₦airaland Forum

kendrick93:
her parents must be so irresponsible.. shame on them

How? They allowed her to go on holiday to a relative's and return this December.
How is that shameful?

ao765:
Hello
New on Nairaland

I would like to know people's views on the issue of serious discrimination against anyone over-45 (of which I am one!) seeking employment in Nigeria. I have applied for numerous jobs, be it long-term, short-term, consultancy and so on. Despite my wealth of experience, skills and expertise, I have not had even an interview! Are employers intimidated by experienced/older professionals? Surely our experience will bring added value to organisations and we can be of help to younger employees. Please we should not be discarded with yet! We are still useful to the employment market!! Anyone feeling similarly frustrated with this type of discrimination and unfairness?? Let's hear your veiws!

Some things do not add up in your post
1. You haven't been invited for interview yet you claim wealth of experience. Where did you get this experience?

2. Are you applying for a first job at 45years? Those to interview you are Human Resource managers in their 30s
3. Organizations don't just want expertise. They want people they can invest in and who can build a career
4. You didn't mention your discipline. The course you read is important. If it's Education, you can easily get a place in these numerous private schools
5. You didn't mention where you have been applying to work in. With the Civil service, the maximum age for first appointment is 50years

"A scuffle ensued between Ndubusi and the complainant, one Phillip Eze, over his declaration in church while giving a testimony that the complainant’s son death was as a result of her intentions toward him."

Phillip Eze say this after me "Real men don't fight with women"
Say it three times slowly.........

If you had obeyed this simple rule, you would have walked away with your respect and kini kan still intact.

I don't blame the woman that much. How can you mock a woman that lost her son? I wish I was a lawyer; she would've been freed long ago

Lawprince:
Some Nigerian Christians have purposefully chosen the path of Deliberate Ignorance about Islamic concepts. Everyone that reads knows that the linguistic interpretation of the word 'Jihad' is to 'struggle to attain an objective'.
What IBB is thus saying is for us to put the use of the Jihad in its appropriate sense by all partaking in the struggle against Boko Haram.

The fact that IBB himself is a major contributory to what developed as Boko Haram today is a separate argument. The unbias understading of his assertion is another.

Please spare us all these rhetorics. Una no de tire?

People are being killed and you think the cause is the deliberate ignorance of Christians

LMAyedun:
Children Attending school without desks nor chairs in Awgu, Enugu state, Nigeria 1970.

This picture nearly brought tears to my eyes.

This is the generation of Igbos that started school right after the Civil War
No facilities but boundless optimism and the sheer joy of being alive!

I just noticed the "Olusola" in Desmond Elliot's name

I had always thought he was from Akwa Ibom

I think this will be more appropriate in the literature section, don't you?

[quote author=Aegon post=28476249][/quote]The number of prominent Americans who are in AMORC is immaterial

That one million flies eat shit doesn't make eating shit healthy
Will you join BH because some promiNent Nigerians are there?

Sunnybobo3:
Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten. Jesus Christ is claimed to have been a Rosicrucian by members of the mystical order.

Abeg let them leave Jesus alone! What did He do to them?
Must they seek validity by dragging His name into their secret cult?

Secret cult

My brother in law was a member
Had an altar and played strange music and talked of aura
He became a born again Christian and destroyed that altar etc

Why do you pick and quote the Scriptures out of contexts?

Scripture is used in interpreting scripture.
I guess the writer is a Muslim. They are the ones who wrest the Bible like this.

Both He that sanctifies(Christ) and the sanctified (Paul) are one. Paul is of Christ. Even the early apostles didn't observe any disparity between his doctrine and what Christ had taUght them.

Quit divisive comments

Will 1.2m do it? Very serious buyer
Where is the car?

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE LAST DAYS

[1 Timothy:4:1-9 ]; [2 Timothy:3:1-7 ].
Lesson No.: 414
Class: Senior[b]
Memory Verse: [/b]

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (I Timothy 4:1).
Cross References:

I Departing from the Faith
1. The Spirit gives warning that some shall depart from the faith, [1 Timothy:4:1]; [1 John:2:18-19 ].
2. Doctrines of devils and hypocritical lies are substituted for the truth by these apostates, [1 Timothy:4:1-2 ]; [2 Timothy:4:3-4 ].
3. Commandments of men are enforced, displacing the commandments of God, [1 Timothy:4:3-5 ]; [Mark:7:6-8 ].

II The Minister’s Duty
1. Words of faith and good doctrine are to be ever kept before the brethren, [1 Timothy:4:6].
2. Emphasis is placed upon godliness, [1 Timothy:4:7-9 ]; [Titus:2:12].

III Perilous Times
1. All manner of evil is a mark of the last days, [2 Timothy:3:1-4 ]; [Matthew:24:37-39 ]; [Genesis:6:5-7 ].
2. A form of godliness is observed, but the power is denied, [2 Timothy:3:5-7 ].
Notes:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” One of the strong emphases that the Apostle puts on the sign of the last days is a departure from the faith: apostasy, turning away, forsaking the old paths. The Laodicean age is the last age of the Church on the earth, and it is marked by lukewarmness, a state nauseating to God. God has said, “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Let us beware lest we become spiritually lukewarm in these latter days.

It is good to consider what the Spirit saith unto the churches through the Word. The Word is inspired by the Spirit of God. That is why the Word is alive. It is quick and powerful, and it pierces to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, joint and marrow -– the spiritual and the physical.

Never-Dying Soul
Man was created in the image and likeness of God. When God breathed into man the breath of life, man became a living soul. He became alive physically and spiritually. The animals, birds, fishes, and all other created things were made different from man. Man was a distinct creation of God, a creation possessing a never-dying soul. How glorious! Yet how disgracefully man has treated his privilege to serve God and to be true to God.

Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils can enter into a man and work in subtle ways, in insidious ways, to delude, to deceive, and to draw him aside so that he misses the purpose that God had in mind for his eternal welfare. And there he is, nothing but a poor, deluded dupe of the devil, an apostate -– departed from the faith -– abandoned by God. God has declared that these seducing spirits would deceive the very elect if possible. Let us think seriously on these things.

Signposts
In God’s Word we read: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers.” Lovers of their own selves! Not lovers of God, not lovers of their neighbour, not lovers of the beauties of God’s great salvation, but lovers of their own selves! Look the world over today and what do you find? A literal fulfilment of those very words of Scripture. Men are demanding, selfish, covetous, boastful.

The age in which we live is a boastful age. Men are boasting of their scientific discovery and development, boasting of their theories and of the preparations they are making for space travel, and investigating planets in the faraway heavens. Few things seem denied to the wisdom of man today, but with one stroke God can reduce man’s wisdom to confusion, as He did to the builders of Babel.

The Apostle said: “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” [1 Corinthians:1:20]). After man’s wisdom has utterly bit the dust, God’s wisdom will be soaring on through the eons of eternity.

Evil Men
The Word of God describes the men of the last days: “Boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.” Never was there a time in the history of the world when these very words of Scripture were so literally and perfectly fulfilled, through the lives of evil men as today.

The social fabric in these days is breaking down in a marked way. Moral standards are no longer where they were; they are going down. Remember, the Bible declares that in the last days “perilous times” shall come. We are living in the last days. Perilous times are here! Men are “incontinent,” “despisers of those that are good.” When was the world ever so given over to the lust of the flesh and the pride of life as today?

If one really has a standard of decency in his heart, he is often despised by others. Many people will follow a multitude to do evil, just because it is popular. But one can doom his soul to a devil’s hell for all eternity by following a multitude to do evil. God hates it!

Lovers of Pleasure
The Bible tells us more about the people of these last days: “Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” About whom is this speaking? Anyone who finds earthly pleasures more palatable than the love of God and His law. It matters not whether he is in religious circles or not. One does not need to be an atheist or an infidel to grieve the Spirit of God and incur His wrath. All one needs to do is to have a greater love for pleasures than for God.

Sometimes we wonder about people who will lightly deny God’s claims on them for true worship, serious thinking, service for the Lord in spreading the light of the Gospel; and, instead, will seek and do their own pleasure.

Give this matter a little thought: Are you a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God? What do you do on the Lord’s Day? How much are you contributing to the cause of Christ? Are you giving God your time and your talent, giving of your substance and your ability? If not, perhaps you, too, are a mark, a sign of the last days because you have more love for pleasure than for God.

Formal Religion
After describing the men and women of the latter days, the Scriptures follow with these words: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Carefully note these words. Take inventory of your spiritual status. These words come from God’s Holy Book.

Many people today have a form of godliness, but are spiritually dead. They continue their form of religion but they have no power –- deny the power of God that quickens, that makes alive, that fills with zeal, faith, courage, and enthusiasm for the cause of Christ.

Their first love, that first desire to see men and women born into God’s kingdom, came into their heart through receiving pardon for sin, after godly sorrow had taken place; but now seducing spirits of devils have crept in and undermined their former love and zeal and faith and the doctrines they once loved. They are now left stranded and destitute of the Spirit-moving power of God, but they continue on in form only.

Beware
God deals with men and women individually. He reveals His will through His Word. But if His Word falls on dull ears, that person becomes delinquent in his service for God; his love for God dims; he loses his zeal for God’s kingdom. If that happens to be your condition, you may well know that there is something desperately wrong. And you should take care of the matter before it is too late.

God forbid that we, individually or collectively, should ever fall victim to that spirit of apostasy which has come over the nominal church -– the professing church -– in these last days. May we never lose that fervour, zeal, and burning desires to give our all for Christ’s cause. May we serve Him with an intense earnestness and give Him our time, our talent, our ability.

God’s Word is true; and when we step into eternity, even those who may not believe it today will find that it is true. Someday all will know that this Bible is the Book of Life, the Book of God, the Book that determines one’s eternal destiny. It is the Book that shows every man and woman the way to Heaven.

May God stir our hearts! May we never, never, let the spirit of the perilous times in which we live take such an effect upon our soul that we become careless and indifferent in our behaviour before God.

The Accepted Time Today is the time to become concerned. Today is the day of preparation. Today is the day of salvation. How would it fare with you if today were the end of the world?

Now is the accepted time to seek God’s pardon -– the time that God will accept you. The Word says to believe Him. God will accept you, sinner friend, lukewarm follower, backslider, cold and dead professor, if you repent.

God is calling. If you will hear His voice, harden not your heart, but come home to God’s love and be ready for that last day.
Questions:

1. Who warns us that there shall be a departure from the faith in the latter times?
2. What is substituted for the truth by those who depart from the faith?
3. What happens to the conscience of those who depart from the faith?
4. Are any of God’s creatures to be refused? How are they to be received?
5. What is to be refused?
6. Complete the quotation: “Godliness is profitable unto all things, . . .”
7. When shall perilous times come?
8. Name the 19 signs that mark perilous times as foretold in the text of today’s lesson.
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved. Send comment to Webmaster
Source URL: http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org/content/last-days

LORDI:
Celebrate well, coz next year u're leaving aso rock,eventhough you rig the election,..I and buhari supporter's will make nigeria uncomfortable for you.

Here you go making inflammatory statements again! Comments like yours are really unfortunate.
What if Buhari loses even at APC primaries? Have you thought of Atiku buying up majority of the delegates?

And these are the ones who love Nigeria!
Smh!

Btw Happy Birthday, Mr President! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE ANTICHRIST

[2 Thessalonians:2:1-12 ]; [Daniel:7:7-28 ]; [Daniel:8:23-25 ]; [Daniel:11:21-24 ], [Daniel:11:28-32 ], [Daniel:11:36-38 ], [Daniel:11:45]; [Daniel:12:1-3 ]; [Revelation:13:1-18 ].
Lesson No.: 413
Class:
Senior Memory Verse: “The mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (II Thessalonians 2:7).

Cross References:

I Events Prior to the Reign of the Antichrist
1. The falling away must first come, [2 Thessalonians:2:1-3 ].
2. The Rapture of the Church will transpire before the antichrist is revealed, [2 Thessalonians:2:5-8 ]; [Isaiah:26:20-21 ].

II The Antichrist
1. A covenant with the Jews is made and broken, [Daniel:9:27]; [Daniel:11:30-32 ].
2. He is a world-wide ruler, [Daniel:7:7-8 ], [Daniel:7:15-25 ]; [Daniel:11:21-24 ], [Daniel:11:28-29 ]; [Revelation:13:7].
3. He is governed by Satan, [2 Thessalonians:2:9-12 ]; Daniel [Daniel:8:23-25 ]; [Revelation:13:1-6 ].
4. He exalts himself as God, [2 Thessalonians:2:4]; [Daniel:11:36-38 ], [Daniel:11:45]; [Revelation:13:8-18 ]; [Matthew:24:15].

III The Tribulation
1. It is a time of trouble, [Daniel:12:1-3 ]; [Matthew:24:21].
2. God’s judgements are poured out on the world, [Daniel:7:9-10 ]; [Revelation:16:1-21 ].
3. The antichrist is defeated, [Daniel:7:11-12 ], [Daniel:7:26].
4. Jesus Christ takes the reins of government, [Daniel:7:13-14 ], [Daniel:7:18], [Daniel:7:22], [Daniel:7:27-28 ].
Notes:

The Antichrist
Jesus said: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” [John:5:43]). This one who shall come in his own name is none other than the antichrist of whom John warns, “Ye have heard that antichrist shall come” ([1 John:2:18]). The Apostle Paul refers to him as “that man of sin,” “the son of perdition.”

Now we are told that he will come before the day of Christ. That is, he will come and reign before the revelation of Christ, which is at the close of the Tribulation. Let us look at the order of the events as told in II Thessalonians 2.

The Falling Away
First there comes a falling away. Perhaps the greatest display of the falling away has been the departure from the fundamental doctrines of the Church and turning to modernism. Many people hold to the name “Christian” but deny the deity of Christ. They claim to teach from the Bible, but deny the miracles thereof. They acknowledge a “Supreme Being” but substitute Darwinism for the Genesis record of Creation. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

The Holy Ghost
Now after the falling away, we read of One who still prevents the revelation of the antichrist. “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [hindereth] will let [hinder], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed” [2 Thessalonians:2:7-8 ]). He who now hinders is none other than the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost who was sent down to earth on the Day of Pentecost and has remained to this day seeking out a Bride for Christ. The Holy Spirit will leave this world with the Bride to present us to Christ at the Rapture of the Church.“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast” [Isaiah:26:20]).

With the Bride safe in God’s pavilion enjoying the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the antichrist is then revealed on the earth. After the antichrist’s brief reign the Lord will destroy the antichrist with the “brightness of his coming.” This coming will be the revelation of Christ at the beginning of the Millennium.

The Mystery of Iniquity
The mystery of iniquity, which worked in Paul’s day is certainly working more strongly in our day. One of the strong delusions that is most baffling today is that of communism. This godless religion based upon the atheistic theories of Marx and Engels promises utopia, but delivers serfdom and abject slavery. It rejects truth as such, and calls anything truth that furthers its cause. “It cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered” [Daniel:8:12]). From a standpoint of subjecting people and gaining control over much territory by lies and false propaganda, Communism has prospered and now dominates one third of the world’s land surface and more than one third of the world’s population. This atheistic philosophy dethrones God and sets up man and so-called science. It promises peace, but advocates violence and bloodshed. This philosophy reduces man from a spiritual being to an animal and condemns to death any who disagree with its tenets. It justifies lying, stealing, immorality, and even murder if it furthers the cause of Communism.

The Man of Sin
Out of a tumultuous sea of political agitation arises one “whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” This one, the antichrist, is called “that man of sin,” literally, the man of lawlessness. That is a good point to remember. Why? Because that is exactly what he is -– lawless. He disregards all law, except what he himself institutes.

So strong is his power of deception, that all the world will wonder admiringly after him. Men will proclaim, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” He speaks great things and draws the world unto himself. His description as a beast is that made up of a leopard, bear, and lion. This would indicate that in his kingdom are manifest some of those qualities that made up the kingdoms described in Daniel 7. The golden splendour of Babylon, the massive power of Medo-Persia, the elegance of art and intellect of Greece, the iron law and discipline of Rome are all combined to make men stand in awe of such a ruler.

“He shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many.” Peace and prosperity -- two of the greatest desires of man -- are accomplished by him for a time. “He shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries” [Daniel:11:21]). “He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, for his fathers’ fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches” [Daniel:11:24]).

The Abomination of Desolation
As we understand [Daniel:9:27], the antichrist makes a covenant with the Jews for a seven-year period (one prophetic week). This covenant embraces the right of the Jews to set up their temple on Mt. Moriah, the site of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews resume their worship with sacrifices being made in their temple. In the middle of this period, the antichrist breaks his covenant with the Jews and “exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” [2 Thessalonians:2:4]). This is “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet” [Matthew:24:15]).

To further his demands for worship, we see another beast rising out of the earth, a false prophet, whose office is to convince the world of the deity of the first beast, and to demand that he be worshiped. Though the looks of the false prophet resembles a lamb, his speech betrays the source of his power -– the devil -– “he spake as a dragon.”

The Mark of the Beast
The absolute control that Satan has through these two men is shown in the demand for the mark of allegiance in the right hand or in the forehead of each of their subjects. Without this mark one cannot buy or sell; with it he is doomed to eternal hell. “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, . . . and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone . . . and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name” [Revelation:14:9-11 ]). “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” [Joshua:24:15]).

The Comparison Satan’s triumph through the antichrist is short. From the time he sets himself up as God until the end of his reign is only forty-two months. Compare this with Christ’s Millennial Reign on earth for one thousand years, and choose for Christ today. Be sure that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, or you will be caught in the snares of the arch-deceiver. “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” [Revelation:13:8]). Is your name written there?

Though the reign of the antichrist promises peace, no sooner does he exalt himself as God until the Almighty begins to pour out judgements upon the earth. We have but to study the Book of Revelation to see what transpires in this short period of tribulation. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” [Luke:21:36]).
Questions:

1. Name the order of events before the Millennium.
2. What is meant by the falling away?
3. Where does the antichrist get his power?
4. How widespread is his domain?
5. What happens to those who take his mark?
6. What is the “abomination of desolation”?
7. What are some of the other Scriptural names for the antichrist?
8. How long does the antichrist reign?
9. Where does the antichrist make his headquarters?
10. How is the antichrist overthrown?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.
Source URL: http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org/content/antichrist

frustratedman:
I have finally realized that our mind is our GOD. There is no omnipotent and omniscience God projected in the Greek constitution called bible. The bible is just made of series of lies to keep gullible minds in check. The evil christian God shall never respond when we call. He will just sit and watch like a Doll. I am frustrated and it has gotten to the point that i am desperate to challenge his authority if he has not seized existing. I hate God so much for all i have faced. I lost 200k which i intended to transact with, So many unfortunate things have happened all around and still no changes. I will never forgive God

Because of 200k loss you are ranting like this? Check yourself into a psychiatric hospital before situations get out of hand. Please please please!

otosa:
let's stop deceiving ourselves, Where are those rice, who is selling them and which buyers are they buying them,or those farmers are making it for only people that living in Aso Rock? ege times ege. and Where is that money, does it has any impact on our economy? this is a big lie. egbon ! the person weh go separate u and lie they never born him.

Your post made me laugh! Don't get angry but you sound like one illiterate man that had listened to Bournvita advert who heard that it contains milk and egg, bought a tin, opened it and cursed the advertiser for telling lies because he couldn't see the egg and milk.

The rice is in the market. Your countrymen are buying and re-packaging them and calling them Thai par-boiled rice. The money is used in running your economy. It is not stashed in one warehouse where you can see it.

It is not only rice but majority of your made-in-China shoes and clothes are actually made in Aba, re-labelled and carried to Dubai where your own people go and buy them as "foreign" wears and bring them back to Nigeria. If they package these goods as Made-in_Nigeria, you won't buy them because they are not "foreign"

SDIEGO:
Nice one man. Mehn im really thinking of going by flight for the first time when travelling back to lagos from akwa ibom. Does anyone know the price for to or both to and fro? Thanks

Both Aero and Arik fly Uyo-Lagos. The rates vary. With Aero, if you book early you can get fares as low as N14,000 one way

Justice629:
How much where you paid by PDP

Nothing dear. I was answering someone's ignorant questions. Btw the right word is "were" not "where". I correct people for free too.

So you are paid to discredit things you don't understand?

Grow up child!

abayomi23:
Dr adesina,the minister of agric is a criminal and must be put behind bars.where are the pady rice?,where are the 18 rice mills located?can anyone on this forum tell me if he has eaten pady rice or has seen it on shelves of rice sellers.all this statistics and figures are pure fraud.shai ,shai there is god oooo.nigerian leaders are heartless and wicked.i stand to be corrected,over 90% of rice consumed in nigeria are imported.

He isn't lying dear. I pardon ur ignorance. Most of the rice you eat is locally produced. Yes I have seen the integrated rice mills in Ebonyi State. These mills dehusk, parboil, dry, mill, de-stone and bag the rice. It is amazing! And saves the farmers a lot of work.
To make it acceptable to you folks that like "foreign" rice, your brothers buy this rice, pour little groundnut oil on it and re-bag as Thai rice and sell.
The Minister of Agric is working. Some of my family members have accessed the soft Agric loans. I have also purchased the easily-available clearweeds

stillwata:
One step foward ten steps baward.well done tambuwal

Poor thing! I mean Tambuwal not you

Seun:
If there were actually 10 documented cases of faith healings, the claims would have been written about and debated by reputable journalistic establishments like CNN, BBC, etc, and skeptics like James Randi would have investigated the cases to find the inevitable flaws. As it stands, the sole source of this information is an article on a Christian apologetics site that we've never heard about.

I think I understand you: if Jesus can heal, then He must have divine powers and you would need to pledge allegiance to Him. And that means subjecting yourself to a lifestyle that you may not want. The bottom line is: you want your freedom to live your life without the consequences written in the Bible. But I am afraid humans don't have such luxury. We must face the just results of our actions (powered by our beliefs) or inactions.
You're free to believe what you like but I have also experienced miracle healings. These are very normal experiences for Christians

himkers:
My babe fine pass ur wife

#Truth

Then why is she still your babe and not your wife?

Wed her and put the pictures here or we don't believe it

Op your wife is cute and homely. HML!

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE RAPTURE OF THE SAINTS

[1 Thessalonians:4:13-18 ]; [1 Thessalonians:5:1-24 ].
Lesson No.: 412
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:
“This we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep” (I Thessalonians 4:15).
Cross References:

I Comfort Concerning the Dead
1. The dead in Christ shall rise first, [1 Thessalonians:4:13-16 ]; [1 Corinthians:15:23].
2. The living saints shall be caught up with them, [1 Thessalonians:4:17]; [1 Corinthians:15:51-52 ].
3. The Scriptures are given for our comfort, [1 Thessalonians:4:18]; [1 Thessalonians:5:11]; [2 Corinthians:1:3-4 ].

II Alert to His Coming
1. He comes as a thief in the night, [1 Thessalonians:5:1-4 ]; [Matthew:24:42-51 ].
2. The Christian must watch, [1 Thessalonians:5:5-10 ]; [Matthew:25:1-13 ].

III Exhortations to Christians
1. Respect your leaders, [1 Thessalonians:5:12-15 ]; [Hebrews:13:17].
2. Pray and give thanks, [1 Thessalonians:5:16-20 ]; [Philippians:4:6].
3. Shun evil and hold fast that which is good, [1 Thessalonians:5:21-24 ]; [Psalms:34:14]; [Romans:12:9].

Notes:

The Two Great Events
The general term, the “second coming of Christ,” refers to two great events. The first is the Rapture of the Church, at which time, Christ is seen only by those who are ready; they are caught up to meet Him in the air. The second event is the Revelation of Christ, when He comes back with His saints to set up His kingdom on earth -- the Millennium. Between the Rapture of the Church and the Revelation of Jesus Christ occurs the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Heaven and the Great Tribulation on the earth.

The Rapture of the Church is the catching away of the Bride of Christ -– those who have made themselves ready -– from this earth to the place that Jesus has prepared for them, to be united with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” [John:14:2-3 ]).

We shall Rise
Cemeteries have been left unkempt; records of the dead have been destroyed; those gone on before have been forgotten; men may have been burned, blown to bits, or buried at sea; but nothing shall prevent the dead in Christ from coming forth at the sound of the Trump of God. Science tells us that matter cannot be destroyed without leaving a trace. Though these bodies of the saints go back to dust, yet, out of the dust shall come forth each child of God in a glorified, resurrected body when the Lord shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the Trump of God. Jesus said, “The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth” [John:5:28-29 ]).

Job was very emphatic when he cried out, “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” [Job:19:23-27 ]).

The First Resurrection
All the dead from Adam down to the end of time are going to be resurrected, “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” [1 Corinthians:15:23]). The resurrection of the righteous dead, known as the “first resurrection” is in several stages; that is, Christ, as the firstfruits, came forth first as a token of the harvest that was to follow. We are told also that when Jesus died, “the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many” [Matthew:27:52-53 ]). Our hope of the resurrection is not founded on faith alone, but is well substantiated in the fact that Jesus arose from the grave, and not He alone, but many of the saints with Him. Thus with the firstfruits gathered in, we are well assured of the harvest that is to follow.

At His coming, we are told that the dead in Christ shall rise first. “The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” [1 Corinthians:15:52]). The bugle has long been used to arouse sleeping soldiers, but what a day that will be when the trumpet of God shall arouse from the dust of the earth the bodies of all sleeping dead who have died in Christ. The souls of Christians who die go immediately to Heaven. When Christ returns in the Rapture, these souls are clothed upon with immortality, with the bodies that are raised from the dead, each one receiving from the earth the substance that was laid aside in death. This resurrected body will “be fashioned like unto his glorious body” [Philippians:3:21]).

The living, overcoming saints shall also “be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” and “shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Thus the Rapture of the Church, which is the great harvest of the First Resurrection, includes the living, overcoming saints and the dead in Christ.

Warnings
“Let us watch and be sober.” The careless and indifferent, though they may call themselves Christians, are in grave danger of being left behind when the Trumpet sounds. Jesus gave us the parable of the ten virgins as a warning to those who fail to make adequate preparations for His coming. What a bitter disappointment for those who intended to take part to find themselves shut outside the door! Who can picture the anguish of soul of the foolish virgins whose darkened lamps give witness to their failure to obtain the oil of the Spirit in the day when God was pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh? Have you been baptised with the Holy Ghost?

Imagine the fear of the unprofitable servant as he stood before his Maker. His own excuse condemned him, and his unused talent lay on the table in mute evidence of his neglect. Can you feature his despair as he was cast into outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth because of neglected opportunities? Is your talent being used in the service of the King?

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” [1 Thessalonians:5:5]). The Word of God gives us light, but it is up to us to walk in it. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” ([1 John:1:7]). The warnings in the Bible are numerous, especially those that express the necessity of watching for the coming of the Lord. We watch by measuring our lives to the Word of God. Are you measuring up, or making excuse?

The Armour
“Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” The true child of God is not, and must not be, content just to obtain forgiveness of sins and then settle down to go to sleep. We must be diligent to grow in grace, and to go deeper in the Lord through faithfulness in prayer and study of the Word of God. Salvation must be augmented by sanctification, a second, definite experience with the Lord. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ [1 Thessalonians:5:23]). In addition to sanctification, he must seek until he receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost as promised by Jesus and experienced by the disciples as recorded in Acts 2, to be a member of the Bride of Christ.

We are “to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” those who “are over you in the Lord.” We are exhorted to obey our spiritual leaders: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls” [Hebrews:13:17]). Humility and submissiveness are qualities of the Bride of Christ. When we are corrected let us remember we are called to “abstain from all appearance of evil” [1 Thessalonians:5:22]). Let us keep as far away as we possibly can from the danger line, and as close as we can to God that we might “be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” [1 Thessalonians:5:23]).
Questions:

1. What two events are included in the second coming of Christ?
2. Describe the Rapture.
3. Who will have part in the Rapture?
4. Name the order of the resurrection of the dead.
5. Where are the souls of the dead now? Are they con-scious?
6. Compare the resurrection with the harvest.
7. What preparation is necessary in order to meet the Lord in the air?
8. Describe the condition of the Church for which Christ died.
9. Name some of the signs of the coming of the Lord.
10. With what is the coming of the Lord compared?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.

I am very happy to know the daughter didn't die too.
This is good news even tho we are not happy with the parents' death

A governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Plateau State, Senator Cosmas Niagwan, is dead.

Niagwan died in his sleep in Lagos, TheStreamNG gathered from Punch.

News of the ex-lawmaker’s death, who was 75, filtered into Jos in the early hours of Thursday.

Niagwan, who represented Plateau South senatorial zone in the 5th Assembly, was said to have travelled to Lagos from his Jos home to transact some business when he met his untimely death.

He had indicated interest to vie for the governorship of Plateau State, but had not obtained the nomination form before he passed on.

His former legislative aide, Mr. Gabriel Nkup, who confirmed his death, said Niagwan died in his house in Lagos on Wednesday night.

He said, “I spoke with his wife and she said that he did not show any sign of sickness, but went to bed and failed to wake up.

“I spoke with him last Friday and he told me he was in house in Jos and I told him I would be coming to see him before he travelled to Lagos.”

Niagwan, a marine captain, liquidated the former Nigerian National Shipping Line, and was former chairman of the Nigerian Maritime Academy, Oron, in Akwa Ibom State.

Youngzedd:
The babe be like, when we go chop this dude head.

I think I needed this laughter!
Op una well done.

I didn't know that people have degenerated to this level of immorality. No wonder the churches are full and running over. After risking your life in all kinds of atrocious behaviours, you run to the churches seeking for instant miracles to manage the penalties of irresponsible living.

I hope you practise safe sex, though. Before you destroy your entire life

rhymesteey:
Chiii see that old woman at the right hand corner.... She feeling lonely

Agony of the senior wife! I am sure she is thinking: what got me into this mess

The first woman on the left looks really quarrelsome

If it's any comfort to us, it is also rumoured that getting Nigerian visa is very difficult for foreigners. Our own consular offices carry the Nigerian i-don't-care attitude with them and nothing gets done at the right time. If the other countries revenge against us, then know that we will be sleeping for days in places like Walter Carrington

Where is Mosquito? He used to be very vocal on topics like this.

Btw I am a Christian, unashamedly so . I have nothing to contribute here. I have nothing to hide

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


THE AMBITIONS AND AFFECTIONS OF A CHRISTIAN

[Colossians:2:20-23 ]; [Colossians:3:1-25 ].
Lesson No.:411
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuferring; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:12, 13).

Cross References:

I Dead with Christ -- Risen with Christ
1. The Christian is dead with Christ to the things of the world, [Colossians:2:20-23 ]; [Colossians:3:3]; [Romans:6:1-6 ]; [1 Peter:2:24].
2. The Christian is risen with Christ to newness of life, [Colossians:3:1-4 ]; [2 Corinthians:5:17]; [Ephesians:2:1], [Ephesians:2:5-6 ].

II The Old Man -- The New Man
1. The old man with his evil conduct and tempers is to be put off, [Colossians:3:5-9 ]; [Ephesians:4:22], [Ephesians:4:25-31 ].
2. The new man in the image of the Creator is to be put on, [Colossians:3:10-11 ]; [Ephesians:4:24].
3. The new man is to be clothed with Christian graces, [Colossians:3:12-15 ]; [Ephesians:4:32].
4. The new man is to be nourished by the Word, and Christ is to be the centre of all activity, [Colossians:3:16-17 ]; [Psalms:119:11], [Psalms:119:97]; [Jeremiah:15:16]; [1 Corinthians:10:31].

III Christian Living
1. Wives are to be submissive; husbands are to be compassionate, [Colossians:3:18-19 ]; [Ephesians:5:22-25 ], Ephisians:5:28-29; [1 Peter:3:1-7 ].
2. Children are to be obedient; parents are to be considerate, [Colossians:3:20-21 ]; [Proverbs:8:32]; [Ephesians:6:1-4 ].
3. Servants are to labour as unto the Lord; masters are to give a fair wage, [Colossians:3:22-25 ]; [Colossians:4:1]; [Ephesians:6:5-9 ]; [1 Timothy:6:1-2 ]; [James:5:4].
Notes:

Risen with Christ
Paul the Apostle wrote to the Colossians about a most glorious spiritual experience. He called it being “risen with Christ.” Let us consider briefly why it is necessary to have this spiritual experience, and by what means it is made possible.

In the beginning of time God created man in His own mage and placed him upon this earth. Here man walked and talked in fellowship with God, but because of sin, this fellowship was broken and death passed upon all mankind. This was more than physical death, for God said that in the day that Adam would eat of the forbidden fruit he would surely die; and we know in that very day a change came over Adam. He no longer looked for fellowship and communion with God, but rather he hid himself when God came to the Garden. Death passed upon Adam -– spiritual death -– and from then on, all the sons of Adam were born in sin. David said, “I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

But God through His infinite love devised a marvellous plan of redemption by which sinful man could be brought back into the fellowship of God. It took Jesus’ death on the cruel cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for sin. Jesus remained in the tomb three days, and then He arose; and Paul tells us that He arose for our justification. When a sinner comes to God through Christ, confessing and forsaking his sins, and believing on Jesus as his Redeemer, a wonderful transaction takes place. That person is born again -– a spiritual birth -– risen to walk in newness of life, a new creature in Christ, the old things passed away and, behold, all things become new. Paul told the Ephesians, “And you hath he quickened, [made alive] who were dead in trespasses and sins” [Ephesians:2:1]).

What a tremendous price our Lord Jesus paid that we might have this glorious spiritual experience of being “risen with Christ”!

Holy Ambitions and Affections
When a person is saved, all his sins are forgiven. Every wrong deed or malicious act is forgiven so completely that he stands before God as though he had never sinned. No work of righteousness of his own brings this transaction; it is accomplished through faith in the work of Christ at Calvary. But, there are certain positive actions and activities, that a person is admonished to follow in order to keep saved and make Heaven his home. Two words of action that Paul uses are “seek” and “set”; both centre about things above, not things on the earth.

Many may think of ambition and affection as evil things; but these are natural principles in the human soul and become evil only when they are directed to an improper object. The ivy will climb upward if only it can lay hold on some tall object, to which it may adhere, but if no such support lends itself it will creep along the ground. Like it, ambition and affection will mount heavenward if they be fixed on some heavenly thing, but left to themselves they will trail along the earth and may degenerate into the worst of things.

An ambition or affection bounded by the horizons of this present life, its riches, honour, pleasure or power, falls far short of what Paul was admonishing the Colossians to seek. He wanted to lift their eyes far above the transitory things of this present life. “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” [2 Corinthians:4:18]). Paul’s desire was that the Christian’s love for God, for His truth, and for His righteousness would be coupled with a holy ambition for the work of the Lord in labouring for lost souls to win them from the darkness of sin to the glorious light and liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With this holy zeal for God, Paul wanted the Colossians to have “humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering”; for he knew that it was possible to be all out for the Lord and still be humble. A person can be truly humble, never promoting, defending, or avenging himself, and he can at the same time possess holy boldness for the Lord and His cause.

A reason for this holy ambition and affection Paul stated was: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” From this and other Scriptures, we know that our position in glory shall be determined by our Christian character and the work which we have faithfully done here. An outstanding example of this would be our Lord Jesus Himself. After His resurrection there were the scars of His sacrificial death; and the height of His exaltation in glory is proportioned to the depth of His voluntary humiliation when He was here on earth. (Read [Philippians:2:8-11 ].) As we approach His likeness here, so shall we obtain a measure of His glory hereafter. What a solemn thought this is and what an influence it ought to be toward seeking those things, which are above and the setting of our affection on things above.

Sanctification
The Christian, having been raised with Christ and proceeding with a holy ambition and affection for the Lord and things above, soon finds there is to be yet a deeper work wrought in the heart. Though all his committed sins and transgressions have been forgiven, there is yet a nature of sin within, a root of sin, which was inherited from Adam. Paul calls this “the old man,” and he says he is to be put off “with his deeds.”

When we are saved the carnal nature or old man suffers a stunning blow. He is nailed to the cross, made powerless, but he is still not dead. There comes an instant when the old man dies, the heart is sanctified and pure love reigns supreme. The new man is put on, “which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” [Colossians:3:10]); “which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” [Ephesians:4:24]). The image of God’s sinless creation is restored and Paul then called them “the elect of God, holy and beloved.”

John the Beloved saw a revelation of the Bride of Christ and she was “arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” [Revelation:19:8]). Here Paul calls this adorning, “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.” Then to bind all this together, Paul said to put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Oh, what glorious adornment!

Nurturing the New Man
Paul does not leave the Colossians without a means of maintaining and strengthening in the faith their spiritual new man. He said: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Line was to be upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. They were never to tire of hearing the Word of God. They were never to grow weary of being admonished in their spiritual warfare, but rather they were to encourage one another by assembling together, by the singing of hymns, and preaching and teaching God’s Holy Word.

Christ was to be the very centre of all motivation and action so far as the Christians were concerned, even to every word and deed done in the body. This of course would influence their homes, their conduct between husbands and wives and children. In their secular labour as they worked for their living, they were to work as if they were doing it unto the Lord. After all, the main purpose of their life was to live for the Lord and to see others brought to the saving knowledge of Christ. Because of their faithfulness in work and labour, and their living for Christ, perhaps their employers would be saved. Paul the Apostle, even as a prisoner, saw fellow prisoners saved and a jailer converted -– certainly not because he held hatred and animosity toward them, but because he had a love for every eternity-bound soul.
Questions:

1. What experience was Paul speaking of when he said, “If ye then be risen with Christ”?
2. Name two positive actions that Paul admonished the Colossians to follow.
3. Explain how it is possible to have an ambitious zeal for the Lord and still be meek and humble.
4. What experience was Paul speaking of when he said, “Put off the old man with his deeds”?
5. The “new man” was to bear the image of whom?
6. What were the Colossians urged to do to nourish and sustain the new man?
7. Explain in what way these Christian experiences were to affect each member of the home and the employer-employee relationship.
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.

Published on Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa (http://www.apostolicfaithweca.org)


CHRIST, THE ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE

[Colossians:1:9-29 ]; [Colossians:2:8-19 ].
Lesson No.: 410
Class: Senior
Memory Verse:

“In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Cross References:

I Loving Concern for the Colossians
1. The brethren in Rome are grateful for the good beginning of the Church at Colosse, [Colossians:1:3-4 ].
2. They pray for continued spiritual growth, [Colossians:1:9-11 ]; [John:17:9], [John:17:15-23 ]; [Ephesians:1:16-17 ].
3. Paul reminds the Colossians that redemption and deliverance is through Christ’s Atonement, [Colossians:1:13-14 ]; [Romans:3:24-25 ]; [Titus:2:14]; [Hebrews:9:12]; [Revelation:5:9].

II Christ’s Divine Pre-eminence
1. Christ is the image of God, [Colossians:1:15];[Colossians:2:9];; [John:14:9]; [Hebrews:1:3].
2. Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, visible and invisible, [Colossians:1:16-17 ]; [John:1:3-4 ]; [Hebrews:1:2-3 ].
3. Christ is the Head of the Church, and the first-born from the dead, [Colossians:1:18-19 ]; [1 Corinthians:15:20]; [Ephesians:1:22].

III Christ, the Author of Redemption for Mankind
1. Peace and reconciliation is made through the Atonement, [Colossians:1:20-22 ]; [Isaiah:57:21]; [Romans:5:10-1].
2. The holy and unblameable spiritual state is conditional on steadfastness in the faith, [Colossians:1:22-25 ]; [John:8:31].
3. The great mystery is Christ within the Christian, presenting him perfect, [Colossians:1:26-29 ].

IV Perfection in Christ
1. A Christian is complete in Christ; sanctification brings Christian perfection, [Colossians:2:8-11 ]; [John:17:17]; [1 Corinthians:1:30]; [Ephesians:5:26]; [2 Timothy:2:21]; [Hebrews:10:10]; [Hebrews:13:12].
2. Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection are wrought out spiritually in the Christian, [Colossians:2:12-13 ]; [Romans:6:3-5 ].
3. The Children of God enjoy freedom in Christ, [Colossians:2:14-19 ]; [John:8:36]; [Ephesians:4:16].

Notes:

The Colossian Church
The City of Colosse was located approximately 100 miles inland from the City of Ephesus. Though Paul had journeyed over much of this territory, never in his writings does he mention directly that he was in the City of Colosse. In reading [Colossians:2:1], it would appear that he had not been there, for he wrote of his concern for as many as had not seen his face in the flesh. No doubt, as a result of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus the Gospel was spreading into the surrounding cities, as in this Epistle he makes mention of the churches at Laodicea and Hierapolis which were neighbouring cities to Colosse.

Philemon was one of the faithful leaders at Colosse, and the church possibly was in his house [Philemon:1:2], [Philemon:1:7]). During Paul’s imprisonment, Onesimus, a native of Colosse, was won to Christ. This man was a runaway servant of Philemon’s and Paul sent him back with the heart-touching letter known as the Epistle to Philemon. (Read [Colossians:4:9]; [Philemon:1:10-12 ].)

Another leader at the church of Colosse seems to have been Epaphras, who was a faithful minister of Christ [Colossians:1:7]), and who faithfully carried the Colossians on his heart in fervent prayer [Colossians:4:12-13 ]). Perhaps Epaphras was converted during Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. In any case Epaphras not only loved his people, but he also loved Paul and journeyed all the way to Rome to be with him, to minister unto him, and to share his imprisonment. When this man gave the good report of the faith, love, and hope of the church at Colosse, Paul’s heart rejoiced with thanksgiving [Colossians:1:3-5 ]). Inasmuch as Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, he proceeds to write this Epistle to the church at Colosse, though he had never seen their faces.

A Very Hopeful Beginning
How the heart of Paul the Apostle, the prisoner, must have thrilled when he heard the good report from the church at Colosse! But Paul, from years of Christian experience, knew that a good beginning was not enough. He knew there would be many trials, tests, and perils in the spiritual battles that were yet ahead for the young church. Paul desired and prayed that they might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that they might “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

Paul’s great heart went out for them that they might continue and increase in their spiritual graces and attainments. It was his desire that they continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and that they finally be presented before Christ “holy and unblameable and unreproveable.”

Deeper in the Knowledge of Christ
The Colossians had a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, but there are heights and depths and lengths and breadths in Christian knowledge which cannot all be taken in at once. The greatest of saints never stop learning. All Christians need continually to add to their knowledge and to strive after deeper and clearer insights into the mysteries of God and His grace.

One of the profound mysteries of the Gospel is that Jesus could reside here on earth in a human body and still be part of the Godhead, the great Trinity. Philip said to Jesus, “Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Jesus said unto him, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” [John:14:8-9 ]). Paul said that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He bears all the attributes, power, and nature of God.

All creation is ascribed to Jesus as well as unto God. John said, “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Paul the Apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, states that all things in earth, yes, and in Heaven, visible and invisible, were created by divine command. We see nothing here of the modern man-made theory of evolution. The theory that this world gradually evolved through myriads of years is based on a whole series of completely missing links. This theory has been beset by the necessity of constantly being altered and changed because of later scientific discoveries, but the Word of God has remained unchanged down through the years of time. Scientific discoveries have not made it necessary to alter God’s Word. Actually, these discoveries have rather confirmed the Bible and the fact that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” [2 Peter:1:21]).

The great Creator, Paul says, is the Head of the body -– the Church. This position is not left for an angel, certainly not for a mortal man -– His created beings -– but is for the Creator, not only because He is the Creator, but also because He is the Redeemer. He, the Creator, “took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” [Philippians:2:6-8 ]). All this, that He might redeem lost souls and forgive fallen mankind’s sins, making peace by reconciling all things unto Himself! This wonderful salvation is a great mystery, and Paul told the Colossians that this mystery is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Sanctification Paul wrote to the Colossians: “Ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” How thankful Paul must have been that he knew the Colossians had been taught sanctification, that there is a circumcision of the heart in which the very root and nature of sin is removed. Paul was not trying to bring them back under the Law when he was speaking of circumcision (which was a ceremony under the Law, and typified sanctification), but he meant that circumcision which was made without hands, circumcision of the heart performed by Christ. Christ had come and had fulfilled all the Law with its types and shadows.

Jesus had died for their sins, had been buried, and had risen again for their justification; and in testimony of this they had been baptised by immersion in water. (Read [Romans:6:3];[Romans:6:4].) The Colossians were warned not to be in bondage or to be judged by anyone in regard to meat or drink, or the keeping of holydays or Sabbaths or the feasts of new moons. Many of these ordinances, true enough, were given by God, but they were given for a specific period of time, known as the dispensation of the Law; and the Law was a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ. So Paul said that the Law was only a shadow of things to come, but the body (who casts the shadow) is Christ who fulfilled all the Law.

The Colossians were warned of the danger of the Judaizers who wanted to bring them under the bondage of the Law. Paul also warned of those who “through philosophy and vain deceit” were trying to bring them back into the things of the world. But having been born into the family of God, made a partaker of Christ, that great Creator and Redeemer, they became a vital part of the Body of Christ, knit together in the unity of the faith and the bond of peace. No power in earth or hell could break such an intimate bond as this; but the aged Apostle knew that it all depended upon each one whether he would continue in the faith. They, being free moral agents, could take themselves out of the Lord’s hands and thereby lose all the benefits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But if they kept true, their faith and confidence steadfast unto the end, they would increase with the increase of God as they received more of God, and would eventually become partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, and enjoy the bliss of Heaven for all eternity.
Questions:

1. What prompted Paul to write to the Colossians when he had never seen them?
2. Paul compared Christ to God; describe this comparison.
3. The first verse of the Bible states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” How then could Jesus be called the Creator of all things?
4. Why could Christ be called the Head of the Church?
5. Explain how we know that the Colossians had been taught about sanctification and water baptism.
6. What was the mystery of which Paul spoke?
7. What was the ultimate end that Paul wanted to see the Colossians and everyone reach?
© 2011. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved.