Answer to a Question

Q: Do we need inspiration to understand the bible?

A: 2 Timothy 3: 16 reads 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:' and 1 Peter 1: 20 reads 'Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.'
Considering the foregoing verses of scripture, the answer to the above question will be 'Yes, we need the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to understand the Bible.' Now, by inspiration, we do not mean something too spectacular for the Christian. If you are a Christian, you have the Spirit of God who inspires you at all times when the need arises. 1 John 2: 27: But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Hope these words answer the question satisfactorily. If you have further questions, please send them through the comment section or through our FaceBook group 'Heirs of Grace' You are so blessed!

Understanding The Bible

'Understanding The Bible', that's the title of the subject under discuss in the November edition of GTY which is currently running. Constance Ajike, speaking on the subject, began by citing John 5: 39, reinstating that Christ is the center and the focus of Bible; and thus far she's done a great exposition.
Questions are already coming up (from among participants). Here are some of them:
- Must we pray before we read the bible?
- Do we need inspiration to understand the bible?
What do you think about these questions? Send in your comments. Stay put! The answers from here will be coming at you soon.

'Grace to You' (November) - About to begin

Right this moment, participants are beginning to settle down for what promises to be an exciting two hours of learning, sharing and fellowship.
This edition is holding in the well air-conditioned and equipped conference room of Eden Crest Hotel and as usual, participants of previous editions are already getting together, chatting and patiently waiting for 'THE MOMENT'.
If you are in the Coal City, why not drop by Eden Crest Hotel, behind Etisalat building, Abakaliki Exp. way, by fire for fire bus stop; and you'll be glad you did... Got to go now, it's about to start and I don't want to miss anything... See You!

If you are outside Enugu or if you cannot make it, you can stay logged on to www.constanceajike.blogspot.com for constant updates as the program runs...

The Gospel: The Power of God – even unto successful nationhood

October 1, 2011, the day Nigerians everywhere commemorated fifty-one years of independence of the entity called Nigeria from colonial rule. Typical of such a day, Many Nigerians celebrate – not really for any identifiable reason but for want of an excuse to indulge – while others just complain of wasted years of nationhood and express deep pessimism about the future of Nigeria. While this may seem appalling, more appalling than this is the fact that a large chunk of the Nigerians who are optimistic about the Nigerian project hope in vain means to realize the Nigerian dream; they advocate mass actions, strikes, revolution, motivational speaking etc.
Undoubtedly, these may have some superficial effect, but we know that no true, fundamental and far-reaching revival can be achieved outside the operation of the Gospel of Christ.

Based on this knowledge, Heirs of Grace on Independence Day (October 1) held the October edition of ‘Grace to You’ and contributed its quota towards the emancipation of the Nigerian nation by expounding the Gospel of Christ and exposing participants (Nigerians from different back grounds, fields, etc.) to the power thereof.
It was an awesome session of learning and equipment of people who will champion God’s glorious agenda for Nigeria.

'Grace to You' October - simply beautiful

Jide Lawal, the speaker at the October edition of ‘Grace to You’, carefully taught about the Gospel and its effectiveness. In what turned out to be more like an interactive session, he engaged the participants in enlightening discussions and exercises that left participants with a clearer picture of the Gospel and how to access the power of it.

The meeting was – as expected – glorious; the atmosphere was one of awe, friendship and true learning – all thanks to God who makes all things beautiful and who does exceeding, abundantly, above all that we ask or think.

The November edition of ‘Grace to You’ comes up on the 5th of November, 2011, by 2pm at Eden Crest Hotel. For further enquiries, please call 08038635469, 08077714207.

The Power of the Gospel

This Saturday, at Eden Crest Hotel, right in the heart of The Coal City, Jide Lawal, one of our guests at the September edition of 'Grace to You', will be speaking about

The Power of the Gospel.

You'd get to learn about
- The implication and reality of the gospel
- The application of the gospel in your everyday life
- The effectiveness of the gospel and lots more!
You sure would be glad to attend the October edition of 'Grace to You'. Date again is October 1; Time: 2pm.
For More information, please call 08038635469 or 08077714207

October Edition of 'Grace to You' - Just Days Away!

The October edition of 'Grace to You' is just days away, coming up this Saturday (October 1) at Eden Crest Hotel, by 2PM.
Typical of a 'Grace to You' meeting, the October edition promises to be edifying, exciting, inspiring and glorious.
Begin now to make plans to attend, see you there!

Answers To Some Of Your Questions

Hello everyone!
Hope you've been enjoying everyday with God. It's indeed a glorious, sweet and fulfilling experience to walk with the Lord.
If you remember, a lot of questions were raised at the last edition of 'Grace to You' and we promised to bring you the answers on the blog. Yes, it took a while, due to some issues, but finally we've got them here below.
Please make sure to read and meditate on all the questions and answers for your edification. Please make sure to send any other questions you may have.
Enjoy your reading! (Please note, 'Q' stands for Question; 'A' stands for Answer).
NOTE: ALL ANSWERS WERE PROVIDED BY ONE OF OUR GUEST SPEAKERS(JIDE LAWAL) IN THE SEPTEMBER EDITION OF 'GRACE TO YOU'

Q:Are all sicknesses caused by denomic activities or Satanic oppressions? What are the causes of sickness and how can a believer stand against it?

A: Some sicknesses are the direct result of demonic activity, while some are merely the result of not taking care of ourselves properly, eating an unwholesome diet, and other physical causes. Luke 13:16 tells of a woman who Satan had bound (oppressed with a sickness that left her unable to stand up straight), Philippians 2:30 suggests that Epaphroditus because he has over-extended himself while trying to do the work of the ministry.

However, we must also take into consideration the fact that without the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, sin and sickness would not have entered our world. In that sense, all sickness is Satanic in origin.

A believer can stand against sickness by resisting it where it obviously Satanic in origin and taking proper care of our bodies.

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Q: Can sin make a man fall sick?

A: Yes. 1 Corinthians 11:27-31 states that some of the Corinthians fell sick and some even died because they committed the sin of not discernng the Lord's body.

Q: Is it the oil that heals? James 5:16

A:Obviously not.

Jas 5:14 Is any sick among you? 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:
Jas 5:15 And THE PRAYER OF FAITH shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.


It is the prayer of faith that heals the sick, not the oil.

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Q: Must I command a sickness out or simply believe in my heart that I am healed?

A: There are no hard and fast rules to be applied. It is important to know what the Word says, in different situations the exact actions we will take to express our faith may differ.

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Q: How do we lay hold of eternal life?

A: We lay hold of eternal life by committing our lives to discovering all that Jesus obtained for us in redemption, and walking in the truth.

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Q: When you have questions, when you don't quite understand something in the Scriptures, do you have a pastor you ask?

A: Yes, I do have a pastor I ask questions. However, I realize that the primary responsibilty for discovering the truth of God's Word is laid by God on me, and I realize that my relationship with God does not require my pastor as a mediator.

Jide Lawal

...friendship in the air.

Typical of a 'Grace to You' meeting, the September edition of 'Grace to You' was characterized by an atmosphere of friendship, love and true fellowship.

It indeed served as a platform for the establishment of new relationships and consolidation of old ones. It was quite evident that participants had a good time; groups of twos and threes were easily formed as participants chattered away - discussing the subject under review at the conference - all beaming with smiles.

OPERATING IN ETERNAL LIFE

Virtually every scripture on 'eternal life' was studied and the subject of 'operating in eternal life was exhaustively discussed. Pastor Teju Fagbeja of 'The Grace Community Church Lagos', Pastor Jide Lawal, General Secretary of 'Grace Network' and Constance Ajike of 'Heirs of Grace' were all on ground to speak on the subject.

Constance Ajike introduced the topic, citing John 5: 24 - 26, she defined eternal life as the vitality God imparts to the human soul at the moment of conversion to Christ. This eternal life, she emphasized, is not earned by works but given to the believer as a gift from God (Rom 6: 24, John 3: 16).
After her introduction, she welcomed Pastor Teju Fagbeja who straightway kick-started the first session, sharing on the topic of 'Operating in Eternal Life' with emphasis on VICTORY OVER SIN.

Quoting from various points in scripture, he pointed out that sin is the natural tendency of the unregenerate. The man without Christ is naturally inclined to disobey God. However, upon conversion, we receive a new nature which is bound by righteousness and dead to sin. He stated further that if a Christian sins, it is not like he is compelled to like a slave to sin but actually because he chose to do so of his own accord. Pastor Teju's teaching was simply edifying.

Pastor Jide began the second session, teaching on the topic of 'Operating in Eternal Life' with emphasis on VICTORY OVER SICKNESS. Also citing from scripture, Pastor Jide affirmed that any Christian that does not come to terms with the reality of eternal life has lost the whole point of Christianity. He showed that healing is a blood bought inheritance of the Children of God and thus, it was and is God's will for ALL His children to be alive and well continually (Luke 13: 10 - 17, Acts 10: 38, Matt. 8: 16 - 17). For two straight hours, Pastor Jide engaged the participants in mind tasking exercises, bringing to light the truth as it really is.
After a lunch break and an interractive session anchored by Pastor Jide, which followed the second session, Pastor Teju returned for the third and final teaching session, discussing the topic of 'Operating in Eternal Life' with emphasis on VICTORY OVER SATAN. From scripture (1 Pet. 5: 7, Col. 1: 12 - 13, Heb. 2: 14), he showed that the power of the Devil has been broken and thus is left with wiles and deception. A believer is not to try to fight to win any battle, but he is to fight to maintain his stand in the truth, by not giving in to the lies of the Devil; and the way to fight is to simply 'Stand' (Eph. 6: 10 - 18).

'Grace to You' (September) - Teaching galore

How else can the September edition of 'Grace to You' be described than simply 'Teaching galore'? Three sessions of sound teaching , one interactive session and lots of mind engaging moments made up what has gone down in the history of 'Grace to You' as the most attended 'Grace to You' meeting - the September edition of 'Grace to You'.

'Grace to You' September - just days away!

'All thanks to God!' these are the words that readily pop out Constance Ajike's lips when asked about how the preparations for the September edition of 'Grace to You' is going.
Everything is turning out smoother than envisaged. Indeed, God does exceeding abundantly above all we can imagine.
Thus far, 'Grace to You - September' promises to be as usual, Glorious, exciting and inspiring.
Please note that the venue is now Eden Crest Hotel & Resort, behind Etisalat building, along Enugu/Abakaliki expressway. As previously announced, this month's edition will be a conference spanning 7 hours: from 10am - 5pm. See you there!

Do you know?

Is it true that by the stripes of Jesus we are healed? If so, why do many Christians yet fall sick? We will not be right if we say that they have not read or heard it said that by the stripes of Jesus we are healed. Thus, they have some knowledge of this truth. if this be true, why then do they yet fall sick? The simple answer remains that they do not have a revelation knowledge of this truth, when it comes alive in them. I may know President Jonathan as person, but I can never know him like his wife does. It is this sort of knowledge that we must have of the Word, for 'it' to have full effect in our lives. We must cultivate intimate relationship with God, wherein we hear Him speak to us first hand; only then may we experience true joy, peace and health. Only then may we receive knowledge, not by the words of men, but by the revelation of the Most High! Study today, get a word from God, specifically for your life, your purpose and your world. Shalom! Read and meditate on this passage '1 Peter 2: 24' and listen for what the Spirit will say to you. Be sure to share your testimonies, experiences and faith with others on this page or on the facebook group 'Heirs of Grace'

'Grace to You' - August edition was glorious, but we look forward to a more glorious September edition!

The September edition of ‘Grace to You’ which is billed to hold on Saturday, 3rd September will be unlike the conventional ‘Grace to You’ meetings. It will be a [word] conference, spanning seven (7) hours, from 10am – 5pm.
The idea behind this is to allow enough time to exhaustively discuss vital issues as concerns the Christian faith.
This edition shall be devoted to teachings and discussions, focused on the topic ‘Operating in eternal life’. Features of the conference include:
• 3 teaching sessions with different speakers
• 2 forums for discussions, questions and answers
• Inspirational worship sessions
• Miracles
• And more…
Heirs of Grace shall assume the responsibility of catering for the welfare of participants, while the program runs. To effectively accomplish this, we request that you indicate your interest to attend by sending a text to 08038635469 with this format: I will attend GTY Sept.+Name+email+Phone number.

‘Grace to You’ has served well the purpose of stimulating friendship and producing a platform for like minds to meet and interact. Participants who meet for the first time continue their acquaintance and interaction on the internet via the facebook group: ‘Heirs of Grace’.
Issues discussed on the group and over the phone by participants are usually discussed during recesses or after ‘Grace to You’ meetings. The products of this are spiritual growth, consolidated friendship and godly alliance.
All these were attendant in ‘Grace to You’, August as participants discussed various issues, interacted and formed new alliances in the atmosphere of friendship that each ‘Grace to You’ meeting typically creates. Here are some of the pictures from ‘Grace to You’, August.

Frank, Constance and Chidi pose for a shot.

From left: Tolu, Victor and Moji

'Grace to You', August edition - simply beautiful!

August 6 started like any typical day in the rainy season in the Coal City. It was one of such days when people naturally get glued to their beds and rather not leave their homes.
Considering the foregoing, one would have logically thought that the turn out for the August edition of ‘Grace to You’ would be nothing to write home about. But there is something about the word that attracts the hearts of those who have had some

contact with it; nothing, neither sun nor rain, is enough to deter them in their search of it (the word). True to this, participants began streaming into the venue at about 4pm; some wielding umbrellas, others drenched, but nothing else mattered more to them than just hearing the word and growing in the knowledge of it in an atmosphere of awe, love and true friendship.
It was simply a glorious evening. ‘Grace to You’, August was as billed and expected, a time of sweet fellowship. Starting with an awesome worship session, the meeting climaxed in prayers born out of new insight, consequent of the lessons garnered from Constance Ajike’s teaching titled ‘The Done Reality’.


The meeting? Beautiful! ...God be praised!

The Done Reality

Christianity is a call to enjoy the blessedness in Christ Jesus; contrary to the prevalent belief that Christianity is a call to struggle. It is an invitation to reign in the fulfilled promises of God through Christ.

for no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'yes' in Christ. And so through Him 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God. - 2 Cor. 1: 20 (NIV)

Many believers yet live below the standard of Christianity because of the mindset that they do not have in their possession the things that God has made available to them; so they go about as people without a hope in this world. This is most of the time self-inflicted ignorance (Hosea 4: 6) and is avoidable through knowledge.

That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledgment of every good thing that is in you in Christ. Philemon 1: 6(KJV)

There is need for knowledge of the reality in Christ. Visit www.constanceajike.blogspot.com as often as you can to enjoy the comfort that the word brings.

GRACE TO YOU (AUGUST); just around the corner

Most of the back stage jobs for the August edition of 'Grace to you' are complete. Soon, that moment will come when just like in movie making, the director yells 'camera ready, lights, action!'. Yes, it will soon be action time for 'Grace to You' August, 2011; but unlike the movies, it will be a real life experience of the supernatural, through sound teaching, worship, miracles and lots more. The August edition of 'Grace to you' which comes up on the 6th of August, by 3:30pm, promises to be as usual, glorious, exciting and an avenue for Godly friendship and love.
The table is set, come and dine...
'Grace to you' is brought to you by HEIRS OF GRACE.
For enquiries, call 08038635469 or 08077714207

'Grace to You' July 2011: Friendship was in the air.

Participants pose for a shot.
From left: Sandra, Jennifer and Ifeyinwa

Some participants (Chris and Paul)chat with Pastor Teju (Guest speaker).

Constance Ajike locked in a warm hug with Ifeyinwa.

'Grace to You' July 2011: Final moments.

Constance Ajike of Heirs of Grace with Pastor Teju Fagbeja

'Grace to You' - July 2011: It was a time of pure worship...

All through the evening, a rather excited audience attentively imbibed the glorious gospel about ‘The person of Christ’, which culminated in pure worship.

God Manifest

Pastor Teju Fagbega, Pastor of ‘The Grace Community’ Lagos, who was the guest speaker on the evening, took participants on a mind-tasking teaching session.
Starting from the third verse of the book of Hebrews chapter one (Heb. 1: 3), he began to teach about Jesus as the express image of God, the revelation of God to mankind.

This Jesus, he said, and as seen in scripture is the physical manifestation of the Word, which existed before the beginning, which was God, and in whom was life: which was the light of men. By this same Word, all things were made and held in their places. (John 1: 1 – 4) The Word – which is God – was made flesh, in the person of Jesus, so that ‘the knowledge of God in obtained in the knowledge of Jesus’.
So much more was discovered about the person of Jesus, leaving participants joyful for a new dimension in the revelation of God.
For the full teaching in audio format, please call or email: 08038635469, ajikecons@yahoo.co.uk

Grace to You - July 2011

It was a remarkable evening marked with pure worship and inspired teaching accompanied with the awesome power of God in a solemn atmosphere of awe, reverence and friendship.
'Grace to You - July, 2011' was as expected, a glorious and refreshing time in the Word.

Rigtheousness By Faith

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jews and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written 'The just shall live by faith'(Rom 1:16,17)

When bible speaks of the righteousness of God, it does not only point to the inherent flawless nature of God but also speaks of His righteous provision to save sinful man (Rom 1:17,3:5,10:3,2 Cor 5:21). This provision of salvation is revealed by the gospel (Rom 1:16), where man who - is under wrath (consequent of sin nature) hears the gospel, believes and is saved. The gospel shows us how righteous God is, in His plan for us to be saved and also how we may be made fit for eternal life. By trusting Christ, our relationship with God is made right ‘FROM FIRST TO LAST” only by faith are we righteous.
Now, what is the gospel? This is good news of how Jesus came to the world to die for the sin of man and that he also resurrected for the justification of man (1Cor 15:1-4, Rom 4:25). Therefore, righteousness was extended to man through the gospel by faith.
This righteousness is apart from works. Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law (Rom 8:4) and gave us right to stand before God unashamed not having our own righteousness which is of the law but which is by faith in Christ (Phil 3:9).
The only way to please God now is by faith. Even in the Old Testament, bible records that the men that lived then, obtained good report by faith (Heb 11:2). Therefore, faith is the only way to please God. “But without faith it is impossible to please God…”(Heb 11:6). Faith is the law of righteousness.
Our righteousness cannot be earned but a gift from God to His Heirs (Rom 5:17). We have faith as the only rule to living righteously.
Remember friends, our righteousness is through faith in Christ and sustained by faith alone.
Moses Describe righteousness by the law but Jesus brought it By Faith.

THE TOMB IS EMPTY!

As noble as the death of Jesus was, it would have been useless without resurrection – which attested to His deity (Romans 1: 4) leaving us with the central truth on which the Christian faith is built or founded (1 Corinthians 15: 4).
The declaration of the angel to the women gives a plausible explanation of the empty tomb. The reality of an empty tomb cannot be denied; even the religious leaders of Jesus’ day attested to it only that they cooked up a story that His disciples came to steal Him while the Roman guards were asleep (Matthew 28: 11 – 15). Anyway, it is nothing to reckon with because it is logical enough to think that His fearful disciples who deserted and denied Him, could not become brave enough, just in two days, to overpower or even dare the Roman soldiers.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time knew the implication of the resurrection of Jesus and tried to prevent it; but it is the hope of the believer. It is the anchor of our faith. Our Christianity is tied to His death and resurrection.
“Don’t be alarmed” he said, “you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where there laid Him.” (Mark 16: 6)
They saw the place where Jesus was laid, but could not find Him there; they saw that the tomb was empty. The Lord Jesus had risen, beyond all doubt. His resurrection from death to life is our hope and the anchor of our faith.
The significance of Jesus’ resurrection to us is amazing. “…and if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”(1 Corinthians 15: 14) Bible says our faith is useless (vain) if Christ was not raised from the dead. His resurrection affirms our Christianity as well as our hope.
We are not going to be wasted. Our labour in the ministry is not useless because our redeemer, who is also the one who rewards us lives on.
He broke the curse of sin and death and rose up from the grave. He went to the cross as man, died as man and rose victoriously as man. Understand this, He was God but died in the place of man and gave victory to man. Now we have ascendancy over death and sin.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS RESURRECTION
• We died to sin and rose to a new life in God (Romans 6: 4 – 10). Now we can serve God from the heart and live righteously to Him because our Lord Jesus Christ was raised.
• Now there is hope that we will not stay in the grave. The grave has been denied and defeated. Just as our Lord and Saviour rose, so also we will rise and live in eternal bliss with our God (1 Corinthians 15: 52 – 58)
The significance of an empty tomb cannot be over-emphasised. It means that we can live in good health continually, we stand justified forever (Romans 4: 25). It is overwhelming and a thing to hold on to.
Anytime I remember that the tomb is empty, I rejoice because it means that God cannot change His mind on His covenant. It is everlasting! Praise God, THE TOMB IS EMPTY!