Theme: The Beauty of Holiness: Understanding the Sanctity of the Church 

Leader: The Rt. Rev. Manassas Okere, PhD (Bishop of Ukwa Diocese)

Introduction

The beauty of holiness is revealed in God’s relationship with His Church. In Ephesians 5:25–27, Apostle Paul draws a parallel between the love of Christ for His Church and the love of a husband for his wife. This passage emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ’s love, the cleansing and sanctification of the Church, and the ultimate goal of presenting her pure and glorious before God.

Discussion Points:

• The relationship between husband and wife symbolize the relationship between Christ and the Church

• Loving sacrifice is the basis upon which Christ takes to sanctify and cleanse the Church (cf. Hebrews 10:10; John 15:3).

• Death and eternal life is the Christ’s ultimate goal for the Church (Col. 1:22, Rev. 21:2, 9-10).

• As a member of the Church (the Bride of Christ), our willingness to subject ourselves to Christ in everything is key, this will in turn assist in being victorious as we struggle with submitting to the will of God (Eph. 5:24, cf. Matt. 7:21, Luke 6:46, James 4:7).

• Our living for God constantly will reflect in  our thoughts, speech, and actions and sharpen our value for holiness,purity, and spiritual integrity of the Church (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:25-27; Phil. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:15-16).

• Holiness should be seen as a beautiful and desirable attribute of the Church and as a recipient of such grace we must be willing to adjust our lifestyle to align with the sanctity God desires.

The lessons highlighted:

1. The Sacrificial Love of God for His Church: Christ loved the Church so deeply that He gave Himself up for her. This self-giving love sets the standard for Christian love and service. Holiness begins with understanding and receiving this love.

2. The Purpose of Sanctification

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God. The Church is sanctified not by her own merit but by the work of Christ. God’s desire is that His Church reflects His holiness in the world.

3. Cleansing by the Washing of Water with the Word: The Word of God acts as a purifying agent, cleansing believers from sin. Just as water cleanses physically, the Word cleanses spiritually. Daily exposure to Scripture is essential for maintaining holiness.

4. The Eschatological Presentation of the Church: Christ’s ultimate goal is to present the Church to Himself in splendor. This presentation looks forward to the final union of Christ and His Bride at His coming. It points to believers to live with eternity in view.

5. The Goal of Holiness and Blamelessness: God’s desire is a Church that is holy (hagios), blameless, and separated from sin. Holiness is not an option but the expected identity of the Church. This calls for continuous growth and maturity in righteousness.

6. Purity without Spot or Wrinkle: Christ seeks a Church marked by moral and spiritual purity. Spots represent sin and compromise, wrinkles suggest decay or decline. The phrase “or any such thing” (Greek: ton toiouton) emphasizes the exhaustive removal of all perfections. The Church must remain vibrant, spotless, and radiant in her walk with God.

Conclusion

Holiness is the spiritual fragrance of the Church that attracts God’s presence and draws believers into deeper intimacy with Christ. Holiness is not just a doctrine but a living atmosphere that fosters growth, unity, and the visible power of the gospel on believers’ lives. The beauty of holiness lies in God’s vision for His Church—a people redeemed by Christ’s sacrificial love, sanctified and cleansed through His Word, and prepared for a glorious presentation without blemish. Believers are called to reflect this holiness both individually and collectively, living as a radiant testimony of God’s love and grace in the world.

 Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:27 “That he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having a spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Watch the session below:

Date: February 2, 2025
Sub Theme: Initiating the Child (1)
Topic: Wean and Instruct in the Right Manner
Text: 1 Samuel 1:20-27

Aims

1. To expose the concept of weaning a child.
2. To study the relationship between physical and spiritual weaning.

Introduction

Initiating means to start a way of life with someone. Weaning of a child is a mark of advancement in the life of the child. The child moves from breastfeeding to other sources of nourishment. At this point, the child does not depend on milk. Living on milk alone could not sustain his new level of physical development.

From the spiritual point of view, a Christian is expected to develop to the point of not living on “milk” alone. It is at this point that he can instruct and be instructed in the right manner.

Study Guide

1. What is your understanding of weaning a child?
2. What did Hannah do after weaning Samuel?
   • 1 Samuel 1:24-27
   • What lessons can we derive from this as Christians?
3. Discuss the relationship between physical weaning and spiritual weaning.
   • 1 Samuel 2:11-18; Luke 2:39-40; 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:14
4. Discuss the effects of spiritual weaning in the context of:
   • Isaiah 7:15; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Hebrews 5:13-14

Conclusion

Christian parents have the responsibility of bringing up their children in godly ways and nurturing them until they advance to the next level of their lives. The same responsibility is required of us in nurturing people spiritually until they stand mature in Christ.

Food for Thought

Weaning a child leads to winning the child.

Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spoke like a child. I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child, when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

Date: January 26, 2025
Sub Theme: Concept of Child – (4)
Topic: Biblical Concept of a Child (3) Newborn in Christ
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Aims

1. To study the nature of new birth in faith.
2. To verify the signs and reward of new birth.

Introduction

Another biblical concept of a child is a “newborn in Christ.” It means a new convert, popularly referred to as “Born Again.” It simply means turning away from old or sinful ways of life to godly livelihood. He that is born again becomes a partaker in the things of heaven. As Christians, we must make a concerted effort, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to develop a good relationship with God so as to qualify as children of God.

Study Guide

1. What do you understand by a newborn in Christ, and how best can we relate with a newborn in the Church?
   • 1 Peter 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14
2. Mention the physical and spiritual signs of a new birth in Christ.
   • 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:18
3. What do we stand to gain as genuine born-again Christians, and what are the repercussions of not being born again?
   • 1 John 5:4; Romans 8:16-17; 2 Peter 1:4
4. In your own opinion, what are the dangers of the fake “born-again” syndrome as noticed in some denominations to Christian faith?
   • Matthew 15:8-9; Matthew 23:27-28; Ephesians 4:14

Conclusion

In light of today’s lesson, believers need to shun lifestyles that are capable of portraying them as fake born-again children of God. Through the love of Christ, we should relate well with new converts in the Church.

Food for Thought

Are you born again or born against?

Memory Verse

1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

Date: Mar 27, 2022

Sub-Theme: Christian’s Knowledge of God

Topic: God as Creator 2: Man’s Creation in God’s Image

Watch the Bible Study Discussion Here

Text: Gen. 1:26-27

Aims

i. to understand what the image of God is, and what it means to be created as such.
ii. to realize what God expects from us as a people created in His image and
iii. to outline the steps to take for the image of God to be fully restored in us.

Introduction

The image of God is a foundational concept for understanding our significance and purpose. Understanding how we are made in God’s image helps us to see the basis for the dignity and purpose of our life and work. Genesis 1:26-27 recorded that human beings were made in the image of God- both male and female. As Christians, we have obligations to justify this great opportunity (to be created in God’s ImageEph. 5:1-11). As we wish all our Mothers and women blissful Mothering Sunday, may they live long to reap the reward of faithful image of God on earth in Jesus’ name.

Study Guide

1. In Gen 1:27-28; what does man’s creation in the image of God mean, and what is this image of God like? See also Eph 5:1-2; Phil 2:14-15.
2. Humans, male and female, are created in the image of God. In line with Tit 2:1-10, how are our mothers to exhibit the image of God in them?
3. Outline some of the practical steps we need to take for the image of God to be fully restored in the humankind from the following Bible texts: Ps.95:7-8; Acts 3:19; 1 John 4:7-8.
4. What must we do to escape being defiled as a people created in God’s image? Jos.1:8; Dan.1:8; Eph 5:11

Conclusion

Our worth as human beings is connected to our Creator. If God is of great and inestimable worth, then human beings made in his image must be of great value, too. It is expected of us to consciously exhibit this nature of God, after we are born again.

Food for Thought

Righteous lifestyle; the only guarantee for eternal Image of God.

Memory Verse

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children 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 sweet-smelling savour”.

BIBLE STUDY 10: DISCUSSION VIDEO LINK AND STUDY GUUDE

Date: Mar 6, 2022

Sub-Theme: Christian’s Knowledge of God

Topic: God: The End of All Things – Omega

Watch the Bible study with the link below

Text: Isaiah 46: 3-13

Aims

i. to explain the concept of Biblical Omega to Christians, and
ii. to understand God as the End of all things.

Introduction

Literarily, Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing the extreme or final part. Thus, when the Lord declares that He is the Omega, it means when all other things shall seize to exist, God continues to exist as God. In Isaiah 46:10, it is shown that He makes known the end from the beginning, from ancient times; what is still to come. Therefore, His purposes stand firm. They cannot be frustrated. He has power enough to secure the execution of his designs, and he will exert that power in order that all his plans may be accomplished. Our study today sheds more light on this assertion that our God is already at the end of whatever we are or passing through, especially as His children. How can we then enjoy the best tomorrow as Christians?

Study Guide

1. Explain Omega in the literary and Biblical concept of Isaiah 46:10.
2. Discuss the claim of God as “Omega” in Rev. 1:8 in relation to Isa. 46: 10; Rev. 1:8; 22:12 &13.
3. From the scriptures and happenings around us, discuss events/ occurrences that prove that God is indeed the Omega. Gen 45:6-8; Job 42:12; Matt 28:19-20.
4. From today’s study and in the context of Job 19:25-27 and John 3:16-17 (Read them) what is the eternal hope of all Christians?

Conclusion

There is a common quote that “what God cannot do does not exist.” Simply put, every matter ends with God because He is actually the End Himself. As we commence the Lenten season, let us approach Him with a sober heart, irrespective of our challenges. We will find the best end in Him.

Food for Thought

Every matter ends with Him Who is The End.

Memory Verse

Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

Date: Feb 6, 2022

Sub-Theme: Means of God’s Revelation to Mankind 5

WATCH THE DISCUSSION VIA THE LINK BELOW

Topic: Jesus Christ

Text: Heb. 1:1-3

Aims

i. to show Jesus Christ as the final revelation of God to mankind and
ii. to expose the earthly reign of Jesus and His eternal reign in heaven.

Introduction

The phrase “at sundry times” (KJV) really means “in many portions” of the Old Testament Scriptures. This means that all revelations to be known were not given to only one prophet, but each received that which was given to him. Likewise, the phrase “in divers manners” (KJV) also means some of the prophets heard audible voice of God, some through Urim and Thummim, some through dreams, and some through visions. The Old Testament revelations were fragmentary in substance, even though they were many and various in form. There were very multitude of prophets, yet they all prophesied only in part. However, in Christ, the revelation of God is full. All mysteries to be known of God and His purposes in humankind are united in Jesus.

Study Guide

1. What do you understand by the statement, “Jesus: the final revelation of God to mankind”?
2. Why do you think Jesus is superior to any other means of revelation? Matt 17:5; Acts 3: 22 – 24;
3. Read Hebrews 1:2 again and discuss the three qualities found in Christ that was not found in any of the prophets in the Old Testament.
4. Making the three qualities of Jesus Christ in Hebrews 1:2 the basis, how can you explain Jesus’ reign on earth and in heaven? John 14: 9 – 10; Pro. 8: 26 – 31; Psalm 110: 1 – 2; Phil 2:5-11.

Conclusion

Jesus’ superiority to all other means of God’s revelation to mankind stems from the fact that, He is the Son, and He is one with the Father; He is whom God has appointed heir of all things; because through Him God made the worlds. Therefore, He reigns over all in the physical and the spiritual, and He will reign with God in Heaven forever and ever.

Food for Thought

The final revelation of God is the perfect manifestation of God to humankind.

Memory Verse

Heb 1:1-2 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”

Date: Jan 23, 2022

Sub-Theme: Means of God’s Revelation to Humankind 3

WATCH THE DISCUSSION VIA THE LINK BELOW

Topic: Verbal communication between God and Human

Text: 1Sam 3:8-14

Aims

i. to discuss instances of verbal communications between God and humans in the Bible and
ii. to expose the bases for hearing the voice of God

Introduction

Verbal communication is an oral communication wherein the message is transmitted through the spoken words. The Bible has many records of God speaks to His people in conversation. In our study text, God spoke audibly to Samuel, but he mistook the audibility to be that of Prophet Eli (human to human). However, he was able to receive God’s message at the third approach (1Sam 3:10-14). In our discussion today, we shall see that there are fundamental basis for effective communication from God to man, which includes our holy lifestyle.

Study Guide

1. Explain what verbal communication of God with humankindis, in the context of our text today and Exod 3:13-14.
2. Why was Eli unable to hear God’s call? Explain with – 1Sam2:27-30; 1Sam 3:13-14 compare with Rom 1:28; 1Cor 2:14
3. What are the bases for hearing from God? 1Sam 2:11, 1Sam 2:18; 1Sam 3:1a; Psalm 24:3-4; Mk 1:35.
4. Is God still speaking to people in our generation? If ‘Yes’; explain from personal experience and if ‘No’; Why?

Conclusion

God is forever in the act of communicating to His people in clear audible manner; however, we need to be very close to Him in prayer, meditation in His word, and through righteous lifestyletounderstand the voice of God, discernible from that of Satan.

Food for Thought

The more we move closer to God, the more we hear His voice.

Memory Verse

1Sam 3:10 “Now the LORD came and stood and called at other times, “Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Thy servant heareth.”

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November 28, 2021
Sub-Theme:

7: The Lord God of all nations (8)

Topic:

HIS LOVE FOR THE WORLD (2): FULFILLING THE COVENANT OF REDEMPTION

Text: Rom. 5: 6-11; 1 John 4: 9-11; Gal. 1: 3-4

Aims

to show the fulfilled covenant of redemption as God’s great love for the world;

to see how individuals can experience this covenant of redemption, and

how Christians can best demonstrate God’s love to a lost world

Introduction

Today is Advent Sunday. “Advent” means “coming or arrival of an important event or person”. For God’s Church, it is about: (i) the birth of Christ in His first coming; (ii) His Second Coming (Parousia); and (iii) the Season, including the Sundays before Christmas. God’s unconditional love for the world made Him to promise right from the beginning of the fall of man (Gen. 3: 15) to redeem him through his salvation plan that He was to fulfill through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3: 16). The redemption covenant provides forgiveness of sins, involving both an inward and personal relationship with God (Heb. 8: 10-12). The Bible also emphasizes the result of redemption: freedom from sin and freedom to serve God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Its basis is God’s deliberate, active, sacrificial giving of His Son for our redemption. How can we Christians demonstrate God’s love to the world?

Study Guide

What do you understand by the word “Advent”? And what is the importance of its observance to Christendom? Mt 24:30; Luke 21:27; Rev 1:7; 14:14

In practical terms, how does a sinner experience and subsequently demonstrate the love of God fulfilled in redemption through Christ? 2 Cor. 5: 17; John 3: 3-7; 1 John 4: 9-11

How do you understand the sentence “Old things are passed away, behold all things are new” Rom. 8:9-10

How will the world know God’s love for them and respond accordingly to the demand for redemption by the new covenant? Matt. 5: 13-16; Matt. 28: 18-20; Rom. 10: 14-15

Conclusion

As we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ in glory, let us always remember and preach to the world that God’s salvation is borne by His love for mankind and eternal purposes but not dependent upon human initiative or the world’s changing circumstances.

Food for Thought

Till His Second Coming; be challenged by the mandate to make God’s love known to the world.

Memory Verse

1John 4:10 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins”

Date: November 21, 2021

WATCH VIA THE LINK BELOW

Sub-Theme:

The Lord God of all nations (7)

Topic:

HIS LOVE FOR THE WORLD (1): PROMISE OF THE NEW COVENANT OF REDEMPTION

Text: Isa. 11: 1-2; Jer. 31: 31-34

Aims

to understand God’s demonstration of love in His promise of the new covenant and

to shed light on the new covenant for the redemption of man.

Introduction

God’s faithfulness and grace have been manifested in His promises. The Old Testament concept of the new covenant anticipated that God would accomplish for His people what the Old covenant had failed to do (Jer. 31: 31-34). Redemption is deliverance by payment of a ransom which in the New Testament, refers to salvation from sin, death, and the wrath of God by Christ’s sacrifice. The popular passage, John 3: 16 aptly pivots three peculiar truths: (i) the universal character of God’s love; (ii) its sacrificial nature; and (iii) its eternal purpose.

Study Guide

What do you understand by God’s love for the world and His promise of the new covenant of redemption? (Jer. 31:31-34)

What biblical passages support God’s love for the world and His promise of a new covenant of redemption? Gen 1:26-29; Jer. 31: 31-34; John 3: 16.

Why was the promise of the new covenant of redemption necessary and has it been justified? Isa. 59: 19-21; Jer. 31:31-32; Ezek. 37:26.

In your understanding, describe the faithfulness of some contemporary Christians to the promise of this new covenant? Heb 9:11-14.

Conclusion

While the Old covenant was enshrined in tablets of stone, the New Covenant is enshrined in the hearts of believers. Therefore, the new covenant is internal, eternal, universal, and unconditional as all people now have the opportunity to have an intimate personal relationship with the God.

Food for Thought

Grace prompted God to promise a new covenant.

Memory Verse

Jer. 31: 33 “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law in their minds; and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Sub-Theme:

The Lord God of all nations (6)

Topic:

THE NATION OF ISRAEL AND COVENANT WITH THE LIVING GOD

WATCH THE DISCUSSION HERE

Text: Exod. 20: 1-3; Jer. 2: 4-11

Aims

to find out the genesis of Israel’s covenant with God and

to analyze the covenant’s benefit and the consequence of Israel’s breaking the covenant.

Introduction

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is referred to as the people of God birthed through Abraham’s lineage after God had called him out of his people (Gen. 12: 1-3). God entered into a covenant relationship to make a mighty nation of him (Gen. 15: 17-20). This was renewed with all the patriarchs and had its climax in the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The covenant described in Exodus chapters 19-24 and in Deuteronomy has features of a suzerain-vassal treaty (between the powerful and his subjects), a legal instrument that the Israelites would readily have understood. There were therefore benefits for Israel’s keeping the terms of this covenant and also dire consequences for her breaking them.

Study Guide

Give your understanding of ‘the nation of Israel and covenant with the living God’? Gen. 15: 17-20

How did Israel get into this covenant relationship with the living God and what were the benefits? Gen 17:9-13; Deut. 7: 6-8, 11; Heb 13:20-21.

What was the responsibility for Israel and anyone today in covenant relationship with the living God? Exod. 20: 1-4; 1 Pet. 2: 9-10

What is the consequence of breaking the covenant relationship with God? Deut 4:23-27; Deut 27:15; Psalm 115:4.

Conclusion

God fulfilled all the covenant terms with Abraham and his descendants (Israel). It is very important that Israel and the New Israel of God (Christians) keep to covenant terms so as to enjoy the benefits attached to them (eternal life) and not suffer the consequences of disobedience.

Food for Thought

God keeps His covenants faithfully, so we must also be faithful to Him.

Memory Verse

Heb 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen”.