MUST A BELIEVER SPEAK IN TONGUES?

Tongue is a language that is spiritually acquired, never a natural utterance.

No bible verse speaks of such desperacy that a Believer "MUST" speak in tongues. It is only admonished that a Believer "SHOULD" speak in tongues as it is the prime evidence of "baptism of the Holyghost". Carefully study these scriptures; 

Mark 16:16-18 KJV

[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

[17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

[18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Acts 2:3-4 KJV

[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 10:44-48 KJV

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain day.

Acts 19:5-6 KJV

[5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

[6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

1 Corinthians 12:3-12 KJV

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 Corinthians 12:28-31 KJV

[28]And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 14:39 KJV

[39] Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Physically, if any terrible thing should happen, I will take it to my Spiritual advantage. Nevertheless, I won't just sit back to watch things happen anyhow.

BONE OF YOUR BONE

Quiet a large number of folks still believe God has purposed one specific spouse for him/her from heaven. Truly, it may happen that God divinely connects you to someone but believe me you, very few people experience that really. Many are remaining single and unmarriedly old basically because of this faulty believe and hanging orientation.

I brightly want to let you understand that God has not categorically built only one man/woman to be your husband/wife from heaven as we think in old Christiandom.

I have understood that the main criteria to choose are:

1. The person be confirmed to be a believer
2. Your spirit must perfectly align. Peace is a sign of this.
3. Then, your own choices and taste can never be underestimated. Check for what you like and will please you. Though, with Godly mind.

While God wants some persons to pick a relationship from the level He has now placed them, others may freely hook up with anyone whom they are and will be satisfied with. This is to ensure a very peaceful and productive marriage life both physically and spiritually.

Oludare Olumide Ayodeji

+2348067222088

Your STRENGTH in a workplace is not measured by the agile activities performed by your MUSCLES but rather measured by the ATTITUDE you show to work.

ON THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Mr. CJN, I'm sorry if this hurts you.

Apparently, the judiciary system of Nigeria needs to be tied to the devil's neck and thrown in the deepest part of Hell.

A biased system where the rich and influential, mainly politicians gain favour, while the poor and less privileged rotten in jail and even without any trial, grow old in cell.

A horrendous, unequally parallel system where the trial of the rich takes long taped years and yet no conviction, while that of the poor is measured in weeks and months with majority convicted.

A carefree and careless system where the rich when convicted, is allowed good breathing space and lifestyle that will be so evident on their skin while the poor is thrown into a dungeon where they will see no light for decades and will grow sick.

A handicapped, paralyzed, leprous system which is mostly control by power that be in government.

A deaf system that hears not the sound of the abused but open hearted to the resourceful only.

Above all, an appalling and nauseating system where its Godly prototype is in the west while it moves alacritiously and speedily towards the east, thinking it would meet the sun rise at night.

Sir/Ma, you can help continue writing these realities as much as you have in your heart.

Dear CJN,

I know it didn't start with and by you, but it could end with and by you.

Judicial Revolution Should Happen In Nigeria Now!

Oludare_olumide@yahoo.com

08028422499

YOU AND I; EVERYONE

Question A: David!! (An Unbeliever) Why did you beat your wife recklessly?

Answer: (sober tone) It was the handiwork of the devil.

Question B: Robin!!! (An Unbeliever) Why did you forge those documents?

Answer:  (Arrogantly speaking) You should know I wouldn't do that myself. Things happen! Anyways, the devil enticed me into it.

Question C: Abigail!!! (A Believer) Why did you blackmail your Pastor on sexual harassment?

Answer:  (weeping) The devil caused it. I pray he (Pastor) forgives me, even God.

Question D: Jerry!!! (A Believer) Why did you steal your boss' money?

Answer: (Confidently speaking) I yielded to the lust. I'm not totally responsible for it. My wife frustrated me to that point.

Question E: Jane!!! (A Believer) Why did you disobey your parents?

Answer:  (Remorseful) I accept my fault because I just decided to disobey.

Question F: Danielle!!! (A Believer) Why did you tear your friend naked?

Answer: (Repentantly responding) I know I'm to be blamed; no one or thing caused it. I don’t know how come I fell victim of that terrible act.

Here, we can see and reason the answers provided to the questions asked. I'm sure you, as a reader, will fall into one of those examples.

NOTE: While the first three: David, Robin, and Abigail blamed the devil, the fourth person: Jerry, shared the blames with a fellow human, and the last two: Jane, and Danielle received the blames to themselves only.

Worthy of note is that the first two: David and Robin are unbelievers (haven’t accepted Jesus Christ), while the remaining four on the other hand, are believers.

Let’s interpret the answers supplied to the questions asked. I’m sure we can aggravate the thoughts and feelings that gave rise to their respective individual answer as below:

A)   David, an unbeliever, casted the blame on the devil. Though, he seemed to be very sorry, and repentant for his act toward the wife. (Smiles) Indeed, there was a superior authority that took over him.

B)    Robin, also an unbeliever, vested the blames on satan. He sounded not sorry, unconcerned, and unrepented for forgery. He obviously could repeat the same some other time. He believed everything that happens is part of those things that ought to be, irrespective of him being a factor.

C)    Abigail, a believer, likewise to the first two unbelievers passed her blames to Lucifer, the serpent. (After all, Eve did the same). She seemed to feel very sorry for that trespass towards her pastor. Also, sounded like she won’t do that again.

D)   Jerry, a believer, bisected the fault between himself and his wife only. (I’m sure he remembered Adam did that too). However, he sounded unrepentant and so sure of himself. Like, is that little amount I took a big deal? He’s most likely to continually release himself to faults. Perhaps, he believes JESUS HAS DONE IT ALL. However, he also sounded like he could have prevented it.

E)    Jane, a believer, conceded to self acclaiming of blames, rather than tossing blames here and there for her abrupt disobedience. The lady was remorseful though. But note this; she said something, “I just disobeyed”, meaning the offence came as a result of her willingness, intentions, and choice-to-do. No luring from anyone.

F)    Danielle, a believer too, totally accepted the blames on herself. She seemed repented, sorry, and lost to herself. From her response, that act seemed to have evolved from an uncontrolled or untransformed mind, lack of qualitative discipline, partial ignorance e.t.c. Perhaps, it was a trial of her patience. But she failed!

DISCUSSION 1: WHO SHOULD BLAME THE DEVIL?

Basically, the truth is no one has ever blamed GOD for any evil. Not even the devil himself has anything in Him. He is ever righteous, and that’s why we will never ask “WHO SHOULD BLAME GOD?” WRONG!

Recap that the first three persons questioned blamed the devil: two unbelievers (David and Robin) and one believer (Abigail). Really! Do both categories have the right to blame the devil?

Let us consult the scriptures.

1) Father to Unbelievers

John 8:41-47 KJV

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

[42] Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

[43] Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

[44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

[45] And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

[46] Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

[47] He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

2) Father to Believers.

Matthew 5:43-48 KJV

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the publicans so?

[48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Truly, we have seen that the father of the unbelievers is the DEVIL, and so, if they blame him for their actions, they are expressly right. But as for believer, having the spirit of God which guides him in all truth, is heretic when he blames the devil. Why? Because his father is God through the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is no evil in God. He is expected to behave same way as his father. After all, we know what the fruit of the spirit is.

Ephesians 5:1-10 KJV

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

One would then ask: Who is now to be blamed or responsible or queried (not condemned) when believer errs? The simple answer is SELF. Two things that have made believers misbehave are DISOBEDIENCE and IGNORACE.

1 Peter 1:13-16,22-23 KJV

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

[14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

[15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

[16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

[22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

2 Corinthians 2:9-11 KJV

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it , for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

[11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

By Nature, No Man Is Good.

Matthew 19:16-17 KJV

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

[17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is , God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

So, that should also answer the thought of whom the father of an unbeliever is when he does good. You would say at least, unbelivers give alms, help the needy in their own capacity e.t.c. You must also be reminded that their father, the devil gives wealth, heals the sick, relieves the oppressed e.t.c. Does that in any way make him good or the son of God? NO!

Conclusively, David and Robin were both right blaming the devil. Whether or not they blame him, satan remains their Prince and Father. But Abigail was wrong, because believers have been raised above the devil through the resurrection of Christ Jesus and His sitting at the right hand of God in high places.

All that glitters is not Gold; All that is bitter is not truth.

A FEELING WHICH I CAN'T EXPLAIN

I traveled to the oceans

Swifted to the deserts

worried to the wildernesses

eagerly approached all seen natures

All in the quest to get an explanation

The ocean used its links with all parts of the world to get me what I sort after

oh no, it came to lament

this is beyond my powers

can you please give me a year to find out?

The desert at first boasted of its power in use of whirlwinds

it rolled higher and wider

it rolled deeper and thinner

and it cracked down weeping:

I'd never failed this way before

I'm sorry I disappointed

The wilderness is the custodian of darkness and hidden secrets

it spoke majestically of its capacity to trench out the old and seemingly lost wisdom

it rustled its thick forest

it breadth out the savour of its concealed knowledge

lo and behold, it mourned the lost of the explanations I seek

And I resulted to consult the comity of other natures, the cloud, the sun, moon e.t.c

they had meetings upon meetings

brainstorming upon brainstorming

consultations upon consultations

they smiled at me like they've got the explanations to what I feel

they whispered in chorus to me saying:

we couldn't get any valuable information but we now know something

the explanation you seek is concealed in your heart

search it out

Then, I listened carefully to my heart

there a still voice said:

the feeling you experience is as a result of someone special you've met

and when I paid more solemn attention

I heard the name – Margaret Rose

immediately, satisfaction filled my heart

because of the feeling I can now explain.

composed and written by: Oludare Olumide

MEMORY DIG

With laughter I remembered vividly, those days I use to pray to God, the father for forgiveness of my sins.

Not just stopping there, but mentioning the sins one after the other; lying, "tonguely" sin, fornication of the heart, evil communications, malice e.t.c. to the point that I will now start roping myself before God by asking for forgiveness on sins I never committed.

These prayers I often say then constantly, in the morning as I wake, the minute before I sleep, and as many times I would remember to say it in the course of the day. Why? Because I took it more seriously than any other "prayer point".

Now, I realised I took it that serious because:

1) whenever we have family prayers, my parents would lay extraordinary emphasis on "forgiveness" and would wrap it up saying " forgive us of the sins we committed both intentionally and unintentionally".

Our "Amen" at this juncture would be like the trumpet that should sound on the last day.

2) Part of the church doctrinal proceedings always give a special and virgin room for "prayer of forgiveness" in every meetings we would hold.

3) Lastly, and most importantly are the: desire to make Heaven, unrelenting vigilance for Rapture, and fear of Hell. which I will call "The Triplet!"

During my last year in higher institution, this practice rose to the peak, as though I was seeing heaven already.

But there was a change of doctrine or understanding during my service year through the popping of these questions below:

1) I'm I still a sinner as we pray it?, Even after confession and believing? (Romans 10:10)

2) How long more will I continue to pray it? Till 70 years to come or more?

3) How was the Love of God truly fashioned?

4) Can I be perfect in this flesh(body)?

Then, as I continue to meditate upon all these questions through the aid of the scriptures, all of a sudden, the passion and zeal to pray those points died down unnoticed.

MY DISCOVERIES

Romans 3:7 KJV

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

Romans 5:8 KJV

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

it's good to know that believers don't answer to the name Sinners. Why? Because we are redeemed. The yoke and nature of sin has been destroyed.

Matthew 9:13 KJV

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Here, you see that after repentance comes righteousness.

How can believers who are called "the righteous" then be called or calling themselves sinners as if Christ neither died nor was raised or they never accepted His love before?

This made me confirm I am no longer a sinner but a righteous soul.

Question (1) solved.

More so, Christ has died for us once and for all.

Periodic remittances of sins are no longer necessary except one is overtaken in a fault.

Galatians 6:1 KJV

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Studying Hebrews, I concluded on this:

Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

This passage answered my question (2) & (4), showing that we cannot be perfect in the flesh(body). Never! Our Perfection is in Christ who lives in us. Not our different characters.

Conclusively on this, if you are overtaken in a fault and you know it, then boldly come into the throne of Grace that ye may obtain mercy through Him that sits on the right hand of God, making intercession for us all.

On the matter of God's love to humanity.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Romans 8:15 KJV

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

So, why should I fear if I would make heaven or not. It doesn't seem to be the love He (God) professed.

I'm a Son, I bear the name and mark of Lord Jesus, so let no man or devil trouble or bother me on where I belong.

On the final note:

Romans 8:35-39 KJV

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

After all these, transformation took place in me unnoticed.

So therefore, the Love of God gave me rest and assurance as He has promised.(Matthew 11:28 KJV

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.)

However, remember, nothing can separate you from the Love of God in Christ Jesus except "YOURSELF" alone.

You should also have rest in Christ Jesus with assurance of eternal life as a believer.

Hallelujah.

Jesus reings

OLUDARE, OLUMIDE AYODEJI

08067222088, 08028422499.

Oludare_Olumide@yahoo.com

THE TRUTH; THE BITTERCOLA

The word Government is synonymous to saying “Godment”. Hence, the role of government in architecture, social, education, and economic development cannot be underestimated, overemphasized and “shifted-to-the-ruled”.

Truly, we have seen entities rebel and work against its "god". Some it profited and some it destroyed. The case of Lucifer the loser is not strange; the case of Jacob who had a win against God isn't strange too.

However, here we talk of a better Africa and its governance. This cannot happen without knowing these:

1. What do we (people) want?

2. What resource is available?

3. What kind of person can help us?

4. How do we (people) allow the person if he wants to help?

5. Can we (people) maintain the development?

To follow these outlines, certain thoughts should erupt vigorously and should tail to whether there can ever be a solution to Africa well being or we keep deceiving ourselves and whiling away time, thoughts and resources. I also presume that such volcanic thought eruption should become an igneous decision in our hearts.

Firstly, to start mentioning what we want is like starting infinity, because man is insatiable and the needs are endless till eternity. But I'm sure to mention a few like good roads, potable water, classical educational facilities, light, best health system, wealth and then security. I presume this answer the first thing to know.

Secondly, you will agree that we cannot spend and get more than we have. Even the God-created Ocean has certain parts which can't contain a Man-made ship. Hence, the budget and the resources apportioned to different regions through international, federal, state, and local channels should be well known. This is to avoid the ignorance of demanding ocean from the lake. By knowing this, we have power in our hands to demand the head of person.

Thirdly, the kind of person that can help is unknown unless tested. This is a truth you should know. I have read people writing "The key to getting good governance is voting good people into power". This is very true but I have a question for all. Who is a "good" person and how do we identify one? Is it by their works before election? Of course, the truest answer is it's by their works in and after governance. Invariably, there's no good person on earth unless he proved himself till the end. Such was the case of Jesus Christ of the Christian believers. I leave you here to reason more.

Fourthly, in allowing a leader to perform, it requires total submissiveness of the people. Some Governors would not have been achieving smart cities across the world without the effectual cooperation of citizens. Even though it was not conducive for the people whose properties were demolished to install modern structures to achieve a better planned urban state, I'm pretty sure they will be happy seeing a better development in their space. There are many sacrifices to be paid by us, the indigenes or residents.

Lastly, maintaining the development is of more critical stance than all above. We would bid that the developments not come than to come and be destroyed. How would we account for all our sacrifices and ordinances above? I suggest that the succeeding leaders of Africa be responsible for the good developments the past leaders had done. It's a pity some leaders allow party line and politics get into their cerebral to reject the good others did.

IN CONTRIBUTION TO WHAT THE PEOPLE CAN DO WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT.

I am here to say nothing or only little can be done! No one succeeds without the support of a government whether in policies, force, endorsement, funding, or in other kinds.

How will a carpenter be encouraged in a place where the government imports furniture for its offices? How many African governments patronize indigenous companies and local products? All government procurements are mostly imported at the expense of local production and economical growth. The people do the same because we prefer Italian suits and shoes to what Mr. Olumide in your next door can make.

It was quite easy for those in entertainment (arts, music, comedy, acts) industry in Africa to have a geometric progression of its economy because the people and government endorsed them.

Let every African State government, Private individual and even Federal government be inviting the likes of Rihanna, Jayzee, e.t.c to every occasion in Africa and see whether the fame of Olamide, Davido, WizKid, e.t.c will not die immediately. If they don't die, they will surely struggle in abject poverty, which is same as we see around us in other sectors of our economy.

By: Olumide Oludare, 2017.

THE BODY OF CHRIST, WHY MEASURE SIN!

Universally, the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 meters per squared seconds irrespective of wherever you are on the planet earth.

Truly, science has dabbled into the superficial knowledge of God and has come out with glimpse of spiritual operations which we must evidently acknowledge.

It is common amidst Christian organizations to measure the punishment of Sin in accordance to gravity and kind of sin committed. I have not seen anywhere in the bible yet where sins are arranged in order of their weightiness and with different consequences. Not yet!

Before going further in this discourse, Let's get reminded about what sin is.

WHAT IS SIN?

SIN is simply defined as DISOBEDIENCE TO LAW.

Romans 3:20 KJV

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 5:19 KJV

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

WHO WE WERE

Here, we should know that we were all enemies of God from birth by virtue of the nature of Sin, through the disobedience of Adam (Man) and Eve.

Romans 5:10-14 KJV

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

[11] And not only so , but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

[12] Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

[13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

[14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Psalm 51:5 KJV

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

WHO WE NOW ARE

From there, God made a provision for reconciliation which brought you (Pastors, Bishops, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Teachers and Followers) and I to the Kingdom of God without looking at our different kinds of sin. (*Check 2Corinthians 5:17-21)

Romans 5:15-17 KJV

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

[16] And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

[17] For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

NOT OF WORKS

As we believed that we were saved by grace through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

You will bear me witness that some of us before salvation were moralists, not wanting to do wrongs or get stained, but wanting to be perfect in all our dealings. Conversely, you know that some of us before salvation were so crude in manners, attitudes, desires, indecencies e.t.c to the point that we've made a public show of ourselves.

But yet, God stretched His arms to us all, through Jesus Christ His son as long as we are ready to receive Him.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 KJV

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time:

THE QUESTION WE MUST ASK IS:

Is it that when we have given our life to Christ and be at any level of growth in Him (Babes or Elders), we can't be overtaken by a fault?

My very own answer is YES, we can be overtaken by a fault at any level.

This is why in the church, we should be our brothers' keeper by the help of the "Spirit" and not "Flesh".

The Spirit is full of compassion and Love in which its chastisements come, but the Flesh is full of grievances and hatred in which its chastisements also come.

SIN WITHIN AS BELIEVERS

Moving gradually to the essence of this epistle.

I must interpret that what we call sin within the kingdom ( i.e amidst believers ) is "being overtaken in a fault", different from nature of Sin in the world ( i.e amidst unbelievers )

Thereby we may be called "defaulters in the kingdom" and not "Sinners in the world" when we yield to disobedience to God's commandments.

THE LAW TO BELIEVERS

Though we (believers) are not under the law of the flesh but are subjected to the law of the Spirit which has given us freedom. This Spirit law varies from one person to the other based on our individual relationship with the Father, but does not permit corruption in any individual.

Romans 8:1-4 KJV

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER

So, with these above:

1. why is it that some of the body of Christ still gives law on what, which, where and when to eat, drink, wear e.t.c?

2. Why is it that we still condemn members and even ban them from attending church services? Where should they run to?

3. Why is it that we serve punishment to some members which defaulted based on the gravities and proportions of "sin committed"? Whereby we grade sins, in which the consequence for someone who lied is different from one who stole from one who committed adultery or fornication.

4. Why is that some churches would not perform some rites such as wedding, burial, ordination e.t.c if certain unscriptural conditions are not met? Such that a lady will not be allowed church wedding if she had given birth out of wedlock (maybe out of ignorance as then unbeliever or mistakenly as a believer) and wants to marry same man responsible or different man. In fact, how do we measure the numbers of abortion done by some of those we gladly take to and join at our "Holy Altars".

Obviously, the Pastor enforcing this law wasn't thinking as Christ thought when the Pharisees brought Mary the prostitute to be stoned before Him.

5. Are we not reversing what Jesus Christ has finished on the cross by sacrificing Himself for us all?

It seemed real that the revised Era of the Law of Moses which Jesus had fulfilled on the cross and upgraded to the law of the spirit through the dwelling of Holy Spirit in all believers has been ruling the churches for quite a long time (in centuries).

If it's by doings of Law, then, why would David report this below?

Psalm 130:3 KJV

If thou, Lord , shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Nevertheless, this epistle will not forsake or evict the place of chastisements in the bid to preach freedom in Christ.