RUDIMENT OF CHRISTIAN FAITH

RUDIMENT OF CHRISTIAN FAITH

INTRODUCTION

Like foundation to a building is this teaching to a young

Believers which prepare them for strong and healthy living in the Lord. It is observed that there are so many unregenerate leaders on our pulpit producing half baked or unbaked Christians. It is easier to over look this aspect in journey, or to feel to big to go through them but doing this will only produce a mere church goer loaded with religions words and perhaps religious outfit without Christian virtues. This of course is one of the numerous reason for the fall of so called spiritual giants.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Rudiments means the most basic and essential facts or principle of a subject i.e. those unnoticeable but essential ingredients of a subject upon which great, noticeable and glaring fact are built. For example, the foundation of a building which determines the height, the solidity, the firmness, the magnificence and sustenance of the building on it. So rudiments prepare one for more meaningful, advanced adventure.

RUDIMENTS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH

Therefore, rudiments of Christian faith means our preliminary steps or foundations in Christian faith that opens door for further spiritual exploits. These steps are sequentially arranged to follow each other if one in jumped or dogged shall affect whatever the future holds for one in faith. Heb.6:1-9, 5:11-14.

The rudiments of Christian faith had been neglected by some Christian workers and men on the pulpit hence the errors on the pews from pulpits.

SELECTED FEW OF RUDIMENTS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH

1.     GENUINE REPENTANCE

This comprises of godly sorrow that worketh repentance, restitution of our ways-making all the wrong right, the removal of Adamic nature, all this work towards biblical salvation with full assurance. 2Cor.7:9-12, 5:17, 18, Pro.28:13, Ezek.18:21-23, Acts.23:1-5.

2.     SCRIPPTUAL ORDINANCE

Which are water baptism by immersion as public declaration of ones faith towards fulfilling all righteousness and Holy communion. Acts.28:19,3:13-17, Rom.6:4-5, Matta.26:29, Exs.12:1-11.

3.     LAYING ON OF HANDS

For scriptural reason and anointing with the scriptural us of anointing oil.

4.     DEVOTION

Though broad in meaning but shall be limited to personal time with God which is also called quiet time and joint family devotion which is called family alter. Mk.1:35, Mk.6:31.

5.     HEART OF MAN

The bible established that the heart is the deport of all wickedness where sinful nature dwells.

6.     CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Is the last we shall discuss in this course. The role and importance and place of individual members of the body of Christ is spelt out in the scripture. As a unique body where Christ is the head. Acts.10:25, Acts.2:41-47.

1.     GENUNINE REPENTANCE

Genuine repentance is a complete turning away from all sins and its deceitful and short time pleasure (Heb.11:25) and that it is required from every sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with saving faith. Pro.28:13, Is.5:7, Esk.18:21-23, Mk.1:15, Lk.24:46, 47. Conviction rising from the revealed truth of God and His will that is crowned with turning from the wicked way unto the revealed truth. It isn’t salvation on its own but a major and required skill towards it. Acts.2:38, 3-19.

A.    REPENTANCE THAT IS GENUINE MUST

a.     Begin from the conviction got from the revealed word of God. Acts.20:20, 21.

b.     Lead to God and the lordship of Christ. 2Cor.7:7, 11

c.      Center around acknowledging the truth. 2Tim.2:25, 26

B.     EXAMPLES OF INGENUINE REPENTANCE

a.     Pharaoh (who for several times asked the Israelites to go each time he is severely tormented then changes his heart anytime he was at ease).

b.     Simon the magician. Acts.8:9-24.

c.      Agrippa (conviction without conversion). Acts.26:26

C.     EXAMPLES OF GENUINE CONVICTION/REPENTANCE

a.     Three thousand people. Acts.2:37:42.

b.     Philippians jailor. Acts.16:29-33.

c.      Ethopian Eunuch. Acts.8:35-38.

D.    FRUITS OF GENUINE REPENTANCE. ACTS.26:16-18

a.     Forgiveness of sins/conversion. Acts.13:38, Rom.3:25

b.     Inheritance among them which are sanctified. Acts.20:32, Ehp.1:11, 14.

This brings a distinct different between the past life and the present life.

RESTITUTION

Restitution is an essential part of genuine repentance. It is an act of restoring things pledged, robbed, acquired wrongfully back to the rightful owners, it is paying back debts, borrowed but unreturned items, stolen and misappropriated articles, uncover crimes done is secret places and confess lies. It is an act of establishes of Christ as the saviour and voids the heart of guilt and condemnation. (1John.3:19-22) Matt.5:23, 24, Exs.22:1-7.

A.    ORICIN AND PRACTICES OF RESTITUTION

To some restitution is extremity, to some is outdated and no longer to be practice. Some claim confession of sin is enough and will cover that. Num.5:7.

1.     It is God’s instruction - Gen.20:1-8

2.     The prophet taught it – 2Sam.12:1-6, Pr.6:31, Ezk.33:14, 18.

3.     Jesus taught it – Luke.18:8, 9, John.4:15-19, Luke.3:13.

4.     The Apostles taught it – Acts.23;1-5, Philemon.7, 21, Phil.1:27.

5.     The kings practiced and believed it – 2Sam.19:5-8, with.19:16-23, 1Kings.20:34, 2Kings.8:1-6, Neh.5:6-13

B.     BENEFITS AND RESULT OF RESTITUTION

It must be stressed here that:

1.     A sinner do not make it.

2.     If one without the counsel of God’s word and spirit-led men of god who practices it, it can become a mistake.

a.     Removal of guilt and condemnation. Rom.8:12.

b.     Heart void of offence – Acts.24:16.

c.      Confidence towards God and men and result to prayers. 1John.3:19-22

d.     Forgiveness of sins – Lev.6:5, 7.

e.     Removal of courses – Neh.5:13, Acts.25:5 with Exs.23:28.

C.     PUNISHMENTS FOR OVER-LOOKED RESTITUTION

There is a punishment for any one who neglect any point of the word of God. James.2:1—12.

SCRIPTURAL ORDINANCES

There are two of these ordinances that are commanded to be practiced by the believers as did Jesus and his disciples.

a.     Water Baptism – Matt.28:19

b.     Holy Communion – Luke.22:19.

A.    WATER BAPTISM

Is a sign of public declaration of our conversion. Water Baptism is one immersion (not three). “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holly Ghost” as Jesus commanded – Matt.28:19, 3:13, Mk.16:15, Acts.2:38, 39, 19:1-16 Rom.6:4, 5. It symbolizes believers union with Christ Gal.3:26, 27 and our identification with Christ Rom.6:4-13. Baptismal candidates must be able to give evidence of genuine repentance (not like Simon the magician). Acts.20:21. Baptism came from “BAPTIZO” (Greek word) means submerge or immerse. (not to pour, sprinkle) consider these phrase.

a.     In the river Jordan. Matt.3:16, Mk.1:5-19.

b.     Went down both into the water ‘up out of the water’. Acts.8:38, 39, John.3:23.

REASON FOR BAPTISM

It is an obedience to the command of Christ Mk.16:16.

It is to follow Jesus example. 1Pet.2:21, Matt.3:15-17.

To fulfill all righteousness. Matt.3:15.

Example of converts who were baptized by the early church.

1.     Believers at Pentecost –Acts.2:41.

2.     Coverts is Samaria – Acts.8:12.

3.     Ethopia Eunuch – Acts.8:38.

4.     Saul of Tarsus – Acts.9:18.

5.     Lydia of Thyatira – Acts.16:15.

6.     Philippians Jailor – Acts.16:38.

7.     Believers in Corinthian – Acts.18:8.

8.     Ephesians Disciples – Acts.19:5

He that believeth and baptized shall be saved. Mk.16:16.

HOLY COMMUNION

It was instituted by Christ Himself on the eve of Gethsemane. Matt.26:26-36, Mk.14:22-24. The Holy Communion was typified during the Passover observed by the Jews in the Old Testament. Exs.12:1-28.

VARIOUS NAMES

a.     Holy communion – 1Cor.10:16.

b.     The Blood and body of Christ – Matt.26:26, 28.

c.      The Lord’s table – 1Cor.10:21

d.     The Lord’s Supper – 1Cor.11:20.

e.     The breaking of Bread – Acts.2:42, 20:7.

MATERIALS OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

IT IS BEEN PRODUCED FROM “Unleavened Bread” unyeasted bread. Yeast on leaven is a picture of sin, evil, pride, hypocrisy and deceit. This Jesus called his body (Matt.26:26). The breaking of the bread suggest the breaking of Christ life in redemptive sacrifice. The fruit of the vine symbolizes the blood of Christ. 1Cor.11:24, Matt.26:27-29.

THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

a.     It is an instruction from the Lord – Lk.22:19, 20; 1Cor.11:24-34.

b.     It shows the Lord’s redemptive death – 1Cor.11:26.

c.      It lifts up our hope for Christ coming – 1Cor.11:26.

d.     It is a memorial that gives spiritual strength.

BELIEVERS CONDUCT AT THE COMMUNION TABLE

a.     “Look up” I have received of the Lord. 1Cor.11:28, Acts.7:55, 56.

b.     “Look back” to the Calvary where Jesus died in your place. 1Cor.11:26.

c.      “Look forward” for the Lord’s second coming.

d.     “Look inward” to examine yourself – 1Cor.11:28-32.

Eating is unworthy causes weakness, sickness and untimely death. 1Cor.11:27-29.

LAYING ON OF HANDS AND SCRIPTURAL USES OF ANOINTING OIL.

The in depth understanding of the purposes of the anointing, the meaning and the composition of the anointing oil will greatly be an advantage to us. Anointing on its own means a release of God’s grace for specific and spiritual reasons. This does not necessarily involve the use of oil. 1 John.2:20-27 (Amp, KJV, NIV, Goodnews). Sometimes can be called.

a.     Unction.

b.     Spiritual grace. 1Cor.1:4,5.

c.      Impartation. Rom.1:11, 1Thess.2:8.

d.     Power endowment. Lk.24:29, Acts.1:8.

e.     Utterance Eph.6:19, Col.4:3

COMPOSITION OF THE ANOINTING OIL –EXS.30:22-23

Anointing oil is made of principal, pure, holy and sweet spices, it compounded like the perfume. The purpose for which it is need required the materials to be void of dirt and uncleanliness.

PRECAUSTIONS FOR THE USES

1.     It must not be poured on man’s flesh (carnal man) Exs.30:32.

2.     No one must make any other like it. Exs.30:32

3.     It musty no be put upon a stranger (an unbeliever) Exs.30:33.

SCRIPTURAL USES OF ANOINTING OIL

The scripture is the book containing the cultures and the lifestyle of pilgrims ion the highway, so it spells out the uses of anointing oil.

1.     For the coronation of a King/Prophet.

-         Saul -                        1Sam.10:1.

-         David -         1Sam.16:13

-         Elisha -         1Kings.19:16.

-         Jehu -           2Kings.9:6.

-         Joash -          2Kings.11:12

2.     For the ordination of a Priest/Minister of God Aaron and his sons – Lev.8:2, 10-12, 10:7.

3.     For the healing of the sick. Lk.10:33, 34, Lk.6:13, James.5:13-16.

4.     (Note: Matt.26:6, Mk.14:3, John.12:3).

SOURCES OF GODLY ANOINTING

1.     Directly from God.

-         Though personal time with the word of God. Job.29:6.

-         Waiting on the  Lord Isa.40:31

2.     Through the laying on of hands of superior spiritual leader. Deut.33:9, 2Tim.1:6

Anyone who gives himself to the work of God will definitely be loaded with God’s power.

SYMBOLIC PURPOSES OF LAYING ON OF HANDS

Laying of hands in one of the elemental principle of faith which is described in Heb.6:1-2. It need s to be discussed for proper understanding of the purpose of the scriptural practice (laying on of hands).

1.     For impartation of spiritual grace. 1Tim.4:14 and for ordination. Acts.13:3

·        Paul laid hands on Timothy – 2Tim.1:6

·        The twelve Apostles prayed for the seven Deacons Acts.6:6.

·        Moses for Joshua – Deut.34:9, Num.27:18-23.

2.     For healing of bodily ailments. Mk.16:17, 18, Acts.9:17.

3.     Sometimes for to receive the Holy Ghost.

·        Peter did it for young believers in Samaria. Acts.8:17

·        Ananias prayed in like manner for Paul. Acts.9:17, 18.

·        Paul and the Christians of Ephesus. Acts.19:6,7

DEVOTION

Devotion is broad in it perspective but we shall limit ourselves to quiet time and family alter i.e. family morning/night devotion.

QUIET TIME GEN.19:27, MARK.1:35

Quiet time can be described as the Christians automatic riffle to fight the battles of the day. It is an umbrella to shield believers from the searching ray of the sunny day. It is a hard boot to walk in the jungles of life. It is like an ignition key and a steering that starts the moves and controls the life of the believer during the day.

-         Improper quiet time or complete neglect of it makes a Christian to be like a car without fuel.

-         Mechanical or inadequate quiet time would make the believer to loose God’s benefit, grace, glory, guidance and personal spiritual growth.

-         It is a special time set aside early in the morning or late in the night to have communion with God.

-         Victory will elude the believer who handles the daily observances of quiet time with levity.

-         If no right relationship with God there can’t be desirous fellowship with him.

THE PURPOSE OF QUIET TIME

1.     For daily strength for Christian onward journey 1kings.19:7, John:15:5.

2.     It enhances our spiritual growth and steadfastness 1 peter 2:2

3.     It helps to create right reaction to trials and temptation that may befalls us Heb. 12:10, Jn 1:2-4 , 1 peter 4:1,2, 2peter 1:3-7

4.     It enhances our confidences and trust

5.     It affords the believers daily grace for daily encounter.

  

         PROPERTIES OF AN ENRICHING QUIET TIME

Adequate preparation and properties will not make our regular, daily quiet time stereotyped, monotonous, boring and burdensome.

PREPARATION (EZRA 7:10)

1.     Waking up early to avoid distractions.

2.     Washing your face or quickly taking your bath.

3.     Taking your bible, notebook and pen to the writing table not bed.

4.     Provide for illumination to avoid been induced to sleep off.

5.     Walk up and down if feeling sleepy.

                                    THINGS TO DO

1.     There should be lively worship and praises, intermittent thanksgiving in words to be mixed with inspiring choruses or hymns Phil.4:6.

2.     Communion with God through prayers and scripture reading (Prayer should be simple, earnest and sincere) to include intercession supplication petitioning request and desires (1 Tim 2:1).

3.     Studying the bible, faithfully thoughtfully and meditatively.

You will need determination and discipline to be consistent in your daily communion with God in your quiet time. Ps.63:1,Gen.28:18, Joshua.3:1, 6:12,7:16, 8:10.

FAMILY ALTAR

Family altar is almost the same thing to quiet time. The only difference is that this takes place within members of Christian’s family (the father to the smallest child). While quiet time is between a believer and his God. It is the gathering of the members of a family together (from two to the highest number) for joint devotional time before God. Deut.6:6-9, 4:9-10, 11:19-21. All that is observed during personal quiet time should be employed for joint family altar. But family altar is not meant to be prolonged unnecessarily. Remember and adage that says “The family that prays together stay together.

HEART OF MAN

The heart of man is the inside of every man. It’s the working forces of every human being, whatever a man sees, hears goes to the heart. It is the store-room, of every man, heart is like an engine to vehicle, it is the working power/force of a big automobile. Whosoever owns the heart owns the person. Rom.6:16, Matt.12:34, 35, 15:18, Lk6:45, Mk.7:21-23.

DESCIPTION OF HUMAN HEART

The Bible describes the depravity of human heart since we fell from grace into sin. “The heart is deceitfully above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

JEREMIAH.17:9

“This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all; yea, also THE HEART OF THE SON OF MEN IS FULL OF EVIL, AND MADNESS. IS IN THEIR HEART WHILE THEY LIVE, and after that they go to the dead”. Eccl.9:3.

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man, for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Matt.15:18, 19. The scriptural verses quoted above explain and describe the extent of pollution of human hearts. Whatever sin a man committed is the revelation of the state of his heart. As the heart, is the expresses of all the actions of men. Natural attribute of some animal will help convey the message of the description of the heart and the state of its depravity.

1.     PEACOCK

The bird is beautiful and colourful. It stands for pride – 1Peter.5:5, Prov.8:13, Prov.16:18.

2.     HE-GOAT

This animal small so much and too lustful which symbolizes lust, lack of self control, fornication and adultery – 1Cor.6:18-19, 3:17.

3.     PIG

This dirty and gluttonous – eats whatever its sees. Clean or unclean. It is a picture of the heart that thinks evil, uncleanliness and pollution all his days. Gluttony, smoking, snuffing etc. 1Cor.3:16, Deut.21:18-21, Prov.23:21, 28:7, Isaiah.5:22, Hab.2:15, Isa.5:12, 1Cor.6:9, Eph.5:18, John.7:37.

4.     TORTOISE

This animal is very lazy and stands for laziness, slothfulness, wizardly, unbelief. Prov.21:25, 26, Lev.19:31, Deut.18:10-12.

5.     LEOPARD

This is brutal animal and stands for hatred fight annoyance which make many murderers. Ps. 37:8, Prov. 27:4, Eccl. 7:9, Col. 3:8

6.     SNAKE

Stands for jealous and deceit. Songs of Solomon 8:6

7.     FROG

This animal feeds on sands and lives in the mud makes it stands for covetousness, greediness, love of money which is the root of all evil. 1Tim6:10, Matt.6:19-22. Joshua 7:19-26, Lk. 12:15, 12:22-34.

                     POSITION OF HUMAN HEART AT CONVERSION

It should be noted that the colour of our skins, the race, origin the height, stature and the face do not change. What really occurs is the transplantation’ of heart, replacement of heart –change of heart. 1sam 10:9. Before conversion, men had STONY HEART. Ezk11:19. When the gospel is preached he BELIEVED WITH THE HEART. Rom.10:10.during conversion, new heart was given in exchange of stony heart. Ezk.18:31, 36:26, while the believer continues in Christ, HE LIVES IN HIS HEART. Eph.3:17

THINGS WE CAN DO WITH THE HEART

1.     When man is deceived it is the heart that is deceived. Jer.17:9.

2.     It is the heart that is doing hardened. Mark.8:17, 10:5, 16:14.

3.     Forgiveness of transgression of fellow man is from the heart. Matt.18:35.

4.     It is in the heart that we keep word of God. Ps.119:11

5.     We also know God in our heart. Jer.24:7.

6.     From the heart we love God. Lk.10:27.

7.     The ability to do God’s will is performed only in our hearts. Eph.6:6.

8.     Being steadfast in the Lord comes from the heart. Heb.13:9.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Three conditions must be met in our hearts and be done physically before a man can be admitted into the church of God.

1.     CONVERSION:   This includes repentance towards God, faith in Christ and regeneration. Jn.:3, 5, 16, 18, 36. Acts.3:19, 20, 21.

2.      WATER BAPTISM: This is an outward sign that one is a follower of Christ. Mk.16:15, Acts.2:41, 8:21, Rom.6:1-4.

3.     PUBLIC CONFESSION: To declare with ones mouth Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour.

Becoming a member of the family of God into the fellowship with God (1John.1:3) must also include gathering together with the people of God. Acts.2:37-47. The Bible warn strictly against neglect of the gathering of the people of God. Heb.10:25.

IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

There should be concern and care for one another in  the local church members of the church need each other (1Cor.12:14-26) they are to be involved in each other’s life and  pray for each other (Eph.6:18) they are to bear each others’ burden (Gen.6:2) do good to one another (Gal.6:10, John.13:35) and meet each other needs. Rom.12:13. There is also the corporate fellowship of the church with God.

1.     It grounds the young believer to a matured Christian.

2.     It provides remedy of restoration for the backslidden.

3.     It affords the opportunity for joint edification.

4.     It fastens the feet of the believer on the truth.

5.     It prepares the believer for heaven.