Bible Studies

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The foundation of your faith
The foundation of a building is crucial to the durability of the finished building. How far deep you go in laying our foundation also determine how high you want your building to be or the stress you expect it to carry. For instance if you buy a house and want to do some structural adjustment to the house, you may need a planning permission. And before the permission is given for say an additional floor, they have to ensure that the original foundation can take it.

The same applies to your faith. How far you go, how long you endure, how consistently you grow, depends on your foundation. Without the right foundation, whatever is built on your life so to speak risks caving in when the winds of adversity blow and the storms of life come.

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.(Matt7:25)

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. .(1Cor.3:10-11)

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. (2Tim.2:19)

This is why when we come to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the first time, we need to ensure that we are sure about what we have believed, and understand the commitment God expects of us.
We cannot live as we used to live because we, who were dead in trespasses and sin, have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. God expects of us to shine as light in the midst of darkness. It is true that that growing in Christ is a process but this process is hampered if we lack an understanding of what God expects of us. Certainly we cannot do it in our strength. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to live a victorious Christian life and should ask God to help us each step of the way.
22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbo0r, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin?: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.Ephe4:22-27NIV

We need to understand that our new birth involves the recreation of our human spirit, which is instant. The separation between God and man is bridged as we invite Christ into our lives. Our manner of thinking emanating from our soul need to be reprogramed, rewired so that we no longer are shaped into the mould of the world but are renewed in the spirit of our minds gradually. It is the word of God that washes away the filth we have acquired over the years. This takes time and effort on our path. It requires discipline and dedication to God and his Word and prayer to build the essential strong foundation that we need.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God?this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -His good, pleasing and perfect will."Rom.12:1-2

Foundations are usually tested. The question is: if your foundation is tested, will you stand?

The Feeding of your faith
You need to feed your faith like you would water a plant, otherwise you will wither and fizzle out- nipped in the bud. You need to study the Word of God regularly. There over 8000 promises in the word of God you need to find out these promises and the conditions attached so that it informs your prayer and expect god to answer your prayers. God only answers prayers that are according to His will. He will not contradict Himself.

2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Feeding your faith does not only involve personal private bible study but also group Bible study where you?re free to express your doubts and ask questions without any embarrassment.

5Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skilfully teaching the Word of Truth.
2Tim2:15Amp.

42"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47

There is also the need to attend Church regularly and enjoy the warmth of fellowship with the people of God. It is essential that you find a Church in which the word of God is preached without compromise. God wants to renew you day by day and change you from one degree of glory to another. Unless you cooperate with Him, it will not be done. He will not force it on you.

25"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one" Heb.10:25NIV

Fuelling your faith
Without fuel in a car it will stall, stagnate and park up. Fuel brings energy which moves the car. You need the fuel of the Holy Spirit to recharge and motivate you into fulfilling the purpose

8"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit of God in your life." Eph.5:18

"Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavour; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord."Rom.12:11

You need to examine yourself from time to time to see if you?re in the faith. You need to be honest with yourself and ask for forgiveness for nay shortcomings. And when you pray for forgiveness, you must believe the He does forgive you. However you must not just ask for forgiveness and return to your vomit but 'repent and forsake'. Once again we need to invite the Holy Spirit to come along side us and help us to live a victorious Christian life.

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you? unless, of course, you fail the test?"2Cor.13:5NIV

Firing and refining your faith

Fire often represents the presence of the Lord.
When Abraham was cutting covenant with the Lord God?s presence and acceptance came in the form of fire passing between the pieces of the sacrifice. (Gen.15:17)
Elijah was answered by fire when he contested with the prophets of Baal. (1Kings 18:24)

As we cultivate the presence of God, the dross in us will be burnt off in His presence. God will put us through his fire of testing to remove the impurities and unfurl the gold in us that will glorify Him. When the Refiner?s fire has done His work, we'll be radiating majesty, beauty and holiness of the Most High God.

"But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."Job23:10
"But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap."Mal.3:2

"that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ," NKJV

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." KJV1Pet1:7


No breaking, no blessing. No pain no gain. God is more interested in our character than our comfort and would ensure that we have sufficient training for reigning. And some of the training may be painful.

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