Title:' STEP 2' Work

Title: 'FAITH - STEP 2' - Visual Prayer Art by Rev.Bola A (Mar'13)

*Christians Victorious Fellowship

STEP 2

We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves (God) could restore us to sanity.

Brethren,
First we must understand what the term 'believe' means, in the context of Step 2.

We can see here, that the Step 2 of Christians Victorious, is not just a destination to be reached, but also a journey. For there are different levels of belief that one may acquire.

Definition of 'BELIEVE':
To accept something as true, genuine, or real.
To have confidence in the truth, or the existence of something.
To trust, or rely on.
To accept, accredit, admit, affirm, attach weight to, be certain of, be convinced of, be credulous.

What then is the nature of this greater power to believe in?

Answer:
One thing I am certain of is that this universe was deliberately created.
It was created by a power far greater than myself, whom I now know as God.
God has been assigned many different names, and clearly has many different attributes.
Some call God Jehovah, Adonai. God is often referred to as a 'he' but I believe God is beyond gender, and is therefore neither male nor female.

What does the Bible say about God?
Jeremiah 51:15  states:
“It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom,
and by His understanding stretched out the heavens..''
 Psalm 147:5
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

Psalm 100:5
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 18:30
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

1 Samuel 2:2
“There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.

 Ephesians 4:6
One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

 John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

We also learn from the Holy Bible, about the nature of God, as a Divine Trinity consisting of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 8:6
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. .

 John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

So God is very real.
God is indeed, the Power greater than myself, which I have come to believe in, as Step 2 states.
God then as I understand Him/Her, is the only power that can restore me entirely.
Furthermore to complete my Step 2, I must understand what is meant by the term ‘Restore’.

When you think of the word 'restore' in the second step, what comes to mind?

Definition of Restore:
To bring back into existence, use, or the like; re-establish: to restore order..
To bring back to a former, original, or normal condition, as a building, statue, or painting.
To bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor.
To put back to a former place, or to a former position, rank, etc
To give back; make return or restitution of (anything taken away or lost).

God is the only true power, greater than myself, through His son Jesus Christ, that can restore me.
This is stated in John 3:16 -
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life''

Conclusion:
It is by my faith in Jesus Christ that I am saved from damnation, and restored to full sanity.
Thus where I once was weak, God now restores my strength.
Where I once was afraid, God now restores my courage.
Where I once was sad, God now restores my joy.
Where I once was ill, God now restores my health.
Where I once was poor, God now restores my wealth..

Most of all, where the devil stole my life, by leading me astray with sin, God through our Saviour Jesus Christ restores me to His glorious kingdom, His will and His direction.
As a born again Christian I am saved, I am redeemed, I am sanctified.
So it is, for every other believer in Christ Jesus. Praise God!

The keyword to STEP 2 is *FAITH*

We learn to master the Spiritual quality of  FAITH in God.

Phillipians 2:13 states ....
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.

Was there ever a time in your life when you did not practice your particular sin (or addictive behaviour) and a state of being which you would look forward to being restored to?

The only time I can remember not being weighed down by sin was when I was a child, when I knew nothing about the nature of sex, and how it can be used to commit sin. Yet sex is very innocent when used in the context which God designed it for, which is marriage and the rearing of children, in a God directed family unit. I pray for myself and all believers to be restored to that state of lost innocence, in Jesus mighty name; and to be released from all the guilt, condemnation, sin and lies surrounding sex.

Praise be to God!
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Are you  now ready to complete your Step 2?

Here are some questions to assist you in completing this Step.
What is spirituality to you?
What do you do now, that contributes to your spiritual life?
What do you feel is missing from your spiritual life?
When was the last time you had a spiritual experience?
Who can you turn to for spiritual guidance and discussion?
Who, what and how do you worship?
What do you think will happen to you when you die?
What is your experience of a higher power?
Do you know God?
Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?
Have you had an encounter with The Holy Spirit?
Describe events, people, situations that have helped your understanding of a higher power?
Are there areas of your life you need  help with?
Can you surrender these over to God?
If not, why not?
What stops you from completing Step 2?
Do you need further help with Step 2?
In any area of your life, how will you know when you have completed Step 2?

Here are some more scripture verses, to assist you with Step 2.

2 Cor 12:9
 9 But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.

Ephesians 1:6-8
6 And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves.7 In Christ we are made free by his blood sacrifice. We have forgiveness of sins because of God’s rich grace. 8 God gave us that grace fully and freely. With full wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:21-22
21 At one time you were separated from God. You were his enemies in your minds, because the evil you did was against him. 22 But now he has made you his friends again. He did this by the death Christ suffered while he was in his body. He did it so that he could present you to himself as people who are holy, blameless, and without anything that would make you guilty before him.

Mark 9:23-24
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears,Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. -

For an in-depth understanding of Step 2, study prayerfully Hebrews 11:1-10

You may now wish to say this Step 2 prayer.

Heavenly Father,
I know in my heart that 

only you can restore me to sanity.

I humbly ask that you remove 

all sin, twisted thought and
addictive behavior, from me this day.
Heal my spirit and restore in me 

a clear soul, mind and body.

In Jesus mighty name I pray.

Amen.

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Congratulations on doing Step 2.

You are welcome to send us your comments, thoughts, experiences and testimonials about Step 2. 

We are always here to assist you. 

Email your enquiries to Rev.Bola: bolaamail-church@yahoo.co.uk

Peace  and Love Rev.Bola 

Pastor - Christians Victorious Fellowship 

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