CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

     What Is Church?

The church is made up of those who have had their sins forgiven because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary. 

“And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” Rev. 1:5, 7:14

Church can also be referred to as each local gathering of believers; “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I will be.” Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

All believers in the whole world are called the church-Matt. 16:18

And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

    The Foundation of the Church

The church belongs to Jesus Christ

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” – Eph. 5:21-27

Other foundation is not accepted, only one foundation is laid for us – 1Cor 3:11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is       Jesus Christ.

Church is founded on the confession that Jesus Christ (Messiah) is the son of the Living God

“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Matt. 16:16-18.

Jesus is the chief corner stone (meaning the top stone or the pillar) of the church

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” - Eph. 2:20-22

Christians in the body of Christ are:

1.    Charged to occupy till Christ come

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” - Luke 19:13

2.    Created to be holy – Eph. 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

3.    Called to be separated unto God

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you” – 2cor. 6:16-17

4.    God’s temple – Eph. 2: 20-22

5.    Members of God’s household – Eph. 2:19, 1Tim. 3:15\

Eph. 2:19 - Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

                               

" But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth"'1Tim. 3:15 -

Our mission as Church of Christ

1. We are commissioned to teach and preach gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. – Matt.18:19, Mark 18:15-16

2. We are called to minister to the gentiles – Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

3. We are to lead the world right through our godly living. – 2Cor. 3:2,

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

Matthew 5:14-16 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Conclusion:

What part are you taking in the body of Christ? Remember you will give account of your stewardship?

                                  Pastor Femi Atode

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DIVINE DIRECTION: GOD’S PEOPLE, GOD’S HERITAGE DEUTERONOMY 32:9-13

When we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our daily living, it becomes easy for us to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. Hence, divine direction paves the way for a proper understanding of God’s purpose.
The essence of divine direction is to know and to fulfil God’s desires. It gives us the assurance that we are walking in the centre of God’s will (1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1).

Romans 12:1-2 says Only those who have been born into the household of God, are referred to as the people of God and His inheritance. The benefits of the kingdom of God are the exclusive rights of His people.
Unto such, it is given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God.

Some of the benefits enjoyed by God’s people:

1. God finds/locates His people
We were once lost and left wandering about, in the wilderness of the world, but the Lord found us. God is still in the business of finding His lost sheep (Luke 15).
How does God find His people?
God finds His sheep (people) through His Spirit and His Word. Luke 19:10
The Word of God searches our hearts, tries our thoughts and discerns the intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 139:23; Deuteronomy 8:2).
The Spirit of God searches all things (including our hearts) – 1 Corinthians 2:10; Romans 8:27.
Henceforth, the Word and the Spirit of God will locate you and place you on the path of righteousness.

2. God leads His people
God deliberately led His people through the way of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:17-18).
God deliberately determines the steps of His people, in order to establish His own purpose in their lives.
Let Him take the lead, because He alone knows the way!
The leading we receive from the Holy Spirit is the ‘token’ of our ‘sonship’ in the kingdom of God (Romans 8:14).

3. God instructs His people
The instruction of the Lord involves teaching, commandment, exhortation, chastisement and correction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
Psalm 94:12; Deuteronomy 2:6; 9
Receiving instructions from God is an exclusive privilege, enjoyed by the beloved of the Lord. May the Lord count us worthy to receive His instructions...

4. God keeps them as the apple of His eye
Psalm 91:1-4; Psalm 23:4
He suffered no man to do them harm.... (Psalm 105:14-15)
The Lord will keep you as the apple of His eye, and hide you under the shadow of His wings – Psalm 17:8
Sometimes, it will look as if the Lord has forsaken you, if you remain committed to His Word, you are safe.

5. God exalts (lifts) His people
Isaiah 58:14; Psalm 75:6-7
God enables His children to soar higher than the challenges of life.

6. God prospers His people
Your hands will be sufficient for you (Deuteronomy 33:7).
The earth will yield forth her increase on your behalf (Psalm 67:6)
Whatsoever you do shall prosper.
The Lord will make a way for you, out of seemingly impossible situations.

                       Pst.Nathaniel SADELA

                         RESIDENT PASTOR

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DIVINE DIRECTION: GODS WAY (Lesson text: Isa. 55: 8-11, prov. 14:12, Ps. 25:1-5)

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY GOD’S WAY

Manner, style, fashion, mode how something is done or happen

How a result is obtain or an end is achieved

A line leading to a place or point.

It therefore mean that for every step and everything you do or want to achieve you need God. God way is always different from that of man and his ways sometime look stupid to man.

Consider the story of Joshua and the Isrealites at the wall of Jericho. Joshua 6 Jehoshaphat case  2chro. 20

Look at Elisha and the widow of Zarephath. 1 kings 17.God send a man of God to  a widow to sustain him

The widow was actual the one God want to bless

Most of the time God time is not always the way man expect it. God moves in a  mysterious way.

`HOW DO WE KNOW GOD’S WAY

Knowing God's way is the same as knowing God

1.      By studying his word: his way will always conform to is word

2.      By prayer

3.      By trusting him  Prov. 3:5-7

4.      Be humble

Ask yourself this question 

What is the purpose of your life journey? Life is about God and his ways.

HOW TO FIND GOD’S WAY

1.      Through is promise Isa. 58:11

2.      Through commitment to him. Prov. 3:6a

3.      Through a thrilling consequence. Prov. 3:6b,

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T FOLLOW GODS WAY?

1.      You miss out of God's blessing

2.      You lose out on the victory that God has for you.

3.      Doors of opportunity will be shot.

4.      You will be disappointed, sad and depressed. 

5.      You will be in bondage and confused

6.      There will be no peace for you. 

7.      You will miss your salvation 

But when you follow Gods way

1.      Blessing will come your way

2.      Jehoshaphat follow God he has victory

3.      The widow of Zarephath didn't die but have enough

4.      The wall of Jericho fell down and destroy the city


Dcn. ANIBABA Oluwayimika

UNDERSTANDING DIVINE DIRECTION {Psalm 23:1; Psalm 37:23; Romans 8:14 }

Direction - A course along which someone or something moves. It's a piece of information through which you navigate from one position/location to another.
Direction can be referred to as advice or counsel.
It can also be referred to as the management or guidance of someone or something.

Divine direction is a process through which God leads us in the journey of life. It’s a process through which God charts the course of our lives, in order to make us conform to His ultimate will and purpose.
For us to be counted as citizens of the kingdom of heaven, we must yield to God’s leading and do His will (Matt. 7:21).

Remember, the Shepherd is fully responsible for the upkeep of the sheep alone. Is the Lord your Shepherd? Do you belong to His flock?
(My sheep hear My voice...John 10:27)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and He delights in His way. (KJV)
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (NLT) Psalm 37:23

WHY DO WE NEED GOD'S LEADING/GUIDANCE?
1. God has the perfect blue-print for our lives (Prov. 20:24; Jer. 10:23)
2. Walking in divine guidance ensures divine provision (Psalm 34:10)
3. Stepping out of God’s leading results in destruction (Prov. 14:12; 16:25)
4. Operating outside the will of God reduces all our efforts to vanity (Haggai 1:5-11)
5. Wisdom and understanding are answerable to divine direction (Psalm 119:98-100)

HOW DOES GOD LEAD HIS CHILDREN?
1. Through His Spirit (Acts 10:19-20; 11:12; 16:6; Romans 8:14)
2. Through His Word (1 Samuel 3:21; Amos 3:7; Hebrews 1:1-2)
3. Through dream, vision, trance... (Psalm 89:19; Daniel 2:19)
4. Through circumstances (Deut. 32:9-12; Psalm 66:12)

WHAT MUST I DO? / HOW CAN I BE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD?

1. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior
2. Believe that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than yours (Isa. 55:8-9)
3. Cry out to the Counsellor! Seek His counsel through prayer. Ask for the manifestation of His will (with a sincere heart), concerning the matter on ground (Luke 22:42; 2 Cor. 12:7-9).
4. Seek the Word of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God (Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim. 2:15)
5. Seek godly counsel from the people of God (Prov. 11:14; 15:22).

One major attribute that cuts across these points is meekness. We must be meek even to qualify for the leading of the Lord (Psalm 25:9).

We need the leading of the Holy Spirit for our daily decisions. We need the Lord to order our steps in life.
Faith is not just limited to believing God to receive from Him; it's about obeying God and walking in the perfect will of God for our lives. Godly inspired faith involves total dependence on the Holy Spirit for our daily living.
The just shall live by faith...

The life that I live in the flesh, I live through the faith of the Son of God.....
I am that the Lord that teaches you to profit, that leads you in the way that you should go (Isaiah 48:17).

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:27)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant. (Psalm 25:14)

Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth, and teach me: for You are the God of my salvation; on You do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5).


                                 Pst.Lanre AREOLA

Giving God praise (The power of praise)

What is praise?

An expression of approval and commendation.

Offering words of homage as an act of worship.

Why should we praise him?

v  He is worthy of our praise Ps 18:3, Rev5:11-12

v  We are called to praise Him 1pet 2:5, Ps 150:6

v  It brings God’s presence Ps 22:3

v  Praise defeats our enemy Ps 8:2

v  Because we are alive Ps 150 :6

v  Because He is faithful

v  Because He is our maker

v  He is God

v  That is the only thing we can give Him (God inhibit the praise of His people)

How to praise God

v  With my voice Ps 63: 3,  Act 16:25

v  With my body Ps 63 : 4

v  With music Ps 150 3-5

v  With my life 1 cor 10 : 31

Result of praise

v  It brings God’s blessing

v  Your miracle becomes permanent

v  Your enemies kill themselves

v  Your wall of Jericho falls down

v  It quickens your request

v  It confuses your enemies

v  It gives you peace 

PST. NATHANIEL SADELA

      Resident  Pastor

UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL – PART 2 Nahum 1:15; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Thess. 2:3-5

God has entrusted the mystery of the kingdom (enclosed in the Gospel) into the hands of mortal men.  We, as human beings have been entrusted with the sacred things of the kingdom of God, to bear the living oracles of God (Acts 10:1-5; 2 Cor. 4:7).

Important things to understand:

1. There must be reconciliation between the message and the messenger (1 Thess. 1:5; 2:3-5; 2 Cor. 4:2). God is interested in the personal life of the one who bears the vessel.

2. The Word of God is one of the major instruments we need to effectively preach the Gospel. The Word cleanses us from spiritual dirt, strengthens our feet, gives us authority over darkness and represents the Rod of His strength (John 15:3, 13:5-10, Luke 10:19, Psalm 110:2)

3. Whereas it is foolishness to the world, it is our destiny, our power, our life! It is a ministry whereunto we have been called... (1 Cor. 1:18-24, Mark 16:15)

4. The Gospel of Christ is a gospel of selflessness (Romans 12:10). It’s not a ‘bread-and-butter’ gospel (Mark 8:34-38; John 12:24-25)

5. The message of the cross (gospel) draws men to Christ (John 12:32-33)
The cross is a place of exchange, where people cease to live, and allow Christ to live through them (Gal. 2:20)

6. People are entrusted with the ministry (word) of the Gospel, so that the church of God can come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13).

What are we to expect? / What are the things expected from us?

1. Bearing the marks of Christ (His sufferings and reproaches) – 2 Cor. 11:23-27; Gal. 6:17. Identify with the sufferings of Christ.
Expect the envy and wrath of others....expect murmurings, gossip, but don’t let any of these deter you from fulfilling the Master’s call.

2. You will lose many friends. Even associates and close relatives might end up forsaking you (John 6:66-67)

3. You will become a threat to many, authorities inclusive (John the Baptist - Mark 6:18; Paul and Silas – Acts 16:19-24)

4. Expect a great reward from the Lord, in this world and in the world to come (Luke 18:28-30; Mark 10:28-30; Matt. 19:27-29)

Proof(s) of the authenticity of the Gospel

1. The testimony of Christ (John 10:41-42; Acts 14:3)
2. Signs and wonders will follow.... (Mark 16:20)
3. You will be acceptable to God, approved of men... (Rom. 14:17-18; 2 Cor. 8:21)

Prayer: Lord, baptize me with the Spirit of the Gospel. Let my life portray the Gospel of Christ. Let my life draw men to Christ...

Lord, empower me to be a witness unto You in my generation. It takes the anointing of the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel effectively... (Isaiah 61:1, Acts 1:8, 10:38)

pastor nath.SADELA

Resident pastor{GACikeja}

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Dealing With What May Deal With Us In Future

•          When we fail to deal with the issues of our lives on time, they tend to deal with us when we least expect
•   Our attitude, character, believes, trait, nature, way of life, etc. that are not dealt with before they grow may stand against us in future

          THINGS WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH

1.  OUR TONGUE

Prov. 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

§  If you feel you are too big to dance or do anything before the Lord, don’t condemn those are doing so

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

§  If you are too big to feel free in the presence of the lord is ok, but don’t condemn those that are doing so

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.§  Our tongue can place us in a barren situation be it spiritually, financially, material, morally, academically and physical.

§  What are the utterances of our mouth that have brought barrenness into our lives

Prov. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
§  When you don’t deal with your tongue when you are a nobody, it will slow the paste of your becoming somebody 

1Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
§  Our utterance sometimes determine how far we go in life 

Ps 35:28 ²⁸And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the daylong.

2. OUR ANGER AND PRIDE

II Kings 5:11-14
§     Naaman almost lost his miracle because of anger and prid
§  We should learn to trust God and not in our wealth of experience.

Pro. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

-        The way we think or feel does no matter to God, He will only do it in His own time.

-        Our approach to matters defers from God’s approach, He changes His approach to situations so that man will not box Him into a corner

-        His ways are not our ways neither is His thought like ours.

Isa. 55:8-9 ⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  ⁹For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

§  God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the so called wise men

I Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Ps. 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth

 3. OUR GREED FOR THE THINGS THAT ARE     TEMPORAL

II Kings 5:20-27

§  Naaman’s leprosy came upon Gahazi because of greed, deceit and lie

§  Do not try to make gain from every situation (deal) that comes your way, Know when to reject and when to accept gift

§  Sometime the cares of the world overturn our bases for judgment as Christians

§  David’s adultery almost cost him his throne

§  Judas thirst for wealth made him sold his master (Jesus)

§  Saul lost the throne because he could not resist the sheep, goats, camels, cows, e.t.c. he saw in a country God ordered them to destroy completely.

§  Esau sold his birth right for a meal

§  Samson lust for unbeliever women contributed to his down fall

   PASTOR LANRE AREOLA

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UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL

What does the word gospel means?

The word ‘gospel’ simply means good news, glad tidings, proclamation.
The word ‘gospel’ is originally a Greek word.

Simply put, the Gospel is the message of Christ; it talks about His life, birth, works, suffering, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. It is not about man (not of the blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God)

There are Four books recorded the Gospel of Christ which are; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

The Gospel gained momentum tremendously, in the New Testament age. However, it sprang forth from the Old Testament:
‘I will put enmity/hostility between you and the woman.....(Gen. 3:15)’
‘In the days of Noah....when he was building the ark....(Gen. 6)’
‘In the days of Abraham, God saw a man through whom He would bless all the nations of the world would be blessed......(Gen 12, 22)’

‘Abraham saw the day of Christ....(John 8:56)’
He saw Him in Melchidezek; He saw Him in the appearance of three angels; He saw Him on the altar of sacrifice....
‘In the days of Moses......Moses brought forth the message of deliverance from slavery...’

Things to note about the Gospel

1. The Gospel of Christ, which is the message of good news (glad tidings), is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone who believes (Jews, Gentiles, etc)

2. The Gospel provides for everyone, an open platform for an encounter with the living Word (1Peter 1:25).

3. The Gospel of Christ places the New Testament church in a vantage position. Any church or religious gathering that lacks the power of the Gospel lacks the presence of God (2 Cor. 3:7-18).

4. The Gospel of Christ reveals the righteousness of God. Whenever the message of salvation is being shared and it's being sincerely inspired by the Spirit of Truth, the Lord opens the door of faith unto the recipient (the hearer) and he/she receives the Word with faith. At that instance, the righteousness of God is invoked.

5. The depth of the riches of the kingdom (which comes, only on the platform of the Gospel) has been made available to the poor (in spirit). Blessed are the poor in spirit. The mystery of the Gospel is revealed to the poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20).

6. The Gospel is the light of God that shines upon a darkness-ridden world. It imparts the life of God upon the spiritually dead (2 Cor. 4:6; Isaiah 9:2).

7. It is the operating system on which grace thrives. It fuels the faith of the saints. Furthermore, it makes Christ the Author and the Finisher of our faith (John 1:16-17; Heb. 3:1)

8. Without the Gospel, any evangelical exercise embarked upon is in futility. It has no eternal value (Matt. 10:1; Romans 10:13-15).

9. It is the sure Word, yeah the more sure Word of prophecy...(2 Peter 1:19)

Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness.... (1 Tim. 3:16)

Why must we preach the Gospel?

1. It is the great commission that Christ has given to everyone called into the kingdom of God (Matt. 28:19).

2. Our success in Christ is bound to the preaching of the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:16)

How can we preach the Gospel?

1. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour
2. Forsake a sinful lifestyle
3. Commit yourself to the study and meditation of the Word of God.
4. Reach out to others (evangelism)

Prayer: Lord, baptize me with the Spirit of the Gospel. Let my life portray the Gospel of Christ.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" – Isaiah 52:7

“Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off”. – Nahum 1:15

PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA

      Resident pastor

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