[Wechie]

Your last point struck a chord . Indeed fear can be masked as Wisdom or caution.
Thank you for sharing.

I’d like to begin with the definition of fear.
The English dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.

The Hebrew word Yare in Isaiah 41:10 conveys not only fear but also reverence. Fear becomes beneficial when it leads us to revere God, but it turns into a hindrance when it results in anxiety, avoidance, and paralysis. The Greek word deilia in 2 Timothy 1:7 refers to cowardice or timidity—fear that causes us to shrink back and is incompatible with faith.

Fear, in its many forms, is a significant threat to discovering and fulfilling our God-given purpose. The Bible repeatedly addresses fear because it is a common human experience. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures us: “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” His presence is our confidence.

Fear often traps us in our comfort zones—safe, predictable spaces that feel secure. Yet, purpose lies outside that safety. It requires exploration, risk, and trust in God. Fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown can keep us stuck, convincing us to settle for less than God’s best.

Fear clouds our mindset. An anxious mind is a distracted mind, and without focus, we cannot fulfill purpose. We miss opportunities not because we lack ability, but because fear tells us we’re not enough. Thoughts like “What if I fail?” or “What if they don’t accept me?” rob us of peace and potential.

Ultimately, fear reflects a lack of trust. Fulfilling purpose requires radical faith—trusting God even when the outcome isn’t clear. Men and women in Scripture—like Abraham, Moses, Esther, and Paul—overcame fear to answer God’s call. Purpose is discovered through steps of faith, not through comfort.

To overcome fear, we must affirm God’s word over our emotions. Meditating on scriptures like Isaiah 41:10, John 14:27, and 2 Timothy 1:7 empowers us to confront fear and walk in boldness.

In conclusion, fear can sabotage destiny—but with God’s word as our anchor and His Spirit as our guide, we can rise above fear and walk fully in purpose.

[Wechie]

In Ephesians 5:22–32 and Colossians 3:18–19, Paul presents marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. He instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church—sacrificially and selflessly—and wives to submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Christ. This does not imply that wives are exempt from loving their husbands. Rather, it highlights a divine order where love begins with the husband’s Christlike leadership, and the wife responds in loving submission.

Just as the Church responds to Christ’s love with surrender and devotion (Romans 12:1), the wife’s submission is not robotic obedience, but a heartfelt, love-filled response. 1 John 4:19 reinforces this: “We love Him because He first loved us.” Submission, then, is a form of love—an expression of trust, respect, and partnership.

Paul’s emphasis is not on limiting the wife’s role to submission but on modeling marriage after Christ’s redemptive love. The husband sets the tone by loving first; the wife responds by aligning herself in love and support. However, love is not exclusive to the husband. Titus 2:4 clearly instructs women to love their husbands and children, confirming that mutual love is central to a godly marriage.

In summary, Paul does not suggest that wives are not to love their husbands. Instead, he outlines a relationship dynamic based on Christ’s love for the Church: the husband initiates love, and the wife responds. Both roles are rooted in love, expressed in distinct but equally vital ways. Marriage, in this view, becomes a living testimony of the gospel—where love, sacrifice, submission, and mutual devotion reflect the beauty of Christ and His Church.

[Wechie]

I completely agree that man in Christ should live the abundant life, both in quality and quantity.

God is the giver of life, and death was never part of His original design for humanity. In the Garden of Eden, Adam was free to eat from the Tree of Life and enjoy unbroken fellowship with God. However, sin introduced both spiritual and physical death (Genesis 2:17). As a result, God restricted man’s access to the Tree of Life to prevent eternal life in a fallen state. Death, then, is not natural but a judicial consequence of sin (Romans 8:20–21).

Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the curse of mortality is reversed. Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who guarantees the promise of eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:14). Scripture shows a steady decline in human lifespan—from Adam’s 930 years to David’s 70—reflecting the effects of sin and brokenness. Psalm 90:10 affirms that most people live between 70 and 80 years, underscoring life’s brevity and the need to live wisely (Psalm 90:12).

I believe that we exist for a purpose, and we are meant to live until we have completed our course. This appointed age may differ from person to person. The grave should not come for us prematurely; rather, we should go to the grave at a rightful time—after fulfilling our God-given purpose. As Job 5:26 says, “You shall come to the grave at a full age, as a sheaf of grain ripens in its season.”

[Wechie]

Thank you for drawing my attention to Nehemiah, it didn’t even cross my mind until now.
His story is definitely one that shows how God uses a man to fulfil his purpose.

Moses was the first name that came to mind

Case Study : Moses ( Exodus 2,3)

Moses was born at a time when there was a decree by the King to kill all male children ( Exodus 1:15-22). However , his parents by faith hid him for 3 months and they did this because they perceived that he was no ordinary child and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. Hebrews 11:23.

Acts 7:20 – At that time Moses was born—a beautiful child in God’s eyes. His parents cared for him at home for three months ( NLT).

The parents of Moses took a step of faith, they believed His life would be preserved even though they didn’t know how. They must have perceived Moses had a purpose to fulfil.
They chose to risk everything to protect their ,by so doing preserving God’s purpose

Moses was later found and taken in by Pharaoh’s daughter. He was raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; the kings grandkid.
He at some point began to sense the call of God ; he was inclined towards his purpose even though he didn’t fully understand it. He was Jealous over the Israelites to the extent he became overzealous and killed an Egyptian in attempt to protect an Israelite. In another incident he tried to make peace between two Israelites .
Purpose was beckoning.

Hebrews 11: 24 -26 : When he grew up he refused to be identified as the Son of Pharaoh’s daughter .
He was born into wealth however he willing denounced it. He chose rather to share in the oppression of the Israelites – talk about a man driven by purpose.

Though God had placed a calling on his life , he didn’t enter into it’s fulfilment from the get go, he underwent a process of growth, self denial e.t.c.
In Exodus 3 We see God separating Moses for the very assignment he predestined for him ; to deliver Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians and into the promise land. Hebrews 11:27-29.

– Calling precedes separation.
Separation ushers us into the begining of the fulfilment of God’s purpose for our life.
In Acts 13:1-2 We can see the tenses used ;
Called ( past tense), separate ( present tense).

Before the foundation of the world, God already knew what Moses was going to do. Before Moses was conceived in his mother’s womb, God already placed his call on him.
Same applies to each one of us . Jeremiah 1:5.

-The Principle progression is at play here

A mango seed is a potential Mango fruit, it first needs to be put to the grown before it can sprout, though it has the potential to become a fruit bearing tree it would never happen if it doesn’t fall to the ground and die. It’s purpose has already been predetermined but for the fulfilment to occur it needs to pass through different stages .
Everyone’s call and purpose predates their birth

-There’s usually a time lapse between calling and separation in which the key of faithfulness is being discovered while qualification may be required .

-The timing of calling and separation is set by God. He knows the end before the beginning. Before God starts He already finished.
The timing of separation is not necessarily a function of qualification but more a function of keying into God’s Grace .
Moses didn’t even consider himself qualified.Despite this, all God needed was for him to key into his Grace.

God does the calling as well as the separation and he does them at his own time . What is required us is that we are faithful wherever God places us in each season and key into His grace when He ushers us into the next phase.

Reference: PM 503-C lesson 5

[Wechie]

Oh yes
Urgency Urgency Urgency.
The first thing that comes to mind is the scripture 1 Timothy 2:4 TPT
[4] He longs for everyone to embrace his life and return to the full knowledge of the truth.

The thought of His coming gets me pondering ; how involved have I been in seeing the lost saved;preaching the Gospel to the unsaved?

Have I been intentional about preaching the gospel to the lost ? For Christ desires that all men be saved .

Secondly, what has been the posture of my heart towards service in God’s vine yard and to work in general? Will my works pass through the fire or will they be burnt?

I think of what it would feel like to hear God say to me ” Well-done good and faithful servant”.

I ponder if I have been a faithful servant.

I also ponder, ; If Christ desires that all come to the knowledge of truth, how involved have I been in discipling new converts?

Thirdly,How has my character been a tool to draw people nearer to Christ. Is my everyday life glorifying God. Am I exhibiting the fruits of the spirit ; Am I yielding to God’s word day to day .

Am I a true disciple of Christ myself ; Am I an example of believers in words , in conversations, in charity ,in spirit,in faith,in purity ?

I am spurred to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God that is working in me both to will and to do of his good pleasure .

When I think of the coming of Christ, I am filled with so much joy/expectations and I’m also re-awakened to my consecration and responsibility as a Believer .

[Wechie]

Oh yes
Urgency Urgency Urgency.
The first thing that comes to mind is the scripture 1 Timothy 2:4 TPT
[4] He longs for everyone to embrace his life and return to the full knowledge of the truth.

The thought of His coming gets me pondering ; how involved have I been in seeing the lost saved;preaching the Gospel to the unsaved?

Have I been intentional about preaching the gospel to the lost ? For Christ desires that all men be saved .

Secondly, what has been the posture of my heart towards service in God’s vine yard and to work in general? Will my works pass through the fire or will they be burnt?

I think of what it would feel like to hear God say to me ” Well-done good and faithful servant”.

I ponder if I have been a faithful servant.

I also ponder, ; If Christ desires that all come to the knowledge of truth, how involved have I been in discipling new converts?

Thirdly,How has my character been a tool to draw people nearer to Christ. Is my everyday life glorifying God. Am I exhibiting the fruits of the spirit ; Am I yielding to God’s word day to day .

Am I a true disciple of Christ myself ; Am I an example of believers in words , in conversations, in charity ,in spirit,in faith,in purity ?

I am spurred to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God that is working in me both to will and to do of his good pleasure .

When I think of the coming of Christ, I am filled with so much joy/expectations and I’m also re-awakened to my consecration and responsibility as a Believer .

[Wechie]

You are right Pastor Paul, whatever position we take doesn’t affect our Salvation in any way.

I’d like to add that throughout scriptures we see the use of different types of pictures :types, shadows, parables, metaphors/symbols and allegories to communicate scriptural truths.

A symbol is an object or signal that stands for something else.It is a visible reference for an invisible thing.

The purpose of a symbol is to illuminate one particular side of the truth and not to provide the foundation of any doctrine.

We see believers referred to as Sons . The imagery of “Sonship” is used in Galatians to drive home a biblical truth. Sons here refers to both male and female believers. We do not see the imagery of “daughter-ship”.

Here a masculine term is used in referring to believers.

The Church; The Bride of Christ.

This refers to the church in a feminine term.

The Bride is somewhat a futuristic symbol of the church.

The new testament contains numerous allusions to the church as the bride. The most complete of these is Ephesians 5:23-31.

The imagery and symbolism of marriage is applied to Christ and the body of believers known as the church. The church is comprised of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life. Christ, the Bridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom during the church age. Her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24). At the rapture, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official “wedding ceremony” will take place and, with it, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized (Revelation 19:7–9; 21:1-2).

Attending the wedding feast will be not only the Church as the Bride of Christ, but others as well. The “others” include the Old Testament saints—they will not have been resurrected yet, but their souls/spirits will be in heaven with us. As the angel told John to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9).

A bride and a groom are not invited to their own wedding so obviously, there are attendees at the marriage supper who are neither the bride or the groom.

In John 3, John the Baptist called himself a friend of the Bridegroom. This may give us an idea of who the guests at the Marriage Supper in Heaven are. The Old Testament saints will be guests at the Marriage Supper in heaven. That should reinforce the special privilege we have in being the Blood-bought holy nation that is the Church of Jesus Christ, His Bride. The marriage supper of the Lamb is a glorious celebration of all who are in Christ!

In summary ,the church is not only referred to using feminine terms. Each metaphor is teaching a specific spiritual truth that cannot be explained any other way. They are not inclusive, cumulative, or exclusive. They stand independent of each other, yet all work together to help the believers understand who we are, what we have ,what we are to do / be in this world and what the future holds for us.

The Old Testament saints will be guests/witnesses at the Marriage Supper in heaven. The Bride do not not include the Old Testament saints. The Church is the Bride.

[Wechie]

I love how you cited examples of good works.
I’d like to add that Ephesians 2:8–9 is clear that salvation does not come by works. But we miss the full implications of salvation if we stop reading in verse 9. Our works do not earn our salvation but our salvation should indeed lead us to a life of good works, works God has prepared “for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 starts with the phrase “For we are God’s handiwork.” The word “for” connects verse 10 with what precedes it, especially the fact that we have been saved by grace.
Yes, we are saved by God’s grace however receiving this gift means living with and for God in a new way. The Greek reads, “in order that we might walk in them,” thus ending 2:1–10 as it began, with a description of how we walk or live. When we receive this grace, we aren’t merely delivered from a bad way of living into some kind of neutral existence. Rather, we are created anew in Christ for a new way of living, a way embodied in good works.

Good works prepared beforehand ; The purpose of God’s creative activity is not merely to have a people, as if he were constructing a work of art. Rather, this new creation is to be active and productive like the Creator. Christians are “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (contrast to Ephesians 2:2). Salvation is not from works, but it surely is for works, that is, living obediently and productively. In keeping with Ephesians 1:3–14 on God’s planning, choosing, and acting, this verse shows God planned and acted not only to save, but also to mark out the way we should live. John Stott’s words are not too strong: “Good works are indispensable to salvation—not as its ground or means … but as its consequence and evidence.”
God prepared these works for people to do, and they are a way to glorify God.

This “good works “spoken of is possible by an active relationship with Christ. As we fellowship with Christ , engage the Word, spend time communing with Him on the place of prayer,we become more and more like him in our expressions. Our character aligns more and more to His.
We desire to please him. Doing his will becomes our ambition.
We begin to think God-thought, take God-step. We lay aside habits and characters that are not in sync with our new identity. When this begins to happen even those who were not there when we accepted Christ will recognise that a good change has taken place.
That in itself sends a message to those around that an encounter with Christ transforms a man.
It’s a non verbal way of preaching Christ.
In our walk with men, unlike God they don’t see our hearts, they can’t figure out our motives.
Our Actions are rather what is seen. The posture of heart matters to God, however it has to translate to Actions for it to have an impact on those around us.

[Wechie]

I agree that one lesson will can learn from the prayer at Gethsemane is that Jesus prayed according to the will of God; God truly has good intentions for us hence his will for our lives is better than any plan we can have for ourselves.
I’d like to add that;

Choosing God’s choice for us is not always going to be an easy decision.
Matthew 26:38-39; Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”39He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
Jesus knew the will of God was for him to be made an offering for Sin. He was asking if there was another way to accomplish it besides the obvious way he could see ahead; yet at the same time he was affirming to God that he was laying aside his will and was committed to God’s will; to not only accomplishing God’s purpose for him but also going about it the way God specified.
Sometimes we find ourselves in similar situation; we know what God would have us do and how he would have us do it, we know it’s going to cost us so we try to coerce God into giving us easier alternatives; but God can’t be coerced.
In times like this we can follow the footsteps of Christ; we do not deny the reality of what God requires of us, we recognize it yet willingly surrender.
In summary, God’s will ultimately will unfold, but through obedience, though it be daunting at times what will be birthed will be for His glory and our benefit.

[Wechie]

1 Corinthians 15:1-3
Christianity is centered around a message, good news, the Gospel, also referred to as the Gospel of Christ. Paul in writing to the Corinthian church was putting them to remembrance of the gospel he preached to them, what their faith rests on, what they received, what they stand on; in doing this he highlights 3 things;
1. Christ Died for our Sins
2. He was buried
3. He was raised on the third day
Paul here points us here to the message that brings salvation. It is safe to say the Gospel is centered around the death, the burial and the resurrection of Christ. However, one more event took place after the resurrection of Christ which brings us to no 4 – His ascension. Luke 24;50-51.
I believe Faith in the finished work of Christ entails; Faith in the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ.
4 VITAL THINGS FAITH IN THE FINISHED WORK ENTAILS;
A. The Death of Christ; Christ died as our substitute; Romans 5:8,Galatians 2:20,Isaiah 53:5-6.
Substitution is the means by which we were reconciled: “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). It is the means of expiation: “He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21) and “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). And by dying in our place, taking the penalty for our sins upon himself, Christ’s death is also the means of propitiation.
We need no longer need to pay for sin. Christ has paid in full.
One way we can utilize this faith is by reckoning that we are dead to sin, by his death we have been freed from the hold of sin, we are no longer are slaves to the sinful nature. Roams 6:6-7. Anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
Also, sickness no longer has a hold on us, for by his stripes we were healed.

B. The Burial of Christ; The burial of the Lord is a part of the gospel. His burial was an assurance that His resurrection was a reality: for His Body was taken down by friends in the presence of foes who knew that He was dead, and deposited by them, not in a common tomb, but in a cave, hollowed out of a hillside, with a great stone rolled to block up the entrance, which was guarded by the soldiers of Pilate. Luke 23:50
We reckon that we were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

C. The Resurrection of Christ; Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), and in that statement claimed to be the source of both. There is no resurrection apart from Christ, no eternal life. Jesus does more than give life; He is life, and that’s why death has no power over Him. Jesus confers His life on those who trust in Him, so that we can share His triumph over death (1 John 5:11–12). We who believe in Jesus Christ will personally experience resurrection because, having the life Jesus gives, we have overcome death. It is impossible for death to win (1 Corinthians 15:53–57
The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer. Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4,1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? It proves who Jesus is. It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It shows that God has the power to raise us from the dead. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Christ will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life.
We are not without Hope and a future.
D. The Ascension of Christ; “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
Jesus’ ascension was a literal, bodily return to heaven. He is presented seated at the right hand of God. The fact that Jesus Christ is at the “right hand of God” was a sign to the disciples that Jesus had indeed gone to heaven. In John 16:7-15, Jesus told the disciples that He had to go away and He would send the Holy Spirit. So the coming of the Holy Spirit in the upper room on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) was proof positive that Jesus was indeed in heaven seated at the right hand of God. This is confirmed in Romans 8:34 where the Apostle Paul writes that Christ is sitting at God’s right-hand making intercession for us.
Jesus did not go to heaven after His earthly ministry and “take a break” from His role as eternal Shepherd to His people. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10, emphasis added). If when humble, despised, dying, and dead, He had the power to accomplish so great a work as reconciling us to God, how much more may we expect that He will be able to keep us now that He is a living, exalted, and triumphant Redeemer, raised to life and interceding on our behalf before the throne (Romans 8:34). Clearly, Jesus is still very active on our behalf in heaven.
Christ alone is the God-man, and He mediates and intercedes between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

We utilize faith in the finished work by reckoning with all that Christ has accomplished on our behalf. There is no other kind of faith for the Believer. We need to engage with the Epistles, see ourselves in all Christ accomplished and meditate on these truths. We can only and truly live the victorious life we have been called into when we embrace all that God has provided for us in Christ.

[Wechie]

1 Corinthians 15:1-3
Christianity is centered around a message, good news, the Gospel, also referred to as the Gospel of Christ. Paul in writing to the Corinthian church was putting them to remembrance of the gospel he preached to them, what their faith rests on, what they received, what they stand on; in doing this he highlights 3 things;
1. Christ Died for our Sins
2. He was buried
3. He was raised on the third day
Paul here points us here to the message that brings salvation. It is safe to say the Gospel is centered around the death, the burial and the resurrection of Christ. However, one more event took place after the resurrection of Christ which brings us to no 4 – His ascension. Luke 24;50-51.
I believe Faith in the finished work of Christ entails; Faith in the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ.
4 VITAL THINGS FAITH IN THE FINISHED WORK ENTAILS;
A. The Death of Christ; Christ died as our substitute; Romans 5:8,Galatians 2:20,Isaiah 53:5-6.
Substitution is the means by which we were reconciled: “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). It is the means of expiation: “He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21) and “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). And by dying in our place, taking the penalty for our sins upon himself, Christ’s death is also the means of propitiation.
We need no longer need to pay for sin. Christ has paid in full.
One way we can utilize this faith is by reckoning that we are dead to sin, by his death we have been freed from the hold of sin, we are no longer are slaves to the sinful nature. Roams 6:6-7. Anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
Also, sickness no longer has a hold on us, for by his stripes we were healed.

B. The Burial of Christ; The burial of the Lord is a part of the gospel. His burial was an assurance that His resurrection was a reality: for His Body was taken down by friends in the presence of foes who knew that He was dead, and deposited by them, not in a common tomb, but in a cave, hollowed out of a hillside, with a great stone rolled to block up the entrance, which was guarded by the soldiers of Pilate. Luke 23:50
We reckon that we were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

C. The Resurrection of Christ; Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), and in that statement claimed to be the source of both. There is no resurrection apart from Christ, no eternal life. Jesus does more than give life; He is life, and that’s why death has no power over Him. Jesus confers His life on those who trust in Him, so that we can share His triumph over death (1 John 5:11–12). We who believe in Jesus Christ will personally experience resurrection because, having the life Jesus gives, we have overcome death. It is impossible for death to win (1 Corinthians 15:53–57
The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer. Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4,1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? It proves who Jesus is. It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It shows that God has the power to raise us from the dead. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Christ will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life.
We are not without Hope and a future.
D. The Ascension of Christ; “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
Jesus’ ascension was a literal, bodily return to heaven. He is presented seated at the right hand of God. The fact that Jesus Christ is at the “right hand of God” was a sign to the disciples that Jesus had indeed gone to heaven. In John 16:7-15, Jesus told the disciples that He had to go away and He would send the Holy Spirit. So the coming of the Holy Spirit in the upper room on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) was proof positive that Jesus was indeed in heaven seated at the right hand of God. This is confirmed in Romans 8:34 where the Apostle Paul writes that Christ is sitting at God’s right-hand making intercession for us.
Jesus did not go to heaven after His earthly ministry and “take a break” from His role as eternal Shepherd to His people. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10, emphasis added). If when humble, despised, dying, and dead, He had the power to accomplish so great a work as reconciling us to God, how much more may we expect that He will be able to keep us now that He is a living, exalted, and triumphant Redeemer, raised to life and interceding on our behalf before the throne (Romans 8:34). Clearly, Jesus is still very active on our behalf in heaven.
Christ alone is the God-man, and He mediates and intercedes between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

We utilize faith in the finished work by reckoning with all that Christ has accomplished on our behalf. There is no other kind of faith for the Believer. We need to engage with the Epistles, see ourselves in all Christ accomplished and meditate on these truths. We can only and truly live the victorious life we have been called into when we embrace all that God has provided for us in Christ.

[Wechie]

Reply to Ben
Truly having a Word ruled mindset is one antidote to legalism . In other for us not to fall into this trap of work based Christianity we need to have a revelation of the Grace of God.
The Gospel of Christ is the Gospel of Grace.The essence of the Gospel is Grace.
The Gospel is the Good news concerning God’s Grace.
The power in the Gospel as in Romans 1:16 is the Grace of God.
It is the Grace of God that makes the Gospel Goodness.
We must fully recognise this truth about the Gospel.

Also a wrong perspective or a misunderstanding of the “Works” spoken about in Scripture with regards to believers,will bring about a legalistic approach to the Christian faith.
In other not to fall into the trap of Legalism we need to have the right perspective/understanding.
God is not against work , there are works that have a place after salvation ;
– We have been saved unto Good works . Ephesians 2:10
– God desires that we are also established in every good work. 2Thessolonians 2:17
– Our work is our service and labour in the body of Christ which we will be rewarded for .1 Corinthians 3:10-15
– The Work of the ministry which is the calling of every believer is work. Ephesians 4:11-12 ;
In summary, we are saved to serve.
However these service/work ;
– Must be done in faith; which is our response to God’s Grace
– Must be carried out by depending on God’s Grace , in the spirit and not in the flesh
1 Corinthians 15:10
– Must not bring about an entitlement mentality. We must never become proud and expect God’s blessings in our lives based on our service alone.
Our inheritance was purchased by Christ not by our labour.

Finally Our salvation is by Grace through and through, our works has nothing to do with our being saved; however we struggle with this after being saved, we tend to think that in other to attract God’s favor we need to work for it.
Man generally believe he needs to do something in other to get something ,hence he approaches God in same transactional manner.
We attempt to interact with God the way we interact with men. This is one way we slip into legalism .
In other not to fall into the trap of Legalism We must settle in our heart that God is not Man. His ways are not the ways of Man.

[Wechie]

Let’s begin by considering the meaning of the key words “Subtlety and Legalism”.

-Subtlety: The quality of being Subtle ; not immediately obvious or comprehensible ; not loud, bright, noticeable, or obvious in any way.

– Legalism is any man made attempt, effort or work which seems to earn ,deserve,merit and receive God’s acceptance, goodness and Mercy on the basis of the believer’s merit; what they do and don’t do and not solely on what God has done in Christ.

Galatians 5:1-4
Galatians 5:1-4 NKJV
[1] Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. [2] Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. [3] And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. [4] You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

The yoke of bondage spoken of in the scripture quoted above is legalism.
Legalism is an opposition to grace, it excludes one from the liberty Christ came to give us.
Legalism in summary is “A work based Christianity.
Our salvation is by Grace through and through, our works has nothing to do with our being saved; however we struggle with this after being saved, we tend to think that in other to attract God’s favor we need to work for it.
Man generally believe he needs to do something in other to get something ,hence he approaches God in same transactional manner.
We attempt to interact with God the way we interact with men. This is one way we slip into legalism .
In other not to fall into the trap of Legalism We must settle in our heart that God is not Man. His ways are not the ways of Man.

Galatians 3:1, 3 TPT
[1] What has happened to you foolish Galatians? Who has put you under an evil spell? Did God not open your eyes to see the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion? Was he not revealed to you as the crucified one?
[3] Your new life began when the Holy Spirit gave you a new birth. Why then would you so foolishly turn from living in the Spirit by trying to finish by your own works?
Scripture tells us ; not only is our new life a grace Gift but our day to day walk in this new life is also by Grace. Spiritual growth i.e discipleship is by Grace.
We start by Grace in the Spirit of God and we ought to depend on Grace to finish.
This tendency to want to earn God’s Favor by or engage in the Christian walk by our own effort began with the Galatian church.
In other for us to not fall into this trap of work based Christianity we need to have a revelation of the Grace of God.
The Gospel of Christ is the Gospel of Grace.The essence of the Gospel is Grace.
The Gospel is the Good news concerning God’s Grace.
The power in the Gospel as in Romans 1:16 is the Grace of God.
It is the Grace of God that makes the Gospel Goodness.
We must fully recognise this truth about the Gospel to avoid falling into legalism.

Lastly a wrong perspective or a misunderstanding of the “Works” spoken about in Scripture with regards to believers,will bring about a legalistic approach to the Christian faith.
In other not to fall into the trap of Legalism we need to have the right perspective/understanding.
God is not against work , there are works that have a place after salvation ;
– We have been saved unto Good works . Ephesians 2:10
– God desires that we are also established in every good work. 2Thessolonians 2:17
– Our work is our service and labour in the body of Christ which we will be rewarded for .1 Corinthians 3:10-15
– The Work of the ministry which is the calling of every believer is work. Ephesians 4:11-12 ;
In summary, we are saved to serve.
However these service/work ;
– Must be done in faith; which is our response to God’s Grace
– Must be carried out by depending on God’s Grace , in the spirit and not in the flesh
1 Corinthians 15:10
– Must not bring about an entitlement mentality. We must never become proud and expect God’s blessings in our lives based on our service alone.
Our inheritance was purchased by Christ not by our labour.
We cheapen the Gospel when we seek to earn what only the blood of Jesus could provide.

[Wechie]

My Reply To Femi
Angels were also busy ministering to people after the time of Christ. As we look at the history of the early church, we also find angels ministering to God’s people;

1. They Provided Direction: Acts 8:26
An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get ready and go south to the road that leads down to Gaza from Jerusalem—the desert road.
God used an Angel to direct Philip to the Ethiopian that needed to benefit from the
Ministry of Philip.

2. They came as an answer to Prayer; Acts 10:1-3
When a Gentile believer named Cornelius wanted to know more about the Lord, an angel was sent to him.
We find an angel coming to Cornelius as an answer to his prayer. The angel instructed Cornelius to send for Simon Peter who would tell him the message of Jesus the Christ.

3. They Brought Deliverance: Acts 12:7-11
The Bible says that an angel helped get the Apostle Peter out of jail. Peter thought it was a dream or a vision, for it seemed unreal. He couldn’t believe it was happening

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen Acts 12:11

4. They brought Judgement: Acts 12:23
The evil king Herod was killed by an angel. The bible records that because he had not given the glory to God, the angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

5. They brought Words of encouragement: Acts 27:23-24
An angel encouraged Paul when he faced a storm on his way to Rome.
Because of this Paul had assurance of God’s protection.

[Wechie]

Interesting to read that we have same inclination on the origin of man ;
I agree with this view(Traducianism) based on the following Support:
• In Genesis 2:7, God breathed the breath of life into Adam, causing Adam to become a “living soul.” Scripture nowhere records God performing this action again.
• Adam had a son in his own likeness (Genesis 5:3). Adam’s descendants seem to be “living souls” without God breathing into them.
• Genesis 2:2-3 seems to indicate that God ceased His creative work.
• Adam’s sin affects all men—both physically and spiritually—this makes sense if the body and soul both come from the parents. connected.

God was done creating and had set a system of procreation; we see the same principle in Genesis 1:11-13
And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.

John MacArthur said this in support of the traducian theory:
“While it is true that several verses speak of God making a person’s soul or spirit, that is also true for the body. David stated, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.… My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth” (Ps. 139:13, 15). These statements do not mean that the body is created directly by God apart from natural procreation. God is man’s Creator, but God also ordained human procreation for the filling of the earth (Gen. 1:28). God uses natural means for procreation, yet he is the Ultimate Cause of the process. As a complex unity of body and soul/spirit, our entire being, including the soul, is a result of the God-ordained procreation process.”

[Author]

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