TheGodkindChurch

We are Not Mere Men There is a Way that Seems Right but Leads to Death

Persistence Shamelessly Staying with Your Request in Prayer

Dare to Believe If we are going to see the glory of God, we would have to dare to believe to create unlimited possibilities that God is willing to have us experience.

The God that Never Forgets Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” There are things we know cannot happen with God. The Bible reveals God as the truth making lie antithetical to Him. So, the Bible concludes saying it is impossible for God to lie. It is not a case of refusing to lie, He cannot lie. ‭‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “in hope of eternal life, which *God, that cannot lie*, promised before the world began;” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which *it was impossible for God to lie*, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” We also know by the scripture reveals that God is the all knowing. Nothing is hidden from His knowledge. There was nothing of the past that escaped His attention, no activity of the present is hidden from Him and the future cannot catch Him by surprise. The all knowing God cannot be forgetful. In our text above, Hebrews 6:10, the Bible says God is not forgetful of our labour of love, things we have done for others because of His name. The assurance I want to draw your attention to here is not the reward for your labour of love though that is certain but the unforgeting God. God is not forgetful not because He is not a man vulnerable to the weakness of the human nature but because it is unrighteous of Him to forget. The word unrighteous here is from the Greek word _adikos_ which literally describes a wicked fellow, a treacherous person or someone who violates the course of justice. These descriptions are contrary to the nature of God revealed in scripture. So, God being righteous, He cannot and must not forget you. Zion had charged God with forgetfulness because of the state of the nation Israel. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.” God’s response was swift defending His honour saying, “…will I not forget thee.” It may be characteristic of humans to forget and a woman may even forget her baby but not the Lord. He never forget His commitments. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” The assurance this offers the man in Christ is that he is not forgotten and should find great comfort in God that He is for you and has promised never to leave you nor forsake you. It is an eternal assurance. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, *I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee*. A believer must rest in God that He is with you. The appropriate response of faith is in Hebrews 13:6. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.” Do not give room or entertain the thought that God has forgotten you because He has not. To forget you will make Him unrighteous. Your experiences are not final. God’s word is true over and above all your experiences. The last words of the Lord to His chosen nation is this: ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” You are not forgotten! Isaiah 49:15-16, HCSB "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me." Hebrews 6:10 "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love."

The Heart of Man: Deceitful and Desperately Wicked

The Lord's Day

The Gnashing of Teeths

We are not Mere Men: Two Kinds of People

The Word of Faith, Part II

Stand on God's Promise

The Word of Faith

The Goodness of God Brings Forgiveness of Sins II

The Goodness of God Brings Forgiveness of Sins I

The Goodness of God Leads to Repentance

Participate! Now, we know we are the sons of God - a chosen people, royal priests, a nation set apart, a peculiar people, called out of the darkness of this world into the marvelous light of Christ. We, formerly the enemy of God are now God's people because we obtained God's mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. We came into this status in Christ - having been regenerated and renewed by the Holy Ghost and translated from our natural heritage through Adam to the divine heritage through the last Adam - Jesus. The apostle Peter described this as turning from "vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;..." and turning to "the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot..." The outcome being the new man (devoid of his natural heritage) "being born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible..." 1 Peter 1:18-23 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. We are offsprings of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Romans 8:9-11 Colossians 2:11-12 Titus 3:4-6 1 Peter 3:21 Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 12. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 18. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 27. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 3:4-6 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. We are also established in His Church not to be idlers but to bring functional relevance to it by edification according to God's plan. Church is where we are trained not just for the ministry of reconciliation but more importantly to know the Father. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Men being saved is what Jesus described as to have eternal life. Eternal live is to know the only God in His Son Jesus Christ. John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. The certain proof you know the Father is when your will is consumed by His. So, Church is God's wisdom to achieve the following: 1. Demonstrate to principalities and powers the manifold wisdom of our God. Ephesians 3:8-11 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 2. Those who know the Father will perform the ministry of reconciliation. And in Christ, we are suitably qualified for this every one of us. Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Not only are we members of His body, we are all equipped to profit the church. Romans 12:3-8 For I say , through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Ephesians 4:7-16 Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Ephesians 5:18-21 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

The Extravagant Goodness of Our God

Church: The Assembly of Sons We became the sons of God by identification in His resurrection. Therefore, our sonship is a now reality. We are heirs of the Father, joint heirs with Christ. Partakers of the inheritance together with Christ. Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Jesus brought us into the inheritance by identification - in His death, we die and in His resurrection we are raised to life. Now raised to life, we die no more having been freed from sin. Romans 6:3-5, 7-9 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. But to be able to share identity with Him, He shared identity with us or shared in our identity that from our position of weakness He might obtain victory for us destroying Satan who had the power of death and obtain reconciliation with God for us. Hebrews 2:14-18 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. John 6:53-58 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. In His resurrection, He constituted the Church setting the redeemed individuals in family - made up of people called out of the hold of Satan. Psalm 68:6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. The word Church was translated from the greek word Ekklēsia which literally means a calling out (into a unique assembly). Back in Matthew 16:18, the Lord said He would establish (in His resurrection) His Church - a people called out to Himself. This is not an existing congregation. It is a brand new call out from world population, a new assembly. The banding together of the sons of resurrection on the earth is what the Lord called Church. Luke 20:35-36 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Hebrews 2:9-18 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels ; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Furthermore, Paul would explain to us the Church is the product of redemption - cleansed in the blood of Christ and presented to himself a glorious Church, without spot, or wrinkle, or any form of blemish but holy. Ephesians 5:23-32 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Individuals but members of His body - a part of a system. Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. All of God's work subsequently is done in the Church. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. James 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Extras 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Exhortation: The Word in You

Now are We the Sons of God! The first time the word Church appears in the new testament, it was used by the Lord describing the immediate outcome of His work in redemption through His death, burial and resurrection. Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. In fact, His revelation as the Son of God that He really is remains an ordinary claim until it is validated in the most extraordinary way possible. The pretext of Matthew 16:18 narrates the conversation between the Lord and His disciples wherein Peter rightly called Him out as the Son of God. The Lord responded by saying the response of Peter was divinely inspired, this was the revelation of God to Peter. This is yet another reason to accept the testimony that Jesus is the Son of God following series of other events where He was revealed to be the Son of God including: 1. Gabriel's announcement at the conception of Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and the events following His birth - the shepherd's visit, the Magi's visit, Jesus' presentation at the temple. 2. John the Baptist's revelation. 3. The confession of humans and devils in the course of His ministry. 4. His miraculous works. However, the chiefest pointer to His Son of God status was His resurrection from the dead having predicted same ahead. It was the greatest evidence that He is indeed the Son of God. What made His a unique resurrection was that He rose from the dead to die no more, death will never have dominion on Him ever again. Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: It is on this revelation of Him being the Son of God the church is built on. More on this later. The phrase "I will build" in Matthew 16:18 is translated from the Greek word 0ikodomeō which means to establish or to found. It could also of course mean to build. It is a verb to describes a finished work rather than describing a process. The Lord was firmly stating ahead what he will do in His resurrection, establish the Church. It is a once and for all action with once for all time result - the Church. How do we know the Church is established in His resurrection? He points to the "gates of hell" and the word hell here is from the Greek word Hades literally an uncomfortable place for the dead. Jesus indicating here His surrender to death will have Him under the power of death at least for three days. When He prevails over death by rising from the dead, the Church is established hence His statement "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". Even in death, the place of the dead will not prevent the Church from taking of. It is an assurance of His resurrection. Two things are prominent here; His Sonship is evidenced by His resurrection from the dead, so also is the establishment of the Church is based on His resurrection. So, Jesus' resurrection is the most important doctrine of Christianity. In fact, Christianity falls apart without resurrection of Jesus. Another prominent observation here is the two prominent concepts here, Son of God and Church are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they very well relate with each other in an indivisible way. We just need to study the term Son of God and and also the Church and its constituents and the relationship that exist between the two terms. No marvel, the Lord says on this revelation "Son of God" "I will build my Church". The primary objective of the Lord in taking away the sin of the world was to raise a new race of people for God divorced from the Adamic (human) nature and fully conformed to the image of the Son of God. It is important to shed the Adamic nature because it is enmity with God. It is against God, it is a creation of sin not God. It must perish with this world. Romans 8:6-8 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. John 3:3, 5-6 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God, That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:45-50 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual , but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. The chief description for this new race of people is sons of God. Hebrews 2:9-13 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Jesus was clearly saying, in my resurrection I will bring many more sons to the Father, the congregation of which He calls the Church. Before His resurrection, those who believed in Him got the power to become sons at His resurrection. John 1:11-13 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Those who receive his message after resurrection are changed by the regenerative and renewing power of the Holy Ghost since His resurrection is already attained. Titus 3:4-8 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. So, in His resurrection we are declared the sons of God. Romans 8:14-16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Expectation, Part III - What Things Soever In “Expectation: What Things Soever,” we explored the divine expectation for humanity to seek eternal life, a plan meticulously laid out by God. The narrative begins with the creation of man in God’s image, as depicted in Genesis 1:26-28 and expounded in Hebrews 1:1-3, emphasizing that humanity was designed to reflect Christ’s glory and uphold divine principles. The tree of life, central in Eden’s garden, symbolizes God’s offering of life—an eternal life that was within man’s grasp. Genesis 2:9 contrasts this tree with the tree of knowledge of good and evil, highlighting a choice between eternal life and death. The author argues that man’s true desire should align with God’s expectations, steering clear from the tree symbolizing independence and self-will, which leads to spiritual demise as per Genesis 2:16-17. Ultimately, the lesson underscores that every action of God aims to guide man towards eternal life, urging believers to align their desires with this divine expectation with a call for a rejection of worldly wisdom and an embrace of the life God offers—a choice that defines one’s spiritual destiny.

Expectation, Part III || What Things Soever? The expectation of God is for man to find eternal life. Everything God has done is for man to find it and even so, early. 1. Man was created in the image of God, Christ. Genesis 1:26-28 Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 2. The tree of life was in the centre of the garden of Eden symbolizing God's offer of life. Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We know this because Genesis 3:22 tells us eternal implication of the tree of life. Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 3. Man's desire should ordinarily derive from God's expectation set before him. So, God told him to perish the idea of looking towards the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the tree of independence, self will and ungodly wisdom. The fruit of this tree leads to death leaving the tree of life the only plausible choice for man. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. This tree is symbolism for independence. It is called a tree of knowledge..., a knowing set in your own ways, you become god to yourself with the power to self determine good and evil. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death . Why would God offer him a regimented choice if he made him a free moral being capable of making his own choices? Your honour comes from the person from whom your position derives. Man is man because the Lord made him in His image (the title of wife derives from being married to a man etc, etc.). In other words, man is a product of God's wisdom. This honour is well utilized when it serves your Lord's interest. Proverb 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Man was offered a choice, but truth be told, he was nudged towards the godly choice to make it easy for him. Imagine yourself in an examination, each question with two answer option to choose from, only one of which is correct. In this instance, the examiner already helped you by indicating the wrong option, leaving you with only the right option to choose. But you decidedly chose to pick the already eliminated wrong option. This is not just Adam exercising his power of choice but more succinctly his demonstration of rebellion against his benefactor especially because the choice of the eliminated wrong answer was out of a special revelation from an enemy-friend. In the same way, God in showing His overwhelming love for His creatures provided means for their sustenance in the garden having planted it, for mankind and animals. There were trees pleasant to the sight and good for food. The garden was also well watered. Genesis 2:8-10 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted , and became into four heads. He went a step further to give them power over the garden to tend and to keep it. Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. The implication of this is simple, they would be able to work the garden to extend the garden should the need arise. This can be seen as divine authorization for growth and development. Man has power to over it to cultivate and guard it not to prevent non existent invaders from intruding but to preserve its God ordered purpose. Now, man cannot desire beyond the limit of God's provision although His provision is according to His riches in glory. If His provision is without limit, how then is it possible to desire beyond the boundary of God's provision? Lust, greed, covetousness etc. Just consider how sin and death came into the world. Satan's temptation! Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? The woman's would indicate a clear grasp of the limit of their boundary but Satan pressed further with a direct attack in the integrity of God and effect of His word. Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Satan did not put the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in her hand, he simply aroused her curiosity which led to lust for the eliminated wrong option. Though deceived, she took of the fruit to eat with her husband. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Temptation is the product of lust which leads to sin the consequence of which is death. To say it more clearly, it takes lust to pick the eliminated wrong answer from God's multiple choice question. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. This lust was not borne out of the human nature but deception of Satan to look away from your source, to live outside His wisdom and to under under your own power. This godly wisdom is the tree of life. Proverb 3:13-20 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. The blessings of life are in the way of wisdom, the wisdom of God. For only from God promotion comes. Psalm 75:4-7 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. 1 Samuel 2:7-9 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. Isaiah 2:12-17 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up , and upon all the oaks of Bashan , And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. James 1:9-11 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

The lesson delves into the parable of the talents, a story found in the Bible that illustrates principles of stewardship, obedience, and trust in God's provision. It's divided into three parts, each highlighting key aspects of the parable. In the first part, the speaker discusses the significance of the talents, representing resources and opportunities given to us by God. The emphasis is on faithful stewardship, utilizing our gifts and resources to their fullest potential for the glory of God. Moving on to the second part, the focus shifts to the attitudes of the servants towards their master and their responsibilities. Here, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that all increase comes from God, urging listeners to avoid comparing themselves to others and to trust in God's ability to bring growth and reward. In the final part, the discussion centers on the concept of striving lawfully as soldiers of Christ. The speaker highlights the need for disciplined obedience to God's commands, avoiding entanglement with worldly distractions, and striving with integrity in the Christian walk. Success is defined not by worldly standards but by faithful stewardship and obedience to God's instructions. Overall, the lesson encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of faithful stewardship, diligent obedience, and trust in God's provision and increase. It underscores the importance of focusing on God's commands, avoiding comparison with others, and cultivating humility, contentment, and trust in God's faithfulness throughout our Christian journey.

What Value Do You Place on Church? To what extent do you go to demonstrate the value of Church in your life compared to the value you place on your other relationships? This short exhortation is to charge you to hold the Church in high esteem.

The Reality of our Sonship, Part V One of the reality of life in Christ is our adoption into God's family through the finished work of Jesus Christ as children. This is one of the most vital truth a believer is first exposed to because it rests on identity. It is a unique calling specific to the Christian faith as this concept is not found in any other world religion. This calls for a study so that we properly identify, classify and carry ourselves with the dignity of the Lord our God.

The Authority of the Holy Scriptures, Part III 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; Every believer owe the Lord Jesus the duty of knowing the gospel sufficiently to make a defense for it scripturally, yet intelligently. The purpose of this lesson and others to follow is to equip the man in Christ with biblical explanation for the exclusive devotion to the Holy Bible in defense of the gospel of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The Lord taught the gospel out of the Holy Scripture, the apostles gave evidence of the Lord's resurrection from the Holy Scriptures. It is safe to conclude that the Bible remains the dependable official account of God on what He is doing in this world and must remain our go to evidence book to explain the kingdom of our God. Grace.