Rhapsody Of Realities 12 June 2024
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome 

TOPIC: Don’t Leave Them Hanging

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

MESSAGE:

In Christianity, there’s a Christian way of life. But Christianity itself is not a way of life. Therefore, when we lead souls to Christ, it’s important to guide them to be actively involved in a local church. We must ensure they become integral members of a church, not leaving them to navigate their newfound faith alone. They must be nurtured in the Christian way of life.

Once they receive salvation, show them that receiving salvation is only the beginning; they have to live the Christian life. And the only way they’re going to learn it and grow as they should is by learning God’s Word. 1 Timothy 3:15 says, “…the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” So, the Church is the place to learn the Word of God.

It brings to mind what the Apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 2:2: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” How do children learn? Children learn not just by instruction but also by observation. By actively participating in the church, spiritual children or “babes” can observe and emulate the attitudes and practices of mature Christians.

It’s one of the ways they know how to pray and cultivate the right attitudes and spirit of prayer. Also, in church, they learn how to worship God and sing the right songs; they learn how to conduct themselves with decency; they learn how to apply their faith in the face of belligerent challenges.

Learning how to do these things isn’t just by instruction alone, it also comes through observing the behaviour, communication, and actions of other Christians in the Faith. The same Spirit lives in them and causes them to do the things that we do. So, when you win souls, ensure that they’re fully engrafted into the local church. Pray for them; follow them up until they become rooted and grounded in the faith and established in the Word. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, I pray for new converts all over the world today, that Christ be formed in their hearts; they’re rooted and grounded in God’s overwhelming love, being fully persuaded that in Christ alone lies their joy and total fulfilment. I declare that they’re strengthened to become effective witnesses of Christ’s love and truth in the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Ephesians 4:11-14: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.