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| Title: *HUMILITY - STEP 1* /Impas - Visual Prayer Art - by Rev.Bola A.(Feb'13) |
Step One of The *Christians Victorious Fellowship, is stated as follows:-
1. We admitted we were powerless over sin and Satan. that our lives had become unmanageable.
From the Holy Bible we learn in The Book of Genesis, that sin first came into the world through Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Having been tempted by the devil, when they partook of the forbidden fruit, which God had commanded them not to eat.
The Bible further states in Romans 3:23 --
'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. '
And in Romans 7:18 --
'I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.'
We see therefore, that though we are all made in the image and likeness of God, because of the fall, every human-being is born with the sin nature in them. No human-being is perfect. We are all subject to temptation to sin by the devil ie Satan.
What is sin? Sin is ....
a. Deliberate disobedience to the known will of God.
b. A condition of estrangement from God resulting from such disobedience.
Sin is an act of commission or omission, that violates the moral and ethical code of God. Sin is conduct that violates Spiritual law, and brings death and destruction upon life.There are different types of sin, and throughout The Bible we are given varying examples of sin.
What are the seven detestable sins according to the Bible?
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: (Proverbs 6:16-19).
1.haughty eyes,
2.a lying tongue,
3. hands that shed innocent blood,
4 .a heart that devises wicked schemes,
5. feet that are quick to rush into evil,
6.a false witness who pours out lies and
7.a man who stirs up dissension among brothers”
The seven deadly sins as viewed by society and literature are: -
1. Pride - is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity.
It is a quality or state of being proud, and having an inordinate self esteem:
Do you feel you are superior to others?
(Proverbs 16:18) “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”
2. Envy - is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.
Envy is resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage:
Do you feel jealous or envious of another's good qualities or blessings?
(1 Peter 2:1-2). “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation”
3. Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.
Gluttony is excess in eating, drinking or any other form of consumption.
Do you consume more than you need of any substance?
(Proverbs 23:21). “for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags”
4. Lust – to have an over intense desire or need:
Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body.
Do you lust after members of the opposite or same sex?
(Matthew 5:28). “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart,.
5. Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath.
Wrath is strong vengeful anger or indignation:
Do you have temper tantrums, or sudden outbursts of anger at others?
(Proverbs 15:1) - “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Greed is excessive or reprehensible acquisitiveness:
Do you crave after material things, like money or power to the exclusion of spiritual values?
(Ephesians 4:19). “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
7. Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. It is also called laziness.
Laziness is disinclination to activity or exertion: not being energetic or vigorous:“
Do you expect others to do all the work for you, whilst you reap the benefits?
(Proverbs 15:19). The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway”
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In doing Step one, members of The CV Fellowship, do humbly acknowledge when we have sinned against God, and against our fellows. Furthermore we admit it, when our sins have harmed us and others. We admit that despite several attempts to overcome our sinful nature, we have been unable to do so in our own power alone, and have needed outside help.
The key word to STEP 1 is *HUMILITY*
We learn to master the Spiritual quality of *HUMILITY* to God's will.
*Are you struggling with a particular issue, a problem, a sickness, a weakness, a failure or a shortcoming?
*Does a particular negative pattern keep repeating itself in your life?
*Despite several attempts have you failed to overcome a negative situation in your life?
*Are there any areas of your life where you would like to see an improvement?
*Are you ready and willing to complete step one?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then congratulations.
You may be ready to complete step one.
If not, then what would it take for you to be ready to complete step one?
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If you are ready to do this step now, then please say the following prayer with me, believing it with all your heart:
Lord Jesus, I know that I have sinned against you, and that my sins separate me from you. I am truly sorry, I repent of my sins. I now want to turn away from my sinful past, and turn to you for forgiveness. Please forgive me of my sins, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that you (Jesus Christ), died on a cross for my sins, that you(Jesus)was raised from the dead by God the father on the third day, is now alive, and now hears my prayer. I believe your blood shed on the cross blots out my sins. I invite Jesus to become my Savior and the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You and to convict me when I sin. I pledge to grow in grace and knowledge of you. My greatest purpose in life is to follow your example and do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Psalm 6:2 -
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for
I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are troubled.
Read prayerfully, the whole of Psalm 6
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Congratulations. You have just read and completed 'The Sinners Prayer'. You have consciously invited Christ to be Lord and savior over your life. Well done for completing this very important step in your spiritual recovery. We would like to personally congratulate you by marking this very special occasion with a gift for you from our fellowship. It includes a Step 1 completion certificate, as well as a surprise bonus to be revealed on receipt of your verification and testimony. All you need do is to receive your gift is to drop us an email attesting to your completion of Step one and this sinners prayer, and we will respond without further delay.
You are also welcome to share you thoughts, comments or testimony on this step with us, in the comments box here as the quickest and easiest way, and we would be happy to respond with a gift to you as a token of our congratulations. So please send us your testimony to having taken this Step.
If however you require more information, further assistance, prayer, private spiritual coaching with this, or any of the other 12 Spiritual Recovery Steps, then please send an email in confidence to:-
Rev. Bola : bolaamail-recovery@yahoo.co.uk
We are here to help you every step of the way if you will let us.
Remember, God loves and blesses you always.
Peace and Love
Rev.Bola
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