HIS DWELLING PLACE

A Christian is a man or woman who has been begotten by God to a new kind of life. When someone is begotten of God, there comes into his life a change so radical that the only thing that can be said is that life has begun all over again for him. In His dwelling place, there's regeneration. This is called the new birth, and it happens by the will and by the purpose of God (John 1:13). It is not something that a man achieves by his physical birth. This is the work of the Holy Spirit of God.

POWER OF HOLY SPIRIT FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY

In the book of Acts 1:8, the Lord Jesus Christ declared that; “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”. This promise when it was fulfilled on the day Pentecost marked the beginning of wonders in the book of Acts. The advent of the Holy Ghost has always been amazing in all ages. From creation, God’s work has always been done and handled by the power of Holy Spirit. No one has ever been sent to represent God and proclaim His word except by the instrumentality of the Spirit of God. Who can handle the Scriptures effectively without the Spirit of truth who inspired it? Who can change the lives of sinful men, and edify the believers without the help of the Comforter? No wonder the Lord charged and instructed the disciples to wait until they were endued with power from on high. If we are going to live dynamic lives and do enduring pastoral work, we need to be endued with a power that comes from above. Before Christ went to heaven after having given the great commission to His disciples, He charged them not to depart from Jerusalem until they have been endued with power from heaven. “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). From this charge, we discover the need and necessity of being baptized with the Holy Ghost before effective and enduring service can take place.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is like having Christ present with you as he was with the disciples in the days of His flesh. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). It makes a believer a consuming firebrand bringing revival to the lives of others (Matthew 3:11), and others a conserving tanker of the water of life refreshing the life of men (John 7:37-39). It is the anointing that breaks the yokes and brings signs and wonders to follow the ministration of the gospel ministers (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38). The arrival of the Holy Ghost upon the believer is like having the peaceful dove of heaven resting upon one’s life-giving confidence, boldness, and courage in troubles and trials. It is an experience no Christian leaders and members can do without. “And when the day of Pentecost has fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).

The Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost as the Lord promised and baptized the hundred and twenty disciples in the upper room. It was a mighty outpouring of God’s power on human vessels. It was a wonderful experience in the lives of the early church and for all believers today, who desire to tarry in prayer to be baptized with God’s power from high. The Holy Ghost is already here, we are not waiting for Him. He is the one waiting for us to receive Him if we are ready now. To receive Him: Let the love of God be fully shed abroad in your heart exceedingly by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5).

Be sure of a genuine experience of salvation and a sanctified heart. Lay your life down on the altar consecrated to the Lord’s service exclusively. Long for the river of living water exceedingly and look for the Comforter expectantly. Labor in prayer and endure like Elijah until you receive Him. Lift your voice in the hope to be immersed exactly as in the day of Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit has come, the initial evidence is speaking in tongues. This will be followed by the manifestation of power in the believer’s life. He is given – powerful anointing to speak against sin like Micah the prophet. “But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin” (Micah 3:8). He also gives prevailing authority to do the miraculous with persuasive persistence, and energized faith to do the impossible (Acts 5:11-15; Acts 6:8). There is prayer ability beyond the ordinary “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

The Spirit of the living God gives perceptive insight into hidden things for the benefit of the Church. In addition, the Holy Ghost gives passion unquenchable for souls and zeal for the gospel work (Colossians 4:12-13).The arrival of the Holy Ghost gave birth to the New Testament Church in the Acts of the Apostles. The difference is very clear and the clearness is due to the anointing upon the Apostle who led the church. When church leaders are under the anointing of Holy Ghost, the following will be the event: Consistent conversion of souls into the kingdom (Acts 5:14); Constant conservation of converts and the newcomers (Acts 2:41); Correct Christian living in the church; Conforming church members (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7); Comforting counseling that strengthens members; Commissioned Christian witnessing by life and word (Acts 8:4). Above all, the church will be prepared and living in expectation of the Lord’s second coming.

THE BROAD WAY AND THE NARROW WAY

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Our Lord Jesus Christ’s mission on earth was to give His life and shed His blood for our salvation. His desire and sacrifice was not only to make men religious but to possess the righteousness of God. He was then committed to show men the true way back to God and eternal life heaven. Before he came, many religious leaders were misleading men, professing to them the way to heaven but they were blind leaders of the blind, not knowing the way to the heavenly city; they made men twofold children of hell than themselves. The reason why Jesus said, “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14).Just like the time of Christ, there are many religious leaders today that keep deceiving people, and they “called evil good and good evil; put darkness for light and light for darkness”. (Isaiah 5:20).Calling on all who desire entire life and heaven today, Christ now says, “Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

The gate of the natural birth through which the whole humanity came into this world doesn’t lead to eternal life. Every one that desire eternal life must repent and believe in Christ through genuine salvation and get transformed, enter through the straight gate and walk in the narrow way of consistent obedience in order to be part of Christ’s kingdom. As in the days of Noah and Lot, few will escape judgement because only few go through the strait and walk consistently in the narrow way that seems unpopular to many people. Like the days of old, the Lord is still saying today, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24).

A gate serves two purposes; it lets in and shuts out. This gate is only opening for admittance to that “way” which leads to life and all who do not enter by it are eternally locked out from the presence of God and the realm of eternal happiness. You and the sins enjoys from time to time must be parted in order to see God. All sins must be given up completely. You must forsake them all without reservation, hate them with perfect hatred and ask the Lord to give you power to overcome them. The way is very narrow; it’s by abandoning all idols of the heart and the pleasures of sin and the flesh before we can pass through the strait gate that leads to life eternal. Many are called but few are chosen. Only few find the way of life.Only the humble and lowly in hearts who find their way to strait gate were able to repent and mourn for their sins. Such few with meekness of heart could walk in the narrow way. And only those few find life at the end. The broad way is the path of self-will and self-gratification. It is “wide” because it is a downward road. It is popular but deceptive. For those who are working in it, it is “the way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

In the broad way, liberty and freedom are the favorite words, pride and vanity, pleasure and ambition, independence and self-indulgence, covetousness, and love of money, revenge and retaliation,loose talk and indecent dressing, partiality and favoritism, sins of kinds are all indulged in without remorse or sorrow of heart. Those in the broad way justify themselves and paint their sins in bright colors calling them mistakes, faults, weakness, or harmless habits. What further deceives men and women walking in the broad way to destruction is that men of eminence and women of influence, wise men after the flesh, and honorable women, not a few are walking the same broad way with them. If the words of Jesus are true, “broad way is the way that leadeth to destruction” “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:20). Again, “strive to enter in at the strait gate”. To strive means to be earnest, to urgently cut off whatever is tying you down to sin, to deliberately burn the bridge that links you with the world. “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:120).

Walking in the narrow way means a steady perseverance in faith and obedience to God through the grace of Christ. Walking in the narrow way means that our affection, mind, our will, all our actions and speech will be brought within the scope of God’s word. Those who are walking in the narrow way, have been called out of the world, cleansed by the blood and made new creatures in Christ, they are walking in the light and do not secretly have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; they keep themselves unspotted from the world and constantly crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts; they abstain from all appearance of evil, die to carnal desires daily and bury self-will at the foot of the cross; they are willing to suffer the loss of things which will hinder them from getting to heaven at last. Strive now to enter in. “Arise, call upon thy God”. “It is time to seek the LORD, till He comes, and rain righteousness upon you”. Enter while you may.

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

Justification is the act of God’s grace through which one receives forgiveness and remission of sins and is counted righteous before God through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Having thus been cleared of every guilt on sin, the regenerated stands before God as though he had never sinned. Now,he’s totally forgiven and the sins forgotten. God looks at the redeemed not on the basis of any personal merit but in the light of what Christ has accomplished for mankind by his substitutionary death on the cross of Calvary."Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law?of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith” (Romans 3:24-30; Please read Romans 4:6-16).

To actualize the benefits of salvation in Christ Jesus, the sinful man should acknowledge his helplessness and hopelessness in this life, and his desperate need of Savior. As he is incapable to provide solution to his problem of sinful nature or change his eternal destiny of damnation (Isaiah 59:8), the need for justification becomes crystal clear. To meet the price of divine justice, due price needed to be paid. Man lacked both the capacity and purity to afford this. It therefore required the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God, unstained and without blemish in Himself to pay the necessary ransom with His blood for the expiation of man’s sins. It’s instructive to note that the nature of sins is not such that man could handle on his own or by merit of his good works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Just as water baptism cannot justify the Gentiles so also is circumcision cannot justify the Jew nor water baptism the Gentiles. And by the standards of God’s righteousness and holiness, full church membership or confirmation does not suffice to justify any one. The faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary can assure a repentant soul the full justification through faith by the grace of Jesus.Before justification, sinner had works of the flesh of different category as stated in (Galatians 5:19-21) but as a new creature, he has divine ability to manifest the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, in the lifestyle, conduct, disposition and speech, the redeemed by Christ’s Blood are more like Him, having been quickened by the Spirit of the living God.

The misleading concept of justification by works, as an article’s of man’s religion, is opposed to justification by faith because it denied the grace of God and dishonors the blood of Jesus Christ. The reference in the General Epistle of (James 2:14-26) may the interpreted amiss by cursory reader of the Scriptures, where it asked. “But wilt thou know o vain man, that faith without work is dead? The basic point being stressed by the Epistle of James is that works as referred to in the scenario are a compliment of justification by faith. Whereas, Paul the Apostle in his Epistle to Romans, chapter four is essentially doctrinal, and the practical is based upon the doctrine, that of James is essential practical, the doctrinal element being purely incidental. Hence, a man is justified by faith without works, in another sense, we see “how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only”. This explained the justification by faith before God, and justification by works before men. Properly understood, none really is mutually exclusive.

OUR REDEMPTION BY CHRIST’S BLOOD

Adam and Eve though still physically in the Garden of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit,were consequently spiritual dead and become alienated from God and from the commonwealth of His kingdom. This verdict they could not set aside which emphasizes the insufficiency of man’s works and personal endeavor in gaining salvation,except he’s born again (John 3:3). It needed a Messiah one qualified, sure and a high integrity to meet the divine standard and thus satisfy God’s imperative judgement.

Christ, therefore become the sin bearer, based on the fact of God’s provision and what the scripture says, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God…And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.For where a testament is,there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth” (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:15-17). God’s covenant demanded that someone would die in our place. Christ surrendered His life and died for us so that we could ‘receive the promise of eternal inheritance’.

From the time of the fall of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, it has been practiced repeatedly that an innocent one must bear our guilt of sin and punishment before we could be pardoned from sin and set free. Redemption alone never brought forgiveness;there must be atonement through the blood. The sacrifices with the blood of animals of the Old Covenant were in practiced until Christ came. Jesus came as the final “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the whole world” His blood cleanses us from all sin. Remissions of sins and the provisions of the New Covenant are now ours through the Blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.He has certified the New Covenant with His own Blood, just as the Old Covenant was certified by Moses with the blood of animals. “And without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22).Although Christ’s atonement on the cross guarantees universal provision of salvation for all mankind, but could be appropriated only on a personal basis, there is yet a needful element for it to vail one through faith in Christ Jesus.

The sinner who seeks salvation must take the necessary step of faith in the blood of Jesus Christ for atonement.We were to face the judgement of God for the sin we had committed. Through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven and will never be remembered, our hearts are cleansed and we are made righteous. We have passed from judgement unto life. Christ, through His dead and blood has obtained redemption, remission of sins and righteousness for us. Believe in Christ and be made righteous today.

CONSECRATION AND SANCTIFICATION

God is a holy God. He requires that everyone called by His name to be holy. That means, a holy God with His holy children in a holy relationship. O yes, holiness of life is possible. Otherwise, God in His infinite knowledge and mercy would not require it from His children; He also made provisions for every Christian to live a holy life in our personal relationship with each other on the surface of earth. The book of Hebrews 12:14 declared, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”. Holiness of sanctification experience is clearly taught in the scriptures, even though many are confused about what Sanctification really means and would not want to bother themselves.

It is a very precious Christian experience, not only to be obtained, but to be kept and maintained for the glory of God. The sanctified life is a shining life here on earth made fit for the glorious abode in heaven. It is the essence and object of God’s calling for us all. “And 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.Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it (1Thessalonians 5:23-24).

Also, Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the sanctification of the disciples who were already saved and following him in John 17:14-17.

The disciples, though saved, manifested many times the unsanctified attitudes against one another and the people around them. Generally, the character of the saved but unsanctified included desire to have self-honor, enlarged sense of one’s importance, hypersensitivities to injuries, tendency to magnify the fault of others, inordinate affection of one’s desire, will and plans, sullenness and moodiness, instability, self-seeking, excuse making, suspicion etc.However, sanctification is commanded by God. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Peter 1:15-16; read Genesis 17:1; Matthew 4:48).We should be sanctified because God commanded it and Jesus died for it.“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate” (Hebrews 13:12). And without sanctification, we cannot see God.

To receive the experience, there must be; personal dissatisfaction with self’s unsanctified state, great desire for the sanctification experience, persistent in prayer till the experience is secured, confidence in God’s ability and Christ’s atoning blood to do it, and complete consecration unto God (Romans 12:1-).Sanctification is nothing more or less than perfect love for God and man in a clean heart. If we love God with all our hearts, we will gladly keep His commandments and do all His will as He makes it known unto us.

A sanctified person is is rooted and grounded in love and knit together in love with other believers. Nothing is too precious to offer to the Lord by the sanctified. The sanctified is humble (Philippians 2:3-10), Patient in misunderstanding (Romans 12:12), peaceful during trials, prayerful and meditative (Proverbs 15:8), pitiful to the enemies (Luke 23:34), always blessing people in all sorts of ways without at any time knowing it, does not seek great things for himself, not critical purposeful in mind (Daniel 1:8), perfect in motive does not murmur in adverse conditions, evaluates other people’s action positively (Genesis 45:1-8), share and care without ulterior motive, thinks purely (Philippians 4:8), and is selfless ( 2 Corinthians 12:15).Sanctification experience is like being very healthy. It’s possible to remain healthy despite situations around.

A sanctified believer should abstain from evil and corrupting environment in order to retain his sanctification experience. He should avoid unnecessary care and anxiety, Regular prayer and fasting, deep humility before the Lord, Constant reading and meditation on God’s word, There must e sobriety and watchfulness (Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 4:8), self-examination in the light of God’s word (Hebrews 2:1), and absolute trust in God.

DEFINITIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF FAITH

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.For by it the elders obtained a good eport.Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:1-6).

Faith is indispensable to every aspect of our spiritual transaction and relationship with God as Christians. Faith is fundamental to the Christian creed and conduct. From the Old Testament period down to the New Testament, all those who walked with God and served faithfully have been men and women of faith. Faith is vital to beginning,benefiting from and benefiting others through the Christian life. As Christ interacted with people to save, heal and deliver them during His earthly ministry, the singular thing He sought for was faith. The condition is still the same for believers in this end time.Faith is absolute trust in God which leads to believing His Word.

The Greek word translated as faith is.The verb form of it is, is most of the time translated as “believe”. The word faith means “to believe”, to be persuaded of” and hence, “to place confidence in”, “to trust”, “to rely upon”. Lexically, therefore, the dictionary defines faith as “belief,confidence, fidelity, or loyalty to God.The scriptural faith is more than natural faith. The Natural faith is the inmate ability of man to trust or confide in himself, another person or object, etc. The unique elements of scriptural faith which distinguish it from natural faith is its object, its source and basis. The object of scriptural faith is God while the source of it is His unchanging Word “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world” (Romans 10:17-18). Scriptural faith is equally distinct from head knowledge or mental assent to Biblical facts or to the truth of Bible records without practical commitment. Hence, in the epistle of James in Chapter 2:19-20, it stated; “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead”.

Consequently, scriptural faith is different from emotional faith which does not last beyond the spur of the moment (Matthew 13:20-21; John 2: 23-25). Scriptural faith is defined as follows: It's the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of the things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, 7, 13, 27). Faith gives form and present reality to future hopes and expectations. It is the receipt that assures the delivery of the goods paid for faith peeps into the future, visualizes the unseen and guarantees the reality of invisible things. Faith is the confidence we have in the veracity and immutability of God’s word and promises like Abraham.And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:21). Faith is unwavering courage and patience to persevere, in adverse conditions while waiting for and insisting on the fulfillment of God’s promises. It also the positive confession of the promises of God believed in the heart Psalm 118:17; Romans 10:10-11; 2 Corinthians 4:13;Philippians 4:13).

Faith embraces and cleaves to the promises of God.The Scriptural faith is active and not passive. It is viable, and productive and not sterile or unproductive. True faith always achieves, and accomplishes definite, tangible things in the lives and surroundings of its possessors. Faith enables us to please God in our Christian lives and ministries. It enhances our profitability from God’s word. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). It is through faith that Christian experiences are bestowed (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8). Faith enables us to do the impossible (Mark 9:23), mountains can be moved and exploits done only by faith. All the promises of God can be received by faith, Healing, deliverance, provisions,Grace, power, protection etc. are produced for us through faith (Hebrews 6:12).Faith enables us to endure persecutions and trials courageously like Daniel,Prophets and Apostles did. We are kept and preserved by faith (1 Peter 1:5).

Faith grants us access to God and answers to all our prayers. Through faith, we are able to consecrate and submit to God’s will very easily (Romans 1:5). And faith guarantees a triumphant death and a place in heaven for us.The entire chapter eleven of Hebrews provides us with various men and women of faith. These heroes and heroines of faith have demonstrated the various forms and functions of faith. People like Enoch, Noah,Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Hanna, etc. are some of the examples of faith. The consistency, constancy and conquests of their faith are worthy of emulation. Above all, the Lord Jesus Christ is our perfect example. We are to look unto Him continually.

PROFITABLE QUIET TIME AND DAILY DEVOTIONAL LIFE

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he (Jesus) went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior is the perfect example for all believers to emulate in everything. He demonstrated to all the importance of quiet time and devotional life with His Father in earthly ministry. Therefore, we need to follow His steps to order our steps in our Christian pilgrimage on earth as well. Quiet time and devotional life is a period set aside by the believer every day to fellowship personally with God through prayer, study, and meditation, on the word of God. It is therefore important to note that, no matter the level we have attained spiritually and the number of years we had been in the Lord, quiet time and devotion should be part of our daily Christian life. The word of God is the food for the regenerated.

The Psalmist understood the importance of daily quiet time and family devotion, and stated; “So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows” (Psalm 61:8). From this point of view, it’s important to know that the practice of individual quiet time and devotion cannot be overemphasized. It is important because God demands and wants all men (including women and children) to be in fellowship with Him (Genesis 3:9; Jeremiah 33:3). It is through the quiet time that we come into the presence of God (Please read John 14:15-21). The promise of Christ for all believers is that He will be with us always. This is not an abstract promise but a reality which can attained through relationship via quiet time and devotion. Beside this, it is the pivot for growth for the believers (1 Peter 2:1-2). A Christian cannot grow without spiritual food (Matthew 4:4). Therefore, the need for reading and studying God’s word, write the lesson down and pray it in. God’s friendship need careful cultivation and this demand consistency. Prayer is very significant in our quiet and time and devotion. The profit of consistent quiet time and devotion is innumerable, because herein we obtain strength for the Christian’s daily tests, trials, and temptations, solution to the intimate problems of life and comfort in sorrow and grief. In addition, we enjoy fellowship with God-head by which we receive continual cleansing, grace and power to help oneself and others. It helps us to live a consistent ideal Christian life with daily testimonies.

Despite of great benefits in quiet time and devotion, there are scores of things that can hinder us from performing this spiritual exercise. These include: gluttony (proverbs 23:1); procrastination (Proverbs 6:9); fatigue, rowdy environment; a noisy heart (Proverbs 23:7); lack of concentration, lack of good study materials ( 1 Corinthians 9:25). For truly beneficial quiet time and devotion, a disciplined life should be cultivated and the hindrances avoided. This implies; making it a must daily to have your quiet time, mastering your body and discipline it for this daily spiritual exercise, meddling not with procrastination and make definite time for its observation. There are instruments that are needful for profitable quiet time and devotion. A Self-discipline attitude like that of Job is necessary. He stated, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

It is best to have our quiet time at the break of the day – such as early hours when the mind is still fresh like Jesus did (Mark 1:35). It must be consistent. “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3), and in a quiet and solitary environment (Genesis 32:24). You should possess some good study materials such as good study Bible, Bible dictionary, concordance booklets, and other commentaries. Pray before reading the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the word to your spirit, After reading through, study, meditate, and think through about what you have read for personal application and blessings, and finally close with prayers based on those things you have learned in addition to other prayer points.

THE WRITERS OF THE BIBLE

The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it (Psalm 68:11). About forty authors of various occupations; Apostles, prophets, priests, prince, king, soldier, farmer, scribe, physician, tax collector, farmer, prime-minister, cupbearer, tentmaker etc. God used every usable vessel to convey His truth to the people. More than fifteen centuries elapsed between the writing of Genesis and Revelation. Nearly 400 years elapsed between the Old Testament which was written predominant in Hebrew (few verses in Aramaic) while the New Testament was written in the holy Bible is the word of God. Even though it is written by the agency of man, the Bible is the very word of God.

The evidences are:The amazing unity This unity is achieved in spite of the long period involved in the written and many authors of different occupations.It cannot be destroyed There were hammers of persecution, ridicule, higher criticisms, liberalism, and atheism but the mighty anvil of the scriptures stands unbroken, unshaken, and unchipped.Its Historical accuracy With the coming of archeology almost all the towns and places mentioned have been discovered.Its scientific accuracy. Although the Bible is a spiritual message from God and not specifically a scientific text-book, all scientific statements founds in the scriptures must nevertheless be taken literally and at face value.Its Prophetic accuracy. One of the acidic tests of any religion is its ability to predict the future. One fifth of the Bible is prophetical as at the time of writing, many have been fulfilled and others will still come to pass.It has universal influence upon civilization Western civilization is founded directly upon the Bible and its teachings.Its amazing circulation: It is the best seller among all books that are printed.Its absolute honesty.

The book did not spare men that seem to be close to God e.g. David, Moses, Elijah, Peter, etc. It exposed their sins, weakness, commitment, faithfulness and strength.Its life transforming power: The greatest proof of all that the Bible is indeed God’s word is its amazing ability to change corrupt humanity.Bible is not any book written by any man that can go for scripture. The term canon means a “reed” a “measure” or “rule” and suggests the testing of books to see if they meet the Divine standard.

The sixty-six books of the Bible is called Canon. By the year 300 B. C. (at the latest) all old Testament books had been written, collected, revered, and recognized as official canonical books. In A.D. 397, the twenty seven New Testament books were declared Canonical. There are some books in the Catholic Douay Bible which are known as Apocrypha (hidden) books, they are not recognized as inspired for the following reasons: They were not included in the Old Testament Canon, They were never quoted by Jew, Jesus or any New Testament writers. None of the claims divine inspiration. Some of them teach false doctrine such as praying for the dead. Lastly, some contain historical and geographical errors.

The central theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ and His redemption. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39; Please read Luke 24:24-27, 44-45). Christ is in the Old Testament concealed and He is in the New Testament revealed. To fully understand the Bible and to rightly interpret its passage, we must first receive Jesus Christ as Savior and have a clear and definite experience of freedom from sin and its consequences.

HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD

“Follow peace with all men and holiness without which, no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).Holiness is the very nature of God. Everything about His person, His attributes and characteristics is holiness. God demand holy living from everyone that is called by the name of the Lord. While God demand repentance from sinners, He demands holiness life from saints. ”But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, be ye holy for I am holy”. There are those who deny the possibility of living holy; such are those who profess that they know God, but in works they deny him.Inward and outward holiness is a condition for walking with God and living with Him eternally.

It is impossible to walk with a holy God with inward corruption and outward defilement. Any service rendered unto God without purity of heart has no reward. Those who bear the vessels of the Lord are to remain clean and pure within. Holiness of life is a condition for useful service. Those who substitute power for purity or exhibit power without purity will be disappointed on the last day as they will be told by the Lord “I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity”. The demonstration of the purity of life must be backed up with a life of purity and holiness. God will never promise us what He can never provide. He has made the provision for our holiness or sanctification through our Lord Jesus Christ. “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate”.

The Lord expect every believer to be holy, it becomes important for all Christians to submit themselves to God’s total cleansing and impartation of perfect love. Prophet Isaiah chapter 52:11 said, “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not unclean thing, go ye out of the midst of her, be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord”. Therefore, “Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).We are to genuinely seek the face of the Lord, so that our whole spirit, soul and body will be preserved unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are conditions for sanctification (holiness) because with God of holiness that expects us to be holy, nothing shall be impossible with Him if we trust Him absolutely.

There should be a strong desire, total yielding and consecration to possess this divine nature of God. We should desire it above home, property, clothes and all the possessions of the earth.

Secondly, there must be thirst and hunger for it. We must feel it within our hearts that we are incomplete without it.

Thirdly, there must be steadfastness. You cannot seek the Lord halfheartedly and receive the best from Him.

Lastly, we pray the prayer of faith. There some who believe that God can heal the sick, raise the dead, and supply all our needs but argue that holiness of life is not possible on earth. They limit God's divine ability in human life, because there is nothing impossible for God to do for us; if we ask in faith we shall receive. “And 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).

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE OF EVANGELISM

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke 1:74-75). God surely had a purpose foe investing His only begotten Son in His redemptive program;and He is determined to see that purpose fulfilled. Otherwise, the blood-washed sinner becomes a good-for-nothing saint, who like a fat but fruitless tree deserves to be felled off. But the attitude of many Christians shows they are unmindful of God’s divine purpose for their salvation. The Bible declared; “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,in this present world;Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” ( Titus 2:11-14).

All Christians are saved to serve. God’s purpose for pulling us out of the furnace of sin and placing us inside the coolness of His kingdom is not to accommodate our sins, make us His cosmic pets, nestle us in the sheepfolds to hear the soothing bleating of flocks; or regale us with the splendor of His majesty. We are saved to serve. And this purpose must be fulfilled.God has a dual purpose for saving sinners. It is to make them pure and peculiar people who will carry out the ministry of reconciliation (evangelism) on earth. “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).For this reason, there can’t be a sinning saint or an idle believer in God’s kingdom. After our deliverance from the power of sin, we are brought into the kingdom and given the grace to live holily and no loafer.Therefore, each Christian should be diligent in ensuring that God’s dual purpose for his existence in Christ’s kingdom is fulfilled. The Christian must hate sin and serve the Lord (2 Corinthians 7:1). If a saint sins, he immediately loses his place in the kingdom. He could get back his position only through repentance and restitution. Unconfessed sin would not be pardoned and a saint, if he sins, isn’t freed on account of his past righteousness (Please read Ezekiel 33:12-13, 18 and Hebrews 6:4-8).

If repentance is delayed or there is no room for it, and death strikes, the former saint is lost forever.Therefore, every believer should fear sin and take time to be holy."If sin is deadly, dleness is equally perilous. It seems the two works together to steal,kill, and destroy. The devil hits the saints best with sin when the believer has let down his guard and signed off from duty. Besides, an idle believer is a bad investment for God. The Lord wouldn’t mind to wind up His dealings with such a believer or permit him to drift away into affliction and eternal damnation. Unless the believer heeds the warning, accepts His chastisement and seek pardon and readmission. Finally, every believer is called to serve. He is to serve God by doing a specific and practical duty according to the measure of grace given to him. Serve Him faithfully without reservation and expect no commendation from any man.

PRECEPTS FOR CHRISTIAN TO SUCCEED IN LIFE

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do it with thy might; for there is (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Philippians 4:13).From this word of God, we could see that it’s the will of God for no work, no device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest (and) … I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” every Christian to succeed in life.

Success or failure in life comes in line with one’s disposition to life. God has made time and resources available to man, and every opportunity must be made good use of. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”, the heart is the heart of all matters. The unregenerate heart is darkened, think evil and sees evil continually, thinks low and is brought low, think defeat and is defeated. But when Jesus cleanses your heart with His blood at salvation, your life and your attitude will change. Your heart and your thought are regenerated as you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior. Therefore, you must not allow Satan and the world to force on you any thought and the consequence actions that may hinder your success. Slothfulness, laziness, procrastination and discouragement must give way to discipline, diligent, enthusiasm and determination in your life endeavors.

Discover yourself: You are not an accident of creation. God made you for a purpose, prayerfully discover the purpose. God made you in His own image and likeness, the image of God is the image of success, Whatever He is, He want you to be (Genesis 1:27; Romans 8:29). God made you for His glory and praise. Why became a reproach to Him? If you are a believer, discover who you are in Christ. You are a king and a priest. God has chosen you to reign in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Please read 1 Peter2:9; Ephesians 2:6).

Dream good dreams: It is one thing to have good dream, and quite another to preserve them. Mind whom you share your dream with and avoid dream’s killer. Someone said, “Do not share you six feet view of yourself with those who saw a dwarf in you” do not share your dreams with dream killers. Dream killers are people who are more critical than complimentary. They are people who mock and jest at your dream, example, Sambalat and Tobias mocked at Nehemiah while he embarked on building the wall of Jerusalem. Do not keep company with those who steal your time and energy with useless, sometimes useful, but diversionary talks. They are also dream killers. “He that walketh with the wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed”(proverbs 13:20). Usually it is seed sown on good ground that flourish. Dreams are success seeds. Know where you sow your dreams.Decree and pray: Now you have some divinely imparted ideas (dreams) in your mind. Ask God to help you pursue and realize them. He has promise to prosper the work of your hands; pray for the fulfillment of that promise. Decree the righteous, prayerful decrees, bringing into being favorable conditions, profitable opportunities and needed resources that will help you to actualize your dream. “Thus saith the Lord, the Holy one of Israel, and His Maker … concerning the work of my hands command ye me” (Isaiah 45:11).

Drive/enthusiasm: A strong desire will tunnel through mountains of difficulties. You may not be able to control the feelings or opinions of others about you or your dreams but you can control yours. Therefore, motivate yourself. Never surrender your zeal to criticism. “People who are afraid of criticism never make decisions which will liberate them” And don’t forget that success always attracts criticism. Start the pursuance of your dream with zeal, continue with zeal and finish up with zeal. Don’t let the fire go down. Always remember that you can do it as long as Christ is in you, He wants you to succeed and fulfill His divine purpose for your life. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2).

Discipline: To live a life of purpose and success, you must be disciplined. Success means maximizing the available resources in order to hit a desired target. Even in spiritual matters, no one can ever live a victorious Christian life without discipline. It takes discipline to rise up early in the morning to pray. It takes discipline to drop some activities in order to study the word of God. It takes discipline to overcome some temptations. It is true of all good ventures in life. Discipline will help you not waste your time, talents and resources but to channel them to the actualization of a goal. Discipline entails making sacrifice. He who would achieve little, sacrifices little. Great sacrifices always attend great successes. When the Bible says, “If thy right eye offend thee pluck it out, and cast it from thee … “(Matthew 5:29), that is discipline. If you are not discipline, you can not plan well; neither can you follow your plans through.

Determination: The saying goes that where there is will there is a way. If you are determined, you will not yield to distractions and intimidations from any angles. Determination means purpose of heart. Daniel 1:8 shows us that determination was Daniel’s success blueprint. He had a clear picture of what his life should be and he would not settle for transient, demeaning, and defiling options. It has rightly been observed that the enemy of the best is the good. Therefore, go for the best and always keep going for the best.Diligence: There is no food for the lazy man (2 Thessalonians 3:10). “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might …“(Ecclesiastes 9:10). That you are a Christian does not automatically guarantee you prosperity if you refuse to work. It is the work of your hand that God promised to prosper. That you recite psalm 23 many times a day does not guarantee food on your table except you rise to work, and you work hard. In the sweat of your face the Lord God said you should eat. Adam was put in the garden to dress it. Father Abraham was into animal husbandry (Genesis 13). Isaac was a farmer. “ And there was a famine in the land … And Isaac went unto Abimelech … then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundred fold: and the lord bless him” (Genesis 26:1, 12). In spite of the famine, Isaac went ahead to cultivate his farm, believing God to prosper his effort, and He did.Keep afloat by His sovereignty: It is God who gives the increase. We must therefore work with Him and by His word if we ever hope to make any good success in life.

Then our dreams, desires, drive and diligence must comply with the scriptures. Otherwise God will not bless what contradicts His word and His will. You must live a righteous life, doing your business with clean hands. God will always fight unrighteousness and break up evil alliances and unequal yoking in businesses. Faith in God is the crowing of all our efforts. “For the Lord God will help me; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed” (Isaiah 50:7) … “The LORD … will bless us … He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more and your children” (Psalm 115:11-14). Without God we can do nothing (John 15:5). So, if you are still a sinner, accept Jesus Christ into your life and make Him the Lord of your life. Then success and prosperity will follow. Remember to do away with procrastination and laziness. Act now and it will be well with you.

GRACE AND FAITH FOR SALVATION

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins…Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12). From these verses of the scriptures, it is clear and certain that salvation from sins come through the vicarious death of our Lord Jesus Christ to those who believe in Him. Salvation in essence, is an act of forgiveness from sin, deliverance from sin, and reconciliation with God through genuine repentance form sin and faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Salvation is different from healing, joining a church, renouncing from idol worship, changing name. Salvation includes freedom from the power and guilt of sin, and all its consequence. It aimed to not to make us turn a new leaf but to make us live a new life. The grace of God teaches us to deny all ungodly acts or behavior and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11).

Salvation makes it possible to live a godly life in the face of temptation, corruption and evil. God’s offer of salvation is by grace. Grace means the favor of God which we receive without the any merit or work, while faith is the spiritual mechanism through which man receives salvation. Being healed, having dreams that are continually being fulfilled and reading the Bible and to memorize its verses without the experience of salvation, amount to self-delusion and destruction. Salvation is the object of grace; it is not obtained by keeping the law of Moses. Salvation is not like traits we inherit from our parents; it cannot be passed from husband to wife, from wife to husband, from parents to children or from children to their parents. To be saved; one, acknowledge and repent of your sin or sins; two, renounce Satan and all his activities; three, receive Christ as your Savior, and put your faith in the atoning work; not in your good morals or good works; four, rely on God to live a victorious life. Only Christ can make one a new creature in righteousness. Yes, Jesus have the power if you can come to Him today. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Any one that lacks the assurance of salvation cannot overcome sin, Satan, the world and temptations. Assurance of salvation means a firm and confident understanding that one’s sin is forgiven. Those who lack the assurance of salvation place their confidence on feeling rather than a faith. They think to be sure, must have a certain kind of feeling. Others feel they must be happy always. Salvation is not by feelings but by faith in the atoning work of Christ. This faith is dynamic, which produces not only assurance of salvation in our hearts but also fruits of righteousness in our lives.

WALKING DAILY WITH CHRIST

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” - John 8:30-36 (KJV).

The new birth experience is the beginning of life-long adventure of walking with Christ. But, what does it mean to walk with Christ? You took the first step toward walking with Christ when you decided to repent of your sins and commit your life to the Lord, Jesus Christ. This step, although vital, is not the only step you are supposed to take.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must walk with him consistently. One of the essentials things of walking with Christ is reading God’s word, the Bible. The path of life is littered with temptations. The safest way of walking and not stumbling at any of the temptations is to read and keep the word of God. The holy word of God as a guiding light is imperative to those walking with Christ daily. It dictates the conduct and life-style of the believer and it has the final say on all matter that concerns the believer.

Another essential in walking with Christ is prayer. Communication is essentials for a growing relationship. When you pray you are communicating with God. The Christian life is a new experience to everyone that is newly converted. As a Christian, it’s essential to maintain a life of open communication with God as a habit. Not only does the person walking with Christ has the privilege of telling God about whatever bothers him, he also has the added advantage of having his need met. Prayer, the act of communicating with God, is also the greatest weapon through which the devil and his cohorts are defeated. Prayer is simple. It is casting your care upon God (1 Peter 5:7), asking God, the father, whatever you need (John 15:16) in the name of Jesus (John 14:13).

The most essential in walking with Christ that many overlook today is obedience: This what God demand from us and He places a high premium on it. A number of people who profess faith in Christ faltered when it comes to obedience. This is because they see Jesus as Savior but fail to know and accept Him as Lord. The Bible says “Jesus is Lord”. It is important to know that the true wisdom consists in building our spiritual house on the Rock, Jesus Christ our Lord. This singular act will make our Christian faith to become strong and firm in the fundamental principles of victorious Christian living. Our Christian life should always obey the Lord when things are convenient or when things go contrary to the way of our expectations. Jesus is Lord forever! He demands absolute obedience for all believers who are walking with Him. Our motives, tempers and lives should always conform to His Word, leaning on nothing but His grace and enabling power. Hence, walking with Christ is the most glorious experience in life that can ever happen to a Christian.

There are new discoveries for us each day in our daily walk with Christ. It ushers us into deeper knowledge, greater experiences and enjoyment of God’s blessings. With Christ as Captain of our salvation in our journey, He’s ever faithful to grant us victory, success, happiness and fulfillment here on earth and a blissful eternity hereafter. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:14).

BURNING FIRE OF GOD ON THE ALTAR

Leviticus 6:12-13, “And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” God expects the Old Testament priest to keep the fire burning on God’s altar continually. In the same vein, this divine instruction is still very relevant to us today as Christians and very useful to sustain God’s fire in our souls. Every born-again Christian is a priest unto God today. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Believer’s growth and development begins after he/she is born into God’s kingdom into a new life. This new life in the kingdom is with the new thoughts, new walk, new behavior, and new language of God's grace with divine nature to live a holy life. This experience didn’t end there. Our body now belongs to God’s temple, which the holy fire should be burning therewith continually. There’s need for such believer in Christ to continue in the faith to the end in spite of all challenges (odds), as we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Final salvation is when we shall see Jesus face to face. Salvation in Christ Jesus is an open door to God’s love and mercy to receive the fire of Holy Ghost that burns continually in our souls.

It’s our sole responsibilities and coupled with the measure of grace given to us to keep the fire of God’s love burning and glowing both in our hearts and in the souls (mind, will, and emotions) and the fire of Holy Ghost should continually be burning in us. “It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it…Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Leviticus 6:9; Romans 6:13). These verses of the scripture revealed to us our responsibilities to continue in submission to God’s word so that the Holy Spirit could keep His fire burning perpetually in your soul. It is wisdom for us to take heed to this admonition today. “That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:14).

It takes walking in the Spirit to sustain, keeps safe, or guard the fire of God’s love in your heart and soul! In Leviticus 6:10-11, “And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place”. The ashes in Leviticus 6 are an indication that fire has thoroughly burnt through sacrifice on the altar.

Hence, God instructed the priests to carefully handle them and properly dispose of them outside the camp in other to allow the fire to keep burning continually. Self-glory, self-centeredness, self-focused, and praise of men after God has used us to accomplish His purpose is nothing to us anymore as servants. Not only that, we should humble ourselves continually in God’s presence and return all glory to His Holy name in anything He has used us to do. “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake” (Psalms 115:1). God bless.

BIBLE AND YOU

The Holy Bible (also called the Scriptures, the book of the law, the book of the Lord) is the most inspiring book in all of human history. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).It is living and active book that inform,counsel, educate and impact knowledge above all the series of books that have been in human history. All scripture is written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and about forty writers were used to do its composition and compilation for over a thousand years.

God’s word is free from any mixture of error, from all falsehood. The Holy Bible, which is also called the book of the LORD in Isaiah 34:16, it’s the heavenly treasure and constitution given to mankind, to guide us in our pilgrim’s journey on earth to eternity (life eternal). We are admonished to “seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them”. Every promise is pure, and every doctrine is pure; every commandment is pure, and every promise prophecy is pure; every one of them free from the mixtures and interventions of men.No doubt, it’s the greatest book in the world and in the history of man.

It’s about God’s revelations to man covering the past, present and the future events. No man can know God except by the Holy Scriptures. As life of man cannot be sustained and nourished without the physical food even so a Christian cannot live victoriously except he/she daily feeds on the Holy Scriptures to nourish their spiritual lives. Who then is the author of the Bible? The Almighty God Himself in His infinite mercy inspired the writers, as the Holy Spirit moved the saints of old: the Prophets and Apostles (to mention but few) to write about God’s creation, His love, plan and purpose of salvation (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Bible revealed God’s will to us (Psalm 119:9, 11,105). It also reveals the way of salvation by pointing us to the vicarious death of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, who paid the price of the sins of humanity (Hebrews 13:12; Acts 4:12).

The importance of reading and studying the scriptures cannot be over emphasized thus; it shows us the way of salvation and righteous living (John 3:16, 36;6:63; 8:32). It also gives us power over sin and weapons against temptation (Psalm 1119:11; Matthew 4:3-4). Studying and obeying the book of the LORD lead you to prosperity and success in life (Please read Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3).More benefits you can derive from the Holy Bible as you study and practice it is growth and maturity (1 Peter 2:2); nourishment and health (Proverbs 4:20-22). As physical food is to the body so is the word of God to the soul of men.Unfortunately,a lot of people hate the Bible and a greater number of them hardly read God’s word. Reading the Bible day and night is profitable in this last day as it will impacts your life than any other books you can ever come across.Devotional attention must be given to the Bible – read it, study it, meditate on it, pray on it and obey it.

No any other guidebook that can lead one to heaven (life eternal) except the Holy Bibles. Truly, the Christian journey is impossible without studying the Bible. Hence, it’s imperative for all Bible-believing Christians to read God’s inspired book every day. “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God,and keep it “(Luke 11:28). Commitment to the Bible means that we read it prayerfully, meditate on it patiently, pray on it perseveringly, and obey it in totality. We must not only rejoice in the promises but we should also tremble under the judgements and hasten to obey the commandments. Remember that as you are keeping to this word, your life shall never remain the same.

OPEN DOOR OF SALVATION

Man was created in God’s image and was meant to have dominion and enjoy abundant of life, man lost the privilege because of sin.Sins like a cancer separate man from God. It also hinder fellowship and enjoyment derive from the love of God. From time immemorial, man has adopted many efforts in order to be at peace with God. But all human made efforts have not helped man. Sin is a great barrier which separates man from God. And with this barrier, the problem of man will remain. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God...for wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

What is the way out of man's problem? Is there a way out today? Yes, God knew that we would not be able to find a way out through our own efforts. Therefore, He provided the solution for us through Jesus, His only begotten Son. His love for the depraved man caused Him to draw the plan of salvation. He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and died for our sins. Through the suffering and sacrifice of His Son, we can pass from death to possess the gift of life. God loves us and "...commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). And "Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Man has the plan to play in other to benefit from God's love. You cannot benefit unless you respond personally.

Salvation is God's free gift but it’s not cheap. Jesus paid for it with His own life. Hence, you need to receive this gift before you can enjoy it. Here is the right step to receive the free gift of God : "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved....But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons (daughters inclusive) of God, even to them that believe on his name" (Romans 10:9; John 1:12).

Are you ready to respond? Are you willing to receive God's free gift of God right now? Will you decide to receive Christ now? If so, admit that you are a sinner now, be willing to repent now, Believe that Jesus died for your sins, then go to God in prayers, repent and invite Jesus into your life. Please pray this prayer: Almighty God, I thank you because you love me. When I was lost in sin, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me on the cross of Calvary. I believe that the blood of Jesus shed wash away my sins and pardon me. Right now, I repent of all my sins and ask for forgiveness. Lord Jesus, come into my heart at this moment. And I accept you as my Lord and personal Savior. Thank you for coming into my heart to set me free.In Jesus mighty name I have prayed, Amen! After taking all these steps, it is important to: Read the word of God every day (Psalm 119:9, 11).

You need to spend some time in prayer every day (Philippians 4:6). It is imperative to fellowship with other believers of precious faith in the church that could care for your spiritual well being continually (Hebrews 10:25). Finally, yield your life to God, witness for Christ daily and bring others to Him (Mark 1:17). God bless.

There are many problems in the world today most especially in this end time. Although peace, joy, happiness, and love are desired by many, only very few know what the true freedom and abundant life means. The Word of God declared that, God loves you and me, and He wants us to have abundant life.Therefore, He has a wonderful plan for you in particular if you give Him a chance to do so, as He won't force you to do anything out of your own will. God love you because everything about His nature is love. There are many today that are not enjoying the love of God. Are you one of them? Here is the reason:"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Man was created in God’s image and was meant to have dominion and enjoy abundant of life, man lost the privilege because of sin. Sins like a cancer separate man from God. It also hinder fellowship and enjoyment derive from the love of God. From time immemorial, man has adopted many efforts in order to be at peace with God. But all human made efforts have not helped man.Sin is a great barrier which separates man from God. And with this barrier, the problem of man will remain. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God...for wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23; 6:23). What can we do to get man's problem solved? Is there a way out today? Yes, God knew that we would not be able to find a way out through our own efforts. Therefore, He provided the solution for us through His only begotten Son. His love for the depraved man caused Him to draw the plan of salvation. He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer for us. Through the suffering and sacrifice of His Son, we can pass from death to life. God loves us and "...commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). And "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Man has the plan to play in other to benefit from God's love. You cannot benefit unless you respond personally.Salvation is God's free gift but it’s not cheap. Jesus paid for it with His own life. Hence, you need to receive this gift before you can enjoy it. Here is the right step to receive the free gift of God : "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved....But as many as received him,to them gave he power to become the sons (daughters inclusive) of God, even to them that believe on his name" (Romans 10:9; John 1:12).

Please pray this prayer:

Almighty God, I thank you because you love me. When I was lost in sin, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me on the cross of Calvary. I believe that the blood of Jesus shed wash away my sins and pardon me. Right now, I repent of all my sins and ask for forgiveness. Lord Jesus, come into my heart at this moment.And I accept you as my Lord and personal Savior. Thank you for coming into my heart to set me free. In Jesus mighty name I have prayed, Amen!

After taking all these steps, it is important to: Read the word of God every day (Psalm 119:9, 11). You need to spend some time in prayer every day (Philippians 4:6).It is imperative to fellowship with other believers of precious faith in the church that could care for your spiritual well being ontinually (Hebrews 10:25). Finally, yield your life to God, witness for Christ daily and bring others to Him (Mark 1:17). God bless as you obey.