₦airaland Forum

Alwaystrue: CHAPTER 2
The Supply of the Grace

Grace, I will opine, as favour shown to the unworthy and the divine ability to do things God’s way; this could be divine ability for salvation and divine ability to do what we would not normally be able to do and it comes as a result of being connected to Jesus Christ, His Son. Jesus, while on earth was the fulness of the Spirit, of truth and grace. He was the confirmation of what God said when the Israelites rejected God’s words to them on Sinai. While He wanted to deal with them in words, they wanted it in laws.

Acts 3:22-23
22 Thus Moses said to the forefathers, The Lord God will raise up for you a Prophet from among your brethren as [He raised up] me; Him you shall listen to and understand by hearing and heed in all things whatever He tells you.
23 And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to and understand by hearing and heed that Prophet shall be utterly [exterminated from among the people.

The first mention of ‘grace’ in the bible was where Noah found grace is the sight of God. Later, Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. Belief was the vehicle that carried ability to receive grace.

Such grace was often as a result of a good standing with God and usually to a selected few who received it. The kingdom of Israel received grace from God but the difference was that they did not have the spirit that would match that grace so as to have the ability to please God.
All through the books of the bible we see God’s grace at work. Many people have the erroneous notion that the OT is all law and the NT is all grace. Some liberals even maintain that the God of the OT is harsh and vindictive but the God of the NT is tender and forgiving. Some people think that OT believers were saved by keeping the law and NT believers are saved by grace through faith!

Of course these misapprehensions are not totally made up; there is much more of a gracious framework to the NT than to the OT. But God never changes; only His dealings change as conditions and times change. In both Testaments people are saved by grace through faith.
No one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what the law commands. For the more we know of God's laws, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying them; his laws serve only to make us see that we are sinners. His laws show us that we need a special ability to be able to do what he really wants us to do.

But now God has shown us a different way to heaven -- not by "being good enough" and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (by believing and heeding to His Son: JESUS CHRIST). Now God says he will accept and acquit us - declare us "not guilty" - if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.
Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal; yet now God declares us "not guilty" of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God's anger against us. He used Christ's blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath. That is grace!
The bible says the law was given by Moses BUT Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Grace and truth brought life and righteousness which the law was unable to do.
Jesus is the fullness of Grace, when he walked on earth and after he left He sent the comforter and the Spirit of grace to guide us in all truth. Grace was poured out beyond measure for all to receive just by belief in Him. No more did man have to perish due to the flesh but because of God’s infinite love He was able to draw all men to himself.

Numbers 21:5-6,8-9
5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

The scripture above is another example of grace in the wilderness which Jesus indicated that this bronze serpent was a foreshadowing of Him. The serpent, a symbol of judgment due to sin, was lifted up from the earth and put on a tree, which was a symbol of a curse. The serpent lifted up and cursed symbolized Jesus, who takes away sin from everyone who would look to Him in faith.
If you look at it from another angle, what brought death initially, brought life when it was looked on with belief.

It is by grace we are saved and it is the gift. Grace which encapsulated God’s love has what we need to come to God and stay with God.

Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.
16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Verse 15 shows us that it is God’s infinite love that made Him send His son to share in the weakness we had as flesh, and show us the grace that raises us above sin. Grace shows us that we have the right to God’s mercy when we fail and we have the ability to rise and have the help to live in the same mind with Him.

Titus 2:11-14 further shows us that Jesus, God’s grace, appeared to all men bringing the much needed salvation and teaches us to live above ungodliness and lawlessness. This can only be received in Christ Jesus. In Him we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Grace is no more a license to sin than electricity is a license to electrocute yourself. Grace, like electricity is meant to bring life not death and there is no life in sin.

*standing ovation

This got me thinking, what if those who really knew the word are let to teach it, not those favored by a select few, who then make erroneous teachings and still in the glare of scriptures refuse admitting?

If NL could have seasoned teachers as Alwaystrue, ola etc (folks might say I'm biased cos she's a tither, ignoring the fact that I and bidam and alexleo have had disagreement here)... if only we could.

Thank you ma, best presentation ever in the history of Grace convention, I hope the glory of the latter house shall surpass the former ie folks after her should do a proper study and please avoid plagiarism.

But ma, the gist too long o!

I just saw part 3!

Alwaystrue: Good morning brethren,
I am truly honoured to be a worthy vessel in the hands of the Lord Almighty and for making my hands the pen of a ready writer. Appreciation once again to those who chose to hear me and the brains behind the platform to share and publish the word of God. I will like to add that lots have been discussed by many of us on this forum regarding the law and grace so I will be as simple as possible taking a different direction from prior discusses. I may not quote too many scriptures but can provide if any grey area is noted and raised in any questions we may have.



(GRACE 1): THE DEMANDS OF THE LAW AND THE SUPPLY OF THE GRACE OF GOD

Foreward: Has anyone ever ruminated on how heaven was before the fall of Satan (i.e. when he rebelled)? Satan was with God always and was fully part of the grace of God yet he fell? Even though the bible does not tell us much about the time before the creation of man, it can be perceived that after God created his heavenly son, he did not give them any law and all heaven basked in his omnipotence.

Let us fast forward to the creation of man and the command of God regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. After the instruction by God, man disobeyed. Pertinent to remember is what Eve told the devil when he asked her to recant what God told her…she must have heard God’s instruction from her husband and gave second-hand information yet if we compare what God told Adam and what Eve told Satan, we will notice a difference. God spoke His word to Adam which he informed his wife and Eve stated it as a law to the devil (do not even touch..if Eve was a lawgiver that is what she would have added)…Compare the below noting the highlights.

God Speaking:
Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die

Eve Speaking:
Genesis 3:3
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
What I just presented above is for our rumination and deep meditation and whatever questions I asked are rhetoric.


CHAPTER 1
The Demands of the Law

After the fall of man, we see God deal with people individually usually due to the good heart they displayed like Enoch, Noah and Abraham. God is righteous and created man to live and fellowship with him. God is Love and because this is His nature, all He wanted from man was also to be this same nature with him so they can walk together for as scripture says can two walk together except they agree and what fellowship has light with darkness. Just take a look at how he related with Abraham especially and the bible even records it that Abraham was the FRIEND of God. They both walked and talked together and had deep trust for each other so much that God swore by Himself and gave a promise and an oath…two immutable things… in which it was impossible for God to lie that in blessing he would bless Abraham. Such was the relationship they both had.

Abraham must have been so close to God that the mind and desires of God must have been etched in the heart of Abraham so much that God could say that He trusted Abraham would teach his household to keep God’s way and attend to his laws, statutes and judgements inscribed in Abraham’s heart as a result of the walk with God. While Abraham was obeying and heeding to every command or instruction God gave him, he was either knowingly or unknowingly observing whatever law God may have given at that time for he seemed to understand the principles and the basis for what God often wanted to do. His total faith in God is today the reason why many of us are privileged to be in the Faith due to the promise he received.

Therefore, why did the law have to come in? The law was demanding of man what he wasn’t giving it. Why was there need for a systematic body of rules to govern behavior enforced in place of the wonderful loving relationship of hearing directly the word of God and in quiet and reverential obedience doing that which should come naturally?
Let us keep in mind that God gave commands and instructions right from creation and penalties were attached to disobeying them. However a formal structure was put in place by Moses to which a default usually led to a merciless punishment either by man/special atonement or often swiftly by God.

Galatians 3:19; 21; 23-24 tells us that the law came because of transgressions till the promised seed would come. The law was a school master that brought us to Christ when we acknowledge we cannot please God of ourselves only by His supernatural strength when we believe. And this law was not against the promise of God…At all.

The above scriptures capture the essence for why the law was given and written. The law was added due to sin & unrighteousness, a demand so stringent, it had been stripped of the grace that could have gone with it had it been it had been a communication between God and his people directly and the faithlessness that characterized not wanting to hear God directly, governed by unhealthy fear. No wonder something as basic as loving God and your neighbor as yourself had to be broken down to an endless list of rules and regulations as common with dealing with children and written in stone. Because people were prone to go after strange God’s, up to their mode of dressing and their relations had to be micro-managed so that they did not act like the heathens did. All these laws were the breakdown of the main law of the Spirit God had wanted to write in the hearts of man for He said
‘I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people’ (Heb. 8:10; Jer. 31:33)

The genesis of this was when the people refused to hear God’s voice at Sinai; they instead requested for a mediator because of fear:

Exodus 20:19 And they said to Moses, You speak to us and we will listen, but let not God speak to us, lest we die

God who had just delivered them from Egypt with His mighty hand of power became someone they refused to listen to but preferred to listen to ‘limited’ man rather than God. Such was their transgressions, fear and unbelief. (Exodus 20).

Jeremiah 7:22-23 Read v24.
22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
JESUS returned as that Voice/Word/Truth/Light/Life.

The laws written down by Moses and all words of the prophets are surmmarised as two by Jesus Christ in Spirit - Love. All the rules were just to direct the behavior God expected from man and show people the need for the promise He gave to Abraham for none could keep all those rules. In a bid to even keep these laws, man lost sight of the plot and rather either found ways to bypass the main reason (Spirit/intent/principle) God gave such laws or defeat the entire purpose of it. A cute example is the picture below.

Ojibijibijibijibji

*standing ovation
#Tuale

Hope you ain't done yet? Meeeeeeeeehn, see rhema na, loved that part of Adam's instructions to eve, it's where religion started from-man doing things their way and ignoring exactly what God said on how we should do them.

Ma, I doobale joor! Wonderful write up, precise points and well execution of the topic you did there

SalC: I find this submission quite disturbing because it raises a lot of question which was part of the initial question I asked, but in other not to derail this thread I will allow the presenters carry on with the purpose of this thread. Maybe when they are done, I will bring this up again or create another thread for this.
Thanks. Hope you are ok?

I am ok, and would be glad u open a thread on it and invite me

You didn't ask yooguyz to answer this sha

how does aborting an unborn child equates murder? i asked him to give the biblical definition of murder

Has anony gone AWOL?

Morning y'all

Love In Our Eyes · FRIDAY 15th August

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

If you want to experience a greater manifestation of the Spirit of God in your life, love is the way. Walk in love. Love is the "more excellent way." Th e love of God in you can be so palpable that it literally radiates through your eyes. There’s no telling what the Lord can do in, and through, you when you radiate His love, so much so that it’s seen in your eyes.

When I got a hold of this many years ago, I became more conscious of what the Lord could do through me, with my eyes burning with love. Once, I was invited to a conference where I had to minister to the sick. I asked that they all be on a straight line. I didn’t touch any of them; I only looked at them, knowing that as I stood there, Christ was looking through my eyes. The demons couldn’t stay. Each one of them received healing instantly, just by me looking at them.

Through the years, I’ve met several of those who were healed in that very meeting, and they never forgot it. They recalled how a look of love dispelled their infirmities, because there’s something about us. There’s something that works through us. It’s the power of God’s love.

GOur eyes are windows of the Spirit through which God looks at others with love. Treat people with compassion; see them with the eyes of love. Let love be more than a topic to you; let it be life. Relate to people in a way that they can see and feel your love. People were attracted to Jesus, not just because He was a miracle worker, but because they could see that He loved them. They felt His love, including little children (Matthew 19:14). He was the revelation of God’s love. Make this your testimony too. Let those around you see Jesus in your eyes. Let your love be so strong that people are constantly drawn to you.

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the working of your Word in my life, producing the result of what it talks about. I have the nature of love because the love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. Love is a way of life for me; therefore, I express love to my world today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 13:34
 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

1 year Bible reading plan: Romans 16:1-27 Psalms 102-103
2 year Bible reading plan: Philippians 3:1-12 Isaiah 66

Yooguyz: Every child is gift from God irrespective of how he comes, prepared or unprepared. Would you destroy a gift from Mr president just because you were not prepared to have it?

if your sister is rraped, would you honestly advice her as above? knowing fully well she does not want to be a mum yet, say she's 15?

That's the more reason why she should keep the child because abortion would hide the molesters crime and give him the impetus to do more

you are telling a 13 year old who is not psychologically, mentally, biologically and physically ready to keep a child she didnt ask for? from the above bold which i find absurd, if she keeps the child, it would expose the rappist's crime and take away the impetus to do more?

The decision in the case lies in the hands of the mother.

in other words, you are saying abortion is ok in this instance if she decides to stay alive and follow the doctor's recommendations, no? now relate it to your paper presentation... you see how incomplete it is now?

Christians who are heaven bound are killed and persecuted everyday, would you justify the murder of belivers because they will go to heaven when they die?

where and how is the above related to my post?

believer is already born, has an account in heaven for deeds, his name is in the book of life.

unborn child has no account yet for his deeds for he is not born into the word of sin, his name is not in the book of life..

anyways, let's not derail the thread..posterity would judge for themselves, they would ask themselves the questions i asked you, questions you dont honestly want to answer cos it would definitely undermine ur paper presentation.

cheers bro!

SalC: Sorry mod I don't know if this constitutes derailing, but @Gombs how did you come about the bold? Is it biblical or you made it up?

now, the bible didnt explicitly state how a name gets into the book of life, but tell us how a name gets out. Whosoever is born into this world gets his name into the book of life, and if one dies in or with sin, his name is blotted out. some folks thinkk the name is written the day u get born again, and removed if u sin, and when u ask for forgiveness, it is rewritten and the cycle continues. the name is written ONCE and taken OFF ONCE (if need be). A child in the womb is not yet born into the world, for it is still in its mum's body, hence has no nature of sin, and consequently, unblamable...

John 1
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Jesus is the light that lights anyone born into this world, no matter how long one lives, only this light sets him free from darkness.

now, how does aborting an unborn child equates murder? i asked him to give the biblical definition of murder

^^

Is abortion TOTALLY wrong? let's look at it from this stand point... WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY if;

1. should a child be brought into this world unprepared for, for him or her to suffer i.e forcefully?

2. what if a girl was rrape.d by robbers and she is not mentally, psychologically, biologically and physically able to keep the child? let's assume she is 13 years old

3. what if a married couple has a child on the way, and due to medical reasons to save the mum from complications that would lead to her death, would you advice her not to go through an abortion like the doctors prescribed? would you then say abortion is ok when the mother's health is threatened? or the mum should just die with the unborn kid?

these said, let me ask you this, why term abortion as murder of an unborn child when in reality, a child's name is written in the book of life ONLY when he is born into this world? what is the biblical definition of murder?

i am of the opinion that No child should be brought into this world by force, if a lady has been raped, it is left for her to make a decision of whether to keep the baby or not. If you have never been raped or someone close to you haven't, you may not agree with this statement.

It is never mentioned anywhere in the Bible, for example, to keep a child from a woman who was raped!


please throw more light on the above questions. thank you, so very much for your time.

Ubenedictus: 2 Cor 5: 21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.


now, why did you quote me?

We did not choose ourselves, God chose us and brought us into his family. What we inherit is not necessarily material blessings rather we inherit God’s righteousness and the gift of sharing in His glory on the last day. It is not something we can possibly earn it is something given. Something only the Father of all righteousness can give.

i quite couldnt swallow the above underlined well... we inherited God's righteousness? the bibile said they which have receive the abundance of grace AND THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS... I thought the good book lets me know the righteousness i have is a gift imputed to me for believing in the Christ?

sharing in his glory on the last day was a gift? We have come to mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem... I'm in that glory now, the glory Adam threw away, it's here on earth, for the good book says, Christ in me is the hope of that glory... not on the last day, but on earth here.

can you please explain further when you are less busier? thanks, in all, i loved the presentation, you didn't say what the actual inheritance is...what is that inheritance the new creation has in Christ as Acts 20:32, Acts 26:18, Col 1:12, Eph 1:18 admonishes. Kudos bro

He Took Them All Away-Thursday, August 14th

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses (Matthew 8:16-17).

In Isaiah 53, the prophet Isaiah, by revelation, foretold the sufferings of Christ, His passion on the cross, and gives us a picture of His crucifixion: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted" (Isaiah 53:3-4). This is what Matthew quoted in our opening scripture. The Lord Jesus took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses.

The Hebrew word translated "borne" in Isaiah53:4is"nâsâh,"anditmeans,"totake or carry away," while the word "bare" in Matthew 8:17, is translated from the Greek "bastazo,"which also means "to remove or to take away." Both words connote taking the burden of another upon oneself, and carrying it away, which is what Jesus did with our sicknesses and diseases.

There're those who say, "When you're sick, Jesus comes to you and shares your sickness and pain with you." No, He doesn't! He took them away so you'd never have them. Why are many still sick then? It's because they're ignorant of what He's done for them. He died that you might have eternal life (Greek: Zoë). This life is full of glory.

It makes no difference if you feel pain or symptoms of sickness in your body; stand your ground in faith and declare, "I refuse to be sick!" Every so often, declare, "I walk in health in the Name of Jesus!"


Confession. ..
I refuse to bear any infirmity, sickness or disease in my body, because Jesus has taken away all my infirmities and carried my sorrows; He was pierced for my transgressions, cursed for my iniquities and the punishment that brought me peace was laid upon Him, and by His wounds I was healed. Halleluiah!


Further Study :

1 Peter 2:24
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isaiah 53:3-4
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.


Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 15:14-33 Psalms 99-101

2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 2:19-30 Isaiah 65

Bidam: I don't think we digressed, you may not agree with my point of view but all my posts have been talking about is that the church should NOT be a democracy. God hates rule by laity in the church because it places people in the position of God.

Yeah...u r right here. Very very

People decide for themselves who will be their teacher, what will be taught and how the church will operate. This rule was never sanctioned by God in His word.

I think I met such in ECWA or so, am not sure, but they hire and fire a pastor they chose! They decide what he teaches or preaches... it wss quite troubling

This type of government seldom allows for proper correction, edification, or strength because it is outside the order of God.

Surely

Without proper order it is difficult to go from glory to glory or from faith to faith..since proper correction is limited by laity's control, many times the rebellious and gossips control the church. Instead of being led by a pastor set by God, they are led by their understanding of what God would want. Some even go as far as to dictate to the pastor what should be taught or spoken.

Wow, u nailed it, , somewhere I think we are on same page... now, churches who does such, like how DB suggested should be... how then do we merge this with the growth of the brethren in such churches? Cos obviously, the church would be lacking in alot of spiritual exercises.

Alwaystrue, Joagbaje and image123, candour, would be a great input here. I've heard where church elders want a democratic kinda setting, trying to elect a pastor
The Church should not be a democracy that is governed by the people, but a theocracy that is governed by God.Bless you bro.[/quote]

[quote author=Bidam]

I have said so in my previous post that there should be multiplicity of ministeries in the local assembly just like the Antioch and Ephesian church, for you to still ask me again and again beats me. No one person except Jesus is called to operate in the five fold ministry gift.

Hmmmm, bidam.... not even Paul?

The apostle governs, even Paul wasn't initially an apostle he was under authorithy and was held accountable in antioch until God called him and sent him forth with barnabas..pls do read Acts 13.
The prophet guides-points the way. Paul wasn't a prophet, Barnabas was. The evangelist gathers-Timothy was encouraged in that aspect by Paul...Philip was called an evangelist...The pastor guards or cares for the sheep..Titus was one..The teacher grounds or establishes..Simeon called Niger was one..But for a so called man of God to ascribe all those giftings to himself is not only sickening but preposterous.

Hmmm bidam o

This is a lie, i have been to many of these churches including yours and i can confidently say that most of the pastors ascribes all aspects of the fivefold ministry..they prophesy, they preach, they teach, they govern, they pastor, they gather, etc...

U should be careful on ur invectives, why would you say it's a lie? Google deacons, apostles, evangelists etc about CEC. If a church is not large enough to have all these offices, must they then do it so that u can be happy?

I did not say so scripture said so in Acts in Acts 15:22..can you point where Paul was lording it over them in the verse i quoted

Smart move, I went to the Gentile churches, Corinthians, Galatians, Thessalonians etc...u still wanna stick to your guns... why didn't the church in Corinth write to the elders in Jerusalem?

Can you tell us the meaning of overseer?

A bishop...Episkopos, read Paul' s letter to timothy, titus and also to the church in Philipi.... a bishop means any curator, guardian or superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian church, now please explain why Paul wanted these churches to have oversers, like he was overseeing all these churches

Paul planted the churches...Apollos by right watered..It is God that gives increase

His happened in tye Corinthians church right? Or u saying it happened in Ephesus, Thessalonica, Galatia etc?

not some one man pastor sitting in Jerusalem and waiting for pledges and offerings to be collected for him from branches over all asia.

Funny opinion!

Like i said the period of one man show is over.God is raising sons not a Moses..Jesus is the pattern Son.

Your opinion

You don't put new wine in old wine skin...Jesus is the High Priest and all believers are priest..Jesus is the mediator between God and Man not some weak imperfect pastor.

Interesting opinion

No it is scriptures ..Jesus served, Paul served, Timothy served..Jesus set the pace he said if anyone wants to be great in God's kingdom, he should serve and not lord it like the gentiles. People are saved to serve God by serving others and not to amass wealth by building monuments and acquiring properties.
Thank God you quoted this scripture....This is a call to discipleship but sadly how many of our so called leaders are able to raise legitimate sons today? They just have large number of followers that's all...Our leaders are not SERVANTS, they are ego centered and most churches these days have turned to family businesses and social bless me clubs..It is far better to have a small congregation that you can disciple sons to maturity than large followers who hero worship you as a figure head father...It is all about relationships...but what do we have these days..These men are unapproachable with body guards everywhere and they are arrogant and pompous...That is not a father my brother..that is a boss..Shalom.

Don't even know what to do with the above. But for you to say this was a call to discipleship is completely bizzare...
1 Corinthians 4:15 BBE
  For even if you had ten thousand teachers in Christ, you have not more than one father: for in Christ Jesus I have given birth to you through the good news
Father above is from the greek Patèr which means one who has infused his own spirit into others (remember Moses? God took some spirit off Moses and put on those chosen as leaders), one who actuates and governs their minds, it is also means a title of honour, the originator and transmitter of anything, the authors of a family or society of persons animated by the same spirit as himself

Anyways, I know there are different pattern of government in the church today, but it certainly aint democratic, that was the purpose of this thread...we've surely digressed, and I'd please love us to stick to the topic- Does the church of God practice democracy,-should they?

Thanks Bidam for ur usual interesting read..u were right in some place.

Love Grows with Fellowship-Wednesday, August 13th

Jesus replied, If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
(John 14:23 NIV)

I want you to understand the language of the Spirit in our opening verse. Why would Jesus say, “If a man loves me, my Father will love him?” Didn’t the Father already love everybody? The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Jesus came because the Father already loved everybody. So, what other love is He referring to here? He’s dealing with fellowship; love grows with fellowship.

When you recognize and reciprocate love, you get more love. As you reciprocate the Father’s love, He further demonstrates His love for you in a peculiar way; He’ll show the world that He loves you. Having believed in the Lord Jesus, one of the most beautiful things you should crave and practise is rich fellowship with Him. It should be your lifestyle, because there’s no love without fellowship.

Fellowship means oneness of spirit; a sharing or communing together. 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 John 1:3 says, “…truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” We’ve been called into fellowship with the Lord, and there can be no fellowship without communication. Commune with Him often, and seek His thoughts, opinions, counsel and guidance in all your endeavours. This is something you do consciously in response to His love.

Your fellowship with the Lord is unique to you. He doesn't have, has never had, and will never have a copy of you; so, He cherishes your fellowship and love. As you fellowship with Him through the Word and the Holy Spirit, you get to know Him more, and your life becomes the expression of His love.

Prayer. ..
Dear Father, I thank you for counting me worthy to be called into fellowship with your Son Jesus Christ. Through fellowship with the Spirit and the Word, I’m transformed into the glorious image of Christ, where my life is the absolute expression of your righteousness, love and grace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
2 Corinthians 13:14.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ;

1 John 1:3.
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 15:5-13, Psalms 94-98
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 2:12-18, Isaiah 64

Orikinla: God Himself practices democracy.
He does not force anyone to believe in Him and gives everyone the right to choose.
Remember His words.
[size=14pt]
Come, let us reason together. -Isaiah 1:18 KJV, Holy Bible.

Who is on the Lord's side? - Exodus 32:26, Holy Bible.[/size]

Really? Why didn't he call a Court proceeding for Korah? Why didn't He let Miriam and Aaron put up a defence? Why didn't He wait for human rights group to give a go ahead for the destruction of Sodom? Why didn't he let the children of Israel cast a vote for their King Saul, David etc?

Bidam: I have read what both of you have to say on this issue and i am afraid that i am neither for you both.

Please state clearly your stand.

The type of government drummaboy is suggestion is congregational which places authorithy in the hands of selected members of the local assembly. Church boards usually run these churches. Although they have pastors, it is with a board gathered from among church members that decision rests. The pastor serves at the discretion of the board. You on the other hand is talking about episcopal(ONE MAN RULE) government. All these are patterned after men's tradition and not according to the bible.

Ok

My post talked about Antioch not Ephesus, but i will obliged you. Paul did not leave timothy to run the church in ephesus as a one man rule. Timothy was a co traveller with Paul. Paul was actually afraid of teachers propounding false doctrines in the apostle's name, leaving timothy to oversee these churches was intended to strengthen them in the apostolic doctrine. As you well know the ephesian church was birthed in controversy where magicians, jews that were casting out devils and a large number of idol followers who worship artemis held the city sway. Paul had to assemble the elders before his depature to Jerusalem. You should note that apart from timothy representing Paul when he departed, the churches are having multiplicity of ministries. Paul never coveted anyone silver or gold or clothings. He even boasted about his hands supplying his own needs and that of timothy( Acts 20:34).

Ok

How do i know that these churches have pluralistic eldership? Read Ephesians 4:8; 11-13. These are the Five fold ministry gifts that God has ordained for every local assembly.

Certainly, and most churches I know have these offices... CEC for example has

But am afraid that in modern churches it is non existent.

Give examples or are you assuming?

It is ONE MAN that ascribes all aspects of the fivefold ministry to himself and thus dwell among his people as the earthly representative of God,

That's strange! You sid paul was answerable to the elders in Jerusalem, right? I want to know whether Paul was an overseer of the churches in Asia or not!

atlthough you will not want to admit this,

Why such conclusion?

but the One man show like Moses of the OT has now become the mediator between God and the Local assembly.

If God chose the one man show in the OT, what abolished it in the NT?

This shouldn't be so. God's system should be made of multiple ministries and not episcopal where one man lords it over the laity. A minister is called to SERVE and not to lord it over a congregation.

Your opinion!
Anyway what was Paul trying to say here?

1 Corinthians 4:15 BBE
15  For even if you had ten thousand teachers in Christ, you have not more than one father: for in Christ Jesus I have given birth to you through the good news
16 So my desire is that you take me as your example.
17  For this cause I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and true child in the Lord; he will make clear to you my ways in Christ, even as I am teaching everywhere in every church

Get The Power Working… · TUESDAY 12th August ·

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:17-18).

The Lord Jesus never exaggerated; He spoke absolute reality. What He said in our opening verse is something you should consciously demonstrate or prove, knowing that the one who said it, never lied to anyone. You’re to lay hands on the sick to receive healing; you have the ability in the Name of Jesus.

The Lord Jesus will be remiss to ask you to do something you couldn’t do, or for which He hasn’t enabled you. He said in Matthew 10:8, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils…." This is for every believer in Christ; step out in faith and take healing and health to the people in your world, and in the regions beyond. Someone might however lament, "When I pray for people, they get healed, but when I get sick I’m not able to help myself."

Many have found themselves in this dilemma. It’s similar to what happened to Elisha who was so anointed of God, but died sick. In 2 Kings 13:20-21, some men were about to bury a man when they spotted some raiders. Hastily, they tossed the corpse into the sepulcher that contained the remains of Elisha. As soon as the dead body came in contact with Elisha’s bones, the dead man came back to life (2 Kings 13:21). This happened long after Elisha was dead; his bones retained the anointing!

Though Elisha died sick, God’s power in him didn’t fail. We can conclude that it was Elisha that didn’t apply that power to his health. You’re supposed to apply the same authority Jesus gave you to heal the sick in your personal life. Christ the Healer lives in you; acknowledge this reality, and function with this consciousness every day. When you do, everything that’s not of God: sickness, poverty, death, lack, failure, depression, etc., will have no hold over you.

Prayer...
  Dear Father, as I study the Word and meditate on the Spirit, your power is activated in me, causing your glory in my spirit to impact my physical body, producing health, strength, and vitality. I walk in victory today, and experience success in all I do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
 2 timothy 1:6; Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Corinthians 3:18; But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:4; He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

 Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you

1 year Bible reading plan: Romans 14:1-23-15:1-4 Psalms 90-93
2 year Bible reading plan: Philippians 2:1-11 Isaiah 63

Bidam: Lemme take up this debate since drummB is busy with the convention. I am in agreement with the new testament multiplicity of ministry where a set man should also be in place.

There is actually governmental order in the church in Antioch where there were teachers and prophets not just a single pastor ministry as we have nowadays.

I would like to use this gentile church as a perfect example here. This church had a multiple ministry under the directives of the Holy Spirit. Even the Apostle Paul was submitted to its leadership.

Even the so-called "great" apostle Paul was not a freelance minister. He, as all true ministries, fell under the authority of God's government. Paul was held accountable. The church at antioch sent him out and it was to them he reported upon his return. Antioch was not under a church system, but under a multiplicity of ministry. Antioch was a church that was properly taught and one that was in order. It was at antioch that they were first called christians, because it was here that they first learned the disciplines of Christ that required proper church government.

No where in the new testament is someone called "the pastor" of a church with a one-man leadership role. Plurality of eldership is the new testament plan.

They ordained elders(plural), in every church(city)( see Acts 14:23). God always sets a man(set ministry) in leadership who raises elders into their place of oversight.

I don't really get ur stand...DB said God's people should have their right to freedom at all time (a suggestive democratic setting), and that he is against such thing as GO, superintendent, etc. Are you of same page?

But from ur above post, who was the pastor of the church at ephesus, and if the church there was run by elders, why did Paul give him the cousel on criterion on how bishops, deacons and such elders be selected, if there were already elders in the church at ephesus?

DrummaBoy: ^^^

Sorry, while I read your post I cannot respond to it. I believe I have gone past this level of piecemeal bit by bit responses that is common with nairalanders. I request a more robust rejoinder.

You may return to the above post and craft it into one post and then the discission will continue.

OK, please, it's a simple request.

See excuse na! U wrote me an essay, a long one...and I picked what you said and challenged em...and here u go "I have gone past this level of piecemeal bit by bit responses"

I will not return to your post, and if u can't respond to my post, I can understand.

Thanks for your time, I do know u are busy with Grace convention, and since u have gone past some self acclaimed levels on NL, I do hope u find those in your level. Cheers

DrummaBoy: The question that is being sort to be answered here is whether the church practices democracy. And in a case where this not, should they?

The straight forward answer is "No". The church does not practice democracy. I will however want to say that if the church does not practice democracy, should the church allow for autocracy then? Or should church allow for a situation, as in the days of Moses as the OP has shown, where one man leads an organized body of believers? The answer is equally "no".

Can you please relate the above with Paul? Bible Scholars believed he was a sort of bishop. Heading ALL the churches in Asia. He had pastors he raised (see Timothy, Titus et al), had a presiding authority in settling issues in these churches; see his letterd to the Corinthians, Galatians, etc. Was Paul not the general Overseer of these churches?

When we speak of the church of God which Jesus Christ died for, we are speaking of a group of born again people united in purpose with or without a building. In this situation, Jesus Christ is the head of that church. Whatever might detracts from the clear view of Christ's headship should be discouraged. It is erroneous to resort to Moses to get an example of what the church is meant to be.

Moses led the old church, would you say God wasn't completely right with one man leading the flock?

Moses, like Christ after him, where two distinct circumstances permitted by God for specific purposes. After them both, it's clear that God desires a different manner of government in his church. When the people sort for a king from Samuel, a careful observer will realize that God preferred for Himself to rule the people directly.

From the above bold, how does it justify the fact that God had to send Moses to free his people, and still led them, and still asked Moses to raise leaders who'd help him lead the people? The raising of Joshua to follow after Moses etc. If God preferred to rule directly, what then does this verse imply?

Ephesians 4
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 1Co 12:28 [Jer 3:15]
12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

And
Hebrews 13
 17 

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,

that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

God has always chosen a leader to lead His church

A king will detract from this. But he permitted it to their hurt. However, as we come into the New Testament, we begin to see an example of church government as God originally intended.

Hmmm

In Acts 15, a doctrinal dispute erupted that must be settled. The first ever church council was conveyed and the result of the meeting gives us an idea of who were the leaders. Paul and Barnabas spoke. The Judaizers spoke. Peter and James spoke. This James was the brother of Jesus. He was not an apostle in a strict sense. By his conclusion we could tell that there was a body of elders speaking, while he, James, was a mere spokesman. Remember his words "It seem good to the Holy Ghost and to us..." The decision was a collective one and not a one man show.

In acts 15, how many churches or christians were present? Who led the churches of the gentiles?

When Paul wrote his Pastoral epistles, he encouraged the enactment of a body of elders to lead the churches.

To which churches was he writing to? Churches He didn't plant? He wrote to his brethren, for all sheep has a shepherd, Jesus made that illustration and whosoever that doesn't go through the shepherd to the sheep is a thief. Of course Timothy must need those who'd help him in Ephesus as the church grew, etc

An apostolic authority may have planted the church, but a body of elders must lead the church. So much so that the Pastor should answer to these men.

Who did paul answer to? How many elders did he answer to? But we know Timothy answered to Paul.

In John epistles, he condemned a man who was running a church with the "GO" style - Diothrephes, saying Christians should not emulate such.

Next time don't quote a line just to suit your argument, quote the whole
3 John 1:9 BBE
I sent a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, whose desire is ever to have the first place among them, will not have us there.
10  So if I come, I will keep in mind the things he does, talking against us with evil words: and as if this was not enough, he does not take the brothers into his house, and those who are ready to take them in, he keeps from doing so, putting them out of the church if they do.


Does verse ten now justified your claim that John condemned the GO kinda rulership?

Having at the back of our minds what the NT says about elders leading a church, how do we then regard the things going on in our churches today?

Go on

I am sorry to say but the system of one man leading a church that pervade much of Christianity today is unscriptural.

Relate that to Paul, and please provide scriptures. In his first letter to Timothy, second verse, third chapter, Paul gave directions on how a Bishop should be chosen. The word bishop there is Episkopos which means the superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian church

Question! Why did Paul want timothy to have overseers? Remember, Ephesus had a large Christian population!

The church is a body of people. Such a body should be spiritual enough to elect (not in a democratic sense) a number of men (not women) to lead them.

Who elected Paul? Timothy?

If it happens that one man comes up with a vision to lead an assembly, that man must appoint elders to work with him.

Who says the GOs of today doesnt have? RCCG? RCC? WINNERS? Eh?

These men, like when the deacons where chosen in Acts, must be men of faith and of the Spirit. All of them should be answerable to each others.

Who was Paul answerable to?

The church could elect for a constitution;

Thank God u used could...now see where u wanna bring politics into the church?

they may should not.

But a situation where one man is seen as the main figure: GO, GS, SO, etc, should be discouraged.

Provide scriptures

It blurs the sight of Christ being Lord and should not be encouraged.

Now that's now completely unscriptural, and very DBish

A group of elders like this should be praying men, so that when decisions are made from proposed ideas, it would have the mark of God's Spirit on it. The body of elders may appoint a Pastor;

How may elders appointed Titus? Timothy?

they may choose not to. But the fact that the buck stops at the feet of a group of godly men, ensures the cases of leadership tyranny that run riot today do not occur. In a rare case where one man leading a fellowship does not have a body of elders to work with yet, that man should answer to another body of elders elsewhere until one is set up.

Pls, provide scriptures o! This one is completely DB's thought of how a church should be!

The case of Korah's rebellion should not be used as a justification for the one man system of church government.

Because? Or God wasnt right to have chose one man's leadership?

Moses, in the OT, typified a type of Christ or God. Korah's action was a clear rebellion against God. Moses was not autocratic; he was meek and those men sort to take advantage of this. God judged it.

So, in the New Testament, rebellion should be allowed because Christ is here now and we must demand our pastors to play by our rules? Who said Moses wasn't autocratic? Was he democratic? He for example said no one shd marry outside their tribe, but went his way and married an African. Folks protested his breach of the 'constitution' as u want it, when God came, what did He say to Miriam and Aaron? Did God mention anything about the rule? Those men took advantage of his meekness shey? U dey try o

Does this mean that Christians cannot express dissenting views under a body of elders? No. If a believer or group of believers in church have a dissenting view, they should be permitted to express it in private with the elders.

Some folks didn't like the idea of women coming to the church without hair coverings, how did they express the matter? Go consult Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians church. Where they permitted, yes.... who did they ask? The Jews? Peter? John? Luke? No, they wrote to their Man of God, their GO, even though the church in Corinth had it's own pastor.

The body of elders can listen to their views and they should sit down together like brethren and discuss it. I can assure you, that no ground will swallow any dissenter today in the church like Korah The elders might then decide on the views. If they disagree with this person or group, they should let this known to people like brethren will do. If the dissension continues, the group can be requested to leave the fellowship.

And if such fellow was from CEC or RCCG or such, he comes right to NL, and gives hisnside of the story, and some notable folks here would readily back them up! They know them selves bro!

What must be protected at all cost in church, is freedom and not democracy.

Whats the difference between the two?

The church should be a place where people are accountable to each other. Elder or not, there should be a sense of equality among brethren. So the question of democracy should not come up at all.

How? Remember moses, miriam and Aaron? These were all annointed folks, they were elders, how come there was no sense of equality amongst them?

God's people should be led by a body of elders: men of faith and of the Spirit who are obviously led by God.

Provide scriptures or put "my thoughts actually" after making such statement as above!,

When God leads a church, the tendency for dissension will be reduced. People usually dissent when there are apparent abuses that come as a result of oppression.

Am sure Korah thought of so too.. he felt oppressed too

I make bold to say that God is the author of some of these dissensions to draw the church's attention to it's complacency. Jesus is the head of his church and he has full liberty to express himself through anyone, including a dissenter. God's word, under the auspices of a group of godly elders, should be the final arbiter as it was in Acts 15.

U forgot to add "my thoughts actually"

Let me know whatever disagreement you mat have with the above.

Surely.


Ummm...pls, can you keep the writ a bit short? Thanks

His Headquarters In You- August 11th.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
(John 14:23)

I knew a long time ago that wherever I am is God’s headquarters, because Jesus said He and the Father would make their abode in the heart of the one who loves Him and keeps His Word. As I meditated on this several years ago in prayer, loving Jesus became so real to my spirit, and I understood what Paul meant when He said, “For the love of Christ constraineth us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14). What He meant was that our love for Christ compels us.

Colossians 1:26-27 says, “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This is the secret of the ages. This is the key: Christ in you. This was what Jesus meant when He said, “when a man loves me, my Father will love him, and we will come and make our home with him.” You become a Christ-in-you person. Christ takes up His abode in the quarters of your heart. Where will that take you?

Let’s read Colossians 1:28-29: “(Christ) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Where unto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” The Apostle Paul understood this and acknowledged that he functioned and operated by the working of God that worked in him mightily.

No wonder he said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” With this consciousness, you realize that certainly, nothing is impossible, because anything is possible. It’s all about Christ in you, working in, and through you. You’d never have to struggle for anything, because He’s working mightily in you, causing everything you do to succeed. The secret, however, is loving Him. When you do, He’ll set up His headquarters with you, and your life will be from glory to glory; you'll become fruitful and productive in all things.

Prayer. ..
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for setting up your headquarters in me, and making me your centre of operation. You’ve made me a success for life, because I love you and keep your Word; I acknowledge your mighty power that's at work in me mightily; and I thank you for your glory in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ;

2 Corinthians 5:15.
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Reading Plan:Romans 12:17-13:1-14, Psalms 89

2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 1:23-30, Isaiah 62

alexleo: Its not even about bashing catholics. Its about stating and sticking to the words of Jesus and his definition of true worshipers. The words of Jesus is more important to us than any useless satanic fairy tales by Roman Catholic or and denomination whatsoever. I'm already done with the issue long ago. Jesus did not define true worshipers with any denomination. Infact the woman he was talking to in that scripture was placing importance on place of worship and Jesus corrected her by telling her that now it is about worshiping God in Spirit and in truth and not about place of worship. So no need of her going to Jerusalem to worship. Anybody who is telling me about the RCC useless tales of satan is wasting time. Thanks bro.

You welcome!
Thanks for understanding, let's leave em Roman Catholics be and pray for em rather, some folks prayed years ago, and that's why we have the Church outside the Roman Catholic churches... by the way, what's RCC?

Reformed Church of Christ or Roman Catholic Church?

italo: What weak reasoning!

So a celebate man cannot succeed a married man in the Church?

So our past 39 married popes were successors of Peter but the others aren't?

Common, man.

You can think better!

If u could read, you'd have noticed this

Anyways, I'm not here to drag who was or wasn't the pope or what was the first church or who compiled the Bible..

It's either you ignored it or chose to be a bully! Anyways, having known you as the palm of my hand, I won't engage u.

Happy Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

alexleo: Stop behaving like a thief and a hijacker. Jesus established his church in the scripture without giving it a name and you people hijacked it that its your Roman Catholic Church. LIARS. You people hijacked Peter whom the bible only refered to as an apostle and said he was your first pope. LIARS. You hijacked the scripture and said you compiled it. Why didn't you slot in Roman catholic church, pope and trinity in the scripture if it was from you people? Hijackers and thieves have no place in the kingdom of God. BE WARNED.

It's soon gonna be a Catholic bashing thread... u just shot the first arrow!

Wait for Sal C, Chukwudi44, Ubenecdictus, fancistony... I hope you would be able to endure the soon to come insults and invectives?

And emm Catholics, Peter was not the first pope, if he were why don't popes and priests copy after him and get married? Anyways, I'm not here to drag who was or wasn't the pope or what was the first church or who compiled the Bible.... I'm here to monitor the progress of the said Grace Convention, why? Because it would be a real thread where folks would be appraised by me...what they post there would bbe compared to what they taught in other threads for consistency, and if they are not, I'd make wikileaks look like a child's play!

So, cn u please stop dragging with em Catholics? Nobody's gonna be edified by it, rather, u would get urself soiled, and ruin thus thread much further. Now, I'm not picking on you, I am writing you because u seem reasonable!

Knowledge And Understanding · Sunday 10th August

They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness…I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes (Psalms 82:5-7).

Our opening scripture describes the pathetic fate of those who are ignorant of God’s Word. They die like mere men, and fall like one of the princes, because of their lack of knowledge and understanding of spiritual realities. However, such folks can experience immediate transformation when they apply the principle for change, which the Lord Jesus taught in Matthew 13:15. It reads, "For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

What happens when you hear, know, and understand the Word is that the healing power of God works automatically in your life; you’ll function as gods! In Acts 19:11-12, we read that handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from the body of Paul. When those materials were placed on the sick and demon possessed, miracles happened; the demons left; sicknesses, no matter what kind, were healed.

Paul experienced such tremendous manifestations of the miraculous because he had come to know and understand something that others in his day didn’t. It was Paul who wrote what we read in 2 Corinthians 3:18, in our previous study, showing us that the glory of God that was on Moses’ face has come to reside in our spirits. He was the same Apostle who wrote that the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwells in you, and has quickened—vitalized—your mortal body.

These would tell you of the understanding of the man, Paul and his comprehension (Greek: sunesis) of the Gospel of Christ. This ought to be your knowledge and understand that the same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in you in His fullness.

Prayer ...
Dear Father, the entrance of your Word gives light to my spirit, producing healing and health in my physical body. As I meditate on your Word, supernatural understanding floods my mind, causing me to live victoriously today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: 
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Psalms 119:30: I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

1 year Bible reading plan: Romans 12:1-16 Psalms 85-88

2 year Bible reading plan: Philippians 1:15-22 Isaiah 61

JesusisLord85: hahaha 'christian' bullies . It is true what they say about you mods. Will you be presenting, and on what topic? I shall be ready for you.

Word against folly.

Shalom

[img]http://media./media/ftXvsSyRzKXXG/giphy.gif[/img]

Can't wait...

Processor01: @shdemidemi

Sometimes you need to stay humble and listen to others to find out if there's any truth in what they are saying, keeping in mind nobody knows it all. Take corrections and move on, after all, we are all here to learn and not compete.

I might still seem young when compared to some 'big ogas' here but you can bet I have spotted errors in your posts a few times.

One Jesus, one gospel!

apostle shedemidemi thinks otherwise.

get ready to be insulted or taken for a vicious circular spin

The Love Arena -Saturday, August 9th

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

What should matter the most in your life should be your love for God and those for whom Jesus died. This will make you think differently about God and about people. You’ll have a love-language, and not be judgmental towards people. The compassions of Christ will be unlocked within you, and you'll find yourself functioning in higher levels of the anointing. You’ll become a helper and a lifter of others; one who is touched and moved by the infirmities of others, so much so that you want them well.

Love will inspire and compel you to intercede passionately for the sick and hurting, the lost, and also for those who persecute you and have set themselves up as your enemies. Your prayer for them will be from deep within your spirit; that’s the prayer of love; it's unselfish and unconditional. The Word says while we were yet sinners, God demonstrated His love for us: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:. Jesus died for us, not after we became Christians, but when we didn’t even know God. If He loved us so, in spite of our wrongdoings, we should do the same.

This should be your consciousness; function in love. True faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). Love should therefore be the character of your life, language and expressions. Love isn't a subject to be merely discussed or explained in theory; it’s something to be lived and expressed. Let your heart burn with the love of God, and express it not only to God, but also to those for whom Jesus died.

Prayer. ..
Dear heavenly Father, I love you with all my heart, because you first loved me. Thank you for your love and compassion that burn in my heart fervently, which compels me to pray for and win others to Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study

John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Galatians 5:6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.


DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 year Bible reading plan: Romans 11:25-36 Psalms 82-84

2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 1:9-14 Isaiah 60

shdemidemi: Mr chatterbox ...

Be quick about it.. No time for bickering with you, I know how much you delight in petty and trivial banters. I am sure you are a man, based on outward appearance but inward reality makes it clear you are actually a woman.

Everything na double double o

Na so u talk say the Jesus can be traced to Adam, I wonder why babies come on NL, feel belonged to a clique of supposed 'true gospel preachers', they suddenly think the are well sound in the Word. Imagine how silly ur double gospel theory sounds

shdemidemi: What do you know about the gospel of Jesus!!!

Is it not disgusting that we have to hear such foolish and childish things from you?

Take your evil and unchristian doctrine where they belong. No one is interested in your futile, foolish and satanic messages from the pit of hell aka RCC. It isn't a secret anymore that your cult is the devil's most dangerous tool till date.

Let me bookmark this thread so that the very next time u tell me about insults and fights, mi lecture you on honesty and being truthful.

shdemidemi: I tire for the brother..

Even you?

No let me pull threads where u were not only fighting those who did not even talk to u... plus the invectives, insults and verbal excreta?

Let me wait for same solidarity from kunle!