are many, but all are aimed at one goal, ‘the perfection of the saints’.

The duties that the Holy Spirit came to perform are many. It is through the Spirit that God accomplishes whatever work He wants in the Church and in the lives of individual believers. The Holy Spirit is the means through which the Father and the Son dwell in the heart of a believer. When Jesus said in John 14:23, “we will come and make our abode in him” He was referring to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives permanently.

When the Spirit has come into our lives he will do the following:

(a) He will convince the world of sin.

(b) He will convince the world of righteousness.

(c) He will show the world the judgment of God that is to come. (John 16:8).

(d) He will guide believers into all truth.

(e) He will show the things that are to come. (John 16:13).

(f) He will take what is Christ’s and declare them to us. (John 16:14).

(g) He will be our comforter.

(h) He will teach us all things.

(i) He will remind us of the words of God. (John 14:26).

(j) He will testify of Jesus Christ as the saviour and the Lord. (John 15:26).

(k) He will sanctify us (make and keep us holy) (Rom. 15: 16).

He will be grieved when we sin. (Eph. 4: 30).

The Holy Spirit shall through the means of these duties perfect us; thus making us fit for the kingdom of God.

Read Rom. 8:13-16.

HOLY COMMUNION

Memory verse: John 6:53, ‘Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat of the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you’.

The Lord Jesus in the above verse is showing that participation in the Lord’s Table is a must, it is not optional. Just as one has no choice in baptism than to submit to this religious requirement even so the Lord’s Table is a must. He said that if any one did not eat nor drink the blood of the son of man that the said person has no life in him. It means then that one may lose the salvation that he has gotten if refuse to participate or ignore going to the Lord’s table.

Therefore, after being baptised by the Holy Spirit and water the next compulsory exercise which the newly born again believer will aspire to participate in is the breaking of bread, that he may be fully established in the life that he has just received from the Lord.

HOLY COMMUNION - FULFILMENT OF THE LAW OF MOSES

Jesus said in Matt. 5: 17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” Every aspect of the Law of Moses was a figure of the true picture. In the first advent of Jesus Christ, His mission was to fulfill the mysteries of the law. For this reason we don’t dismiss the Law of Moses, rather we study them to know their true meaning as they were fulfilled in Christ. The bible makes us to understand that the law was our teacher and a witness for Christ (Gal. 3: 24, Rom. 3: 21).

How did the law demonstrate Holy Communion? In Exo. 12: 1-20, God told the Hebrews in Egypt to take each household a lamb or goat without blemish and kill the same at the evening. He also instructed them to take of the blood of the slain animal and paint it on their doorposts or on the lintels. The blood, He said to them was a token because God was going to send an angel that night to go through the land of Egypt. Any house on which door the blood was found the occupants of such house shall be spared. However, on the house in which the blood was not found the angel would go in to execute God’s judgment by killing the first born son. ‘When I see the blood I will pass over you’, he told them. He instructed them to roast the flesh of the animal with fire and eat with bitter herbs.

The feast is called ‘the Passover feast’ He joined this feast with yet another ceremony, in which they were required to bake unleavened bread. This unleavened bread is eaten together with the roasted animal. Thus the feast is called ‘The Passover and unleavened bread feast’

The New Testament made us to understand that we need not follow the pattern of Israeli Passover, but rather we should look unto Jesus in all things; who is the author and finisher of our faith. So it is explained in 1 Cor. 5:7 that Christ is our Passover. The reason why Christ was crucified on the day and hour in which the Passover was about to be killed was to fulfill this aspect of the law (Luke 22:1-18). Therefore, Christ became our Passover and was killed for us. Today when God sees the blood of Jesus Christ in our hearts He will pass over us and not execute any judgment on us.

THE TRUE SUBSTITUTE

Memory verse: Mark 14:22-25,"Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And He took the cup…and he gave it to them: And said unto them, this is my blood of the New Testament".

Just as Christ became the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, even so He substituted the materials being used in this ceremony. Instead of human flesh, He gave us bread, in place of human blood; He gave wine made from grape.

It is by faith that we accept that the bread is enough replacement for human flesh; and that wine is a sufficient replacement for human blood. This is reasonable too, because we are not supposed to eat human meat or drink his blood. However before God just Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness; even so we, when we believe that these material food and drink truly represent the flesh and blood of the son of man, God will justify us by our faith.

This was also demonstrated in the Old Testament, when Melchizedek met Abraham after the slaughter of the kings Abraham gave Him bread and wine as a sacrifice (Gen. 14:18-20). Grape wine was also called blood in the Old Testament (Deut. 32: 14, Gen. 49: 11).

Life is in the blood (Lev. 17: 11), that is, Spirit is in the blood, For it is the Spirit that gives life to the blood (John 6:63). Blood is alive because spirit is in it, therefore, what fluid that will substitute must have a spirit in it. For the reason our Lord chose wine, because wine has spirit in it (alcohol). Communion wine must have alcohol in it to qualify for a replacement.

That communion wine has alcohol is evident, by the event that took place in the Corinthian Church where some brethren who gathered to break bread got drunk, because they drank the communion wine in excess (1 Cor. 11: 20-23). What we need to do is to learn from their mistakes by avoiding excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Due to the fact the Jesus is a lamb without blemish, thus was unleavened, we need an unleavened bread. Therefore, communion bread is prepared without yeast in other to conform to biblical truth.

Having avoided material leaven, we should also avoid spiritual leaven of malice and wickedness; but keep the feast with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Read 1 Pet. 1: 18-22, 1 Cor. 5:8, Mark 14:23-25.

BENEFITS DERIVABLE FROM HOLY COMMUNION

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 10: 16, ‘The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?’

Breaking of bread in the church brings a lot of blessings to the people of God. These benefits we may not fully quantify but we shall study some of the benefits in this chapter, as the Spirit will lead us.

As we read in our memory verse, Holy Communion is called ‘the cup of blessing’ which means, there is blessing in it. Blessing can be defined in this regard as ‘increment, prosperity, satisfaction and joy’

(1) John 6:50, This bread comes down from heaven, therefore, whenever we break the physical bread there is a spiritual bread that heaven supplies, which builds up our spiritual body. It means, being fed from heaven presently.

(2) John 6:50 & 54a, Eat and live forever. Eternal life is actualized when we eat this bread. Holy Communion guarantees us eternal life.

(3) John 6:54b, ‘I will raise him up in the last day’. It makes someone eligible for resurrection. That is, if a believer dies before the day of rapture, he can only be resurrected if he had ever participated in the Lord’s Table. Therefore one is disqualified from resurrection and rapture if he is disqualified from the Lord’s Table.

(4) John 6:57, ‘Eat and live by me’. Living a day to day life that is dependent on the Lord Jesus is only guaranteed when one participates in the breaking of bread. Therefore before someone could say, “the life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, Gal. 2: 21” such a person must be in regular attendance at the Lord’s Table.

(5) John 6:56, Eat to abide in me. You cannot continually abide in Christ if He does not abide in you. By virtue of your eating and drinking the son of man you are making Him to abide in you, you abiding in Him. Without this fellowship you will not continue to abide in Him.

(6) 1 Cor. 12: 13, Drink of the Spirit through this communion. When we drink the spirit in the wine, which stands for a type of the Holy Spirit, we in the same process drink of the Holy Spirit by faith.

(7) Heb. 9:14, Purging the conscience from dead works. Since the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins, when we drink this blood our conscience is purged from dead works thus keeping us clean.

HOLY COMMUNION RESPONSIBILITIES

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 11: 26, ‘For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come’.

Partaking in the breaking of bread at the Lord’s Table places some responsibilities on the beneficiary. There are obligations that we must fulfill, which justifies our right to this communion.

(1) As we read in the memory verse, a partaker owes it a duty to show the Lord’s death till He comes. Which means, we must be preachers of the gospel, because it is through the gospel that we show the Lord’s death to the world. Showing them that His death has brought us salvation. Therefore, if you eat and drink but preach not, you are indebted to the covenant of the Lord’s Table.

(2) 1 Cor. 10:21, ‘You cannot drink the Lord’s, and the cup of the devils: you cannot be a partaker of the Lord’s table, and the table of the devils. Which means, we will no more partake in any pagan festival or ceremony, neither shall we any more eat things sacrificed to idols.

(3) Exo. 12:15, ‘Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away leaven from your houses’. Since leaven stands for sin (1 Cor. 5: 8) it is required that you put away sin from your life, business and homes.

(4) Luke 22:28-30, ‘You shall follow in my temptations’. This is to say you shall partake also in my sufferings, persecution and trials. ‘That I may know the fellowship of His suffering’ (Phil. 3: 10). Communion in the suffering of Christ is the ‘light burden’ bestowed on you by the reason of your partaking in the Lord’s Table.

(5) Luke 22:35-36a, ‘When I sent you without purse… did you lack any thing? And they said nothing… But now, he that has a purse let him take it’. Before they broke bread Christ provided for them, after breaking of bread, they have to provide for themselves and the gospel.

(6) Luke 22:36, ‘He that has no sword let him sell his garment and buy one’. Preparation for the spiritual wars ahead is one of the responsibilities. Therefore, you must put on the whole armour of God (Eph. 6: 11). You must be enlisted as a soldier of the cross.

(7) 1 Cor. 6: 17, ‘But he that is joined to the Lord is become one body with Him…That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. None should do anything that will bring division in this body ‘the Church’

HOLY COMMUNION JUDGMENT

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 11: ‘Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord’.

Although there are many benefits derivable from partaking in the Lord’s Table, judgments were also decreed against any abuse of this privilege. That is why the above warning was written. Partaking in the celebration this mystery of God unworthily brings lots of punishments from the Lord. This is why it is necessary for the communicant to examine himself well before he eats or drinks; as written in 1 Cor. 11: 28, ‘But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat the bread and drink the cup.

When the Hebrews received the commandment to keep a shadow of this feast, they were instructed thus, Exo. 12: 43-49, ‘This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof’. Even so now, no unregenerate person has right to eat from it. It is for only those who believe and were baptized (Mark 16: 15-18) that have the right to partake in it.

PUNISHMENTS

1 Cor. 11: 27-32
(1) Damnation, i.e. condemnation or guiltiness
(2) Spiritual weakness
(4) Sicknesses
(5) Death
(6) Exposure to Satan and sins, Satan entered Judas after he partook unworthily (John 13: 2 & 26-30.

It will be recalled that after the Israelites ate manna in the wilderness unworthily, they died (John 6: 49). The bible says, with many of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

In the New Testament those whom the bible calls ‘hidden stones’ who fed themselves without fear were judged by being made:
(a) Clouds without water
(b) Trees whose fruit withered
(c) Without fruit
(d) Twice dead
(e) Plucked up by the root
(f) Reserved unto blackness of darkness forever (Jude 1: 12-13).

‘For these reasons therefore, let us purge the old leaven, that we may become a new lump, for Christ our Passover is sacrificed’ (1 Cor. 5: 6-8).

GROWING IN THE FAITH

MINISTERING FOR CHRIST

ROM. 12:11; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.

SERVING THE LORD

Memory verse: Rom: 12:11; "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord".

One of the surest ways to safe guard ones salvation is by being employed in the Lord’s services. Being entrusted with an obligation gives one a sense of belonging. Moreover, being busy in the Lord’s vineyard makes a person to be more firmly rooted in the Lord and in the Spirit of God.

As the Lord said in Luke 19:13, “occupy till I come” Therefore, being occupied with the Lord’s business keeps one waiting for the Lord’s coming, thus forcing one to sanctify himself.

Every one in the Lord’s vineyard is supposed to be profitable, this is very important. In 1 Cor. 12:7 it is written; ‘But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal’.

With this verse we understand that there are things that prove outwardly that one has the Spirit of God. One of these proofs of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is ‘the giving of gifts’ Through this gift of the Spirit the Holy Spirit demonstrates his presence in that person’s life.

It is also through these gifts that ones profitability can be realized. It is necessary therefore, that we seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit one by one. The scriptures give assurance in many verses that if one desires the gift of the Holy Spirit he stands the chance of receiving one from the Lord.

1 Cor. 12:31, ‘but covet earnestly the best gifts. We are instructed in this verse to covet the gifts. That is, show an insatiable desire for these gifts. By extension, it means, even if one has already gotten some of these gifts; he should not be satisfied but rather should stretch forth his hands to reach out for more. With this kind of pursuit God is well pleased.

Read 1 Cor. 14: 1, 12-13 Isa. 6: 8, Luke 10:2.

KINDS OF GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 12: 4, Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

Rom. 12: 4-5, For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being members, are one body, and every one members of one another. The church of God is likened to the human body, which though is one body but has many organs. Each of these organs has its own peculiar function. Every member of the church of God is an organ in that body, because of this it is necessary that each person know his own position to discover his function. It is through the function of an organ that it derives its name.

1 Cor. 12:12, ‘For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so is Christ’. The church is a spiritual body whose members are assigned spiritual functions. These offices represent the organs of the spiritual body ‘the church’.

In this chapter we will name 23 of these organs/gifts in the body of Christ.

They are Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors/Bishops, Teachers, (Eph. 4:11), Deacons, Deaconesses, Miracles, and Faith. Others are Gifts of healing, Helps, Showing mercy, Giving, Prophesying, Revelation, Exhortation, Diverse kinds of tongues and Interpretation of tongues. There are some other gifts, which include, Discerning of spirits, Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge and Psalmody.

We have only some out of the numerous gifts that God distributes through the Holy Spirit in His church. We may not deliberate fully on all these gifts one by one, but we shall speak on some of them in this lesson manual.

You now should by now be in a position to know what to ask from God from the list of these gifts. Read Eph. 4:11, Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12:8-11, 1 Tim. 3:1-11, 1 Cor. 14:26a.

DESPISE NOT THE GIFT OF GRACE OF GOD

MMemory verse: 1 Tim. 4:14; ‘Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given to thee by prophecy, with the laying on of hands of the presbytery’.

The bible makes us to understand that some gifts are better than others. In 1 Cor. 12:31, it is written, But covet earnestly the best gifts. With this we understand that there are best of gifts among the gifts of grace. That does not mean that some gifts are not necessary.

Through the bible we also learn that all gifts are important as written in 1 Cor. 12:14-30, ‘The foot shall not say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body’. It goes ahead to say that, those members of the body which seem to be feeble are necessary; and that those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow much abundant honor.

There should be no schism (division) in the body; but members should have the same care one for another, it further said. We must not despise the gift of grace of God no matter how less honorable or obscured. The bible says that it is the same God who works in His entire church to fulfill mission. If any should despise the grace of God, he is despising God who gave these gifts.

We learnt from the bible the story of the servant who was giving one talent to trade with; but because he despised the single talent he refused to use it. Instead of using it he buried the talent in the ground. The contempt he had on the gift was extended to the giver of the gift, ‘his Lord’. For this reason when His Lord returned he spoke to his Lord with utter disrespect, by calling his Lord an austere man – who leaps from where he did not sow. He was cast into the rake of fire for this singular act of despising the gift that God gave him.

Therefore we ought not to despise whichever gift the Lord through His discretion has chosen to give us, for we are not wiser than God. If we approach the quest for gifts of grace without a mind of contempt we will be ready to minister in whichever capacity that the Lord will place us. This will enhance our chances of being employed in the Lord’s vineyard with ease.

Those who out of pride sought for themselves exalted offices ended us exalting their own selves. This is why we have many fake Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists, Prophets, miracle workers etc. in the world today.

Read Luke 19:12-27, Matt. 25:14-30.

CHOOSING A GIFT

Memory verse: Phil. 2: 13, ‘For it is God which works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure’.

In all our life and relationship with God we should make this memory verse our guiding principle. If we allow God’s will in all things concerning our lives, it shall sure be well with us in all areas of our life. God has created us for His good pleasure (Rev. 4: 11) therefore; He work toward achieving His good pleasure in our lives.

Although the scriptures admonish us to covet, desire and ask for the best gifts, yet, whatever gift He gives us is the best for us. If one covets the wrong type of gift he will not receive it because he sought for a gift that does not suit his manner of person. For example, if a woman desires the office of an Apostle she will not receive it because this is an office that sorely ordained for men.

Heb. 5: 4, ‘And no man takes this honor to himself, except that is called by God like Aaron’. Man has no right to take an office that God did not call him into. For each and every one of us, there is a purpose to which we are called by God. There is a ministry that the Lord has determined before that we must be invited to fulfill. Therefore it is necessary that we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in other to have the revelation of what God want us to be in His hand.

God spoke to Paul in this manner when He called him “…for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness” (Acts 26:16). Paul was plainly told by the Lord the reason for which He called. I have called you to make you an apostle; with this at the back of Paul’s mind he will now be in a position to covet the office/gift for which he was called.

Paul himself posed this question when the Lord met him on the way to Damascus. He asked the Lord, “Lord, what, wilt thou have me to do” (Acts 9: 6). Therefore each one of us should ask God today ‘Lord what would you have me to do’?

When we have known what the Lord would have us to do, then should we make the right supplication to Him concerning the gifts that are best suited for our calling.

Read Isa. 48:17, Psalms 32: 8, 1 Cor. 12:11.

PROPHECY THE MOTHER OF ALL GIFTS

Memory verse; Rev. 19:10c, …Worship God, for the testimony of Christ is the spirit of prophecy.

Rom. 8:16, ‘The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God’. The testimony that proves we are God’s children is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This same Spirit that is the testimony of Christ is what the bible calls ‘the spirit of prophecy’. It means, if any one receives the Holy Spirit he has received the spirit of prophecy.

What is left after that someone has received the Holy Spirit is the revelation of the knowledge of what has happened within the inner man. It all depends on the level of anointing that was present on the day that one is filled with the Spirit. In the time of the early Apostles when people were filled with the Spirit they went ahead to prophesy and speak with tongues straight way.

Testimonies of this abound in the word of God. In Acts 19: 1-6, the twelve men on whom laid hands were filled with the Spirit and began to prophesy immediately. So it is possible for one to be made to prophesy the first day that he received of the Spirit of God.

Paul admonishes us to desire the gift of prophecy more than other gifts, for a very good reason. The reason is that the success of every ministration depends on the revelation that the minister receives from God. The surest and easiest way of receiving revelation from is by being a prophet. The Lord will do nothing except he has revealed to His prophets (Amos 3: 7).

It was by revelation that Paul received his doctrines. It was through revelation the Philip the evangelist preached to the Ethiopian Eunuch. It was by revelation that Abraham discerned the men that stood before his angels, and he entertained them.

Prophecy enables one to interact with God freely as with a friend. It is possible for all to prophesy. Even as it is written I Cor. 14: 31, ‘all of you can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and be comforted’. It is to the advantage of the Church if all her members are able to prophesy.

Read Gal. 1:11-12, Gal. 2:1-2, Acts 8:27-39, Gen. 18.

WHAT IS PROPHECY? (1)

Memory verse: Num. 12: 6, If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known to in vision, and will speak to him in a vision.

The best way to define prophecy is by seeing the entire exercise called prophecy is to see it in the light of what is written in the memory verse written above. Prophecy is the means through which God makes himself known to man. This is the primary purpose of prophecy. Even other benefit derivable from it is added to this all-important purpose. Therefore if one is being encouraged to prophesy it should be kept in mind that the invitation is aimed at making the person come to the knowledge of his God. This is reason why Paul said that it necessary that all prophesy, so that all may learn ‘about God’.

It is through prophecy that God’s purpose concerning the New Testament saints shall be realized. Just as it written Hebrew 8:11, “And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. The quest for the knowledge of God among all and sundry can only be realized by the means of prophecy. For through the means of prophecy every one can say by himself, thus says the Lord. Signifying I too have known the Lord and thus has he said.

In pursuance of this the Spirit said in Acts 2: 16-18, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith the Lord, I will pour my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

Therefore let us all seek to know God by asking for and receiving the gift of prophecy. It was through prophecy that God revealed himself to Samuel.

Read 1 Sam. 3: 1-21.

WHAT IS PROPHECY? (2)

Memory verse: 2 Pet. 1:21, ‘For prophecy came not of old by the will of man; but holy men of God spoke as moved by the Holy Ghost’.

The memory verse above is another way of defining prophecy. Prophecy is, ‘words spoken by a man when moved by the Holy Spirit’. Whenever someone makes an utterance through the Spirit of God such a person has prophesied. Therefore the ability to hear from God and speak the same makes a person a prophet of God. Due to the fact that God is a Spirit he communicates to us through invisible means. For this reason it takes faith for someone to receive from God.

Rom. 12:6, ‘…whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith. In this regard prophecy can be defined as ‘a communication between man’s spirit and the Spirit of God through a supernatural means. For man to be able to grasp with the divinely inspired exercise he must come by faith.

It is necessary to teach man the way of God appropriately, because God is nearer us than we know or think. It is possible that God might have been speaking to all of us but we being ignorant of this have not acknowledged God’s dealings with us. As written in the book of Job 33: 14, ‘For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceives it not’. To begin to hear from God, you must sanctify yourself. Remember it is written ‘holy men spoke’. Moreover you need to draw nearer unto God, even as it written, ‘draw near unto God and he will draw near unto you’.

SPEAKING WITH TONGUES

Memory verse: Mark 16: 17, ‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.

Speaking with new tongues is an innovation that began with the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although it was prophesied in the Old Testament yet it did not take effect in the Old Testament times.

Through prophet Isaiah God spoke to the Hebrews in Isa. 28:11 “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people”. Speaking with new tongues has the authority of the scriptures even before its commencement. The Lord only emphasized that which was ordained of old. It was made possible by the sacrificial death of Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The believer once washed with the blood of Jesus is now qualified to have the Holy Spirit dwelling permanently in him. Now that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in the heart of the believer one of the ministries of the Spirit is to pray for the believer (Rom. 8:26-27).

The Spirit himself gives the ability to speak with new tongues by the giving the believer the utterance, which he previously did not have. Speaking with new tongues is not a natural exercise; therefore it is not to be learnt as some people do. Rather the Spirit makes a spontaneous twist in the tongue of the believer, such that the person will see himself speaking words he has never learnt nor ever known.

‘And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the house were they were sitting… And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance’ (Acts 2: 1-4).

On the day of Pentecost in which tongues were first spoken the believers were not expecting it, neither did they know that such an experience will come to pass. It was only by faith that they received the utterance that the Spirit gave to them. These days the Spirit is still such utterances to men of faith, who doubt not but allow the Spirit to use their tongues to the glory of God.

In the house of Cornelius they were not informed that such an experience will manifest itself but because they gave attention to Peter with fear and faith they were filled with the Spirit and began to speak with new tongues.

Speaking with new tongues is sign from heaven, which must be sought after by a believer the moment he is born again. The bible says that speaking with tongues is sign to unbelievers (1 Cor. 14: 22).

Therefore, if a person is born again he needs this sign to show unbelievers that he is now saved. This will distinguished between him and unbeliever. This experience must not be ignored, but if a person is yet to speak with tongues after that he might have been filled with the Spirit that does not mean that he has not the Spirit, however there is a testimony he has not gotten.

Read Acts 10: 44-48, Acts 19: 6, Acts 2: 1-12.

BENEFITS OF SPEAKING WITH TONGUES

Memory verse: 1 Cor.14:4, ‘he that speaks with new tongues edifies himself’.

Speaking with tongues has a lot of benefits, which must be noted and considered. Whatever is borne out of the wisdom of God is very valuable, and cannot be underestimated. Remember that speaking with tongues is one of the gifts giving by the Holy Spirit to profit us in our heavenly journey.

Through speaking with tongues we speak mysteries unto God in our prayers. 1 Cor. 14: 2, ‘he that speaks with tongues … speaks mysteries to God in the spirit’. That is, our prayers are richer and more accurate when we speak with tongues. There are mysteries that only the Spirit of God knows which our human senses do not and cannot know, which the Spirit speaks to God when we pray through the spirit.

The bible says in Rom. 8: 26-27, “we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit makes intercession for us with groaning that cannot be uttered”. God who knows the mind of the Spirit understands every bit of his groaning.

Therefore, when we pray with new tongues we are saying sure prayers that God cannot ignore. For when we pray according to his will he hears us. Much of our prayers are not heard because we prayed amiss; but if we pray with tongues when led of the Spirit to do so we have our petitions granted.

1 Cor. 14: 4, ‘he that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself’. Which means there is a build up that our inner receives whenever we speak with new tongues. Speaking with tongues adds something to ones spiritual life, although you may not notice it but is there. This is why the scriptures encourage us to speak tongues to our personal selves even when we don’t know the meaning what we are speaking (1 Cor. 14: 28).

Through speaking with tongues we magnify and praise God unawares; yet God is glorified and gladdened when we thus magnify him this way (Acts 10: 46). In return we receive blessing, which we didn’t know when we worked for them. because when God is magnified according to His will He pours out blessings in abundance.

Read 1 Cor. 14.

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 14: 13, “Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he might interpret”.

The reason we are very enthusiastic of speaking in tongues is because we are ignorant of the mysteries we speak. The moment we receive the ability to interpret what are speaking we will seek to explore it the more. It is in pursuance of this that some people developed the gift of speaking with tongues that it got to a height where they could sing with tongues. The bible therefore, is inviting us to explore the wonders of God built in the tongues that we speak through the Holy Spirit.

Just as every language in this world signifies something so the spiritual language we speak has significance. To be able to interpret tongues we must pray for the grace. It is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We should not assume that we know what we are speaking simply because our minds are cast upon the requests that we are making to God. We may cast our minds on our requests not knowing that the Spirit has digressed to other deeper things.

Tongues are not only spoken during prayers, but while the church is in fellowship either of songs or while it is time for exhortation, someone may rise to speak to the church through the Holy Spirit. This is the reason why we must seek to interpret the tongues that we speak, so that the Church may receive edification.

The bible makes us to understand that even instrument of music although lifeless, but because they give distinction in sounds people are able to analyze the meaning of the sound they sent out.

A Church that does not have the people who are gifted to interpret tongues is lacking in a very important organ of the body. Therefore, we should seek to receive and keep this gift because of its vital nature to our communion.

Read 1 Cor. 14: 6-19, 27-29.

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 14: 13, “Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he might interpret”.

The reason we are very enthusiastic of speaking in tongues is because we are ignorant of the mysteries we speak. The moment we receive the ability to interpret what are speaking we will seek to explore it the more. It is in pursuance of this that some people developed the gift of speaking with tongues that it got to a height where they could sing with tongues. The bible therefore, is inviting us to explore the wonders of God built in the tongues that we speak through the Holy Spirit.

Just as every language in this world signifies something so the spiritual language we speak has significance. To be able to interpret tongues we must pray for the grace. It is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We should not assume that we know what we are speaking simply because our minds are cast upon the requests that we are making to God. We may cast our minds on our requests not knowing that the Spirit has digressed to other deeper things.

Tongues are not only spoken during prayers, but while the church is in fellowship either of songs or while it is time for exhortation, someone may rise to speak to the church through the Holy Spirit. This is the reason why we must seek to interpret the tongues that we speak, so that the Church may receive edification.

The bible makes us to understand that even instrument of music although lifeless, but because they give distinction in sounds people are able to analyze the meaning of the sound they sent out.

A Church that does not have the people who are gifted to interpret tongues is lacking in a very important organ of the body. Therefore, we should seek to receive and keep this gift because of its vital nature to our communion.

Read 1 Cor. 14: 6-19, 27-29.

SERVING THE LORD THROUGH EVANGELISM

Memory verse: Mark 16: 15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to all creature”.

Preaching the gospel is a command given to us by the Lord, which we must fulfill to the letter. It is expected that once someone has received salvation, the person will .e pressed in his spirit to share his testimony with others. In this process he will find himself preaching the gospel. Preaching the gospel is not only a commandment but also the very reason why God gives the Holy Spirit to a believer the day he accepts Christ as his Lord and saviour.

In Acts 1: 8 it is written, “And ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be my witnesses, both in Jerusalem and all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth”. So if one receives the Spirit he should be made to know the reason for the Holy Spirit that he received. It is given to empower him to preach the gospel.

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1: 16). Therefore we are demonstrating the power of God on earth when we are preaching. Without preaching the gospel we are powerless. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. When we preach we are sending out sword of war in the spirit, thus warring our warfare successfully.

The Lord said, if any confess me among men him will I confess before my father and angel; but if any deny me among men him will I deny before my father and angels. He said also, Go and teach all nations, …behold I am with you, even to the close of the age. It means He is with us while we preach, if we refuse to preach He will no more be with us.

He said also “I have chosen you to bear fruit and that your fruit should remain”. Moreover, He said, if any branch in me does not bear fruit it is cut off and cast into the fire. With the foregoing our brother Paul said, “woe is me if I preach not the gospel” (1 Cor. 9: 16).

Read Eph. 6: 17, Matt. 10: 32-33, Matt. 28: 19-20, John 15: 1-16.

CHRISTIAN MATURITY

HEB. 5: 14, But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

SERVING GOD ACCORDING TO HIS WILL

SABBATH

Memory verse: Heb. 4: 9, There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

The questions concerning whether the church of God should have a day of rest (Sabbath) or not has remains a controversy. This is not because the bible did not clearly speak about it, but because many have made up their mind to implement their own personal convictions in the name of doing God’s will. In subsequent lessons we will try to prove through the bible that the church is not under the law of Sabbath.

‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy’ (Exo. 20: 8), is one of the pillars of the Ten Commandments. The commandment was actually given by God to the Israelites when they came out of Egypt, but as in all the clauses in the Law of Moses it too signifies something. In the New Testament it is explained that the law was a shadow of good things to come and not the very image. (Heb. 10: 1).

God made it clear to the Israelites that He never intended carrying over the Law into another dispensation. That is why He told them in Exo. 31: 12-18, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, verily my Sabbath ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.

This sign did not extend to the church because God always gives sign to every generation of His worshippers. The sign given to the one dispensation of worshippers does not bind the next generation of worshippers except if they were commanded afresh to keep such signs in their own time. From the time of Noah God began to give signs. He told Noah, “The rainbow is a sign between God and the whole earth (all creatures inclusive)”, that He will never destroy the earth by the means of a flood. This sign extends to our day because we are included in that sign. However, the sign of the rainbow does not require any duty from us, it is sorely God’s obligation to show it whenever he wills.

When He called Abraham He gave him circumcision as sign between Him and Abraham’s biological children and slaves (Gen. 17: 7-14). In the New Testament when the Hebrews believers wanted to force Gentile believers to abide by this sign the Apostles overruled their demand (Acts 15: 1-30). Thus showing that though Christians are Abraham’s children spiritually, they are not biologically his offspring, therefore they are exempt from this sign.

Even so the New Testament excluded the church from the sign that existed between God and the Israelites ‘the Sabbath’. In Colossians 2: 16 it is written, “let no man judge you… in respect of a holy day, or a new moon, or of the Sabbath”. With this verse we are set free from the law of holy days. There is no need for christians to be arguing over the proper day to keep holy, since God did not demand it.

Jesus proved that there is no need for keeping the sabbath in His days, for this He said, “Sabbath was made for man and not man for Sabbath” (Mark 2: 27-28). His disciples went about plucking the ears of corns and were eating it on a sabbath day. When they confronted Him for healing on the Sabbath day He said “my father worketh and hitherto I work”.

Therefore, one conclude that the church is not required to keep any Sabbath but rather should accept the spiritual rest the Son of God has given us; for He said, “come to me all ye that labour and I will give you rest”. In this church we neither keep Saturdays, Sundays nor any other day holy. Moreover, it is explicitly written in Heb. 4:9 ‘there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God’.

Through history we were able to discover that the keeping of Sunday as a holy day started with the Roman Emperor Constantine in AD 321. This doctrine the Catholics handed over to succeeding generations of worshipper in our days, but the true church of God is not subject to this.

Read Heb. 4: 3-10, Rom. 3: 19-20, John 5.

THE LORD’S DAY

Memory verse: Acts 20: 7, And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them…and continued his speech until midnight.

The early saints designated a day of assembly and worship as ‘The Lord’s day’ (Rev. 1: 10). Although they called it ‘the Lord’s day’ yet they did not venerate it above other days by abstaining from servile works. Rather, they called it the Lord’s day, having in mind the purpose of their gathering in that day. The early Christian saints were known to have gathered on the evening of the first day of the week (Sunday evening) for the purpose of breaking bread i.e. sharing of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ is the center of our gathering, for He is the purpose of our assembling. The main attraction for the first day of the week gathering is to remember the Lord’s death till He comes (1 Cor. 11: 23-26). This service is the fulfillment of the old Testament Passover, because Jesus who became our Passover was sacrificed (1 Cor. 5:7).

Breaking of bread is also called ‘The Lord’s Supper’ (1 Cor. 20-21). Seeing that it is called ‘supper’ we must note the significance, it is a night affair. The Lord himself instituted it at the night. It was in the night in which He was taken to be judged and crucified that He gave the bread for His body and wine for His blood (Luke 22: 14-20). Since this is the fulfillment of the Jewish Passover, it must be remembered that Passover were killed in the evening and eaten at night (Exo. 12: 11-24).

It is not necessary to replace the will of God with the will of man, for this reason we are bent on applying the word of God according the true principles of God’s intentions. This is why this church gathers for fellowship and breaking of bread in the evenings of Sundays.

(For full explanation to this topic please read the book ‘THE OLD PATH’)

Read 1 Cor. 16:1-3, Matt. 26: 17-30.

THE RIGHT TO FOOD AND DRINK

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 6: 12, All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

The right to choice of food and drink was granted to believers in Christ Jesus contrary to what was obtained in the Old Testament. However, Ignorance has made the simple fact a controversial issue among the Pentecostals. Our Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry spoke expressly about this in Matt. 15: 10-20, saying, “not that which goes into the man defiles the man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man”. From this we understand that what a man eats or drinks cannot defile him, but his inward thoughts could defile him if they were unholy.

After the departure of the Lord, the disciples who were mostly Jews were bent on keeping the law of food and drink. When the Lord saw that the Apostles (although he taught them) did not have a comprehensive understanding of what He meant in Matt. 15 sent a vision to Peter in Acts 10 in which a sheet was lowered down from heaven with all manners of creatures clean and unclean (to the Jews). Peter was commanded to kill and eat, but he refused saying that he had never eaten anything unclean thing from his birth till that day. At this juncture a voice came from heaven telling him, “what the Lord has sanctified call not thou common”.

1 Tim. 4: 1-5 teaches that those who will hold the doctrine of abstention from foods and drinks are holding the doctrine of the devils. The bible goes ahead to say that food does not commend us to God, we are not worse off if we do not eat, neither are we better if we do eat (1 Cor. 8: 8). Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods (Heb. 13: 9).

Therefore, a believer is not under obligation to give up the kind of food or drink that he is used to when he was an unbeliever in other to be counted a righteous man. ‘For by grace are you saved through faith, it is not of works lest any man should boast’.

The doctrine that a believer must not taste any alcoholic beverage is not founded in the scriptures. It is man’s own idea of self-sanctification. This doctrine the bible calls voluntary humility, severity to the body and self-abasement in Col. 2: 23. What matters is self-control, just as our memory verse said, “all things are lawful unto me but I will not be brought under the power of any”. Self -control, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, is what is recommended to every Christian, not abstention. ‘Do not get drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with Holy Spirit’ (Eph. 5: 18). ‘Take heed to your selves lest your hearts be weighed down with ‘over eating’ and drunkenness (Luke 21: 34). These instructions should be our watchword.

Read Pro. 20:1, Pro. 23: 29-35, John 2.

ORNAMENTS

Memory verse: 1 Tim. 2: 9a, Also that women adorn themselves modestly and sensibly in seemly apparel.

God approves the beautification of the natural body with external materials hence He permitted the use of ornaments. What is an ornament? Ornament is, anything that is attached to the natural outlook of a person to make the person look beautiful, be it jewels, gold, silver, head gear, clothes, perfumes and pomades. God does not have such a doctrine that is being widely preached today in the Pentecostal circle that believers should maintain their natural outlook without adding grace to it. If it were so, we need to stop wearing clothes because every clothes we wear is serving the purpose of adding grace to our natural outlook.

God in His word as written in the memory verse above asks us to beautify our selves, but modestly and sensibly. According to the bible the woman’s hair is her beauty (glory), i.e. if a woman has no long hair she is not beautiful (1 Cor. 11: 15 & 6).

A woman can also wear jewels of the ear, nose, neck, arm, ankle etc. She should only be modest in her appearance, not excessively loaded with make-ups etc. Since the bible in 1 Pet. 3:3-5, admonishes her to follow the steps of the holy women who feared God, whom Sarah was used as an example, we should study to know if holy women who were used as an example ever wore ornaments. Rebecca, a holy woman had gold and silver given to her on the day of her wedding by holy Abraham on behalf of his holy son Isaac (Gen. 24: 53). Bride and bride groom adorn themselves with expensive ornaments (Isa. 61:10).

God Himself beautified Israel with ornaments, chains, bracelets etc (Ezk. 16: 10-14), He also told the Hebrews to borrow such items from the Egyptians when they were departing from Egypt (Exo. 12: 35-36). In the new Testament men who wore golden chains and fine clothes were attending fellowship, and were not forbidden but the church was only advised not to respect them above others (Jam. 2: 2). Christ our Lord wore a perfume; hence Mary anointed him with it.

What we should only be mindful of is our financial capacity, to see that we don’t spend above our strength while trying to procure these ornaments.

Read Jer. 2: 32, Songs 1:10-11, 2 Sam. 1:24, Prov. 25:12.

CLOTHING

Memory verse: Gen. 3: 21, Unto Adam and his wife, did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

From the fall of man in Eden God took away the garment of fig leaves that Adam made for himself and his wife and clothed them with garments of animal skins. Thus God approved man’s desire to clothe himself. But the controversy today is - how should a Christian be dressed? We should separate our culture and tradition from our sense of judgment. Many that oppose other people’s way of dressing are not right in their argument, because they want to impose their own culture on others. This bias has prevented many from listening to the sound and balanced approach that God has towards this issue.

In Matt. 6: 28 – 30 it is written, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin… wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field… shall He not so much clothe you? Let us consider how the lilies and grasses were clothed. Lilies have different clothes and designs. Grasses have diverse kinds of dresses, sewn in different designs, with different texture of materials; which means, God allowed varieties in the clothing worn by grasses and lilies. Not only this, but the grasses in the fields of the Asian countries is by far different from the sub-Saharan vegetation. So also are the mentality and cultural values of the people of these continents. For this reason has no man the right to condemn others the way they dress, what is to be judged is how decently dressed a person is.

Today the world is a global village where cross-cultural activities are being vigorously promoted. This has in great ways influenced our society. It must be noted that there is no particular cultural way of dressing that the bible has recommended to our generation, other than modesty (1 Tim. 2: 9).

However, if any holds the opinion that our women should not wear dress like western ladies (in trousers) they should also know that they skirt and blouse they prefer are also from the western civilization. If we want to copy a system of dressing from the bible it means that our men should be dressing in skirts, flowing robes, mantles, girdles, skullcaps etc. as Jewish men (Dt. 22: 30, Dt. 27:20, Jer. 13: 22 & 26).

Read 1 Sam 2:19, 1 Kings 19: 13, Acts 21:11, Exo. 28: 40.

VEILING

Memory verse: 1 Cor. 11:15, But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory: for her hair is given her far a covering.

The issue of women covering heads with scarf while inside the church has been a traditional practice in Christendom, to the extent that it is seen as a taboo today for a woman to be found praying without a covering on her head.

This practice is not sorely based on the scriptures, but it has a wider acceptance due to the custom of our people. The issue of women covering was extended to other areas, which include the practice whereby a woman is forbidden to appear in any public function or in the market place with an uncovered head. Many Christians are propagating this doctrine because of traditional custom and values. Mostly in the eastern part of Nigeria it is an abomination for a married woman to appear in a public function or market place with uncovered head. Therefore, with this conscience of idol worship many Christians are persecuting their brethren in the guise of the defense of the gospel, while God knows that these people are fighting to establish their customary values.

However, what is the scriptural judgment concerning this matter? In the first place, veiling is a sign of shyness; when Rebecca was being conveyed to her husband she veiled herself at her sighting of her husband for the first time, signifying, ‘I am not bold enough to behold your face’ (Gen. 24:65). Even so when a Jew is ashamed he will cover his head with a veil (read Jer. 14:3-4, 2 Sam. 15: 30, Esth. 6:12).

In the Law of Moses in the temple the holy place and holy of holies were both veiled (Lev. 4: 6, Lev. 16: 12 & 15, Num. 18: 7). No worshipper was ever given the boldness to approach God, but the whole thing is veiled for the truth is yet to be revealed.

In the Church Apostle Paul tried to address this issue with maturity, when he discovered that this controversy was raging between the Jews and the Greek in the Corinthian Church. Therefore, in 1 Cor. 11: 1-16, he explained that in the first place the issue of woman veiling concerns only married women, that is why he made reference to a wife (Gune in Greek, which means, a wife under a living husband, not even a widow). He went ahead to explain that it is both acceptable and proper for a wife to cover her head with a veil (not a headscarf) while praying or prophesying.

However, he elaborated by explaining that a woman that shaved or trimmed her hair is the same with a woman that has no veil on her head. In the other way a woman that is neither shaven nor trimmed her hair is the same with a veiled woman. He concluded that discourse by emphasizing in verse 15 that a woman’s hair is given her for a covering. With this he laid to rest the whole argument on woman covering, by explaining that ‘if a woman has a long hair, her long hair has served as veil to her’. With this her husband and the Church are expected to be satisfied. However, if a woman is shaven or shorn she should be covered with an artificial veil, ‘a piece of cloth’.

Moreover, the liberty that we have in Christ Jesus has surpassed whatever doubt any man may still be nursing concerning this matter. In 2 Cor. 3: 13-18, Apostle Paul revealed through the Spirit that we in the New Testament are not the same with the Old Testament saints. Unlike the Old Testament we are now the temple of God. The Old Testament tabernacle was veiled because the sacrifice of the blood of bulls and goats never made the worshippers clean, but the bringing in of a better sacrifice did make us clean.

He said “we are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face” he went ahead to say “but when any turns to the Lord the veil shall be removed”. With this declaration I don’t see the reason why any should still seek to enslave our sisters in the Lord. For if any insist that married women must veiled, the person is separating them from the liberty they have in Christ. Thus, the person is denying the potency of the blood of Jesus, which has given this people the right to approach the throne of God with boldness (Heb. 10: 18-24). Read Heb. 4: 16, Eph. 3:12, Matt. 27: 51, John 4:23-24.

Written by:

Apostle Harrison Chukwudi Charles
AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST