Christmas is already here, ready or not. Stores have rolled out their Christmas wares and are already raking in millions of dollars. Vacations, travel plans, hotel reservations, gifts, caroling, decorations, etc. have all been concluded. But is that how best to be ready for Christmas? As Christians, Christmas is a time for deep reflection regarding God’s coming as a human into our sinful world. Our sin problem could only be resolved by the coming and dying of Jesus Christ in our place so that we could be forgiven and be reconciled with God. When John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus Christ came, he preached repentance to the people as the way to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Now that Jesus Christ has come, died, and risen for our justification, we have every reason to celebrate forgiveness and freedom from sins. Sadly, many put up so much to celebrate Christmas while still in bondage to sin. The good news is that you can give your sinful heart to Christ today. He will accept and clean you up, and this Christmas will be the best for you.
 
 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

When Enoch suddenly disappeared from the earth, the only information God volunteered to our inquiring minds is: “Enoch walked with God” (Gen. 5:24). The writer of Hebrews expounded that to mean “pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). We all claim to walk with God, but is God pleased with us? Pharaoh was pleased with Joseph, so he gave Goshen to Joseph’s family. King Xerxes was pleased with Esther and made her queen, and the Jewish community was delivered from Haman’s evil plot. King Herod was pleased with Herodias’ daughter when she danced at his birthday party, and he promised her half of his kingdom. God was pleased with His Son and announced to the world: “This is my Son with whom I am well pleased.” If I am pleasing to God, He will undoubtedly be proud of me, and who knows what He will do? Take me away without experiencing death as He did to Enoch and Elijah? Boast about me to Satan as He did about Job? Speak to me face to face as He did with His friend, Moses? How can I please God? “And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).
 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thes. 5:18).

This is Thanksgiving Week, and we redirect our attention to our benevolent Father from whom all good things come. On a typical day, we say thank you several times to different people – to our spouses for services rendered, to strangers who hold doors open to let us in, to drivers who have the right of way but allow us to make that problematic left turn, to anyone who says ‘bless you’ when we sneeze, even to police officers who stop us for a traffic violation but decided to warn us instead of issuing a ticket. We consider it rude not to appreciate someone kind to us. If every act of kindness requires a thankful response, then thanksgiving to God should be like a river flowing ceaselessly from each of us. But do we do that? Don’t we take God for granted? We complain aloud and blame God for every negative experience. But when things happen positively, we take the credit and fail to thank God. God should get all the Thanks!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

ECWA USA JULY 2024 CONFERENCE UPDATES

ECWA USA 2024 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE JULY 25 – 28, 2024

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

AT

BEECHMONT BAPTIST CHURCH
4574 S 3RD ST., LOUISVILLE, KY 40214

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

LOCATION: Home2 Suites Louisville Airport Expo. 3000 Crittenden drive, Louisville, KY 40209 ($129/room/night plus tax rate of 17.54%)
To make a reservation call Paula Wathen, Director of Sales at 502-916-3800 or Email her at Paula.wathen@hilton.com. Mention name of event : ECWA July 25-27, 2024 Conference
CUT OFF DATE: 7.4.2024 after that any rooms not reserved will be released back into inventory.
PET FEE: $75.00 for the duration of the stay up to TBD days
CANCELLATION: 72 Hour Cancel or will be charged one night’s room and tax
AGREEMENT WEB SITE: http://hiltondistribution.com/usa-sleepingroomsonly/addlterms.htm.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Queen and King rooms with sleeper sofas and Kitchens
No Attrition
24 hour Market for purchase of snacks, beverages, etc.
Indoor swimming pool and workout room with combined laundry area
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet each morning

The Conference registration form will be made available as soon as possible.

Secretary
Elizabeth Garba

Paul said, “I bear in my body scars from my service to Jesus” (Gal. 6:17b). What about you?

Most people have scars on their bodies following bruising of the skin. These scars are reminders and bring about pleasant or unpleasant memories of the past. God could have decreed the healing of bruised skin without scars, but in His wisdom, He chose not to do it that way. When Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, He was healed entirely from the bruising and piercing He suffered three days earlier, but the scars on His feet, hands, and side remained. A songwriter noted that the only man-made thing in heaven is the scars on Jesus. Wow! There is the possibility that throughout eternity, we will continue to behold the scars on Jesus to remind us of His eternal love. What scars do you bear on your body today? If most of those scars bring about unpleasant memories, may I suggest that you ask God for a new positive narrative about them or give you new scars that you will be proud of, like Jesus and Paul. Paul said, “I bear in my body scars from my service to Jesus” (Gal. 6:17b). What about you?

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

We are concerned with our physical appearances today, and mirrors are hung everywhere to help us check ourselves. Over 90% of ladies carry mirrors in their purses. There is always a 100% response to fix whatever the mirror reveals is wrong. When everything is perfect, we smile and walk away from the mirror with confidence and a good feeling about ourselves. The Bible, like the mirror, helps us see the inside of us. But unlike our 100% response to fix physical appearances, we look into God’s mirror, the Word, and walk away thinking we will fix it later. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (Jam. 1:22-24). If it is a foolish move to look in the mirror and see ketchup on your chin and refuse to clean it and walk out into the public, it is an unwise move to ignore God’s word by not doing whatever it reveals to us.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them, his anger was aroused (Num. 11:1).

The most significant enemy the Church has today is not Satan, terrorists, governments, unbelievers, etc.; it is Christians who COMPLAIN. Yeah! And all of us, including myself, are guilty of this sin. The Church has learned the bad habits of the Israelites whose lives between Egypt and the Promised Land were nothing but one complaint after the other. We complain today about believers who look different from ourselves and whose doctrinal and liturgical traditions differ from ours. We complain when worship services go five minutes beyond one hour, but it’s okay when we sit three to four hours watching football, and we are excited when it goes overtime. To complain is to charge God for not doing things your way. To grumble or complain is a sin, and God warns us not to do that (1 Cor. 10:10, Jam. 5:9, Jude 1:16). When tempted to complain about any situation, present it instead in prayer to God and experience victory.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
“The earth was without form, and void; and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Gen.1:2.
“ The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4.
“ The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted. Isa.61:1.

“ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper,that He may abide with you forever.Jn.14:16.
“ But when the Helper comes,whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” Jn.15:26.
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free- and have been made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Cor.12:13.

ECWA Articles of Faith and Practice has the following (author summarized) statement about the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the God-head. His ministry is to glorify God in the life of the believer. Regenerate,that is, to give new life to anyone, though dead in sins and trespasses.
Indwell,that is, reside in anyone who truly believes in Jesus Christ.
Baptize, that is , place every true believer into the body of Christ.
Seal, that is, to have, the divine mark of ownership is eternally placed to indicate that the one indwelt is God’s own eternal possession.
Fill, that is, empower believers who yield themselves to God in daily conduct and service.

A HISTORY OF DEBATE AND CONTROVERSY
Very few doctrines of the Bible have generated so much disagreement among believers as pneumatology.
The debate and controversy about the Holy Spirit is as ancient as the early church. It caused a great division in the Corinthian church leading to the long and elaborate explanation by Paul.1 Cor.12-14. The trend continued in the Post-Apostolic period . The first church Father to debate this doctrine was Justin Martyr(100-165 AD). He began to pursue pagan philosophy early in life. After his conversion, he devoted his life and intellectual ability to defending Christianity. He is often called the first Christian philosopher or the first philosophical theologian. His debate about the Holy Spirit is recorded in his Dialogue with Trypho. In one debate, he was arguing to convince his opponent, Trypho, a Jew, that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are at work among Christians.

Next to him is Irenaeus (120-202AD), bishop of Lyons. He was known as a theologian of the Holy Spirit par excellence. He wrote extensively about the Holy Spirit in his apologetic work, Adversus Haereses( Against Heresies). He presented the Godhead as existing in three persons (trinity), Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
A viewpoint that ventured outside the realm of orthodoxy was introduced by Montanus (126-180 AD). He sparked the greatest controversy about the Holy Spirit in the second century. He claimed to be the Paraclete promised by Christ in John 14:16. His aberrational teaching on speaking in tongues caused a schism in the church. The Movement that he founded, Montanism, was later condemned as heretical by the church. His most prominent disciple was Tertullian(160-220 AD). Tertullian later abandoned Montanism and penned extensive work on the Holy Spirit.

The controversy about the Holy Spirit in the early church was not settled (though not with finality) until the fourth century. The second Church Council 381 AD in Constantinople affirmed the Holy Spirit as a member of the Godhead equal with the Father and the Son. The Council of Chalcedon 451 AD) put a final stamp of authority and orthodoxy to the affirmation.

THE NEGLECTED MEMBER OF THE GODHEAD
“The Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood, marginalized,misused and underappreciated member of the Trinity. On the one hand,He’s ignored, and on the other hand,He’s illegitimately sensationalized.” So began the theologian,prolific author and renowned pastor, Dr.Tony Evans, in the Introduction of one of his latest books.
“ In most Christian churches the Spirit is entirely overlooked.Whether He is present or absent makes no real difference to anyone. Brief reference is made to Him in the Doxology and the Benediction. Further than that, He might as well not exist. So completely do we ignore Him that it is only by courtesy that we can be called Trinitarian…The idea of the Spirit held by the average church member is so vague as to be nearly non-existent.”A.W.Tozer. In spite of these rebuking remarks, it’s sad to say that for many believers in the 21st century, their answer to the question about the Holy Spirit would not differ a lot from that of the disciples at Ephesus .Acts 19:1-2.

The Holy Spirit has often and for good reasons been called “The neglected member of the Godhead. The reason being that Father and the Son are recognized as divine persons by the cults and other non-christian religions. This includes the Muslims.But when it comes to the Holy Spirit, they all deny his personality and His divinity. The Jehovah Witnesses teach that the Holy Spirit is only but a non-personal force or mere influence. These erroneous views stem from the word used to describe the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word Ruach is used for Spirit, breath or wind. Cf.Gen.1:2;8:1; Num.27:16; Job 27:3;33:4 . Also in the New Testament,the Greek word Pneuma, which means wind or breath, is also used for the Holy Spirit. Pneuma is a neuter tense in Greek and can be rendered as it. Because of this common translation, some people equate the Holy Spirit as a non-person and deny both His deity and personality.

The neglect of the Holy Spirit is not limited to non-christians.Until the rise and spread of the Charismatic Movement,many believers of non-Pentecostal tradition often paid what may be called “a lip service” to the Person and the work of the Holy Spirit. The kind of attitude such as described by A.W.Tozer. This is not to imply that they denied His existence or His deity, but very little emphasis or attention was given to the third person of the Godhead in theological institutions or on the pulpit. Notwithstanding this apathetic attitude, both the Old and the New Testament record overwhelming evidence about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is mentioned as a participant in the creation story.Gen.1:2. He is mentioned as the creator of man.Job 33:4. The Holy Spirit is involved in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.Lk.1:35. He empowered Jesus for His earthly ministry.Matt.3:16;Lk.4:14-19;Jn.3:34.He raised Christ from the dead.Rom.1:3-4;8:11. He baptizes believers into the body of Christ.1 Cor.12:13. He warns about the future.1 Tim.4:1-3. He speaks to the churches. Rev.2:7,11,17,29;3:6,13,22.

IDENTIFYING THE HOLY SPIRIT-HIS ATTRIBUTES
Every object, animate and inanimate, is identified by its attributes. This is true also of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for Spirit is pneuma as stated above.Although pneuma is a neuter tense and it is used for any object identified with it, but not so with the Spirit. The New Testament uses a masculine personal pronoun when referring to the Holy Spirit.Jn.14:16-17;15:26;16:7-15.Rom.8:16;26. From the foregoing, it is seen that the attributes of a person are ascribed to the Holy Spirit.Cf.also Jn.14:26. Throughout the Scripture the Holy Spirit is spoken of as possessing the attributes and characteristics of a person. He is involved in the creation of the material universe and mankind.Job 26:13;Ps.104:30. He regenerates and gives new life.Jn.3:6.1 Pet.1:22-23. He is involved in the birth of the church. Acts 1:5;2:1-4;He empowers the spreading of the Gospel.Acts 1:8;8:29-40; He sets apart and supretends over missionary enterprise. Acts 13:2-4;16:6-10. He is the Supreme author of the Scriptures.2 Sam.23:2-3; Matt.23:43; Acts 1:16;2 Tim.3:16; Heb.3:7;4:3-7;1 Pet.1:10-11;2 Pet.1:21.

Also throughout the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is seen equipping and empowering people to accomplish special and various tasks.Gen.41:37-38;Exo.31:3; Num.11:17-29;Josh.27:18-21;Neh.9:30;Dan.4:8;5:11-12.

The Holy Spirit empowered kings and rulers to govern their people.1 Sam.10:6;16:13-18; He enabled the judges of Israel to defeat their oppressors and set the nation free. Judg.3:9-11;6:33-35;11:29;13:25;14:6,19;15:14-15. He empowered the prophets to deliver God’s message to the people.Ezek.2:2;8:3;11:1,24;1 Pet.1:11.
With a remarkable variation, the operation of the Holy Spirit is intensified in the New Testament. Unlike in the Old Testament, many ordinary people were filled and used by the Holy Spirit. Lk.1:41;2:25-27;Acts 4:31;6:3-5;13:52.

The Holy Spirit has names like a person.Matt.10:20;12:28;Lk.4:18;Jn.14:16,17,26;15:26;16:7;Acts 16:7;Rom.8:9;Phil.1:19. The Holy Spirit exercises will or volition.1 Cor.12:11. He can be grieved and hindered.Eph.4:30;1 Thess.5:19. All these records bear evidence that the Holy Spirit is a person.

THE CREEDS OF CHRISTENDOM
During the early centuries of christianity, there were lots of debates and disagreements about different doctrines especially those pertaining to the trinity. THe Apostles’ Creed was formulated in the second century. And later bishops and elders convened Councils to discuss issues raised by erupting erroneous teachings. They ratified what in the light of the Scriptures they considered orthodoxy for the church. The resolution they reached became known as Creeds. The Apostles’ Creed was a summary of the basics of the Christian faith used as a catechism. Later, followed the Councils of Nicea 325 AD, Constantinople 381 AD and Chalcedon 451 AD. All the three councils including the Apostles’ Creed affirmed the personality and the deity of the Holy Spirit.

CONCLUSION
These few selected topics are all that a limited correspondence such as this can contain. More discussion on the Holy Spirit can be found in the author’s 2021 and 2022 Pastoral letters.

 
Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo, a distinguished scholar and devoted servant of the faith, embarked on his academic journey at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he achieved his undergraduate degree. Reverend Ezeigbo’s unwavering commitment to his studies, combined with advanced placement opportunities, enabled him to excel in his undergraduate program, completing it with remarkable speed. Subsequently, he embarked on a profound educational odyssey by enrolling in Seminary courses to pursue his Graduate degrees.

Transitioning from Grace College, Reverend Ezeigbo continued his theological pursuits at Capital Bible Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, where he earned both his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Theology (Th.M.) degrees. His tenure at Capital Bible Seminary exemplified his dedication to academic rigor and spiritual growth.

In his quest for spiritual enlightenment and theological enrichment, Reverend Ezeigbo undertook Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia, further expanding his theological horizons.

Reverend Ezeigbo currently serves as the esteemed coordinator of African Missionary Outreach. He holds the pivotal position of Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator at ECWA USA, reflecting his influential role in fostering spiritual revival within the community. Additionally, Reverend Ezeigbo has previously held positions of Secretary and Chairman within the ECWA USA DCC, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication.

Reverend Ezeigbo is a tireless advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. He imparts his profound knowledge as a Bible teacher for ECWA Maryland and contributes his expertise as a Researcher in Church History and Theology, enriching the understanding of these vital disciplines. Reverend Ezeigbo ‘s exemplary commitment to education, faith, and service stands as a testament to his unwavering devotion to his calling.

The difference between hope and despair, joy and sadness, peace and disquiet is how much space heaven occupies in your heart compared to earthly stuff. When Jesus declared, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mat. 6:21), He asked if heaven was on your mind. Evaluate yourself through these four questions that require a YES or NO answer:

1. Are you more excited about the prospects of heaven than achieving your earthly goals?
2. If you suddenly realize that this is your last day on earth, will you be more excited about the prospects of meeting with Jesus than being disappointed about unfulfilled ambitions?
3. Do you reference God’s Kingdom more than your earthly goals in your conversations with friends and daily prayers?
4. Do you spend more resources to build God’s Kingdom than your earthly kingdom?

We are saved by grace through faith and not because of what we do, but if heaven is not on our minds, what are we saved from, and for what?
 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…to redeem those who were under the law that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Gal.4:4-5.

The coming of the Son of God into the world was timely on God’s program. Although the occasion itselfwas a humble and ordinary incident, its impact has remained the greatest event in human history. The advent of the Savior was not an emergency plan to rescue fallen humanity or to save God an embarrassment. It was a fulfillment of a plan which originated in the mind of God in eternity. Jesus Christ is the lamb slain from the foundation of the world (1 Pet.1:19-20; Rev.13:8.)

Even before man was created, God in His foreknowledge knew that he would fall and preempted a plan for his redemption. Although the plan for mankind’s redemption was conceived in eternity, God designateda specific time in history when it will be accomplished. This eternal plan became a part of human history on that day of infamy when Adam and Eve were beguiled by the serpent (Satan. (Gen.3) To demonstrate His Sovereignty and total control over the situation, God proclaimed to the serpent, ” And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel.” Gen.3:15. This proclamation, often called protoeuangellium (First announcement of the Gospel) is the first revelation of the coming of Christ. It is the first intimation of Christmas in the Bible.) Perhaps there is a sense of irony that he who caused the fall of man was the first to hear the good news of his redemption. God’s plan continued to unfold despite what looked like the dawn of darkness upon human history.

After they were driven from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve and their offspring began to populate the earth. As the population grew, so also its disobedience and rebellion. Rather than seeking light, mankind strayed further into darkness. Following the protoeuangellium, God demonstrated to Adam and Eve that their redemption and of all mankind would come through the substitutionary death of another. He did this by the slaying of an innocent animal to provide covering for them. (Gen.3:21). But notwithstanding, mankind sought salvation in vain religions and barren philosophies of his own making.

In embracing these false systems, mankind groped in darkness such as is described in Isaiah 8:22. “Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish, and they will be driven into darkness. ”

The God Who Controls History
The interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s stunning dream (Dan.2) unfolded more than six hundred years ofhistory. These future historical events pertained to the different empires that would shape the way for the coming of the Messiah. The dream showed how another would succeed each empire. This began with the then incumbent super power, the Babylonian empire under King Nebuchadnezzar (vv.36-38). TheMedo-Persian empire under Cyrus (vv.39a), the Greek empire of Alexander the Great (v.39b) and finally the Roman empire under Caesar Augustus (vv.40-43).

The Age of Caesar Augustus (Octavius)
It is this adopted son of Julius Caesar who is destined to bring the Roman empire to its finest moment and years of glory. When Caesar Augustus ascended the throne in 27 BC, Rome had the entire world in its firm grip. He set out to introduce a stable and productive system of government for the empire. His reign of 41 years was a period of peace and prosperity all over the empire. It was a period characterized by the slogan Pax Romana (Roman Peace) due to a strong, effective, and stable government. A good road network connected the major cities to the Roman capital giving rise to another slogan” All roads lead toRome” But despite all the prosperity and affluence, humanity was still without hope and eternally lost. It is in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah that prophet Isaiah spoke the words of comfort: ” The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” Isa.9:2. The light referred to in verse 2 is further described in verse 6. ” For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Religion Without Hope
Just as there was immense political stability and prosperity during the reign of Caesar Augustus, religion during the same period was multitudinous and widespread. The religious world of the Roman empire wassurfeited with mystery cults, false worship, and various forms of pagan philosophy. Greek culture with itspantheon of gods had been absorbed by the Romans. The Romans practiced religious toleration allowing conquered peoples to worship gods as they chose. The occult practices of magic, foretelling and exorcism were rife. Many people sought protection and future hope in horoscopes and astrology. In the area of philosophy, some people embraced the indulgent lifestyle of epicureanism (Let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die). Others pursued the fatalistic stoicism of self-torture and pain infliction.There were several other schools of philosophy each seeking to find meaning in life, the reason for human existence and the definition of virtues (Arete). All these strenuous efforts ended up as exercise in futility since they did not satisfy the quest in the human heart for a true reality and meaning of life.

Then Came the Messiah, The Light of The World
In his adulation of the great mathematician and scientist Isaac Newton, the English poet, Alexander Pope wrote, “Nature and Nature’s laws lay hid in night. God said, let Newton be! and all was light ” This extreme admiration is too poor to describe the change and hope that Christ’s coming brought to the world. The world to which Christ came was a world in spiritual darkness searching for a meaning to lifeand reason for existence. It was a world of hopelessness and spiritual ignorance. It was a world engrossed in sophisticated human philosophy, yet ignorant of the true spiritual reality. It was a world of strong, stable government and military prowess, but groping for its identity in the darkness of sin and despair. Professor Merrill Tenney gave this summary of the power of the Gospel: ” Christianity did notbegin its growth in a religious vacuum in which it found men blankly waiting for something to believe. On the contrary, the new faith in Christ had to fight its way against entrenched religious beliefs that had been in existence for centuries.”

God providentially prepared the world for the coming of His Son. It was a world of affluence but burdened with spiritual poverty. A world utterly lost and without hope. The light needed to dispel the darkness couldcome only from Christ Himself who proclaimed, ” I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life” Jn.8:12.

This truth is no better expressed than in the words of a favorite Christmas hymn:

O Holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

 
Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo, a distinguished scholar and devoted servant of the faith, embarked on his academic journey at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he achieved his undergraduate degree. Reverend Ezeigbo’s unwavering commitment to his studies, combined with advanced placement opportunities, enabled him to excel in his undergraduate program, completing it with remarkable speed. Subsequently, he embarked on a profound educational odyssey by enrolling in Seminary courses to pursue his Graduate degrees.

Transitioning from Grace College, Reverend Ezeigbo continued his theological pursuits at Capital Bible Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, where he earned both his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Theology (Th.M.) degrees. His tenure at Capital Bible Seminary exemplified his dedication to academic rigor and spiritual growth.

In his quest for spiritual enlightenment and theological enrichment, Reverend Ezeigbo undertook Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia, further expanding his theological horizons.

Reverend Ezeigbo currently serves as the esteemed coordinator of African Missionary Outreach. He holds the pivotal position of Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator at ECWA USA, reflecting his influential role in fostering spiritual revival within the community. Additionally, Reverend Ezeigbo has previously held positions of Secretary and Chairman within the ECWA USA DCC, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication.

Reverend Ezeigbo is a tireless advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. He imparts his profound knowledge as a Bible teacher for ECWA Maryland and contributes his expertise as a Researcher in Church History and Theology, enriching the understanding of these vital disciplines. Reverend Ezeigbo ‘s exemplary commitment to education, faith, and service stands as a testament to his unwavering devotion to his calling.

He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity (Jonah 4:2).

We do not wish good for nations, leaders, terrorists, and others who are not in sync with what we view as right. Like Jonah, we pray curses and judgment on them but neglect God’s command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mat. 5:44). We feel they deserve God’s judgment and wrath. When we are wrong, we cry for God’s mercy and love, not judgment and wrath. God sees things differently, so He commands us to pray even for the wicked. We are not willing to pray for evil people who only do what sinners do by nature; instead, we are telling God how to judge them as if God needed our advice. Refusal to bless and pray for the wicked is to disregard God’s command. We are to love and do good to those who hate us. God knows how and when to take care of them. Job, David, Habakkuk, and Jonah complained about wicked people to God and suggested what God should do. God did not need their advice; He does not need ours also. He wants you to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk 6:28). Start now!

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds … (Jam. 1:2).

We all face trials daily. You cannot program your trials’ timing, place, nature, and intensity. Trials are no respecters of persons. They come unannounced, do not negotiate, and care less about your beliefs. Since Jesus Christ encountered trials here on earth, don’t expect to be spared. Trials and temptations come from the same Greek word (peirazo): test, scrutinize, entice, tempt, discipline, etc. In English, trial refers to a test that reveals our strengths and weaknesses so we can make improvements. Face trials with pure joy as they create the godly character in us (Jam. 1:2-4). Temptation refers to a trial that is evil motivated to make us sin. Satan tempted Jesus, but He resisted him by the Word of God. Jesus gave the disciples the recipe to overcome temptations: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Mat. 26:41). Welcome all trials with a good attitude to learn and grow, and resist all temptations by watching, praying, and using the Word of God.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, … (Heb. 11:13).

A braham is called the father of FAITH for a good reason. God told him to leave his people and go to a place he knew nothing about, and he obeyed. He also obeyed God and literally sacrificed his only son, Isaac. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph ensured their remains were buried in the land God promised them even though they had not inherited it. They trusted in God and His promises and acted accordingly. Our passage for today also testified of the men and women who exercised faith in God and died without seeing God’s promises fulfilled in their time. We are saved by grace alone because we have put our faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. As citizens of heaven, we exercise our faith by living as strangers in this world and obeying our Lord in everything, even when we cannot see the outcome. This is faith!

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

The Meaning of the Godhead
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Gen.1:1.
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them” Gen.1:26-27.
“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Gen.2:24.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!” Deut.6:4.
“…The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” Lk.1:35.
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending upon Him like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt.3:16-17.
“And I will pray the Father; and He will give you another Helper; that He may abide with you forever.” Jn.14:16.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matt.28:19.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” 2 Cor.13:14.
“And I looked and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” Rev.5:6-7.
Although the focus of this letter is on God the Father, the first person of the Godhead, it is necessary at this juncture to clarify what Christians mean when they refer to the Godhead. 

It should be noted that the title has been carefully chosen as “The Meaning” not “Understanding” the Godhead.” The purpose is to state, albeit in a few words, what Christian orthodoxy means when it uses the term Godhead. Other terms such as trinity or the triune God have often been used with the same meaning. In Christian history, trinity seems to be the earliest formula adopted by the Church fathers and early theologians to express their understanding of the Godhead. The term trinity, not mentioned in the Bible, was coined by the North African church father, Tertullian, who lived in the late second century AD.  Later, the use of the shamrock leaf, which is ascribed to St Patrick, the missionary to the Irish people was introduced. And still later, the analogy of water as ice, liquid form and steam has also been adapted for the same purpose. But suffice to say that none of these theories is adequate to give a satisfactory explanation for the infinite mystery of the Godhead.

However, while the full concept of God exceeds human comprehension, it does not imply that the human mind is totally without insight on the nature of God.  Ps.19:1-4; Rom.1:19-20.

The Evidence of Scriptures
Scripture is its own witness. The opening statement of the Old Testament introduces God as oneness in plurality as shown above. The name, Elohim, is plural in Hebrew, but no Jewish scholar has ever questioned its being translated as God (singular) whereas in the decalogue (Exod.20:3.), the same word is translated as gods (plural) when referring to pagan idols. In addition, although in Genesis 1:1, Elohim is plural, the verb, “created” (barah) which goes with it is singular.  Allowing this grammatical inconsistency can only suggest that Elohim is recognized as a divine plurality acting as a unity.

The occurrence of this divine plurality is common in the book of Genesis. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in our image, according to our likeness…. So, God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him, male and female, He created them.” 1:26-27. Cf.3:22-24; 11:5-8. The divine plurality appears also in Isaiah. In his vision, 6:1, he saw the Lord (Adonai) And in verses 3 and 5, that Lord is identified as the Lord of hosts. Then in verse 8, the Lord of hosts asks, “Who shall I send, who will go for Us?”

Nearly all through the Old Testament, God is presented as oneness in plurality and not as a singular monotheism. Both the singular form, El and Elohim, are used 2750 times in the Old Testament. But of significance is that Elohim is used 2500 times.1. 

The evidence of oneness in plurality is probably more profoundly expressed in the Jewish Shema which is recited twice daily by every orthodox Jew. “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.” Deut.6:4. Ironically, many Jews and others who dissent from the idea of the tri-unity of the Godhead think that this verse argues their case with finality. But a closer examination shows the contrary. The Shema more firmly establishes rather than refutes the plurality of the Godhead or the case for tri-unity. The last word of the Shema, echad (One) is commonly understood in Hebrew grammar as a compound- unity noun. It is a noun which demonstrates unity, but at the same time contains several entities. In simple terms, it is a noun that expresses oneness in plurality. Typical usages are in Genesis 1:5. The “one day” or “first day” is echad. It is used to express the dual oneness of evening and morning as the” first” day. It is the same word used by Moses to describe the oneness of marital union. “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they both shall become one flesh.” Gen.2:24. It is also used to describe those who aspired to build the tower of Babel. Gen.11:6. Cf. also Exod.26:11; Num.13:23;1 Sam.13:17;2 Sam.2:25;1Kgs.7:42;11:13;1 Chron.17:21.; Ezra 2:64.

To further strengthen the argument for the use of echad, it is to be noted that the Hebrew language has another word, yachid, which is used when only one or single unit is intended. Cf.Gen.22:2,12,16; Judg.11:34; Ps.22:20; Jer.6:26; Amos 8:10; Zech.12:10.

There is an abundance of similar cogent examples throughout the Old Testament, but space constraints would only allow the above references.

The New Testament Testimony
The New Testament is by no means silent on the witness of the plurality of the Godhead. Although there is elaborate evidence, space would only allow a handful of witnesses.

The New Testament not only elucidates but mentions the number of persons that constitute the Godhead. It provides the stance for understanding the unity and equality shared by the three persons of the Godhead. It further demonstrates that the “Father” “Son“ nomenclature is not a title of superiority or of servility, but of administration and function.

The New Testament presents all three members of the Godhead as involved together in many aspects and roles. All three were involved in the incarnation of Christ. Lk.1:35. At the baptism of Jesus and His empowerment for service. Matt.3:16-17; Mk.1:9-11; Lk.3:21-22. In the sending of the Comforter.Jn.14:16,25:15:26;16:5-15. In the Great Commission.Matt.28:19. In the work of redemption.2 Thess.2:13-14;1 Pet.1:2-3. In the gifting of the church.1 Cor.12:4-6. In the benediction.2 Cor.13:14. In heaven, all the three members sit on the glorious and majestic throne and are worshiped by the heavenly hosts. Rev.5:1-14.

As apparent from the Scriptures, no one “plays a second fiddle” among the members of the Godhead. Each has and plays His assigned roles. This amicable relationship is referred to as co-equality in the Godhead.

Summary
As this brief survey has shown, the anti-trinity groups such as the Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Unitarians, and the Muslims are in error by rejecting the plurality of the Godhead. Those of them who appeal to the Bible for their position have failed to grasp the Hebrew usage of God’s name in the Old Testament, the Shema, and the witnesses of the New Testament.

When Christian orthodoxy speaks of the Godhead, either as Trinity or Triune God, it means that God exists in three distinct co-equal persons as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As the theologian, Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter succinctly adds, “There are three real distinctions within the Godhead, each having distinct consciousness, will, feeling, personalness, yet all coalescing in the one essential being of the only true God.”

Who is God?
Although the study of all things about God is theology, but there are subdivisions within the science of theology which classify some aspect of theology as Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, and Eschatology. Christology and Pneumatology relate to the Son and the Holy Spirit, but when the reference is God alone, it refers to the Father. The ECWA Articles of Faith and Practice seem to be in agreement. It describes God as follows:

“There is one God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, infinite in being and perfection. He exists in three Persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are co-equal and co-eternal (Deut.6:4; Matt.28:19; Heb.1:1-13; Col.1:15,19).

The deity of God the Father seems to be assumed by nearly all religious groups, including non-Christian religions and Muslims. The Father is the only one that the orthodox Jews recognize as God based on their understanding of the Shema. He is the only one that they call their father.

Deut.32:6; Isa.1:2; Hos.11:1; Mal.2:10. Two passages in the Old Testament refer to Jesus as the Son of God. 2 Sam.7:14; Ps.2:7. Several times in the New Testament, Jesus was referred to as the Son of God. More than 50 times in the Gospels, Jesus referred to God as His father. He even claimed to be one with the father. Jn.10:30; 14:9-11. Paul often called God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Cor.1:3; Eph.1:3; Col.1:3; Cf. also 1 Pet.1:3. Nearly at the beginning of all his epistles, Paul separately called God the father.”

As stated earlier, the nomenclature “Father” “Son” does not imply superiority or servility, but of function and administration. All members of the Godhead are co-equals.

The Affirmation of the Church Council
Systematic doctrinal Confessions were still a thing of the future in the early church. It was therefore no surprise that several erroneous doctrines and aberrational teachings were propagated, sometimes unintentionally, by some leaders and bishops. As one would expect, many of these erroneous doctrines involved understanding about the Godhead-mainly about Christology and later Pneumatology. The first three Councils, Nicea, 325 AD, Constantinople, 381 AD, and Ephesus, 431 AD reached a consensus affirming the deity of three persons of the Godhead, and that all three are one in essence. It is to be noted that the Councils did not add anything to the position of the Scriptures on any of the discussions. They reached their decisions guided by the light of the Scriptures.

Conclusion
The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) has three different long statements defining God and the Trinity. The first, which seems to refer essentially to God the Father states:

There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts or assions;immutable,immense,eternal,incomprehensible,almighty,most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable most righteous will, for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and withal, most just, and terrible in his judgements, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.

The third statement which relates to the Trinity states:

In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the father and the Son.

While the full understanding of the Godhead surpasses all human comprehension, sufficient revelation has been provided in the Scriptures so that men are without excuse. Ps.19:1-4; Rom.1:19-20. The full comprehension of the Godhead is concealed in the eternal mystery of which Moses spoke to the Israelites. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut.29:29.

THE FINITE HUMAN INTELLECT IS TOO INFINITESIMAL TO WRAP AROUND THE INFINITE
1. Rosenthal, S. The Tri-Unity of God in the Old Testament. (A tract) The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, W. Collingswood, NJ

Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo studied at Grace Collage and Grace Theological Seminary, both in Winona Lake, IN, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees respectively. He also did some Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. He is the coordinator, African Missionary Outreach. Rev Ezeigbo is the currently Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator ECWA USA. He has also served as Secretary and Chairman of ECWA USA DCC. Rev Ezeigbo is an advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a Bible teacher for ECWA MD and Researcher – Church History and Theology.

Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, (Gen. 1:26).

I was created a perfect man by my Father, God, and was gifted with a perfect woman called Eve, who became my wife. We lived in a paradise called Eden and managed the whole estate called ‘The Earth.’ We and everything we had belonged to God, but as image bearers of our Father, we were created moral beings with the freedom to choose. We made the biggest mistake of our lives when we chose to disobey a straightforward command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. That act broke our relationship with God, and we instantly became slaves to Satan. Shame, fear, loneliness, evil, and death engulfed us. We could not redeem ourselves, and God, out of His love and mercy, stepped in to redeem us from the slave market. He paid the ransom for our lives with His own life. I have learned my lesson to love God with all my heart, die to myself, and live for Him alone. What is your story?

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent (Exo. 33:11).

If God is who He is and we believe Him, then it is inconceivable for anyone to ever seek help elsewhere except from God. People who do not believe in God turn to Him as a last resort. He ought to be the first and only option we have. We must wait on Him until He shows us the next step. Our passage for today reveals what Moses and Joshua did in their time. Moses showed up regularly at the Tent of Meeting to connect with God. Joshua made the Tent his home – dwelling in the presence of God all the time. Others who turned to God to resolve their crises included Job, whose regular custom was to pray for his children (Job 1:5). Daniel continued to pray just as he had done before, even when a decree criminalized prayer (Dan. 6:10). But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:15). What is your default when crises hit?

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil (2 Chr. 26:10b).

Yesterday was Labor Day in America, a day to pause, reflect, celebrate, and refocus on the various tasks that we engage in regularly. Congratulations to all. Work is good. God is a worker. Adam and Eve were given work that they enjoyed before the fall turned the job into wearying tasks. God designed and equipped each one of us with specific abilities. When we seek God’s leading and engage in the work we are shaped for, we will enjoy every minute of it. Our verse for today reveals King Uzziah’s passion as a farmer. We will be fulfilled when we find jobs that match our gifts and devote ourselves to our tasks with passion. The pay, position, work hours, distance, etc. will not deter you. Supervising you will not be necessary. Best of all, as a believer, you serve as an ambassador for Christ in word and deed at your workplace. You have the best job. Enjoy it!

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them … (Jos. 9:14, 15).

The Gibeonites tricked Joshua and the Israelites to avoid being annihilated as God commanded Joshua to do to all the nations in Canaan. Joshua has learned from his mentor, Moses, to always inquire of the Lord about everything and obey God. Moses once disobeyed God when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. That cost him his life ambition to get the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua was a good leader who inquired from the Lord every time. The only time he failed was when the Gibeonites came to him. When we have experienced success after success, our minds can deceive us. It is because of our efforts and being innovative we conclude. Pride sets in, and we start leaning on our understanding instead of trusting God in everything. May we always inquire from God, listen, and wait until He answers, then we obey. Amen!

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Who Is Jesus Christ?

“Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands. Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us? So, they were offended at Him.” Mk.6:2-3.

“So, the men marveled, saying,” Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him.” Matt.8:27.
“Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” Matt.16:13.
“But who do you say that I am.?” Matt.16:15.
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son, is He?” Matt.22:42.

The last three enquiries form the greatest questions of Christology. The prolific best-selling author and pastor, Dr. David Jeremiah entitled one of his recent works.

The Jesus You May Not Know

The identity of Jesus Christ has been a question of the Ages. It was concerning Him that prophet Isaiah asked about 700 BC,” Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” Isa.53:1. During his earthly ministry, those who despised Him derisively quipped, “Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands. Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us, so they were offended at Him.” Mk.6:2-3.  And those who were astonished by His works wondered,” Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” Matt.8:27; Mk.4:41.

ECWA Articles of Faith and Practice answers the question in the following words,

Jesus Christ is very God and very Man having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a perfect sinless life. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins, according to the Holy Bible. He rose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He is now our High Priest and Advocate at the right hand of the Majesty on High (Luke 2:3-35; 1 Cor.15:1-4; Phil.2:5-8; Heb.1:3-4;1 John 2:1-2).

As seen from the preceding enquiries by Jesus Christ, the title question is the “Touchstone” of orthodoxy. The answer that one gives in response tells what that individual or group thinks of Jesus. More than that, it may determine one’s ultimate destiny. Although the nature of their teaching is hard to specifically identify, the false teachers who propagated the “Colossian Heresy” in the first century must have stumbled on this touchstone. In his response to the heresy, Paul warns the Colossians, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power.” Col.2:8-10.

 Paul earlier declared, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Col.1;15-20.

The Christ Of The Ages

It may come as a surprise to many Bible readers to learn that Jesus Christ is referred to all through the Old Testament before His incarnation. He attested to this Himself. “Then He said them,” These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and Prophets and Psalms concerning Me…Thus it is written, and thus it is necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day.” Lu.24:44-46. Cf.Jn.5:39.

There are several allusions to Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. The first allusion to Him in the Bible is in Genesis 3:15. Soon after the fall of Adam and Eve, God announced this verdict to the deceiver, Satan, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; and He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” The woman in reference is none other than the Virgin Mary, and her Seed is none other than Jesus Christ. Cf.Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23.

Genesis 3:21 states that God made a covering from an animal skin for Adam and Eve. This act is an allusion to the substitutionary death of Christ. An innocent animal was killed on behalf of sinful humans. Isa.53:4-6;1 Pet.2:21-24; 3:18.

In Exodus 25:8 God told the children of Israel to build Him a tabernacle so that he may dwell among them. The tabernacle in all its ramifications is a prototype of Jesus Christ. It was a foreshadowing of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. By the Spirit’s inspiration, the same Greek word for tabernacle, skene, is used by the apostle John to describe the incarnation of Christ.Jn.1:14. This is also reflected in His name, Immanuel (God with us). Matt.1:23.

In Exodus 12, God gave the instruction on the observance of Passover. Just as the tabernacle, the institution of the Passover was a foreshadowing of the Person and Work of Christ. The unblemished animal typifies the unblemished life of Christ. The searching and cleaning of house and utensils to ensure the absence of leaven in the Passover sacrifice symbolizes the perfect and sinlessness of Christ’s sacrificial death and His sinless life. Leaven symbolizes sin and corruption.1 Cor.5:6-8.

In Numbers 21:8-9, God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole outside the camp. God said that whoever of the children of Israel that was bitten by a snake could look at the serpent and live. Jesus claimed that the emblem of the serpent symbolized His death on the cross.Jn.3:14-15.

Similar and several examples of allusions and prototypes of Christ are interspersed all through the Old Testament. But that does not mean that Christ did not exist until the Old Testament. One of the greatest prophecies about the incarnation of Christ is mentioned in Micah 5:2” But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”  The Hebrew words, Qedem/Qedmah (old) and Olam (everlasting) are often used as synonyms meaning antiquity or eternity. This speaks of Christ’s eternal existence. He is the Word who co-existed with God in eternity.Jn.1:1-2; Heb.1:10-12.

Others Who Stumbled

The false teachers at Colossae were not the only ones who stumbled at the touchstone of orthodoxy. During the first century of the church and succeeding years, there were groups and individuals who erred at the doctrine of Christology. Besides Gnosticism, there were other groups that espoused erroneous views about the Person and Nature of Christ. Space would only allow examination of only three major ones.

Ebionism

This was a Jewish sect founded by a man named Ebion, and his followers were known as the Ebionites. Although they affirmed the authority of the Hebrew Bible, they maintained that Jesus was an ordinary man until adopted by God during His baptism. They denied Jesus’ Virgin birth and His eternal existence. Another false teacher, Cerinthus, who adopted similar views took it to a greater extreme by arguing that Jesus was no greater than a mere man who possessed extraordinary wisdom. For Cerinthus and the Ebionites, Jesus was too human to be God. The early church father, Irenaeus, opposed Cerinthus and his fallacious teaching.

Docetism

If the Ebionites rejected Jesus’ Deity, the Docetists took the opposite position and denied His humanity. Many believe this false sect metamorphosed from Gnosticism. They derived their name from their core belief which states that Jesus was a divine being who seemed to be human in appearance. The Greek for “to seem” or “appear to be” is dokein, hence they were known as the Docetists. In their opinion, Jesus is too deity to be human. It is generally believed that they were the ones whom John opposed in his epistles. “By this you know the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus has come in the flesh is not of God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist which you heard was coming and is now already.” 1 Jn.4:2-3;2 Jn.7.

Arianism

Early in the fourth century, a presbyter in Alexandria, Arius, formulated another heresy. This new teaching denied the eternality of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Arius maintained that, as Son, Jesus was a created being and not co-equal with the Father. He further argued that as a created being, that there was a time when the Son did not exist. Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria was the first to dispute Arius’ views. But the strongest opposition was by Athanasius who succeeded Alexander. Arianism posed a strong threat to the church that the emperor Constantine who had embraced Christian religion summoned a Council of bishops to resolve the dispute. This Council commonly known as the Council of Nicaea 325 AD condemned Arius and his teachings. The Council further affirmed that Jesus is of the same essence, Gr. Homoousios (meaning of the same substance), as the Father. The resolution of this Council is summarized in the confession known as the Nicaean Creed.

The Identity Of Jesus Christ-His Names And Titles

One Christian radio station in the Washington, DC area does not accept vendors for preaching. It airs only Christian music. “The message is in the music.” the management says. Our Daily Bread ministries (ODB) known for writing and distributing devotionals and sound Biblical materials worldwide has one of its titles as Knowing God Through His Attributes.

The identity of Jesus Christ is revealed throughout the Bible. We can know Jesus Christ by the names and titles given to Him all through the Scriptures. More than a hundred of such names and titles are found in both the Old and Testaments. The identity of Jesus Christ is broad, vast, specific, and unambiguous. In Romans 1:18-19, Paul writes that God’s condemnation of the wicked was for their deliberate suppression of the revealed truth in unrighteousness. “Because what may be known about God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.” In like manner, what may be known about Jesus Christ has been clearly revealed to us in the Bible. His name Jesus, Heb. Yeshua/Joshua, means “Savior”. Immanuel literally translated and read in Hebrew means “God with us.” His titles, “Son of God.” and “Son of Man.” are titles of Deity. Lu.3:22; Matt.17:5; Jn.5:18; Heb.1:5-13; Dan.7:13. Isa.9:6.

Jesus made many exclusive claims and statements which if uttered by any other would-be blasphemy. Jn.5:17-18;19-23; 8:58-59; 14:6.

Conclusion

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature

Author: Anonymous
Tune: CRUSADERS’ HYMN (111271)
Songs of Response
Published in 552 hymnals.

Representative Text
1 Fairest Lord Jesus,
ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish,
Thee will I honor,
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

2 Fair are the meadows,
fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3 Fair is the sunshine,
fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.

4 Beautiful Savior!
Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine.

From United Methodist Hymnal, 1989

Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo studied at Grace Collage and Grace Theological Seminary, both in Winona Lake, IN, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees respectively. He also did some Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. He is the coordinator, African Missionary Outreach. Rev Ezeigbo is the currently Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator ECWA USA. He has also served as Secretary and Chairman of ECWA USA DCC. Rev Ezeigbo is an advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a Bible teacher for ECWA MD and Researcher – Church History and Theology.

As postmodernity and humanism take center stage, Christians, especially in nations that were once majority Christian are frequently accused of imposing their values or beliefs on others. Such accusations are unheard of in countries that deny their citizens freedom of religion. Morality is defined as “Standards about what is right, or wrong, good or evil,” crossing such lines attracts reproof. Even before the Bible was written and Christianity was birthed, God put good moral laws into people’s hearts. You do not need to be a Christian to know that murder, lying, and adultery are morally unacceptable. Regulations limit individual freedoms but create more excellent space for all. Those who want freedom and rebel against good laws would not have the freedom they wish if everyone lived lawlessly. In a democratic society, everyone can air their views and beliefs. Those who try to shut down Christians from sharing their beliefs and morality impose their own beliefs and morality on the Christians. We should never impose our beliefs or morality on anyone, as that is not the gospel. We preach Christ and not religion or laws. The Great Commission is our marching orders to preach the Good News. No Retreating!

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Only one Creator created everything that exists, including Satan, the architect of all evil. “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other (Ecc. 7:14).

I “form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” (Isa. 45:7). “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Gen. 2:17). All the time Adam and Eve were in the garden and chose to obey God, they knew only good and nothing evil. Evil was not activated and would have remained unknown to humans for eternity. The act of disobeying God thrust humanity and the rest of the creation into the hands of a new master, Satan. Evil was activated. Satan became the god of this world, as Jesus confirmed, and his work is to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). That is the source of our suffering and pain. The good news is that God is making a new heaven and earth for the saints devoid of evil, pain, or suffering.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many (Rom. 5:15).

The plight of humanity was sealed by only one act of sin which Adam and Eve committed. We all became infected and are pathological sinners without any remedy from us. An outside intervention became necessary. God’s grace was abundantly showered on us through Jesus Christ. This grace covers not just one sin of a person or two but many sins of many people. We are forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. Hallelujah! Only God can turn a bad situation to yield an outcome that outweighs the original condition. God makes saints out of sinners, Children out of rebels, friends out of enemies, and so on. Where sin abounds, grace abounds even greater. That is not a license to sin; to the contrary, it is a call to reject sin and embrace holiness out of reverence for God.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Mat. 11:28, 29

If you are alive and engaged with people and work in our world today, this invitation by Jesus to get some rest is sweet music to your ears. Strained relationships at home, work, and neighbors are daily headaches. Stress from the fast pace of life and the daily struggles to meet the obligations we or others impose on us leads to emotional and mental breakdowns. Sadly, we are ignoring Jesus’ offer of inner rest, peace, and health which could significantly impact our physical health. We pay doctors, psychologists, and counselors so much for temporary relief. Jesus offers much lasting relief at far less cost. The cost is to yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and do His will. But this is what we are unwilling to do – how we got ourselves into our problems in the first place. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1Pt. 5:7).

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Gen. 1:13

A

dam and Eve were created sinless but had the moral responsibility of obeying God to remain sinless. God gave only one warning to the couple: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Gen. 2:17). As moral beings made in the image of God, they had the capacity and indeed utilized it in living and doing everything right in the garden. The enticement to sin came from outside – through Satan, who deceived Eve. Satan could not force the couple to do anything wrong, so he deceived them, and they voluntarily chose to disobey God. They ate the fruit and became aware of sin, and the consequences are what we are all living with today. Sadly, we cannot claim to be better than Adam and Eve as we frequently yield to Satan’s deception and disobey God. God is willing to help us have victory over every deceit and temptation of Satan. The question is: Are we willing to surrender to Him?
 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Ps. 14:1a

Chambers dictionary defines a fool as someone without wisdom, judgment, or sense. An excellent example of a fool using our verse for today is someone who denies the existence of God despite the glaring evidence before him or acknowledges His existence but ignores and refuses to submit to Him. Christians in every nation are testifying about God and the salvation He offers through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has also revealed Himself through His creation: “… what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Rom. 1:19-20). God has put eternity in man’s heart (Ecc. 3:11) so that we long for something beyond us and this earthly life – God. Oh, that we will all be wise and seek God.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

You have heard that it has been said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not fight with the man who wants to fight. Whoever hits you on the right side of the face, turn so he can hit the other side also. If any person takes you to court to get your shirt, give him your coat also. Whoever makes you walk a short way, go with him twice as far. Give to any person who asks you for something. Do not say no to the man who wants to use something of yours.” Mat 5:38-42

Collin’s Dictionary defines intolerance as “the unwillingness to let other people act in a different way or hold different opinions from you.” Religious intolerance occurs when a person or group specifically refuses to tolerate the religious convictions and practices of a religious group or individual. Christians today are accused of being intolerant even for the same views we have held for hundreds of years and were not a problem for anybody. Is anyone concerned about the growing intolerance today toward Christianity, even in a free country like America?

Sean McDowell wrote, “Those who accuse Christians of being intolerant have a distorted view of what tolerance really entails. Rather than accepting all views as equally valid, true tolerance involves recognizing and respecting others when we don’t approve of their values, beliefs, and practices. Only when people genuinely disagree does tolerance become necessary. Claiming that someone is wrong for holding a different viewpoint, then, isn’t itself intolerant; the attitude that accompanies the claim may, however, be intolerant. But charitably and kindly disagreeing can be an act of genuine tolerance.” Matthew Staver opines that “modern tolerance redefines words like ‘marriage,’ ‘discrimination,’ ‘equality,’ ‘morality,’ and even ‘absolutes.’ The word ‘tolerance’ as it is used today never includes opposing arguments or competing worldviews.” That is where things got messed up.

In the March 2021 issue of Christianity Today, under the article “Is Religious Tolerance Biblical?” the author wrote: “Christians should always be tolerant of other religious beliefs but not accept them as the truth. Instead, Christians should respect and love others in their beliefs, but show greater love in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Dr. Michael J. Kruger also wrote, “those accusing us of being intolerant are actually more intolerant to us than we are to them. They claim to be open minded and tolerant, but their reaction to us is a display of intolerance”. Robin Schumacher sums up our Christian view: “Tolerance applies only to persons … never to truth. Tolerance applies to the erring, intolerance to the error …”

Is Christianity tolerant? Yes! We love people, respect their views, and give them the freedom to decide to be Christians or not. Is Christianity intolerant? Yes! We uphold the truth as revealed in the Bible, and we cannot accept contrary views as equal, valid, and true as the Bible. We must obey God and not man.
 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

He (Peter) said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28

Tradition is a “long-established belief or custom” impacting how people live and do things. Peter broke a tradition that all Jewish people and even believers held to, and he had to defend his actions on several occasions. But Peter did not just break the tradition for the fun of it. God clearly instructed him through a vision to do the unthinkable. Peter resisted the Lord initially since he knew the repercussion; but yielded fully and did not wait for any board, council, or close associates to approve his planned visit to a Gentile’s home. Sometimes we create problems for ourselves by breaking traditions for no apparent reason. We can break a tradition if its practice directly contradicts the Bible. We can break it also if the principle of Philippians 4:8 is applied, and that tradition falls short. Hearing a voice today as Peter did must square up with God’s Word. Happy Independence here in the US.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom. 12:12

Chambers defines hope as a desire – an expectation that something good will happen. Hope for anything on this side of heaven is conditioned by many factors. Everyone alive had had hopes dashed, even when we were assured. When our hope is on God and what He has done or promised, we can count on that. God has never and will never fail to fulfill His promises. No factors will alter, delay, or thwart God’s plans. That is why our verse for today invites us to rejoice in the hope that we have. The list is inexhaustible – Salvation, the forgiveness of sins, eternity with God, resurrection, all things working together for good, etc. Hope motivates us to be patient in affliction because we know that God is a Just God, and He will execute judgment. Be faithful in prayer because God hears and answers every true prayer. Without hope, hopelessness and anxiety take over. Have your hope on God alone.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” Ps. 10:17

To encourage means to inspire or give hope. Every one of us needs encouragement round the clock, especially in the times that we live in today. God, our Father, takes the time to observe, listen and hear the inner cries of our hearts and steps up to encourage us. In such moments He does not condemn or rebuke us; instead, He gently inspires and walks us through a path to victory. Having just celebrated Father’s Day, I have not been very intentional in my role as an encourager to my family, church, etc. It is easier to see people’s faults, criticize and instruct them on what is right, but that is not necessarily encouragement. To encourage someone, I must step into the person’s shoes, be humble and gentle, and with much empathy, help to fern out the dying fire in the person. If we fathers could intentionally be encouragers, those under our care and sphere of influence would flourish better. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

visit ECWA Jerusalem Pilgrimage website at http://ecwajerusalempilgrimage.org

ECWA USA Israel Pilgrimage
7 DAYS ISRAEL TOUR PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 14-22, 2023

Day 1: Wednesday 15th of November 2023
ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL, NAZARETH, AND MOUNT CARMEL
We are met and assisted by our Israel Partner representative, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 118:26). At Ben Gurion Airport we will be served breakfast, following that we will travel north to Nazareth in the Galilee where Jesus Christ grew up a little over 2000 years ago. And so, here, we begin our journey following in his footsteps. After the lunch and brief rest, we will visit the Great Sea – The Mediterranean and Mt. Carmel where Prophet Elijah challenged King Ahab and defeated the false prophets of Ba’al. (1Kings 18). Overnight at Tiberias.

Day 2: Thursday 16th of November 2023
SEA OF GALILEE, CAPERNAUM, TABGHA, JORDAN RIVER, MOUNT OF BEATITUDES
Today we will explore the surroundings of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry. We will start by driving to Capernaum, the fishermen town that became Jesus`s new home. We will visit the ancient synagogue where he preached and the new church above Peter`s house. We will continue to Tabgha (seven springs), where Jesus fed the five thousand. We will visit the church of Loaves and Fishes and the Mensa Christy Church, where Jesus gave Peter the primacy. At noon we will cruise the Sea of Galilee on a boat and enjoy some St. Peter`s Fist for Lunch. Following lunch, we will drive to the Jordan River to feel the cold water and climb to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Day 3: Friday 17th of November 2023
NAZARETH AREA: NAZARETH, CANA OF GALILEE, MOUNT TABOR
After breakfast, we will explore the city of Nazareth starting at the church of Annunciation where Angel Gabriel met Virgin Mary. Then we will continue to St. Joseph Church, built on the remains of his carpentry shop. Following those sites, we will drive to the Mount of Precipice where Jesus fled from the city. We will continue to Cana of Galilee, where we will visit the wedding church where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. After lunch, we will climb Mount Tabor; visit the church of the Transfiguration. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Day 4: Saturday 18th of November 2023
WORSHIP AT ECWA GOODNEWS IN TEL AVIV, BETHLEHEM, EIN KEREM: BIRTHPLACES OF JESUS AND JOHN
We will drive to Tel Aviv 36 Levanda street and worship at ECWA GOODNEWS Church, Tel Aviv. We will visit Ein Karem, the place of Zachariah and Elizabeth. There we will visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was built above the site of his birth. We will visit the church of the visitation, where Mary and Elizabeth met. We will spend the afternoon in the city of Bethlehem – the native land of King David and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, “Son of David.” We will visit the church of Nativity, which was built by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, on the site that Jesus was born. We will continue to St. Jerome Chapel where he wrote the “Vulgata” and to the shepherds` Field, where the angels announced the birth of Christ. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 5: SUNDAY 19th of November 2023
GALILEE TO JUDEA: JORDAN VALLEY, JERICHO, AGRIC VISIT, DEAD SEA, QUMRAN
The day will begin by driving south along the Jordan Valley, the way Jesus and his family use to walk to Judea and continue to Jericho the Palm City. We shall then have a visit to Kibitz for Agric tour before driving to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, and to Qumran where the Essene community lived and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6: MONDAY 20TH of November 2023
JERUSALEM: MOUNT OF OLIVES, MOUNT ZION, ST. ANNA CHURCH, VIA DOLOROSA, HOLY SEPULCHRE WAILING WALL
After breakfast, we will go to the Mount of Olives, the best observation point over-looking Jerusalem. We will go down the road where Jesus entered the city as a king on Palm Sunday. We will visit the chapel of Dominus Flevit, the Chapel of Peter Noster, and the church of Agony. We will end at the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested. Next, we will drive to Mount Zion to visit the last Supper room (Coenaculum), King David`s tomb and the Church of the Dormition. Then we will continue to visit the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. We will enter the Old City walls through St. Stephens Gate (Lion’s Gate) and visit the Church of St. Anne and the pools of Bethesda. From there we will start walking the path Jesus took to his crucifixion-the Via Dolorosa. We will begin from the place of the trial, presided over by Pontus Pilate, and continue walking along the Stations of the Cross to the Golgotha Hill, where he was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Then we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built by Helena. Our day of touring will conclude with a visit to the western wall, which is the remnant of the wall surrounding the Temple Mount then to Jaffa gate market.

Day 7: TUESDAY 21ST of November 2023
JAFFA, ABU GOSH, JP CEREMONY, END OF THE JOURNEY AND RETURN BACK HOME

After breakfast, we will visit the Old town of Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world. From here, John took the boat to Tarshish and here St Peter had his dream to evangelize Gentiles and brought Tabitha back from the dead. After lunch, we will visit Abu Gosh- ancient Kiriat Yearim. Here the ark of covenant rested for twenty years before being brought by King David to Jerusalem. We perform our JP ceremony and leave Jerusalem for the Tel Aviv Airport. We will pray together for a safe trip back.

Cost
For 30 People on the trip: $1550/person for double occupancy in 4-5-star Hotel.
For 30 People on the trip: $1950/person for Single occupancy in 4–5-star Hotel.
Note: If we have more than 30 people, the cost will be less. If we have less than 30 people, the cost will be a little higher.

Included
✔ All rates in US Dollars
✔ Meet & assistance on formalities upon arrival and departure at airports
✔ Fees for entries in Israel as per Itinerary attached
✔ Tour gift by ECWA Jerusalem Pilgrimage and Ground handler
✔ Transportation with a modern and AC vehicle
✔ Accommodation on FULL BOARD (7 lunches)
✔ Health Insurance
✔ Singles: maximum of 20% of the rooms reserved at single rates.

Not Included
X Extras and personal expenses.
X Drinks and meals other than the mentioned above
X Portage services at hotel and restaurants.
X tips (guide, driver, boat ride, etc.)

Airfare: Flying out of Chicago for economy seats is about $1000 round trip.
NB: These prices are tentative and actual costs will be determined by September.

Requirement
✔ US Passport or Green Card holders will get visas on arrival at no cost.
✔ Other passport holders will apply for visas.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

The command to love seems like an oxymoron. Even the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13, translated in the Living Bible and The Message, says that love “does not demand its own way” and “Doesn’t force itself on others,” respectively. Love is supposed to be voluntary, but our verse for today issues us a command that leaves us with no choice and even insists that we must love. Reconciling this difference is best illustrated with the relationship of a husband and wife. Prior to saying “I do” at the altar, love was voluntary, but once the vow is taken to “love and to cherish until death do us part,” love is no longer a voluntary act but an obligation that must be carried out whether you feel like doing it or not. The command to love is for believers, not unbelievers since we have surrendered our lives to God. Love is an attribute of God, and since we are His now, He requires us to exhibit this attribute as well.

 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) at her 70th General Church Council (GCC) meeting emphasized the Church’s 2023 theme: ‘Occupy till I come’ (Luke 19:13). The theme was chosen to encourage believers in Jesus Christ, especially ECWA members, to remain occupied in working hard for the advancement of the Kingdom of God until Jesus Christ returns. This calls for every believer in Christ to remain committed and use their gifts and resources to witness for the salvation of souls for His Kingdom and not to be weary.

The Council acknowledged that as believers give themselves to the work of God’s Kingdom, revival breaks forth as the manifestation of God’s holy presence in power and glory in the lives of individuals, families, churches, communities, and the society at large. Revival being the urgent need in the country and ECWA being the catalyst for this great evangelistic and missional thrust, the Council urge all ECWA pastors and members to pray fervently for this fire of revival to spread.

In the course of the 5-day meeting, the Council articulated the 4-fold agenda of ECWA:

1. Connecting ECWA to God which involves leading members to grow in the word of God with the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting.
2. Connecting ECWA to ECWA with the sole purpose of working together in synergy
3. Connecting ECWA to the world through church planting, broadcasting, evangelism and discipleship
4. To develop and mobilize resources that will help reposition ECWA to minister the whole Gospel to the whole man in the whole world.

In the course of the 70^th General Church Council meeting, elections were conducted and Rev. Stephen Sunday Ajise was re-elected unopposed as ECWA Vice President for a second term of three years, while Rev. Ayuba Ashishe was elected as ECWA General Secretary for a first term of three years.  Rev. Michael Adamu was elected as the Trustee of Zone 2 (Gada) and Rev. Dr. Isaac Laudarji as the elected Trustee of zone 6 (North East 1).

The meeting had in attendance the members of the ECWA Executive, ECWA Board of Trustees, Chairmen, Secretaries, and Delegates of all the Ninety-three (93) District Church Councils (DCCs), ECWA Leaders from the Republic of Chad and United States of America. Also in attendance were Directors of the various ECWA Departments, and Heads of ECWA Tertiary Institutions. The Council deliberated on Church related matters, State of the nation Nigeria, the global community and made the following resolutions:

1. Creation of a New DCC: The Council granted a conditional approval to the proposed Jos Central District Church Council out of the present Jos DCC.
2. The Insecurity in Nigeria: The Council frowned at the high and frightening levels of insecurity in Nigeria through banditry, kidnappings for ransom and ritual killing, incessant killings of innocent citizens by “Unknown Gun Men”, terrorism by especially Islamic extremists, and destruction of lives and property with impunity by these undeserved elements who are ravaging and forcefully occupying cities and lands in the nation with inability of the government at various levels to successfully tackle the menace. A few examples of such atrocities are:

1. 1. the recent killing in the month of April, 2023 of sixty-eight (68) people at Zangon Kataf and several other communities in Southern Kaduna
   2. killing of thirty (30) people in Agatu LGA, two hundred and fifty (250) people in Apa LGA, seventy-five (75) people in Otukpo; thirty-nine (39) people in Guma LGA making a total of three hundred and ninety four (394) people in Benue State, Nigeria
   3. killing of ten (10) people in Mangu and Bokkos, Plateau State
   4. sacking of indigenous communities in the Middle-Belt States namely Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Southern Kaduna, Benue, and Taraba.

The Council called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to rise up to her constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property and dealing ruthlessly with those responsible for these wicked acts, and to provide good governance characterized by transparency, integrity and accountability by constituting an atmosphere for employment of teaming youths of Nigeria so as to stem hunger, unemployment, illiteracy, corruption and religious extremism.

3. Attacks on Security Personnel: The Council condemned the frequent assaults on security personnel in the line of duty by unidentified groups across the nation. Therefore, the government should improve the provision of security equipment and take adequate care of security personnel while also sieving the security outfit of bad elements and bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to book.

4. The Nigeria General Elections: The Council expressed displeasure over the unprofessional conducts of some of the electoral umpires and security agents that, to a very large extent, marred the overall outcome of the just concluded 2023 national and states general elections. The General Church Council called on the judiciary to do justice to all matters that may be brought before the courts as justice should be seen and be manifestly seen to be done since the courts are the last hope of the common man. Politicians, political party leaders, their representatives and supporters were called upon to sheathe their swords and refrain from making inflammatory statements to allow the judiciary carry out its constitutional responsibilities in this case so as to avoid overheating the polity.

5. Nigeria Currency Swap Policy: The Council appreciated the Nigeria Currency Swap Policy as a good initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria.  However, it expressed displeasure at the unbearable hardship the policy brought to the Nigerian masses. This was compounded by fuel scarcity and hyper-inflation. The Council called on the government to reconsider the processes of implementation of the policy and provide all alternatives to cushioning the negative effects of the policy before 31^st December, 2023 deadline and ensure, among other things, that the banks are fully and seamlessly prepared for the smooth implementation.

6. 2023 Census: The Council affirmed that national census is a good thing, although it is long overdue. It called on the government to ensure that the Commission adequately mobilizes all genuine citizens for the census. The Council also charged the National Population Commission to be honest, just and equitable and justify the conduct of the exercise. In lieu of the overall call from many quarters of Nigeria for the postponement of the scheduled May 2023 census, also given the fact of the scheduled handing over of government in the same May 2023, the Council advised the Federal Government to postpone the entire exercise till the incoming administration settles down.

7. The Incoming Administration: The Council admonished the incoming administrations at all levels of government to learn from the flaws of the past administrations, ensure equity and fairness in the appointments that will reveal the true federal character, listen to the yearnings of the masses and ensure the practice of actual democracy that is founded on the basis of the rule of law. The government was further called upon to ensure the protection of lives and property to avoid escalation of brewing violence.

8. Nigeria External and Internal Debt Profile: As at Thursday, 20^th April 2023, the Nigerian Debt Management website was quoted as reporting that Nigeria’s External Debt Profile was forty-six trillion, two hundred and twenty-five billion naira (N25) equaling two and a half years Nigeria’s Annual Budgetwith additional internal borrowed fund from CBN to the tone of eight hundred million dollars ($800m) to be shared as so-called palliative to people. The Council advised and cautioned the government to be rational in her borrowing from external and/or internal bodies in order to prevent the national economy from total collapse.

9. The International Community: The Council frowned at the global trend of shootings and killings of vulnerable school children, especially in recent shootings in the USA and Canada, child trafficking, drug abuse, military invasions of smaller nations by stronger nations without recourse to international treaty of the sovereignty of each nation. The United Nations was called upon to ensure that such international treaties are strictly adhered to and complied with in order to prevent future occurrences.

The Council closed with special prayer for national and global peace, justice, smooth transition of power in Nigeria and economic growth of the nations.

GOD BLESS ECWA!
GOD BLESS FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!
GOD BLESS OTHER PARTICIPATORY NATIONS!!!

Signed

Rev. (Dr) Stephen Baba Panya                Rev. (Dr.) Yunusa Sabo Nmadu Jr. fips, mnim, meli, MyrP

ECWA President                                  ECWA General Secretary

Authors

On behalf of the ECWA Executive, I bring you greetings in the name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

As we mark this year’s Bingham University day, I am delighted to express our deepest gratitude to the entire ECWA family for the support given to this promising and fast growing University over the last 18 years. It is indeed a testament to our collective support that the University continues to thrive despite the daunting challenges that comes with nurturing a University.

I am proud to report that by the grace of God through the ECWA family, the University has recorded tremendous progress in its sojourn so far as evidenced by the rising profile of the University.

The University has witnessed astronomical growth in academic programs from 18 in 4 faculties at Inception of the University to 64 programs in 12 faculties as of December 2022. In addition to the above, part-time undergraduate programs were established in 8 areas to Improve access to education.

The University has also witnessed a tremendous growth in the number of full professors from 15 in 2018 to 34, and 6 Associate Professors to 22 Associate Professors in 2023. Our staff are now cited internationally in reputable peer reviewed journals and some have won international engagements and recognition based on excellent performance. For example, Prof. H. O. lsah of the department of Community Medicine has been appointed a Visiting Professor of Public Health at AHRO International University in Glasgow Scotland, UK, Dr. Patricia Esiegbe of the Department of Family Medicine emerged winner of the Besrour Centre Fellowship program in Medical Education research based in Canada and Dr. Uju Ejike of the Department of Biochemistry has won the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Germany Academic Exchange grant for the DIES International Dean’s Course for Africa 2023/2024.

To the glory of God, the University is now highly rated having been rated number 47 out of over two hundred Nigerian Universities by the National Universities Commission latest rating which was carried out in 2020.
 
 

Author: Rev. Stephen Baba Panya
Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Baba Panya was born in April 1963, to the family of late Rev. (Dr.) Panya Baba, himself a former Director of Evangelical Missionary Society (EMS) and later one time ECWA President. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK), and studied accounting. He is a Chattered Accountant and former Banker turned Missionary; a man with a heart burning passionately for Missions and Revival. He obtained his Association of Accounting Technician (AAT), London in December 1982 and Obtained the Best Prize at Level 1 Worldwide. He also obtained his Association of Chattered Certified Accountants (ACCA), London in June 1987. And the Association of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA), Nigeria, in 1990.

He is a called missionary who breathes Missions, speaks Missions, lives Missions, and can sacrifice anything for Missions. His life depicts the words of C.T. Studd that, “If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” He is a visionary leader whose heart’s desire is to see the mighty supernatural move of God in ECWA and the Church of Jesus Christ at large for the salvation of souls, the setting of the captives free from bondage to sinful flesh and the devil, resulting in transformation of lives, the healing of the sick and the diverse blessing of God’s people, the church, for the mighty glory of God.

“…And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31.
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52.
“Walk in the Spirit.” Gal.5:16.
“Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18.

Introduction

The apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 is undoubtedly one of the greatest prayers in the Bible. It is a prayer for spiritual discovery. It seems as the petition got more profound as the list increased. The last petition in verse 19 was for the believers to experience the power that raised Christ from the dead. It was not only Christ that was raised by this power, but the believer also. Paul states that this power is the same that made the believer alive in Christ. “And you He made alive , who were in trespasses and sins. … Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:1,5-6.

This power, like electricity, had coursed through the believer while spiritually dead and made him alive in Christ. But now, in his spiritually alive state, Paul prays that the believer might actively experience this power of resurrection. The Bible states that this power is the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:11. Christ promised this power during his earthly ministry. ”On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive.” Jn.7:37-39. Jesus alludes to more than the indwelling of the Spirit, but the fullness. He also states that the condition for obtaining this fullness is “if anyone thirsts.” Although on a few occasions, some people obtained the fullness of the Spirit at the moment of conversion Acts 9:17; 10:44-47; 11:15-17, but the norm has been to ask for it. Lu.11:13; 4:29-31. This sentiment is echoed in the Old Testament. “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground.” Isa.44:3.

1. Not Exclusively A New Testament Phenomenon

The fullness of the Spirit is not exclusive to the New Testament. It is an experience that was well known and experienced by various people in the ancient Biblical times. Bezalel Exo.31:1-3; Prophet Micah, Mic.3:8; Samson, Judg.14:19; King Saul, 1 Sam.10:10. Although there was no permanent indwelling of the Spirit before the day of Pentecost, different people in both the Old and New Testament had empowerment of the Spirit in order to accomplish various tasks. Also, before the day of Pentecost, each of the following characters was filled with the Spirit. John the Baptist, Jn.1:15; Mary, the mother of Jesus, Lu.1:35; Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, Lu.1:41; Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist,1:67; Simeon, Lu. 2:25. Jesus Himself was filled with the Spirit for His earthly ministry. Lu.3:21-22; 4:1,18-19; Acts 10:38.

2. Two Aspects Of Filling

There are two aspects of filling that are described in the Scriptures. This applies also to those in the Old Testament. The first could be described as God sovereignly intervening and filling someone with the Spirit for a special task. Examples of this are Bezalel, Samson, King Saul, Elizabeth, Zacharias, the apostles, Acts 2:4, Paul, Acts 9:17. The second aspect is when the Spirit has a pervasive influence and control of a believer’s life . The believer lives in an abiding state of the fullness of the Spirit rather than a peremptory and temporary in-filling. This second aspect describes a life that is totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit and lived in His power daily. Examples of this are, Jesus Himself, Lu.4:1, the seven deacons, Acts 6:3,5;7:55; Barnabas, Acts 11:22-24. There seems to be no better illustration of this than the seven deacons whose spiritual characteristics are described in Acts 6:3. “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known (emphasis mine) to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” NIV. This verse makes it clear that there was a distinction between the seven deacons and all the other men of the Hellenistic stock. Further, Paul makes the same assumption when he commands, ”Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18.

3. It Is The Required Life

It is so sad that in spite of the above truth, many believers today are comparable to the disciples of John the Baptist whom Paul met in Ephesus. And when he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” replied, “We have not so much heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2. In a previous pastoral Letter (October 2021) I told a similar story of a Bible college student who did not know that there is a difference between indwelling of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit. It is extremely appalling that this gaping ignorance exists among believers despite the fact that the Spirit-filled life is the life that God intends for all believers. The fullness of the Spirit is the normal Christian life. Jesus alluded to it when he stated, “I have come that they may have life ,and that they may have it more abundantly.” Jn.10:10. It is undoubtedly in agreement with this that Paul admonishes, “Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18. “Walk in the Spirit.” Gal.5:16. Evangelist Billy Graham gives this compelling elucidation, “All Christians are committed to be filled with the Spirit. Anything short of a Spirit-filled life is less than God’s plan for each believer.”

4. The Benefits Of Obtaining This Power

There are manifold blessings associated with obtaining the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit. But due to the constraint of space, only a few will be highlighted.

1. The believer is equipped to live a victorious life. Rom.8:1-11; Gal.5:16-18.
2. The believer is empowered for victorious service.Lu.24:49; Acts 1:5,8; 4:29-31.
3. The believer is enriched for fruitfulness. Jn.7:37-39; 15:5; Gal.5:22-25.

Charles Spurgeon, the famous British pastor elaborates in these words. “But to Christians the instruction comes, ‘be filled with the Spirit,’ for the Spirit of God can give you strength to the highest degree. He can gird you with spiritual strength-the strength of faith…He can give you strength that wrestles in prayer… The Spirit of God gives the strength to suffer and the strength to labor, to receive, and to hope, love, and to conquer temptation, to perform holy action. When you are filled with the Spirit, how strong you are.”

Jesus knew that His followers would need this power, hence He exhorted them to wait for this power before embarking on their worldwide evangelization mission. “Behold, I send the Promise of My father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Lu.24:49. Cf. also Acts 1:4-5.

Spurgeon adds this insightful comment. ”Whether you are a preacher or teacher or parent or someone who is in the service of God in your ordinary labor, if you want strength with which to bring glory to the Most High, be filled with the Spirit.”

5. How To Obtain This Power?

The formula has been variously presented in different numbers of steps and many times by synonymous titles. However, there are unquestionable unvarying steps that lead to obtaining the fullness of the Spirit. Some of them have been mentioned or alluded to earlier. The believer who wants to obtain this power must follow these steps.

1. Desire, thirst, aspire for it. Ps.42:1-2; 63:1-2; Isa.44:3;Jn.7:37-39.
2. Confession of all known sins. Ps.66:18; Pro.28:9,13; Isa. 59:1-2; Jas.4:2.
3. Ask for it. Jas.4:2; Lu.11:13; Acts 4:29-31.
4. A surrendered life. Rom.6:12-13; 12:1-2.

Conclusion

1 Tim. 1:17. Now unto the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
A fuller discussion of the above segment is presented in the Pastoral Letter dated October 3,2021 titled Revival And The Life Of The Spirit referred to earlier. That Pastoral Letter and this one supplements each other.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.2x
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me and use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Author Daniel Iverson.
 
 
Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo studied at Grace Collage and Grace Theological Seminary, both in Winona Lake, IN, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees respectively. He also did some Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. He is the coordinator, African Missionary Outreach. Rev Ezeigbo is the currently Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator ECWA USA. He has also served as Secretary and Chairman of ECWA USA DCC. Rev Ezeigbo is an advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a Bible teacher for ECWA MD and Researcher – Church History and Theology.