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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

OPEN DOOR OF SALVATION

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 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).

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 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.