THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (7) – THE CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE (2)

During the Sunday service, Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled “The Christian marriage (2)”. Her main scriptures are taken from the Books of Romans and Ephesians. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16, 17). “Submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So, husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Eph 5:21-33)

DOCTRINE INFLUENCES BEHAVIOR

Why do we preach the Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected? Because the Word of God saves and changes lives! This is a great law in the Kingdom of God: Doctrine influences behavior! What you believe in your heart will manifest in your lifestyle! You cannot hide anything in your heart. All hidden things are exposed “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (Rom 2:16).

If you believe the truth, you will behave well and have a Christian testimony. If you are deceived and you believe false doctrines, you will misbehave! “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor 15:33). In other words, keeping bad friends, will ruin your reputation and testimony as a Christian! That is a great loss indeed! The reason we preach the doctrine of Biblical submission is to help you repent in case you misunderstood what true submission is. This will benefit all your relationships with people and your marriages in particular! Wisdom is necessary for a successful marriage! Truth sets free! Glory to God!

THE DOCTRINE OF BIBLICAL SUBMISSION – DEFINED

“Submitting to one another in the fear of God… Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Eph 5:21; NKJ; NIV)

Biblical submission is the universal Law of the Kingdom of God, applying to all believers, men and women, old or young. It is the crown of success in all Christian relationships, in the marriage, in the family and in the workplace. Humility and love are the foundation of Christian behavior. Simply said, no submission, no success! Because we are born sinners, biblical submission is not a natural behavior. It is an acquired spiritual skill by the power of the Holy Spirit. Biblical submission is the true testimony of grace working in all believers!  

The word ‘submit’ is a powerful Biblical word. It means to willingly place yourself under another’s authority. To properly understand submission, you must understand what ‘authority’ means. These two words are always connected. Authority is the right to make decisions, give orders, direct, and restrain others and compel their obedience. Authority is defined as the power of a leader, master, expert to influence thought, opinions, and behavior of others. The word dominion means sovereign power and supreme authority. Because He obeyed unto death, God the Father has given all authority in heaven and on earth to His Son Jesus Christ (Mt 28:18; Phil 2:8). This authority was given to Him not as the Son of God but as the Son of Man. In His name, we have received delegated authority, to rule as Kings and Priests in the Kingdom of God and for His glory alone!        

Submission is a word often used in the military. It describes the end of the war. There was a fight. One side won and the other lost the battle. The weaker side has to surrender to the victorious side. If the defeated side refuses to surrender, they will be killed. Submission is wisdom: It is better to be a slave than a corpse! Humble submission saves lives! Practically, you stop resisting and fighting another and you surrender to his will. You are a prisoner of war. To submit, it means that (willingly or unwillingly) you do what another wants, because you are not powerful enough to resist him. It means to surrender to the control of the other because you realize that he has a superior force. Spiritually, it means to recognize and honor the human delegated authority in the Body of Christ, stop fighting it and surrender to it, out of reverence and fear of Christ, the Head of the Church, and the Commander of the Armies of Heaven. Submission is a spiritual positioning, spiritually covered and safe. By submitting to the authority of the other, you declare that he is stronger than you and that he has saved your life! To resist the authority in the Body of Christ is foolish and dangerous. It means that you want to fight Christ, the Judge of all who appointed His servants over you! Humble people submit easier than the proud people. Submission releases the Grace of God upon the humble. The proud resist the authority and God resists them. They fight God and God fights them. Be careful because the human authority ‘does not bear the sword in vain’ (Rom 13:4). Nobody wins against Christ! He is the eternal victor over all! “Therefore, stand in awe of God!” (Ecc 5:7; NIV)

WHAT BIBLICAL SUBMISSION IS NOT

Before we describe submission as seen in the Bible let us look at what submission is not. Let us start with the negatives. Submission is not identical with the fear of man, which is slavery. Fearing man kills your faith in God. It tries to replace the healthy fear of God with the counterfeit fear of man. “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe” (PV 29:25). Submission is not passivity or foolishness. Submission is the product of an active intelligent will. This is how it works… in my mind I know that Jesus Christ is my Master.

I accepted the fact that I cannot win against Him. He is stronger than me. I have thought about rebellion, and I concluded that it is sin. I hate sin! I reject pride, and stubbornness! Therefore, it is my desire to submit to Christ and to the spiritual authority He has placed over me. This surrender is not foolishness but wisdom and freedom. Christ is my King! Submission to the human authority is done for Christ’ sake. In the area of marriage, the wife submits to her own husband ‘as unto the Lord and in everything’ (Eph 5:22-24). This submission proves that she honors and loves the Lord Jesus Christ, that she is indeed a child of God. Pretending to submit for social reasons is deception and it will fail at last.

SUBMISSION IN THE FEAR OF GOD

Submission between believers is done ‘in the fear of God’. The natural man does not believe in God and does not fear God. The believer learns to fear God. It is an acquired knowledge. Fear is defined as an uncomfortable feeling sensing danger or pain ahead. May believers see fear as an evil spirit. They fight against it. That is good. But the fear of God is healthy and good. You should accept it!

The Word of God teaches us how to fear God and the benefits of it. “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Ps 34:11). There are many believers who do not fear God as they should. They take God for granted. They dis-respect God. We are commanded to fear God, to respect Him. To respect it means to recognize someone’ worth, to understand that he is great and important and must be treated in an appropriate way. To disrespect God, it means to be ignorant of God’s worth and power. You cannot worship God without honoring and fearing Him at the same time. Overfamiliarity with God grieves the Holy Spirit and quenches the anointing to worship God. It results in breaking down of relationships and marriages. May God help us to come back to the Cross and bow our knees to the Lord Jesus Christ! May the fear of God descend like a blanket over the congregation! To Him alone be all the glory!

THE BLESSINGS OF THE HOLY FEAR OF GOD

The holy and healthy fear of God has direct effects upon our Christian life, marriages, relationships, and ministries. The man who fears God will be blessed with wisdom, and the intimate knowledge of God. God will reveal to him His promises and His covenant. He will be favored and honored by God and man. Him and his children will have a long, successful, and prosperous life. God will protect them from evil attacks. God will show him His mercy. God will provide for him, spiritually and materially. He will not be anxious or confused. He will be bold and courageous because the fear of God destroys the fear of man. God will teach him His ways. He will be prudent because God will warn him of danger. Therefore, he will avoid falling into temptation. God will reward him greatly. To worship and to serve God, you need to fear God! To refuse to fear God is a great danger. God will warn you and discipline you, to bring you to the Cross. The fear of God is the greatest motive in sanctification. You manifest your salvation ‘with fear and trembling’. The fear of God leads to ‘long life and prosperity’. Selah!

Read and meditate upon the following scriptures:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you” (PV 9:10,11)

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death” (PV 14:26, 27)

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” (PV 22:4)

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil” (PV 19:23)

“As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him” (Ps 103:13)

“His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation” (Lk 1:50)

“Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant” (Ps 25:12-14)

“Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him” (Ps 34:9)

“Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name” (Ps 86:11)

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward” (Ps 19:9-11)

“Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him” (Ps 2:10-12).

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil 2:12, 13)

JESUS CHRIST OUR GREATEST EXAMPLE OF SUBMISSION

“Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Lk 22:39-44). The greatest example of submission is found in our Lord Jesus Christ. Few hours before His death He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. All His life He has actively obeyed the whole Law of God. Now, according to the Will of the Father, He has to passively obey the law of sin and death on behalf of sinners. The greatest pain for Him was to know that He will become sin and a curse as a Substitute for sinners. This was the Father’s will according to the plan of salvation. Once He becomes sin, He will be separated from God the Father. From eternity, God the Father and God the Son have always been one. Now, for a time, on that Cross, the Father has to forsake and reject His beloved Son. That separation was the greatest pain our Lord had to endure. Love had to die on that Tree! The disciples did not understand His pain. Their sorrow was that their Master said He will soon die. They could see no future in that death. Our Lord warned them (and us) to pray for wisdom and strength to obey God even unto death. Pride will reject submission when submission is painful. To protect ourselves from pain, we may choose our wills and reject God’s will. That is entering into temptation, agreeing with it and committing sin. But Christ refused the easy way. The devil has already promised Him the kingdoms of this world (Mt 4:8-10). That was an offer of success, of a crown but without the Cross. Christ rejected it! Now, face to face with death, our Lord rejects sin and chooses submission to God’s will. Blood is the price paid for our salvation! As Christ submitted totally to God’s will, we should do the same! We worship the Lord! That is why we submit!

HOW DO WE SUBMIT?

Submission is the law of the Kingdom of God. It applies to all relationships, including the Christian marriage. Submission is love! “Through love serve one another…seek the best for one another” (Gal 5:13:NKJ, AMP). Unbelievers know nothing about this. Biblical submission requires the revelation of the Holy Spirit. You cannot submit to one another for the sake of Christ in ignorance or in the flesh. “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (Jam 4:4-7). Refusal to submit to Christ and to His delegated authority is the same as spiritual adultery. Christ is jealous over His Bride. His Spirit will discipline her if she chooses to make friends with this world. Once she has humbled herself, and submits to Him, He releases Grace upon her. Grace is a sign of Peace and Prosperity! Submission is victory in spiritual warfare! The war is over! Love has won! The devil will run away from one who has submitted himself to God! To God be all the glory!

The only man (woman) who can truly submit to God, to Christ, to the Holy Spirit, and to the human authority placed over him (or her) is a born-again Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit. The natural man is proud, stubborn, and selfish. He rejects all authority. When he submits to older or richer people, he pretends to do so. In his heart, he still resists submission. In the natural, he bows his knee to another but in his heart, he still stands! He has a spirit of rebellion. There is quarrel, and division in his heart. True submission in the Kingdom of God is always of the heart. It is an internal acknowledgment that Christ is your King and Lord! It manifests itself as submission in the Body of Christ to the authority Christ has placed over you. These things are spiritual.

WHAT IS THE MOTIVE FOR CHRISTIAN SUBMISSION

What is the only motivation for this submission? It is ‘the fear of God’ or ‘the reverence for Christ’. In Greek, the word translated ‘God’ here is Christ, the Messiah. Therefore, the correct translation says: we should submit one to another in the fear of Christ! This submission is not because of social standards, or tradition. It is because you recognize Christ as your Lord and you submit to Him, and to all authority in His name! Christ is the Head of the Church. He appoints the leaders as He desires, by His sovereign Grace. This is a warning: To resist your pastor or your leader in the church places you in a dangerous position. If you are not able to honor and submit to your pastors and elders, then it is better to leave the church and find another. Biblical submission brings peace and harmony in the Church, in the marriage, in the family and at the working place. This submission applies to all believers.

WHY SHOULD WE FEAR CHRIST?

What is that ‘fear of Christ’? In the Trinity, God the Son, though equal with the Father, as a Man, submitted to the will of God! God the Holy Spirit submits to both God the Father and God the Son. Submission is not slavery. It is an act of love! It is holy humility. It is to love and serve the other without fear of losing reputation. On earth, Christ submitted not only to God the Father, but He humbled Himself before men, even unto death. For the believer, Christ is not just his Savior, but also His Lord! Before the Cross, Christ washed the feet of the disciples. He showed us true humility and submission. Our supreme desire in life should be that we show our gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Christian has no will for himself anymore. He loves the Lord and is afraid to grieve the Holy Spirit, to disappoint Him! Have you thought of this? His reputation in this world is in our hands. This is the greatest responsibility! The believer is afraid to betray his Lover! Love is the grandest motive to live at your highest! Love is deep! Love is not politics! “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering, and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Eph 5:1, 2). The love of Christ has a special perfume. It kills sin and death and makes our spirits alive! Love submits! That is why we submit!

Christ is the Head of the Church, who is His body. Christ loves the Church. He is the Bridegroom of the Church, His Bride. Like a husband is protective over his wife, so Christ is jealous over us. If we become infatuated with the world, He will discipline us! This painful work is a sign of love. We are commanded to purify ourselves from all unbelief, doubt, and love for the world. It is our duty to do so! There is no sin in heaven. If we believe that God is our Father, then we should repent from all sin. If we want to go to heaven, we shall repent of all known sin! Because God is holy, we should desire to be holy like Him. The fear of God is the most powerful motivation for sanctification! “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor 6:14-18; 7:1). Because we fear God and Christ, we gladly submit! That is why we submit!

Once you are saved by faith in the Gospel, the true foundation is laid in your heart. It is called ‘Christ Crucified’. Immediately, the process of sanctification starts. You obey the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. It is like building the walls on top of the foundation. The ‘blocks’ you use to build are the works of serving God. These works shall be tried with the fire of Christ’ judgment. If you work for selfish reasons, that ‘block’ will be destroyed by fire. If you work for the glory of God, that block is made of gold, silver and precious stones and it will survive the fire of judgment. God judges with fire! The reward is given according to what survives the fire. “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Cor 3:11-15). This judgment fire is enough to make us fear, respect, and honor Christ! That is why we submit!

When the unbelievers will encounter the judgment of God and the wrath of the Lamb, they will be paralyzed with fear wishing for death to come. “The kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Rev 6:15-17).

Serving God in the church is not an easy work. There are peculiar dangers that come with ministry. The more spiritual brethren should help the weaker ones. This is to fulfill the law of Christ! We submit to Christ and for His sake we serve others who have fallen into sin. Restoring a backslider is a delicate work. It is like doing surgery in the brain. Any mistake will make matters worse. This work is done under the direction of the Holy Spirit. There is the danger of becoming proud or angry in the process. As we submit to God and trust His leading, great exploits are done in His name. God will reward you greatly for bringing home His prodigal sons and daughters. You need to carry your load of responsibility and also help another for a time, to carry his. Submission to God is our best protection in ministry. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Gal 6:1-5)

We are citizens of the eternal Kingdom of God! We are members of the eternal Body of Christ! We need more grace to do God’s work. More grace demands greater humility and submission. Grace releases anointing for ministry! It is the key to success in the Christian life! “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:28, 29). That is why we fear God, we fear Christ! We do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit!

Read the Book of Revelation and see Christ as He is now, in heaven! Apostle John said: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” … Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Rev 1:10-18).

The most powerful reason to fear Christ is because He is the Judge of all men! His eyes are like fire! For the Christian, the judgment is not about going to hell. We are saved by the blood of the Lamb. There is now no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus! (Rom 8:1). But there is a judgment of works. We believers shall stand before Christ who will judge our works and give us rewards accordingly. “Therefore, we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2 Cor 5:9-11). Imagine that one day you shall stand before Christ in heaven, face to face with Him! You shall see Him on His throne as the King and Judge of all! You shall see on a screen all works you have done on earth, good and bad. Just this imagination should be enough to bring the fear of Christ upon you. That is why we submit! Wives and husbands submit to one another. Humble yourselves! The Lord is our best example. His example is sufficient! If Christ is not enough for you, then nothing will move your heart! Just think of this! One day, we shall see Jesus face to face! We shall be like Him! If you believe this truth, then you will desire to purify yourself from all sin of the Body and of the spirit. “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS! And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1Jn 3:2, 3). Love believes that faith shall become sight! “For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then FACE TO FACE! (1 Cor 13:12).

Dear Brethren, we shall all stand before His throne and look at His face. Can you imagine what it will be when we look in His eyes? Peter denied His Lord three times. The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. Immediately, Peter went out and wept bitterly. Oh, the look of Jesus… His eyes… It was a look of sorrow, of disappointment. Peter could have preferred beating or prison than to encounter that grieved look of love! Oh, that look… That is why we submit one to another in the fear and respect of Christ! That is why we submit! There is no other way! Glory! Halleluiah! Worship the Lord!

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (6) – THE CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE (1)

During the Sunday service, Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled “The Christian marriage (1)”. Her main scriptures are taken from the Books of Romans and Ephesians. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16, 17). “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So, husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Eph 5:22-33)

THE CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE – INTRODUCTION

From the earliest days of the Christian faith, Christians have honored the institution of marriage, also called ‘holy matrimony’. They regard it as a divinely blessed, lifelong, monogamous union, between a man and a woman. “Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God, intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture” (Episcopal Book of Common Prayer). The Christian marriage is a unique form of marriage. It is different than any other form of marriage. What makes it different? Godly marriage is a covenant done between two believers in Christ, a man and a woman, in the presence of God. They agree to live together as husband and wife, faithful to one another, in sickness and in health, in riches or poverty, until death separates them. They agree to be ruled by the Word of God. They put God in the center of their lives and of their marriage. They promise to train their children in the way of the Lord. Each one has its own role to play, according to the Bible. The husband Leads and Loves. The wife Submits and Helps. All things are done to give glory to God! The Gospel says: Christ died and rose again to marry me! The Christian marriage is ‘a mystery’ (Eph 5:32). It is a dramatic visual parable representing Christ and the Church. The husband represents our Lord, Jesus Christ who loves His Bride, the Church. He dies to redeem His Bride. The wife represents the Church, who submits to her husband, as unto the Lord Jesus Christ. The unbelievers know nothing of this romantic eternal display of love. A goldy marriage preaches the Gospel of Christ. It is a form of evangelism! The word ‘mystery’ means something strange, unknown, difficult the explained, a secret, a truth that can be known only thru the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, the Holy Spirit. The marriage is a mystery as the relationship between Christ and the church is mystery. It is a spiritual ‘puzzle’. Mystery creates wonder. It is the crushing of olives that produces oil. It is the breaking of grapes that produces wine. The world calls it ‘romance’. But it is more than that. A marriage can backslide. The mystery producing wonder is quenched. Money cannot buy mystery. That marriage needs revival. And restoration. That delicate work is found only at the Cross.  Oh, Lord, we need more godly, spiritually mature marriages! May we never lose our wonder…

DANGERS – DIVORCES – WARNINGS  

The marriage institution and the family are under serious attacks. Because of the intimate union between a husband and his wife, marriage can be a little heaven or a little hell on earth. Choose heaven! Choose life! Choose revival! The rate of divorce is increasing. Children are more rebellious. The devil has a plan to destroy marriages and families. We need to be wise and understand the will of God for our families. Wisdom means application of knowledge. We need to know the truth as it is in the Bible. Once the family is destroyed, the society is destroyed. The reason why the devil hates godly marriages is because there is power in agreement when you pray together. This is what our Lord said: “I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Mt 18:19, 29). The married couple, praying in the unity of the Spirit, is the best example of two ‘gathered together in My Name’.

Why so many marriages end in divorce? Most couples are not properly prepared for marriage. The preparation is done by the parents, their families, and the church. It is the duty of the people who desire to get married, to study the institution of marriage and prepare for it. But most people are not patient enough to prepare themselves for marriage. Life now is faster than ever. Things change quickly. Because of that, men tend to throw away ‘old’ things, to buy new ones. This attitude applies to both material things and to relationships. Married people quarrel and soon, they decide to divorce, throwing away their marriage. They assume that they will quickly find new partners. Sex before marriage reduces the chances of a successful marriage. Fornication is a point of contact for the devil who tells the people that sex is just for fun, with no consequences. That is a lie! Fornication damages both the body and the spirit. It makes the people see the other as objects and not as human beings made in the image of God. There is also an infatuation with romantic love as seen in the movies. Falling in love is a wonderful experience but it is not enough to sustain a godly marriage. It creates a deceptive perception. The lovers tend to avoid the truth and live in a world of their own. They create a fantasy space where they dream about their passion. Sexual lust is called ‘love’. But once that ‘love’ gets cooler, the same people hate each other with the same passion. Place your love on the altar of God, to be purified by His fire. The earlier the better!   

Marriage between believers has a spiritual foundation. God invented marriage! The spiritual realm affects the natural realm. If the husband or the wife backslides, it will surely affect their marriage. These are some dangers concerning the marriage of believers: They start to take God for granted. They continue to be religious, but God is not in the center of their lives or their marriage. They think of Jesus only as Their Provider. They forget that He is the Head of the Church, their King and their Lord. They become overfamiliar with God, and they lose the fear of God. They minimize sin. Their joy of salvation and of their marriage is lost. Like in the wedding of Cana, the first round of wine ‘is finished’ (Jn 2:1-10). The sweet wine is now replaced with the water of survival. Life becomes boring. In the marriage, this backsliding manifests as routine without excitement. The wife thinks of her husband only as the one who brings the money. She takes him for granted. She loses her respect for him. Her prayers for him have no depth and no passion. The husband seems distant. He only brings the money, but his heart is far from her. He only loves the children. He sees his wife as the mother of his children and not as his life partner. He becomes secretive and she does not care. This is the sad picture of a marriage that is backsliding. What is the solution? They need to go to the Cross, to see Jesus! He alone can change water into wine! The couple needs to repent, confess their sins against God and one another. God will grant them a new beginning in their spiritual lives and marriage!

The key to success in your Christian life and in your marriage is to be saturated with God’s Word and to be filled with the Holy Spirit! These are twin commands: “Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God” (Eph 5:18-21) and “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col 3:16).

The Holy Spirit works with God’s Word! The more you absorb the Word of God, the greater the possibility to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The effect of these ‘fillings’ is seen in your personal lives and in your relationships. Your marriages, your relationship with your children, with your staff and other people, will improve dramatically. The unbelievers cannot have a successful marriage or a peaceful family. Being filled with the Holy Spirit manifests itself as a joyful heart who praises God and encourages others. This man is humble, submitting to others because he fears God. Have you tried to quarrel with a Spirit filled man? You cannot win against him! Why? Because he always gives thanks to God for everything. Submission to one another is the Law of the Kingdom of God. This attitude glorifies Christ, the Humble King! This submission applies not only to the wife towards her husband. Al the members of the family must practice it. It is a practical form of worshipping Christ! This submission expresses the idea of humility. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. He says we should do the same (Jn 13:12-17). After five years of marriage, quarrels should cease. This victory is possible only if the couple has learned to be humble like their Lord and submit to one another.

1-THE HUSBAND – LEAD AND LOVE LIKE THE LORD!

When God created marriage, it also created specific roles for the husband and the wife. Many Christians are ignorant of their roles to play in marriage. Ignorance of their roles always ends in crisis. This is God’s Word: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). In Christ, we are all saved in the same way, by Grace and by Faith. The scripture above shows our individual worth. As children of God are all equal in Christ. But in the realm of marriage, there are specific roles that the spouses need to fulfill. “The husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything” (Eph 5:23, 24). As you can see, God instituted that the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the Head of the Church! The husband is the head of the wife, her loving leader. He represents Christ to her. A bully is not a leader. He is a tyrant, an oppressor. That is not Biblical. The husband is not only a leader but a loving leader. He is spiritual, wise, firm, and gentle at the same time. Some men try to force their wives into submission using physical force or verbal abuse. They think that submission is obedience to all their wishes. It never works that way. The husband needs to draw strength from the Holy Spirit to love and to lead. The wives are very sensitive to the attitude of their husbands. They submit for the sake of Christ and not for the sake of fear. They know when the husband is ‘in flesh’ and desires submission just because it feels good to be the boss of the home. In that case, the wife may resist to submit. Lesson: dear husbands, the way your wife behaves to you is a mirror of your relationship to God. If you say that she is stubborn, it means that you are stubborn towards the Lord. Remember the principle of ‘first things first’. Repent and reconcile with your Lord and He will change your wife to become the woman of your dreams! There is no greater joy for a wife to know that her husband is drawing closer to God, and he uses the strength of the Holy Spirit to lead and to love her. She immediately submits gladly. Force never works in marriage! The Holy Spirit is the key and the power for both leadership and submission.

HOW AND WHY TO LOVE?

Why is the husband commanded to love his wife as Christ loves the church? One reason is this: emotionally, the women desire love more than the men. As light and water is needed for a plant to grow, so the woman needs love to live. A man endures the absence of love much easier than the woman. He becomes absorbed in his business and compensates the lack of love with making more money. But to his wife, lack of love is like sickness. The love of her children and of her friends, even success in making money, all these are still not enough. Her heart cries silently even if she pretends that she does not care. The Bride in Song of Solomon lost her Bridegroom. Running alone on the streets, in the night, she weeps and tells her friends: “I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, that you tell him I am lovesick!” (SS 5:8). It is hard for men to understand this pain. But it is a real pain. God knows and God cares. The husband should know, and the husband should care…

How can a man love a woman? Many books are written about this subject. Singers have sung with tears in their eyes. I can only add some things that I gathered as a pastor, as I cancel married people. It is my experience, one of the hidden sources of conflict, is that men do not try enough to understand the weakness of their wives when they desire love. They see this desire for love as childish. They usually know that something is wrong when God blocks their prayers. Then they repent and try to be more sensitive to the emotional needs of their wives. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Pet 3:7). The husband is to ‘give honor’ to the wife because she is ‘the weaker vessel’. The word ‘honor’ means to praise her, to feel proud of her, to admire her, at home and in public. God created her ‘the weaker vessel’. She is not just weaker in the body, but she is more sensitive, delicate like a crystal chandelier. Her beauty is fragile. Her wisdom is deeper. It can be lost ‘underground’ is the husband does not dig for is like for a treasure. The weakness of the wife manifests in her potential to be wonderful. But she needs much help for her to fulfill destiny. It is the privilege of the husband not only ‘to find a wife and receive favor’, but to help her find herself and her voice in this world. There is great reward promised to a godly husband. There is hindrance to prayers if the husband treats his wife only as an object. His prayers will be interrupted, arrested, and detained by the Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus, please help us all!   

If you want a good happy marriage, you need to mature in your understating of your wife’s strength and weakness. Ignoring your wife’s needs will always end in conflict. My advice is that the husband opens a file called “My wife – how to love her better”. Study your wife as you studied for exams in school. Success is never an accident. Successful people study and prepare themselves long before the battle. When the opportunity for victory comes, they are ready to take it. Husband, you love a challenge! Make your marriage a success! The gain is greater than the sacrifice! You can do it!   

PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR THE HUSBANDS

Dear brother husband, let me be practical… let me make it as easy for you as I can… Look unto Jesus and imitate Him! Love is the best way! Lead like Jesus! Be like Jesus!

*Be truly spiritual. Lead your family thru your testimony as a man of God. You can deceive others thru a fake spirituality. You cannot deceive your wife and children at home because they now ‘the real you’. Study the Word! Pray! Be faithful with the ‘family altar’. Be active in serving God in your local church! There is no substitute for this! “Be holy because God is holy” (1Pet 1:16). Be like Jesus! God will reward you!

*Be hard working! A lazy man is counted as an unbeliever (1 Tim 5:8). A lazy man does not deserve respect from his wife! Jesus always worked! Be like Him! Our Lord said: “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” (Jn 5:17). Do not worship your work! On Sunday, you rest your body and your mind from the regular work, and you go to church to serve God! ‘Keep the Sabbath holy!’ (Ex 20:8-11)

*Be generous! “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (PV 11:25). “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2Cor 9:6). God is the most generous Person (Jn 3:16; Rom 8:32). Generosity towards your wife will bring the blessings of God! Dear husband, material and spiritual harvest shall be your portion. Your wife will respond happily and become free with you! A stingy husband is a bad husband. The love of money has destroyed many marriages! Most husbands remember to give gifts to their wife only on special occasions (for Christmas, or birthdays…). They wait for their wives ‘to beg’ for money. They do not realize that the wife appreciates little gifts ‘in between’, that come spontaneously. Husband, do you travel for your business? Do not come back without a little gift that tells your wife you did not forget her in the heat of your monetary transactions.

*Touch your wife! Do not be shy! Let your love for her be seen, be felt! The women appreciate unexpected tender touches from their husbands. These are to be done in private, at home, and also in public. These ‘touches’ are seals of love, golden moments that melt the hardest of hearts. Be like Jesus! When our Lord touched others, power left him to heal them. By the touch of the Master’s hands, blind eyes were opened, and the sick were healed! God touched Jeremiah’s mouth and put words in his mouth (Jer 1:9, 10)! Touching your wife releases the supernatural into your marriage and propels her into ministry. She will be your greatest human helper! Husbands, please take notes!

*Sacrifice for your wife! Fear not! Humble yourself! You can never lose loving your wife with agape love! “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). A proof of love is for the husband to sacrifice something for the sake of the wife. Christ loved the Church and died for her. The husband must love the wife sacrificially. For example: if both of you want to watch something on the TV… the husband likes action movies, and the wife likes romantic movies. It is true that she submits to her husband. That is why the action movies are the regular movies in that home. But from time to time, the husband should just watch a romantic movie with his wife. She will appreciate that sacrifice! In the women’s world, that is a sign of love! Trust me!

*Honor your wife always, especially in public! Never embarrass her in public, or among your relatives. Public rebuke wounds deeply!

Be patient with her. Notice her mistakes but never correct her in front of others. Wait until you go home, and both of you are alone. This is extremely important advice. Be careful with your words. They hurt! Control your tongue! Never ‘snap’ at your wife! Never mock her in public, not even jokingly. Listen to this wonderful husband talking about his wife in public: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all” (PV 31:28, 29). There is a true saying: “Treat your wife like a queen and she will behave like a queen”. Mocking your wife for her weight, of for her attitude, in public, is a sign of disrespect and wounds her deeply. Jesus was always gentle with the weak, the children and the women. This was especially in a society where women were discriminated and treated as animals. The power of a husband to make or break his wife is great! Husbands, use your power to make a wonderful wife out of the woman you married! It is your responsibility and privilege from God! Jesus was always gentle and tender with women in public! Be like Him!

*Encourage your wife to be a woman of God! Pray for her! The husband is the leader. He should not be a faultfinder. He should make allowance for her weaknesses and her mistakes. He should gently encourage her to improve. The wife is not a slave. Do not treat her like a slave! Correct her and teach her with firm but gentle words, and always by example. Hypocrisy in marriage is poison. Do not compare your wife with your mother, your sisters, or some movie stars. Your wife is your lost and found ‘rib’. She is part of you! She completes you! She is not an outsider! Be a loving and good listener. Let her talk. Let her express her ideas and dreams. Let her dream freely in your presence. Find ways to encourage her to fulfill her destiny. “Love does not harm his neighbor” (Rom 13:10). Love is patient and kind, never rude. “Love never fails!” (1 Cor 13:8). Love your wife until she sees Christ in your eyes, she feels the touch of the Savior thru your hands, and she hears the sound of many waters thru your voice. Love her until you forget the need for her to submit to you. Let her submission be an overflow of your love for her! Love is creative and never fails! Your love will ignite in her the respect and submission you have desired. I know that successful marriage is a long and hard road… But there is no other. Fast and Pray! Lead and Love! There is always a Cross before a Crown! Dear husbands, I know that you can do it! I trust Christ in you!

OUR TESTIMONY

My husband, Pastor Richmond Sisan Leigh, and I were married for 47 years before he went to heaven. We married as unbelievers. Later, we both got saved. We rededicated our marriage to God. It became a sacrifice of love on the altar of Him who died to save us. The fire of God fell and changed our relationship into a ministry. Many couples have been blessed by our marriage. It became a source of inspiration, wisdom, strength, and joy for both of us and for our children, especially in the last twenty years. I testify that my husband helped me know Christ better. He was a truly spiritual man, with an apostolic prophetic anointing. I gladly submitted to his leadership. He loved God, His people, and to serve God in His House. He was a hardworking man. He was never lazy! He was generous with his time and gifts towards me. He will gently touch my hand or my back, in public, when I least expect it. This is not easy in Nigeria where men are not free to show their affection towards their wives. But he did it! He was never ashamed of me. Even when I put on weight (I used to be slim) or made mistakes ignorant of the culture of Nigeria. He will correct me with love. He will think of me, and he will say so. He will write little notes of love and give them to me. He has never insulted or rebuked in front of others. Not even in front of our children. If we have misunderstandings, we always discussed these things late at night when the children are sleeping. We discussed freely. He tells me what I did wrong. I also tell him my feelings. Our open communication was a blessed gift from God that helped us greatly to have a successful marriage!  Until today, our children or relatives are ignorant of our personal challenges we had as a couple over the years. He encouraged me to fulfill my calling as a pastor. Even when I get discouraged, he will tell me “Lia, be strong and courageous! You are a woman of God! God is with you!” These words brought so much strength and joy! They sank deep into my soul! I can still hear the sound of his voice… That is why I am strong! That is why the worship continues… My husband is in heaven now. But his testimony is still alive…

CHRIST AND THE CHURCH

The home is the best place to show the truth about yourselves. You can pretend to strangers but not to your spouse at home. The husband is to be like Christ in his relationship to the Church. This is the doctrine of the mystical union of the believer and Christ. Christ is the husband of the church! “My brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God” (Rom 7:4). Christ is the Husband to each believer! The Church is the Bride of Christ! He loved us when we were still sinners. Not because we are beautiful, but by His Grace, He wants to make the Church beautiful! His plan is to wash her by His Word, to sanctify her by His Spirit; to be a Bride ‘without spot or wrinkle” (Eph 5:27) fit for Himself. To change a sinner into a saint requires the ultimate price. It was paid with the Blood of the Bridegroom. Jesus gave Himself for His Bride. There was no other way to save her except to die for her. He is concerned about her. He sees her potential with His eyes of love! Christ is proud of His Church. He wants her to be perfect. He is not satisfied until she becomes perfect, a beautiful and glorious church! He wants to bring her to Himself. He wants to show her off to all. Christ will see the travail of His soul and He shall be satisfied! “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Rev 19:6-8). What a story! What an amazing love! Worship the Lord!!!

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (5) – FAITH ACCOUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled “Faith accounted for Righteousness”. Her main text was taken from the Books of Romans, James and Genesis 15. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16, 17) … “What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin” (Rom 4:1-8).  And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23)

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD APART FROM THE LAW IS REVEALED

The Gospel is God’s Good News. It is totally God’s Word and God’s Work. It is God’s only method to save sinners. Christ is the only Savior. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Gospel is the power of God! It can never fail! It is certain! It is sure! Faith in Christ Crucified will never be disappointed! This is the assurance of salvation! The Justification by Grace only, by Faith only, in Christ only, is the only method God uses to save sinners. Rejecting the Gospel means eternal condemnation. Justification by faith alone is the proclamation of God the Father, the Creator, and the Eternal Judge, that on behalf of the Merit of the Cross, the sinner who has faith in Christ Crucified, is justified freely. The sinner who has faith in Christ crucified becomes righteous before God and man. Grace comes from above, from God. Faith comes from the sinner, which is also a work of Grace. Once Grace and Faith meet, revelation is born. Salvation is by revelation, the peculiar work of the Holy Spirit. Without revelation, there is no Christianity.

Righteousness is being made right with God, to stand in His presence and have a relationship with Him. God insists on perfect Righteousness. None can obey God’s Law perfectly. Therefore, by the deeds of the law, no man is justified in God’s sight. Christ obeyed the Law perfectly, even unto death. By faith in Christ, believing that He became sin for you, and died as your Substitute, you receive His perfect robe of Righteousness. It is called the imputed Righteousness of Christ. The sinner is covered with the perfect Righteousness of Christ. The sinner believes that declaration. God now freely justifies him and accepts him as His child. So, justification, is by Grace, by faith in Christ alone, thru the Word of God, to the glory of God alone!

GOD JUSTIFIES THE UNGODLY (Rom 4:1-8)

The unbelieving Jews complained that the Gospel nullifies the Old Testament. To prove to them that the Bible is one, that God’s method of salvation is by grace and by faith only, Apostle Paul connects the Gospel with the two greatest heroes of the Jews: Abraham and King David.

They both believed the Gospel. Our Lord confronted the Jewish religious leaders and said to them “your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” (Jn 8:56). God gave Abraham the promise that he will be the father of nations. Abraham believed the promise. Against all hope, being an old man, he had hope that God will fulfill his promise. From afar, he saw the coming of Christ, the Desire of all nations. He saw in Isaac, the promised Messiah, who is the Hope of all glory! This faith God counted it as Righteousness. Like all men born of Adam, Abraham was a sinner, an ungodly man. But because of his faith in the promise of the Spirit, God justified him. God forgave him all his sins, covered him with the imputed Righteousness of Christ and accepted him as his son. This is how he became saved. Like Abraham, we too become saved by Grace and by faith! Praise the Lord!

Faith is always connected with Grace. The Law relates to works. To him who works, a salary is paid. The man who works does not exercise faith that he will receive a salary. The worker does not believe in grace. He knows that if he works, the boss will pay him for his labor. If not, he can sue him to court. The boss is not gracious and kind to pay him his salary. The salary is a debt the boss owes to the worker. This is the principle or law and works. But the realm of Grace is totally different! The key to open the door of the promises of Grace is always by faith. God does not ‘owe’ you any ‘salary’. God gives a promise. He expects you to trust Him, that He who promised is able and faithful to give you what He has promised. Grace expects man to have faith in the faithfulness of God. This faith is counted by God as righteousness. The word ‘Righteousness’ means right standing in God’s presence. It also means spiritual and natural prosperity in Christ!

“To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Rom 4:5). This is one of the most important verses in the Bible. It is the strongest statement of the doctrine of justification by grace, by faith only. Who is the man that God justifies? There are two things we are told about him: 1-he does not work, and 2-he is ungodly. This man cannot present a bill because he did not work. He needs faith in the God of all Grace! Abraham was a good man, but he too was a sinner saved by grace.

What is the lesson for us? We are born sinners. We are all ungodly, enemies of God. God justifies the ungodly as they are. God does not make a sinner godly before He justifies him. No! God justifies the ungodly man who has faith in Christ Crucified. After that, God makes him godly. Justification is a declaration of God, the Judge of Mankind.  Thru this legal, court, forensic declaration God forgives His enemy, the sinner, and regards him as righteous. This Justification is based on the death of Christ, the Substitute of sinners. God the Father, the Judge, has accepted the sacrifice of Christ. On behalf of that, He is able to be just and merciful at the same time. Justification by faith is a matter of imputing, of paying to our debts. God imputes our sins on Christ, and He imputes Christ’ perfect righteousness to our account. That is why Christ died. God sees us now in Christ! Not that we are made righteous, but we are regarded as such by God! The words impute; to credit to account, accounted, reckoned, all mean the same thing! These are words used in the banking sector. Somebody pays money in your account. It is said that it was credited to your account.  

Paul says that King David was saved in the same way, by Grace and by Faith. He had the same revelation. He says: ‘Blessed is the man that God does not impute sin to his account!’ That is free forgiveness! Forgiveness is only the first step to full reconciliation with God! It means that my sin has been drowned in the sea of God’s forgetfulness. God will never look again at my sin! God reckons now the righteousness of Christ to my account. This is the doctrine of justification by faith! This has always been God’s method in dealing with sinners. It is always a matter of reckoning and imputation.

This is the Doctrine: God does not reckon our sins to us!!! How does He do that? He has reckoned them to His Beloved Son! “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:19). Christ is our Substitute! God ‘manipulated’ the accounts! Glory to God! The Christian is the man who believes that! He knows he is a sinner. He knows he cannot justify himself. He repents. He believes. No works! Only pure faith! A Christian sees this and rests on this truth! Have you stopped trying to be saved? Salvation is the free gift to the ungodly. Do you believe now that Jesus died for you? If you feel that you need to do something more to be saved (to pray more, to pay tithes etc) you are not yet saved! If you do not see that you can become saved this very moment, by faith in the God of all Grace, you have not yet seen it! Come to Jesus!

FAITH ACCOUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Genesis 15)

THE FAITH OF THE FRIEND OF GOD

Abraham was afraid for his future. God says: Fear Not! God promises that He will protect and provide for Abraham! But he is afraid that God’s promises will fail! He has seen many miracles, but his heart’s desire is not yet fulfilled. He has no child! No son! Like Abraham, everything in your life seems great. But you miss something that your heart desires. Everything God does to men is purely by His Grace. He expects faith as a response from men. Faith honors Grace! Doubt dishonors Grace! Examine your heart! Allow your conscience to speak freely! Do not deceive yourself! Faith must be genuine to be approved by God as righteousness. 

In the Old Testament, God gives promise upon promise. God speaks as Jehovah Adonai, the Master of slaves. He commands Abraham to fear not! He is His Protector and His Provider. God promises total protection to Abraham for as long as he lives. He will make Abraham stronger than all his enemies. He will weaken all his enemies. The victory is sure! Abraham believes! He had Faith in God’s Word, in His promises. God promised that Abraham will have many descendants, shining as the stars in the night. This was a mighty promise especially because Abraham was old and childless at that time. Sarah, his wife was also too old to have children. This is a great promise! Difficult to believe! But we are told that Abraham simply believed the Word of God! “And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Gen 15:6). This is one of the greatest verses in the Bible. Paul quotes it five times and James quotes it once! In Hebrew, the word ‘believe’ means strength like a pillar that carries the house. It means to confirm or to be established. Abraham believed the promise of God, His Truth, and he rested on it. He was not worried that the promise will crack and that he will fall. Faith has knowledge of truth, embraces it, and trusts it! Faith Rests in the truth! Faith finds truth and searches no more!!! Saving faith has no other god! It has no ‘plan B’. This faith was counted as righteousness. God accepted it and approved it to become righteousness to Abraham.

God’s Word, the Truth, is ‘the wine’. Faith is not the drink. It is the straw. This is how you drink truth! Faith is powerful because it connects us with the eternal Truth, with the promises of God that can never fail! Have you found the glass of ancient wine? Do you have a straw to drink? Faith was reckoned; it was counted! This is doctrine of justification by faith alone. Abraham was declared righteousness before his circumcision and before his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, which can be counted as works of faith. If you trust in God’s promises, God will accept you! There is no boasting in salvation. Only humility and worship. You do not boast about yourself, but only what you have received freely from God! Many Christians struggle to believe the promises of God! They are distracted by many problems: sickness, old age, poverty… Can you trust God on His Word alone? That is the faith God is looking for!

God promises that Abraham will have many descendants. He also tells Abraham that his descendants will be the owners of the Promised Land. God reveals the future to Abraham. God is telling him that his many descendants will go to another land and stay there for four hundred years. After that, his descendants will come back here, to the Promised Land. They will drive away the present owners and take over their land. This promise is given to an old man who has no child at that time. To confirm the promise, God makes a covenant with Abraham.  It is a covenant of Grace! God is the active party in this covenant. God does a strange ceremony. God tells Abraham to kill some animals. Then he should cut them into two. This is a blood sacrifice. God speaks, God directs, and God gives visible signs. The birds of prey attack the sacrifice. Abraham has faith in the covenant and drives the birds away. This is a good lesson: The devil attacks the faith in the God, the Covenant Maker and Keeper! Do spiritual warfare. Be jealous over your faith in the God of the Covenant!

Then, a deep sleep comes upon Abraham. It is like Adam, who God put to sleep to make Eve from his rib. God says that there is sad news before there is good news. God’s people, Abraham descendants, will be slaves and suffer before they will come and possess the land!  At that time, Abraham has no child! The sin of the Amorites (the Canaanites in general) is not yet complete. As you can see, God judges not only individuals, but He judges nations. He will drive them so that Abraham’s descendants come and possess their land. God waited for four hundred years until the Canaanites’ cup of sin was full. All this time, God’s people will be in Egypt. As you can see, God makes no mistakes. God knows the end from the beginning. Not only that but creates ‘the end’. He is the God we can safely trust! This faith is vital in our relationship with God!

This is the next day. The previous night God showed him the stars. The next day, Abram had to prepare the sacrifice. In the evening, he fell into a supernatural sleep, like Adam’s sleep. A supernatural cloud of anxiety came over him. God was showing him the bigger picture of his future and destiny. Him and Sarah will have a son. But out of that son millions of descendants will be born. Thru this dream Abram saw the sufferings of Christ on the Cross when the cloud of darkness will cover the land. He also saw the glories to come. The Cross is before the Crown! Abram saw the Grace of God providing the Justification by Faith for him, and the price it took to save his soul. He saw that his descendants must go into slavery in Egypt. They will suffer terribly. But thru this suffering, they will multiply and become a nation, inside another nation. They will eventually come out. God has decreed the exodus already. They will come to the Promised Land and occupy it. God seals the Promise and the Covenant with His presence as Fire. This is the promise that can never fail! This faith is fear free! A miracle done by God and accepted by Him! God’s presence shall be with them always. There shall be fruitfulness. There shall be protection and provision. The victory is guaranteed! Jehovah Adonai speaks! Abram believes! Glory!    

A flaming torch passes between the pieces of sacrifice. This is a symbol of God coming as fire. In the past, God came to the children of Israel as the cloud of fire in the night, as fire on top of the mountain, speaking to them. God seals the covenant with Fire! It is the same as on the Day of Pentecost. This is God’s unilateral Covenant of Grace. God does everything. He promises and He performs them! The only thing Abraham needs to do is to have faith in God! God takes full responsibility for the fulfillment of the promises.  Covenant with God is a sober matter. God punishes the breaking of the Covenant. God invokes the curse of death upon Himself if He fails any of the promises given to Abraham. God says: ‘May I be cut into two and killed like these animals if I fail you! Trust Me! I can never fail!’ God stretches His hand to Abraham! The only thing Abraham needs to do is to stretch his hand and hold God’s hand! God is the covenant Keeper. We are the Covenant breaker. Even so, God alone will suffer the consequences for the breaking of the covenant! That is why Jesus became curse and died on the Cross! The life of faith is a life of waiting with God, hand in hand, heart to heart! Hold God’s hand, trust Him, wait, and walk with Him! What a mystery this our faith is!

God wants Abraham to trust him until they become friends. The relationship starts as Master and slave. Over the years, Abraham learns to trust his Master, Jehovah Adonai, until he becomes the friend of God. Humanly speaking a friend is someone close to you. You like his company. Your friend knows you well, your strength and weaknesses. Your friend helps you when you need help. Humanly speaking, two friends are free from sexual manipulations. Also, siblings are natural relations and not counted as friends. The husband and wife need to learn to trust each other for a long time before they can call themselves friends. A friend never betrays the other. God is seeking for friends, not just believers. It took three years for the disciples of Jesus to be called friends by Him. The friends of Jesus obey His commandments. They love and trust Him always. They love and trust one another. The joy of God’s friends is always full. They are fruitful to the glory of God! “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (Jn 15:11-15). Do you want to be a friend of God? There is no higher calling to any man in heaven or in earth!

As you can see, the story of Abraham is not just the story of a childness man who later had many children. It is the revelation of the God of Abraham, the God of Grace who loves him. He is the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Blessings of Abraham are not only natural. They are spiritual. In the Faith of Abraham, we see the way we should respond to Grace poured from above. This is a picture of the doctrine of justification by faith alone! The way Abraham believed the promises of God, so we must believe that by faith in the Cross, we are now forgiven and made children of God! Glory to God! Worship the Lord!

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

      Just as I am, and waiting not

      To rid my soul of one dark blot;

      To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

      O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (4) – JESUS, THE FRIEND OF SINNERS – CASE DISMISSED!

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled “JESUS, THE FRIEND OF SINNERS”. Her main text was taken from the Book of John 8:2-12).

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD APART FROM THE LAW IS REVEALED

“The righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed”. Her main text was taken from the Books of Romans. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16, 17) … “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:19-24) … “The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (Jn 1:17)

The Gospel is God’s Good News. It is totally God’s Word and God’s Work. It is God’s only method to save sinners. Christ is the only Savior. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Justification by Grace only, by Faith only, in Christ only, is the only method God uses to save sinners. Rejecting the Gospel means eternal condemnation. Justification by faith alone is the proclamation of God the Father, the Creator, and the Eternal Judge, that on behalf of the Merit of the Cross, the sinner who has faith in Christ Crucified, is justified freely. The sinner who has faith in Christ crucified becomes righteous before God and man. Grace comes from above, from God. Faith comes from the sinner, which is also a work of Grace. Once Grace and Faith meet, revelation is born. Salvation is by revelation, the peculiar work of the Holy Spirit. Without revelation, there is no Christianity.

Righteousness is being made right with God, to stand in His presence and have a relationship with Him. God insists on perfect Righteousness. None can obey God’s Law perfectly. Therefore, by the deeds of the law, no man is justified in God’s sight. Christ obeyed the Law perfectly, even unto death. By faith in Christ, believing that He became sin for you, and died as your Substitute, you receive His perfect robe of Righteousness. It is called the imputed Righteousness of Christ. The sinner is covered with the perfect Righteousness of Christ. God now freely justifies the sinner and accepts him as His child. So, justification, is by Grace, by faith in Christ alone, thru the Word of God, to the glory of God alone!

THE LAW DEFINED

In the dictionary, The Law is defined as a system of rules created and enforced by an authority, through social or governmental institutions, to regulate the people’s behavior. The Law has been variously described as a science or the art of justice.  

In the Bible we see that God has given man His Laws. Apart of the Ten Commandments, God has given many other laws, found especially in the Old Testament. Why did God give man His Laws? Before we answer this question, we must clarify the fact that salvation in Christ does not come by obeying God’s Law. Justification, righteousness, to a sinner comes by Grace alone, by Faith in Christ Crucified alone. It is the free gift of God. This is the revelation of the Holy Spirit, and it is found in the Word of God. This is very important to know: God’s Law was not given to save man!!! God never intended that man should be saved by obeying His Law! God’s Law has a different purpose! Selah! Justification by faith alone applies to both the Old and the New Testament, as the only mode of salvation. Long ago, before the world was made, The Holy Trinity had a counsel, deciding the plan and purpose of salvation of sinners. God that Father decided that sinful men shall be saved thru faith in His only Begotten Son, who will die as their Substitute. From ages past, faith in God has always been the only method of salvation! Faith is the Key to open the door of salvation! There is no other key! Please remember that!  By obeying the Law man cannot become righteous or accepted by God. The righteousness God has provided, is by Grace and by Faith in Christ alone. Salvation is not achieved by obeying God’s Law. Many Christians make mistake here. They think that by obeying some Biblical Laws, by behaving well, or by doing good deeds, they shall be saved. This is an error. Search your heart and examine your faith!

God gave His Laws to men in two ways: to the Jews, God gave the Law thru Moses. It was written on the Stone. It is external. It appears in the Old Testament. Israel is the only nation that had the privilege to hear God’s voice and to receive God’s Laws. The rest people, also called the Gentiles, they received God’s Laws in their hearts, written in their consciences. This was an internal law. The Holy Spirit is a witness to that internal Law. God judges all sinners either by the written law or by the law of their conscience. Rejecting Christ and His Gospel because of unbelief is the greatest sin. The reaction to the Gospel is God’s standard in judging all sinners. There is no partiality with God (Rom 2:1-16).

THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S LAW

1-God gave His Law so that man knows God, His holy and just character. Thru the Law, we understand what God loves and what God hates.

2-God gave His Law so that man knows what sin is. The Law identifies, exposes, and judges sin. “By the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom 3:20).  Without the law, sin hides and deceives man. ‘Sin is lawlessness’ (1Jn 3:4). The Law was given so that we understand God’s hatred, wrath, and judgment on sin. When a Judge in the court condemns a criminal, he quotes the Law that was broken. In the same way, God convicts us of sin, by pointing us to the broken law (Rom 1:18-32). The Doctrine of the Wrath of God: God is Holy! God hates sin! God always fights and destroys sin. If the sinner does not have faith in the Gospel provided by God, that sinner is condemned, and he will perish. Rejecting the Gospel, blocks the way to Grace and Mercy to manifest. There is no hope for such man to be saved. God’s Wrath is not an emotional, erratic reaction as the human anger. It is God’s character to hate and destroy anything that is sin. Holiness is jealous for the glory of God! The first manifestation of God’s wrath was in the Garden of Eden when Adam broke the Law. The curses placed on the serpent, the devil, on Adam and Eve, these are all manifestation of God’s wrath against evil and sin.

3-God’s Law directs the sinner to the Savior. God’s Law is like a strict Teacher, a Tutor, or a Schoolmaster! How does it work? The sinner tries to obey the Law to please God. He is not able to do it. He becomes frustrated. This spiritual frustration is under the control of the Holy Spirit. It will lead to the Savior, to Grace! The sinner finds life, hope and salvation, at the foot of the Cross. The Law does not work with faith. It has no mercy or grace. It expects total obedience. The Law humbles men because they fail to obey it! The Law kills the pride of man. No man can boast of obeying the Law to save himself! The Law punishes all rebellion and directs the student to the only Savior, full of Grace and Truth (Gal 3:19-25).

THE LAW GLORIFIES CHRIST

God the Father, thru God the Son, by the Holy Spirit, is the Author of the Law. God created and enforced the Law. As a Man, Christ was born under the Law, to identify with sinful men, to be able to be their Substitute. “Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal 4:1-5). Try to imagine, a Supreme Court Judge, stepping down from his exalted seat, going so low, becoming a criminal willingly. He does it so that he can pay the debt of a wicked man, just because he wants to adopt him as a son. This is just a small picture to understand what our Lord did. This is the greatest humility revealed to men and angels! Appreciate the price paid to save your soul! Jesus died so that you could live. Blood was shed on the Cross that you may have eternal life! Does this revelation move you? Is the depth of your spirit touched by this greatest love of all? Worship the Lord!  

Christ is the only Man who obeyed all God’s Law perfectly! He obeyed it in two ways:

1-Christ obeyed the Law actively, by submitting to all God’s Law and obey it, spiritually, and externally. Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and lived a sinless life, totally obedient to the Law of God, both in His heart, in His words and actions. He is the standard for perfect obedience.

2-Christ obeyed the Law passively, by becoming sin for us. God’s Law says: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20; KJ); “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). Christ became sin as our Willing Substitute and obeyed this Law. That is why He died. This was His passive obedience to the Law, like a Lamb led to the slaughter, He did not say a word in His defense. Prophet Isaiah said long ago: “He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities” (Is 53:11).

Listen to what our Lord said: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:17-20). Our Lord says that He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it. To fulfill it means to satisfy the hopes, promises and expectations of someone. Christ obeyed the Law and fulfilled the promises of the Word of God. He did this by teaching men the Word of God and by obeying it. He is the only perfectly Righteous Man. His perfect Righteousness, coming from His total obedience to the Law of God, is imputed on us who believe in Him. This is the revelation of the Righteousness of Christ, apart from the Law, offered to sinners, so that they can be saved! It is greater than the outward self-righteousness of the religious leaders. The righteousness of the Child of God is not just an act. It is a Living Person. It is Christ Himself. He lives inside you, changing you, not to become religious, but to become like Him! Christ has “became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor 1:30).

Finally, faith is not an enemy to God’s Law. You become saved by Faith in Christ. Once you become born again, by the power of the Holy Spirit you obey God’s Law. “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law” (Rom 3:31). No believer is lawless. We love God’s Law and we are now happy to be able to obey it! Worship the Lord!

THE FRIEND OF SINNERS (John 8:3-11)

CASE DISMISSED!

If you want to know who your true friends are, then make a big mistake. A friend is the one who comes in and stays, even when all others go out. A lover may betray, but never a friend. Ruth was a friend to Naomi. Jonathan was a friend to David. “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother … A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (PV 18:24; 17:17). “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Jesus is called the “Friend of Sinners” (Mt 11:19). He died so that sinners might live! God is interested in sinners. Those who know that they are sinners, humble themselves and repent! The Pharisees hated that! They hated the God who sent His Son to be the only Friend sinners have. They hated Jesus and His Grace! Even today, the religious legalists still do that!

This is the story: the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus in His words. They brought a woman who they said was caught in the act of adultery. They quoted the Law of Moses saying that the woman should be stoned to death. They asked Jesus, what is His judgment? Remember that they did not care about the Law of God, about justice, or about the woman. They brought her ‘in the midst’ of people carrying stones in their hands, ready to kill her. They had no love for God or mercy for the woman. They tried to use God’s Law only to trap Jesus and convict Him of sin. It was a wicked evil desire to condemn Christ, who is the Author of the Law and the Judge of all men. The Law their quoted about stoning for the sin of adultery appears only once in the Bible. A woman should be stoned to death if she is a virgin pledged to be married and she committed adultery with another man (Deut 22:23, 24). The Pharisees who brought this woman to Jesus did not prove if she was a virgin pledged to marry another man. Her pledged husband was not there as a witness. The man who they said committed adultery with her was also not identified. During the time of Jesus, death for adultery was seldom carried out. In fact, the most common punishment for adultery in Jewish society in Jesus’ day was not death, but divorce and financial compensation for the husband from the adulterer himself. Remember that the Pharisees did all this not for the sake of justice or for the honor of God’s Law. They did it to trap Jesus in His Words. No matter what He said, He will be found guilty. It was a ‘win-win’ case for them. If Jesus said: ‘let her go free’, they will say that Jesus does not care about God’s Law. If Jesus said, ‘stone her to death’, it means He is not loving and merciful to sinners, the way people saw Him. His reputation as a Friend of Sinners will be ruined.    

Amid this crisis, “Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear” (John 8:6). He is calm. He prays. Many speculate what did Jesus write with His finger, on the dust found on the stones at the courtyard of the temple. The answer is that we do not know. What we know is that God who wrote the Ten Commandments on the stones with His finger (Ex 31:18). In that case, Jesus reminded them indirectly that He is God, that He gave them the Law. He is the Judge! It is also possible that Jesus sent a fast ‘Email’ asking the Father if this woman is on His List to be saved. In that case, He has the authority to declare her justified because He has paid the price for her sin.  Moments later, as the tension increased to the maximum, the Lord Jesus stood up.  The Judge of the Living and the dead said: ‘the one without sin, throw the first stone!’ The words ‘without sin’ does mean ‘sinless.’ What the Lord meant is that if there is anyone among the accusers, who has a personal interest in this matter and is not totally fair to do justice and to give glory to God, that one is disqualified from being a judge or a witness in this case. God’s Law said that for a man to be put to death, at least two or three witnesses must testify, saying the truth, and not lie before God. The witnesses must be the first to stone the guilty one. If a witness is found to be a false witness, what he planned to do to another, should be done to him (Deut 19:15-21). What the Lord said is this: if you are false witnesses, if you have an evil plan in accusing this woman so that she will die, then you will die with her. The Lord trusted that the Holy Spirit would convict them of sin in their consciences. He did! One by one, the older ones first, convicted of the sin of wickedness, to trap the Son of God, they dropped their stones and went away. By their action, they proved to be wicked, to be hypocrites!      

Finally, Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. The accusers have left. It is possible that the disciples of Jesus were there all along. The woman, who had been the defendant in a capital case, is now alone in court. Only Jesus, the rabbi who had been asked to settle the case is still present. None of her accusers — and, more important, witnesses against her — are present to testify. The case is thrown out of court for lack of evidence. “Then neither do I condemn you,” says Jesus. According to the Law of Moses, no sentence or condemnation is appropriate without witnesses.  Go and Sin No More, said the Lord!

This is the greatest theological dilemma? How does God balance His Justice with His mercy, His Law and His Grace? How does God punish sin and forgive the sinners? Human wisdom does not have the answer! Jesus wrote on the ground. He is calm. Waits for God to give Him the answer. This is a holy moment; you see the intimacy of the Trinity. The accusers were convicted by the Holy Spirit in their conscience. They were supposed to repent and believe in Jesus. They were to fall at His feet and ask for forgiveness. But they refused. They went away to their perdition. The only person who stayed was the woman. She too was convicted of sin. But she stayed!!! At the feet of Jesus, that is the best place to be! Jesus told her gently to repent. This woman was saved that day. Her body and soul were saved! Why? Because she stayed with Jesus! The religious leaders tried to trap our Lord using the Law of God. But they ended being trapped themselves. To be a Judge is God’s business. Not for sinners to condemn sinners! They judged another man’s servant! They wanted to be God! Jesus knew that He would die on the Cross for her! This is the only way He could forgive and heal somebody. He took their sins and sicknesses. He paid their bills! The sin of the religious rulers was that in the presence of Jesus, hearing the majestic word of Wisdom straight from heaven, they did not fall on their knees to surrender and repent! Convicted by their conscience, they went away hardened, in the darkness of perdition! What a great opportunity they missed! But the woman, sinner she may be, stayed at the feet of the only Friend she had that they! And the Friend did not disappoint her!  Case Dismissed! Worship the Lord!!!!

SUNSET FROM OUR BALCONY

@7PM Warri/ Effurun/ Nigeria

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised” (Ps 113:3)

Praise the Lord!!!

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (3) – THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED  

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled “The righteousness of God revealed”. Her main text was taken from the Books of Romans, Matthew and Mark. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith” (Rom 1:16, 17). “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Mt 5:6).

“Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So, Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So, Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road” (Mk 10:46-52).

*Righteousness defined: Dictionaries define righteousness as “behavior that is morally justifiable or right.” A justifiable behavior means an action, an emotion, or an idea that is acceptable or correct because there is a good reason for it. Justifiable behavior can be defended as reasonable. God is totally Righteous. In the Old Testament the promised Savior was to be called “The Lord Our Righteousness’ (Jehovah Tsidkenu).  “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jehovah Tsidkenu)” (Jer 23:5,6). This promised Branch of Righteousness from the lineage of King David, is our Lord Jesus Christ! The Gospel brings the Good News from Heaven that our Lord died as a Sustitute for sinners who believe in Him. God justifies the sinner by His declaration in the court of heaven, because of the merit of Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is the Substitute and who died for the sinner. The sinner who has faith in the Lod Jesus Christ, becomes justified by God and before God. Justification means three things: forgiveness of sins, a new imputed righteousness of Christ (as a covering robe given to the sinner) and a new standing and relationship before God.  To impute it means to credit another, to charge another for the payment of your debt. Righteousness applies to both character and behavior, especially in relationships with God and man. To be righteous it means to be right with God, and to behave in a way that is acceptable to God. Righteousness is both a standing and a behavior. This righteous behavior manifests towards God and man. God expects perfect righteousness. No sinner can come before God and live. The righteousness that God expects is total obedience to His Law. But no sinner is able to obey the Law. The only Man who ever obeyed God’s Law completely is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is totally Righteous. A sinner becomes justified, righteous before God, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who has fulfilled the law” (Mt 5:17). By faith in the death and resurrection of our Lord, we become saved. We receive a righteousness that is even greater than that of the Pharisees, who were very religious and outwardly, without fault. But their heart, their spirit, was not right with God. The Lord said that: unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:20). This righteousness of Christ imputed on the sinner is the only way to become saved. This is a revelation!

*Righteousness is found in Christ alone. Because of the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, as our Substitute, God the Father declares the sinner justified. This is the doctrine of Justification by Grace alone, by Faith alone. Justification means forgiveness of sins, a new standing before God and a new righteousness given to the sinner, to cover him. This is called ‘the imputed righteousness of Christ’, the free gift of God! It is apart from the law.  God gave man His laws. But man, being a sinner, is not able to obey the laws of God. By the obedience of God’s Law, no man can be righteous. So how can a man stand before God and be accepted by Him? “How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman?” (Job 25:4). The answer to this old question is found at the Cross. This is the Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected. “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:20, 21).

*This righteousness of God in Christ is ‘revealed’. In Greek, the word ‘revealed’ means to remove the cover, to bring something to the light, to make a difficult truth to be plain and simple. It is purely the work of the Holy Spirit. It cannot be gained by man’s efforts, intelligence, or science. It does not come by the natural senses. It cannot be ‘borrowed’ from another. Man’s wisdom is expressed thru philosophy. The natural man, the philosophers do not believe in miracles or in revelation. Their ideas are the product of man’s wisdom, who rejects the wisdom of God. Many preachers now are religious philosophers. They do not believe in revelation, in the work of the Holy Spirit. Their sermons are based on human logic. They lack the power to convict of sin, to save the souls of men. The preaching of the Gospel is the power of God because it is the work of the Holy Spirit! Revelation is in another realm. It is spiritual.  It is the direct unique work of the Holy Spirit upon the soul of man. Like a man who sleeps, in the morning, he wakes up… Like a man born blind, he suddenly sees… His life will never be the same again…And best of all, a dead man rises to life again. These are all symbols of what is called ‘revelation’. The things he has experienced cannot be learned from books or from other people. He knows that he was blind, but now, he can see. He knows that he was dead, but now he is alive. The Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected is preached. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to reveal Christ and His righteousness to the soul of man. The instrument for this revelation is faith in God and in Christ crucified. This is how a man becomes saved, born again, by the Spirit of God. He believes that Christ died for him, and God has now justified him by His grace alone. This man can never boast of His faith, or of his own righteousness. He knows it is by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, that God has done a deep work in him. The Word of God becomes alive in him. There is no Christianity apart from this revelation!   

BLESSED RIGHTEOUSNESS

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Mt 5:6)

How can you know this righteousness? By strongly desiring it! In Greek, the word ‘blessed’ means to be happy, to be congratulated. To be filled it means to be full to overflow, to be satisfied, to have more than enough. The word ‘righteousness’ means to be right with God and man. It is a word that describes moral character and right relationships. The world’s greatest need is for more righteous men and women.  “Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (PV 14:34; AMP). Righteousness is a spiritual gain to any nation. It is not a political achievement. It rises its level of living, peace, and security. Sin does the opposite. It lowers the level of living, peace, and security. That is why, the preaching of the Gospel of Christ Crucified is the greatest blessing and investment you can contribute to the blessing of any nation. Preaching the Gospel may look like a long, indirect road to bless a person, a family, or a nation. But it is the only sure way approved by God! “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt 6:33). The study and the search to know our Lord, His Kingdom and His righteousness, has great benefits. By focusing on this, God will supply all that you need even without you laboring much. This is His promise! Oh, that you believe it!

The first thing we should observe is that as a child of God, you should not seek after blessedness, after happiness. The world seeks after happiness. They think that wealth or entertainment will help them achieve that. But God’s law is that happiness is not what you seek directly. If you do that, you will never find it. That is why all worldly people, as they get older, they get frustrated, bitter, and depressed. They are disappointed at life, at God. The correct way is to desire righteousness, to be right with God. Finding that, you will become happy! This is the Gospel! Apostle Paul sometimes uses the word ‘righteousness’ to mean ‘Justification’. But in this verse, the word ‘righteousness’ means justification and sanctification. It describes the personal righteousness, the testimony of a changed character of a child of God. Many people dream and desire to be beautiful, famous, or wealthy. The child of God should desire to experience and manifest the righteousness of Christ; to be like Jesus in this world. When you study our Lord, you are impressed with His wisdom, patience with difficult people, compassion with the needy, strength to overcome trials, His joy in His fellowship with the Father. Don’t you want to be like Jesus?

To be hungry and thirsty for this righteousness it means that you hate sin, in all its forms. You know that sin separates you from God. You know that sin offends and grieves God. You hate it the way God hates it. The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin. You become more sensitive to sin. You repent quickly. This is a blessed contrite heart that God blesses. Do you want to offer a sacrifice to God that He will not refuse? “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.” (Ps 51:17). Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and quickly repent of any revealed sin, big or small. That makes God happy!

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Ps 42:1, 2). This was King David’s cry. It should be ours too. To hunger and thirst for something, is to desire that thing until the point of desperation, of pain. Hunger for food, or thirst for water is not satisfied with mere words. In the same way, seeking God in Christ, is not easily satisfied with religious empty words. Until you find food to eat and water to drink, you remain restless, and desperate. In the same way, you must desire to be free from sin, to be holy like Jesus! Nothing else will satisfy! This is a deep need, a deep longing, to be free from the guilt, power, and the pollution of sin! Do you hate sin? If you have been in love with somebody, then you know the longing and the power of such a thirst. In seeking Jesus and His righteousness, your heart will become desperate, almost to the point of death. The Holy Spirit leads and monitors this spiritual seeking.

What is the end of this desperate road? The Holy Spirit has promised to come and by His direct revelation, He will fill you with Himself. He will satisfy your soul. Christ will now dwell in your heart. You will be thirsty for the devil poisoned water no more. You will be hungry for the world’s deceptive riches no more. You will be happy, fulfilled, beyond words can say. Filled with God’s righteousness means that you now have new fulfilling relationships with God and man. A righteous man is not only a true worshipper but the best brother and friend.  Imagine a marriage or a relationship where both are filled with the Holy Spirit! That is a taste of heaven on earth! This filling, this experience happens immediately. It is purely by the revelation of God the Holy Spirit. But its impact will continue all your life. The holy seeds of righteousness will bloom and produce fruits in your heart for as long as you live. Your life will be ‘spoiled for the ordinary’. You will never be satisfied with just a little religion. You will forever long for to be in the heavenly places! You are now seated with Jesus, reigning in His name! Glory to God! This is the price to pay for revival! Worship the Lord!

BLIND BARTIMAEUS

This is the story of the miracle Jesus did, to give sight to a blind man called Bartimaeus. His name means ‘Son of Timaeus’. His father’s name, Timaeus means defiled, rejected or blind. He was a blind man; the son of a blind man. He was seated along the road, begging for food or money. He cannot see but he can hear. His hearing compensated for his lack of sight. He is dressed in a special robe given to the members of the ‘association of beggars.’ Every day he listens to men’s voices. Some are rude, many are angry. He knows them all. One day, in the midst of men’s voices, he heard a different sound. It was a voice that came with authority, compassion, and love. He was told that this man is called Jesus! Immediately he heard His name, something started stirring deep in his heart. This was the promised Messiah, the Son of David, The Lord our Righteousness… he thought to himself. He suddenly knew that Jesus alone has the answer to his need. He started shouting His prophetic name: “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Angry men tried to quench his hope, his faith, his voice. But he knew that this may be the opportunity of a lifetime. He shouted even more, above the voices of men. Suddenly, the crowd stopped. He felt the tension of silence. Then the Man Jesus said: Call him! The same man who pushed him aside in the morning, suddenly become kind and said: ‘Be of good cheer! The Teacher is calling you! Get up!’ That is all he needed to hear. He threw his garment of begging, of sin, poverty, and hopelessness. Standing on his feet, naked and vulnerable, Bartimaeus slowly came to his Lord. Jesus asked: What do you want me to do for you? Many ideas started running in his mind… ‘I know that Jesus is able to give me anything. I believe… I can ask for money, then I will never beg again. I will be a blind millionaire… I can ask for a wife and children… that is good, but I will not see them… I know what I will ask… I will ask for something only God can give… No man can give to me…’ Faith rises in his soul… Faith is wise… Faith is power! He said: ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Suddenly, his eyes opened, and he saw Jesus! He saw the people! The miracle of life and sight was granted to him! He started to follow Jesus along the road, praising His holy name! What a story! Whoever believes, and not doubt, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, shall not be disappointed! Oh, blessed holy faith! The power of the Gospel! Worship the Lord!

JOY! JOY! JOY!

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (2)

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled “The Doctrine of Justification by faith only”. Her main text was taken from the Book of Romans. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith” … “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 1:16, 17: 3:19-24).

THE BOOK OF ROMANS – INTRODUCTION

Concerning the major doctrines of salvation, The Book of Romans is the most important Book in the Bible, followed by the Book of Ephesians.  God used the Book of Romans more than any other book to ignite revival all over the world. Great men of God got converted thru the study of Romans. Among them were St. Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, John Bunyan, John Wesley, and others. The Book of Romans was written by Apostle Paul. He was one of the most intelligent men who ever live on earth. He was born in Tarsus, one of the three greatest cities at that time (the other two were Athens, Greece and Alexandria, Egypt). His father sent him to Jerusalem to study under the famous Gamaliel. Paul was highly educated. He was a lawyer, a religious pharisee. He was also born a Roman citizen. That gave him many rights and privileges. The letter to the Romans simply starts with his name: ‘Paul’. Many consider this letter to be the greatest piece of human writing.

JESUS PREACHED THE GOSPEL

“After John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:14, 15). It is called the Gospel (the Good News) of the Kingdom of God. Our Lord is the King of that kingdom. God promised that one day the Messiah, the Savior, the Redeemer will come! He will crush the head of the serpent! The Kingdom came with King Jesus! Sinners are commanded to repent and believe in the Gospel! To repent it means a complete change of mind, of the way of thinking. The sinner must truly repent of his own sin, of pride, of self-righteousness. The sinner must believe that he is an enemy to God and that he needs a Savior. He must believe that King Jesus is the only Savior for men. Faith in Christ Crucified is the key to experience salvation, to have eternal life. A sinner’s life is like a man’s house in ruins, like after war or earthquake. He must remove the fallen walls and clear the ground before God can build a new one! This is the Gospel we preach: Christ Crucified and Resurrected! Stop looking at yourself! You can’t save yourself! Look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith! Salvation is a revelation and a miracle! Repent and believe! Do both!      

JUSTIFICATION BY GRACE AND BY FAITH ALONE

Justification by faith alone is one of the greatest Biblical doctrines. You must study it and try to understand it. It’s power to save comes only by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. This is the power of the Gospel! God shows you how He saved you! The word ‘justification’ is found especially in the New Testament. The general definition is this: based on the merit of the sacrifice of God’s Son on the Cross, God the Father declares the sinner to be a saint! This declaration starts with immediate effect, and it is eternal! Justification is Forgiveness of sins, a new Covering (the imputation of Christ’ righteous upon the sinner) and a new Standing of the sinner before God! The opposite word is ‘condemnation’, the act of finding someone guilty of sin, an enemy of God! Justification as a concept appears even in the Old Testament. “Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked” (Ex 23:7). “If there is a dispute between men, and they come to court, that the judges may judge them, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked” (Deut 25:1)“He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (PV 17:15)

The doctrine of Justification says that The Sovereign God, The Creator of the universe, The Eternal Judge, declares a sinner righteous, based on the merit of His Son Jesus Christ, who died as a substitute for that sinner. God reckons Faith in Christ Crucified as righteousness. Justification is a legal term, a forensic term. It is a declaration done by the Judge in the court of the universe, that the sinner is guilty no more and free from condemnation. He is now a child of God! He can now come freely, without fear, without shame, before God. A sinner cannot stand before God! Justification is God’s work, done by Grace alone. Once God declares a sinner justified, he is free from the penalty of the law. God sees that one as righteous in His presence because he is now found in Christ! No man can be justified by works, by keeping the law of God. It is only by faith, by Grace alone!

The Catholic Church and other denominations, believe that sanctification comes before justification. They believe that God infuses grace into the sinner, thru the baptism or the Holy Communion. They believe that as man comes to church, he gets holy little by little, and he will finally be justified. That is why many people ‘try to make heaven’ by obeying the law, by their good works. This is a wrong doctrine! Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a Roman Catholic monk. He tried to be free from the guilt of sin by obeying the law. He discovered that it was not possible. He became frustrated. One day, the Holy Spirit opened the eyes of his understanding and he saw that justification is by grace, by faith, thru Christ, Thru the Word of God and for His glory alone! Immediately he became born again! Because of that he was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. He started the Reformation. A great revival started with Luther’s conversion. This is a great part of the History of the Church Universal.  

The truth is that Justification is done by God before sanctification! Based on the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, God the Father declares a sinner justified. God does not justify the righteous man. He justifies the sinner! Justification does not change a sinner internally. Justification is a once and forever act. It is the beginning, the foundation of salvation. After that, comes Sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit, which is a process that lasts a lifetime. It changes the justified sinner into a mature believer. Justification is an act done outside the sinner. Sanctification is a process done inside the heart of the justified sinner. Justification is more than forgiveness of sins. It is also a spiritual covering. The Justified sinner is now dressed in the imputed righteousness of Christ, having a new standing before God!  

These are some basic points about Justification:

• Justification comes apart from the law; that is, we cannot earn justification through rule-keeping or our own good works.

• Justification is made possible in the sacrificial death of Christ; it is based on the shed blood of Christ.

• Justification is the free Grace gift of God bestowed on those who receive by faith the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

JESUS FORGIVES AND HEALS A PARALYTIC (Lk 5:15-26)

Jesus became famous especially because of His healing the sick. The more famous He became, the more he withdrew to be alone with His Father and pray. His prayer life sustained our Lord all His days on earth. These are great lessons for us! Abiding in the secret place of the Most High God, praying and worshipping God, is the secret of a successful and fruitful ministry!

In Luke chapter 5 we see a wonderful story, how our Lord healed a paralytic. The four men have faith that Jesus can heal their friend. The paralyzed man has faith too. You see the great compassion the friends have. This reflects God’s mercy. The man was paralyzed lying on a mat. This paralysis was the result of an injury to the spine or the last stage of syphilis (an incurable sexually transmitted disease at that time). It is possible that the man still connected his sexual sins with his sickness. They damage the roof so that their friend can come to Jesus, who was teaching the Word of God. We are told that the power to heal sick bodies was present. The sick man had faith that he can be healed. This is the perfect example of a man who needs forgiveness of sins and healing of the body. They wanted healing but Jesus refused their request initially. Jesus gave the man something better. Forgiveness is greater than healing. Jesus saw their faith! Jesus saw inside the sick man’s heart. He knew that he was repentant! Jesus calls him: ‘Man… Friend… Son’ (Mt 9:2). The men’s faith manifested as a desire to come closer to Jesus. Their faith was not easily discouraged by hindrances. They knew that they had to pay for the damaged roof. But faith is stronger than the rebuke from men. Jesus saw ‘their faith’. That includes the sick man’s faith too. He wanted physical healing. Jesus gave him something better. He justified him. He forgave his sins. This is the gift of eternal life, the greatest gift of all. The religious leaders were there like secret police, to investigate Jesus! They grumbled saying: “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Lk 5:21). They were right in saying that only God forgives sins. This is because sin is an offence against God. But they were wrong in their spirits because they did not believe that Jesus is God! This tells us that it is possible to have the right doctrine and still be lost! Examine your heart and not only your mind!

Our Lord knew their secret thoughts of the religious leaders and confronted them saying: “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (Lk 5:23, 24). Humanly speaking, it is easier to say: “your sins are forgiven”. It is harder to say: “Rise up and walk”. This is because the miracle of healing must be proved for people to see. But the truth is that forgiveness of sins is much harder than physical healing, even for Jesus (I am speaking as a human being)!!! This is because our Lord died on the Cross, for God to be able to justify us, to forgive our sins. Our Lord forgave the man’s sins and healed his body. He paid the price for man to become children of God; the greatest price of all!

Finally, the healed man stands up healed. He carries the mat that carried him. He came thru the roof, now he leaves thru the door. All men praise God for witnessing ‘strange, extraordinary things’ that day! This is another great lesson: there is no sin Jesus cannot forgive! There is no sickness that Jesus cannot heal! May your faith rise and walk! Give glory to the Savior! Worship the Lord!

“Please show me Your glory.” (Ex 33:18)

This evening, the prayer meeting was wonderful. This ‘wonderfulness’ was not because we were smart, spiritual or strong. It was purely because the Wonderful Counselor was in our midst. Initially, we tried to pray some little prayers but ‘the engine oil’ of the anointing was not enough for such a time as this… Wobbling between petty requests, we finally got to the mind of the Spirit. He said: ‘Glory!’ This became was our congregational and individual prayer: “Oh, Lord, Please show me Your glory.” (Ex 33:18). We also prayed: ‘Lord, give me You!’

The religious spirits tried to hinder the flow. They tried to distract us, reminding us about our natural needs. Suddenly, angry voices remembered us that we need to cook for tomorrow; that we need to pay the house rent at the end of the moth and school fees for children… But the Holy Spirit, the Lifter of our heads was pointing to much higher. ‘Where Lord?’…It was a good choice to disengage from looking around, from looking at our circumstances… Nothing new in Nigeria… same old stuff, not worthy to be brought before the throne of grace… but what else should we pray for?…

With the strength that moves the mountains, we looked up on the beautiful face of Jesus… the Author and Finisher of our faith… Without faith no one can pleases the Lord… Faith makes us pleasing to God… it was so refreshing to feel pleasing to our Savior… Then Grace sang a solo song… the song of the unmerited favor money cannot buy… ‘Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me… I once was lost… But now… But now!!! I am found!!! Was blind but now I see! Grace is greater than all our sins… We rejoiced in the grace released at Calvary… Old things passed away before our very eyes… all things changed and became new… It is a newness that lasts forever, the unfading newness of life… Then the heavenlies opened and we were invited in… We steeped in like Moses…Like David… No fear…  we are walking on the clouds of glory… I’m not afraid! ‘Show me Your glory!’

For a second I panicked… I looked around… simple men and women… from Effurun, Nigeria… None was properly dressed… No designer clothes… just some Tee-shirts and jeans… We did not look like much… It flashed thru my mind that if the big men of God knew the release of glory here, they could have come to fill their buckets with it… But none came… It was the glory love of the Father for us… for us… for us… We looked like the servants who filled the jars of water at the wedding in Cana… we were entrusted with the secret of the party when the sadness melted in jars of clay…We kept pouring wine to others…The Bride must be happy tonight… the special wine kept for the last hour… We got drunk in His presence… We ‘managed’ to say ‘Thank You’ to the King of Glory… Shaking, we gratefully piled one crown on top of another, we crowned Him as the King of kings… Fear free and glory gazing we bowed down to worship Him alone… My Lord….

(From my notes, after the prayer meeting called ‘Saturday Class’, 18-10-2018)

TESTIMONY OF REVIVAL

A dear sister from the church sent me this wonderful testimony. After many years of struggling, spiritually and financially, I see the rain drops of mercy and grace on her and her family. I can testify that she is paying the price for spiritual maturity. She attends church activities. She serves God the best way she can. Oh, I am so happy to see that our sheep and lambs are maturing in Christ! Read and be inspired! She will read your comments! To God be all the glory!  

“Dear Malia,

God bless you mother for the great n mighty works He is using you to do, and God bless Tali in heaven for laying a very solid. Concrete foundation in d heart of each of his children that even in his departure the fire is burning even more. His teachings echoes in our hearts even more now. To God be all the glory!

I have so many testimonies to share but let me share these few ones. During resumption of service after the covid, I was finding it difficult to take the 4kids especially to weekly service alone.  Then I had a dream and saw u telling me to be coming to church and you pointed some soldiers and told me that they will help me carry my load that I should come. That was how I resumed. I didn’t get the full message of the dream until like a year later when a lady came to meet me that I am really trying that she was watching me during the Wednesday service that I carried my baby on my back from d beginning to end of service n I told her it’s God immediately that dream scene flashed in my eyes when u said the soldiers will help me carry my load and I was in awe. I said so because I didn’t even realize I was carrying baby in my back sef. It was nothing to me at all n when people say I’m trying in my heart, it’s something I enjoy doing bringing the kids to the house of their father God. I can’t go to church without my kids n even during cleaning, I use to find it difficult but now I enjoy taking them along n they even beg me that they want to clean🤣🤣 To God be all the gloryyyyyy!!!

Again ma, during their promotion exam last term, my kids got all A’s. There was no B in any of their results n during the graduation party. My first daughter was called out for the award of best student in Kg2. I was in awe n I bowed b4 their Father n teacher in Heaven n gave HIM all the glory. The worst part is my mind did not even go there at all because we didn’t do revision with the kids at all n we didn’t even employ lesson teacher n to our greatest surprise I was called out to receive the award. I just knew it was God and I give HIM all the gloryyyyyy!!!

Again ma, during Genesis 3 series the Lord delivered me from the spirit of laziness. when u talked about some people praying to have time to be doing nothing and just sitting, I was actually that type right from time. I go to shop very late n close very early many times n sometimes I don’t even open my shop. Most people don’t even know if there is shop like mine here. I just stay at home relaxing n doing exercise n I’m praying for God to bless my business🤣. It was during d service when u said God blesses hard work. I realized I have been a fool. The next day I followed my husband to do school runs and from there I went to my shop. The worst part is my shop is a stone throw from my house n I just stay home. Now I am asking myself what has been wrong with me. Everyone is surprised n asking me if this is me🤣. My husband has “big big” dreams n like u said, I humbled myself n prayed for God to give me d anointing of “big big”. My home is taking a new shape now. My husband now discusses business matters with me now n told me he will encourage my business more now (when God blesses him) when he started seeing seriousness. God has been faithful in teaching me to handle cooking n d rest. After that single act, I am now seeing peace, love, romance, and tighter friendship. I am a very happy woman now. I have never experienced such level of peace n love in my marriage before n the funniest thing is that there is no much money like that lest we say is because of the money that we have this kind of peace n joy. No wonder u said yesterday that God wants to give us more than money. Indeed, He is doing it already n I no money of necessity will come. I am so so happy mummy n I thank God for everything. He is such a good n loving father n of course, a great master planner. I love you JESUSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Thank u mummy for training us like soldiers n I am happy to be a soldier also training soldiers (my kids) for the Lord. We love u mummy❤️. I pray I impact people in my generation in the way of the Lord. God help me! God bless you Ma!!!”

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST (1) – OUR GOD REIGNS!

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled “The Power of the Gospel of Christ (1); “OUR GOD REIGNS!”. Her main text was taken from the Book of Romans, 1 Thessalonians and Isaiah. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16, 17); “Our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance” (1Thess 1:5); How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Is 52:7)

THE BOOK OF ROMANS – INTRODUCTION

Concerning the major doctrines of salvation, the Gospel of Christ, The Book of Romans is the most important Book in the Bible, followed by the Book of Ephesians.  God used the Book of Romans more than any other book to ignite revival all over the world. Great men of God got converted thru the study of Romans. Among them were St. Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, John Bunyan, John Wesley, and others. The Protestant Reformation and Revival started during the time of Martin Luther. He was a Roman Catholic monk, a professor of theology. By the power of the Holy Spirit, he received the revelation that salvation is by faith in Christ Jesus and not by religious works. God used Romans 1:17 to save his soul. From that time on, Luther insisted that you must be born again to be saved. The Catholic Church insists that you must be a member of the church before you can go to heaven. They believe that salvation is ‘by works’ and not by faith. His conversion led to the split of the Roman Catholic Church. This is how the Protectant denominations started. The Book of Romans was written by Apostle Paul. He was one of the most intelligent men who ever live on earth. He was born in Tarsus, one of the three greatest cities at that time (the other two were Athens, Greece and Alexandria, Egypt). His father sent him to Jerusalem to study under the famous Gamaliel. Paul was highly educated. He was a lawyer, a religious pharisee. He was also born a Roman citizen. That gave him many rights and privileges. The letter to the Romans simply starts with his name: ‘Paul’. Many consider this letter to be the greatest piece of human writing next to the Bible.  

NEVER BE ASHAMED OF CHRIST OR HIS GOSPEL

Here, the Gospel is defined as ‘The Gospel of Christ’. Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. All men are born sinners. The Jews and the Gentiles have rejected it. Paul was persecuted for preaching it. But Paul is not ashamed. Paul is preaching to the believers in Rome. At that time, Rome was the greatest city. But Paul is not intimidated by the rich and famous to shut up his mouth! says that he is not ashamed to believe and preach the Gospel of Christ. What does he mean by that? Paul says that he is very happy and proud to believe the Gospel of Christ! He is vocal and boasts in believing the Gospel! He is not hiding it. He is not a ‘silent believer’. He is not shy or ashamed to declare that Jesus died and rose again to save his soul! Why was Paul bold? He knew that the Gospel ‘is the power of God unto salvation’. He knows what the Gospel does! It changes hearts and lives! It may look like foolishness, but it is the raw power of the Creator God! The Gospel is always connected to the electricity of heaven! Are you ashamed to preach the Gospel? Do you keep silent when you should speak?   

Apostle Paul uses the word ‘Gospel’ 60 times in his letters. In Greek, the word ‘gospel’ is translated ‘Euangelion’ from where the word ‘evangelism’ comes. Man’s words are ‘bad news’. Only God’s Word is ‘Good news’. The Law given thru Moses is holy and good. But it is not ‘good news’ to sinners, because they can’t keep it and they cannot be saved thru it. The Gospel is the ‘Good news’ from heaven. In a nutshell, the Gospel means this: “Jesus died and rose again for me!”. This is the best Good News to any sinner! If the Gospel, the story of Jesus, does not make you excited, does not make your heart sing for joy, it means that you are not born again! The Preaching of the Gospel comes with the power to change the hearts of men. Nothing else changes a man’s heart and destiny except the Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected! Have you felt the power of the Gospel? The evil spirit of religion has taken over many churches. People go to church, but they are not saved. They do not understand the Gospel. For them, it is like a foreign word. But you should know what you must preach! The power of resurrection works in you, and you preach that power, that Word that changed your life! Preach to all, old and young, religious, or non-religious! It is the same Gospel for all! What a Great Power of salvation!

THE MIRACLE OF HEALING THE CRIPPLE LEADS TO EVANGELISM

All miracles are a manifestation of God’s power! Our Lord walked on the water, He raised Lazarus… The Lord Jesus Christ has the power to save, heal and deliver! “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Ac 10:38). Read this wonderful story in Acts 3! The beggar was born crippled. Men carry him every day to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. He waits for alms. He knows that religious men going to the temple are the best people to pity him and give him some money. Religion is good for giving alms. But it has no power to change the situation. It can only give alms. The man did not expect more than alms. He was surprised that Peter and John offered him the power that comes with the Gospel. He believed! By faith in the name of Jesus, his weak ankles received the power of healing. Instantly, he could stand and praised God! This miracle done by the Lord Jesus Christ thru His disciples, was to attract the crowd. Peter did not explain the miracle. He did not call more people to receive miracles. He stood and preached the Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected. That is the main purpose of miracles. It is to point people to Jesus as their Savior before He is their Healer and Provider! This is true evangelism!  

The authority of Christ Crucified and Resurrected has been entrusted to us! We use it to preach the Gospel, to heal and deliver men!

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Lk 10:19) “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen” (Mt 28:18-20). Worship the Lord!!!

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me” (2 Cor 12:8, 9).

The thorn in the flesh troubles me, weakens me, oppresses me. It is a hidden pain. I prayed that it may be removed. I thought that its removal will be my healing, my deliverance. But the Lord said:

“Leave it there. It is the attack of the enemy but I approve of it. It will dry your doubts, fail your fears and oppose your oppression. Thru it all, your spirit shall become stronger and your faith shall stand. My grace is what you need. My favor on you is the key to healing and ministry. Let the Cross do the deep work in you. The fruit is for My glory and it will surely manifest. Trust Me not only at the beginning of your walk with Me; not only for the destination. Trust Me for the journey. Every step together… The beauty of communion…We are in this together. Enjoy My presence. Relax and follow Me! Talk less and sing more! My grace and My love is all that you need… I love you, child…”

(From my diary, 2018; Malia)

IN THE BEGINNING GOD (11)

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached from the Book of Genesis chapter 3. She said that Genesis chapter 3 is absolutely essential in understanding the Bible and the history of man. Here we see how sin entered humanity. For the first time, we are presented with the Gospel of Christ. If you study the history of man, there is no better explanation of why things happen the way they do, except you believe the doctrine of the fall of man and the doctrine of the original sin.

THE FALL OF MAN also called the fall of Adam, or simply the Fall, is a term used in Christianity to describe the transition of the first man and woman from a state of innocent obedience to God to a state of guilty disobedience. The doctrine of the Fall comes from a biblical interpretation of Genesis, chapters 1-3.

THE ORIGINAL SIN: The fall of man affected all humanity and even the creation. Adam broke God’s law. He sinned! He was our representative on earth. This sin has affected all humanity. All Adam’s descendants are born sinners. This first sin affected the whole man, body, mind, emotions and will. It corrupted man. Thru sin, sickness and death entered humanity. Sin reveals itself in the mind mostly as unbelief; as fear and in as pride! “As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23).

THE GOSPEL IN GENESIS 3

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life” (Gen 3:20-24).

Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. That includes the Book of Genesis! In Genesis chapter 3 we witness the greatest tragedy and the greatest hope of mankind! It is a wonderful chapter! The Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected is introduced here. The Gospel means Good News from heaven! God the Father sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to take man’s sin and die on behalf of man! This is the word of pure Grace! The Gospel tells us what God what has done, not what we have done to save ourselves! As Adam and Eve could not cover themselves with leaves, so man cannot cover his sin. The only way to save man is thru faith in Christ Crucified! We are saved by Faith alone, by Grace alone, by the Word of God alone, thru Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone! That is why no man can boast of his salvation! Glory to God!

The chapter starts with sorrow and ends with hope and joy! This is the power of the Gospel!  Many people, even some Christians, reject the story in Genesis 1-3. They say that Adam was not a real man but a symbol. The word ‘Adam’ means ‘man’. It appears 27 times in the Bible. The truth is that Adam and Eve were real people! This is their story! They lived about six thousand years ago. The Word of God says that our Lord Jesus is the direct descendant of Adam, called the son of God! “Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph … the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God” (Lk 3:23, 38).  Job confirms the curse upon Adam! He assumes that Adam sinned in his heart because he wanted to please Eve and was afraid to displease her.  “If I have covered my transgressions as Adam, By hiding my iniquity in my bosom, Because I feared the great multitude, And dreaded the contempt of families, So that I kept silence…  Then let thistles grow instead of wheat, And weeds instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended” (Job 31:33, 34, 40).   

What do we see in Genesis 3? God displays His Love and Grace! He makes a way for man to be saved! God acts and man reacts!!!

*GOD ACTS IMMEDIATELY/ GOD’S LOVE IN ACTION! SALVATION WAS PLANNED AND PREORDAINED!

Immediately the fall happens, God displays His plan of salvation prepared before the foundation of the world. “Known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:18). This is because God is God of salvation! God is a Redeemer! This is His character! This is the Gospel! This is the proof that salvation was planned by God the Father before the foundation of the world. God knew that satan will temp man and he will fall. Even before the foundation of the world, God the Son has agreed to die for the fallen man. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him (the Dragon and the Beast), whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev 13:8). Here you see God’s Love in action! “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). God reveals His hatred against sin and love towards sinners. God demonstrates (proves, manifests, exhibits in public) HIS OWN LOVE towards men. This sacrificial love in Christ conquers death and all curses! “Put me like a seal on your heart, Like a seal on your arm; For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe and cruel as Sheol (the place of the dead). Its flashes are flashes of fire, [A most vehement flame] the very flame of the LORD!” (SS 8:6; AMP)

*GOD PROVIDES ATONMENT FOR THE SALVATION OF SINFUL MAN

Salvation requires atonement. This is a basic doctrine in the Christian faith. In Hebrew, the word ‘atonement’ means ‘co cover’. Atonement refers to the needed reconciliation between sinful mankind and the holy God. Sin is separation between an offended God and religious man. This reconciliation is possible only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Man sinned! Jesus, the innocent Holy Lamb of God dies as a substitution for man’s sin. Justification by faith is possible only because of this atonement provided by the Holy God. Jesus Christ on the cross absorbs the wrath of God. Salvation is a transaction between the Father and the Son. The father pours out his anger towards sin on Christ, and his wrath is satisfied. This is how Christ is our ‘propitiation’. “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness” (Rom 3:21-25). There is need for sacrifice! Blood must be shed! God’s law says: “Without shedding of blood there is no remission” (Heb 9:22).

In the Garden, God manifests His Grace by killing the lamb and covers the guilty pair with bloody skins. The same God who was offended is the One who provides the sacrifice! Initially they were naked but knew no shame. Now they were ashamed. They feel sexual lust and shame now. God covers their guilt and shame of sin with the bloody skins of the sacrificial lamb. God covers them physically and spiritually with the Blood of His Son. God did not use the wool of the Lamb but its skin. It means that the Lamb died. The Lamb is the innocent substitute! God choose the animal, and God killed the animal. God is the Priest and the Sacrifice! God is the first Killer and the First Savior! This is a wonderful picture of our Lord! This is the first death in the world! Abel had faith and did the same. Cain despised this act of God! Noah, Job, Moses etc all offered animals to God! All the sacrifices in the Old Testament start from here. God is angry when His people did not offer Him bloody sacrifice, or they are offered them to idols. God provides the sacrifice to replace Isaac (Gen 22)! Oh, the power of the Gospel!

*GOD PREVENTS MAN TO GO TO HELL! SALVATION IS SURE AND ETERNAL!

Even after the fall, for some time, Adam and Eve lived in the Garden. God restrains them so that they should not be tempted the second time by the devil and eat from the fruit of the Tree of life! God does not want them to eat from the tree of life. Because they will be eternally evil. They will be in hell forever! This is because now they know the reality of death. The carcass of the lamb is there before their eyes. God provides atonement and God protects them from further falling! Cherubim, guards the gate to the Garden. This is the first time we see angels! The driving out of Adam and Eve from the Garden is for their protection and hope. Rejection from the paradise is another manifestation of Grace! The gate is covered by the cherubim with the flaming sword. It was on the East of the Garden. Cherubim guard the throne and the holiness of God! It means that Paradise was to the West. Every sunset was a reminder of a gate shut! They cannot go back to the Garden. Adam and Eve are naked. This nakedness is corrupted. They experience fear, shame, and sexual lust (impurity). This is the price for ‘being like God’. Nobody else saw them. They were embarrassed in front of God. God covered them with the skin. This is an act of mercy! The doctrine of atonement! “We are clothed with Christ!” (Gal 3:27). God expelled them. To protect them from hell. Adam lost peace to find the Prince of Peace! Adam lost joy to find true Joy!  They have hope for heaven!!!! Hope is the anchor for the soul. They are anchored in heaven (Heb 6:19).  There is hope for Adam’s descendants! About our Lord it is said: “You are the most handsome of Adam’s descendants; grace has anointed your lips; therefore, God has blessed you forever” (Ps 45:2; ISV). “Your mercy is so precious, O God, that Adam’s descendants take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Ps 36:7, God’s Word Translation). “Let them give thanks to the LORD because of his mercy. He performed his miracles for Adam’s descendants” (Ps 107:8; GWT)

*ADAM AND EVE REPENT OF THEIR SIN AND NOW HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Faith is believing the truth, the Word of God! When they were created, Adam and Eve believed what God said to them. Later, Satan came with lies; he said that God is a liar! Eve was deceived and believed the lie. Adam rebelled and believed the lie too. Their faith in God was destroyed.

But now, something happens! After they were sent away from the Garden, their attitude towards God and satan dramatically changed! They now know that satan lied; that he deceived them. Their sufferings forced them to run back to God! They now believe God’s Word. There is pain for the woman, in her relationships with her husband and children. The man has pain in the work of his hands. But God’s Grace is working! Faith comes into their hearts thru the pain of the curse!!!! Adam repents of his rebellion and now he sees that Eve will be the mother of all living! Eve means LIFE! Her seed will one day crush the head of the devil who decided them! This is his faith now! This is his hope! Even Eve now believes! She too has a new living hope! They were looking forward towards the Cross where Christ will die for their sins! This is amazing! All unbelievers are born to believe Satan’s lies. After God send them out from the Garden, they started feeling sick and weak. Immediately they repented. They now trusted God. Adam named her Eve (Life). She accepts her name from her husband. From now on she will be the Mother of all Living! By this act, Adam, now takes back his position of leadership, as her husband and pastor! Adam believes that the promise of fruitfulness and dominion was not destroyed by the fall. Adam knew that Eve will be a mother. They also knew now that her seed will destroy satan! By calling his wife ‘mother of living’ Adam confirmed God’s curse upon satan. He has hope that one day, the paradise lost will be restored. Eve means life! Adam has faith that his wife will be a mother. This is a prophetic statement. At that time Eve had no child. This is a proof that Adam has repented and goes to God’s side! Adam believed the salvation God has promised! I am paraphrasing Adam: “I believe You God! You always speak the truth! I believe that my wife’s son will destroy the devil who has led us into sin! I believe that God always wins!” Adam’s faith becomes his testimony that he is now saved! “Now faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Heb 11:1-3). God is pleased with and always approved the men who trusted in Him! Adam is the first man of faith, the first man of God! Adam and Eve now hate satan! Their eyes are open to see the height from which they have fallen! As Eve will experience pain in labor, so also Faith is born thru pain! There is fear, sadness, regret, and shame. But against all odds, Faith is born in this sinner’s heart! This is the work of Grace! Adam and Eve choose to believe God now! By faith, they rebel against their new master, satan!

*ADAM HAS HOPE OF SALVATION

God told Adam that if he disobeys, he will die ‘that same day’ (Gen 2:17). You may say that Adam did not die that day! But according to God’s ‘eternal calendar’, “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Pet 3:8). Adam lived 93o years. That means he died ‘that came day’. Never try to understand God using your human mind. God is always right! Adam lived a long and hard life of toil. Eve became a mother of many. For her too, it was hard. She saw her first son killing his brother. Later, their descendants will be killed by the flood. Only 8 were saved. Even so, Adam and Eve lived in hope! Why did God wanted Adam to live in hope? Because Hope is the best detergent to wash away the stain of sin! “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 Jn 3:2, 3). Hope purifies the heart! As you believe in the second coming of Christ, because of hope, you will repent of all sin, to become like Jesus who you will meet one day! Hope changes us and our character. It surely changed Adam and Eve! Their shame was washed away by the ‘soap’ of hope of glory!  “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom 5:3-5). The chapter that started with the greatest tragedy in the world, ends with the greatest Grace and Hope! God loves to save sinners! May we never lose our wonder!!!

Come to Jesus! If God saved Adam and Eve, He will save you too!!

*GOD IS OUR ONLY SAVIOR

God, by nature is a Savior. He saves people from sin and from the consequences of sin. There is no other ‘god’ or religion that claims to save sinners by Grace. In Genesis 3 God reveals Himself as God the Savior. He also reveals Himself as a God of mercy and grace!

God the Father announces that He will save the scattered sheep of His Flock! “For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day” (Ez 34:11,12)!!!!! Apostle Paul says: “when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Tit3:4-7).  God the Father planed salvation. God the Son executed the plan! “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Lk 19:10)

*GOD SAVES US FOREVER! GOD IS OUR SAVIOR AND OUR KEEPER!

We are sealed for heaven! The doctrine of the eternal security of the believer! Grace saves you and Grace keeps you! This is the Gospel we believe and preach! God is able to save you and to keep you till you arrive in heaven! “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling (falling), And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen” (Jude 1:24, 25). “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38, 39). To God be all the glory! Worship the Lord!

IN THE BEGINNING GOD (10) GOD’S CURSE UPON THE MAN

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached from the Book of Genesis chapter 3. She said that Genesis chapter 3 is absolutely essential in understanding the Bible and the history of man. Here we see how sin entered humanity. For the first time, we are presented with the Gospel of Christ. If you study the history of man, there is no better explanation of why things happen the way they do, except you believe the doctrine of the fall of man and the doctrine of the original sin.

THE FALL OF MAN also called the fall of Adam, or simply the Fall, is a term used in Christianity to describe the transition of the first man and woman from a state of innocent obedience to God to a state of guilty disobedience. The doctrine of the Fall comes from a biblical interpretation of Genesis, chapters 1-3. God created Adam and Eve perfect. They were innocent concerning sin. But God allowed their free will to manifest. Obedience meant life. Disobedience to God’s command meant death.  God gave Adam a covenant of works. He broke the covenant. God then sent His Son Jesus Christ with a covenant of Grace. We believe Jesus Christ, that He died for us. Grace means unmerited favor. If Adam, as perfect as he was could not keep the covenant of works, God knew that we cannot keep it. That is why Grace is introduced thru Christ. That is why salvation in Christ cannot fail. We are saved by Grace, thru faith in Jesus Christ, in His death on the Cross. Salvation in Christ is eternal!

THE ORIGINAL SIN: The fall of man affected all humanity and even the creation. Adam broke God’s law. He sinned! He was our representative on earth. This sin has affected all humanity. All Adam’s descendants are born sinners. The nature of the first sin: man refused to submit himself to the will of God, to have God decide the course of his life. He wanted to be independent from God. Devil’s pride entered man. Pride means to remove God from the center of man’s heart and replace Him with self. This first sin affected the whole man, body, mind, emotions and will. It corrupted man. Thru sin, sickness and death entered humanity. Sin reveals itself in the mind mostly as unbelief; in the emotions as fear and in his will as pride! “As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23).

GOD’S CURSE UPON THE MAN

“Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Gen 3:17-19)

The first thing we mention is that God’s curse upon the serpent (physical and spiritual) is eternal. There is no redemption for the devil. The curse on both the woman and the man is temporary. In Christ, these curses are broken. Amen!

We see that the curse is not directly on Adam. This is because God has already blessed him. The curse is on the ground and on the work of his hands. The ground does not feel pain. But Adam feels the pain because his work is harder now. In the Garden, his work was a pleasure. But now, work is ‘a toil’. The pain is in the man’s relationship with the ground, with his work. His life will not be easy. When man fell, death entered not only into mankind but in the whole creation. Animals, plants, and microbes, all die now. Even the earth itself, and all the planets are dying. Death is the consequence of sin. The curses on the serpent, on the woman and on the man affected the universe. The curse on the woman affected her home. The curse on the man affected the work of his hands. For a man, his business is his world. The earth now brings forth food but with great effort!

The first time to concept of ‘evil’ appears is in chapter 2. God commanded Adam: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Gen 2:15-17). The word ‘evil’ means something bad, wicked, and ugly; something that hurts and produces pain and sorrow. This command was a warning that in the beautiful Garden, there is some evil. It was Adam’s duty to ask God the meaning of ‘evil’, especially as it relates to death. This is a lesson for all of us: Study the Word of God in detail, with prayer, for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Study not only the promises that you like. Study the whole Bible, including the painful scriptures, like the curses and warnings! That is wisdom for life!  

The cause of the curse: Because Adam ‘listened’ to the voice of his wife and disobeyed God’s command! This curse is his punishment! Adam was not deceived or confused by satan or by his wife (1 Tim 2:14). Adam listened and chose to obey the voice of Eve instead of the voice of God. They both knew what God has said. Adam chooses to please his wife. He allowed her to take leadership in the family. He gave up his responsibility as the leader and the pastor of the home. That was his sin! The act of eating the fruit is a simple act. They both ate fruits in the garden. Adam’s sin was that he allowed Eve to take the place of God in his life! Adam lived 930 years (Gen 5:5). The curse on the work of Adam’s hands lasted all his life! It was a long and hard life!

Now, man has to ‘toil’ for his daily bread. ‘Toil’ means misery, frustration. The word ‘frustration’ means being angry, impatient, or less confident because you cannot achieve what you want; you cannot control or change your circumstances. Frustration is often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled dreams or unresolved problems.  This toil does not only apply to the work of farmers. All men suffer in their businesses. Man is a slave to his work. Man hates his work, but he must still do it. The more children he has, the harder he must work to provide for them. His work does not bring him satisfaction. Even in the night man worries about his work. Many men dream of a time when they stop working. It is only in Christ that the curse upon man and his work is broken. Outside Christ, work is vanity upon vanity! To rejoice in the work of your hands, in your marriage and children is a miracle. It is a gift from God!

This is a lesson for all of us! No human should draw you into sin! Be careful with ‘little sins.’ They all kill! Sin killed Jesus! Pleasing man is rebellion. You cannot be a servant of Christ if you please man! Apostle Paul said: “Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Gal 1:10; AMP).

Our Lord Jesus Christ places hard conditions on discipleship. No family love should compete with the love of God! “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Lk 14:26). To hate it means to love less. A disciple is a student. The Holy Spirit cannot teach you how to love and obey Jesus except He is your priority in life!   

WORK IS VANITY (Ecclesiastics)

King Solomon was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. He discovered that work is not a pleasure. It is hard to make money. Work is a ‘toil’. This is what he said: “Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity. Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity” (Ecc 2:17-23)

During so much pain and sorrow, the grace of God shines forth. God has promised to bless man with health and wealth. This is the work of Grace alone! If God has blessed you with health and wealth, be grateful to God! “Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God” (Ecc 5:18, 19; NLT).

Man works and works just to eat and take care of his family. He is tired at the end of the day. It is hard to make savings. There is a constant anxiety about providing food on the table. This hard work and anxiety are reminders of the power of sin and the need for a Savior! The earth produces thorns and thistles. Without labor the ground does not produce good fruits. In the Garden were plants and trees but not thorns and thistles. Adam did not need to plant to eat. The vegetation was planted by God. He only needed to take care of them. This is the consequence of the curse: man will eat but he will sweat to put food on the table. In other words, you sweat as you seat at the table! This is man’s life until death. Man cannot retire from this labor. Every day is the same. It is tiresome and boring work. Most people are not sure of their next meal. They do not have time for fashion or vacations. But they must work so that they can eat!

POVERTY IN THE WORLD

This information is found it on the internet! This is the Profit Potential for planting wheat in the US: To rent land for farming: $40/acre. Tillage (preparation of land), Seed and planting, pesticide, fertilizer, harvest and hauling, total $225. Price to sell it is about $255. Therefore, the Net profit is about $30/ per acre.  The Average spending on food: the average American household spent about 10% of its total budget on food. This is the lowest percentage in the world. It is about $550. Other countries expenditure for food: South Africa 20%; Saudi Arabia 25%; India and Russia 30%; Pakistan 40%; Cameroon 45%; Nigeria 56%. High spending on food and malnutrition seem to go hand in hand. Many people starve all over the world. Most people spend all their money on food alone. Out of the eight billion people on the planet, a striking one billion are living in extreme poverty. They live on less than $1.25 a day. They do not have safe drinking water, sanitation, education, shelter.  Small farmers, animal herders, and fishermen produce about 70 percent of the global food supply, yet they are especially vulnerable to food insecurity. Poverty and hunger are most acute among rural populations. Undernourishment causes 45% of all children’s deaths. Each year, 3.1 million children die from hunger-related causes, which include diarrhea and malnutrition. Every 10 seconds a child dies from hunger. As a result of hunger, children experience poor health, low energy levels, and reductions in mental functioning due to hunger. Sub-Saharan Africa is still the region with the highest prevalence of undernourishment, estimated at 22% of the population. This is expected to increase to 30% by 2030. The Caribbean also has a high rate — 16.6% of its population. Compare this to North America and Europe, where less than 2.5% of people are malnourished.  Covid 19 pandemic has worsened poverty. These figures are painful to read. Thank God that you are alive and well! It is the Grace of God!

SPIRITUAL CAUSES OF POVERTY

*Disobedience to God’s Word! (Read Deuteronomy 28)

*Sexual lust! “For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life” (PV 6:26)

9 “If my heart has been enticed by a woman… 11 For that would have been wicked, a sin to be judged. 12 It is a fire that burns to Destruction; it would have uprooted my harvest” (Job 31:9-12; NIV)

*Laziness and Idleness (being a busybody)!

30 I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 31 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. 32 When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; 34 So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man” (PV 24:30-34)

WE ARE COMMANDED TO AVOID LAZY AND IRRESPONSIBLE PEOPLE (2 Thess 3;6-12; 1 Tim 5:8)

IN CHRIST THE CURSE IS BROKEN! WORK BECOMES MINISTRY

The earth is rich with treasures, but it takes hard work to bring them out. When sin came, sickness, confusion, fear, and death came. The first sin came thru three persons: The serpent, Adam, and Eve. God cursed the three. The curse on the serpent (on the devil is eternal). The curse on the man and a woman is temporary. These curses are removed only thru Christ and in Christ. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) (Gal 3:13)

*God blessed the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job etc) with spiritual and material blessings! For example: “Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So, the Philistines envied him. Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we” (Gen 26:12-16)

*There is a prophetic blessing upon Joseph. The blessing is upon the ground. It is a blessing of increase and fruitfulness. This is an example of a blessed earth, a type of The Promised Land! “And of Joseph he said: “Blessed of the Lord is his land, With the precious things of heaven, with the dew, And the deep lying beneath,  With the precious fruits of the sun, With the precious produce of the months, With the best things of the ancient mountains, With the precious things of the everlasting hills, With the precious things of the earth and its fullness, And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush. Let the blessing come ‘on the head of Joseph, (Deut 33:13-16)

*In Proverbs 31 we see a family free from the curse on men and women

We find the picture of a godly woman and her redeemed family. She is spiritually mature, a champion and an inspiration to her family. Her husband ‘praises her’. In Hebrew, the word ‘praise’ means ‘to shine a light’. This man knows his wife better than others. He is not intimidated by her strength and success. He encourages her to shine by adding his own ‘shine’ to hers.  ‘Many daughters have done well’. In Hebrew the word ‘done well’ means to bring home wealth and strength. She is seen as the captain of a victorious army who defeats the enemy bringing home the spoils of war. She is excelling as a helpmeet to her husband. Thru faith in the Redeemer, this woman has destroyed the curse of God upon her. She knows that there is a curse upon her husband’s work. She helps him break the curse on his work. She is not lazy. She does not complain about her husband. She is grateful for her husband and encourages him in his business. She helps with the expenses thru her own successful business. She is spiritual and hardworking! She desires that her whole household should be saved! This is a wonderful testimony!

*Aquila andPriscilla were a first century Christian missionary married couple. They were tent makers. They lived, worked, and traveled with the Apostle Paul, who highly commended them. “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house” (Rom 16:3-5) Christianity is radical in the view of women, marriages and work. Priscilla is not seen as Aquila’s property but his co-laborer in ministry and work.  Tradition reports that Aquila and Priscilla were martyred together.   

*Finally, let me add that God instituted the Tithe to break the curse upon man’s labor (Mal 3:8-12)

How do you know that God’s curse upon the work of your hands is broken? You need to be born again and Spirit filled! Pray for freedom from the curse! This blessed freedom is manifested as a blessing in your office, in your business. There shall be a different atmosphere in your business, in your shop. You will not be ashamed to tell people that you are a believer. You do not need to commit sin to make profit. You do not need to bribe or cheat to make profit. The country may suffer from economic downfall, but God will provide for you amid poverty. God will make an exception for you! This is a supernatural blessing. Your relationships with your colleagues and workers will improve. People will come close to you to learn how did you prosper, what is your secret? People will want to work for you free of charge just ‘to tap’ from your anointing. This type of financial blessing is not because you work harder than others or are more educated. It is the Grace of God working in you, as the curse in Christ is broken. Many people get divorced these days. Money is the main source of conflict in marriages. Most people who are too poor or are too wealthy end up in divorce. But the blessings of God on you will bring not only health, wealth but also, peace and joy in your homes! This is the Grace of God! Never underestimate the Grace of God! Grace is King! To the glory of God! Worship the Lord!     

DIVINE SKILL – AN ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

One of the main attributes of a (spiritual and natural) leader is to be skillful at his work. Skill is defined as the ability to use your technical knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance. Skill requires training and experience. Other synonyms for being skillful are to be competent, practical, wise, smart, professional, or accomplished. The opposite of being skillful it means to be incompetent, incapable, ignorant, foolish, or inefficient. Proud men are never skillful. Humble people receive the gift and the grace to become skillful. Some people have life skills (the wisdom to live well, become prosperous, and avoid mistakes). Others have social skills (the ability to live successfully among people and to bring the best in them). To be skillful it means that you are an expert at something, a master, a teacher, and a mentor. Skill is a gift from God. To be skillful it means that you are good at doing something because you are practicing your gift. The leader needs to use and develop this gift. He needs to master his gift. He needs to mentor and teach others how to use their gifts. Pity the man who becomes a leader and has no skill to lead. He will end with frustration, depression and rejection!Bezalel and King David are two examples of skillful men, spiritually and practically.

*Bezalel was skillful in the artwork required to make the furniture and tools for the temple. God gave him the gift. Thru prayer, hard work and diligence he became one of the holy men who God used to beautify His house! “Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship. “And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver—those who do every work and those who design artistic works” (Ex 35:30-35)

*David was a true leader. He was a worshipper and a warrior. He was skillful at what he was doing. Men trusted him and gladly followed him! ”David shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart; And guided them with his skillful hands” (Ps 78:72)

*God rewards skillful labor, as it is done for His glory! You need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit to receive the skill to work or to lead!

“Do you see a man skillful and experienced in his work? He will stand [in honor] before kings; He will not stand before obscure (unknown) men… If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave… Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank… Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people” (PV 22:29; AMP; CEV; NIV; NLT)

*As a teacher of God’s Word, work hard at improving your knowledge and your skill to communicate it. Seek God’s approval, and divine skill! “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15; AMP).

God bless you all!

IN THE BEGINNING GOD (9) GOD’S CURSE UPON THE WOMAN

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached from the Book of Genesis chapter 3. She said that Genesis chapter 3 is absolutely essential in understanding the Bible and the history of man. Here we see how sin entered humanity. For the first time, we are presented with the Gospel of Christ. If you study the history of man, there is no better explanation of why things happen the way they do, except you believe the doctrine of the fall of man and the doctrine of the original sin.

THE FALL OF MAN also called the fall of Adam, or simply the Fall, is a term used in Christianity to describe the transition of the first man and woman from a state of innocent obedience to God to a state of guilty disobedience. The doctrine of the Fall comes from a biblical interpretation of Genesis, chapters 1-3. God created Adam and Eve perfect. They were innocent concerning sin. But God allowed their free will to manifest. Obedience meant life. Disobedience to God’s command meant death.  God gave Adam a covenant of works. He broke the covenant. God then sent His Son Jesus Christ with a covenant of Grace. We believe Jesus Christ, that He died for us. Grace means unmerited favor. If Adam, as perfect as he was could not keep the covenant of works, God knew that we cannot keep it. That is why Grace is introduced thru Christ. That is why salvation in Christ cannot fail. We are saved by Grace, thru faith in Jesus Christ, in His death on the Cross. Salvation in Christ is eternal!

THE ORIGINAL SIN: The fall of man affected all humanity and even the creation. Adam broke God’s law. He sinned! He was our representative on earth. This sin has affected all humanity. All Adam’s descendants are born sinners. The nature of the first sin: man refused to submit himself to the will of God, to have God decide the course of his life. He wanted to be independent from God. Devil’s pride entered man. Pride means to remove God from the center of man’s heart and replace Him with self. This first sin affected the whole man, body, mind, emotions and will. It corrupted man. Thru sin, sickness and death entered humanity. Sin reveals itself in the mind mostly as unbelief; in the emotions as fear and in his will as pride! “As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23).

THE DIVINE CURSE UPON THE WOMAN

After the curse placed on the serpent and Satan, God addresses Eve next, saying: “To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” (Gen 3:16). This curse is not as severe as the one placed on the devil. Initially, God has blessed Adam and Eve (Gen 1:28). Therefore, He does not curse them directly. But God punishes them for their sin. The curse on Adam and Eve affects their lives in this world, their descendants and their labor. This curse is milder than the one placed on the serpent. God’s curse on the devil is eternal but the curse on mankind is temporal. It is a curse that can be broken thru Christ! “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28)

In the history of mankind, most women have been exploited, abused and neglected. The Jews treated the women as secondhand citizens. A woman was seen as inferior to men. A woman belongs to her father, and after marriage, to her husband. The men rule over the women.  Jewish men, at the beginning of the daily morning prayers, say: “Blessed are you, Lord, our God, ruler of the universe who has not created me to be a slave, a pagan or a woman.” Over the centuries, women were denied their rights. For example, a woman could not get an education, could not buy property, could not vote, and could not do business with a man (even if he was her father, brother, husband or son). Married women could not exercise control over their children without the approval of their husbands. A woman’s work was seen to be at home, to take care of her husbands and children. Most universities and professions did not allow women to participate. All over the world, the women endured discrimination. The first time a woman raised her voice in public against this discrimination was in the 14^th century. A French woman called Christine de Pisan wrote books challenging the system and asked that women should be allowed to get an education. Men tried to quench her voice saying that women are born foolish and superficial. The men became afraid that if women get an education, they will fight back. This is how the phenomenon called ‘feminism’ was born. This is not a Biblical movement. It is born as a natural reaction against oppression.

These are few examples of women who fought for their rights and opened the way for others:

*Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) became the first woman in the United States to be granted an MD degree and to become a medical doctor. She was rejected from all the medical schools. The only school who accepted her was the medical school of New York where the men students voted that she should come. She was the only female student in the class to the end of her course. She never married and had no children.    

* Edith Clarke (1883 – 1959) was the first woman to be professionally employed as an electrical engineer in the United States, and the first female professor of electrical engineering in the country.

*Arabella Babb Mansfield (1846 – 1911), was the first female lawyer in the United States.

*Valentina Tereshkova (1937- ) is the first and youngest woman to have flown in space with a solo mission in 1963. She orbited the Earth 48 times, spent almost three days in space, and remains the only woman to have been on a solo space mission.

* Amelia Mary Earhart (1897 – 1937) was an American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set many other records and wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences.

* Chinyere Kalu, MFR (née Onyenucheya) is the first Nigerian female commercial pilot and the first woman to fly an aircraft in Nigeria. She served as the rector and chief instructor of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (2011 – 2014)

*Dr. Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi (née Akerele, 1910 – 1971) graduated from Dublin, Ireland, medical school in 1951 with first class honors. She became a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.  She was the first woman to practice as a physician in Nigeria.

* Joana Maduka (1941- ) is the first female Nigerian engineer. She became the first female fellow of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria in 1974.

*Mrs Stella Marke Thomas was the first lawyer in West Africa and Nigeria. She was called to the bar in 1933. She was the first female magistrate to sit on the bench in Nigeria. Stella was born in Lagos in 1906. Her father, Peter J. Thomas was a wealthy businessman of Sierra Leonean descent, he was the first African to be president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (1923-1930). He supported his daughter’s desire to further her education. He said: “if you educate a man you are educating an individual, if you educate a woman it means you are educating a family”

Because Eve disobeyed God’s command and sinned, God placed this particular curse upon her. It affects all her natural daughters. One thing is sure: The lives of women all over the world is generally hard. Men rule over women and misuse women as servants. Most women work outside the home and also work in the kitchen, in the homes, taking care of the children, and satisfying their husbands sexually. Most men are harsh and ungrateful towards women. They do not try to understand their wives, to help them or pity them when they work hard. Most men take their wives for granted. This is the general pattern all over the world, in the homes of unbelievers. It is only in Christ, in the homes of believers, because the curse is lifted, the hearts and attitude of the people change.

Because of Adam’ sin, all humanity is affected by sickness and problems. Both men and women suffer in many ways. But for the women, life is particularly hard. Because of the curse, there are two areas that women are suffering in particular: Their relationship with their husbands and their children. Life at home for women is harder. Women dream of romance and love, in their marriages and their families. But they are soon disappointed by the reality. They discover that both husbands and children are sinners. They are selfish and demand much of their energy and time. It is not that the women find no joy at all in their homes. But physically and emotionally, it is harder for the women. Because they have higher expectations of happiness in their relationships, they get frustrated easier. They are more disappointed than the men when the marriage fails, or the children suffer. This is all part of the curse of God upon the women.

One of the highest joys for a woman is to be pregnant and have a child! Every woman desire to be a mother. But pregnancy is a difficult time for every woman. There are many problems associated with pregnancy. Men do not understand the physical and emotional stress that each pregnancy demands. Pregnancy changes the body of a woman. The mind thinks differently. This is an added stress. Doctors know that each time a woman gets pregnant, there is a high chance that she can die, during the pregnancy, labor or postpartum. The rate of death is higher in the third world countries where the medical care is not always available.

(According to WHO, in 2015, Nigeria’s estimated maternal mortality ratio was over 800 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births. In fact, a Nigerian woman has a 1 in 22 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum/post-abortion, whereas in the most developed countries, the lifetime risk is 1 in 4900).

Women shed tears more than men. A woman carries her baby (or babies) in her womb for nine months. Then she delivers the baby who is born a sinner: selfish, stubborn and lazy. Even if she is a believer, her children are born unbelievers! Much work is expected from the mother to nurture and train a child in the way of the Lord! Her heart never rests because of her children. She wants to protect the child from sickness, accidents and problems. She wants them to be successful in life. She has her own dreams for their future. In the past, the women could not space their children. They had many children, and many died. A woman wept many times for her lost children. That includes miscarriages too. The mothers need to look for food for her small children. This desire to nurture and protect and provide for their small children is stronger in women than in men. Some men are angry if their wives have only baby girls. That is an added stress to the mothers. Women have been raped and conceived children. That is extreme mental anguish men do not understand. Some children are born with congenital malformations who are not expected to live long. Again, women weep. Then there is postpartum depression. The woman fears for her baby, protected in her womb for nine months, is now exposed to the outside hostile environment! Fear, anxiety and depression can come. Women’ bond with their children is stronger than the men’s! They are lonely in this their bond.  Remember that Simeon told Mary: ‘a sword will pierce your heart’ (Lk 2:35)

The original design was that women should be happy and safe to be wives and mothers. Paradise was in their homes too. After the curse, the woman feels the danger, the fear and the pain especially in her home, the place she loves the most. The hardest is for a woman who is saved, married to a sinner and giving birth to little sinners! She needs the grace of God more than others. That is why we are commanded not to marry unbelievers! Unequal yoking in marriage is a source of great pains, especially for the women married to unbelievers.  Let us remember the original deign before Adam’s fall. “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that [h]moves on the earth.” And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So, the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Gen 1:26-31). God created mankind in His own image. Men and women were to be like Jesus. They will have babies who will grow like Baby Jesus, ‘in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man’ (Lk 2:52). Try to imagine God’s original design for families! Marriages were designed by God to be happy. Families were created to be joyful. There was no sin, sickness, sorrow or death. God provided food and care for them. They had fellowship with God individually and as families. For men, women and children, life was a paradise. See how sin destroyed all that beauty and happiness in the homes!

WHAT CAN BE DONE? BREAK THE CURSE! HOW? IN CHRIST ALONE!

In Christ, the curse upon the women is broken. There is no other religion, philosophy or science that can free women from God’s curse in Genesis 3. This freedom is found in Christ alone! Our Lord became a curse so that the women can be free from the guilt and power of sin. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Gal 3:13, 14). Salvation is free because Christ paid it all. But deliverance from the curse is not automatic. You need to apply the Word of God to your life and marriage. There is work to do. God has done His part. By faith and patience, the women need to do theirs. For any woman to have a testimony of freedom from the curse placed in Genesis 3, that is a great achievement giving glory to God! 

In Proverbs 31 we find the picture of a godly woman and her redeemed family. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates” (PV 31:28-31).

Here you see a godly woman, wife, and mother. She is spiritually mature. She is a champion and an inspiration to her husband and children. Her husband ‘praises her’. In Hebrew, the word ‘praise’ means to shine a light. This man knows his wife better than others. He is not intimidated by her strength and success. He encourages her to shine by adding his own ‘shine’ to hers.  ‘Many daughters have done well’. In Hebrew the word ‘done well’ means to bring home wealth and strength. She is seen as the captain of a victorious army who defeats the enemy and brings home the spoils of war. She is excelling as a helpmeet to her husband. Thru faith in the Redeemer, this woman has destroyed the curse of God upon her. This godly woman knows that there is a curse upon the work men do. She helps her husband thru her business not just to make money but to help him break the curse upon him as a man. She desires that her whole household should be saved!

One woman of God in a home is a light in the darkness. God uses her to spread the knowledge of God in the home. Apostle Paul’ advice to the married woman is to be faithful and dedicated to God. In this way, God may extend His mercy and grace to the rest members of her household. “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.” (1 Cor 7:14). This is a great responsibility given to the one who is saved in a family of unbelievers. One child of God can do much good, to the glory of God! “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Ac 16:31).

God uses older spiritual women to be teachers and mentors to the younger women, in redeeming their marriages and homes. “The older women, likewise, (should) be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (Tit 2:3-5). This is God’s Word and command: Older believing women should teach and train the younger women how to be good wives and mothers. They will teach them how to love their husbands and their children. This is the truth: It is hard to love. It is a sacrifice offered to God! As sinners, we only love ourselves. It takes the work of the Holy Spirit to change the hearts of women, to become godly wives and mothers. The older women, who have suffered and learned to depend on the grace of God alone, are the best teachers to train the younger women. They do this work better than any man can do. Blessed are you, young woman, if there are older godly women who speak into your life! Your marriage and family will benefit much from this spiritual covering!   

Trusting in outward gifts (good manners and physical beauty) are deceptive and often dangerous because they are transitory. A beautiful woman with nice manners but with an ungodly heart is seducing and dangerous. True beauty that lasts and is appreciated by God and man is always spiritual. It is hidden. It is not seen by carnal eyes. This is a spiritual principle: “God looks at the heart”. “The LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7). When a man marries a woman just for her nice manners and physical beauty, he has been deceived by the same devil who deceived Eve long ago. This is a warning for all single men who desire to marry.  A woman who desires the praises of God coming thru her husband’s lips, that is a wise woman. Our Lord said that the Pharisees “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn 12:43). Religious ungodly people love to be seen, flattered, admired, recommended, and rewarded by men. This is their reward. They do not care much about pleasing God. When you see a godly husband appreciating and honoring his wife in public, when you see children praising their mother among their friends, that home has been redeemed by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! Glory!

Many women became ‘career women’ because they saw only pain and disappointment in the homes. The demons teach many women that the best way in life is not to marry. Many women are single mothers by choice. This is a snare. “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry…” (1 Tim 4:1-3). What shall women do? They should desire marriage and children. They need to trust God and reverse the curse in our homes! No outside career can replace the joy of having a testimony in the homes! The pain of the women in their homes is a reminder of the sin of Eve, the ugliness of sin that spoiled the paradise. Eve wanted to be wise without God. She wanted to become independent of God, to be happy by herself. The godly woman must find joy in her relationship with God and other people. That is a great testimony for every woman of God!  

Apostle Paul says: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless, she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. (1 Tim 2:8-15).  In Greek, the word ‘saved’ also means to heal, preserve, protect, rescue, and to deliver. The word ‘childbearing’ means raising a family, fruitfulness. Natural motherhood cannot save a woman’s soul. Every man or woman on earth is saved by grace thru faith in Christ Crucified. This sentence may mean that a woman is saved from the curse placed on her in Genesis 3 by showing proof of her salvation and holiness in wining many souls. These are her children, male and female, natural and spiritual. Because Eve’s sin, women were under the curse of silence. They could not speak in public because they had nothing to say. They had to learn submission to their husbands and to God. Thru Christ, the daughter of Eve has been delivered from the demons of deception, foolishness, and rebellion.

God created Eve as a wife and helper to Adam. In the marriage, the wife is a helpmeet to her own husbands (not to all men, but to her own husband). Because of Eve’s sin, and the curse on her, she now will find pain in her relationship with her husband and her children.

Nevertheless, she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control!!! This is an open door or revelation to the women. This salvation is not from sin to become born again. But a believing woman can reverse the curse and it is manifested at the very point of the curse. She will become a godly mother and mentor, to her children, physical and spiritual. That woman, who has a testimony of overcoming the curse, she can speak! She is delivered from the punishment of silence. She has something to say! She is a godly woman and will raise a godly generation! Oh, the freedom and fulfillment found in Christ alone! In the quietness of her home, she has studied the Word of God, both the warnings and the promises. She has a testimony of applying the Word of God daily! She teaches her children, natural and spiritual, to do the same. She has defeated the devil who has deceived her! She has become a mother in Zion! Spiritual maturity and godly leadership in a woman are rare gifts. Be like Deborah!  “Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel… villagers couldn’t work in their fields. Then Deborah took command, protecting Israel as a mother protects her children” (Judg 5:7; NKJ; CEV). To the glory of God! 

HOW DID JESUS RELATED TO WOMEN?

During the time our Lord lived on earth, women were treated as second class citizens. Our Lord treated women with love and respect. He reminded the people that God created men and women in His image.

Jesus came to earth not just as a Man. He came as a Person. He saw the women not in relationship with men but as creatures of God.

*First, Jesus regularly addressed women directly while in public. This was unusual for men to do. This shows respect and love!

The disciples were amazed to see Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar (John 4:7-26). He also spoke freely and publicly with the woman taken in adultery (John 8:10–11), with the widow of Nain (Luke 7:12–13), with the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:48; cf. Matt. 9:22; Mark 5:34), and a woman who called to him from a crowd (Luke 11:27–28). Similarly, Jesus addressed a woman bent over for eighteen years (Luke 13:12) and a group of women on the route to the cross (Luke 23:27-31).    

*A second aspect of Jesus’s regard for the value of women is seen in how He spoke to the women he addressed. He spoke in a thoughtful, caring manner. He called them ‘daughter’ or ‘daughter of Abraham’ (Lk 13:16). By doing that, He made them spiritually equal to men!

*Third, Jesus did cover up the sin in the lives of the women He met. He held women personally responsible for their own sin as seen in his dealings with the woman at the well (John 4:16–18), the woman taken in adultery (John 8:10–11), and the sinful woman who anointed his feet (Luke 7:44–50). Their sin was not ignored but confronted. He did not treat them as foolish childish people. He expected them to think about His warnings, to repent, receive forgiveness and change!

It is true that the first twelve apostles were all men. But let us remember that the disciples of Jesus were both men and women. He helped the women see themselves as God created them. He gave them the same salvation. In the Kingdom of God there are no secondhand citizens. In Christ we are all one! Christ appreciated the women in a way that was revolutionary. He appreciated their worship, testimonies, ministry, and financial contribution. In Christ, the curse placed on Eve and her daughters is broken! Jesus is the hope of glory for all!!! What a Savior! Worship the Lord!!!

‘Prayer is the recipe for mental and emotional health. Pray about everything! Pray about ‘the ordinary’ things of life! ‘Talk to Me about ALL your concerns’- says God!

Anxiety kills your prayer life! Anxiety should be replaced, step by step, with an active, diligent, spiritual effort to pray! God wants you to talk to Him! Think healthy! Think about Jesus! Find Him inside all lovely, precious and beautiful things… Force your mind to think well, to dwell on the Word, by the power of the Spirit… Reject sinful thoughts immediately! Eventually, you will end up with peace and joy, thanksgiving, worship and a wonderful life style of prayer.
Anxiety and prayer are opposites. Chose prayer and anxiety will go away leaving behind a mind and a heart fully protected by the peace of God ‘that passes all understanding’. This peace of Jesus is high above all common sense, much more than words can say. You shall encounter the God of that peace, the Prince of Peace Himself!

Question: what happens when you pray? Look at our Lord! When our Lord Jesus prayed, the heavens opened! The Spirit came down with His infusing power from above. The Father spoke into His life, like only a Father could speak: words of love, of family identity and confidence, of assured future and destiny. Prayer was the invisible foundation of the successful ministry of God’s Son on earth (Lk 3:21-23).

The intimate relationship with God, prayer and thanksgiving, these are foundation stones in your Christian life. The secret of success is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He gives you contentment, peace, joy, divine wisdom, divine health, anointing for ministry and favor with men. Prayer is the source of power to remain active, to prosper and be fruitful in all situations, especially in the difficult ones. Prayer changes you and your surroundings. Prayer makes you to be like Jesus! What a privilege!

‘Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you’ (Philip 4:9, AM)

(In the picture a little girl from our church in Nigeria, praying to God)

IN THE BEGINNING GOD (PART 8 ) – THE GOSPEL IS GENESIS 3

During the Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached from the Book of Genesis chapter 3. She said that Genesis chapter 3 is absolutely essential in understanding the Bible and the history of man. Here we see how sin entered humanity. For the first time, we are presented with the Gospel of Christ. If you study the history of man, there is no better explanation of why things happen the way they do, except you believe the doctrine of the fall of man and the doctrine of the original sin.

THE FALL OF MAN also called the fall of Adam, or simply the Fall, is a term used in Christianity to describe the transition of the first man and woman from a state of innocent obedience to God to a state of guilty disobedience. The doctrine of the Fall comes from a biblical interpretation of Genesis, chapters 1-3. God created Adam and Eve perfect. They were innocent concerning sin. But God allowed their free will to manifest. Obedience meant life. Disobedience to God’s command meant death. God gave Adam a covenant of works. He broke the covenant. God then sent His Son Jesus Christ with a covenant of Grace. We believe Jesus Christ, that He died for us. Grace means unmerited favor. If Adam, as perfect as he was could not keep the covenant of works, God knew that we cannot keep it. That is why Grace is introduced thru Christ. That is why salvation in Christ cannot fail. We are saved by Grace, thru faith in Jesus Christ, in His death on the Cross. Salvation in Christ is eternal!

THE ORIGINAL SIN: The fall of man affected all humanity and even the creation. Adam broke God’s law. He sinned! He was our representative on earth. This sin has affected all humanity. All Adam’s descendants are born sinners. The nature of the first sin: man refused to submit himself to the will of God, to have God decide the course of his life. He wanted to be independent from God. Devil’s pride entered man. Pride means to remove God from the center of man’s heart and replace Him with self. This first sin affected the whole man, body, mind, emotions and will. It corrupted man. Thru sin, sickness and death entered humanity. Sin reveals itself in the mind mostly as unbelief; in the emotions as fear and restlessness; and in his will as pride! “As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23). In Greek, the word ‘sin’ means ‘to miss the mark’, to fail to be fulfilled, to be disappointed in life. All unbelievers, no matter how wealthy or famous, are never satisfied with their success or possessions. The words ‘fall short’ mean failure to obtain something precious, failing the exam of life, becoming inferior, demoted, being too late to catch the train of life. God is a God of glory. Glory is what makes God, God. Glory is a combination of beauty and power. It is life shining like the light. God made man to be ‘in His own image’. Man was created to be covered with God’s glory. Sin separated man from His God and the glory was removed. Man discovered himself to be naked. Glory covers! Sin exposes! “The LORD will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering” (Is 4:5). Jehovah ‘will create’. In Hebrew, this is the same word as in Genesis 1:1. ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…’. In Christ, God’s glory is restored. It will manifest as a cloud and smoke by day, to protect from the heat, from the temptations of life. God’s glory over His people, over His church will also be as ‘the shinning of a flaming fire by night’. This describes a weapon of light and fire; like a flash, a sharply polished blade, a sword moving over the church. This picture reminds us of the cherubs stationed at the gate of the Garden of Eden, blocking men to re-enter, to eat from the tree of life (Gen 3:24). Mount Zion is the assembly of God’s worshippers (Heb 12:22-24). They are inside the garden of life now, and God’s glory protects them from the outsiders. They will never be found naked or rejected. In Christ, they are ‘accepted in the Beloved’ (Eph 1:6). God sacrificed the pure Lamb and used the bloody skins to make covering for man (Gen3:21). Blood was shed for glory to come back and to cover God’s His people. The unbelieves are always naked and ashamed before God. But there is total protection for the children of God! Glory to God!

WHAT IS MAN? I read on the internet that Yale University biophysicist Harold J. Morowitz says that the human body is worth $6 million. And that price covers only the raw materials – hormones, proteins, enzymes, etc. The intricate work of fashioning the material into human cells might cost six thousand trillion dollars. And assembling these cells into a functioning human being would drain all the world’s treasures. Oh, Lord, “when I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:3-6). In Hebrew, the word ‘mindful’ means to remember, to think about. To ‘visit’ it means to inspect, to oversee, to care. Man is sinful, an enemy to God. Man is weak and useless to God. Even so, God who created man, loves man, and God saves man from himself! Christ took flesh upon Himself to die for man. Man is a reflected glory of God! This is a great mystery! Glory to God!

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN FOR ADAM AND EVE

The serpent questions Eve about God’s law. He plants seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind, about God’s power and goodness. It gives the impression that God does not have the power to kill them, even if they disobey His law. The devil also makes Eve dissatisfied with God’s provision. He gives the impression that God does not love them enough by restricting them to eat from the fruit of knowledge of good and evil. The idea is that God wants them to be foolish, like slaves. Also, the devil injects pride in Eve’s mind. Suddenly, Eve looks foolish. But this is a reminder of the power of sin, the sinfulness of sin. Deceived, Eve gives the fruit to Adam who eats it also. We are told that Adam was not deceived like his wife. He disobeyed God’s law. His sin is more of rebellion. That was his fall. When Adam saw that Eve eat the fruit and did not die immediately, he was encouraged to eat too. Because Adam was the leader of the home, he now must take responsibility for both of their sins. The doctrine is called the Fall of man or of Adam, and not of Eve. “Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (1 Tim 2:13, 14). In the Garden, Adam and Eve had fellowship with God. This fellowship was to be the source of their faith and all knowledge. Not the fruit of that tree. Just imagine the sound of Jehovah Elohim walking in the early evening, when the weather is pleasant, when the wind blows softly, after the heat of the day. God comes as the owner of the Garden to fellowship with His people. In the past, they Adam and Eve waited happily for these daily visits. But after the fall, Adam and Eve hide behind the trees. They were ashamed and afraid. They did not know that God sees thru any covering. No man can hide before God. They feared the judgment of God! “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Heb 4:13). Once they eat the forbidden fruit, their eyes ‘are opened’. They became ‘like God’. But not exactly! They now know there is good and evil, God and Satan. But this knowledge was not to their advantage. This illegal knowledge, gained thru sin, became their bondage. The devil became their master. God alone knows good and evil, but He is free from evil. The knowledge of evil in Adam corrupted him. He lost his innocence. It is only in Christ, that we regain what Adam has lost. We regain the innocence, purity and power of the Spirit. But we gain more than that. As children of God, we now know good and evil, but we are free from the power of evil. We are now like God, holy and righteous! We love God and we hate evil! What a transformation! Glory to God! Immediately they sinned, Adam and Eve felt a sense of loss, fear, nakedness, and shame. At the beginning, the glory of God covered them. Now, that glory is lost. They now feel afraid, exposed. When God comes to fellowship with them, they are afraid, and they hide behind the trees. They forgot that God created the trees too! Trees stand for excuses not to have fellowship with God. There is now fear of punishment and death. They try to repair the damage they have done. They use fig leaves to cover themselves. These fig leaves are a symbol of man’s success in this world to hide his sinful nature. There are ‘leaves’ of religion, education, philosophy and art. But nothing and nobody can hide sin and shame except the Blood of Jesus! Jesus died naked so that we can be covered by His Blood and the glory that it represents! Lastly, God’s Grace manifests! The Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected is introduced! Grace is always greater than sin! God is still speaking to man! In Judgment there is mercy! The Bible is the most practical book. It tells the story of God and of humanity. Genesis 1-3, this is the history of humanity. It is not an allegory. It is not fiction! Man has disobeyed God and God is searching for man, to save him. As sinners, we all know the sense of failure. We all search for happiness outside God, but we cannot find it! The Gospel brings us out from behind the trees. God’s voice is still calling you by name: “Where are you?” Why are men so unhappy, so helpless? Because the devil is their master, and he controls this world! That is the only explanation! The tragedy of man is that he only sees the visible. Only in Christ we can be set free, from the bondage, the pollution and power of sin! That is why Jesus died! There are two types of history running parallel: The visible and the invisible. The natural man sees only the visible history. The spiritual man sees both. That is his advantage and wisdom. The child of God sees God as the Creator, and the Sustainer of the universe. But he also sees God as His heavenly Father, Savior and Redeemer! The believer sees God and the world thru the eyes of faith. The Gospel tells us the truth: we all fell with Adam. We are born sinners. We cannot help ourselves. We are destined to die and go to hell. That is why God sent His only begotten Son to die in our place. The world hates the truth. The natural man hates to be told that he is a sinner. He loves the offer of free salvation, but he hates to humble himself as a man who offended God. Here you see that God’s plan of salvation was made by God even before Adam was created. In a way, God created Adam and Eve as a ‘bait’ to expose and condemn the devil’s wickedness. In Genesis 3 you see evil and grace side by side. “The law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Rom 5:20). The word ‘abound’ means to increase, to spread, to become greater. In the battle against sin, Grace always wins! God (Jehovah Elohim) calls Adam: “Where are you?” Even in disobedience, even with a broken heart, God is still searching for Adam. Man cannot escape from God! Even from the God who created him, but he broke his heart! This is the Gospel! “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them” (Gen 3:21). Adam was hiding behind the trees. These are people and things we use to hide behind them. Because of inferiority complex and guilt, we hide behind famous people, hobbies or interesting things of the world. That is why people are addicted to TV shows and entertainment. They idolize others who are more intelligent, more beautiful or wealthier than they. These are the trees. We are always interested in others. Because we are sinners, we are busybodies and restless. God made clothes for them. Not from leaves, but from animal skins, possibly from lambs. Behind these simple words of ‘fashion design’ blood is shed. For the first time, Adam and Eve see God killing an animal. They have never seen death. Now they see it. They committed sin but another one died in their place. This is the Gospel of Christ Crucified! Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden. Just imagine the feeling… out of the beautiful, happy and safe, garden, made by God for them!!! They are now in the world, lonely, afraid, guilty, confused. In the Garden, they exercised dominion over all the creation, in the name of God. Now, they are now under the dominion of satan. They are rejected by God! There is a hope that one day, God will help them. But until then, they are alone.

THE CURSE IN THE GARDEN AND THE GOSPEL ANNOUNCED “So, the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Gen 3:14, 15)The serpent is cursed more than all the animals because he cooperated with the devil. In the previous two verses, God talks to Adam and Eve, asking them why they had disobeyed His command and had eaten from the forbidden tree. But now, God turns to the serpent and without asking any question, He curses it! He doesn’t ask the serpent what he did. He doesn’t look for a confession or to engage in debate with the serpent. Apparently, Satan either possessed a snake created by God, or he took the form of a snake. Everything in this life, good or bad, has consequences. It is the natural and spiritual law of sowing and reaping. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Gal 6:7-8). But the curses of God in Genesis 3 are not like that. This is God’s judgment upon a serpent that He created! As the Almighty God, The Judge of the Universe, God has the right to do what He wants to do with His creation. God, Jehovah Elohim, the Judge of all the universe, is speaking! Fear God! Sin offended God! Sin violated God’s Word and God’s glory! It ruined man and his descendants! Thru sin, man surrendered the dominion God gave him, to Satan. God manifests His authority by cursing the snake. God can never be the victim of Satan. Even in this tragedy, God is still God, and He speaks! The curses demonstrate God’s sovereignty! God was sovereign before and after the fall of man! Nothing can change that! Praise the Lord! In Genesis 3 verse 14 you have the curse of the natural serpent. In verse 15 you have the curse of the supernatural Satan. God actually curses the animal. The animal has no sense of sin. The animal was simply used by Lucifer, by Satan. But God curses the animal anyway. God has a purpose in cursing the serpent! God cursed the serpent more than all the animals, domestic (represented by the cattle) and wild (represented by the beasts of the field). God is specific why He cursed the serpent. God said: “Because you have done this”. Because the serpent co-operated with Satan, God curses all the natural snakes. The devil wanted to rise above God (Is 14: 12-15). The snake will crawl on his belly, never to rise again! The crawling of snakes is a reminder of God’s judgment over Satan! Snakes are an abomination to God and to man! “Every creeping thing that creeps on the earth shall be an abomination. It shall not be eaten. Whatever crawls on its belly… these you shall not eat, for they are an abomination” (Lev 11:41, 42). Serpents are the most hated animals on earth. God said: “Dust shall you eat!” Snakes do not eat dust. They eat insects and little animals. But the words ‘eating dust’ represent total defeat. About Christ it is said: “Let the nomads of the desert bow before Him and His enemies lick the dust.” (Ps 72:9). It’s a symbol of being totally defeated and brought low, down to the lowest! In Christ, our enemies will lick the dust of our feet. “Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations and set up My standard for the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms, And your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders; Kings shall be your foster fathers, And their queens your nursing mothers; They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord, for they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” (Is 49:22, 23). In Christ, our victory against the forces of darkness, is sure! In the future, when God will make a new earth and new heavens, the animals will live in peace with one another. They will all be vegetarians. They will not eat one another again. But even in that new world, the snakes will still crawl on the ground and eat dust. There is no redemption for the devil! “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,” Says the Lord” (Is 65:25). The curse of God upon the natural and spiritual serpent is forever! God placed ‘enmity’ between the woman and her Seed, which is our Lord Jesus Christ, and the spiritual serpent and his seed. The word ‘enmity’ means a hostility that can never be settled. It is true that now, the devil is called the god of this world. But even then, it is not easy for Satan to rule over man. The Grace of God still rescues men from the bondage of sin. Once man repents of his sin, he runs to Jesus! The devil ‘bruised’ Christ on His heel. This is a picture of the Crucifixion. But with that ‘bruised’ heal, our Lord bruised, better said crushed, the head of the devil. Thru His death on the Cross, our Lord destroyed him who had the power of death. This is the Gospel we preach! This is our only hope and victory! Worship the Lord!!!

Daniel’s enemies rejoice that they have ‘killed’ him (Daniel 6). But their joy will not last! Please look at Brother Daniel!!! With his hands tied behind his back, surrounded by hungry lions, he looks, not at the lions, but up, unto God, unto Jesus!!!

Lesson: Obey God, serve Him faithfully! Please God and not man! Leave the consequences with God! Continue to look up unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith! Stop looking down at yourself or at the circumstances around you. God will surely save and vindicate you! The Lord who commanded the waves and the wind: “Peace, be still!”, is still speaking! May God, the Lifter of your Head, perform His miracle for you today! To God be all the glory!

(Picture taken from the internet)