AGAPE GENERATION INTERNATIONAL CHURH MARYLAND

SECTION ONE

THE CHURCH: THE NATION BUILDER

Lecture 1 : Believers Relationship to the State

Introduction:

God has put in place a system of governance for every people. He been not the author of confusion has ordained that people should be governed systematically. The believer must recognize this and understand his relationship to the government of his land. Only has he understands God’s expectation will he be able to act as an agent of change in the society.

Ordination of Authority: Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1

The believer must recognize that God ordains all powers and authority. God puts the government of the nations and cities in place. Without the approval of God no government would be in place.

The governments are put in place for the welfare of the populace. "He is a minister of God to good" (Rom.13: 4). Governments are to care for the people and not for personal and selfish interest. The authority they have to govern is from God to do well.

The government’s powers are also meant to encourage good works and discourage evil deeds among the populace. "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil (Rom.13: 3). Judgment must be sincere and fair; "for he beareth not the sword in vain" v4.

Submission to Authority: Rom.13: 1-7 Titus 3:1

The believer, though not of this world, has an obligation to submit to the civil authority of where he resides. Submission to government is a discipline, which will develop character in the believer. Any believer who is disobedient to civil authority will likely disobey divine government. Christians are to uphold authority, discipline and order rather than weaken it.

When Christians faces laws that contradicts the word of God and the conscience of the church, then Christians will rather obey God than men.1Pet. 2:13-14.

Whoever will not honour the ruler should be punished either Christians or non- Christians. As a result believers should lay good example to non-believers around them. Ezra 7:26; Prov.24: 21; Eccl.8: 2

THE CHURCH: THE NATION BUILDER

Lecture 2: The Nation and the Church

Introduction:

The state of our nation is so appalling that many believers wish they were in a different country. We need to understand how our nation got to this point. What do we have to do to bring out the nation and set it on a high pedestal? Is there any role for the believer in nation building?

State of the Nation: Isa.59: 14;

All cannot be said to be well with our nation. The level of national decadence is terrible. The economy is defiling all reasoning as the Naira continues it’s downward slope over the years. Our industries are far from been operational leading to millions of jobless able-bodied men and women who roam the streets of our cities.

Our educational institutions at all levels are a shadow of the past. It has been said that our hospitals are now only consulting clinics. Morals have become so subnormal that the normal attitudes of the past have become abnormal to this generation.

Justice is delayed and denied sometimes. Only the rich are able to afford or “buy” it. Corruption has become so endemic. Bribery is the order of the day, which God is against (exo.23:8). Law and order is going out of our dictionary as a nation.

Where then are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" in our nation?

State of the Church: Matt. 5: 13-16

The church of Jesus Christ on earth is expected to be the seasoning variant in the land; we are to bring light in a world of darkness and order in place of chaos. The church may not be entirely blameless in the situation we find our nation. With the so-called increasing number of Christians and churches and ministries, we have not seen a corresponding effect in our national polity.

A sincere look at the church will show to us a people with beams in their eyes trying to remove the sawdust in other’s eyes. There is need for cleansing in the church before we can arise and build the nation.

Physician heal thyself must be our cry today. We must heal ourselves of hatred, covetousness, worldliness, materialism, unfaithfulness, deceit, pride and arrogance. Only then can we be true lights indeed. Needless to say that believers have contributed in no small way to the decadence in our nation. All the vices we see are committed by people and not spirits and these people many of them attend our churches and meetings.

There is a call for cleansing within the church. Jesus is coming for a glorious and spotless bride. Let the cleansing begin from you.

Lecture 3: Believers building the Nation

Introduction:

What are the expected duties of the church in order to rebuild the walls of our nation that is broken down? Are we ready to pay the price for change? It is easier to destroy than to build we, must then be aware that the work of building our nation will not be easy. These are some of the things we can do to build our nation.

Pray in love: 1 Tim.2: 1-4; Rom. 13:8

People often enjoy criticizing the government, but idle criticism is unbecoming of a Christian. The believer is expected to behave in a more Christ like manner i.e. prayerfulness. The church owes rulers and public servants the duty of praying for them that God may use them for the welfare of the people. We are to pray for their salvation and God’s guidance for them. However, this prayer must be done in love not with a condemning heart.

Submission to laws: 1 Pet.2: 13-14

The believer should voluntarily cooperate with civil authority on the laws enacted to preserve a peaceful society. We are expected to obey traffic rules, pay taxes as individuals, vote and be voted for whenever there is a vacancy in a public post. Christians must begin to show the way of responsible citizenship in the land.

Honour Rulers: 1Pet. 2:17;Jude 8

Disrespect for law, authority and rulers leads to chaos while discipline and respect for authority creates order and builds character. Law abiding Christians should not be afraid of the king but only to honour him.

The church should encourage its members to work for, vote for and exercise influence for good government (Prov.28: 2).

Speak against evils: Prov.16: 12; 25:5; Deut.27: 19

The church can as when necessary speak against the ills of the government in power. She can act as the conscience of the nation. However, tact and wisdom is required when involving in this. Lack of wisdom may lead to danger like the head of John the Baptist that was cut off. Nathan, the prophet used wisdom in addressing David and was spared. May the Lord give us wisdom and a mouth that they will not be able to gainsay.

SECTION TWO

THEME: SAVING GRACE
TEXT: EPH. 2: 8-9

INTRODUCTION
The first and primary aspect of grace that often comes to mind, is the salvation of our souls which is the outworking of divine grace. No man on earth would have been able to reach God without grace. The penalty of sin is so grave that only grace could save a man from the consequences.

THE GENTILE WITHOUT THE LAW CONDEMNED Rom.1: 18-32
The gentile world is here pictured as condemned before God. Though they do not have the laws of God but nature and conscience is given to them by God so they may know to do the right. Contrary, the gentile world neglect the lessons from nature (v19-23). The result was a world of apostasy, vile affections and all manner of uncleanness (v24-27). Working contrary to their consciences too, they became filled with unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness……(v29-31). Knowing fully well the judgment of God, they were incapable of living righteously in the world.

THE JEWS WITH THE LAW CONDEMNED Rom.2:17
It was common practice for the Jews to pride themselves as the special elect of God. It was a thing to boast about (Phil.3:3-7). But then, even with the law, they could not keep the commandments of God. Their teachers do the same things they tell people not to do. God’s name has become blasphemed among the gentiles by this act of the Jews. They become inexcusable. The final verdict is that the whole world remains guilty before God. (Rom.3:9,20)

SALVATION BY GRACE
By the deeds of the law, no man can be justified. The demands of the law for defaulters is beyond reach of man. God thus sends His son as a substitution and propitiation for our sins. Faith is the finished work of Calvary thus saves a man from the penalty of sin (Rom.3: 24, 5: 1-2). By grace are we then saved through faith. Not of works lest any man boasts.

It is important for us to know that salvation is in three tenses:
1. The believer has been saved from the penalty of sin. Eph.2:5, 8
2. The believer is being saved from the power of sin (i.e. habit and dominion) Rom.6: 14,19 ; Phil.2: 12-13.
3. The believer is to be saved from the presence of sin. Heb.10: 36-39; I Pet.1:5

The questions before us all are in three-fold.
1. Are you saved?
2. Are you free from the power of sin?
3. Will you be saved at last?

GRACE IS AVAILABLE FOR YOU!

PART II

THEME: SANCTIFYING GRACE
TEXT: ROM. 5: 17, 6: 17

INTRODUCTION
The presence of sin in our world coupled with the spirit of the end times has made living righteously almost a taboo in the world. Surprisingly enough, it is almost becoming an extinct word among Christians. Men that have been called to be saints are suddenly found deep in sin. We must understand that the grace that saves us from the penalty of sin is available to deliver us from its power.

IDENTIFTYING THE PROBLEM
Why do we find believers in Christ fall into sin? Why is there a struggle within him to live holy in this world? After the fall of man in the garden of Eden, the effect could be seen as follows:

1. man’s understanding becomes darkened. Eph.4: 18
2. his heart becomes deceitful and wicked. Jer.17: 9
3. his mind and conscience defiled. Tit.1: 15
4. his will is enslaved. Rom.7: 15-24

Sin is therefore pictured as a dominating tyrant. It is first inherited before being committed

ENJOYING THE GRACE I Thes.4: 1-4
Man having become so subnormal now views the normal things of God as abnormal. Holiness is now seen unexpectedly among believers as abnormal. However, it is the will of God, accomplished by grace in the believers life. Indeed, the American Encyclopedia Dictionary explicitly says sanctification is "an operation of the Spirit of God on those who are already in Jesus, by which they are rendered increasingly holy,…..living to God, to righteousness and to holiness".

We have been called unto holiness I Thes.4: 7. For the nature and character of God that we have to deal with is HOLINESS. The heavenly beings also sing HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD OF HOST. (Isa.6: 3). His people therefore have no option it is imperative. We must be holy both within and without, inwardly and outwardly.

The instruments of God for sanctification are:

1. the word of God. Jh.17: 17
2. the blood of Jesus. Heb.13: 12

LIVING THE LIFE
Evidently it can be seen in the believers life when he has enjoyed this sanctifying grace. It is evident by the following:

1. perfect love Jh.15: 12-13, I John 4: 17-21
the sanctified heart is rooted and grounded in love, knit together in love with other believers and consistently walks in love.
2. pure motives Phil.2: 5, 1: 21
the sanctified life has pure motives. He has a single eye to please God in all things. He does not think evil of his neighbour.
3. pure conduct Tit.2: 11-12
Salvation is by grace and not works but the sanctified man must show forth his new life by pure conduct both within and without the church.

PART III

THEME: SERVING GRACE
TEXT: PSA. 110: 1-3

INTRODUCTION
In our last lesson, we say the grace of God upon Apostle Paul and how effective he made use of the grace. He was a major instrument in the hand of God in taking the gospel to the gentile world then.

However, as beautiful as the story is, we must not fail to realise that, he was not alone in the fulfillment of that great commission. There were others behind the scene, working also according to the grace upon them.

THE ANTIOCH CHURCH
Acts 13: 1-3; 14: 26-28; 18:22-23; 15:40
After the dispersion of believers from Jerusalem as a result of the persecution, the city of Antioch became a major Christian center. Indeed, the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. A spirit-filled church had developed here. It was from this church that Paul and Barnabas were sent forth to take the gospel to other lands. The Antioch church was:

1. Worshipping church. v2
2. Fasting church.
3. Praying church
4. Holy Spirit led church.
5. Sending church.
6. Supporting church.
7. Receiving church.

Paul and Barnabas were always reporting back to Antioch, "from which they had been commended" Acts 14: 26. This reporting demonstrates the organic relationship the apostolic team had with its sending base.

THE APOSTOLIC COMPANY
Acts 13: 5, 13-14; 16: 1-3; Rom.16: 21-23
As the Apostle was in the forefront of God’s missionary agenda, he was never going alone. He had younger disciples and ministers accompanying him. Jesus had earlier sent the disciples out two by two. No room for lone rangers in work of the kingdom. Apostle Paul had people like Luke, John-Mark, Timothy, Titus etc on his apostolic team. They were learning along the live while fulfilling their own ministry also. None was bothered if it was only Paul and Barnabas names that were often mentioned. They also were key part of the work of world evangelisation. At times the apostle will leave few among them in a city and proceed on his journey.

Wherever, these were called or left to serve was fulfilling for them. May God raise for us a heaven conscious and united apostolic team.

The women were not left out in this great service. Paul wrote Phebe, Priscilla and Aquilla, Mary etc. Rom.16: 3,6,12. These women laboured in the Lord for the apostles. How about Dorcas the benevolent seamstress, (Acts9:30) Lydia, the business woman (Acts 16:14-15). They supported Paul in his apostolic calling. Of a truth therefore, no single tree can make a forest.

May God raise for us a team that will go, groan and give graciously for the work of world evangelisation.

MARANATHA!

PART IV

THEME: SPEAKING GRACE
TEXT: COL. 4: 6

INTRODUCTION God made man a speaking spirit with power in the tongue. Death and life are in the power or control of the tongue (Prov.18: 21). If any does not offend in word, the same is a perfect man according to Apostle James (Jas.3: 2). The outbursts of the tongue will either make a man pure or defile him. At last, every evil and idle word will receive just judgment from God. (Mt.12: 36-37).

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE Prov. 18:21, 13:3,Num.13: 26-14
Man being a speaking spirit will either make or mar his destiny by the words of his mouth. Your confession will eventually become your possession. Several examples brings this truth to us in scriptures. Israel in the wilderness confessed they were not able to get the land and they eventually perished. (Num.14: 23-24) Only Joshua and Caleb who spoke differently made it to the Promised Land. The multitudes of the congregation were carried away by the evil report of the ten (10) spies. Men tend to believe evil reports than good. Be careful of the reports you hear, believe and act upon. It may lead you and yours to destruction. What more shall we say of the king’s Lieutenant who confessed impossibility (II Kings 7: 1-2, 17-20). The prophecy came to pass but he did not partake of the supernatural provision.

DESTINY IN WORDS Matt. 12: 33-37, 1 Pet. 3: 8-12
The believer that will love life and good days was warned by Apostle Peter to refrain his tongue from evil and lips from guile. We are warned not to speak

1. Evil of no man. (Titus 3: 1-2)
2. Evil of one another. (Jas.4: 11)
3. Evil of dignities. (II Peter 2: 9-10, Jude 8-9)
4. Evil of what you do not understand. (II Pet.2: 12, Jude 10)

Please note that every idle word that men speak they shall give account. If you understand the Day of Judgment, you will tremble and be sober.

WORDS OF GRACE Col.4: 6
Believers should have their words seasoned with grace like salt. Let the words of your mouth minister grace and life to the hearers. This can only be possible if and when your heart is right. The words of a man’s lips are the true reflection of his heart condition. A heart of lies will result in lying lips; a heart of hatred will bring forth damaging words; a heart of unbelief will bring negative confessions from the tongue. In the same vein a heart of peace will speak peaceable words; a heart of faith will speak forth positive words of God. Bring your heart before the Lord for cleansing and anointing with grace today.