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.

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THE LITTLE LEAVEN THAT LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes… Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? " (1 Corinthians 5:6; Song of Solomon 2:15).

Let this truth resonate within the depths of your soul - a mere speck of leaven has the power to transform the entire lump. Oh, how crucial it is to grasp the gravity of this revelation! For even a solitary sin, whether it be embraced or permitted to linger in our lives, within the sacred walls of our homes, or amidst the congregation of believers, possesses the insidious ability to infiltrate and contaminate the very essence of the church. Do you comprehend the magnitude of this? What may initially appear inconsequential, a minuscule amount of leaven, ultimately manifests itself as an all-encompassing force, permeating and influencing everything in its path. The bible references above in both the Old & New Testaments perfectly illustrates the impact of even the slightest exposure to false doctrine concerning essential matters of salvation. This influence quickly permeates one's entire conduct, leading to a complete distortion of beliefs and actions. With the subtle distortion of doctrine, with the insidious allure of worldliness, with the festering seed of malice, and with the wickedness that festers within the individual. These seemingly insignificant fragments, once allowed to take root within the individual, inevitably seep into the sacred sanctuary of the home, and from there, they poison the very fabric of the church. Can you not see the urgency? We must eradicate these pernicious elements, for they threaten to unravel the very foundation of our faith. Let us not underestimate the power of a little leaven, for it possesses the potential to shape the destiny of all that surrounds it. There are the leavens of beware and leaven of the kingdom to explain.

A. THE LEAVENS OF BEWARE

The leaven of Pharisees: "In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy " (Luke 12:1; Matt.16:6). Oh, my dear brethren, let us heed the solemn warning of our beloved Savior! The leaven of the Pharisees, oh how it poisons the very essence of truth and righteousness. It is a metaphor, a powerful symbol of the insidious influence of false teachings and hypocrisy.

Listen closely to the words of our Lord, as He implores His disciples to be vigilant, to be on guard against this corrupting leaven. For it is hypocrisy, my friends, that lies at the heart of this treacherous leaven. The Pharisees, oh how they deceive! They wear a mask of righteousness, yet their hearts are filled with wickedness and deceit.

But it does not end there, my brethren. The leaven of the Pharisees extends beyond their hypocritical ways. It encompasses the man-made doctrines and traditions that they have shamelessly added to the sacred scriptures. These distortions, these perversions of God's holy word, oh how they lead astray the faithful!Let us not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Let us not be swayed by the false teachings and twisted interpretations of the Pharisees. Let us cling steadfastly to the pure and unadulterated truth of God's word. For it is in His word that we find salvation, that we find the path to righteousness and eternal life.

Oh, let us be discerning, my dear brethren. Let us be vigilant in our pursuit of truth. Let us reject the leaven of the Pharisees and embrace the pure, untainted teachings of our Lord. For in doing so, we shall find true enlightenment, true freedom from the chains of hypocrisy and false doctrines.

The leaven of Sadducees: "The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother "(Matt.22:23-24). The leaven of the Sadducees, oh how it infuriates me! It is a despicable lack of faith, a vile doubting of the supernatural and miraculous works of our Lord. Can you believe it? They dare to call it their "doctrine" alongside the Pharisees. These Sadducees, they arrogantly attempt to explain everything naturally or scientifically, foolishly excluding the very existence of God's mighty power. But fear not, for our Savior, Jesus, has exposed their wickedness! He boldly proclaims that the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees is nothing but hypocrisy, a detestable spiritual pride, and a nauseating self-righteousness. And let me tell you, those Sadducees, they were even worse! They shamelessly twisted the scriptures to fit their liberal interpretations, shamelessly denying the glorious resurrection of the dead.

The leaven of Herod: And he charged them, saying, take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod” (Mark 8:15). The leaven of Herod, oh how it symbolizes the insidious and ruinous nature of his actions! It is a piercing reminder of the disbelief that consumed the hearts of the Pharisees and Herod, driven by their trepidation of Roman retaliation should Jesus be hailed as the Messiah. In the depths of Mark 8:15, Jesus himself issues a grave warning about this leaven of Herod, a warning that resonates with the very essence of our souls. For it signifies the elevation of earthly laws above the divine moral code set forth by God Himself. Some scholars even propose that this leaven of Herod alludes to his relentless pursuit of political power, his willingness to forsake his Jewish heritage in order to maintain his grip on authority under the oppressive Roman regime. Regardless of its precise meaning, the phrase "leaven of Herod" serves as a clarion call, a clarion call to be vigilant against the perils of political ambition and corruption. It serves as a resounding reminder, a resounding reminder to hold steadfast to our principles and beliefs, to never waver in the face of adversity. Oh, let us heed this warning, let us embrace the righteousness that lies within us, and let us never succumb to the allure of power at the expense of our integrity.

The leaven of Achan: Oh, let me passionately illuminate the profound gravity of the leaven of Achan! In his eyes, it may have seemed like a trivial matter, but in the eyes of our Almighty God, it was a grievous sin of disobedience, covetousness, stealing, deceit, and even murder (Joshua 7:1-26). Can you fathom the audacity of Achan, daring to take that which was dedicated to the Lord and hiding it in his tent? The consequences of his transgression were dire, my dear brethren. Trouble and defeat befell the Israelites in their sacred quest to conquer Canaan. The once mighty army of Israel trembled in fear, and countless lives were lost. Joshua himself questioned God, and the Lord, in His righteous anger, threatened to withdraw His divine presence from His chosen people.

It was not until Achan's sin was exposed through the casting of lots that he finally confessed his wrongdoing. But alas, it was too late. The punishment for his disloyalty, for daring to defy the Lord's claim on those sacred spoils, was severe. Achan and his entire family were stoned and burned as a solemn retribution. Therefore, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes” (Song of Solomon 2:15). Let this cautionary tale resonate within our hearts, my fellow believers, as we navigate the intricate tapestry of our personal and communal lives. Let us be ever mindful of our actions, for they carry weighty consequences not only for ourselves but also for those who surround us. May we never forget the wrath that can be incurred by our disobedience and disloyalty to the Lord. May we strive to walk in righteousness, honoring the sacred things claimed by our God, and avoiding the path that leads to destruction.

B. LEAVEN OF EXPANSION OF GOD'S KINGDOM

In one of Jesus' awe-inspiring parables of the kingdom of heaven, He unveils a profound truth using the metaphor of leaven. Listen closely as He speaks: "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." (Matthew 13:33). Oh, how this parable ignites a fire within my soul! In this divine revelation, leaven is not to be misconstrued as a symbol of wickedness or corruption. No, my friends, it is a symbol of the kingdom itself! Can you fathom the magnitude of this revelation? The kingdom, like that minuscule amount of leaven, will gradually and clandestinely infiltrate every nook and cranny of society. Just as a woman delicately incorporates the tiniest speck of leaven into the dough, so does the gospel commence with humble beginnings.

But do not underestimate the power of this seemingly insignificant leaven! Just as it silently and diligently permeates the entire batch, so too will the gospel have an indelible impact on every facet of society. It will transform hearts, minds, and souls, my dear brethren. It will revolutionize the very fabric of our existence!

Oh, let us not overlook the profound message embedded within this parable. It is a call to action, a call to embrace the gospel and allow it to work its miraculous wonders in our lives. Let us be the vessels through which the kingdom of heaven spreads like wildfire, illuminating the darkness and bringing hope to the hopeless.

May this parable serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that even the smallest acts of faith and love can have monumental consequences. Let us be the leaven in this world, my beloved brethren, spreading the transformative power of the gospel far and wide. For in doing so, we shall witness the glorious manifestation of the kingdom of heaven on earth!

GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:6,7).

From a biblical, "godliness with contentment" is a concept that emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God while being satisfied and at peace with what one has. It is a state of being where a person's focus is on cultivating a deep reverence and devotion towards God, while also finding fulfillment and satisfaction in their current circumstances.The apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8, KJV). This passage highlights the idea that true gain and fulfillment come from living a life of godliness and being content with the basic necessities of life.

Godliness refers to a life that is characterized by holiness, righteousness, and obedience to God's commandments. It involves seeking to align one's thoughts, actions, and attitudes with God's will and living in a way that reflects His character. It is a pursuit of a close relationship with God, growing in faith, and striving to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This book of First Timothy, penned by the apostle Paul, also serves as a letter of support and direction to Timothy, a young leader within the church. Its primary objective is to offer encouragement and guidance as Timothy assumes his new responsibilities. In Chapter 6, Paul delves into the concept of true godliness. He warns Timothy about individuals who mistakenly believe that godliness is a means to acquire wealth. These deceitful teachers engage in fruitless arguments, stir up unnecessary controversies, and actively pursue schemes to amass riches on earth. Such behavior not only distracts believers from genuine faith in Christ but also undermines the true essence of godliness. Paul takes this opportunity to clarify the genuine meaning of godliness, emphasizing that it stands in stark contrast to the distorted portrayal presented by these erring preachers.

Contentment, on the other hand, is a state of being satisfied and at peace with what one has, regardless of their circumstances. It is an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness for the blessings and provisions that God has provided. Contentment does not mean complacency or lack of ambition, but rather a recognition that true fulfillment and joy come from a relationship with God, rather than material possessions or worldly achievements.

Contentment is a virtue that seems to be increasingly scarce in today's world. The relentless pursuit of personal gain, regardless of the consequences, has resulted in numerous betrayals, the overthrow of rightful authorities, harmful criticism, and the spread of propaganda. Regrettably, in many nations, the absence of contentment has led to the plundering of national resources and even the elimination of political adversaries.

In the book of Numbers 16:1-11, the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram stemmed from their dissatisfaction with the roles and positions that God had assigned to them. This discontent led them to revolt against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Alongside two hundred and fifty influential and respected leaders of the community, they challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, accusing them of assuming excessive power. In response, Moses assured them that God would reveal His chosen leaders and make His will known. God hates covetousness, which is the root cause of discontentment. Had Gehazi the servant of Elisha not allowed greed to get the better of him, he would perhaps have gotten a double portion of the Spirit of God as Elisha also received from Elijah. Similarly, Balaam lost his life and ministry due to greed.

In the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, he taught about the importance of contentment. In the Sermon on the Mount, He said, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:25, 33, KJV). Jesus emphasized the need to prioritize our relationship with God and trust in His provision. He taught that seeking God's kingdom and righteousness should be our primary focus, and when we do so, God will take care of our needs. This teaching highlights the connection between godliness and contentment, as we find true fulfillment and peace when we trust in God's faithfulness and provision.

There are several examples that illustrate the concept of "godliness with contentment." One such example is found in the life of the apostle Paul. Despite facing numerous hardships, including imprisonment, persecution, and physical ailments, Paul demonstrated a deep sense of godliness and contentment.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, " Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. " (Philippians 4:11-13, KJV).

Paul's contentment was rooted in his unwavering faith in God and his reliance on Him for strength. He understood that true fulfillment and satisfaction come from a deep relationship with God, rather than external circumstances. Despite facing trials and tribulations, Paul remained steadfast in his commitment to live a godly life and found contentment in knowing that God was with him and would provide for his needs.

Consequently, we should demonstrate the importance of prioritizing a deep relationship with God, living a life of obedience and trust, and finding contentment in Him, regardless of external circumstances. It is through this godly perspective that true fulfillment and peace are found.

LOOKING UNTO JESUS IN THIS DISTRACTING WORLD

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin" (Hebrews 12:1-4).

By looking unto Jesus, Christians are reminded of His sacrificial love, His word, His teachings, and His perfect life. They are encouraged to imitate His character and follow His footsteps. Looking into Jesus in this distracting world also means focusing our attention, thoughts, and actions on Him amidst the various distractions and temptations that surround us. It involves seeking a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, studying His teachings, and following His example. Therefore, Jesus Christ our Lord is the ultimate source of strength, guidance, and inspiration for believers to fix their eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). This means prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly concerns and seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.

This world of distraction is filled with materialism, self-centeredness, and various forms of sin, looking into Jesus involves aligning our values, desires, and actions with His word. To avoid every distraction in our pilgrim journey on earth, the book of 1 John 2:15-17 instructed us to "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever". Ultimately, looking into Jesus in this distracting world is about finding our identity, purpose, and fulfillment in Him. It is about recognizing that He is the source of true peace, joy, and eternal life, and, not on the fleeting pleasures and empty pursuits of this earthly existence at the expense of our souls but choosing to live in obedience to Him despite the distractions and challenges we may face in this present world.

Jesus as the Author of Our Faith: By comprehending Jesus as the ultimate Author of our faith, we come to realize that He is not merely a figurehead or a symbol, but the very essence and originator of our belief in Him. Through His extraordinary life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, Jesus laid the unshakable foundation upon which Christianity stands. His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice serve as the bedrock of our faith, inspiring countless generations to embrace His message and follow in His footsteps.

Jesus as the Finisher of Our Faith: Moreover, acknowledging Jesus as the Finisher of our faith goes beyond recognizing Him as the initiator. "…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee… and I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:13). This highlights His ever presence, unparalleled role in sustaining and perfecting our faith. Jesus is not a distant Lord and Savior who sets things in motion and then retreats; rather, He actively participates in our spiritual journey, guiding us, strengthening us, and bringing our faith to its ultimate fulfillment. He is the culmination of our belief, the one who brings it to completion with His unwavering love, grace, and mercy.

The Clarion Call to Look unto Jesus: The resounding call to look unto Jesus beckons believers to shift their attention, focus, and unwavering trust towards 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"(John 8:31-32). It is a call to acknowledge His supreme lordship, to delve deep into His commandments, and to mold our lives in accordance with His perfect example. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is crucial for us to fix our gaze upon Jesus, for He is the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and transformation.

Overcoming Challenges through Jesus: Job said, " For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:25-26). Amidst the challenges and disillusionment that may arise when witnessing the shortcomings of other Christians or encountering issues within different church members, it is imperative to remember that our faith should not solely rely on the actions or behavior of others. Instead, we must anchor ourselves in Jesus, the unwavering rock of our salvation. He is the one who remains constant amidst the ever-changing tides of human imperfection.

By placing our trust in Jesus, we find solace and strength to overcome any obstacles that come our way. He is the one who empowers us to rise above the shortcomings of others and to navigate through the complexities of different church members and neighbors. In Him, we discover the resilience and perseverance needed to endure and grow amidst the challenges we face.

Call unto a vibrant life in Christ: Additionally, looking into Jesus involves call to genuine repentance from sins unto salvation by accepting Jesus and Lord and personal Savior. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). A new life of righteouness begins at salvation; hence, there is need to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, studying the Scriptures, participating in Christian fellowship, and being led by the Holy Spirit. It means surrendering our lives to Him, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, and relying on His grace and forgiveness when we fall short.

By His grace bestowed upon us, we can navigate through the alluring traps of materialism, self-centeredness, overcome temptation, and sin that surround us. He is our guiding light, our moral compass, and our source of unwavering strength.

So, let us embrace the timeless wisdom of looking unto Jesus. Let us fix our eyes upon Him, drawing strength from His presence, finding hope in His promises, and allowing His guidance to lead us through every challenge we face. In doing so, we will discover a steadfastness and resilience that can only come from the unwavering focus on our Savior.

Summarily, Christ stands as the unshakable foundation and core of the Christian faith and profession. It is imperative for every child of God to wholeheartedly center their lives around Him, for He is not only the Author but also the Finisher of our faith. In His name alone lies the path to salvation, as no other name holds such power. Placing our unwavering faith in Him brings about complete wholeness, as Acts 3:16 attests. Without Christ, our efforts are futile, for He is the source of all our strength and abilities. Every word spoken and every action taken must be rooted in His name. Moreover, He has graciously gone ahead to prepare a heavenly abode for us, assuring us of His imminent return to gather us unto Himself. Such a profound and blessed hope is bestowed upon believers through their unwavering trust in Christ. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13).

TARES AMONG THE WHEATS

“But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” - Matthew 13:29,30; (Please read Matthew 13:23-43) - KJV.

The parable of the wheat and tares, as presented in this message, is a powerful teaching from Jesus Christ about the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the eventual separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. his parable is one of several parables that Jesus used to teach important spiritual lessons about the kingdom of heaven. In this parable:

• The sower represents Jesus, who sows good seed in His field, which represents the world.

• The good seed represents the children of the kingdom, or the righteous.

• The tares represent the children of the wicked one, or the unrighteous.

• The enemy who sowed the tares represents the devil.

Here are some key lessons and concepts from this parable:

1. Coexistence of Good and Evil: The parable illustrates that in the world and even within religious congregations, there is a mixture of genuine believers (wheat) and those who may appear righteous but are not truly committed to God (tares).

2. Spiritual Warfare: It emphasizes that Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle and need to be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy. The enemy often tries to sow confusion and discord among believers when they are vulnerable.

3. Caution against Hasty Judgment: When the servants of the sower (representing believers) notice the presence of tares, they inquire about uprooting them. However, the sower advises against doing so, as removing the tares might inadvertently harm the wheat. This teaches a lesson of patience and divine judgment.

4. Patience and Divine Judgment: Jesus teaches patience by advising not to hastily uproot the tares. Instead, He emphasizes that a time of divine judgment will come when the separation of the righteous and the wicked will occur. This highlights God's ultimate authority and wisdom in sorting out the genuine from the false.

5. Final Separation: The parable foreshadows a day of judgment when Jesus, as the Son of Man, will send His angels to separate the righteous from the wicked. The righteous will be welcomed into the kingdom of God, while the wicked will face judgment and punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

6. Repentance and Conversion: Your message also offers hope by encouraging sinners and those who may be categorized as "tares" to repent, turn away from sin, and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It highlights that there is an opportunity for transformation and becoming genuine followers of Christ.

7. Holiness and Separation: The call to "come out from among them" and "be ye separate" emphasizes the importance of holy living and separating from sinful practices. It reflects the biblical principle of sanctification (Hebrews 12:14).

Therefore, the parable of the wheat and tares is a profound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ that reminds us of the coexistence of good and evil, the need for spiritual discernment, the patience of God in allowing both to grow together, and the promise of a future separation and judgment. It calls individuals to examine their spiritual state, repent, and turn to Christ for salvation before the day of separation and judgment arrives. Are you among the tares in the Church? You can change your position today by turning away from sinful habits through genuine repentance and be converted. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour today!

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.

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.