FIRST DAY OF THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES DECEMBER 13, 2020

SERMONS

The importance of the Feast of Tabernacles to Mankind

By Brother Isaac Ennang

The Feast of Tabernacles is a festival ordained by God Almighty for His people, the Israelites, while they were travelling from Egypt to Canaan. They were to keep it from the 15^th day of the seventh month and were to observe it throughout their generations.  It was an eight day festival. During the Feast the Jews were to dwell in booths to remember when they dwelt in temporary shelters in the wilderness. (Leviticus 23:33-43) The celebrants should give offerings in appreciation of God’s goodness on them as he had blessed them. – Deuteronomy 16:13-17

The Feast is also called the Feast of Ingathering, to typify how God would call His children to Himself in course of time. And this is happening in this age.  In Matthew 18:20 Jesus Christ our Saviour says that even if it is two or three people who gather in his name in spirit and in truth, he would be in their midst. – Matthew 18:20; Joshua 24:14,15.

The main event of the Feast is the reading of the law of God for the understanding of God’s children. (Deuteronomy 31:10-13) This is also the case now.

There was a time when the Jews did not keep the Feast because they were in Babylonish captivity for 70 years. When they came to know of its importance  through the reading of the law, they observed it with great fervour. – Nehemiah 8:8,12.

Those who say the Feast has no relevance to Christians are in error for the fact that Christ celebrated it. The record in John chapter 7 shows that Christ addressed the congregants at the middle of the Feast.  (John 7:14-17) Furthermore the account states: “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:37, 38. Compare Isaiah 25:6, 7.

However, if we want to offer gifts to God and realize we have a matter with our neighbor, we should go and reconcile with the person first before coming to make the offering. (Matthew 5:23, 24) In 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, St. Paul makes us to understand that we should celebrate the Feast of the Lord with clean heart condition, not with malice and wickedness “but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” – 1 Corinthians 5:6, 7.

 God’s Kingdom the perfect solution to the problems of the world

Brother Andrew Ese Ekireghwo, Assistant Station Minister, GKS Lagos

The Kingdom of God is the universal government of righteousness and peace which God Almighty has purposed to set up in these last days as the perfect remedy to human sufferings and woes.

The problems of the world are many. There health problems such as Corona virus, cancer, Lassa Fever. AIDS, SARS. Some have no cure. Some sicknesses require people to be in hospital for weeks and even months.  In spite of efforts of governments, new diseases, which are even more deadly are emerging and killing people.

There are also problems of hunger and famine. The economic problems make people to be unable to fend for themselves. They sell their property to make ends meet. There are problems of insecurity and wars. Governments have provided funds and equipment to defend their borders, secure lives and properties, yet the problem of insecurity persists. Deaths are rampant through drowning, collapsed building; poisonous gases, suicide, etc.

To solve these problems human beings have tried various forms of government. These include plutocracy, aristocracy, oligarchy, monarchy, democracy, etc. But these have not satisfied the yearnings of mankind.

But none of these systems of government can wipe out death, and give man perfect and happiness. This is what all nations desire, except God Almighty in His Kingdom, hence the Kingdom of God is called “The Desire of all nations” – Haggai 2:6,7

This universal Kingdom of God will be fully established after the heavens and the earth had been cleansed of all ungodliness. It would be under the headship of Jesus Christ and his cabinet of 144,000 chosen and anointed. – Revelation 14:1-5; Hebrews 12:26-28. See also Isaiah 32:17, 18.

In that Kingdom of God there will be no more poverty, sickness, death, war and other ills that plague mankind today. – Isaiah 65:17-19, 24-25; 49:10: Jeremiah 33:6; Isaiah 35:5-7.

Apostle John saw a vision of the New Jerusalem while on exile in the island of Patmos. He states among other things “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea… And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” – Revelation 21:1-4. The things God will do in His kingdom we do not know all of them. 1 Corinthians 2:9,10.

According to the Prophet, Micah, the nations will convert their weapons of war into agricultural purposes. There will be universal peace and all the military academies and training camps will be closed down. Everyone will live quietly in his own home in peace and prosperity. For there will be nothing to fear, as The Lord Himself has promised. – Micah 4:3, 4

Apostle admonished us to live up to the standard required of us so as to be inheritors of the Kingdom by His grace. – 2 Peter 3:13, 14.

CHRISTIAN FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2020:

 MONDAY DECEMBER 14, 2020

 “The Holy Bible, the inspired word of God”.

Brother Oferi Martins Ewharekuko

The Holy Bible is a book whose identity can never be mistaken in any part of the world. It is the foundation of ethics. It guides us through difficult times. Gives us wisdom, knowledge and understanding of how the world began, how it will end and how humans would live in the world to come..

The Holy Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, known as the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, from Matthew to Revelation, known as the Greek Scriptures. The whole Bible is made up of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. Testament. It has been translated into 287 different languages, far more than any other book in the world.

The Bible contains the inspired word of God.  “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” – 2 Peter 1:20, 21.

David, a king in Israel, was one of those God used to write the Bible. (2 Samuel 23:2) Daniel did not understand what he wrote but God told him people would be inspired to understand the prophecies in due time. (Daniel 12:8-10) Moses wrote the first five books of the Holy Bible, Genesis to Deuteronomy. And Christ affirmed that Moses wrote. – John 5:45-47.

Prophecies of the Scriptures are fulfilling in our eyes: In Matthew 24:7,8 Christ spake of the turbulence that would mark the end of the world and this fulfilled in the First World War of 1914 – 1918, one of the most violent and destructive wars in history. After the war there was the Spanish Influenza, and since then man has been marching into harder and harder times. This shows that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

The Psalmist in Psalm 19:9-11 wrote about the benefits of the word of God contained the Holy Bible. St. Paul told Timohy in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” See also Isaiah 34:16.

When we give ourselves to the study of the word of God, we get faith, (Romans 10:17); It gives peace, (Psalm 119:165); It cleanses,. (John 15:3; 17:17; Psalm 119:9-11); It gives wisdom and understanding, (Deuteronomy. 4:6); It gives prosperity. – Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-6.

When we read the Bible God and put its inspired words into practice, God will bless us abundantly in this present world and grant us salvation in the world to come.

The All-Sufficient Prayer

by Brother Ogechukwu Emmanuel Oriaku –

The two key words in this sermon are all-sufficient and prayer. Prayer is the making of a solemn request, petition to God. The term all-sufficient means something that is enough or adequate to meet a need, purpose or objective. The Lord’s prayer captures all our desires, needs, worries or objectives in life, and so is properly described as the all-sufficient prayer..

On a certain day the disciples of Christ asked to be taught how to pray as John taught his disciples. He taught them a unique and concise way to make requests to God which has become a model to all. This is contained in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4.

God Almighty is our Our Father. Spiritually, the word father means life-giver. God Almighty is the Giver and Owner of life, (Revelation 4:11; Isaiah 64:8) He is in heaven, His dwelling place called Mount Zion, in the heaven of heavens (Isaiah 66:1; Psalm 132:13,14) We must hallow His name.. The holy name of God is JEHOVAH. (Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:18) It is holy and reverend (Psalm 111:9) We should not take the name of God in vain, swear falsely in His name, or do anything that would bring reproach to the name of God, it is mighty to save. (Proverbs 18:10) When we say “hallowed by thy name” we express faith in the majesty and supremacy of God

We pray for His kingdom to come. Jesus Christ taught us to pray for the Kingdom of God to come because it is the only solution to the problems of mankind, hence it is called the desire of all nations. (Haggai 2:6,7) But the prayer for the kingdom to come will not be said forever. The Kingdom has been set up in these last days, albeit in a quiet manner, following the expulsion of satan the devil from heaven and the setting up of the Kingdom in various parts of the world. (Revelation 12:7-12;  Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2) With this understanding we no longer say, “Thy kingdom come” but “Thy kingdom has come”.. The Kingdom in heaven has been fully set up. When that of the earth is fully established the will of God will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. – 2 Peter 3:13.

The prayer that God should give us this day our daily bread. expresses our dependence on God for Him to feed us spiritually with His word, the spiritual bread that gives spiritual nourishment, comfort and salvation in the end. Literally we pray to God to give us food and other necessities of life…- Psalm 23:1; 36:7-10.

We pray God to forgive us our sins when we repent of them. This prayer imposes on us the duty of also forgiving those who wrong us. – Psalm 130:4; Matthew 6:14,15.

And lead us not into temptation, – The translation of the part of the prayer that says God should not lead us into temptation is wrong because God does not lead people into temptation. He does not tempt anyone but tries or tests the faith of His children. Satan the devil is the one who is the Tempter (Matthew 4:1-4) Apostle James says: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” – James 1:13

The text shows that God does not tempt but delivers us out of temptation. (2 Peter 2:9) With this understanding we no longer say “:lead us not into temptation” but leave us not in temptation. In vindication of the GKS Pope Francis was in July this year widely reported to have directed the Catholic faithful not to be saying “lead us not into temptation” saying a father does not tempt his children but that they should be saying “leave  us not in temptation“.

Because we face a lot of dangers in this world, we pray for God’s deliverance. This is covered in the part of the prayer which says, “deliver us from evil”. Compare. Psalm 34:19. The Lord’s Prayer ends here.

The accompanying doxology in the book of Matthew, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” is not contained in the original texts and so should not be followed. Luke 11:1-4 which also contains the Lord’s Prayer does not have this part.. Several notable ecclesiastical writers have affirmed that this part is an interpolation. Bible translations such as the Douay Version, The American Standard Version, Emphatic Diaglott, the Living Bible, etc. all omit that part.

It is significant that the Lord’s Prayer uses plural pronouns, such as our, we, us etc. showing that we pray not only for ourselves but for others. Though we can make special prayer when necessary but this prayer can be used privately and congregationally. When we say it with faith and understanding God will hear us. – Psalm 65:1,2.

DAY THREE OF THE CHRISTIAN FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2020

(Summaries by Brother Benedict T. Hart, Publicity Secretary, GKS)

When will the dead be raised back to life?

By Brother Orighoye Obelikpeyah

Death came into this world due to the sin of disobedience. (Genesis 2:16,17; Genesis 3:19) “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23.

Those who are dead are lifeless and so cannot reason, or think or have knowledge of anything that is happening around them. (Psalm 115:17; 146:3,4; 6:5; Ecclesiastics 9:5,6,10) In Isaiah 38:18,19, Hezekiah the King declared: “For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.”

The devil claims that the dead can be brought back to life. He uses his agents, demons, witches, wizards and false prophets to teach this fallacy which is contrary to the doctrine of resurrection. This wrong belief made Saul to go to the witch of Endor in his desire to speak to Samuel. (1 Samuel 28:8-25) But what the witch saw were demons, referred to in the text as “gods”. From the description of one of them Saul merely “perceived” it was Samuel. This is the deceit of the devil, not that Samuel was brought back or that he spoke with witch from the grave.

Those dead, no matter the circumstances in which they died, must be in the grave until the time God has appointed for man to come back to life, the time of resurrection. The power to bring the dead back to life is with God Almighty who will use Jesus Christ to carry out that duty. – Ezekiel 37; John 6:39,40,54; 11:25,26; Revelation 20:13.

The conversation between Jesus Christ and Martha underlines the fact that he had been given the power to raise the dead. “Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha sath unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:23-26) Evidently it is at the last day that the dead will be brought back to life.

God is a God of order. He has set down time lines for the resurrection of the dead. There are three classes or categories of resurrection: the resurrection of the Apostles or Little Flock, then that of the Ancient Worthies (the faithful in time of old) and then the General Resurrection. 

The Apostles, being the First Fruits unto God, would be raised first. Their complete number is 144,000. (Revelation 14:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.44, 51-54) Though some of the apostles will not die but will pass from life to life, (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) the fact is that each of them will be given immortality. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed…” – 1 Corinthians 15:51-54.

The Better resurrection is from the first righteous man Abel to John the Baptist  – Matthew 11:11 shows they are not going to heaven. – Hebrews 11:32-35.

The General resurrection is for the just and the unjust. The just will go into eternal life, while the unjust will be given 100 years to prove their obedience to God. Thereafter, those who are still disobedient will be damned. – John 5:28,29; Hebrews 9:27; Isaiah 65:20.

Evidently all the categories of the resurrection will take place within the last days.  Anybody who claims he could bring the death back to life is lying and is doing so under the influence of satan the devil. Such false prophets will be destroyed by God in due time except they repent.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BORN AGAIN

By Brother Joshua Chukwudi

It is a vital requirement for a professed believer to be born again. There was a man named Nicodemus, a Pharisee and leader of the Jews in those days. He was a seeker of truth. He came to Jesus Christ at night. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) To be born again means to be converted into the Christian faith. It involves repentance, show of remorse, not by word of mouth alone but from the heart. (Romans 2:28, Colossians 2:11) Such repentant ones will regret their sins and determine not to go back to such sins again. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Our Saviour told Nicodemus: “…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) What does it mean to be born by water? The word of God, is likened to water, in that the word cleanses or purifies one of all filthiness. (John 15:3; John 17:17; Isaiah 55:1,2; John 4:14,15; Hebrews 10:22; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:17; Isaiah 12:3) The word of God is also symbolized as milk, because it nourishes;  as wine because it gives joy; and as honey because of its sweetness. – Proverbs 24:13,14.

The truth is vital to being born again. One cannot be a believer in false doctrines and say he has been born again. False doctrines are not of God and cannot give salvation. See 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Timothy 2:3-4.

Such false doctrines include the teaching that the soul is immortal, that when one dies he is still existing somewhere. We should remember that Satan had told Eve that she and her husband will not surely die. Note that the devil has been a liar from the beginning. – John 8:44.

In John 3:6 our Saviour stated: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) One cannot say he is born again and yet be carnally minded. – Galatians 5:16-18.

The lusts of the flesh are listed in the same chapter to include adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…” (Galatians 5:19-21) while the fruits of the spirit, include “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”. – Galatians 5:19-21, 22, 23.

 Addressing those who are truly born again, St. Peter exhorted: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” – 1 Peter 1:22, 23.

Summary of Feast Sermon 2020, by Brother Benedict Hart,

publicity secretary, GKS

The Sanctity of Christian marriage

Bro. Samuel C. Nwaeke, Spiritual Adviser, GKS

Being an institution set up by God Almighty, marriage is highly respectable. It has sanctity. (Genesis 2:7, 18, 20-24) Once married, the man and woman become “one” in the sense that they thenceforth are united in purpose and walk in the closest intimacy. Marriage was established by God to give the man an helpmeet and for the purpose of procreation. The man is the head of the union. – Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Corinthians 11:3.

To be able to exercise his authority as the head, the man should, before he decides to engage a woman, have the means of providing for the woman. Since there are no jobs now, young men should not depend only on their degrees but should learn skills such as carpentry, masonry, furniture-making and so on so that they could get the money to marry and cater for their wives and kids. The Bible says a man who does not provide for the woman is worse than an infidel. (1 Timothy 5:8) Wives, on their part should be respectful of their husbands, even if they become breadwinners if the husband happens to fall on hard times. The godly conduct of wives could even make unbelievers to join the faith. (1 Peter 3:1, 2, 6, 7) Husbands and wives should live in peace and not be fighting and abusing one another, thereby giving a bad name to the institution and to the work of God.

Brothers and sisters who are married to non-members should endeavor to continue in the marriage, as long as their spouses do not oppose the faith. Any of the spouses who is an unbeliever could be won over through the believing partner. – 1 Corinthians 7:12-16.

The Holy Bible is firmly and unequivocally against divorce. (1 Corinthians 7:10; Malachi 2:14-16)  The Lord asked the leaders of the Jews in those days: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:4-6) Jesus Christ affirmed:  “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” – Matthew 19:6.

Couples should therefore strive to settle their differences and live peacefully so that the blessings of God will continue to be with them.

THE USE OF THE TONGUE

By Benedict Hart, publicity secretary, GKS

The tongue could be used to says things that edify, encourage, enlighten and strengthen; It could also be used to deceive, create confusion, destroy by way of lying, gossiping, backbiting, slander and so on.

Solomon the prophet says that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)  And our Saviour says “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37) He goes on to say that words are deliberately and persistently to oppose righteousness they make one not to get forgiveness from God. (Matthew 15:18; 12:31, 32)

Apostle James warned that that the tongue it is so powerful that when misused, it could set on fire the course of nature and lead one to everlasting destruction. (James 3:2, 6; Matthew 15:18; Revelation 21:27) Hence the need to learn to bridle one’s tongue. –  Psalm 39:1; James 1:26

There are instances in the Holy Bible where the use of harsh and unkind words, slander, misrepresentation, led to crisis and war. Rehoboam spoke roughly to the elders of Israel and the ten tribes cut off their allegiance to the house of David. (2 Chronicles 10; 1 Kings 12:1-24) The Bible says the lips of the righteous knows what is acceptable, and that a wholesome tongue is a tree of life. – Proverbs 10:32; 15:4.

Hanun, the king of the Ammonites treated the ambassadors of King David shabbily because his counselors told him David had ulterior motives for sending his servants to pay condolences to him over the death of his father, Nahash. This was a slanderous statement. This led to a war in which the Israelites defeated the Ammonites. – 2 Samuel 10.

A slander is a false and malicious statement made against another with the aim of bringing him into disrepute. The Holy Bible pronounces woe on those who “spoil” (lie, misrepresent, slander) other people, using craftiness, deceit, hypocrisy. (Isaiah 33:1)  Our Saviour warns that those who use malicious and belittling words against their neighbours are in danger of God’s punishment. – Matthew 5:22.

In this time of distress and perplexity it is important to say kind words, that build, enlighten and strengthen rather than things what discourage and lead to disunity and confusion. We should be exhorting one another daily, as we see the day God will destroy the earth approaching. “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3, 4) And St. Peter states: “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: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” – 1 Peter 3:10, 11.

FEAST OF TABERNACLES REPORT – THURSDAY DECEMBER 17, 2020

BEHOLD, HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETHREN TO DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITY

Brother Hope Eghagha, chairman of Administrative Committee, Lagos Island Branch, Lagos.

This statement by the Psalmist, King David in Psalm133, is an expression of the ideal. In other words, he is saying that it is lovable and fufilling for brethren to dwell together in unity. Unity starts from the family unit. They eat from the same table. When we are together there is joy in the home. When the family head leads by good example, the wife reciprocates, and so it spreads to the entire family. They thus have a common goal. When this is replicated in the wider society, then it leads to unity and the pursuit of a common goal.

Each person should ask himself: Will what I am doing, engender unity or cause disunity?  Whether in a family or society, we have one purpose, which is to serve God Almighty. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10.) We should say the same thing in doctrines, because a lot of falsehood is being spread all over the place. We should look unto Christ the author and finisher of our faith.

Matthew 18:19 gives the understanding that when we agree and are united, God will be with us and hear our prayers. This does not mean there would be no disagreement.  As human beings we make mistakes. It is only in the Kingdom of God that there would be perfection. So, if we see one making a mistake we should not be happy but help him not to trip fall. Why should we strive to see that someone makes a mistake and we are happy? In the way of salvation we should strive together for that common goal..

Sometimes it is people who are within God’s Organisation who cause division. God says: “For among my people are found wicked men”. (Jeremiah 5:26), One has to ask himself if he is practicing wickedness among the assembly of God’s people..Anyone given to sinful practices in the work of God is working against unity and is treading a dangerous path.

There should be unity in leadership and followership if we are to make progress.  If we thrive on the vices in Galatians 5:19-21 such as adultery, fornication, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, and such like, we are not being guided by the spirit of God but are working against unity. When there is predominance of sin in the congregation, then there is disunity.

The example of what the Israelites did in compelling Aaron to make a golden calf for them shows that many could agree to do something that is contrary to the law of God.  Everyone should examine himself whether he is in the faith.

The Bible says we should we should forbear one another “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. (Ephesians 4:2, 3) All parts of the body, none is more important than the other, but they all work together. We should be like that. – 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Let us correct the person who errs to win such one to God, not to drive away, let us not exaggerate the sins of the other person. Everybody will give account of himself to God.

We shall all reap what we sow

Brother Olufemi Akinwale

We have to sow before we reap. To sow is to plant, to reap is to harvest. Good begets good and evil leads to evil. Our utterance, action, inaction in anything, there is reward or consequence.  Anything we do or say in God’s organization there is a consequence. Solomon counseled in Proverbs 5:21 The ways of man are before the Lord and he pondereth his goings.

Galatians 6:7, 8, says: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Sowing to the flesh means doing the works of the flesh, which include Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…” – Galatians 5:19-21. See also Romans 8:5,6

Examples:

Cain killed his younger brother Abel because the sacrifice of Abel was accepted. Cain  was punished for what he did. ”When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.” – Genesis 4:12.

Saul, a king in Israel, sought to kill David just because the women were singing that Saul had killed his thousands and David his ten thousands. Saul became angry and went in pursuit of David to kill him. Eventually, Saul died a painful death. “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.” – Proverbs 11:19.

Because Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, he plotted to kill him. But because God was with Mordecai, it was Haman that was hanged on the gallows instead. “He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. (Proverbs 22:8) “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.” – Job 4:8.

Because of what she did to Elijah the man of God, in giving him succor, when her son died, God used him to bring him back to life. When famine was near she was warned in advance and advised to seek where she could find pasture.. Even when she returned, her land which had been seized from her was returned to her by order of the king. (2 Kings 4:8-37; 8:1-6) Surely, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17) “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:5, 6 ) Proverbs 11:25 says that he that watereth shall be watered also himself. “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” – Hosea 10:12.

Things that happened in the past are examples for us to learn from to the end that whatever good thing we do in the work of God does not go unrewarded. (1 Corinthians 10:11 and Romans 15:4) God does not forget the good works we do because of His name. (Hebrews 6:9-12)   Let us therefore awake to righteousness and sin not as Apostle Paul enjoined us in 1 Corinthians 15:34.  

Therefore, we should re-examine ourselves in the light of the word of God knowing that whatever we do, good or bad, will be rewarded. ”And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” – Colossians 3:23-25.

FRIDAY, MORNING, DECEMBER 18, 2020

CHRISTIAN WOMEN ASSEMBLY

Summary by Brother Benedict Hart, Minister GKS

Sermon: The virtues and Duties of a Christian Housewife

Talk by Sister Pauline Banee, chairperson, GKS Women Fellowship, Rumuokoro Branch, PH

The woman was created by God to serve as the help meet for the man and for the purpose of procreation. When married she becomes a housewife. She must godly qualities that would distinguish her as a Christian housewife.

 She should acquire spiritual knowledge. This is by constant reading of the Bible and regular attendance to all meetings of the Church. (Hebrews 10:25) Another is prayer. We ought to pray as housewives. Pray for our husbands. Pray for our children who are exposed to various negativities.  Read Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6. Our Saviour Jesus Christ enjoins us to ask and what we want will be given to us. (Matthew 7:7-11) He even gave us the pattern and guidelines for prayer. Matthew 6:5-8, 9-13.

Love. We should love God with all our heart and soul and love our neighbours as ourselves. This means having the fear of God from the bottom of our hearts. (Matthew 22:34-40)  We should contribute our quota to the work of God; pay tithes. Loving our neighbours, means loving your husbands, children, fellow sisters, brothers,  others.

Avoid Indecent dressing. Husbands should not push a housewife to dress indecently as they must dress in the way that gives glory to God. – Deuteronomy 22:5.

Respect for the husband:  The headship of the man over the woman is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 11:3. In Genesis 3:16 the law is given that the woman’s desire shall be to the husband. See also Ephesians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:1-6.

Contentment and diligence. Greed for money is not good. (1 Timothy 6:6-10) A wise woman builds her house and is a keeper at home. – Proverbs 14:1. Titus 2:3-5.

We are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. We should follow the godly examples of  Abigail. (1 Samuel 25:9-25) She used her virtues to manage her home; she knew when to approach her husband, when he was drunk, she let him be until he was sober. Hannah did not hate her mate, step children, or accuse them of being witches and wizards who were preventing her from getting pregnant; Sarah was able to stay with her husband and respect and serve him dutifully throughout all the years she had no child. The faith and patience of Ruth and Elizabeth are also good examples to follow.

A housewife should avoid the faithlessness and worldliness of Lot’s wife who looked back and lost the race of life.  (Genesis 19:26) Job’s wife saw that the husband was in deep trouble, but she told him to say what the devil wanted her to say, which is to curse God and die. (Job 2:9,10) The Bible enjoins us to let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1.

The Bible asserts that “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) Every housewife should ask herself if her husband, in-laws, children, other people, praise her in her absence. As managers, builders of homes, housewives should think of these things highlighted thus far. Scripture says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8.

SECOND SERMON

The Perseverance of the Canaanite Woman:

Sister Mercy Ayavoro, Secretary, Lord’s Ministry Sisters’ Committee

The word, perseverance is from the word persevere which is to continue to make efforts to achieve a particular aim, despite odds.  The story of the Canaanite woman is recorded in Matthew 15:21-  .It goes thus: “And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.” – Matthew 15:22.

This woman was a gentile, not a Jewess. She pleaded with Christ to heal her daughter. She begged, him and pleaded with him for daughter was in torment at the instance of the devil. She did not keep it to herself because she believed Christ could heal her. As true Christian women. Whenever we face challenges, we should not forget to take them to God. (- Matthew 7:7-10) We should continue to exhibit faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Without faith it is impossible to please God.  (Hebrews 11:1,6) Whatever challenges we may have we should cry to God believing that whatever we are passing through He would solve them. In Isaiah 45:22, we are charged to look to God. With God nothing is impossible. – Jeremiah 32:27,17.

Note also that her words or prayer was short. She did not talk for long. Our words should be few. When we pray, we should avoid vain repetitions. – Matthew 6:5-8.

 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. – Matthew 15:23.

This shows the woman was steadfast. She persisted because she knew what she wanted. She did not go away because he did not answer her. When we ask for things from God and do not get answers immediately, we should persist, (Colossians 4:2) We should be patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. (Romans 12:12) Ruth, did not go back to her people, though her mother-in-law told her to do so. We know how Ruth became the grandmother of David and from her line our Saviour was born.

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matthew 15:24) Now that he answered her, he gave her a test. But because she had strong faith in Christ, she persevered. Rather than get angry or answer back angrily, the Bible says: “Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.” (Matthew 15:25) This shows that she still continued to persevere. Some are facing health problems, need jobs, we should not be tired in praying to God. In the parable of the widow in Luke 18:1-8 we read that the widow continued to worry the judge until he answered her prayer.

But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. (Matthew 15:26) This was a hard saying but what did she do? “And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. (Matthew 15:27) Bible scholars say that in those days the Jews referred to non-Jews as dogs. The woman did not take offence, or use words of abuse; rather she endured. Christ knew he would help her, but was only testing her faith. As true Christian women we should keep asking  and be patient. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) The lesson is, we should learn to use our tongues aright and endure since we are looking for help from God. (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians. 4:6 Proverbs. 31:26) If our child is sick we should go the extra mile to see our child is healed of that ailment. That was the role the Canaanite woman played.

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Matthew 15:28) We can see that patience is very rewarding. Because of the patience of the woman, she endured, persevered and was steadfast, Christ healed her daughter.  In this life, there are so many things we desire: employment, admission in school, fruit of the womb, ill-health, life partner. See Philippians 4:6; Jeremiah 29:11. While praying and waiting patiently, casting all our burdens on the Lord, we should delight ourselves in doing the work of God. (Psalm 27:13,14; 37:3-5; Matthew 24:12,13; Hebrews 10:35,36; 1 Corinthians 15:58) We shall be blessed when we follow the guidance of the word of God. – John 13:17.