The second part of the covenant by sacrifice

a.       Prayer

The second part of the covenant the saints have covenanted with the Lord by sacrifice is the sacrifice of prayer which, in the true sense of the word is communication with God and making a request of God. King David in one of his psalms wrote; “LORD, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalms 141:2).

Saints have been admonished to pray for one another especially for growth and development of each other and for the growth of the ministry as demonstrated by the apostle Paul who wrote; “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:” He also advised the saints to; “pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 1:15-16; 6:18).

We have been admonished saying; “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit” (James 5:14-18).

Prayer therefore, is an integral part of the covenanted sacrifice the saints have covenanted to offer to the Lord and should be executed effectively by implementing ten general requirements namely:

·         A forgiving spirit

Jesus Christ taught His disciples saying; “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift…For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 5: 23-24; 6:14-15).

·         Simplicity

Jesus Christ again instructed His disciples saying; “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward (which is the glory of men).

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:5-8).

·         Humility and repentance

To illustrate this point Jesus Christ gave a parable saying; “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men --- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:10-14).

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

 

The first qualifying sign of a saint

 

The apostle Paul admonished us by saying; “I speak as to wise men; judge for your-selves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread” (1Corinthians 10:15-17).

The body and blood of Jesus Christ is the food for the Lord’s offering which the saints have covenanted to offer to the Lord at the appointed time. The truth of the matter is, saints are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own special people, that they may proclaim the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9)

According to the law which governs the priesthood, the priests shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire (zeal), and the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy” (Leviticus 21:6).

Remember, the Old Testament was a copy and shadow of the reality, in the Old Testament it was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Therefore, when Jesus Christ came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.

Then I said, 'Behold, I have come --- In the volume of the book it is written of Me ---To do Your will, O God.' "Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law), then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:4-10).

Therefore, the body and the blood of Jesus Christ which is represented by the bread and the wine is the duty of the saints according to the rules of the covenant, to offer to the Lord at the appointed time the food for His offerings.

This is the new and living way by which the saints draw near to God as confirmed by the apostle Paul who wrote; “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).

This is the number one responsibility of any one who considers him/herself a saint because, this is what unites the body of Christ and allows us to draw near to God. For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and un-profitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:18-19).

This is what the apostle Paul termed as the unsearchable riches of Christ or the manifold wisdom of God for he wrote; “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him” (Ephesians 3: 8-12).

This is a covenant of sacrifice which the saints have covenanted with God and that all should comprehend. Therefore, to you who believe, He (the Lord) is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone," and” A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense:" They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed” (1Peter 2:7-8)”

Our appointment as saints is to be as living stones building up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Because, priests shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire (zeal), and the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy” (Leviticus 21:6)

Therefore, saints should not neglect to fulfill this part of the covenant of sacrifice which they have covenanted to keep, hence the reason why many stumble, they stumble because they are disobedient to what they have covenanted and appointed to do.

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Lucius Joseph

Who is a saint

 

So let us now look at and expound these two perspectives of what qualifies one to be a saint:

1. A saint is one who has made a covenant with God by sacrifice

A covenant is an agreement which involves a covenanter that is the one making the covenant, who in this case is the Lord Himself, the covenantee, the one with whom the agreement is made whom in this case are the saints and the covenant is the agreement itself which the saints agreed to sacrifice to the Lord.

The sacrifice which the saints covenanted to offer to the Lord is four-folds and they are as follows:

a.       Jesus Christ

The body and blood of Jesus Christ is the most important sacrifice that the saints have covenanted to offer to the Lord. Therefore, the most important description of a saint is one who offers to the Lord His sacrifice, His sweet smelling aroma at the appointed time as they have been duly instructed saying; “Command the children of Israel, and say to them, 'My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time.” In our New Testament dispensation, Jesus Christ is that sweet smelling aroma which we are to offer to the Lord as we have been admonished saying; “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Numbers 28:2; Ephesians 5:1-2).

This sacrifice is what gives us life as confirmed by Jesus Christ who said; “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him" (John 6:27).

Jesus further stated, “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world" (John 6:48-51).

Now to those who still want to doubt like the Jews did, Jesus emphasized this fact by saying; “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven --- not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever" (John 6: 53-58).

Saints therefore are required to purge out the old leaven of sin that they may be a new lump, since they truly are unleavened: For indeed Christ, our Passover was sacrificed for us and gave us His flesh to eat and His blood to drink. Remember, it was a continual practice of the early saints to be steadfast in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

 

The saints of God

Inasmuch as the saints have an important role to play in the future development of this world I think that it is imperative that we re-visit the word saints since we have been forewarned saying; “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1John 5;19).

As one can clearly derive from the scriptures there are a lot at stake for the saints because, God revealed to the prophet Daniel the role the saints will play in the future ruler-ship of this world. For this is what Daniel documented, he wrote; “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

'Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.' Daniel further state that; “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom” (Daniel 7:15-18, 21-2).

A lot more is said regarding the saints but the focus right now is on who are the saints! And what qualifies one to become a saint? With such massive confusion in the religious circle I think that it is imperative that we study and have a good knowledge and understanding as to who is a saint because, the Lord has brought a charge against the inhabitants of the land stating: "There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4: 1, 6).

Some religions canonized certain people and declare them as saints after they die, but who is truly a saint! And what qualifies them to be a saint? In many passages of scripture we clearly see that the word saints was attributed to people while they were still alive: Now, since by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established, let us look at three examples to establish the fact that saints are assigned to one not when they die but whilst they are still alive, for example:

The apostle Paul greeted the church at Corinth by stating: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2Corinthians 2: 1-2).

In bidding farewell to the Corinthians the apostle Paul encouraged them by saying; “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you” (2Corinthians 13:11-13).

Then we have the apostle Paul and Timothy greeting the church in Philippi saying; “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1: 1-2).

Therefore, there is ample proof in scriptures to prove that the word saints are applicable to both the dead and to those who are alive. The time in which we live is very critical for the saints because they have been forewarned of the critical time to come saying; “He (a ruler/lesser kingdom of this world) shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time” (Daniel 7:25).

So then, it is imperative for us to know who are deemed saints and what must one do to become a saint. First and foremost, the word saint refers to all of God’s redeemed people as clearly stated by the apostle Paul who wrote; “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1Corinthians 1:2).

Saints are people who are predestined by God in Christ as made reference by the apostle Paul who wrote; “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7).

But the most important question is, how does one becomes a saint? I think that the Psalmist David and the apostle John respectively, gave us clear definitions as what defines a saint, for example, the Psalmist David wrote; “Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." And, the apostle John wrote; “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Psalms 50:5; Revelation 14:12).

So let us now look at and expound these two perspectives of what qualifies one to be a saint:

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The seventh reason for fearing God

 

7.      His righteous Judgment

The seventh reason for having the rightful fear of God it is of His righteous judgment: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2Corinthians 5:10-11).

Most people take into consideration, only the goodness of God, and failed to consider the severity of the Lord’s judgment. We are to consider not only the goodness of the Lord but also His severity as He admonished the children of Israel saying; “(For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:21-22)

What we should all bear in mind is the fact that, "the Lord God made the heavens and the earth by His great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for Him. He shows loving kindness to thousands, and repays the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them. The great, the mighty God, whose name is the LORD of hosts, is great in counsel and mighty in work, for His eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doing" (Jeremiah 32:17-19).

The Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King- At His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to abide His indignation" (Jeremiah 10:10).

We better take heed and listen to the angel who is flying in the midst of heaven with the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth- to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people- saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water" (Revelation 14:6-7).

The outward sign for such reverence to the one who, created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and springs of water, is the observance of His Sabbaths. For, "In six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it (set it apart for holy use)." The Lord also said, "Keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary, I am the Lord" (Exodus 20:11; Leviticus 19:30, 26:2).

We should all be joining the heavenly chorus and sing," We give you thanks, O Lord God almighty, the One Who is and Who was and Who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead (nations), that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth" (Revelation 11:18).

Yes! If indeed we have proven that the LORD is gracious, the conclusion of the whole matter is, let us fear Him by standing in Awe of Him, giving reverence to His name because of His Majesty-Sovereignty, His holiness, His manifold graces, His forgiving mercies, His goodness, His awesome Power, and His righteous judgment, we will not fail if we do such things.

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Lucius Joseph

The sixth reason for fearing God

 

6.      His Awesome Power.

 

The sixth reason for stimulating the rightful fear of God in us it is because of His awesome power. The Lord our God parted the red sea and dried it up in the presence of the children of Israel, until they crossed over. He also dried up the waters of the Jordan before them until they had crossed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, and that you may fear the Lord your God forever" (Joshua 4:23-24).

Job tells us that, "As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, in judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress, therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise in heart" (Job 37:23-24).

Jesus taught His disciples the fear of God by saying, "My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has the power to cast into hell; yes I say to you, fear Him" (Luke 12:4-5).

Yes, because of the Lord's awesome power and authority, He ought to be feared and one should express this fear by standing in awe of Him, reverencing His name, singing and praising Him as illustrated by the psalmist David who wrote; “Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power…But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy” (Psalms 21:13; 59:16-17).

We should also be talking and make mention of His power as exemplified by King David who wrote; “The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and Your dominion endures throughout all generations” (Psalms 145:9-13).

God is in full control of His subjects, nothing happens without His knowledge and express permission, Jesus Christ gave us this assurance by saying; “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

Therefore, the power of God ought to generate the rightful fear of God as again illustrated by the Psalmist David who wrote; “Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name." Selah.’

“Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him. He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard” (Psalms 66:3-8).

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The fifth reason for fearing God

 

5.        His Goodness

The fifth reason why the rightful fear of God should be stimulated in us it is because of His goodness as indicated by the Psalmist David who wrote, "Oh, how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have prepared for those who trust in you in the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19).

It is the goodness of God that leads one to repentance; for this reason, God ought to be revered. That is, He deserved to be truly loved, highly respected, greatly honored, show reverence, and stand in awe of Him. The prophet Samuel said, I will teach you the good and right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you" (1Samuel 12:23-24).

Because of God's goodness, we are to fear the Lord our God, and serve Him, and to Him we should hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is our praise, and He is our God, who has done for us great and awesome things which our eyes have seen.

The goodness of God is manifested in three ways:

1. In material blessings

One should always remember that, all that we are and all that we have is a blessing from the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14: 15-17).

Furthermore, we have been duly admonished by Jesus Christ saying; “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44-45).

2. Spiritual blessings

The goodness of God is also spiritually manifested as confirmed by the Psalmist who wrote; “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!” (Psalms 1:19-21).

3. Forgiveness of  sins

The goodness of God is also demonstrated by His forgiving mercies as again confirmed by the Psalmist who wrote; “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You” (Psalms 86:3-5).

And so, our attitude towards the goodness of God should be one of rejoicing, remembrance and satisfaction because of all the good He has done for us by providing us with His physical and spiritual blessings and follow the example of King David who wrote; “One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.” And according to the prophet Jeremiah, “I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the LORD." (Psalms 145:4-7; Jeremiah 31:14).

The stark reality is, The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. All His works shall praise Him and His saints shall bless Him.

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph