[Paulpraze]

My Response to Ben.
I believe that there is no experience in human existence that comes close to the ones that have been described in this essay, absolutely none.
The reality of having a body that as you have put it “matches with our spirit” would be a most glorious experience. The thought of having no more limitations and struggles of the flesh, the possibility of pure worship to God, the absence of mortality, corruption and death, all because our bodies have been changed are very much to be longed for.
Apart from the actual finished work of Christ and God’s love for mankind, nothing inspires and motivates us to share our faith like the knowledge of Christ’s coming. 2 Corinthians 5:11. So, yes there is an urgency, a call to all who believe in Jesus Christ to share their faith and turn many to the way, the truth and the life.
What joy it will be indeed to hear the master to say to us, “well done, thou good and faithful servant”. This is what we live and long for as believers. This is what our lives on this earth are about. Hence, it will be a most joyous experience to know that we have done the will and pleasure of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

[Paulpraze]

When I think of the coming of Christ, there is a joy, an elation that words fail me to describe that engulfs my heart and animates my emotions to an overflowing. There is a transition from and beyond all that mundane unto the eternal, pure, holy, and praiseworthy. The very notion of being in the presence of Christ forever is simply most glorious.
When I think of the coming of Christ, a number of things immediately come to mind.
Firstly, there is a confidence that I become aware of. I often like to say that not everyone is afraid of death or of dying. This is because of the assurance of our eternal salvation that we have received in Christ Jesus by faith alone in Him. The knowledge that my salvation did not come as a result of my own works or goodness but by the finished works of Christ furnishes my heart with such a confidence that eradicates any fear of the day of judgment. Through His death, I have been delivered from the fear of death. I have peace with God by faith in Christ Jesus. Romans 5:1, John 3:16, Titus 3:3-7, Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 John 4:17.
Secondly, in Revelation 14:13, we see here that the dead in Christ should be envied. There is a longing and a desire that this just generates in my heart to experience that rest and a looking forward to the rewards that Christ will give. However, like the apostle Paul, I know that there is still plenty of work to do in the name of Christ on this side of eternity, therefore I choose to stay and be content with my present state of being a co-laborer with Christ in His vineyard. Philippians 1:21-26.
Furthermore, the undiluted joy, absolute absence of sorrow, and all that reeks of death, whether physical or spiritual, the absolute absence of any kind of corruption in the soul and body and being in the presence of Jesus for all eternity. There is no experience on this planet that even comes close to this experience. To know my Lord as I am known, to see His face, not darkly as in a glass but face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12, Revelation 21:14.
Anyone who has truly engaged in worshipping God knows the limitations that the flesh causes in our fellowshipping with God. The idea of the possibility of worshipping God with absolutely no hindrances or limitations is an experience that I look forward to. What John describes of the worship of God that goes on in heaven according to his vision just lifts my heart and gives me a hope that is simply divine. One important thing about worship is that it is based on the revelation of God that I have. This means that, as long as there will be worship, there will have to be revelations of God. John 4:24, Revelation 4:8-13. I long for such discoveries and revelations of God that will produce such pure and unadulterated worship of Him.

[Paulpraze]

I would like to begin by saying that, while this discourse is an interesting and important one, like Pastor would say, it does not affect the cost of garri in the market. In other words, our salvation as believers has nothing to do with whatever position we take.
Having said that, I believe that the first question we need to answer is: are old Testament believers or saints part of the Bride of Christ?
Firstly, it needs to be said that this is one of those subjects where not much is said directly about them. However, we can examine this subject from what is clear and known and draw our conclusions. Hence, a dogmatic position should not be taken on such subjects.
Secondly, whether it be in the old Testament or in the new Testament, one thing is clear about the way of salvation. A man can only be saved by faith, a man can only be righteous in God’s eyes by faith, not by anything we do or do not do. Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:20-26. This means that un both Testaments, man was only saved by faith and not by works.
Thirdly, according to the apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:1-1-15, the mystery of Christ which was hidden but now has been revealed is the union of Jew and Gentile believers in the church. He tells us that this was the eternal purpose of God and refers to this body of believers as “whole family in heaven and earth”.
Furthermore, Hebrews 11:39-40 seems to suggest that while these old Testament saints may not have received the promise, they have now been perfected with us. Because Christ had not come in their time, they were saved by faith looking forward to the coming of Christ. However, upon the coming of Christ and His finished work, there is a perfection that they have now experienced which they did not have.
All of these aforementioned points suggest that there really is no distinction between old and new Testament saints. If this is true, it implies that whatever descriptions or metaphors are used for the church of Jesus Christ is true for both old and new Testament saints who have become one in the church of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, describing the church in feminine terms, in light of her being the bride of Christ that will attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is appropriate and since the old Testament saints are also likely part of the church, then it offers no problem to describe the church in such terms.
In conclusion, while this position may raise questions about John’s meaning in John 3:29 for example, it seems to me to be the most consistent with what is clear and known from scriptures. In this particular situation, it seems that John the Baptist was speaking about his ministry of introducing the Groom. He also seems to suggest that his roles as the Bridegroom’s friend had come to an end in the appearance and recognition of the Groom. John 3:30.

[Paulpraze]

MY REPLY TO BEN
Your essay shows who a witness is, and also mentions some of the things that a witness does that are or can be described as good works. You have shown, that a relationship with Jesus will reflect in our verbally sharing the gospel, walking after the Spirit, walking in the light, and walking in love, all of which produces good works.
However, what may not be very clear from this essay is the relationship between a person’s good works and receiving salvation. In other words, how do you answer the questions, “can a person be saved by good works?, can a person come into a relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord by their good works?”
The point I am making is that, “good works” may not always be the result of a relationship with Jesus Christ and more so in the context of witnessing, and it is therefore important to point out that such “good works” can not obtain or earn salvation from God.
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus talks about people who claimed to have good works and therefore believed that they had a relationship with Him. Jesus’s response clearly showed that that was not the case.
It is therefore very important to point out clearly that no man, no matter how much “good works” they do, can be saved by their good works, and I think that this was why we were instructed to write our essay bearing in mind that no man can be saved by their good works.

[Paulpraze]

When we think about good works as witnesses for Christ Jesus our Lord, one of the text of scripture that immediately comes to mind is Matthew 5:16. In this text, Jesus makes it clear that there is a relationship between our works and how people, especially unbelievers perceive God. Our good works give them an idea of God that is demonstrated in their glorifying Him.
It is important to state however that salvation is never dependent on our works whatsoever. In Romans 5:6, Paul made it clear that we were hopeless and helpless, unable to provide for our own salvation. In addition to this, Paul further tells us that we are saved by grace through faith, and all of these are of God (Ephesians 2:8-10). He also adds that we could not be saved by our own works of righteousness (Titus 3:5). Over and over again, the Apostle Paul makes this point (Romans 3:20, Romans 4:1-16, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:11-14).
Jesus Christ our Lord Himself, when He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), ruled out any other means or possibility of having a relationship with God and receiving salvation of Him. The only way to receive the salvation of God is by faith alone in Christ alone. (Romans 1:16-17).
Therefore, any and every work that the unbeliever does is considered to be dead works. They arise from a dead human spirit and selfish motives, and are therefore unacceptable to God, in spite of how good these works may appear in the eyes of men. Dead works are things that must be repented of (Hebrews 6:1).
The word witness is the Greek word martureō. It means to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively): – charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.
In the new Testament, there are a number of texts that speak about the believer and good works, and the need for good works as an important means of witnessing for Christ. (Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:15, 1 Peter 2:12, 2 Peter 2:2).
The idea really is that, while it is true that an unbeliever can not be saved by good works, the presence, indwelling and work of Christ in the believer will as a matter of fact, produce certain results or good works that will be evidence or testimony to His presence. James 2:18-24. The point that apostle James makes here is that the presence of faith can only be justified by the works that it produces. In other words, faith is the foundation for good works.
In conclusion, the reality is that people around us can not see our regenerated spirit, but they surely can see our good works. Sharing our faith verbally, coupled with our good works is the most effective tool for witnessing for Christ.

[Paulpraze]

LESSONS FROM JESUS’S PRAYER IN GETHSEMANE
MATTHEW 26:36-46
Jesus, while He walked this earth, not only taught on the subject of prayer as seen in Matthew 6, but was a man given to prayer. According to Luke’s account on Jesus teaching His disciples to pray, their request to be taught came right after Jesus returned from one of His prayer sessions. Luke 11:1.
Prayer was indeed His lifestyle, it was a way for life for Him, it was a habit. It was not an occasional event but a practice.
Luke 22:39 (NKJV).
MATTHEW 26:36-46
A number of lessons can be learnt from Jesus’s prayer in Gethsemane.
1. According to Luke’s account in Luke 22:39 (NKJV), this activity of Jesus praying was a custom for Him. This was not a one off even that Jesus was attempting to carry, and required the help of His disciples in doing so. Prayer was a lifestyle for Him.
2. There are times or moments in a believer’s life, wen we need the strength and support fellow believers or brothers and sisters in Christ in the place of prayer. Needing help sometimes in prayer is clearly not something to be ashamed of. If Jesus needed their support system, so can would we and so can we. Proverbs 27:17.
It is however important to note, that not every believer is fit or qualified for this role in our lives. Jesus had more than twelve disciples, but only took three of them on this journey. Matthew 26:37-38.
3. Prayer requires us to be open and honest with our Heavenly Father. Jesus clearly demonstrates this truth as we see in Gethsemane. Matthew 26:39. He did not come before the Father in pretense. He was open and honest about His feelings about the task at hand.
One way for the believer to be able to demonstrate such openness with the Father is by being conscious of his or her righteousness in Christ, so that unlike Adam, if we fall as believers, we can still come boldly before our Father. Hebrews 4:16.
4. Jesus did not try to use his prayer as a means of overturning God’s will or changing God’s mind about the task at hand, rather, this time of prayer was used to submit His will to the will of the Father, and receive the required strength of the Father to do what the Father wills. Matthew 26:39.
It is important for the believer to know, that God never intended for prayer to be used as a tool or weapon against Him. It was never meant to be means of getting God to approve our will, plans and pursuits.
5. Jesus expected His disciples, and by extension the believer today, to pray, in spite of the satiations that may surround us, our even our emotional state or feelings. In verse 37 of Matthew 26, we are told, that the disciples were sorrowful and very heavy. Luke 22:45 tells us that the did not pray because they were sorrowful. In spite of how they felt, Jesus still instructed and expected them to pray nonetheless.
However, Jesus’s example showed that, in spite of we may feel, we must pray, for he exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, yet He prayed.

[Paulpraze]

MY REPLY TO PRECIOUS
It is indeed expedient for every believer to have an understanding of these truths, without which, our walk of faith may not be very productive.
It is great news indeed for a believer to know, he or she has been reconciled with God, brought into harmony with his Maker and Creator, and brought in God’s favor. To understand tat, the war and enmity between himself and God was decisively taken care of by the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Also, redemption is an incredible news for the believer. The knowledge that we are n longer slaves to sin, Satan, and death is liberating and comforting indeed.
All of these amazing realities and truths, made possible, because Christ took our place as our sin offering to God. John described Him as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He died the sinners death, taking upon Himself, all of the wrath of God, and completely exhausted it. This way, He is the propitiation for our sins.
It is important that you pointed out the fact that, God is not to be compared to pagan gods, who require sacrifices from their subjects, in order for them to have peace and prosperity. God is not vindictive, neither is He vengeful. What is more is that, not only is God just and must deal with sin, He is love and made a way for the sin to be condemned by providing the sacrifice required for this to happen. This is unlike these pagan gods, who make unreasonable demands of their subjects and not care how they go about meeting those demands.

[Paulpraze]

My Response to Femionas.
I would like to begin by pointing out something very important that you mentioned about the refusal to forgive as a pitfall of the subtlety of legalism.
Indeed, this is one area where a lot of believers unsuspectingly fall into legalism.
Basically, one’s refusal to forgive another person of a suffered wrong implies, that the other person in question is undeserving of forgiveness. The danger in taking such a stand is that, it presupposes, that we have been able to somehow, live our lives in such a way, that we have been able to at least, deserve the forgiveness of God in the places were we may have come short.
The subtlety here is that, refusing to forgive others has put us in the position of judge, and we can therefore determine who deserves forgiveness or not, based on the gravity of the offense, or the effect of such an offense on us.
This is why some believes would rather see a sinner or a witch for example die, than have them be forgiven. Those who pray for their enemies to die also fall into this trap. It is difficult for them to see that the same grace that has appeared unto them and saved them is also available to even their worst enemies.
Ultimately, there seems to be the belief, that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is not sufficient for the salvation of certain kinds of sinners.
Lastly, on the issue of avoiding certain portions of scripture, it is my persuasion, that a proper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, will give us such an understanding of all of scripture, that we come to the realization, that Christ was always the plan of God, and that even the law was never intended to be a means of salvation, but to point us to Christ. Romans 3:20-24, Galatians 3:24-25.

[Paulpraze]

THE SUBLETY OF LEGALISM

According to the English dictionary, legalism can he defined as;
1. strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.
2. the practice of following the law very closely, especially by paying more attention to rules and details than to the intentions behind them:
3. (Theology) the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
From all of the above definitions, it can be seen that, the idea or concept of legalism is the belief that a person, through his or her own good works, can somehow merit salvation. It suggests that man has the capacity to earn God’s forgiveness, grace and favor. However, nothing can be farther from the truth.
Legalism clearly underestimates God’s standards, overestimates man’s capacity and therefore assumes that man, in himself can meet God’s standard of righteousness and therefore earn his salvation.
The word subtle can be defined according to the English dictionary as making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something. not loud, bright, noticeable, or obvious in any way:
The idea here therefore is, that legalism can usually be difficult to detect, especially in our own selves.
In Galatians 2:21, the Apostle Paul makes it clear, that legalism is the enemy of God’s grace. The notion that one can earn righteousness or salvation from God frustrates God’s grace.
It is therefore important for the believer who will experience God’s grace in his or her life, to understand this subtlety of legalism and how to avoid this pitfall.
HOW CAN A BELIEVER FALL INTO LEGALISM?
1. Failure to know and be conscious of the truth that how we receive Christ is how we go on walking in Him. Galatians 2:6.
In chapter 3 of Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia, he describes this failure as being bewitched. These believers had clearly began in the spirit by the hearing of faith, but somehow, felt the need to do more than walk by faith, to continue their walk with the Lord. The Apostle describes this as foolishness.
2. In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells a profound parable that shows us how a believer can fall into legalism without even realizing it. In this story, we find that the quarrel of the first set of employees with Jesus was based on the assumption or notion that they deserved more pay because they had done more work than the other sets of employees. Interestingly, these guys were paid what was agreed but were upset with the employer for being gracious to the others who were now getting as much as these first set of workers were getting.
Sometimes, there are people amongst us that may experience certain works of God in their lives, that may provoke such notions in our heart. We somehow belief, that these people should not yet be having such experiences of God’s favor in their lives.
What we may not realize however, is that such a though is rooted in legalism because the idea is that such people have not done enough to earn such favors and miracles from God.
HOW CAN A BELIEVER AVOID THIS PITTFALL?
1. Paul’s letter to the Galatian church is very instructive in dealing with legalism. What he does is simple, yet powerful to this effect. The Apostle simply reminded this church of how they begin their walk with God. This was basically the whole point of the this letter. It was a reminder of the gospel.
The instruction for us here was beautifully captured by C H Spurgeon when he said that “The most important daily habit we can possess is to remind ourselves of the gospel”. A clear understanding of the gospel, and a constant reminding ourselves of the same is key to avoiding the pitfall of legalism and its subtlety.
2. From the story in Matthew 20:1-16, we also need to avoid the assumption that what we deserve is based on what we do, rather than in what Christ has done i.e. the graciousness of God. If it will be by grace, then it must be by faith, and not our own merit. If it will be grace, then it can not be by our own work.

[Paulpraze]

MY REPLY TO BEN

Firstly, the church is generally believed to have began on the day of Pentecost in the upper room, where the disciples of Jesus received the promise of the Spirit after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If this is true, can this angelic ministry of encouragement in Acts 1 can be classified as being to the early church?
Secondly, I believe that it is a great blessing to know as you have pointed out, that, no matter the danger we may face in our pursuit of God, He will always provide us with deliverance. It is a blessing indeed that we have angels as ministering spirits for us who are heirs of salvation.
Furthermore, it is another blessing indeed to know, that God answers us as a local Church when we pray together. Some of the response to Peter upon seeing him out prison suggests, that there were some who may have doubted. However, in spite of this, God answers their prayer and delivers Peter.
Finally, the Lord is our Shepherd indeed, and He knows how to communicate with us His children. He knows exactly how to reach us, guide us and instruct us. In the stories you reference, God uses angels to provide guidance and instructions to His people. He thought it to be the best way to reach these people in that particular time and He did so. God’s course of action are always the best possible.

[Paulpraze]

THE ROLES OF ANGELS IN THE EARLY CHURCH AS SEEN IN THE BOOK OF ACTS
The role or ministry of angels in the early church can be seen as recorded in the books on a number of occasions. These works of angels can be said to have been very vital to the establishment and advancement of the early Church.
The following are instances of the roles of angels in the early as recorded in the book of Acts.
1. Deliverance from prison. Acts 5:16-19. The Apostles here had been thrown in prison for preaching and healing in the name of Jesus, defying an earlier instruction from the high priest and his cohort, not to preach the Gospel in the name of Jesus Christ. These men had been imprisoned for choosing to follow Christ’s command rather than men’s and at whatever cost. The cost on this occasion was imprisonment. But while they were there, an angel of the Lord, came by night, and opened their prison door, just like the angel, rolling away the stone at the tomb of Jesus. The Apostles were once more free.
Another angelic ministry of deliverance from prison is recorded in Acts 12. The story involved the arrest of the Apostle Peter after the arrest and murder of James the brother of John. It would seem, that Herod’s intention was to kill Peter. We are told in verse 5 of the prayer of the church for Peter. God answered the prayer of the church on behalf of Peter by sending an angel to execute his deliverance. Acts 12:7-11.
2. Divine guidance. In the same story of Acts 5, not only did the angel free the Apostles from prison, they also received divine guidance and instruction from God through the angel. Acts 5:19-21.
Another instance of divine guidance through angels is recorded in Acts 8:26-38. On this occasion, it was deacon Phillip, who had received this guidance from the angel of the Lord, and his obedience to this leading, led to the salvation of an Ethiopian eunuch, which most likely led to spread of the Gospel to Ethiopia.
Also, another interesting even is found in Acts 10. In this story, an angel appears and gives instruction to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, which ultimately led to the visit of the Apostle Peter, who had seen a vision and had been instructed by the HolySpirit. The Gospel was preached to Cornelius and his household and they were baptised in the HolySpirit. The appearance of the angel to Cornelius, and the subsequent obedience that followed would lead to the confirmation of the vision that Peter had seen. Acts 10:1-22.
In summary, angels were used by God in the early church to minister both deliverance and guidance to His people, for the purpose of the advancement of the Church and His honour and glory.
The same is very much possible with us today. It is our heritage as heirs of salvation and joint-heirs with Christ. Hallelujah!!!

[Paulpraze]

TWO INSTANCES OF THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S GRACE IN MY LIFE
In our study on God’s grace as the source of our salvation, we saw six different meanings of grace. All of these definitions reveal different aspects of this incredible grace of God that we are blessed to enjoy in our lives.
The first manifestation I want to discuss is the manifestation of God’s grace that brought me into Christ, and this is significant for me.
For people like me, who were literally born in church and grew up in church, it can be very difficult to come to the point where one recognises his or her need for the Saviour. It really is difficult to view one’s self as a sinner in the light of one’s supposed commitment to God and the ‘church’ that one belongs to. I learnt to do what was expected of me, learnt to behave in a certain way, and received the approval and commendations of people around me that confirmed my “goodness”. So you see, the idea of being a sinner never really came through, both because the Gospel was not being preached as it should have and also because I considered myself to be a “good” person.
It is such a profound manifestation of God’s grace to me, that God was able to get me to the point of truly surrendering to Christ and understanding the condition that I was in as a sinner. To be able to appreciate salvation, having lived the kind of “good” life that I had lived before salvation, is indeed to me, a profound manifestation of God’s grace in my life. Ephesians 2:1-9, Philippians 3:3-9.
Secondly, one of the definitions of grace that we looked at, was concerning God’s willingness to use His power on our behalf, even when we do not deserve it and I have seen God, in my life and the lives of others, use His power graciously on our behalf, even when we did not deserve it, to wrought miracles for us, particularly as regards the healing of our bodies.
Sometime ago, I noticed this pain and irritation in my right eye. I did not even know when and how it started. I just prayed about it and trusted God. Recently, I noticed that the pain and irritation had gone. I did not even know when the healing occurred. Jesus healed me. Isaiah 53:4-5, Ephesians 1:19-23, 1 Peter 2:24. God is gracious indeed and abounds to me everyday of my life.

[Paulpraze]

MY REPLY TO SOTON

The importance of the renewal of the mind and the consequent transformation that it leads to cannot be overemphasised.
When the rubber meets the road, the difference between a growing believer and a stagnant believer comes down to this very important matter of the renewal of the mind. The difference in the experience of two believers will be determined by the renewal of their minds. The one that minds the Spirit will experience life and peace, while the one that minds the flesh, though alive in the spirit, will still experience death.
One of the believer’s biggest needs will be that of a mind renewal.

[Paulpraze]

MY REPLY TO SOTON

Two major observations I’d like to make here.
First, I would have loved to know more of your thoughts on how the variety of meanings of the word soul is partly responsible for the divergent views on the origin of the soul.
Secondly, you did not take a stand or position on the matter of the origin of the soul.

[Paulpraze]

MY REPLY TO BEN

I particularly like the quote from Pearlman that you used as the basis for your stand on the matter.
It is my belief, that the idea that souls may come from parents does not necessarily mean that God is not their Creator.
So yes, God creates every soul but through the agency of parents.
Pearlman’s suggestion of a cooperation between God and parents makes the most sense to me as well.

[Author]

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