[Humble oluchi God’s power]

A true understanding of God’s love (Agape love) can transform one’s life, providing a multitude of advantages and revelations. Fundamentally, God’s love represents a deep and steadfast commitment that goes beyond human understanding.

God’s love is known as Agape love: Agape love represents a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional, and steadfast type of love that places the welfare of others above all. It is frequently regarded as the supreme form of love—the kind of love that God has for humanity and the type of love that Christians are encouraged to extend to others.

Three Aspects Of God’s Love

1) God’s Love Is Unconditional. (Romans 5:8)
This truth signifies that His love does not depend on conditions or prerequisites. It is not contingent upon performance or behavior; rather, it is a gift of grace.

This love is given freely, without any expectation of reciprocation. God exemplifies love and compassion. His love is unconditional, embracing all of us, irrespective of our actions.

2) God’s Love Is Sacrificial. (John 15:13)
From this scripture, we see that God’s love is sacrificial. This indicates His readiness to relinquish something precious. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross at Calvary for our benefit—to settle our sin debt. He gave Himself for humanity’s sake. That sacrifice was essential to atone for our sins and to restore our relationship with God.

3) God’s Love Is Everlasting. (Jeremiah 31:3)
God’s love is everlasting; it is eternal. It is something we can experience and cherish now, on earth, and for eternity. God’s love is infinite, reaching out to all.

How God’s Love Differs From Friendship Love

A) God’s love encompasses all aspects of life, but
Friendship love has its limitations; while it is supportive and meaningful, it can be conditional, influenced by shared experiences, and subject to change. Friendships necessitate effort and care to thrive.

B) God’s love remains unwavering, but Friendship love, while precious, can fluctuate, is frequently confined to particular relationships, and may not last indefinitely.

C) God’s love is infinite and eternal, while Friendship love is finite and confined, can be influenced by emotions, circumstances, and conflicts. Mainly in the selfless actions of parents, partners, friends, and even strangers who prioritize others’ needs over their own.

Overall. By understanding the distinct characteristics of God’s love and its differences from friendship love, we can enhance our faith and foster more significant connections with others.This insight facilitates a consistent manifestation of the supernatural in our lives.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Good day, Odinachi.

I have thoroughly reviewed your work, and I must commend you on the excellent job you have done. Thank you for sharing your insights with us.

In addition to your points, I would like to highlight the scriptural references you provided (Isaiah 65:24, 1 John 5:14-15, Psalm 23:13, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 100:4, among others).

One key observation from these scriptures is the significance of Thanksgiving. We express gratitude not only for the blessings we have received but also for those we are still anticipating. For instance, in the Bible, when Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21), he offered thanks to the Father before the miracle occurred. This act demonstrates that thanking God for answered prayers, even before we see the results, reflects our complete faith, confidence, and trust in Him.

Another powerful example is when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). His act of giving thanks preceded a miraculous event. When our faith is firmly rooted in the Word of God, we tend to worry less and praise more, assured that He always hears and answers our prayers.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Good day, Victor. I appreciate your insightful points; thank you for sharing them. I would like to offer a brief contribution to your discussion.

You mention the following key points:
The Lord’s table serves as a reminder of our positional fellowship with God.
Healing is our entitlement.
The word of God acts as a source of healing, among other things.

Many believers find it challenging to fully trust in the finished work of Christ, resulting in a constrained perception of His true essence.
The reality is that the work has already been accomplished (Colossians 2:14-15). The healing power is available specifically to those who trust in Christ Jesus. Our understanding of Christ strengthens our faith, enabling us to receive healing and wellness through our participation at the Lord’s table. While prayer and faith declarations are valuable, failing to anchor our faith in the finished work of Christ—His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension—can hinder the effectiveness of that power within us.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

By approaching and participating in holy Communion with a posture of faith, we can encounter the transformative healing power and health of Christ at work in our lives, impacting us both spiritually, emotionally and physically.

* Point 1: Healing is the Children’s Bread.

The bread implied here is not just any bread. Jesus in replying to the devil said “man shall not live by bread alone”( Luke 4:4) signifying that in identifying with the word of God, nourishment and eternal life is guaranteed.

It is the children’s right. You don’t beg for your right. God’s provision on his table is supplous in copious quantity. Healing is always available. No wonder the psalmist says, bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases (psalm 103:2-3)(Psalm 107:20) (Isaiah 53:5).
The word “heal” mentioned in these scriptures, is not limited to physical health but also includes emotional and spiritual wholeness.
The Lord’s Supper serves as a symbolic feast representing the body and blood of God. The blood continues to cleanse us from sin, while the broken body offers healing; hence, the scripture states that by His stripes we are healed. This healing is a present reality, stemming from the suffering of His body. (Matthew 8:1-3) (Luke 7:11-16) As you partake in the Lord’s Supper, every incurable illness will vanish, and those who are lifeless and desolate will be revitalized, with joy taking the place of sorrow. Death will yield to life, and light will overcome darkness, bringing forth abundance from scarcity.

* Point 2: Eating and Drinking the Lord’s Supper Unworthily

In (1 Corinthians 11:25-30) verse 29 addresses the concept of taking the Supper unworthily. What does “unworthily” mean? Many interpret it to mean that one should not partake in the Lord’s Supper if they feel unworthy. However, if this were the correct interpretation, no one would ever partake, as no one is truly worthy. Therefore, it must refer to something else; it is not the individual who is unworthy, but rather the manner in which the Supper is taken. Taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner can lead to spiritual consequences, including a lack of healing, as these individuals do not discern (krino) in the Lord’s Supper. It is essential to ensure that you partake in the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner to avoid the spiritual repercussions of not receiving healing.

Conclusion

In (John 7:37-39)Jesus extends an invitation for anyone who is thirsty to come and drink from the well of life; those who drink in faith will have rivers of water flowing from within them. What He has accomplished in the past, can be achieved. He remains unchangeable. Engage in this communion regularly to experience renewal and refreshment in your body, soul, and spirit.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Why is it essential to praise God for the answers to your prayers before you see ?

There are several compelling reasons to express gratitude to God for the answers to our prayers even prior to their realization. To better understand this, let’s first explore the essence of prayer.

Prayer is a simple conversation, communication, fellowship with God that is borne out with the consciousness of what God has already done in the sacrifice of his son, Jesus.

It is crucial to praise God for the answers to our prayers before they materialize for the following reasons:

1) It demonstrates and affirms our faith in Him: Faith is a powerful force that yields remarkable outcomes (Hebrews 11:8). When our faith is active, we receive whatever we ask for, as our faith is grounded in the revelation of Christ and His works. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is a vital component that should not be overlooked if we wish to receive answers to our prayers. (Acts 16:25) This scripture highlights the power of praise; when they prayed and praised, a transformation occurred immediately. By withholding our praise, we restrict our ability to receive. The strength of our faith directly influences the results we experience when we honor God with our praise.

2) Another significant reason to praise God for answers before they are visible is due to the completed work of Christ on the cross. Through His birth, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, we have achieved victory (Isaiah 53:5-7). The substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross has brought us redemption. Therefore, I pray with gratitude, knowing that my struggles have been addressed through His sacrifice. I am no longer bound by fear; I possess the victorious life of Christ within me. His deep and unconditional love empowers me to live an undefeated life because of His finished work on the cross. The covenant of health and prosperity stands for me, as His sacrifice was made once and for all, and His blood eternally defends me, It served as evidence of my prayers being answered even before I witnessed their fulfillment.

Conclusion

Worshiping God fosters our spiritual development and serves as a profound means of connecting with Him. It allows us to convey our gratitude, love, and trust, while also proclaiming His goodness to the world, even during challenging times (Psalm 150:6). Our praise is not limited to acknowledging His past deeds; we also honor Him for the blessings yet to come.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Thank you chibuike.
Your points are very interesting and clear, but in addition to what you have said on traducianism, creationism and pro-existence, each view has it’s strengths and weaknesses, they also raise important questions about the nature of God and the relationship between the body and the soul, however they have a unique perspective on this complex and debate topic, here’s a brief comparison:

Traducianism :Emphasizes human involvement, but raises questions about the origin of the first human soul.
Creationism: Stresses God’s direct involvement, but may imply a lack of human involvement in the origin of the soul.
Pre-Existence: Suggests a prior existence of the soul, but raises questions about the nature of this pre-existence.

Ultimately, the origin of the soul remains a mystery that may not be fully comprehensible by human understanding. Each view has its theological and philosophical implications, even though their thought might not be appropriate right, but there are so many lessons that can be achieved from them. The truth still remains the same,God is the creator , (John 1:1-4)God created and man pro- created, the process, the pattern has already been created and programmed by God,(Genesis 2:7)man only needs to follow the pattern that has been designed by God to pro-create.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

The origin of the soul is a profound and intriguing question that has been debated by theologians, philosophers, and scholars for centuries, it invites us to contemplate the mysteries of creation, the nature of humanity, and the workings of the divine. May our exploration of this topic inspire a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human existence and the wonders of God’s creation.
Theological views of the origin of the human soul:
1) Traducianism
Traducianism is the theological view that the human soul is generated by the parents, either through biological reproduction or through some other means.
This view originated in the early Christian church, particularly among the Eastern Fathers.
Traducianism holds that the soul is generated in the biological process of reproduction, just like the body.
The view might be complicated because of the lack of explanation in the relationship between the soul and the body, however the point seems relevant because of the fact we see during creation, looking at what happened in the Bible as regards to the sin Adam committed that affected his descendants, through that, both spiritual and physical death was transmitted to the world.(Psalm 51:5)
God created a perfect and unique soul from the beginning but the disobedience of Adam affected the soul and brought corruption to the transmission of the soul.
2) Creationism
Creationism is the theological view that the human soul is directly created by God, and that it’s existence is not dependent on a natural process.
This view has its roots in the biblical account of creation, particularly in Genesis 2:7, where God breathes the breath of life into Adam, this suggests that God is directly involved in the creation of human life.
I might be tempted to accept this view, because in this view we can realize that the human soul is directly created by God, this point shows that God is the creator and the giver of life, Without the breath of God into the nostrils of man there will be know creation of the human soul . First, God formed man from the dust and in order to activate the soul he breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.
3) Preexistence (or Pre-Existence Theory)
This view proposes that souls exist before conception or birth, and that God assigns a pre-existing soul to each person. This view emphasizes the eternal nature of the soul.
But this view since it has no Bible reference, it is not as relevant as the order two.

In conclusion, Traducianism, Creationism, and pre- existence theory offer different perspectives on how the soul comes into existence. However, with the knowledge gotten from the previous lessons , (Act 17:28) (Hebrew 1:3) (John 1:1-4) (psalm 51:5-6) (Genesis 5:1-3)what we see from these verses of scriptures is that God created, and man procreate, (Adam begot Seth). Gods power controls the world so that all comes in to being according to the laws he has ordained, so everything in life follows the pattern that is already Placed by God. It is God who gave man the ability to cooperate with him giving birth to another man.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Good day chibuike, haven’t studied your post, please permit me to make more explanation on your first point, Sin.
When we talk about the word (SIN).),here are some definitions that comes to my mind:
1. Missing the mark: Sin is often described as missing the target or standard set by God (Romans 3:23).
2. Sin can also be seen as rebellion against God: Sin is seen as a rebellion against God’s authority, laws, and commandments .
3. Sin is also separation from God: Sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, leading to spiritual death and separation from Him .
4. Sin can also be any thought, word, or deed that falls short of God’s perfect standard: This includes not only overtly sinful actions but also attitudes, motivations, and desires that are contrary to God’s character .
5. A failure to love God and others as we should is also sin : Sin involves a failure to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves .
6. Sin is also corruption from God’s original design: Sin corrupts God’s original design for humanity, leading to a distortion of our relationships with God, others, and the world around us.
• Some of the consequences of sin include:
Spiritual death, guilt and shame,broken relationships, physical consequences.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

(understanding the word SIN)
Sin from the Greek word ( hamartia) which means missing the mark, error, fault. Sin is a complex and multifaceted concept that involves missing the mark, rebelling against God, and separating ourselves from Him. It wasn’t so from the beginning but the disobedience of man brought the existence of sin.
There are so many facts, consequences, results and reward for sin.

Three facts about sin

1) The guilt of sin
2) The wages of sin
3) The bondage of sin

Brief discussion on bondage of sin, and how I was totally free and redeemed from it.

The bondage of sin refers to the state of being trapped in a cycle of sin, things to know about the bondage of sin:
* Spiritual slavery
* Cycle of guilt and shame

I had a serious issue while growing up as a young boy, I was influenced / exposed with pornography, which happened to be a serious issue to me then, I applied all human knowledge, ability, strength but my strength failed me. The addiction escalated to some extent that I couldn’t stay a day without engaging in it. Then I realized that I needed help because I couldn’t hide it anymore after trying all I could to stop it, I even met someone who told me it’s a normal thing that I should live with it , he tried advising me (negatively) that there is nothing I could do to stop it, I was deeply depressed and confused at that point, but I refused to listen to him because deep inside of me something keeps telling me that what I was doing then was wrong but the problem then was what to do to stop it. One thing that help me in over coming the challenge, was knowing the knowledge of the truth In Christ Jesus, then I realized that I needed to change my attitude, character and habit because Christ has already paid the prize for me but I lacked proper understanding, knowledge of the revelation in Christ Jesus and his finished works for me so I could be free… (my mind was not renewed then by the word of God).I took some steps that helped me in knowing God deeply and growing in the knowledge of God . Steps that helped me:

*Acknowledge my sin
*Seek for forgiveness and redemption
*Developing a Strong relationship with God
*Replace sinful habits with Godly habits

On a daily basis I developed the habits of renewing my mind through studying and meditating on the word of God, I also developed the habits of praying, worshipping and praising God always…
Overcoming the bondage of sin is a process that requires total repentance from sin and surrender to God.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Conviction of the holy spirit in the new testament

One instance of the conviction ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is found in Acts 2:37-41, where Peter preaches to the crowd on the day of Pentecost:

The Conviction Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Example:

1) Peter’s sermon, the crowd was “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). This response demonstrates the conviction ministry of the Holy Spirit, where people are:

* Convicted of sin: The crowd recognized their role in crucifying Jesus and were convicted of their sin.

The Result of Conviction
The conviction ministry of the Holy Spirit led to:

A) Repentance: The crowd asked what they should do, demonstrating their willingness to repent.
B) Baptism: About 3,000 people were baptized that day, publicly declaring their faith.

This passage illustrates the powerful conviction ministry of the Holy Spirit, which leads people to recognize their sin, understand God’s righteousness, and respond in faith and repentance.

Another example!

2) A second instance of the conviction ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is found in John 16:7-11, where Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit’s role in convicting people of sin:

The Conviction Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will convict people of:

* Righteousness: The Holy Spirit will convince people of Jesus’ righteousness, demonstrated by His ascension to the Father (John 16:10).

The Result of Conviction
The conviction ministry of the Holy Spirit leads to:

A) Recognition of sin: People recognize their sin and unbelief.
B) Faith in Jesus: The Holy Spirit convinces people of Jesus’ righteousness, leading them to faith.

Another powerful example!

3) A third instance of the conviction ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is found in Acts 9:1-31, where Saul (later known as Paul) encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus:

The Conviction Ministry of the Holy Spirit

* Blinded by sin: Saul was blinded by his own sin and persecution of Christians (Acts 9:1-2).
* Encountered by Jesus: Jesus appeared to Saul, revealing His divine presence and power (Acts 9:3-6).

This passage demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s conviction ministry, leading Saul to recognize his sin, repent, and turn to faith in Jesus Christ.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

The Fall of Man, as described in the Bible, had far-reaching consequences that affected humanity and the world. Some of the effects of the Fall include:

1. Spiritual Death: The Fall resulted in spiritual death, separating humanity from God and causing a rupture in the relationship between God and humanity (Genesis 2:17, 3:8) (Romans 5:12)

Causes of Spiritual Death

1. Disobedience: Disobedience to God’s commands and laws can lead to spiritual death. When humans refuse to obey God, they are essentially choosing to separate themselves from Him

. Rejection of God: Rejection of God and His love can also lead to spiritual death. When humans reject God, they are choosing to live without Him, and this can result in spiritual death .

Effects of Spiritual Death:

• Separation from God: Spiritual death results in separation from God, making it impossible to experience a meaningful relationship with Him.

• Loss of Spiritual Life: Spiritual death means that humans are no longer spiritually alive, but are instead dead in their trespasses and sins

2. *Sin and Guilt: The Fall introduced sin and guilt into the world, causing humanity to become aware of their nakedness and shame (Genesis 3:7-10) (Romans 3:23)

Sin

– Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God’s perfect standard of holiness and righteousness
– Sin is a rebellion against God’s laws and commands, and it separates us from Him

Guilt

– Guilt is the feeling of remorse and regret that comes from committing sin
– Guilt is a natural consequence of sin, and it can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and fear
– Guilt can be a motivator for repentance and seeking forgiveness, but it can also lead to self-condemnation and despair if not dealt with properly

3. *Suffering and Pain: The Fall brought suffering and pain into the world, affecting not only humanity but also the natural world (Genesis 3:16-19, (Romans 8:22)

– Suffering and pain are a result of the Fall of humanity and the entrance of sin into the world .
– However, the Bible also teaches that suffering and pain can be used by God to refine and purify us, to test our faith, and to bring us closer to Him
– Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffered and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and to provide salvation for humanity

_Types of Suffering and Pain:_

– Physical suffering: caused by illness, injury, or disability
– Emotional suffering: caused by mental health issues, relationships, or traumatic events
– Spiritual suffering: caused by spiritual attacks, doubts, or feelings of separation.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Here are some examples in the Bible where God appears to change His mind or relent from a previous decision:

1. The Story of Jonah and Nineveh(Jonah 3:1-10): God initially instructed Jonah to preach judgment to the city of Nineveh, warning of its destruction in 40 days (Jonah 3:4). However, after the people of Nineveh repented, God relented and spared the city (Jonah 3:10).

2. The Story of Hezekiah’s Illness(2 Kings 20:1-11, Isaiah 38:1-22): God told Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah that he would die from his illness (2 Kings 20:1, Isaiah 38:1). However, after Hezekiah prayed and wept, God added 15 years to his life (2 Kings 20:6, Isaiah 38:5).

3. The Story of the Israelites in the Wilderness (Exodus 32:1-14, 33:1-6): God was angry with the Israelites for worshiping the golden calf and threatened to destroy them (Exodus 32:10). However, after Moses interceded on their behalf, God relented and spared them (Exodus 32:14).

4. The Story of Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom(Genesis 18:16-33): God told Abraham that He would destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness (Genesis 18:20-21). However, after Abraham interceded on behalf of the cities, God agreed to spare them if He found at least 10 righteous people (Genesis 18:26-33).

5. The Story of David’s Census(2 Samuel 24:1-17, 1 Chronicles 21:1-17): God was angry with David for taking a census of the Israelites and threatened to punish them (2 Samuel 24:1-2). However, after David repented and offered sacrifices, God relented and spared the people (2 Samuel 24:16-17

6. Amos 7:3: “The Lord changed His mind about this. ‘It shall not be,’ said the Lord.”

(In this passage, God relents from sending a plague upon Israel after Amos intercedes on their behalf.)

7. Amos 7:6: “The Lord changed His mind about this. ‘This too shall not be,’ said the Lord God.”

(In this passage, God relents from sending fire upon Israel after Amos intercedes on their behalf.)

8. Genesis 6:6-7: “The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The Lord said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.'”
9.1 Samuel 15:35 Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over saul because the lord has changed his mind him as king over Israel .
( In this passage, the lord God changes his mind about Saul being king over Israel and decided to reject him)

In each of these cases, God’s “change of mind” is not a contradiction of His original plan, but rather a demonstration of His mercy, compassion, and desire to bless and forgive His people. Here are some examples of places in the Bible where God appears to change His mind:

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

His deity as the son of God. Jesus is God putting on flesh, the name he bears also prove to us that he is divine and deity, (combination of divine and human nature).The bible called him Emmanuel which interpreted as, God is with us, so this child of a virgin (Jesus) is called God is with us, he happen to be born of a virgin meaning is not a man that produced him, he didn’t came from sperm he came from the power of the highest ( he is the seed of God not the seed of man) he is an offspring of God .(john 8:24-30) john 8 from 20 down talks about Jesus conversation with the Pharisees, while he was teaching in the temple a group of Pharisees approached him, he then spoke to them and emphasize on the importance of believing in his divine identity, but they believe him not and even wanted to stone him.(john 3:16-17) the point from this scripture.
o Gods love
o The gift of Jesus
o salvation
o God’s purpose
In eternity he is co-equal and co-everlasting with the Father, the same status of deity that the father has is the same as the son has .( Jesus is God manifesting in the flesh)he is as divine and deity like the Father (john 1:10)(John 1:14) key points from this scripture.
o incarnation
o dwelt among us
o glory revealed
o only begotten
o full of grace and truth
Jesus also did things that only God does and they also worship him, he accepted because only God can be worshiped.
The nature of Christ Is the existent of two nature.
The nature of God and the nature of man( in the flesh he was God and in the flesh he was man).
Jesus had the authority of God on earth but he summited his authority to the father, although he had all the authority of God but he didn’t function accept the father gave clearance so that he could qualify to operate as a man, he was fully God but did not operate like God not because he lost his God hood but he surrendered his right to use his God power, so anytime he function like God the father gave permission until his assignment of salvation was over he couldn’t function as God. ( He returned to his full state as God when he resurrected)

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