THE BIBLE AND HEALING MINISTRY {Part 4}

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 HEALING MINISTRY {Part 4}

Hindrances to Divine Healing

Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: James 5:14-15

INTRODUCTION:

Worried by the disheartening scenario that, the present day Christianity does not produce the healing results of the Old Testament and the Apostolic Era of the New Testament Church, a keen observer queries why a lot of people who attend healing campaigns today, go home unhealed or disappointed, as he expresses a hearty desire to find out if the problem is from the preacher or the sick individuals. This forms the basis of the unit of the lesson under review, which is an attempt to draw the attention of the people of GOD to what constitute hindrances to DIVINE healing. No controversy, faith is the means to every DIVINE blessing, including healing. According to the Holy Scripture... ‘The prayer of faith shall save the sick...’ {James 5:15}. And, anything that poses obstacle to faith, definitely, can hinder healing. There are three obstacles of faith, namely; fear {Luke 8:50; Mark 5:36}, doubt {Luke 11:23; James 1:8}, and unbelief {Matt.17:20; 13:58}, which this lesson stands out to show how they, and other factors hinder DININE healing.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       The major booster of DIVINE healing is faith, expressed through prayer, {James 5:15}

(2)       Where there is no faith in the exercise of prayer for the sick, no DIVINE healing comes, {vs. 15}

(3)       In the exercise of faith for DIVINE healing, the one who prays and the one prayed for, should

 demonstrate a common faith, for healing to take place, {vs. 15}

(4)       Hindrance to DIVINE healing could occur when there is a break-down of faith, from either the healer or the client, {vs. 15}

THE ONE WHO PRAYS FOR THE SICK AND HINDRANCES TO DIVINE HEALING

The fear that someone being prayed for may not survive certain health challenges is one of the factors that militate against DIVINE healing. This occurs when a given ailment, in the inner lens, or spiritual eye, of the faith-healer overwhelms his sense of faith, when he should fix his faith on the LORD our GOD, who is the GOD of all impossibilities {Matt. 19:26}, instead of focusing on the seeming helpless situation of a victim of a disease. To this end, JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED HEALER is known to be in constant victory over fear, as HE always urges the sick or members of their families not to be afraid {Luke 8:50}. And so, one who prays for the sick must endeavour to overcome fear, if positive healing result must come, {vs. 50}. In this connection, therefore, this lesson opines that one in healing ministry of the LORD must strictly:

(i)                    Overcome the grip of fear in one’s life, and in the lives of doubting observers, {Matt. 5:36-43}.

(ii)                  Believe that, with GOD, all things are possible, {Matt. 10:27}

(iii)                 Bear in mind that, without faith, it is impossible to please GOD, {Heb. 11:6}.

THE SICK PERSON AND HINDRANCES TO DIVINE HEALING

    Doubt, is one of the the obstacles of the faith of the sick person, who seeks DIVINE healing. On this note, the Holy Scripture urges that, ‘one who asks must believe and not doubt, because one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. And, one who doubts should not think one would receive anything from the LORD...’{James 1:8}. It is common knowledge that most individuals who seek DIVINE healing at healing campaigns go there in outright doubt or double-mindedness, and so, go home disappointed, since one who doubts or is in double-mindedness cannot receive anything from the LORD, {vs. 8}. But, JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SUPREME HEALER says... ‘I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain. Go, throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him’ {Matt. 11:23}. Based on the foregoing, this lesson equally states that:

(i)              It amounts to double-mindedness when one who seeks DIVINE healing approaches

 a faith healer or healing campaign venue with a sense of ‘who knows if GOD still heals today?’ {James 1:8}

(ii)            Outright doubt is in place when the thought of ‘healing may not be real today’ is in the heart

 of one who attends haling campaigns, {vs. 8}

(iii)           Outright doubt and double-mindedness are major obstacles of DIVINE healing, for one who seek healing, {vs. 8}

UNBELIEF, FEAR AND DOUBT ARE COMBINE ATTACKERS OF THE FAITH

OF THE FAITH-HEALER AND THE ONE WHO SEEKS DIVINE HEALING

Unbelief, fear and doubt, which have been described as obstacles of faith, are always in a combined effort to hinder DIVINE healing. They attack both the faith-healer and the sick person he tries to help. But, unbelief is the worst evil against DIVINE healing, since it is a blunt rejection of the LORD and HIS WORD. The Holy Scripture records that JESUS CHRIST our BLESSED LORD and REDEEMER did not do many mighty work in certain places because of  unbelief {Matt. 13:58}, just as those who attend healing campaigns today in unbelief can never receive DIVINE healing from HIM. Also, in this lesson, the fact of the hindrances of fear and doubt to DIVINE healing have been stressed, in terms of how each of them work against the faith-healer and the sick person who try to access DIVINE healing. However, the point of the collaboration of doubt, fear and unbelief in destroying faith which seeks to attract DIVINE  healing requires special attention here, since it is doubt which paves way for unbelief, as fear magnifies a given health problem, making it look bigger than what can be solved by faith. Thus, people {the faith-healer and the sick person alike} fail to access DIVINE healing, during healing campaigns, when they harbour the concept of:

(i)                    ‘I don’t believe it could happen’ {unbelief}- Matt. 13:58

(ii)                  ‘Is it true that GOD still heals today?’ {doubt}- James 1:6-7

(iii)                 ‘I am afraid, he may not survive’ {fear}- Luke 8:50

In conclusion, please, note that faith is the primary thing in accessing DIVINE healing. For, ‘without faith, it is impossible to please GOD...’ {Heb. 11:6}, and so, every obstacle of faith, that is, fear, doubt and unbelief must be eliminated in the life of one who seeks DIVINE healing {the healer or client} if a positive healing result must be achieved. DON’T MISS THE MARK!

THE BIBLE AND BIBLE STUDY

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 BIBLE STUDY

Presented Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Josh. 1:8; 2Tim.2:14-15

INTRODUCTION:

The injunction of the Holy Scripture which stresses that one should, “study to show oneself approved unto GOD, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of TRUTH” {2Tim. 2:15} is a DIVINE call to a keen ministerial preparation on GOD’ WORD for the ministry of the LORD, as the expression, “this book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein, and then, you shall make your way prosperous, as well as have good success” {Josh. 1:8} calls for sober reflection and proper application of the WORD of GOD in one’s life, for success in life and ministry, and so, the two scriptures are a call to a meticulous attention to GOD’S HOLY WORD.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     The study of GOD’S WORD equips one for the ministry of the LORD, {2Tim. 2:15}

(2)     A decline in the study of GOD’S WORD results in one’s disapproval before GOD, {vs. 15}

(3)     Meditation on GOD’S WORD makes one prosperous and successful in ministry, {Josh. 1;8}

(4)     One who fails in study and meditation on GOD’S WORD definitely fails in ministry, {vs. 8}

GOD’S WORD AND SUCCESS IN MINISTRY

Success in ministry is WORD-BASED, and so, one who fails in GOD’S WORD fails in ministry. And, note that, it is not the crowd one pulls that is success in ministry, in GOD’S SIGHT, but the number of souls one leads to heaven through one’s WORD-BASED preaching, and every preaching on GOD’S WORD that cannot save souls is meaningless. No doubt, observable truth today, is that many preachers water-down the WORD of GOD for large unconverted membership, which is an aberration of the gospel handed down to us, by JESUS CHRIST our BLESSED LORD and the apostles. For, we are called to reconcile people to GOD, and not to enhance their potentials for earthly achievements, which is now the focus of most pulpits, {2Cor. 5:18-19}. Therefore, the DIVINE call that one should, “study to show oneself approved unto GOD”...{2Tim. 2:15} is a call to study and understand:

(i)                   What GOD approves as real success in ministry, {vs. 15}

(ii)                 That, the basic reason why JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR

came to this world is to save sinners, Luke 19:10}

(iii)                That, there is no success in ministry, if people are not saved by our preaching, {vs. 10}

GOD’S WORD AND PROSPERITY IN MINISTRY

In the previous unit, the term “success”, which means achieving the results wanted or hope for, is the mainstay of the message, as the term “prosperity”, which this unit focuses on, simply means the state of being successful or the condition of enjoying wealth, success or good fortunes. And, the two passages of the Bible, 2Timothy 2:15 and Joshua 1:8, as cited, point to the minister of GOD and his study, cum meditation on the WORD of GOD, but now, drives towards the way the minister could achieve a WORD-BASED prosperity in ministry. There is no gainsaying the fact that when people are saved, they bring their wealth to the church, as well as receive more from the LORD, whereby, the ministry of our GOD and GREAT KING enjoys prosperity. But, everything becomes wrong when people join a church by means of false preaching, which lures them into dubious achievements, and so, are barred out of GOD’S KINGDOM, without knowing it, as the WORD-BASED prosperity minsters of GOD will always study {Tim2:15} and meditate {Jos. 1:8} on the WORD OF GOD, as well as focus their preaching on the biblical truth that makes people:

(i)                   Seek first the kingdom of GOD and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, as the LORD brings good prosperity, {Matt. 6:33}

(ii)                 Know that, “it profits one nothing, if one gains the whole world, but loses one’s soul” {Mark 8:36-37}

(iii)                Understand that, it is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY who gives the power to make food wealth, {Deut. 8:17-18}.

GOD’S WORD AND THE PURITY OF LIFE

The importance of the study of the Bible for the purity of life cannot be over-emphasised. The expression, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to YOUR WORD {Psalm 119:9} confirms this sacred truth, as the narrative, “I have hidden YOUR WORD in my heart that I may not sin against YOU” {vs. 11} highlights that, meditation on GOD’S WORD is of immerse value. And, the one who does not tow the part of purity is alien to this gospel truth, and cannot really relate with the LORD our GREAT GOD, since HE is HOLY, and without holiness no eye shall see HIM {Heb. 12:14}, coupled with the scriptural truth that “only the pure in heart shall see GOD, {Matt. 5:8}. Therefore, one who does not study {2 Tim. 2:15} and meditate {Josh. 1:8} on GOD’S WORD can hardly establish a link with HIM, and can never claim to have good success, cum prosperity in the ministry of the LORD. Thus, indicates that, GOD:

(i)                   Brings good success and prosperity only to one who study, meditate and live by HIS WORD, {Josh. 1:8}

(ii)                 HAS no HANDS in the success and prosperity of one who does not study, meditate and live

 by HIS WORD, for good success and prosperity, [vs. 8}

(iii)                HAS given HIS WORD for study and meditation, as well as established it as an indispensible

 means of purity of life {Psalm 119:9}, good success {Jos. 1:8} and prosperity, {vs. 8}

   In conclusion, this lesson has pointed out the obvious truth that, the study {2 Tim. 2:15}, meditation {Jos. 1:8} and paying heed to the WORD of GOD {vs. 8} result in good success and prosperity in the life and ministry of GOD’S minister and the ordinary believer, and that anything short of this, is counter-productive and destructive {Mark 8:36-37}. PLEASE, LEARN TO STUDY, MEDITATE AND LIVE BY GOD’S WORD!

THE BIBLE AND THE USURPATION OF GOD’S GLORY

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 THE USURPATION OF GOD’S GLORY

Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Isaiah 42:8

INTRODUCTION:

Everyone who is called by the NAME of the LORD is created for His GLORY. {Isaiah 43:7}, and should understand that the LORD ALMIGHTY will not yield HIS GLORY to another {48:11}, and so, it becomes effort in futility to attempt to usurp HIS GLORY in whatever guise, though many try to do so, to their hurt. By way of explanation, to usurp the GLORY of GOD, is to accept or demand the honour and praise due to HIM alone, and, there is no gainsaying the fact that many people in leadership positions, political or ecclesiastical, as well as the ordinary members of the society are guilty of this great sin against the LORD, despite HIS verdict, “I am the LORD, that is MY NAME! I will not give MY GLORY to another or MY PRISE to Idols,” {Isaiah 42:8}

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       Only the LORD our GOD is worthy of all praise and honour, {Rev. 4:11}

(2)       The LORD our GOD will not yield HIS GLORY to another, {Isaiah 48:11}

(3)       Honour and respect due to man, should be given to those who deserve them {Rom. 13:7}, but the GLORY

 and HONOUR due to GOD alone should not be given to anybody, no matter how highly placed, {Isaiah 48:11}

(4)       The LORD our GOD will not give HIS GLORY to another or HIS PRAISE to idols, {42:8}.

POLITICAL LEADERS AND THE USURPATION OF GOD’S GLORY

Political leaders often act as GOD while in office. They assume the monopoly of knowledge and power, with no recourse to the supremacy of the LORD GOD of heaven and earth, who is the fountain of all existence and laws. This is why certain political leaders and their lawmakers legislate against the WILL of GOD in their countries. The legality of abortion in some nations of the world is a good example of the aforementioned. When a political leader puts in place laws against the WILL of GOD, like in the case of Chinese president, XI Jinping} who in recent time ordered the removal of the portrait of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR in churches, for his own} he defames HIM, and assumes the place of HIS GLORY and PRAISE, which the LORD our GOD says, HE would not allow {Isaiah 43:7}, and this, often results in political and economic problems that, at times, may lead to the death or depose of the unscrupulous leader. But, to the believer, when a political leader assumes the place of GOD’S GLORY and PRAISE in a country, by way of ungodly legislations and style of governance, then, it becomes the time to:

(i)                    UNDERSTAND that, “we ought to obey GOD rather than men...” {Acts 5:29]

(ii)                  REMEMBER that, “we have to do all things to the GLORY of GOD, {1 Cor. 10:31}

(iii)                 RECALL that, GOD says no, to anything that is not to HIS GLORY and PRAISE in every nation of the world, {Isaiah 42:8}

ECCLESIASTICAL LEADERS AND THE USURPATION OF GOD’S GLORY

        JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SUPREME LEADER of the church sets example as an ecclesiastical leader who does not seek to usurp the GLORY and PRAISE of GOD, when HE says,... “If I honour MYSELF, MY HONOUR is nothing...” {John 8:54A}, and definitely shows that church leaders must not work for self glory when in the service of the LORD our GREAT and ALMIGHTY GOD. For, it is the LORD who honours the church leader who does not seek his own glory, as it is written, “the LORD honours those who honour HIM,”{1 Sam. 2:30}. Now, consider the church leader who lord it over the flock of the LIVING GOD, whereas, JESUS CHRIST, the HEAD of the church says that, service should be their watchword, {Mark 10:42-44}. Consider, also, those who exhibit dictatorial tendencies, and absolute usurpation of the GLORY and PRAISE of the LORD, who, by their attitude, JESUS CHRIST, the LORD of the church is relegated to a second fiddle. It is common knowledge today that certain church leaders take ministerial, cum administrative decisions in the church without recourse to the HOLY SPIRIT and the Scripture. For instance, at present, tithe payment is raised to thirty percent, and more, in some churches, whereas, the Bible says, it should be ten percent [Gen. 28:22; Deut. 26:12}. Also, other core doctrines of the WORD of GOD are changed to suit the will and praise of the church leader, who is supposed to work for the GLORY of GOD. By this, therefore, the believer is reminded that:

(i)              GOD does not give any church leader his GLORY and PRAISE, {Isaiah 42:8}

(ii)            The usurpation of GOD’S GLORY and PRAISE is in place  when church leaders lead the church by human whims and caprices, {vs. 8}

(iii)           JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR in HIS WORD shows that a church leader should work to the GLORY

 of our HEAVENLY FATHER and not to the glory of himself. {John 8:54}.

THE ORDINARY CITIZEN AND THE USURPATION OF GOD’S GLORY

Political and Ecclesiastical leaders are not alone in the usurpation of the GLORY of GOD , as the ordinary members of the society, Christians and non-Christians, also, carry the weakness of usurping GOD’S GLORY and PRAISE. Often times, certain citizens fan the embers of self praise and glory when they talk of certain accomplishments which were only possible by the GRACE of GOD, as if they were done by human strength. Think of those who boast of business successes, whereas, it is clear in the Holy Scripture that, it is the LORD who gives us the power to make wealth, {Deut. 8:6-18}. Consider, as well, the fact of people in church and society, who take the GLORY of GOD in every little help they render to others, instead of doing all, to HIS GLORY {! Cor. 10:31}. To this end, this lesson biblically posits that:

(i)                    GOD is not willing to share HIS GLORY with anybody, {Isaiah 42:8}

(ii)                  We should learn to give HIM all the GLORY for every opportunity HE gives us to help

 others, instead of usurping HIS GLORY {vs. 8}

(iii)                 Our hearts should not be allowed to be lifted up in self glory and praise, when we attain some level of successes in business, but should give all the GLORY to the LORD who gives us power to get wealth, {Deut. 8:17-18}.

In conclusion, please understand that GOD is the AUTHOR of all things, and so, HE is worthy of all GLORY and PRAISE from every creature of HIS. And, for your information, this is why HE created us, {Rev. 4:11}. PLEASE, DO ALL THINGS TO THE PRAISE AND GLORY OF GOD!

THE BIBLE AND HOSPITALITY

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 HOSPITALITY

Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Hebrews 13:1-3

Introduction:

The Apostle John in one of his epistles recommends and encourages hospitality when he says, “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though, they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of GOD. It is for the sake of the NAME {of the LORD} that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought, therefore, to show hospitality to such men, so that we may work together for the truth”,{3John 5-8}. By way of agreement, the Apostle Peter says, we should offer hospitality to one another without grumbling,{1Peter 4:9}, as the Apostle Paul admonishes further that, we should “share with GOD’S people who are in need”, in the spirit of hospitality”,{Rom. 12:13}.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)     Like Gaius, our hospitality should be extended to the ministers of GOD, and to the whole church,{Rom. 6:23}

(2)     We should learn to offer hospitality to strangers who serve the LORD,{3 John 5-8}

(3)     Our hospitality must be without grumbling,{1Peter 4:9}

(4)     We must extend our hospitality to all strangers, believers and non-believers alike,{Heb. 13:2}

HOSPITALITY AS A CHRISTIAN WAY OF LIFE

Hospitality is one’s demonstration of kindness to visitors. It is equally being friendly, welcoming, and the generous treatment one offers to guests or strangers. And, the believer, in CHRIST, by biblical standards, should be hospitable. To this end, GOD’s WORD urges that, we should not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, we may entertain angels, without knowing it, (Heb. 13:2), as it stresses that our “love must be sincere, hating what is evil, but clinging to what is good, as well as devote to one another in brotherly love, as it further enjoins that we should learn to share with GOD’S people who are in need, as a way of demonstrating our hospitality, {Rom. 12:9-13}. And, without mincing words, a Christian who is not hospitable carries no convincing proof of his Christian faith, for JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR is the grand example of hospitality, which HE demonstrated, when HE fed HIS five thousand {Matt. 14:14-21} and four thousand {Matt. 15:2-39}  crusade guests, respectively. This, therefore, shows that:

i)                     The SPIRIT of CHRIST is the SPIRIT of hospitality, {vs. 14-21; 29-39}

ii)                   Hospitality is one of the marks of true Christians, {3 John 5-8}

iii)                  Our hospitality should target strangers, those in prison, and the mistreated persons, {Heb. 13:2-3}

FATHER ABRAHAM AND HOSPITALITY

Abraham is biblically confirmed as the father of the Christian faith {Gal. 3:6-9}, who is outstandingly known for his hospitality. The Holy Scripture reveals that GOD was entertained by Abraham, when it says that “the LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby, … and said, “if I have found favour in your eyes, MY LORD, do not pass your servant by… let me get you something to eat, so that you can be refreshed and then go on your way”… “Very well, they answers, do as you said… so, Abraham prepared and brought some curds and milk… he had prepared, and set these before them…”{Gen. 18:1-8}. And, no doubt, the above narrative of Abraham’s hospitality remains the basic reason why GOD’S WORD says, “We should not forget to entertain strangers, for we may entertain angels unawares,” {Heb. 13:2}. Now, notice that, it was after Abraham’s demonstration of hospitality to the LORD that HE revealed it was HIS time to fulfil HIS promise to him {Gen. 18:10-13}, as well as, revealed HIS plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah {vs. 15-20}, which, therefore, implies that hospitality:

(i)                   Brings GOD’s blessings to one who offers it, {Gen. 18:10}

(ii)                 Opens up ways for the fulfilment of GOD’S promises, {vs. 16-17}.

(iii)                Reveals GOD’S secret plan to those who offer it , [vs. 16-17.

HOSPITALITY AND MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The testimony of the hospitality of Brother Gaius, which the Apostle Paul and the whole church enjoyed, is a model of the hospitality to be practised in the church of the LIVING GOD, {Rom. 16:23}. In the church under review, there was free flow of hospitality, which tends to attend to everyone’s need, ministers and non-ministers alike, without any form of inhibition from the presiding minister, as it is the case in some Christian denominations today. Here, the Apostle Paul and Brother Gaius share in the commendation of being men of unrestricted love and passion, who understand that what affects a member of the church affects others, as the notable message in this unit of the lesson is that, it is wrong to be greedy in the affairs of the church of GOD, which is the habit of certain General overseers and other high ranking officers of the present day church, who monopolise the hospitality of the privileged ones to themselves and members of their families, at the expense of other members of the church. And so, this lesson, by this, indicates that

(i)                   It is wrong for a minister of the gospel to stop the hospitality of the privileged ones

 from reaching others, {Rom.16:23}

(ii)                 The hospitality of the privileged ones in the church should be allowed to reach everybody

in the church, {vs. 23}

(iii)                Everybody in the church should learn to be hospitable, as a way of meeting the basic needs

 of every member of the church, {vs. 23}

In conclusion, please note once again that the concept of hospitality as one’s kindness to visitors or guests carries a limitation, since hospitality could be extended to members of one’s family,  church, and community, who are not strangers or visitors, as it is the case of Brother Gaius, {Rom. 16:23}. Be it as it may, the foremost heart-warming benefit of hospitality is that it promotes love, togetherness and even distribution of GOD’s blessing in church and society. PLEASE, BE HOSPITABLE!