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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Lesson 3 Prayer
Water Baptism & Baptism
Lesson 4
of the Holy Spirit
Lesson 5 Praise & Worship
Conclusion
Transformation does not occur overnight. It takes TIME, PATIENCE and EFFORT to
develop into the strong, mature Christian that God intended for you to be.
Remember that changes will not happen overnight but as you allow the Word of God
to work in you, these changes will eventually show in your life for everyone to see.
Remember, it is not how fast you progress, but your consistency to remain faithful.
You will be glad you did it. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to learn all you need
to know. We are here to assist you to help you grow in your walk with God by
discipling you through the Word of God and relationship.
Eph 4:11 - 12 (NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets,
some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, For the equipping of the saints
for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Remember this is only the Beginners Course, it is elementary, therefore, we
encourage you to start with these lessons to familiarize yourself with the basic and
fundamental Biblical truths to set the foundation of your salvation.
Enjoy the JOURNEY because it will transform your life, so God can use you to
transform the lives of others.
Blessings,
Pastors Werner & Michelle Links
The Love Church Lead Pastors
a. From June 2010 the Lord started to speak to my wife and I concerning
"building a House for Him". He spoke to us through dreams, visions,
supernatural confirmations, and mostly through His Word. He spoke to us
from 1Chron. 22:11 - 13
a. Prov 29:18 (KJV) "Where there is no VISION the people perish:" What is worse
than having no sight? It is having no vision. You need to have a Vision for every
area of your life.
b. Our Vision is based on Matt 22:36 - 40 (NKJV) "Teacher, which is the great
commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." "This is the
first and great commandment." "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.' "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the
Prophets." And John 13:34 -35 (NKJV) "A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one
another." "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for
one another." Jesus declared that the whole Law is summarized in this, "Love
the Lord with all your heart and Love your neighbor as yourself."
d. Our SLOGAN: A CHURCH WHERE WE LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE AND LOVE
LIFE!!!!
b. We believe in the Trinity. (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) Also that all things are
created by God.
c. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit is important to us and the Holy Spirit gets the
preference in all our meetings and our lives.
d. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ and Him only; John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus
said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Our good works cannot
save us; we are saved by Grace through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
e. We express ourselves through Praise and Worship to glorify God. King David
declares in Ps 150:6 (NKJV) Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord.
f. There is a Heaven and a Hell and the only way to Heaven is to accept the
Lord Jesus Christ as your savior. No denomination, leader or religion can
save you.
h. We believe that Jesus will return just as He promised. We also believe that
those believers that are still alive in the earth when He returns will be
raptured.
NOTES
Ephesians 3:14 – 15 (NKJV)” 14For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”
2Corinthians 6:17 – 18 (NKJV) “17Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be
separate says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’” 18I
will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord
Almighty.”
We now want to answer some of the frequent asked questions about this topic.
It is most important that each of us is sure of the fact that we are part of the
family of God. John said to his readers that, he wrote the letter to them that
they might be sure. 1John 5:13 (NKJV)
This is obtained by grace alone and it is a gift. Ephesians 2:8 – 9 (NKJV)” 8For
by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it
is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
No, not everybody is part of the family of God, but only those who has
accepted the offer of God to become part of the family. John 1:12 (AMPC)
But as many as received and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power,
privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe
in (adhere to, trust in and rely on) His name.
Only those who are free from sin can become part of the family of God.
Romans 3:23 – 24 (AMPC) 23Since all have sinned and are falling short of
the honour and glory which God bestows and receives. 24[All are justified
and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously
by His grace (unmerited favour and mercy), through the redemption which
is [provided] in Christ Jesus.
The Bible says God is too Holy to behold evil or sin. Habakkuk 1:13 (NKJV)
You are of purer eyes than to behold evil and cannot look on wickedness.
Although God hates sin, He loves us with an undying love and does not want
to punish us for our sin. Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) The Lord appeared to us in the
past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you
with unfailing kindness.”
To solve this problem God could never depend on man to do this. He was the
only One who would be able to solve this problem. John 1:14 (NKJV) And the
Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory
as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God died on our behalf in order to pay for our sin.
Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)
Hebrews 9:22
Sin separates us from a relationship with God. Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV) But your
iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden
His face from you, so that He will not hear.
This whole idea started with God, who in the Old Testament, accepted the
blood of animals to atone for the sin of Israel. However, Atonement could
only mean that the sin was covered and not removed. In the New
Testament the true Redemption were obtained. Redemption means release,
liberated or delivered. Let us see this in scripture: Leviticus 17:11(NKJV)
'For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the
altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes
atonement for the soul.’ ' I Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV); Hebrews 9:12
Father, I thank you for the gift of salvation. I now confess my sins and turns from
them. I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. He will from today
onwards be the director and guide for my life. I thank you also that I can now be
part of your family. AMEN!!!!!
Sin is disobedience to the ordinances and laws of God. Man was created in
the image of God. When he was created man was perfect and like God. The
Bible tells us that God made man in His image and likeness. Genesis 1:26-27
When man disobeyed the direct command of God, he fell from grace and
was band from the presence of God. So, the primary attributes of sin are
disobedience. Since that day when the first man, Adam, sinned, the whole
human race was condemned under the curse. The biggest quest of man
should be to get into a right standing with God again. So, our highest goal
should not be greater faith but greater obedience.
b) WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
The Greek word for repentance means to change one’s mind from a purpose
he has formed or of something he has done. We can then say to repent is to
change direction. This includes to reform. We know that repentance is a
prerequisite for salvation. Jesus said unless we repent, we will perish. Luke
13:5 (NKJV) 'I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise
perish.”' At the time of repentance, the Holy Spirit is the One who brings
conviction to our hearts. John 16:8 (NKJV) 'And when He has come, He will
convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ' II
Corinthians 7:10 ‘For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to
salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces
death. '
Now that I am saved, what do I still need to know to have a successful Christian
life?
Now that you are a son of God you need to commit yourself to a lifestyle that is
willing to constantly change. A real believer can never settle but must commit
him/herself to migrate. I have submitted myself to be under the direction of the Lord
and have to obey Him in everything that He wants me to do. He speaks to me
through His Word that is brought to me by His servants the preachers. Romans 10:14
(NKJV) 'How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how
shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear
without a preacher? '
God speaks to me through men that He has appointed to be ministers in the Church.
These ministers are there to equip me for my work in the church of God. Ephesians
4:11-16 (NKJV)
NOTES
a. Matthew 24:35 (HCSB) “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My Words
will never pass away”, Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV) “The grass withers and the
flower fades, But the Word of our God shall stand forever.” Psalms 138:2c
(KJV) “…. for thou has magnified thy Word above all thy Name.” From the
above 3 scriptures we can see the emphasis that God place on His Word and
the Bible is the highest and final authority in the Kingdom of God.
b. The Bible reveals the WILL of God and it is imperative for us as believers to
know the will of God on different matters. Isaiah 55:9 – 11 declares that
God’s ways are higher than our ways. “For as the Heavens are higher than
the Earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than
your thoughts.” We need to lay down our plan/will for the plan/will of God
for our lives because His plan is to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11).
c. Hebrews 4:12 (RSV) “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper
than any two - edged sword……” The Holy Spirit brings life to the Word of
God and it will become Revelation to us, and we will read the Rhema Word
of God and not just the Logos Word of God.
d. Faith comes to our hearts through the Word of God according to Romans
10:17 and we read in Hebrews 11:6 that without FAITH it is impossible to
a. The Word in you will help you in the time of temptation. Psalms 119:11
(NKJV) “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not SIN against
You.”
b. When you obey the Word of God the LOVE of God will be perfected in you
because it is the Word of God that enables you to walk in the love of God.
NOTES
We sang a powerful chorus in the past that says, “Prayer is the key to heaven, but
Faith unlock the door.”
Jesus said in Mark 11:24 (AMPC) For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask
for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will
[get it].
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray it seemed that He also implicated to us that
prayer is the way to get God to work on our behalf. Remember He taught us in
Matthew 6:11 (NKJV) Give us this day our DAILY BREAD. In teaching us to ask for
our daily bread Jesus was also teaching that prayer should be daily. So, God can do
great things daily in our lives on our behalf.
b. Prayer is a weapon against any enemy that you are facing in your life. We
can therefore wage war through our prayers. James 5:16b (AMPC) The
c. When we pray it can bring healing and health to our friends and love ones.
James 5:15 (AMPC) And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is
sick, and the Lord will RESTORE him; and if he has committed sins, he will
be forgiven.
a. Any question that we have about the Bible should be answered by the Bible.
James 5:16 (HCSB) 'Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for
one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a
righteous man avails much. '
b. The Bible tells us the powerful story of Elijah and how he prayed that it
should not rain. We then read that it did not rain for three years and six
months. Then he prayed again, and the heavens opened, and the rain came.
Now here is the awesome encouragement. James 5:17-18
c. Abraham prayed and although the city where Lot stayed was destroyed, we
read that Lot and his family was saved. (Genesis 18:16 – 32 Abraham
intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah). Let us look at how God answered our
father, Abraham. This to me is a powerful scripture. Genesis 19:21 – 22
(NKJV)21 'And he said to him, “See, I have favored you concerning this
thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken.
22
Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.”
Therefore, the name of the city was called Zoar.' Because someone
prayed, the angel said to him, Lot, “I can do nothing unless you are safe.”
a. When you pray ensure that you have forgiven all and that there is no offense
in your heart. Mark 11:25 (AMP) 'Whenever you stand praying, if you have
anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that
your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and
wrongdoings [against Him and others]. '
b. Pray according to God’s will. God’s will is written in the Bible. I John 5:14
(NKJV) 'Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask
anything according to His will, He hears us. '
c. Pray with faith. James 5:15-16 (NKJV) 15And the prayer of faith will save the
sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be
forgiven. 16'Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one
another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a
righteous man avails much. '
d. Be specific and do not be double – minded. James 1:6-8 (NKJV) 6'But let him
ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea
driven and tossed by the wind. 7For let not that man suppose that he will
receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all
his ways.'
e. Pray with the help of the HOLY SPIRIT. Romans 8:26 (NKJV) 'Likewise the
Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should
pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with
groanings which cannot be uttered. '
This is a personal Testimony. Just a week ago, today (the moment of this writing), the
lady that normally does the caring and outreaches in our area, send a message to my
wife telling her how she is struggling to swallow and speak and feels very weak for
some days. As we received the message my wife, myself and another brother
immediately prayed for her over the phone. Just the next day she thanked us for
praying for her and testified that not long after the prayer she felt better was strong,
up, and about, and could again do everything. PRAISE GOD!!! HE IS AWESOME. HE
NEVER STOP WORKING.
a. Peter was released from prison through the prayers of the believers. Acts
12:12-17 (NKJV)
b. King Hezekiah got a message from God through the prophet Isaiah that he was
going to die. Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed. Isaiah 38:25
(NKJV) 2'Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the
Lord, 3and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before
You in truth and with a loyal heart and have done what is good in Your
sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4And the word of the Lord came to
Isaiah, saying, 5“Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of
David your father: “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears; surely
I will add to your days fifteen years. '
c. The lions lost their taste for meat, because someone that loved prayer was
thrown into the dungeon. Daniel prayed three times a day. Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)
When we come before The Lord in Prayer it is very important that we come with a
pure heart and a good attitude. The Word declares that God knows the intention of
every heart and He knows what we are going to ask before we even open our
mouths. I would like to teach you the ACTS Principle of prayer which would help us
to stay focused when we approach God in Prayer.
REMEMBER OUR OPENING CHORUS: “PRAYER IS THE KEY TO HEAVEN BUT FAITH
UNLOCKS THE DOOR.” I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU – PRAY, PRAY, PRAY BECAUSE
GOD ANSWERS PRAYER.
NOTES
What is Baptism?
The word baptize in the original language of the Bible means to submerge, to
immerse or to dip.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) 19'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am
with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.' These were the last words of
our Lord Jesus Christ before He ascended to heaven. This is also called the Great
Commission.
d. It represents the death and burial of the ‘OLD MAN’ and the resurrection
of the new spiritual man. Romans 6:3-5 (NKJV)
In answering this question, let us look at what the Bible say about it. We must always
know our faith is not based on the traditions of men but on the Word of God. Acts
2:38 (NKJV) 'Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:36-38 (NKJV) 36 ‘‘.' Acts 16:30-31 (AMPC)
Looking at these scriptures we will see a very clear trend which is important for us in
answering our question. For me to be baptized the biblical requirements is that I
should believe. It also mentioned that I must be saved. Unfortunately, a baby cannot
believe and hence, cannot be saved. According to these scriptures also, we see that it
appears that both he who is baptized and he who baptizes are getting into the water.
Yes, because the Apostle liken baptism to a funeral service. So, when I get baptized,
it’s like attending my own funeral service. When I got born again a death took place.
The death of my old man. II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 'Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have
become new.’ Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) ‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no
longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ' Hence, it is
now clear that the sin man in me has died. The dead, however, needs to be buried.
Your water baptism is a testimony to the world that you are no longer living that
dimension, but you are under a new dimension. Romans 6:11-14
b. The Israelites walking through the open Red Sea in the Book of Exodus is a
type/symbol of our baptism. They came from Egypt/World and had to go
through the waters to get them to their destiny in the Lord.
d. Jesus Christ got baptised in water and He has instructed us to follow His
example. The time has come to take your commitment to a greater level
and make a public confession for the Lord by being baptized.
NOTES
There is another level of PRAYER that we call be part of. This we call Praying in the
Spirit or Speaking in Tongues. This is an awesome experience every believer should
be part of and can enjoy. The Apostle Paul says that He prays more in the Spirit than
anybody else. Which means that he enjoyed this type of praying more. I Corinthians
14:18 (NKJV) 'I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; '
This is an important question and one we have to carefully study and answer. The
Bible is clear that we are made in the image and likeness of God. Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)
'Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle,
over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” '
So then, what is the image and likeness of God? John 4:24 (AMPC) ' God is a Spirit (a
spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth
(reality).' This is so important that we realize and understand that when the Bible
says that we are made in the image and likeness of God, that we are made as a
spiritual being. Hence, we are spirit beings in the image of our Father. Then it’s also
obvious that in order for us to communicate with the Father we ought to
communicate in the spirit.
There are many more benefits when we speak in tongues. Let us look at a dew more.
b. I can also build up my faith by praying in tongues. Jude 1:20 (NKJV) 'But
you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in
the Holy Spirit, '
Receiving this gift is the same as receiving Salvation and that is by faith. We need to
understand that the Holy Spirit is a free gift from God, and I can never work for or
earn it. Acts 2:38 (NKJV) 'Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of
you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. '
We also need to know that this gift of the Holy Spirit is not only for a few special
people, but God has given it for ALL believers. Acts 2:39 (NKJV) 'For the promise is to
you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God
will call.”'
I need to ask for it from God in FAITH. Remember that He promised that if I ask
anything from Him in Faith, He will give it to me. (Luke 11:11-13)
The Holy Spirit will give you new and different words and sounds, words that might
be strange and sounds that you might not be familiar with, but do not be afraid. Just
utter and speak whatever He places on your tongue. You need to cooperate and
work with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4 (NKJV) 'And they were all filled with the Holy
Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.'
Also, please do not let your mind get in the way and try to analyze or figure out what
is happening. I Thessalonians 5:19 (NKJV) 'Do not quench the Spirit. '
When Jesus spoke about this experience, He equates it with someone drinking water.
He said this is spiritual water. John 7:37-39 (AMPC)
NOTES
c. There is a progression from praise to worship just like the High Priest used
to move from the outer court to the Holy of Holies. The big difference
between Praise and Worship is, during Praise we talk about God (look what
the Lord has done), and during Worship we are talking to God (there is none
like You). This is the reason why we shout (loud) during Praise and
sometimes whisper (softer) during Worship.
e. King David is called “a man after God’s own heart” in Acts 13:22, because
he was a man of Praise and Worship. If you want to be a man/woman after
God’s heart you need to embrace Praise and Worship as a daily discipline
and enjoy it.
f. Praise and Worship just like the other Christian Disciplines of, Prayer, Bible
Reading, Giving, and Fasting will help you to draw closer to God and to
mature in your walk with Jesus Christ. Remember if we draw closer to Him,
He will draw closer to us. Praise and Worship will also help you to grow in
the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and will make you extremely sensitive to the
voice of God’s Spirit.
g. Praise and Worship is not there to fill up the program on Sunday, but it is the
way God will prepare the soil of your heart for the seed of the Word.
h. It is also a mighty weapon during spiritual warfare for as we lift up the Lord
the enemy will be confused, and we will draw strength from His Presence to continue
on the Christian Journey. II Chronicles 20:22
a. Psalms 47:1 (NKJV) 'Oh, CLAP YOUR HANDS, all you peoples! Shout to
God with the voice of triumph!' We praise God by clapping our hands
because He wants us to Praise Him with our bodies.
c. The power of life and death is in the tongue and the power of our Praise and
Worship is not in the “beat” of the song but the WORDS we declare into the
atmosphere when we sing. Sometimes we sing a song that is prophetic
declarations over your future and your family and thus the enemy will fight
you because of the power of your words.
d. It is important to keep our focus on Jesus Christ and not on people during
Praise and Worship. This will allow you to “enter into the Holy of Holies”. Do
not allow anyone to become a distraction to you during the time of Praise
and Worship. The enemy will use any kind of distraction to prevent you from
experiencing the presence of God in a tangible way.
e. Psalms 63:4 (NET) ' For this reason I will praise you while I live; in your
name I will lift up my hands.' We lift our hands normally during Worship as
a sign of complete surrender to the Lord. Remember the posture of the
heart is more important than the posture of the body. Do not forget that
you are on a Journey and some things will be easier for you to grow into and
others may be more difficult. Do not be hard on yourself and do not
compare your Worship with anyone else.
f. Music can change the atmosphere over your life, and it is important that
you have good gospel music playing in your car, house and whenever you
have the opportunity. When you saturate the atmosphere with good gospel
music, an anointing is released that will bring growth to your spirit man.
g. You must place a priority on the presence of God and understand that
h. Psalms 149:3 (NET) ' Let them Praise His name with dancing! Let them
sing Praises to Him to the accompaniment of the tambourine and harp!'
We can Praise God with dancing and with instruments in the assembly. It is
important that our dancing does not draw the attention to us, but our
dancing needs to bring glory to God.
i. Praise and Worship is about GIVING God all the Honour and Glory that is
due to Him. It is not time to ask Him for what you need because He knows
what you need before you even ask Him. Take this time just to tell Him how
much you love Him and what He means to you. I have learned that when
you touch His heart, His hand will move in your life, but do not just seek His
hand. Worship the Lord for Who He is and not just for what He can do for
you.
a. Public Worship: Public or Social Worship usually takes place in a church service
or a gathering of believers (Connect/Life Group). The Bible exhorts us, Hebrews
10:25 (NLT) 'And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but
encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing
near.' Jesus Christ also promised, Matthew 18:20 (RSV) 'For where two or
three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
b. Private Worship: Your Private Worship will prepare you for Public Worship
because if you can’t Worship the Lord on your own you will struggle to
Worship Him in a crowd. Your Public Worship is just an overflow of your
Private Worship and thus we need to develop strong Private Worship times.
a. Nehemiah 8: 10 declares that 'Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the
fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to him for whom nothing is
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy
of the Lord is your strength.” ' This Joy is released to us by the Lord when
we are in His presence during times of Praise and Worship. This is why the
enemy is trying to steal your “song” because he knows that if you cannot
Praise you will lose your joy and ultimately your strength. Do not let the
Devil steal your joy but sing your song even when you do not feel like it
because Praise and Worship is something we do by Faith and Obedience.
b. Your Praise and Worship must not be determined by the quality of your
voice rather by the attitude of your heart because God is looking at your
motive when you Worship Him.
c. We need to be thankful as people of God for your Praise will flow easier
from a thankful heart than a complaining spirit.
d. Psalms 22:3 declares “God inhabits the Praises of His people”, if you want
God to inhabit your life you need to praise Him at every opportunity you get.
e. During our Worship we can also sing in the Spirit and even sing a “New
Song”. We need to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
NOTES
It is clear from these scriptures that the ultimate ownership of everything belongs to
God. Hence, we can never claim ownership of anything. We therefore need to
make some adjustments in our minds right from the start to regulate our thinking
and understanding of our possessions. The Bible is clear that we are to be stewards
of everything. King David had it right when he said: 1 Chronicles 29:12-14 (NIV)
The first thing to understand is that GOD was, and will never be after our money, but
will always be after us. So, He does not want your money, but He wants you.
Proverbs 23:26 (NKJV) 'My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my
ways.' The heart here speaks of the controlling centre of our lives. So, God is after
My money speaks of my strength and my power. So, when I give my money then I am
in reality giving to Him my strength and my abilities. In giving my money to Him I am
showing Him that I no longer trust in my abilities but in Him and His abilities.
Matthew 6:33 (AMPC) ' But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom
and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things
taken together will be given you besides.'
It is important that we understand that everyone that lived in the times of the New
Testament had no other scriptures that could regulate their lives, but the Old
Testament. So, if we should ask the Apostles during those days what was the
requirements, they would obviously have told us what was stated in the Law. 1
Corinthians 10:11 (NASB) 'Now these things happened to them as an example, and
they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. '
So, what is important is that we should be careful to apply the principles laid down
by God for them and not to make the mistakes they did. It is also important that
Jesus said that He did not come to alter or change the Law but to fulfil it. Matthew
5:17 (AMPC) ' Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or
the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill
them.'
So, let us look at what God said. Malachi 3:7-12 (NKJV) ' Remember, we need to
apply the principles. Also note that the mistake that the people of Israel and their
fathers did is that they have gone away from the principles. Now it seems that the
principles they have gone away from were TITHES AND OFFERINGS. The offering is
fine, but what is the TITHE? The word tithe means 10%. So, it means 10% of whatever
So, if I steal the tithe I am cursed, not because God cursed me, but because I did
violate the principle set out by God. So, the first principle was the tithe and the
second was the offering. According to the Bible it seems that there were different
types of offering that the believers took part in. we need to make it clear, however,
that when I have returned the tithe, I have not given anything yet. When I have
returned THE TITHE, I have only given that WHICH ALREADY BELONGS TO GOD in the
first place. Luke 6:38 (NKJV).”' So, it is clear then, while the tithe is owed by God, my
giving (offering) over and above the tithe will determine what will come back to me.
We therefore need to grow in progressive giving. Paul exhorted the believers to set
money aside and safe up and bring it to the service on the first day of the week. I
Corinthians 16:2 (NKJV) 'On the first day of the week let each one of you lay
something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I
come. ' They were also encouraged to help other believers who were struggling
financially and otherwise.
Scripture teach us that the culture of every believer should be that of giving. Our
blessing is in giving. Acts 20:35 (NKJV) 'I have shown you in every way, by laboring
like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”' There were also
giving to the poor and widows which were a regular practice among believers.
Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) 'He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will
pay back what he has given.' Proverbs 28:27 (NKJV) 'He who gives to the poor will
not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.'
It is clear from scripture that you should return the tithe to the storehouse. Also, that
the storehouse is not a building, but a person. The storehouse is the place where
you get your spiritual food from.
You should therefore return the tithe to the storehouse where you get your spiritual
food from and where you are planted.
• TIME: Time represents life. What we do with our time is an indicator of our
PRIORITIES. Are you a good steward of the time that God blessed you with?
• GIFTS/TALENTS: 1 Peter 4:10 (NET) ' Just as each one has received a gift,
use it to SERVE one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. '
Gifts are given by the Holy Spirt to enable the Church to fulfil its function and
mission in the world. There are many different gifts in the body of Christ. It
is important as a Christian to discover what you have to offer in the service
of God. It does not always need to be a frontline gift if it is all you have to
offer. Some people render an important service by using their broom to
keep the church building clean.
• ENERGY: Even our physical strength comes from God. He provides the food,
sunshine and even the oxygen that makes energy possible. We use that
energy for work and recreation. Should we not use a portion of that to the
glory of God?
• THE GOSPEL: The Gospel itself (God’s Plan of Salvation) is one of the most
important things God has given us. As good Stewards it is our responsibility
to share this treasure with others as the Holy Spirit leads us.
NOTES
We all know that when we are born into earthly natural family, we are taken in as
part of that family. The same is supposed to happen when we get born again. We still
remember what Jesus said to Nicodemus. John 3:6 (NKJV) 'That which is born of the
flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ' so, we are now born of
the spirit, hence we need a spiritual home. Also, remember no one is born an adult
or a matured man, we are born babies. My spiritual home is the place where my
spiritual man is being trained, fed, nurtured, and being cared for. As with my natural
home, we need to understand that this is a lengthy and tedious process.
My spiritual home has a vital role to play in my forming and maturing into the fulness
of Christ. It’s also important to know that in the home there is protection from the
dangers of life outside. This protection is provided primarily by the father. Being in
the house I know that there is nothing that can harm me. The father is like the
shepherd not only providing protection but also providing pasture for his flock. '
As we have indicated previously, the spiritual house will be the place where you will
find care for your total life. This will be the place of education and training so that
you can grow to a mature son in the Lord. You need to understand that the ultimate
goal of every activity is so you can become a perfect man. Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV) 'till
we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a
perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ' For this to
happen I need to patiently apply and discipline myself to not be in a hurry to venture
out on my own. This will destroy my spiritual future and cripple my growth as a son.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NKJV) ' Please, noted that your spiritual home is the place where
you are formed and moulded to fit into the Kingdom of God. For bricks to become
part of a building they sometimes need to be chiseled. I Peter 2:5 (NKJV) 'you also,
as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. '
So, as children in a natural house need to trust the wisdom and guidance of their
parents, so we also need to submit and trust our spiritual parents. This will also mean
that from time to time I need to be disciplined in order to stay in line and to become
more and more the person that God intended for me to be. Hebrews 12:7-11 (NKJV)
7
' My spiritual home is also the place where I am loved by my family and where I can
feel the warmth of caring, oneness, camaraderie, and friendship. John 13:34-35
(NKJV). This is also the place where I find nourishment, food, and sustenance. I Peter
2:2 (NKJV) 'as new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may
grow thereby, ' Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)
NOTES
God’s aim for us is to become matured sons. This will happen as you and I
apply the Word daily to our lives. Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) 'But He answered
and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) ' As we are confronted by the word, we need to adapt
to the requirements of the word so that I can become that person God had
planned for me to be. II Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV).'
We pray that the Father of all the families in heaven and earth will give you
the desire of your heart and bless you with enlightened eyes of your
understanding. We also pray that you may grow to your full potential in Him
and be in a migratory mode for the rest of your earthly life. Now may the
peace of God guard you mind and heart forever.
Much Love
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