TABLE OF CONTENTS

DATE: TUESDAY 1ST AUGUST 2023 ..................................................................... 3

TOPIC: INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT OF GRACE .......................................... 3
DATE: TUESDAY 15TH AUGUST 2023 ................................................................... 7
TOPIC: SAVING GRACE – PART 1 ........................................................................ 7
DATE: TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST 2023 ................................................................ 14
TOPIC: SAVING GRACE – PART 2 ...................................................................... 14
DATE: SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST 2023 .................................................................. 21
TOPIC: SANCTIFYING GRACE ............................................................................ 21
DATE: TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST 2023 ................................................................. 29
TOPIC: EMPOWERING GRACE .......................................................................... 29

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FOUNTAIN GATE CHAPEL – DESERT PASTURES
MEETING: TEACHING ASSEMBLY
DATE: TUESDAY 1ST AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT OF GRACE

OBJECTIVE:

To establish a foundational understanding of grace and its significance

in the Christian life.

INTRODUCTION:

Grace is a central and profound concept in the Bible, woven into the
fabric of God's relationship with humanity.

Grace is a theme that transcends time, cultures, and individual

experiences, revealing the compassionate heart of our Creator.
Throughout the pages of Scripture, we encounter diverse aspects of
grace, each offering a glimpse into the character of God and His
unfailing love for His children.

Grace is a fundamental concept that shapes our relationship with God

and defines the essence of our faith.

Key Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

DEFINITION OF GRACE:

"Grace is the unmerited favour and loving-kindness of God towards

undeserving humanity."

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THE SOURCE OF GRACE:

Explore the character of God as the source of grace. Share passages

such as Exodus 34:6 and Psalm 145:8-9 that reveal God's
compassionate and gracious nature.

Exod. 34:5, 6
5 ¶ And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there,
and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The
LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in
goodness and truth,

Ps 145:8, 9
8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of
great mercy.
9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his
works.

Discuss how God's grace is an inherent part of who He is and not based
on anything we do.

HUMANITY'S NEED FOR GRACE:

Discuss the concept of sin and its impact on our relationship with God.
Use Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 to explain that all have sinned and
fallen short of God's standard, deserving death. Connect this with the
necessity of God's grace as the solution to humanity's sinful state.

Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

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 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus:

Rom. 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom. 5:8
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.

LIVING IN RESPONSE TO GRACE:

1. How understanding grace should impact the way we live our

lives as Christians.

Gal. 2:20, 21
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith
of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by
the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

1Cor. 15:10
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was
bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly
than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Heb. 4:16
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
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 2. Grace does not only save us but also empowers us to live
transformed lives. Throughout the scriptures, we find various
types and aspects of grace, each revealing a unique facet of
God's character and relationship with His creation.

In the subsequent studies, we will explore these different aspects of

grace, such as: Saving Grace, Sanctifying Grace, Empowering Faith,
Sustaining Grace and Overflowing Grace. We shall support all these
aspects of grace by relevant scriptural passages, to gain a deeper
understanding of this divine gift and its significance in our lives.

CONCLUSION:

Heb. 4:16
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Prayer for mercy and grace

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FOUNTAIN GATE CHAPEL – DESERT PASTURES
MEETING: TEACHING ASSEMBLY
DATE: TUESDAY 15TH AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: SAVING GRACE – PART 1

INTRODUCTION:

The subject of salvation is one of the deepest mysteries of God of all

ages that baffled the Prophets of Old that did prophesy about it and
the Angels in Heaven that are confused about it.

1Pet. 1:8-12

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him
not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

10 ¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched

diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which

was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of
Christ, and the glory that should follow.

12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us
they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them
that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down
from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

OBJECTIVE:
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To explore the concept of Saving Grace and the role of the redemptive
work of Christ in taking care of Sin, Guilt and the Penalty of sin.

KEY SCRIPTURES: Ephesians 2:4-9; Titus 2:11

Eph. 2:4-9

4 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with

Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly

places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his
grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Tit. 2:11

11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to

all men,

OUTLINE:

1. Defining Saving Grace: Explaining how God's grace brings

salvation to all people.
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Saving Grace is God’s Redemption At Christ’s Expense

2. God's Initiative: Understanding that it is God's initiative to

extend grace to humanity, even when we are undeserving.

3. Faith and Grace: Discussing the relationship between faith and

grace in the process of salvation.

4. Discussion:

How the redemptive work of Christ in took care of our Sin, Guilt and
the Penalty of sin by means of Propitiation, Justification and
Atonement.

1. PROPITIATION took Care of the SIN:

Propitiation refers to Jesus' sacrifice as the means by which God's

righteous wrath against sin is appeased. It highlights the satisfaction
of divine justice through Christ's death.

Scriptures:

Rom. 3:23-25

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is

in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (Gk. Hilasterion: an

expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim) through
faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins
that are past, through the forbearance of God;

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1John 2:1, 2

1 ¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but
also for the sins of the whole world.

2. JUSTIFICATION Took Care of the GUILT:

What Is Justification?

Justification is the supernatural act of God by which He changes our

sentence of guilt and condemnation into acquittal and discharge.
Thereby declaring a sinner righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus
Christ.

This is accomplished through the legal process of the vicarious death

of Jesus Christ and involves the forgiveness of sins and the imputation
of Christ's righteousness to the believer.

Scriptures:

Rom. 3:23-26

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified (GK. Dikaioo: to render (i.e. show or regard as) just
or innocent: free, be righteous.) freely by his grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his

blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are
past, through the forbearance of God;
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 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Rom. 8:1, 2; 33, 34

1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in

Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death.

33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that

is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us.

3. ATONEMENT Took Care of the PENALTY OF SIN:

Atonement refers to the reconciliation of sinful humanity with God

through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the removal
of the penalty of sin (i.e. spiritual death and second or eternal death)
that separates humans from God.

Scriptures:

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Leviticus 16:6-10, 20-22: The Day of Atonement and the sacrificial
rituals.

Rom. 5:8-11

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved
from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the

death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by
his life.

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

John 5:24

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1Thess. 1:9, 10

9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had

unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and
true God;

10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the
dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
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13
FOUNTAIN GATE CHAPEL – DESERT PASTURES
MEETING: TEACHING ASSEMBLY
DATE: TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: SAVING GRACE – PART 2

INTRODUCTION:
The subject of salvation is a multifaceted function of the work of
Grace. It is a bouquet of assorted elements of the finished work of
Jesus Christ on the Cross.

OBJECTIVE:
To explore the concept of Saving Grace in the light of Redemption,
Regeneration and Reconciliation as key elements of the finished work
of Grace by Jesus Christ.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Titus: 4-7;

Tit. 3:4-7
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according
to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according
to the hope of eternal life.

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 1. REDEMPTION
Luke 1:67-69
67 ¶ And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and
prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed
his people,
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his
servant David;

Gal. 3:13
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a
curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree:
Greek for Redeemed: exagorazo, (ex-ag-or-ad'-zo)
Means: to buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss:--
redeem

Rev. 5:8, 9
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and
twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them
harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book,
and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed
us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people,
and nation;

Greek for Redeemed: agorazo. Pronounced: ag-or-ad'-zo

Means: to go to market, i.e. (by implication) to purchase; specially, to
redeem:--buy, redeem.

A. The Threefold Meaning of Redemption

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 a. To pay a ransom price for something or someone.
"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he
entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal
redemption for us" (Heb. 9:12).

b. To remove from a slave marketplace.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a
curse for us: for it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree" (Gal. 3:13). (The curse of the law: sin, sickness/disease, poverty,
slavery etc.)

c. To effect a full release.

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have
the firstfruits of the Spirit even we ourselves groan within ourselves,
waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" (Rom.
8:22, 23; 1 Cor. 1:30).

B. The Old Testament Example of Redemption

One of the most important Old Testament offices was that of a goel,
or kinsman-redeemer. Baker's Dictionary of Theology describes this
office as follows:
"It is used in the regaining possession of a property which had been
sold for debt (Lev. 25:25).
It is used in the restoring or preserving of the name of one who had
died without offspring: his brother is then to take his wife (Levirate
marriage), and raise up seed to him, that his name be not forgotten in
Israel (Deut. 25:5).
Boaz is the most familiar example of this" (Ruth 3:4).
There were three requirements a goel had to fulfil.
a. He must be a near kinsman (Lev. 25:48, 49; Ruth 3:12, 13).
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 b. He must be able to redeem (Jer. 50:34).
c. He must be willing to redeem.
How Jesus Christ, successfully fulfilled all three of these requirements.
a. He became a near kinsman (Heb. 2:14-16; 4:15).
b. He was able to redeem (Jn. 10:11, 18).
c. He was willing to redeem (Heb. 10:4-10).

C. The Costliness of Redemption that Makes It an Act of Grace

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible
things as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by
tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as
of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Pet. 1:18, 19).

Redemption was purchased by the precious blood of Christ. This is

what makes redemption an act of God’s grace.

2. REGENERATION
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to
his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing
of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5).

A. The Definition of Regeneration

Greek: Paliggenesia, pronounced as: pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah
It means (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e. (figuratively)
spiritual renovation; specially, Messianic restoration:--regeneration.

It is the supernatural act whereby God through the New Birth by the
work of Holy Spirit brings back from spiritual death the believing
sinner and imparts to him/her a new nature.
John 3:3

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3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Eph. 2:1, 5
1 ¶ And you (hath he quickened), who were dead in trespasses and
sins;
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with
Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)).

Greek for quickened: Suzoopoieo, Pronounced: sood-zo-op-oy-eh'-o

It means: to reanimate conjointly with (figuratively):--quicken
together with.

B. The Necessity for Regeneration

It is necessary because of the corruptness of human nature.
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may
ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil" (Jer. 13:23).
By nature all men are:
a. Dead in trespasses and sins and eternally separated from God (Eph.
2:1).
b. Children of wrath (Eph. 2:3).
c. Sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:2).
d. Cursed with Adam's sin nature (Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:47).

C. The Means of Regeneration

Three factors are vital for a sinner to experience redemption.
a. The Word of God (Jn. 3:5; Titus 3:5; 1 Pet. 1:23).
b. The Man of God (Rom. 10:13-15; 2 Cor. 5:18-20).
c. The Spirit of God (Jn. 3:5, 6; Titus 3:5).

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 3. RECONCILIATION
2Cor. 5:18, 19
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,
not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us
the word of reconciliation.

THE MEANING OF RECONCILIATION:

A. New Testament Meaning

The Greek word: Katallasso. Pronounced: kat-al-las'-so means: to
change from that of enmity to that of friendship. (Eph. 2:14-16; Col.
1:20-22.)

B. The Implications of Reconciliation

a. That a previous animosity once existed.
b. That the offended party (or parties) now views things differently.

C. The Two Phases of Reconciliation

a. God has reconciled himself to the world through Christ.
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus
Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing
their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:18, 19).
b. Man is now to reconcile himself to God through Christ.
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech
you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2
Cor. 5:20).
D. The Chronology of Reconciliation
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a. In Eden God and man faced each other in fellowship.
b. After the fall, God and man turned from each other.
c. At Calvary God turned his face toward man.
d. At conversion (through repentance and faith) man turns his face
toward God.

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FOUNTAIN GATE CHAPEL – DESERT PASTURES
MEETING: CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY – (RAIN)
DATE: SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: SANCTIFYING GRACE

INTRODUCTION:
The subject of sanctification is one of the essential and compulsory
aspects of the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sanctification, like salvation is the work of Grace.

1Thess. 4:1-4
1 ¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by
the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk
and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should
abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in
sanctification and honour;

OBJECTIVE:
To explore sanctifying grace and its role in the ongoing transformation
of believers from Salvation to Eternity.

KEY SCRIPTURES: Ephesians 5:25-27; 1Thessalonians. 5:23

Eph. 5:25-27
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,
and gave himself for it;

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 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water
by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and
without blemish.

1Thess. 5:23
23 ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God
your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Understanding Sanctifying Grace:

Sanctifying Grace is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of
believers to make them holy and conform them to the image of Christ.
(Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18).

SANCTIFYING GRACE
The Sanctifying Grace is dispensed through the following three
elements of the work of Christ and of the Holy Spirit in the life of the
believer. (Imputation, Sanctification and Glorification)

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 1. IMPUTATION

"Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin" (Rom. 4:8).

Definition of Imputation:

Imputation is the act of one person adding something good or bad to

the account of another person.

Kinds of Imputation:

In The Bible There Are Three Main Theological Imputations:

a. The Imputation of Adam's sin upon the human race.

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by
sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom.
5:12).

"For as in Adam all die" (1 Cor. 15:22; see also Rom. 3:23).

This first imputation seems at first to be totally unjust. Why should

Adam's sin be imputed to me when it happened in a remote part of
this world thousands of years before I was even born?

If the story ended here it might be unjust, but it doesn't. Read on.

b. The Imputation of the sin of the human race upon Christ.

Isa. 53:4-6

4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we
did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for

our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with
his stripes we are healed.

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6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his
own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

1Pet. 2:24

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that
we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose
stripes ye were healed.

The first imputation was an unwilling one (for no human would

voluntarily accept Adam's guilt), but the second imputation was
effected upon a totally willing volunteer.

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the
sheep" (Jn. 10:11).

"No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself . . ." (Jn. 10:18).

c. The Imputation of God's righteousness upon the believing sinner.

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea
doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss
of all things and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be
found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law,
but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith" (Phil. 3:7-9).

This Imputation, like the second, must be voluntary. God does not
force the righteousness of Christ upon any one.

Biblical Examples of Imputation. (Abraham, David & Us).

Rom. 4:3-8, 23-24

3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was
counted unto him for righteousness.
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4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but
of debt.

5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the
ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto

whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose
sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

23 ¶ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed
to him;

24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him

that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

2. SANCTIFICATION

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it" (Eph. 5:25,
26).

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly" (1 Thess. 5:23).

Sanctification Defined:

Sanctification occurs in various forms some 300 times in the New

Testament and 760 times in the Old Testament for a total of 1060 in
the Bible.

The basic meaning in all these instances is "to set apart."

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What Is Sanctification?

Sanctification is the supernatural act of the Holy Spirit that separates

us from sinful living and sets us apart for a saintly life. It is the aspect
of our redemption that results into a change in character.

i. In Regeneration our Nature is changed

ii. In Justification our Standing is changed

iii. In Sanctification our Character is changed

iv. In Adoption our Position is changed

The Means of Sanctification

i. By the Truth

Jn. 17:17

17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

ii. By the Blood

Heb. 13:12

12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his
own blood, suffered without the gate.

iii. By the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

Heb. 9:13, 14

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer
sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

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14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal
Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from
dead works to serve the living God?

3. GLORIFICATION

"Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom

he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also
glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

What is the Meaning of Glorification?

It refers to the current progressive and future ultimate or absolute

physical, mental, and spiritual perfections of all believers (Rom. 8:22,
23; 1 Cor. 15:41-44, 51-55; 2 Cor. 4:14-18; 5:1-4; Jude 1:24, 25).

What is the Time of Glorification?

i. Present Progressive Glorification: It begins from the New Birth and

is ongoing in the life of the believer till the rapture (2 Cor. 3:18)

ii. Future, Ultimate or Absolute Glorification: It will begin at the

rapture and continue throughout all eternity (1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess.
4:13-18).

What is the Purpose of Glorification?

Glorification is both the logical and necessary final side of the great
salvation triangle. It completes justification and sanctification.

Because it makes us free from sin (Rom. 6:22).

There are three Latin theological terms which may clarify this precious
doctrine.

These are:
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Non Posse Non Pecare – not able not to sin. This refers to believers
before their salvation.

Posse Non Pecare – able not to sin. This describes them after their
salvation. They now have the power to live victorious lives.

Non Posse Pecare – not able to sin. This describes their existence after
the rapture.

Note:

a. In the past, Christ the Prophet saved us from the penalty of sin
through justification.

b. In the present, Christ the Priest saves us from the power of sin
through sanctification.

c. In the future, Christ the King shall save us from the presence of sin
through glorification.

CONCLUSION:

Cooperation with Sanctifying Grace:

Discuss the balance between God's work of sanctifying grace and our
responsibility in the process. Encourage participants to actively
cooperate with the Holy Spirit through prayer, Bible study, and
obedience to God's Word.

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FOUNTAIN GATE CHAPEL – DESERT PASTURES
MEETING: TEACHING ASSEMBLY
DATE: TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: EMPOWERING GRACE

INTRODUCTION:
The subject of empowering grace as the aspect of God's grace that
equips and enables believers to serve Him effectively.

OBJECTIVE:
To explore the concept of Empowering Grace and its impact on the
Christian life and service (in the light of Adoption, Enablement and
Preservation).

KEY SCRIPTURES: Zech. 4:6-9; Cor. 15:8-10

Zech. 4:6-9
6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of
the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but
by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt
become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with
shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his
hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts
hath sent me unto you.

1Cor. 15:8-10
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due
time.

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9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which
was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more
abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was
with me.

What Is Empowering Grace?

Empowering grace is the divine enablement that God provides to
believers to fulfil their callings, serve others, and carry out His
purposes. Read 2 Timothy 2:1, where Paul encourages Timothy to be
strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

ADOPTION
Gal. 4:4-6
4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son,
made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son
into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

The Theology of Adoption

Adoption Defined:
Greek: huiothesia, (hwee-oth-es-ee'-ah). The word literally means
the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (figuratively, Christian sonship in
respect to God).
Adoption logically follows regeneration. Regeneration gives one his
nature as a child of God, whereas adoption gives him his position as a
son of God

Rom. 8:15-17
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 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but
ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba,
Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God:
17 ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified
together.

How Spiritual Adoption Differs From Civil Adoption

 We never adopt our own children, but God never adopts any
other than His own children.
 Civil adoption provides comfort for the childless, but God had a
beloved Son (Mt. 3:17; 17:5) prior to adopting us.
 Civil adoption could never give the child the nature of the
father, but God's adopted are given the very mind of Christ (1
Cor. 2:16).
 In some cases, civil adoption could be declared null and void,
but God's adopted are absolutely secure.

How Spiritual Adoption Compares With Civil Adoption

 The Father must begin the action leading to adoption (Isa. 1:18;
Jn. 3:16).
 Both adoptions give an inheritance to one who previously had
none (Rom. 8:17; 1 Pet. 1:1-9).
 Both adoptions provide a new name (Jn. 1:42; Rev. 2:17).

What Is the Role of Our Adoption in Empowering Grace?

a. We have the nature of God in us as sons.
b. We have the right to use the family name.
c. We have access to and the right to use the power of our father.

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 d. We have the right to inheritance of the Father and the right to
joint inheritance with Christ, the first-born son of the family.
These are all tools for empowerment that God provides to believers
to fulfil their callings, serve others, and carry out His purposes.

ENABLEMENT
The Theology of Enablement
Enablement Defined:
Greek: endunamoo, (en-doo-nam-o'-o): The word literally means to
empower:--enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be or (make) strong.
Empowering grace works through divine enablement to equip
believers to fulfil their callings, serve others, and carry out God’s
purpose on earth in different areas of calling and assignment.

Biblical Cases of Divine Enablement (Old & New Testaments):

1. Bezaleel the Son Of Uri

Exod. 31:1-5
1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur,
of the tribe of Judah:
3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in
understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of
workmanship,
4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in
brass,
5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to
work in all manner of workmanship.

2. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah

Dan. 1:17-20

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17 ¶ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill
in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all
visions and dreams.
18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring
them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before
Nebuchadnezzar.
19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was
found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore
stood they before the king.
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king
enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the
magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

3. Jesus Christ
Acts 10:38
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and
with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were
oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

4. The Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ

Matt. 10:1
1 ¶ And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave
them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all
manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Acts 4:33
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

5. The Apostle Paul

1Cor. 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace
which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more

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abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was
with me.

Phil. 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Contemporary Cases of Divine Enablement (Ps. Eastwood Anaba):

Our own father, Pastor Eastwood Anaba is a clear case of
Empowering Grace through divine enablement.
1. His growing up
2. His ministry impact and accomplishments
3. His current legacy projects endeavour
God is able to do same or more with you.

Isa 51:1, 2
1 ¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek
the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole
of the pit whence ye are digged.
2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you:
for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

PRESERVATION
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly: and I pray God your
whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who
also will do it" (1 Thess. 5:23, 24).
"Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that
are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and
called" (Jude 1).
The Theology of Preservation
Preservation Defined:
Greek: tereo, tay-reh'-o: From teros, literally means a watch; to
guard (from loss or injury; by keeping the eye upon.
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2Tim. 1:11, 12
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a
teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am
not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him
against that day.

Jude 1:24
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to
present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding
joy,

Irrespective of the grace to save and the grace to sanctify us, we may
still be exposed to many other forms of risks along our faith journey
which may predispose us to falling. We therefore will need the
empowering grace to succour us, hence the need for preservation.

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