Sunday, 15 July 2018
Sunday, 3 June 2018
Sunday, 27 May 2018
Saturday, 19 May 2018
Friday, 18 May 2018
Tuesday, 8 May 2018
THE BIBLE AND REPENTANCE
PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies);
ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com
THE BIBLE
AND REPENTANCE
Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
Devotional Text: Mark 1:14-20
INTRODUCTION:
“Repentance”, according to the BBC English
Dictionary, is sorrow that one feels for the wrong or evil thing one has done”.
However, the Bible does not show the sorrow for the wrong one has done as
repentance, but a step to it, and that this “sorrow” must be a godly one, as it
states that, “godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves
no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”, (2 Cor. 7:10). This means that
repentance is not an emotional thing, but something which originates from the
human spirit, since it leads to salvation (vs. 10)
GENERAL
REMARKS
(1) The Scripture
shows that it is the goodness of GOD that leads men to repentance, (Rom. 2:4)
(2) The Scripture
also shows that it is not the will of GOD that anyone should persist, but that
all should come to repentance, (2 Peter 3:9)
(3) The Scripture,
as well says that GOD commands all people everywhere to repent, (Acts 17:30)
(4) The Scripture,
in conclusive terms states that except one repents, one would definitely perish
(Luke 13:3;5)
REPENTANCE
AND FORGIVENESS IF SIN
Repentance
is the prerequisite for the forgiveness of sin. No one receives the forgiveness
of one’s sin(s) from the LORD without a genuine repentance, which, according to
the BBC English Dictionary, “is the sorrow that one feels”. This pictures the
feelings of the crowd whom the Apostle Peter preaches the Gospel of JESUS
CHRIST to, during the advent of the Holy Spirit. Thus, “when the people heard
this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles,
“Brother, what shall we do?” Then, Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised,
every one of you, in the Name of JESUS CHRIST, for the forgiveness of your
sins” ... (Acts 2:37-38), as well as authenticates the biblical truth the
repentance must take place in one’s life before one receives the forgiveness of
one’s sins from the LORD, (vs. 37-38). In this light of the foregoing,
therefore, this lesson states that:
(i)
Repentance is indeed the basis for the forgiveness
of sins, (vs. 38)
(ii)
Is one claims that one has no sin, one
deceives oneself, and the truth is not in one, (1 John 1:8)
(iii)
The confession of the sins one had repented
of gives access to the forgiveness of one’s sins, (vs. 9)
REPENTANCE
AND CLEANSING
GOD’s WORD which says, “Repent, then, and
turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” ... (Acts 3:19) shows also
that repentance is vital, if one must be cleansed from one’s sins, as it, as
well portrays confession of sins, which is a product of genuine repentance, as
another step to forgiveness, and by extension to the cleansing of sins, since
it states that, “if we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”, (1 John 1:9). In
other words, no heart repentance that does without a hear confession of sins,
and no hearty confession of sins that does not obtain the forgiveness of sins
from the LORD. This is because, “the sacrifices of GOD are; a broken spirit; a
broken and contrite heart”, which that LORD GOD does not despise, (Psalms
5:17). The above narrative reveals that a hearty repentance:
(i)
Leads to the cleansing of one’s sins, (Acts
3:19)
(ii)
Equally produces a hearty confession of one’s
sins, (1 John 1:9)
(iii)
And confession moves the LORD to cleans one
from all unrighteousness (vs. 9)
REPENTANCE
AND SALVATION
Once
again, notice that, “godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and
leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”, (2 Cor. 7:10). And, the
word “salvation”, in the biblical sense of it, is the atoning act of JESUS
CHRIST by which He saves those who believe in Him from sin and its attendant
evil. Salvation is exclusively the work of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED
SVAIOUR, as there is no other name given among men whereby we may be save,
(Acts 4:12). This means that no church leader can save, as the church itself
cannot save, since they are but instruments by which the LORD saves those who
believe in HIM as they preach the Gospel, (see Acts 16:31). The salvation of JESUS
CHRIST deals with the problem of sin, since “all have sinned and come short of
the glory of GID” (Rom. 3:23), and so, one who desires to be saved must repent.
Thus, the constant call to salvation is repentance, (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Acts
2:38; 3:19). Furthermore, salvation is obtained by the grace of GOD and not by
the works of man, as the only thing required of man in salvation is the
exercise of his faith in JESU CHRIST our LORS and BLESSED SAVIOUR, (Eph. 2:8).
Note, also, that he salvation of JESUS CHRIST transforms into newness of life,
and anything short of this, remain doubtful, (see 2 Cor. 5:17). In this
connection, this lesson equally opines that:
(i)
Repentance is necessary for salvation, (Acts
2:38; 38 3:19)
(ii) Salvation
without repentance is false,(vs. 2:38;3:19)
(iii) Since all
have sinned (Rom. 3:23), all, therefore, need to repent for salvation, (Acts
3:19)
In
conclusion, this lesson states that the strongest evidence that shows the
willingness of the sinner to return to GOD is repentance, and where repentance
is genuine, concrete steps are taken towards the path of salvation. The story
of the prodigal son illustrates it all,(Luke 15:11-32). REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL!
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Wednesday, 25 April 2018
THE BIBLE AND BAD COMPANY
PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies);
ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
THE BIBLE
AND BAD COMPANY
Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
Devotional Text: 1 Cor. 15:33-34
INTRODUCTION:
Someone in bad company is someone who is in association with
people of evil intent, which the Holy Scripture says we should avoid, as it
remarks, “Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character” {1Cor. 15:33},
stressing that we should come back to our senses as we ought, and stop sinning,
since there are some who are ignorant of GOD”...{vs. 34}. In line with the
foregoing, GOD’S WORD equally says that we should “abstain from every form of
evil” {1 Thess 5:22}, as well as tells us to “have no fellowship with the
unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” {Eph 5:11}
GENERAL
REMARKS
(1) Bad company
is being in affiliation with bad people, {1Cor. 15:33}
(2) Bad company definitely corrupts good character, {vs. 33}
{3} Bad company makes one continue
senselessly in sin, {vs.34}
{4} Bad company should be avoided, as a way
of stopping the tide of sin in one’s life, {vs.34}
BAD COMPANY
AND CORRUPTION
“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good
character”{1 Cor. 15:33} is a biblical expression which indicates that corruption is infectious, and that anybody
could be affected, irrespective of rank or status, as well as sounds a note of
warning that one should not be a party to bad company, to avoid being
corrupted. Corruption in this context is depravity, and depravity, by way of
definition is “the state of being immoral or wicked, as the truth remains that
every immoral person is capable of corrupting others, no matter the level of
moral profile they may have attained. But, the self-righteous and those who
trust in man’s ever failing strength may disagree and discard this biblical
truth, even when it is scripturally obvious that it is not possible for one to
stay out of corruption without separating oneself from corrupt individuals
{vs.33}. And, no doubt, it is in the light of the above that GOD’S WORD also
says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and
wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can LIGHT have with
darkness?...,as it concludes by saying, come out from them and be separate,
says the LORD...{2Cor 6:14-18}. In this connection, therefore, please note
again from the Holy Scripture that:
(i)
Bad company corrupts good character,{1Cor
15:33}
(ii)
We should abstain from all appearances of
evil,{1 Thess 5:22}
(iii)
We should also have no fellowship with the
unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them,{Eph 5:11}
BAD COMPANY
AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
According to the HOLY WORD of GOD, it is not
possible to serve two masters, the same time, at the same degree of
devotion{Matt 6:24}, just as it is not practicable to be in bad company and at
the same time be in the company of the righteous as a real devotee. In other
words, one cannot be holy and at the same time be corrupt. It is either one is
holy or one is corrupt. For, in the WORDS of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED
SAVIOUR, a good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good
fruit,{Matt 7:18}. This implies that no devotee of a bad company can manifest
good character, as no devotee of a good company can do otherwise. To this end,
the Holy Scripture says, “awake to righteousness and sin not”...{1Cor 15: 34}.
And, note also that.... GOD is LIGHT and in HIM there is no darkness at all. If
we claim to have fellowship with HIM, yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not
live by the truth,”{1John 1:5-6}. By this, therefore, this lesson remarks that
one who:
(i)
Claims to be in good company but have things
in common with those in bad company is never real to one’s claim,{vs. 5-6}
(ii)
Is in bad company is in fellowship with
darkness which GOD Has nothing to do with,{vs. 5-6;1Cor15:33-34}
(iii)
Refuses to awake to righteousness, but
continues in bad company demonstrates the fact that one
has no knowledge of
GOD,{VS.33-34}
BAD COMPANY
AND THE WAY OUT
The only way to get out of bad company is to
get out. And, there is the ideological getting out, and there is the sociological getting out. The ideological
getting out of bad company borders on
the relinquishing of those beliefs which tie members together, and the sociological
getting out of such groups has to do with open denunciation, as well as
firm stoppage of physical appearances in any social activities or gathering of
such bodies. In line with this, the Holy Scripture again, says, “Do not be
yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with
unrighteousness? And what concord has LIGHT and darkness? And what concord has
CHRIST with Belial? Or what part has the believer with the unbeliever? And what
agreement has the TEMPLE of GOD with idols? For you are the temples of the
LIVING GOD”...wherefore come out from among them, and be separate...and I will
receive you”... {2Cor 6:14-18}, which indicates that:
(i)
Those in bad companies or associations must
repent and refrain from such groups before GOD will accept them,{vs. 14-18}
(ii)
Since we are originally designed to be
temples of the LIVING GOD, one who is in bad company or association
has automatically turn oneself
into the temple of idol, which GOD cannot accept,{vs.14-18}
(iii)
One must separate oneself from every bad
company, secret or open, as well as get rid of every ideology
they hold, if GOD must
accept one,{vs. 14-18}
In
conclusion, please be reminded that bad company corrupts good character, and
that no one can be a devotee of bad company and that of a good company at the
same time. And so, one must refrain from bad company, if one must be free from
the corruption of bad company. THE TIME
TO CHANGE IS NOW!
Sunday, 15 April 2018
THE BIBLE AND BAD MODEL
PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies);
ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com
THE BIBLE AND BAD
MODEL
Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
Devotional Text: Jude 11
INTRODUCTION:
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s
Dictionary, “a model is something such as a system that can be copied by other
people or a person or thing that is considered an excellent example”. However,
from the negative angle, our brother Jude refers to Cain, Balaam and Korah as
bad models of the Old Testament Characters, citing them as powerful
illustrations of propensities to avoid. To this end, he points to the selfishness
of Cain, the greed of Balaam and the rebellion of Korah. Their stories can be
found in Genesis 4, Numbers 22 and Numbers 16, respectively. After filling his
letter with such negative examples, Jude, nevertheless concludes triumphantly
that GOD is able to keep his people from falling”,{ vs 24}
GENERAL
REMARKS
(1)
Cain is a bad model of selfishness, {Jude 11}
(2)
Balaam is a bad model of greed {vs. 11}
(3)
Kprah is a bad model of rebellion, {vs. 11}
(4)
Cain, Balaam and Korah are bad models to
avoid {vs.11}
CAIN AND
SELFISHNESS
Cain remains the foremost figure noted for
selfishness, since the advent of his offering to GOD, with his brother Abel.
The biblical expression that Cain merely “brought some of the fruits of the
soil’...but Abel brought “fat portions of his produce {Gen4:3-5} shows that
Cain was indeed a selfish individual, who reserved his own fat portion for
himself and not for the LORD or any other person. By way of analysis, a selfish
man is self-thinking, self-gratifying and self-interest seeker, who constantly
promotes what profits him at the expense of others. This is certainly a
dangerous factor in both church and society, and should be discouraged.
Furthermore, selfishness was the remote cause of the murder of Abel, since it
promoted the unacceptable offering, which the LORD rejected, as well as stirred
up the bitterness in the heart of Cain, which finally led to the killing of his
brother {vs.4-8}, and by so doing became a bad model of murder. In this
connection, this lesson biblically stresses that Cain:
(i)
Remains a bad model of murder that should be
rejected {vs.3-8}
{ii} Became a bad model of careless
offering to the LORD, as prompted by selfishness,
which should not be copied, {vs.3-8}
(ii)
Stands out as a bad model of lack of remorse
for killing his brother, which equally should be avoided,{vs. 3-9}
BALAAM AND
GREED
Balaam is a model of greed {Jude11}, and
greed, according to the Bible, is idol worship, {Col 3:5}. Therefore, Balaam
remains a bad model that should be avoided by all who wish to escape the
damnation of hell,{ Rev 21:8}. The EN English Dictionary defines “greed” as
that intense and selfish desire for wealth, power and food, a propensity which
has become habitual in the lives of most Gospel Ministers and believers,
irrespective of the biblical injunction citing it as one of the sins that should
not be mentioned among the saints,{Eph 3:5}. Today, certain individuals
designated “men of GOD” in the field of the Gospel, like Balaam, are driven by
the force of greed for profit making, instead of soul winning, as most
believers carry the same inclination to make money and wealth by all means. And
so, such individuals, no matter their status in church and society are bad
models, whose way of life must be rejected. Based on the foregoing, therefore,
this lesson states that:
(i)
Greedy men of GOD who take undue advantage of
church finances are bad models that should be avoided,[Jude11}
(ii)
Believers who toe the path of greed that has
lured them into the love of money which is the root of all kinds of evil, are
equally bad models to avoid {vs. 11;1Tim 6:9-10}
(iii)
Community leaders who are greedy of the
people’s wealth and are known for the undue exploitation of the people for
their selfish gains are, as well bad models that we should not copy from, [vs.
11; vs.9-10}
KORAH AND
REBELLION
Korah is another individual designated an
evil influence by our brother Jude {vs11} On his part, he is a bad model of
rebellion, which the Bible says is tantamount to witchcraft, {1 Sam 15:23}.
Rebellion is disobedience against constituted authority. It could also be
defined as “resistance to an established government or ruler. And, Korah was
noted for this dastardly act in the administration of Moses, which earned him
and his men a devastating end, {Num 16}. This shows how the LORD views
rebellion. Every authority is of GOD, {Rom 13:1}. These include civil authority
{vs. 1}, family authority, {Eph 6:1-3:5:22-23}, religious authority { Heb
13:17}, and more, and so, any person who rebels against constituted authority
rebels against the LORD. On this note, this lesson scripturally cites that:
(i)
Those, who like Korah rebel against civil
authorities are bad models to shun, {Rom 13:1-7}
(ii)
Children who rebel against their parents are
equally bad models to reject, { Eph 6:1-3}
(iii)
Religious adherents who work against their
leaders are also bad models to turn away from,{ Heb 13:17}
In
conclusion, the term “bad models” shows that there are people of evil
influences, who corrupt others. But, note also that there are”good models” that
can influence those who come their way for good. By way of summary, those who fear
GOD and keep HIS COMMANDMENTS are “good models” to copy. BE SOBER
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