[obiamonu]

The question stipulates that one case study from the Bible should be used to discuss four principles of the power of giving. However, your essay discusses multiple case studies (e.g., Abraham and Melchizedek, Abraham and Isaac, Joshua’s generation, the widow’s mite). This is a deviation from the assignment. In addition to this, there are some inaccuracies in the biblical references. To meet the assignment requirements, the essay must choose one consistent biblical story and use that to develop the four principles.
Please remember the following text: “Specific Critique of the Essay.”:
1. Tithe: Owner Steward Principle (Abraham and Melchizedek). Your essay uses Genesis 14:18-24 (Abraham and Melchizedek) to introduce the idea of tithing. While this is a good case study the essay then moves to other stories in the Bible for the following principles, which breaks the continuity. Since the essay must use one case study, it would be better to either build all principles around this story or choose another biblical narrative.
2. The Principle of Obedience and Faith The essay introduces Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22, incorrectly referenced as Hebrews 7:17) as a separate case study. This breaks the requirement to stick to one story. While the theme of obedience and faith is relevant, it should be tied to the chosen case study (either Abraham’s tithe or another story). Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek was an act of obedience to God’s revelation. He had been called by God to be a covenant partner, and his faith in God as the provider led him to give a portion of what he had received, trusting that God would continue to bless him. Faith and obedience are essential to giving because they demonstrate trust in God’s provision.
3. The Seed Principle. The essay mentions the seed principle but does not tie it to the central story of Abraham and Melchizedek. Instead, it incorrectly references Genesis 21:28, which is unrelated to seedtime or harvest the tithe that Abraham gave can be seen as a seed sown into God’s kingdom. By giving a portion of his wealth, Abraham was sowing into the future blessings that God had promised him. In Genesis 22:17 NKJV, God reaffirms His promise to bless Abraham and make his descendants numerous. This principle teaches that giving is a form of sowing, and when we sow in faith, we can expect a harvest of blessings.
4. Sacrificial Giving: The essay uses the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4) as an example of sacrificial giving, which is a completely different story from Abraham and Melchizedek. This again diverges from the single case study requirement. sacrificial giving can be illustrated in the Abraham and Melchizedek story by emphasizing that Abraham, who had just achieved victory and received spoils, could have kept all for himself but chose to give a tenth in acknowledgment of God’s ownership and blessing. This demonstrates sacrificial giving because Abraham could have claimed everything as his reward but instead honored God with a significant portion. Gen 14:18-20NKJV

[obiamonu]

I love that you used the powerful example of the Macedonian churches in writing your essay on the power of giving as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5NKJV highlighting four key principles: sacrificial giving, joyful and willing giving, holistic commitment, and inspiring others through giving. These principles are solid and biblically grounded, but I would love to further analyze and deepen their relevance.
Sacrificial giving reflects the essence of giving in faith. Jesus emphasized sacrificial giving in Luke 21:1-4NKJV when he praised the widow for giving all she had. This highlights that sacrificial giving is measured not by the amount, but by the heart behind it. Similarly, Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) demonstrates a profound commitment to God, showing that sacrificial giving is rooted in trust.
Joyful and willing giving is central to God’s expectations. As your essay mentions, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV). In the book of Deuteronomy 15:10NKJV encourages joyful giving, promising God’s blessing when one gives willingly and not grudgingly.
Holistic commitment involves more than financial resources, as seen in Romans 12:1 NKJV, which calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices. Acts 4:32-35 NKJV also portrays the early church sharing everything they had, illustrating a life fully committed to communal well-being.
Inspiration through giving is seen in how Paul used the Macedonians as a model for the Corinthians. Hebrews 10:24 NKJV calls believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” underscoring that acts of generosity can inspire a culture of giving throughout the body of Christ. The essay is strong but could benefit from exploring the eternal rewards of giving as written in Matthew 6:20 NKJV. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

[obiamonu]

The story of The Widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8-16NKJV illustrates the principles of giving. In this narrative, the prophet Elijah meets a poor widow during a severe famine. Despite her desperate situation, the widow gives her last bit of food to Elijah, and in return, she experiences miraculous provision.
1. Giving with a Willing Heart (Sacrificial Giving)
In 1 Kings 17, the widow is preparing her last meal for herself and her son when Elijah asks her for food. Despite having only, a handful of flour and a little oil, she agrees to give some to the prophet. This act demonstrates sacrificial giving—offering not from abundance but from scarcity. The widow’s willingness to give even when she had so little shows that giving is not about the quantity but about the heart behind the action. This principle is echoed in the New Testament by Jesus in Mark 12:41-44 NKJV, where He praises the poor widow who gave her last two coins, noting that she gave more than those who gave out of their abundance.

2. Giving Unlocks Divine Provision
After the widow gave to Elijah, her jar of flour and jug of oil miraculously never ran dry during the famine, as promised by God through the prophet (1 Kings 17:14-16 NKJV). This demonstrates the principle that giving can unlock divine provision. Throughout Scripture, God promises that those who give generously will be blessed. For example, Proverbs 11:24-25NKJV says, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Similarly, in the New Testament, Luke 6:38 NKJV teaches, ” Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”.”

3. Faith in God’s Promises
The widow’s willingness to give required faith. When Elijah asked her for food, he assured her that God would provide. Her decision to give despite her limited resources reflects trust in God’s promises. This principle is crucial because faith is at the heart of giving. In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NKJV emphasizes this when Paul writes, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [a]bountifully will also reap [b]bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [c]necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” Faithful giving acknowledges that God is our ultimate provider and that He will take care of our needs when we trust Him.

4. Giving Blesses Others and Invites Blessings in Return
The widow’s gift not only provided for Elijah but also brought blessings to her household. Through her generosity, she and her son survived the famine. This principle teaches that giving is a means of blessing others, which often leads to blessings in return. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 19:17 NKJV says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” In the New Testament, Acts 20:35 NKJV reminds believers, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Giving often creates a ripple effect of blessing that extends far beyond the initial act, impacting both the giver and the recipient. In Genesis 14:18-20NKJV, Abraham gives a tithe (10%) of all his spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God. This is one of the earliest examples of giving in the Bible, illustrating that generosity honors God and is a response to His blessings.
In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 tells of the churches in Macedonia, who gave generously despite their extreme poverty. Paul praises their sacrificial giving, showing that true generosity is not about the amount but the heart’s desire to give.
Conclusion
The story of the Widow of Zarephath illustrates key principles of giving: sacrificial giving, unlocking divine provision, faith in God’s promises, and being a blessing to others. These principles are echoed throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, showing that giving is central to living a life that honors God. When we give generously, whether out of abundance or scarcity, we not only bless others but also open ourselves to the fullness of God’s provision and blessings.

[obiamonu]

I love the example given in Matthew 14:17-21 NKJV, where we find the well-known account of Jesus feeding the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This passage is not only a testament to Jesus’ miraculous power but also an important lesson on the significance of praise, gratitude, and faith in the life of a believer.

Before the miracle took place, Jesus took the loaves and fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks and blessed God. By giving thanks and praise, Jesus demonstrated several key principles:

1. Recognition of God’s Provision: Jesus’ act of Praise and thanksgiving acknowledged that all provision comes from God. Despite the seemingly inadequate resources, Jesus expressed gratitude, showing trust in God’s ability to provide abundantly.

2. Faith in Action: Jesus’ act of giving thanks and paise before the miracle demonstrated faith. He praised God for what was to come, setting an example that faith is not just believing after seeing, but believing in advance and trusting in God’s provision and timing.

3. Teaching the Disciples: By giving thanks and praise, Jesus also taught His disciples an important lesson in faith and gratitude. The disciples saw scarcity, but Jesus saw an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed. This encouraged them to trust in God’s provision beyond their immediate understanding and resources.

The Miracle and Its Implications

This miracle illustrates several profound truths
1. The Power of Gratitude: Thanksgiving and praise are powerful acts of faith that align us with God’s will and open the door for His blessings. Jesus’ thanksgiving was not merely a ritual but a profound acknowledgment of God’s provision.

2. Abundance in God’s Kingdom: The leftover baskets signify that God’s provision exceeds our needs. When we trust in Him and act in faith, He provides not just enough, but abundantly more than we can imagine.

3. Model for Believers: Jesus serves as the ultimate role model for believers. His life and actions consistently pointed to a deep reliance on and relationship with the Father. By following His example of gratitude and faith, believers can experience the fullness of God’s blessings in their lives.

Application for Believers
Practice Gratitude: Regularly give praise for what you have, no matter how insufficient it may seem. Gratitude is a powerful act of faith that can transform our perspective and open us up to God’s provision.

– Exercise Faith: Trust in God’s ability to provide and act in faith, even when circumstances seem challenging. Remember that God’s resources are limitless, and His timing is perfect.

– Emulate Jesus: Make Jesus your role model. His life of gratitude, prayer, and faith is the blueprint for a fulfilled and abundant spiritual life. By following His example, you align yourself with God’s will and open your life to His miracles.

In conclusion, Matthew 14:17-21 is a profound passage that teaches the importance of gratitude and faith. Jesus’ act of giving thanks before the miracle of feeding the five thousand serves as a powerful example for believers to follow. By practicing gratitude and exercising faith, we align ourselves with God’s will and open our lives to His abundant provision.

[obiamonu]

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR ANSWERS BEFORE YOU SEE THEM?
The act of expressing approval or admiration, known as praise, is significant in acknowledging God’s blessings even before they are realized. In the New Testament, the Greek word for praise is “épainos,” Strongs Greek 1868, which encompasses the genuine expression of admiration, commendation, or approval for someone or something. This involves being thankful for God’s blessings and declaring this gratitude to God, to the hearing of others, our situations, and even to ourselves. As believers, we have the confidence and boldness to approach God, knowing that our requests are heard and answered. Praise serves as a powerful force, capable of breaking chains and opening doors in our lives.

Here are some reasons why we must praise God for answers before seeing them:

1. Faith and Trust: Praising God in advance demonstrates faith and trust that He will provide the right answers or outcomes. It’s an act of surrender, acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers but believe that God does. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) highlights the active trust we place in God’s plans and goodness. Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) states, “Now to him who can do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Our praise is an expression of trust and faith in God to answer in ways that exceed human reasoning. 1 John 5:14 (NKJV) says, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” Trusting that God hears and answers our prayers is an act of faith. Faith and trust go hand in hand. As we stand on faith, our hearts overflow with gratitude while we wait to see God’s answers to prayer. Despite enduring immense suffering and loss, Job remained faithful and praised God. In the end, his prayers were answered as God restored his fortunes and blessed him abundantly (Job 42:10-17NKJV).
2. Gratitude: Praising God in advance expresses gratitude for His goodness and provision. Even before seeing the results, believers’ express thankfulness for His faithfulness. Throughout the Psalms, David often praised God before and after his prayers were answered. For instance, in Psalm 34:1 NKJV, he declares, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips”.
3. Powerful witness: Praising God in advance can act as a powerful witness to unbelievers. An example of this is found in (Acts 16:25-34NKJV). The story of Paul and Silas, after being publicly humiliated, beaten, and thrown into prison, chose to pray and sing praises to God at midnight. Their act of Praise had a profound impact: suddenly, there was a great earthquake that shook the prison’s foundations, opening all the doors and loosening everyone’s bands. The jailer, fearing the prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life, but Paul stopped him. Instead of fleeing, Paul and Silas stayed, and the jailer asked them how to be saved. They shared the message of Jesus Christ, and the jailer and his household believed and were baptized. It’s a powerful example of how praising God even in difficult circumstances can lead to transformation and salvation. Paul and Silas’s praise session led to a miraculous event, symbolizing the transformative power of praising God before God delivered them.

4. Deliverance: Offering praise to God in advance has the power to usher in deliverance. For instance, imagine someone facing a challenging situation, like a difficult exam or a medical diagnosis. Rather than succumbing to fear or despair, they choose to praise God beforehand, trusting in His ability to guide them through. This act of faith can lead to unexpected breakthroughs, such as receiving unexpected clarity during the exam or experiencing a miraculous healing. By praising God in advance, individuals affirm their belief in His sovereignty and open themselves up to His transformative power in their lives.
A good example can also be seen in the book of 2 Chronicles 20:21-25NKJV. King Jehoshaphat and Judah went out against the enemy, the armies of Ammonites, Moabites, and the people of Mount Seir. These enemies of Judah had banded together against Judah. From the natural standpoint, Jehoshaphat didn’t have enough men or an army big or strong enough to withstand these enemy forces. When the children of Israel began to sing and praise God, God did something! That’s when God’s power was manifested, and the enemy was defeated!
In summary, praising God before answers are received reflects faith, gratitude, positivity, and a strengthened spiritual bond. It’s a transformative practice that aligns our hearts with His will and invites His blessings into our lives.

[obiamonu]

As a believer, I completely agree that our thoughts play a crucial role in shaping our character development. The Bible verse Philippians 4:8(NKJV) explains it perfectly, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Renewing our minds involves actively replacing negative or worldly thought patterns with godly perspectives. By meditating on the right things, we can transform our attitudes, responses, and ultimately our character. When we align our thoughts with biblical truths, we cultivate the seed of the gift of the spirit that has been imparted to us in the new birth. We begin to manifest Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, etc. as described in Galatians 5:22NKJV.

Renewing our minds is an ongoing process that plays a crucial role in shaping our character as Christians. As Colossians 3:16(NKJV) says, it transforms our thinking, influences our actions, and allows us to embody the virtues and qualities reflective of Christ’s teachings. Therefore, it’s essential that we ensure our thoughts are guided by the word of God to produce godly actions, shape our habits, and mold our character.

[obiamonu]

Webster’s English dictionary defines character as the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual. As Christians, our spirit man was recreated at the New Birth and God’s nature or character was imparted to us (2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 5:22). The character of God is the basis, foundation, and benchmark for Christian character, and we should look to Christ Jesus, who is the exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3 NKJV).

Man is made up of a spirit, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV). It is the spirit component of man that is regenerated at the new birth, not the soul and the body. Our personality relates to the soul, and our mind is the dominant component of our soul. There is a constant war between our body and our spirit, and therefore we are to develop our character by renewing our minds. When we start living by the Word of God, our spirit controls our soul, and then, through our mind, controls our body (Romans 12:2 NKJV). We should bear in mind that God’s divine power has already given us the enablement we need to become like God. We play our part by developing our character to conform to that of Christ. We draw from the seed that has been imparted to our spirits by developing our minds with the Word of God (2 Peter 1:5-7 NKJV). For it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV).

Here are five ways renewing your mind can help develop your character as a Christian:

1. We are transformed daily to be like God. We become Kingdom-minded, start thinking in terms of the Kingdom of God, and can test and approve what God’s will is, His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:2 NKJV). We are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV).

2. We become good witnesses for Christ (Matthew 5:13-16 and Philippians 2:14-16 NKJV). Our character is proof that we are Christians, and it’s a way we profess our faith. As we renew our minds with the Word of God, our good character shines brightly like a radiant light in the midst of deep darkness. That is why Jesus says we are the salt of the earth.

3. It keeps us in the light (Ephesians 5:8-14NKJV). To walk in the light shows an action verb. When we walk in the light, we don’t have anything to do with the unfruitful work of darkness. It is a conscious decision as a believer to pull out the imparted seed deposited in our spirits by the new birth and have it developed and seen as we walk in the light.

4. It keeps us constantly purified by the Word of God (Psalm 119:9-11 NKJV). With a constant intake of the Word of God, our lives are easy to see through. There is no hidden or secret thing about our lives. When the Word of God dwells in us richly, we are transparent, and we let the light of the Word of God shine through. We do this by taking heed to the Word of God, not wandering from it, and hiding it in our hearts.

5. We are led by The Holy Spirit. As we renew our minds, we learn to understand the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads us in the light (Ephesians 4:17-19 NKJV, 1 Corinthians 2:19 NKJV). The Spirit of God will show us what has been freely given to us. To walk in the light and exhibit the character of God is to walk by the Spirit.

[obiamonu]

In John 13:1-17NKJV, Jesus, the Son of God washed the feet of the disciples, a duty usually done by the lowest servant in the Jewish society. Peter did not see that as something he was prepared to do when Jesus wanted to wash his feet. Initially, he would not allow Him until Jesus said if He did not wash his feet, he had no part in him. After washing their feet, Jesus said, “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:13-15 NKJV).
Though the washing of the feet of the disciples was a symbol of spiritual cleansing, it was also a lesson in leadership ¬– a leader is a servant. There are three things that Jesus knew, which made Him serve humbly. These we must also know to be able to serve.
1. Jesus knew the Father had given all things into His hands (John 13:3NKJV). Jesus could afford to come so low to wash the feet of the disciples because He knew that God had already given all things into His hands. Though it might not appear to be so, He knew that God had already given all things into His hands. The fact that the Managing Director of a company decides to personally serve drinks to his staff that come to his house does not remove the fact that they are his subordinates. If he feels he has now become their messenger because of that occasion, something must be wrong with him.
It’s a wrong understanding of leadership to think that once we become a leader, we have many people to serve us, leaving little or nothing for us to do. No. People serve a leader to help him serve them better, to help him perform his primary functions. It is not to make him see himself as a god. Just like our lecturer Dr Iyowuna Okari taught, when she was the leader of the prayer squad she used to clean the seats until her subordinates started doing it and from there they took over the cleaning of the seats, this removed the burden from her and made her work easier.
Jesus was secure because He knew everything had been given into His hands. He did not feel threatened by anything. ( Ephesians 1:22NKJV) says God put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.
Jesus could wash the feet of the disciples, serving them at that lowest level because He knew that all things had been given to Him. We will be able to serve anywhere we find ourselves if you have the same understanding. what applies to Jesus also applies to us. God has already given all things into our hands too.
The Bible says, we are seated with Jesus at the right hand of the Father, far above principality and power where everything has been given unto him and all things are under his feet. When God gave everything into the hand of Jesus, you were in Jesus. So, He gave everything to us, too (Ephesians 1:20-21, 2:5-6NKJV). We have been given the same authority that Jesus was given.
2. Jesus knew that He came from God (John 13:3NKJV). Jesus knew that He was not of this earth. He knew His source; therefore, He served. He knew that serving did not reduce who He was. The same applies to us.
Joseph was in prison but that did not make him feel like a prisoner. We came from God. He is our maker. He has good thoughts concerning us, thoughts of peace and not of evil and to take us to an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11NKJV). We are not here alone, going through what we are going through. His presence is with us if we have accepted the Lordship of Jesus (Isaiah 43:1-2NKJV).
3. Jesus knew that He would go back to God (John 13:3 NKJV). He knew His sojourn on earth was not the end of everything. He knew He came from God and would return to God. He knew that He was accountable to God for His life on earth. He knew He could not live His life to do His own will. He knew that His life was not supposed to be lived to glorify Himself. He knew that his Father was still working, and he must work, too (John 5:17 NKJV).
The truth applies to us too. We came from God, and we will return to Him to give account of everything we have done on the earth (Romans 14:12, Matthew 12: 36NKJV). Knowing this should make us sober to live our life in such a way that He will be pleased with us. We are not to live our lives for ourselves. We will go back to God one day. It has been given unto man to die once and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27NKJV). Service keeps us humble. Don’t always let who you are, go to your head; let it not inflate your ego. There is always somebody better than you! Stoop low and wash somebody’s feet. Don’t be too conscious of your position.
These three truths will give us the confidence to serve people in a humble manner. The knowledge of these things would not only build in us a robust self-esteem, but it would also keep us humble to be able to serve others without difficulty, especially those under us. We know that those we serve may not reward us either sufficiently or at all, but God the rewarder will do when we return to him. It does not end here on earth (Hebrews 11:6NKJV).
The Bible says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Colossians 3:23NKJV). The Bible also says we should do whatsoever we do; do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10: 31NKJV). Every service we render to another man or organization is to the Lord, and not to the man or the institution. When we begin to view service from this perspective, we will be free to offer service, because, ultimately, it is not man that will reward us.

[obiamonu]

When you say that “Works refer to the outer demonstration or manifestation of inner or unseen realities”. I totally agree with you, you know the bible says in the book of Romans 6:16,” Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? Having said this, we can say, that our actions and attitudes or character are directly proportionate to the one whom we yield ourselves to. Paul goes on further to say in verses 22-23,” But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. From this, we can rightly say that the born-again believer has been set free from sin to produce good works that glorify our Father.
God at the new birth imparted his character into the recreated human spirit of the born-again believer, so that he could do the work of the ministry. what are these fruits? Galatians 5;22-23 names them as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we grow in God’s nature, we become lights in a dark and perverse world. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭said;‬ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
Our character which should mirror Christ’s must come from the root, the benchmark, which is the character of God. That is the reason Jesus said in John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

[obiamonu]

Introduction
The Book of Acts of Apostle Chapter 10:1-48(NKJV) is about a man called Cornelius. It’s a beautiful story that captures the fact that we are not saved by good works, but our good works borne out of a relationship with Jesus serve as a good witness.
Acts10:1-2(NKJV), “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God always”. The Bible records that Cornelius was a good man who gave alms and was of a good reputation. He was a man full of good works! Despite his good works, God seeing his sincere desire to know Him, intervened, in the life of Cornelius by sending Peter the Apostle to preach Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, to him and his entire household for them to be saved and be baptized.

Furthermore, one’s good reputation can be said to be the total of the opinions held about them by others. It can be influenced by many factors including their actions, behavior, personality, and achievements. A good reputation can lead to many benefits such as trust, respect, and opportunities. The story of Cornelius is a typical example, that we are not saved by good works. Even though he had a good reputation, God helped Cornelius to understand that his good works had to stem from his relationship with Jesus and not from himself.
A second story to depict my validation of the statement above is recorded in the book of Matthew 19:16-30.it tells of Jesus’s encounter with the rich young ruler. Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? “The rich young ruler wanted to know what “good thing” (good works), he could do, to have eternal life. During their conversation, the young man boasted that he practiced all that Jesus had mentioned. Jesus seeing that the man relied on his deeds, asked to forsake all and follow Him. but the rich man was sad and went away sorrowful. Verse 29 says,” And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother [or wife or children or [lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. The rich ruler couldn’t see what Jesus was offering him.
Good works that stem out of a relationship with Christ Jesus are witnesses for Jesus. Let’s look at the book of Romans 3:10-12 and 23-24 (NKJV), which” says, as it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understands, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
23-24, says,” For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9(NKJV),” For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. It is by grace that we are saved not by anything that we do. Man sold his birthright to the devil when he disobeyed God’s instruction in the Garden of Eden. God had to redeem man by sending His only begotten son Jesus Christ to take the punishment of our sin upon Himself, thereby restoring our broken relationship with God our Father. Man on his own cannot save himself by doing good works.
Apostle Paul writes, In Galatians 2:20NKJV,
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
2 Corinthians 5:17(NKJV), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Corinthians 6;17 says that he who is joined to the lord is one spirit. Man’s spirit is re-generated and becomes brand new.
To explain further, 1 Thess 5:23 helps us to understand that man is a tripartite being. Man is a spirit, has a soul, and lives in a body.it is the spirit of man that is regenerated. God’s character and nature are Imparted to the born-again believer at the new birth. Galatians 5:22-23,” But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. We find out that at the new birth, there is no outward transformation of our bodies and that our thought patterns and mannerisms don’t change instantly.
HOW CAN A BELIEVER THEN WITNESS TO OTHERS THROUGH HIS WORKS? Having received God’s character and nature, it is expected that the believer should grow. The book of 1 Peter 2:1-5 admonishes the believer to desire the sincere milk of the word which is able to help us grow and produce good works. Also, 2 Peter 1:3-4 says “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust”. As we yield to God’s word, we will partake and exhibit the character of God because we share in His divine nature.
2 Peter 1:5-7(NKJV),” But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge, self-control, to self-control, perseverance, to perseverance, godliness, to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love. We are to be intentional in our growth process. We are to be deliberate and study the word of God to know the mind of Christ and to grow and bear fruits in line with the will of God for us. Philippians 2:15 Paul writes, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. It is still God who works in us to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
We can only be the salt of the earth and the light of the world if we remain in Christ Jesus who gives us life. just as He said in John 15:5. “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing. He is the vine; we are the branches. We can only produce good works that stem out of a relationship with Jesus when we remain in the vine (Jesus).
In conclusion, our character is proof that we are Christians. it’s a way we profess our faith. That is what it means to shine as a light in the world. When we let our light shine before men, they will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Our character which should mirror Christ’s must come from the root, the benchmark, which is the character of God. If we haven’t received the vine, then what life can possibly flow out of us, that will be lasting and impactful? When we get saved, we don’t go to heaven immediately because there is a time for us to be trained in godliness, trained in righteousness. Our mind gets renewed with the Word of God, and then we produce these good works that come as light in the midst of a dark and perverse world. we are called to be a light in the world and that’s where our good works and our good character are needed. Our reference point is Jesus’s character. Our good works shine brightly as a radiant light in the midst of deep darkness in the world that is why Jesus refers to us as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

[obiamonu]

Reply to SaySay
This is an awesome testimony to the glory of God! The truth is that no-one is beyond pardon. No matter how sinful we are God has made a way for us through Jesus Christ His beloved Son. The bible says in the Book of John 3;16 that God so loved the world, that he gave His one and only son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!!! Praise God that that young lady heard the gospel and was convicted to repentance.
Just like we are learning in this course Evangelism and follow up, Jesus has entrusted the work of evangelism and follow up into our hands, we are Christ ambassadors.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21. God is appealing through us to a lost and a dark world!
Also, how then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:14-15(NKJV). Truly Soul Winning is the heartbeat of God, we really ought to spend time in prayer and in reading the bible, so that we can be empowered by The Holy Spirit to win souls.
Jesus came for one reason: to save the lost. Salvation covers all of our needs – physical, mental, spiritual, and material. When we are faithful to stand in the gap and witness for God, he will move in response to your faithfulness. Jesus will do anything we believe him to do – anything that does not violate His Word.

[obiamonu]

MY FINAL ANSWER
Evangelism is derived from the Greek word euaggelion, Strong’s dictionary #2099 meaning “gospel” or “good news”. Evangelism is carrying the good news from one place to another, from one person to another person.it is good news from a loving father to a lost world. so, evangelism is a concerted self-conscious effort to confront the unbeliever with the truth about and claims of Christ with a view to leading the unbeliever to repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I made up my mind to deliberately preach the gospel as many times as I can within a week and at any and every opportunity I have. This I have been doing for a while now with the help of the Holy Spirit, recently, I had the opportunity to preach to a young trainee in my company, by the name Matthew, who came from Lagos and had never visited port Harcourt before. I walked up to him, introduced myself and asked him if he had some time to spare during lunch break, I would love to chat with him. He obliged. We discussed and chatted about life in general, his Job and family. As he relaxed and discussed with me, I gently stirred the conversation to his relationship with God. He told me outrightly that he wasn’t born again he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jesus because he felt that life with God and the whole “Jesus’ thing” was boring. He confided in me that his mum was a believer and that was enough. Honestly at this point, I was praying in my heart for the Holy Spirit to give me the right words for him. I said to him looking directly into his eyes, “God loves you”, I called his name, and I said it repeatedly to him, Matthew, God loves you very much! At this point I knew I had his full attention. I shared John 3:16(NKJV), “For God so loved the world (Matthew) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever (Matthew) believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. Jesus Christ came to seek and safe that which was lost. I told him that he was important to God and if not, God wouldn’t have created him in the first place, I told him he was created for a purpose unique to him and him alone and running away from God is likened to running away from his destiny. We looked into the Book of Ephesians 2:10(NKJV). For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Rev 4:11(NKJV) “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
We were created for Gods pleasure but Adam disobeyed God’s instructions and by one mans disobedience sin and death passed unto men. Romans 3:23(NKJV). We read Romans 5:12(NKJV). 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. I explained to him the reason why he did not want to have anything to do with God and with Jesus was because he had not made peace with God, and by refusing to repent and be reconciled to God through Jesus he was making a decision for eternal condemnation. John 3:17,18(NKJV) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
We read the book of 1 Corinthians 2:14(NKJV),” But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. and Romans 8:5-10(NKJV). For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So, then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. I said to him, your enemy the devil doesn’t want you to know your heritage in God, he wants you in hell where he belongs, but Jesus came to give us life and he wants us to live life more abundantly. John 10:10(NKJV)
At this point, I asked him if he wanted to repent and ask God for forgiveness, he said yes and asked me what he should do, I replied by asking him to say the sinners’ prayers and to tell God he was sorry for his rebellious attitude. We prayed together and he accepted Jesus into his life.
My testimony here is this, while we were talking his mum called but he told her he would call her back soon, he then told me that his mum had been praying for him to repent and that today is a great day! Oh my God! I was overwhelmed with Joy and gratitude to God for using me to bring his son Matthew back home. After we finished, he called his mother and in his Yoruba language was telling her, that her prayers had gotten answered, he then said I am BORN AGAIN now!!! Hallelujah!
Jesus’s commands us in the book of Matthew 28:19-20(NKJV). “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”. What I would have done differently if Matthew and rejected Jesus Christ is to obey Jesus’s command and trust the Holy Spirit to the do the convicting of his heart having done my own part. The love of God is the strongest witnessing tool one can ever hope to have, it is the strongest tool for witnessing and I keep reminding myself that I am not alone when I witness for Jesus, therefore I will never argue with him but believe that the Word of God is a seed that has been planted in Matthew’s heart which one day will germinate and yield increase in the form of repentance.1 Corinthians 3:6-11(NKJV) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
I will also never cease to pray for him. Thankfully he is a colleague in my workplace, therefore I will always be in the look out for him.

[obiamonu]

I agree with you Caleb, when you say evangelism is not charitable works, but it can be used to enhance the spreading and sharing of the gospel. The bible mentions that Jesus fed the five thousand with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Mark 6:30-44{NKJV}, Matthew 14:13-21{NKJV}. It says that Jesus was moved with compassion for them, He taught and fed them. Jesus is an example of what evangelism should be like. We can say that evangelism should focus on the preaching, announcing or otherwise communicating the gospel, our salvation.

I remember when my campus fellowship took us all on an evangelical mission to one of the villages in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, I wondered how we were going to be able to communicate effectively with the villagers who were mostly illiterates. Our leader then asked us to offer acts of service to the villagers. We went to farm with them, washed their clothes, swept, and kept their compounds neat and clean. By the time we launched out to preach the word of God, and invited them for our crusade, they all came out to hear what we had to say. Many of them gave their lives to Jesus Christ. We recorded a huge success.
Your third point notes that many churches attribute holiness to mode of dressing.
Jesus is our righteousness.1 Corinthians 1:30{NKJV} we do not become righteous by the things we do or don’t do; the bible says that our own righteousness is like filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6

[obiamonu]

Adam existed by the breath of life, which is the spirit. The spirit has God-consciousness; it knows God’s voice, fellowships with God, and has a very keen knowledge of God. After Adam fell, his spirit became dead. At the beginning, God said to Adam, “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” Gen. 2:17{NKJV} After Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they continued to live a few hundred years. This shows that the death that God spoke of was not only physical death. The death of Adam began from his spirit. When the spirit dies, the spirit loses its fellowship with God. It also means that the spirit has lost its keen knowledge of God and is dead to God. Spiritual death means that there is no more fellowship with God. John 4:24{NKJV}.
In Romans 5:12-14{NKJV} The apostle Paul, writes about what Adam introduced into the world, first Adam introduced sin and death to all men, but God in His infinite mercy had a plan of redemptive plan as written in Gen 3:15NKJV, God mentioned the coming of Jesus Christ, and his redemptive plan for mans restoration. Romans 15:18{NKJV}. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by obiamonu.

[obiamonu]

1.Evangelism is not the marketing of the contemporary churches.
Invitation to church service and programs is not evangelism. its ok to invite people to come along to your church but this not evangelism. Evangelism is a concerted self-conscious effort to confront the unbeliever with the truth about and claims of Christ with a view to leading that unbeliever to repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus. Many contemporary churches view invitations to services as a form of modern-day evangelism. Evangelism is aimed at sharing the good news of Jesus to a dying world. Jesus gave us the great commission,” Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel”. Matthew 28:18-20{NKJV}. Mark 16:15-18{NKJV}. The book of Luke 24:47-49{NKJV} says that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations. John 20:1{NKJV}, And Jesus said to them, Peace be unto you, as my father hath sent me so I send you. What changes people’s lives is the gospel, and that’s what we need to be actively sharing.

2.Evangelism does not begin from a position of authority.
Many local churches go about evangelizing to others as though those unsaved ones are less than them. They engage in evangelism with a superiority mindset and attitude. They confront and condemn the unbeliever in a negative way. We go to others because we have received and we are commissioned to go, not because of any merit or status of our own. We are to show them that there’s a better life style. The lifestyle of Jesus. We are not to condemn anyone. The bible says where sin abounds grace much more abounds Romans 5:20{NKJV}
3.Evangelism is not an opportunity for self-aggrandizement.
Jesus Christ showed us how evangelism should be done. Evangelism is not just our task. It is the very essence of the church. Jesus is the bridge between humanity and God Almighty. Evangelism runs on the core focus of Christ’s Ministry. Jesus says, I am the way, I am the truth and I am the life no man cometh unto the father but by me. (John 14:6NKJV) It is not for self-aggrandizement. Many contemporary churches go about airing on television their achievements, what they have accomplished so far in their evangelical ministry with the aim of showing off themselves, not portraying Christ whom thy claim they serve. Whatever we do the purpose must be geared towards evangelism.

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