Bible Teachings
1. The Holy Bible
2 Timothy 3: 16-17; Proverbs 30: 5-6 ; Revelation 22: 18-19
The Holy Bible , consisting of 39 books of the Old Testaments and 27 books of the New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God. We take the Bible as final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and work .
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the only source of knowledge of the Almighty God to all mankind. It is the contact point between finite man with the infinite God; and its prime purpose is to give mankind the revelation of God.
2. Prayer
Prayer is for the Christian life what breathing is for life. Prayer is the active communion or conversation of the believing heart with God. Its necessity for the spiritual life is fundamental. There can be no Christian life without it. By regeneration and justification the Christian has become a child of God and as such he is filled with love for God and trust in God and to this he gives most material expression in childlike conversation with the Father, in immediate approach to God and confident discussion with Him of all that moves the heart. Prayer is the evidence of this relationship, its natural expression. When the soul has become conscious of it, it turns irrevocably to God in prayer regardless of need to do so.
Prayer address the following areas:
1. Prayer must be according to the will of God (1 John 5: 14)
2. Prayer must be in Jesus name(John 14: 13-14)
3. Prayer must be a believing prayer of faith(Mark 11: 24)
4. Prayer must persevere until God answers(Luke 18: 1-8)
3. The total depravity sinfulness and guilt of all men
The total depravity, sinfulness and guilt of all men since the Fall, rendering them subject to God’s wrath and condemnation- Psalm 51: 5; Job 14: 4; Romans 3: 23; 5: 12-17; Mark 7: 21-23
The entire nature of man, mentally, physically, morally and spiritually, has been affected by sin. The testimony of the scriptures is that the image of God in man has been seriously marred by this great fall. As a result of the fall, and the nature of sin inherited, man became separated from God, totally alienated from the perfect, holy and pure God. This separation is the cause of man’s sorrow, shame, fear, heartaches and manifold problems, spiritually and mentally.
4. The Virgin Birth of Jesus
The virgin birth of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God as well as His crucifixion, death, burial and bodily resurrection- Isaiah 7: 14; Matthew 1: 18-25; Romans 1: 4; 1 Corinthians 15: 3, 4
One of the most important facts concerning Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is that He was born of a virgin. The virgin birth confirms Christ’s Deity and clearly distinguishes Him as the only sinless man conceived without Adamic depravity.
The virgin birth is thus an essential doctrinal truth which must be upheld for its fact and significance. Disputing this cardinal doctrine is by implication, denying Christ’s Deity and His distinctive nature. It was this distinctive spotlessness that disqualified every other man from satisfying God’s demand for substitutionary death. He therefore became the spotless Lamb of God found in fashion as a man.
5. Repentance
Luke 18: 13; Acts 16: 30; Mark 1: 15; Acts 20: 21; 26: 20; 2 Thimothy 2: 25; Hebrews 6: 1; Acts 17: 30
Repentance is turning from sin and putting one’s faith in Christ. Repentance comes about through the convicting power of the Spirit of God using the Word of God to cause a change of attitude, action and affection. Jesus said you must repent and believe the gospel, because the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believes(Romans 1: 16). The gospel, the good news for every sinner, is that Christ died on the cross for our sins, as our Substitute, and shed His precious blood to wash away our sins, and arose from the dead on the third day in order that we might have the forgiveness of sins and have eternal life through Him
6. Restitution
Ephesians 4: 28
Restitution is making ammendment for wrong done to another person. Restitution includes compensating a person for stolen or damaged property or phsical harm done to someone. Restitution laws cover a variety of circumstances: assault(Exodus 21: 18-19); bodily injury (21: 26-27); liability (21: 33-36); theft (22: 1-4); property damage (22: 5-6); irresponsibility (22: 7-13); and the loss or damage of borrowed items(22: 14-15). Voluntary restitution required the return of the item plus “one-fifth more” (Leviticus 6: 1-7). Many Christians believe the laws governing restitution are relics of Old Testament law that no longer apply. The New Testament tells a different story. Zaccheus promised to make four-fold restitution because of his abuse of power as a “chief tax gatherer” and being an oppressor of the poor(Luke 19: 8). While restitution did not save him, it was evidence that he had truly repented in the way he abused his power.
7. Justification by Faith
Romans 5: 10; Romans 10: 8-10; 1 John 5: 13;
Faith means to trust in Jesus Christ. It is coming to Him. It is casting all your cares on Him.
The old acrostic-Forsaking All I Trust Him? Is the theologically perfectly accurate. Eternal life is Christ dwelling in His righteousness in the soul of the justified person. So eternal life is union with Jesus Christ. And the word for that union with Jesus Christ is faith. The sinner comes to Him, rests in Him, trusts in Him, is one with Him, abides in Him; and this is life because it never, ever, ends.
8. Water Baptism
Matthew 28: 19; Mark 16: 15-16; 1 Peter 3: 21; Acts 16: 15-33; 9: 18; 2: 38-39; 8: 12-16
The word “baptize” is a transliteration of the Greek term ‘baptizo’. In the New Testament, “all Greek words used of baptism come from this term.” This term means whelmed or covered wholly with fluid. To most theologians, dipping into water is hard to change to into ‘pour upon’ or ‘sprinkle’. The Bible seems to teach immersion (dip) into water as the mode of baptism. For instance, John the Baptist was baptizing people where there was much water; there is no need for much water if sprinkling or pouring is all that is necessary.
Baptism symbolizes ones identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. That is to say, in baptism, the believer is buried and raised in likeness of Christ’s death and resurrection. Immersion in water is the only mode that fits this type. That is, only through immersion are we buried with Him in baptism and planted in the likeness of His death.
9. The Lord’s Supper
Matthew 26: 20-25; 1 Corinthians 11: 24-25;
The second ordinance that the Lord gave to the local Church is the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial service, a time when we remember the suffering death of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11: 24-25, the Bible says “This do in remembrance of me”. This gives the purpose of our observing the Lord’s Supper. It is not just religious ritual. It is not part of the salvation of our souls. It is time when we remember and reflect upon the suffering death of the Lord Jesus Christ.
10. The Entire Sanctification
1 Corinthians 1: 2; 2 Corinthians 7: 1; John 17: 17; Acts 26: 18; 15: 9; Romans 6: 6; 15: 16; 1Thessalonians 5: 23; 4: 3; 2 Thessalonians 2: 13; Jude 1; Hebrews 10: 10; 13: 12; 1 Peters 1: 22;
Sanctification means to consecrate, to separate from an earthly and common use and, and to devote or dedicate to God and His service. In the process of making pure, sanctification is that gradual work in the soul leading up to the second definite work of grace and it is expressed by such passages of Scripture as those which call for the cleansing of ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit(2 Corinthians 7: 1), the process of dying(Romans 6: 6). Sanctification may be used to express the fact of dedication onto God for sacred use, the act of definite work in the soul in definite cleansing from all sin, the process of development from the moment of conversion, the state to which the Church is called, or the state or condition of soul following the definite act of cleansing, generally known as ‘Christian Perfection’, ‘ Perfect Love’, ‘ Heart Purity’, and ‘ Holiness’
How Long Must We Wait to Experience Sanctification?
Both John Wesley and Adam Clark testified to the fact that they had never known of a person to receive both experiences at one and the same time. The question, “How are we to wait for this change? That is, the change of heart purity? John Wesley’s answer is illuminating: “Not in careless indifference, or indolent inactivity; but invigorous universal obedience, in a zealous keeping of all the commandments, in watchfulness and painfulness, in denying ourselves, and taking up our cross daily; as well as in earnest prayer and fasting, and a close attendance on all the ordinances of God. And if any man dream of attaining it any other way(yea, or of keeping it when it is attained, when he has received it even in the largest measure), he deceiveth his own soul. It is true, we receive it by simple faith; but God does not, will not, give that faith, unless we seek it with all diligence, in the way which He hath ordained.
11. Baptism in the Holy Ghost
The Baptism in the Holy Ghost is an experience in which the believer yields control of himself to the Holy Spirit. Through this he comes to know Christ in a more intimate way, and receives power to witness and grow spiritually. Believers should earnestly seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. The initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to, the experience of the new birth.
The Apostolic Baptism in the Holy Ghost as recorded in the second chapter of Acts is the privilege of all God’s people, for the Scriptures saith, “the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2: 4; 10: 46; 19: 6).
12. Redemption from the curse of law and healing of believers
Exodus 15: 26; Deuteronomy 7: 15; Psalm 103: 1-5; Proverbs 4: 20-22; Isaiah 53: 4, 5; Matthew 8: 16, 17; 1 Peter 2: 24; James 5: 14-16; 3 John 2
Redemption is a release or liberation from captivity or death by paying a price called a ransom. It simply connotes buying back unto freedom someone in servitude, slavery or captivity. The fall of man brought all human race under sin, Satan and condemnation. This was the result of man’s disobedience to God, and the consequence of the broken law. Man lost his purity and favour with God in the fall. Man cannot by himself regain it. The whole creation was brought under the curse and all men ( in Adam) became sinners and captives to sin, Satan and sickness(Romans 5: 12).
13. Evangelism
For three years, Jesus preached the glad tidings of His coming kingdom to the people in Palestine. Before He ascended into Heaven, Jesus commanded His Apostles to continue His work of evangelism beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24: 46-49; Matthew 28: 18-20; Mark 16: 15-16; Acts 1: 8). The new message of salvation was that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had died for our sins and was raised from the dead to rule over His spiritual kingdom at the right hand of God’s throne(Acts 2: 22-36; 3: 13-26; 4: 10-12; Collosians 1: 13-14). This, indeed, was great news to those lost in sin. Jesus disciples were determined to share that message of hope with others.
The call and ministry of every Christian is to be an evangelist. To not witness is to sin because we know we ought to be doing it (James 4: 17). We cannot rely upon our pastor or church to do it because we are the church. It is our call and our responsibility. We are ministers of reconciliation, and we will be judged for our faithfulness in that ministry (2 Corinthians 5: 18-19).
14. Marriage
Marriage is the single most important relationship in this life beside the relationship with God. God gave Marriage to the human race as a demonstration of His divine love. The Lord Himself oversees marriage. He makes Right Man and Right Woman; then brings them together and matchless grace.
Theology on marriage in its current state is accurately defined. That does not mean that the apostate church accept it, nor that society in general approves. However, in spite of the confusion in our seminaries, great men throughout the ages have persisted in the study of the scripture and left a legacy of accurate instruction on the subject of the relationship between God and mankind. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; making a right decision to know God and to love Him guarantees finding favor with God at the time of seeking a life partner in marriage. The two dimensions to a wonderful union of man and a woman are : love for God and love for mankind(Matthew 22: 37-40). Firs, there is a commandment to love the Lord; in other words, seek the Lord till you get to sanctification experience. Second, love for your fellow mankind makes you ready and qualified to love the special person God will bring across your way.
15. Rapture
1 Thessalonians 4: 13- 18; 2: 19; 4: 15; 5: 23 John 14: 3; 1 Corinthians 15: 51-53; Romans 8: 23; 13: 11; Ephesians 4: 30; Titus 2: 13; 1 Corinthians 1:7- 8; 3: 13; Philippians 3: 14; 1 Peter 1: 5,7, 13 Acts 1: 9-11; Genesis 5: 24
The teaching of Rapture is spoken of few times in the Bible. In fact, the Greek word from which we get the whole rapture idea appears only 13 times in the New Testament and even then it comes to us in a roundabout way. The Greek word is harpazo and means to catch up or take by force. In most English translations of 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 it’s rendered ‘caught up”. 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 is the only place the word harpazo refers to the rapture of the Church. You would have to read 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 in Latin to see it there. (It appears as rapiemur).
Rapture refers to the physical transfer of believers from earth to heaven, John 14: 3 ” And If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”; 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18. It involves the instantaneous metamorphosis of the body into a resurrection body like Christ’s, I Corinthians 15: 51,52 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” This includes Church Age saints exclusively, 1 Thessalonians 4: 16: the dead in Christ.
16. Ressurection of the dead
The teaching of the resurrection of the dead must be clearly understood by all today. Bible employs words to describe places sinners and believers go when they die. Some people believe when sinners die, they go to hell fire; and when believers die, they go to heaven. In Luke 16: 19-21, Bible says some are in hell and some in Abraham’s bossom. In other words, saints of God will go to rest in Abraham’s bossom and sinners will go to a place of torment called hell ! God has a place of rest for believers in Christ. Also, it describes it as heaven, a place of glory; and a place of rest(Hebrews 4: 1; 4: 5; 4: 9-11). In Isaiah 5: 13-14, we see descriptions of hell. Hell is presented as an expanding place; getting larger and larger, and people do not understand where they are going.
In the New Testament, Apostle Paul described the ressurection of the dead. In his argument and defense of himself before Felix, Paul talks about his belief in two resurrections, of the just and the unjust(Acts 24: 14-15). In 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, Paul presented order of resurrections. The first is Christ the first-fruit, then the saints will rise, then: so if we are not around when Christ returns, we will go to the grave. But the essence of what God breathed into us will go back to God, and that staging place is known as Abraham’s bosom. They who died outside of Christ, their resting place is called hell. Death will either be restful and enjoyable, or Abraham’s bosom, there is something better coming.
17. Great Tribulation
The Great Tribulation will occur after the Rapture and will be a time of terrible suffering on earth. It is also referred to as the time of “Jacob’s trouble”(Matthew 24: 21-22, 29; Revelation 9: 16; Mark 13: 19; 2 Thessalonians 2: 3-12; Revelation 13. During this time, the Antichrist will take possession of this world for a reign of terror. He will not be a system or organization but a person- a supernatural, diabolical being, in the form of a man who will blaspheme and proclaim himself to be God (Daniel 8: 23-25; 2 Thessalonians 2: 7-12; Revelation 13: 1-10). The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will take place above while the Tribulation continues on earth(Revelation 19: 1-10).
18. The Second Coming of Christ
The Second Coming of Christ is made known:
1. In the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself taught in clear, unmistakable language His coming again to the earth, not only in those wonderful words of comfort found in John 14:1-3, but also in many other places in the Gospels. In parable and exhortation, before His disciples, before the multitude, and when arraigned before His judges, He talks of His coming again (Luke 17:20-37; 19:11-27: Matt. 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21).
2. By the witness of angels. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews lays special stress on the trustworthiness of the testimony of angels. He speaks of it as being “steadfast,” since angels are ministering spirits, messengers, the very mouthpieces of God. Everything the angels–the annunciators of Christ’s first coming–said about the coming was true. The angelic testimony regarding the Second Coming of Christ is found in Acts 1:10, 11. These words are capable of no other interpretation than that the same Jesus the disciples beheld vanishing from their wondering view would again come to the earth as they had seen Him leave it. The entire Book of Revelation may be regarded as angelic testimony to the Second Advent and the accompanying events, for Christ “sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.”
3. In the preaching of the apostles. Jesus promised the apostles that He would send unto them the Holy Spirit to “guide you into all truth”; “show you things to come”‘ and “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26; 15:26, 27; 16:13-15). It is, therefore, important to know what these men thus equipped have to say concerning this subject. These all, with no uncertain sound, give a united testimony to the fact of Christ’s coming.
• Peter’s testimony (Acts 2:30-36; 3:19-26; 1 Peter 1:5, 7, 11, 13; 4:7, 13; 2 Peter 3:3, 4, 7-10, 12, 14);
• Paul’s testimony (1 Thess. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:14-18; 5:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:1-11; Rom. 2:16, 8:18, 19-23; 11:25, 26, 13:11, 12: 1 Cor. 1:7, 8; 5:5; 2 Cor. 5:1-10, Phil. 1:6; 3:21; 2 Tim. 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13);
• John’s testimony (John 14:1-3; 21:22; 1 John 2:28; 3:32; Rev. 1:7, 11:15-17; 22:7, 12, 20);
• James’s testimony (James 5:7-9);
• Jude’s testimony (Jude 14, 21, 24).
19. Christ Mellinian Reign
Christ ‘s Millennial Reign is the 1,000 years literal reign of Jesus on earth, which will be ushered in by the coming of Jesus back to earth with ten thousands of His saints. At this time He will judge the nations that dwell upon the face of the earth- Jude 14, 15; 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-10. During this time, the devil will be bound(Revelation 20: 2-3). It will be a reign of peace and blessing(Isaiah 11: 6-9; 65: 25; Hosea 2: 18; Zechariah 14: 9-20; Isaiah 2: 2-4
The word millennium, is a compound derivative from Latin which simply translates into a thousand years. Thus, Christ’s millennial reign is a thousand years of the full manifestation of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is sequel to the Great Tribulation period which is a period of intense suffering for everyone on earth.
According to God’s revealed time-table, the Church will suddenly be taken away by Christ (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18) in a mysterious even known as “ the Rapture”. Then, a seven-year period of great suffering for sinners left behind will follow (Matthew 24: 21, 22). At the end of the seven-year period, Jesus will come again with the church to establish His government (Jude 14). The government of this world at that time, will resist His coming. But the Lord will overcome at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19: 15-21). Satan will be bound and imprisoned for 1000 years (Revelation 20: 1-3). The kingdom of this world will then, become the kingdom of our God and His Christ (Revelation 11: 15).
Christ’s millennial reign will be a time when the purposes of God will be fully realised on earth, as theocracy (government of the state under the firm control and direction of God) will be established. Christ, as the divine representative of God will at this time, speak and act for God. He will be given a universal and glorious dominion with absolute power to govern (Isaiah 9: 6; Psalm 45: 4; Isaiah 11: 4; Psalm 72: 4). It will be the responsibility of Christ at this age to announce God’s will and law(Isaiah 2: 3, 4; 33: 21, 22; 42: 4; Acts 3: 22).
20. The Great White Throne Judgment
A sense of final reckoning seems to be written into the conscience of every man of every culture whether men are religious or not. In fact, the Bible is filled with stories of judgment from Genesis to Revelation. The events of the Great White Throne Judgment are written in Revelation 20: 11-15. Th is is the Final Judgment, an eternal judgment, and part of the doctrine of eternal judgment taught in Hebrews Chapter Six.
Who is the judge? He who sits on the throne, God Himself, the sovereign ruler of the universe is the judge.
Who are the subjects? Who must appear? All those who have rejected Christ Jesus and the salvation he offers must stand before this throne. All the unsaved must appear. All the dead, both great and small, shall look up into the Face of God. The term “dead” is used seven times in these six verses and refers to the spiritually dead.
No believers of the church age will be present. Believers in Christ will, however, be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ to be repaid for their deeds, whether good or bad.
When does the Great White Throne Judgment take place? At the end, after the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth, and before the advent of the new heaven and the new earth.
What is the basis for the judgment? Why is anyone there? People are at this judgment because of their rejection of Christ as Savior. Their disbelief is demonstrated by their works.
What is the outcome? There is only one result—eternity in the lake of fire with the devil. All who are there will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). Remember God did not intend for anyone to be sentenced to hell. Hell was not prepared for humans, but for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
21. The New Heaven and the New Earth
That the New Heaven and the New Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness will be made by God and the redeemed shall dwell with God forever. This present earth, which has been polluted by sin, will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgment ( Psalm 102: 25, 26; Isaiah 51: 6; 65: 17; Matthew 5: 18; 24: 35. No unclean thing will be there. We shall know each other, our knowledge having been perfected. There will be no more curses upon anything. There will be no more night, the glory of the Lord will be the light thereof. Isaiah 66: 22; 2 Peter 3: 12, 13
22. The Hell Fire
Hell is a place of future punishment for the unrighteous; in other words, those that would reject Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that hell is an actual , literal place and He described it as a place of eternal suffering. In Matthew 13: 49-50 says, “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”. In Luke 16: 22-24 describes hell: “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, “ Father Abraham, have pity on my and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.” 2 Thessalonians 1: 9 tell us, “These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. “Revelation 14: 10-11, speaking of the antichrist, teaches us, “He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.” Hell is a lake of burning fire, as described in Revelation 20: 14-15, “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
23. Christian Endurance
Exodus 15: 23-25; Exodus 16: 2-4,26-28; 32:1-2; 15: 23-24 Deuteronomy 1: 6 -8, 19-21; 20: 1-2; 2: 7b; 26: 5-9; Judges 20: 18-28; Numbers 21: 4-5; Matthew 24: 9-26; 10: 21-22; John 16: 33; Revelation 20: 4; 2: 10; Hebrews 10: 32-36
The Bible teaches on endurance of believers in all circumstances. There are times when Christians face challenges and life becomes difficult as a result of following the Lord. During adverse or unfavourable times, we are to remain faithful and committed to God and allow Him(God) only to deliver us. The Children of Israel went through endurance tests at different times but they failed God. Just after God’s special provision of escape and victory the Israelites were tested. T hey marched for three days in the wilderness before finding water, but it was bitter. Instead of trusting God to supply the need, the people murmured against their leader Moses(Exodus 15: 22-25).
24. Worship and Praise
Exodus 34: 5-8; 15: 20-21; 33: 19; 1 Chronicles 13: 8; 1 Chronicles 6: 31-33; 9: 28-29, 33; 15: 16, 22, 25, 27-29; 16: 10; Matthew 6: 9-13; Nehemiah 8: 9-12*; Esther 5: 1; Acts 2: 47; Acts 16: 25
Praise and Worship are important aspects of our true reverence to the Almighty God. We must show it before the people and demonstrate it in our closets. God, the second person of theTrinity, came down and walked before Moses and praised the Almighty God. Moses observed God, the second person of the Trinity and worshipped God (Exodus 34: 5-8). David was lost in genuine worship of God that Micah described him as glorious in his worship of God. David forgot who he was and cared less for people around him. It cannot be overemphasized that when we are holy and pure in His sight a lot of great things take place in His presence.
25. Committment to the Word of God
Deuteronomy 31: 12-13; 32: 45-47; Joshua 1: 8; 22: 5; 23: 6; 2 Timothy 2: 15; 1 Timothy 4: 16: 12-16, 13; Ephesians 1: 13; Acts 20: 27; Mark 4: 33
There is a uniform appeal to believers from the Old and New Testaments to get to the rhythm of studying the Word of God. Studying the Word of God provides spiritual nourishments and help with spiritual growth all the time. Believers do not attain spiritual height God wants them to reach if priority is not given to the study of God’ Words above other things. Studying God’s Word comes before prayer! A careful combination of committment to the Word and a prayerful lifestyle will make anyone a CHAMPION in all areas of one’s life.
26. Teaching on Godheads
Let’s begin by taking a look at some passages that early Christians noticed that led them to think in terms of something like the doctrine of the Trinity, or at least what became the doctrine of the Trinity. Some of these passages are ones that actually affirm the oneness of God, but also raise a question. For example, John 17: 3, “And this is eternal life: that they may know thee, the only true God.” Do you remember how it goes from there? “And Jesus Christ whom thou has sent.” Here you have a verse that not only claims eternal life is connected with “thee, the only true God” but also with Jesus Christ whom God has sent. Who is able to give eternal life but God? Here is a verse that is claiming something that only God can do, namely give eternal life, is the gift of God and Jesus Christ. Doesn’t that seem to put Jesus at the same level as God? 1 Corinthians 8:6 is similar, “But there is only one God, the Father, of whom are all things.” Then the verse continues, “And one Lord Jesus Christ from whom are all things.” So, who can create? Only God can create. Here this verse says that creation comes from one God, the Father, and from Jesus Christ through whom are all things. We know from other teachings in the New Testament that the Creator that is highlighted in the New Testament is, in fact, Jesus. For example, in John 1, “All things came into being by Him.” That is this Word, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by Him,” by the Word, “and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” In Hebrews 1, likewise, it is as one who is the radiance of the Father, this one who has come, who was the creator of the worlds. Who can create but God alone? And yet here, Christ is said to be creator. In a context in 1 Corinthians 8:6, where there is an affirmation of one God, this was very difficult to try to put together.
27. Holiness of Life
Hebrews 12: 14-15; 1 Thessalonians 4: 7; Matthew 5: 8-16, 22-26; 38-48;
The Old and the New Testaments emphasize clearly the teaching on holiness of life of believers. In the New Testament, Holiness of life means knowing how to live a Christian life in the midst of persecutions; how to affect lives of our enemies or detractors through prayers and wishing them well. In the New Testament, holiness means absence of anger, bitterness and animosity against anyone. Holiness is about love, unspeakable joy towards all men and seeing the whole world as one. There is no discrimination where holiness is practised and demonstrated.
28. Fasting
Nehemiah 1: 4; 9: 1-2; Ezra 8: 21; Judges 20: 26; 1 Samuel 7: 6; 2 Samuel 12: 21-23; Luke 5: 34-35; Matthew 6: 16-18; Acts 13: 2; 14: 23
Our Lord Jesus Christ is our pattern(1 Peter 1: 21). Christ’ fasting during His temptation in the wilderness is our example, just as His prayers during the temptations in the garden are our examples. Also we are told that the Apostle Paul is to be imitated(Philippians 3: 17; 4: 9). Paul put before us the example of frequent fasting(2 Corinthians 11: 27). Fasting is important and useful in Christian life and service, but it is not something which can be commanded and it is not something by which we are to judge the spiritual condition of others. Fasting is one of the ways whereby a minister of Christ approves himself(2 Corinthians 6: 4-5).