SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD BY APOSTLE JONAS CLARK

BENEFITING FROM  SPIRITUAL FATHERS Mentors and honoring spiritual fathers are essential.To have a good spiritual father or mentor in your life is truly a gift from God. Your response to that gift will determine much of what happens in your future. Scripture says, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). Honor reveals character. To honor someone means to show approval, gratefulness, and respect. To dishonor someone means to disdain, put down, belittle, and insult. Those that honor their fathers lengthen their lives and those that dishonor their fathers shorten their lives. This truth is found in the Fifth Commandment. “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12). You not only have natural fathers, but you have spiritual fathers. A spiritual father is that person God puts in your life to help you become all that God has called you to be. Spiritual fathers transfer a wealth of knowledge to their sons and daughters through the spirit of wisdom. Scripture says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). To have a spiritual father in your life is a gift from God. Your response to that gift will determine much of what happens in your future.   Sons must guard against the pitfalls of jealousy, pride, and dishonor. Lucifer is an example of one that dishonored his leader. One trait that led to Lucifer’s downfall was pride. Insecurity is the root of pride. An insecure and prideful person will most certainly belittle others. To belittle a person means to dishonor them. Dishonor ends relationships. Lucifer was jealous of the glory given to Jehovah. His jealousy opened the door to pride, and pride led to dishonoring God. “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” (Ezekiel 28:13-15) You need a spiritual father in your life. Apostolic ministries have apostolic fathers. I came from a generation of preachers who grew up in ministry without the benefit of spiritual fathers. Like thousands of others, we had to get whatever we could through books, audios, videos, seminars, conferences and brief meetings with men of God hurried off platforms and away from the people. I have wondered how much more effective I might have become if someone would have taken a personal interest in the call of God on my life. As the apostolic church moves forward, we can expect the heart of spiritual fathers to be restored toward the sons of God. One cannot be an apostle who doesn’t have the heart of a spiritual father. Let’s look at the Apostle Paul as an example. Paul had a vested interest in the success of his spiritual son Timothy. You can hear the heart of the father when Paul says to Timothy,“For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ you do not have many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). Today fathers are abandoning their wives, children, and responsibilities. This is a reflection of the spiritual condition of our world as we note the same pattern of abandonment taking place in ministry. Over 1500 pastors quit the ministry each month and thousands more leave churches without cause. Pastors are leaving because the ministry is tough, and a lack of understanding the roles of five-fold ascension gifts leads to abuse. If you don’t understand the role of your leader, then you can abuse that leader. Some leaders protect themselves by becoming insensitive. Callousness, however, can damage the work of ministry. In the past, some ministry gifts would not take the time to raise spiritual sons or daughters. Some even went out of their way not to make a way for any spiritual kinship at all and focused on building their own ministries instead. Some sons and daughters only want blessing, not correction and guidance by loving apostolic fathers. The result for many of God’s leaders has been to follow the path of least resistance by concentrating on their own ministries and avoiding further aggravation. It takes more time to raise a spiritual son or daughter than it does to convert a sinner. The cry of the Spirit is the return of apostolic fathers toward the sons and daughters and sons and daughters toward fathers. For decades, we have been missing the spirit of the father in our churches and homes. Our society is a mirror of the spiritual condition of our nation. A lack of fathers in the home is the primary social problem facing America says 72.2 % of those polled. In 2006, there were 12.9 million one parent families in the United States, 10.4 million single mother families and 2.5 million single father families. Just over 67 percent of the nation’s 73.7 million children younger, than 18, lived with two married parents. The results are grimly revealing. Children of single-parent homes are: Five times more likely to commit suicide. 32 times more likely to run away. 14 times more likely to commit rape. Nine times more likely to drop out of high school. 20 times more likely to end up in prison. The outcome of a lack of both parents in the home is lawlessness. The family is under attack, but hope is on the way. God spoke of the turning spirit of Elijah returning to His Church in the last days. “And he will turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:6). Times are changing. The Holy Spirit is challenging hearts and reversing them from self-centeredness to helping others. Millions of children have been raised in single parent homes, mostly by good mothers doing the best they could. The role of mothers, however, is different from fathers. Take little Johnny, for example, who was told not to play baseball in his friends’ backyard. He disobeys and breaks the neighbor’s glass window. Who do you think he runs home to tell, his mother or father? Most likely he ran to mommy. That’s because the role of mothers is different from fathers. Mother’s nurture and comfort but fathers set rules and boundaries for behavior. Fathers also discipline and correct. Little Johnny’s mom probably offered him hugs and plenty of love. I’m sure she told him that everything was going to be all right. But when dad came home little Johnny had to face the consequences of his rebellion, go to the neighbors house, repent and arrange to have the window repaired. Spiritual fathers do not replace natural fathers. Don’t expect them to take you on fishing trips or out to ball games. They are spiritual fathers. Spiritual fathers are mentors that offer wise and trusted counsel designed to get you to think. Submission to their oversight is biblical, voluntary and comes through relationship. It also affords you spiritual covering and accountability. A mentor offers instruction, advice, guidance and counsel. A spiritual father also corrects. Don’t expect a true spiritual father to ignore your mistakes and personality malfunctions. Correction is designed to help you grow both spiritually and emotionally. Spiritual fathers do not replace your relationship with God. They point you toward dependency on the Lord and away from themselves. It is Jesus that is the author and finisher of your faith. IDENTIFYING SONS AND DAUGHTERS It takes a father to give birth to a son. Son, from the Latin root su, means to give birth. Not everybody that attends your ministry is a spiritual son or daughter. Some are autonomous sheep, disgruntled goats or barbarous wolves. Others are just good people passing through. So how do you know who your spiritual sons and daughters are? One time the Holy Spirit said to me, “I have many sons and daughters for you in every nation if you will go.” I asked him how to know who they were, and he answered, “You will know them by their pursuit.” Pursuit is the key. It doesn’t mean that you were the one that led them to the Lord. It’s possible to have many spiritual sons and daughters that heard the salvation message through someone else. Hundreds of people have told me they wanted me to be their spiritual father. To know who they are, I look for pursuit. Like everybody else I am busy and want to spend my time with the right people. When we have meetings in other countries, for example, I am keenly aware of those present. If I take the time and expense to travel to another nation, and they won’t attend when they live there, then I know they are just talkers. I spend my time with workers, not talkers. The same goes for identifying your spiritual sons and daughters. Talk is still cheap and doesn’t mean much. Pursuit tells you who they are. If they are not pursuing then, don’t spend much of your time with them. On the other hand, those who do pursue are the ones you can do exploits with and help them become champions. Spend your time with them and watch them become all that God has called them to be. VICTORIOUS LIVING      Spiritual fathers don’t teach you to pass exams, they prepare you for victorious living. Our educational system has given us a pattern of learning based on lectures and exams. Students learn only to pass academic tests. Teaching to pass a test is not the Biblical model for learning. The learning pattern throughout Scripture is to find a mentor who teaches and trains you through an internship. Paul mentored Timothy, Silas, and Erastus, and Elijah taught Elisha, and Joshua interned with Moses. All creation is waiting for the sons of God to manifest (Romans 8:19). Without spiritual fathers, there can be no revealing of sons. Marks of true spiritual fathers include: Trustworthy Guide Protect Direct Nurture Shape and mold Discipline Encourage Give wisdom Instill purpose Give hope Consistency Listen Involved Instill moral values Demand integrity Develop character Provide spiritual leadership Correct. Spiritual fathers caution behavior. “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you” (1 Corinthians 4:14). Warn, Greek noutheteo, means admonish, caution and exhort. “As you know how we encouraged and comforted and charged every one of you as a father doth his children, that you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you to his kingdom and glory”  (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Spiritual fathers set a good example. “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (1 Corinthians 4:16). Spiritual fathers admonish. “But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Corinthians 4:19-21). The relationships between spiritual fathers and sons and daughters are significant in the local church. Without strong spiritual fathers, we cannot have strong spiritual sons and daughters. Again, Scripture declares the entire world is waiting for the “manifestation of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19). Let’s number some of the benefits of sonship. BENEFITS OF SONSHIP The benefits of sonship include training from a spiritual father, protective oversight, prodding for spiritual and emotional growth, preparation for inheritance, and correction. 1. TRAINING, COUNSEL, AND EXPERIENCE A spiritual father is a gift to you from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual fathers are competent and seasoned through trial and experience. They have passed through places in life that you have not yet been. Wouldn’t it be nice to counsel with someone that has experience in what you are facing? Paul told Timothy, “You have known my manner of life, persecutions, and afflictions” (2 Timothy 3:10-11). 2. PROTECTION FROM DEMONIC WILES Spiritual fathers provide protective oversight to their sons and daughters. Inattention is not healthy for anyone. Because of their experience they often see things that you can’t and their vision offers protection from evil wiles and demonic onslaught (Ephesians 6:10-12). 3. SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT Spiritual fathers provide a safe environment to grow. Fathers train and prepare their sons and daughters for the transition from adolescence to adulthood. They get you to think. Everyone gets older, but not everyone matures. Maturity is vital in your life, and spiritual fathers will put a demand on you to grow. Spiritual fathers inject a spirit of excellence in their sons and daughters. Demand is good for you and helps you face personal challenges that buffet success and achievement. As you submit to their instruction you will enter new levels of triumph. Expect them to motivate you to set goals and achieve objectives (2 Timothy 1:6-7). 4. INHERITANCE Apathy is deadly and kills spiritual momentum. Growth is needed if you are going to receive your inheritance. Not heavenly inheritance, but full accomplishment of your unique calling. Inheritance is what rightfully belongs to you. Everyone has been given a gift, something specific that God has called you to do with your life. Many never discover that gift but with the guidance of a spiritual father, you will find your purpose and make a difference with your life. Scripture declares that we are under tutors and governors until we come into our sonship (Galatians 4:1-3). Like spiritual fathers, tutors give private instruction, and governors regulate your progress. 5. CORRECTION No one likes correction, but everyone needs it. Correction helps us improve, and compliance is proof of sonship. How do you know if you are a real son or daughter? You know by your response to correction. Scripture identifies true sons in contrast to illegitimate sons by their ability to receive correction from the father and make necessary course adjustments. If you can’t handle correction, you are not a spiritual son or daughter. “And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons. My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline and do not lose heart when he rebukes you because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons” (Hebrews 12:5-8). THE TWIN PITFALLS OF SONSHIP The benefits of sonship are terrific, but there is something you need to guard yourself against, the twin pitfalls of sonship. Familiarity and presumption are two major traps of sonship. Developing relationships is a lot of work and fundamental in apostolic ministries. There are many reasons for not raising sons and daughters including a lack of those who want to be raised by true spiritual fathers and an increase of rebellion in the heart of God’s children. Some true fathers, while training spiritual sons and daughters, have displayed their humanity only to find some not able to handle their transparency. Relationships are tested. Mark Twain the famous author wrote, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Contempt is disrespectful behavior that leads to presumptuous actions. This is the pitfall of sonship that causes you to take your spiritual father for granted. King Saul took Samuel for granted. He entered the realm of presumption assuming a role of ministry that didn’t belong to him and lost his kingship. Jesus could do no mighty works in his hometown because they thought of him as the carpenter’s son, not the only begotten son of God. Sonship is a beautiful thing to achieve and unlocks worlds of opportunity for you. Jesus never entered his ministry until He was first called a son (Matthew 17:5). He is our prototype son that was anointed with the Holy Ghost and power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with him (Acts 10:38). You, too, can become a spiritual son or daughter. Beware, however, the dangers of familiarity and presumption. ACTION EXERCISE You need a spiritual father in your life. Spiritual fathers raise learning, growing, thinking, imaginative people. The new apostolic reformation includes restoration of spiritual fathers, sons and daughters. Perhaps the Holy Spirit has been turning your heart as you read this essay. If so, remember sonship begins with serving your man of God. Find a five-fold ascension gift and pursue the gift of God in him. Serving is the entrance to sonship. Jesus was always connected to his father. Get connected through serving. When you are around him, be ready to learn and draw on his gift. Sons catch the spirit that’s on their fathers. You can’t catch what you’re not around. You can expect him to give you assignments. When he does, fulfill them with excellence. Be like Joshua, the one who lead the children of Israel into the Promise Land. He was first called the servant of Moses. Today he is remembered as one of God’s greatest leaders. CONCLUSION You need a spiritual father in your life. Apostolic ministries have apostolic fathers. Developing relationships is a lot of work and fundamental in apostolic ministries. Spiritual fathers are mentors that offer wise and trusted counsel designed to get you to think. A mentor offers instruction, advice, guidance and counsel. A spiritual father also corrects. The learning pattern throughout Scripture is to find a mentor who teaches and trains you through an internship. Paul mentored Timothy, Silas, and Erastus, and Elijah taught Elisha, and Joshua interned with Moses. The benefits of sonship include training from a spiritual father, protective oversight, prodding for spiritual and emotional growth, preparation for inheritance, and correction. A spiritual father is a gift to you from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual fathers are competent and seasoned through trial and experience. Fathers train and prepare their sons and daughters for the transition from adolescence to adulthood. They get you to think. Maturity is vital in your life, and spiritual fathers will put a demand on you to grow. Spiritual fathers inject a spirit of excellence in their sons and daughters. Demand is good for you and helps you face personal challenges that buffet success and achievement. Everyone has been given a gift, something specific that God has called you to do with your life. Many never discover that gift but with the guidance of a spiritual father, you will find your purpose and make a difference with your life. Scripture declares that we are under tutors and governors until we come into our sonship (Galatians 4:1-3). Tutors give private instruction and governors regulate your progress. No one likes correction, but everyone needs it. Correction helps us improve and is proof of sonship. How do you know if you are a real son or daughter? You know by your response to correction. Jesus never entered His ministry until He was first called a son (Matthew 17:5). Some things I've learned over the years about spiritual fathering: 1. A spiritual father will see you for who you are and will be a champion of your heart. 2. Fathers give their sons and daughters an inheritance. An inheritance has to do with a tribe, a ministry, and spiritual DNA. Read more about it here. 3. Fathers are generous with their time with their sons and daughters. They are there for them in life's storms. 4. Fathers teach their sons and daughters how to live life. They help wake them up to the kingdom. 5. Fathers don't give themselves the designation of "father," sons or daughters do. Men who talk about themselves as fathers a lot probably do so out of their own need for affirmation. Be careful of them. 6. A son or daughter should be slow to call anyone their spiritual father. They may want to do so prematurely because of the hole in their heart, but a father must prove his faithfulness over time. 7. Fathers are consistent. Too many of you have suffered under inconsistent father figures. Their inconsistency can be a form of abuse. 8. Don't confuse authority figures, especially your pastor, with your spiritual father. Pastors may qualify as a spiritual father if they show up in your life over time in a deeply invested and personal way. 9. Some of you are fortunate to have dads who have loved you well and become a spiritual father to you. Recognize that your dad is part of a rare breed of man and you are privileged. You may have other spiritual fathers, but be sure to never let that fact diminish the role of your dad in your life. Honoring your natural father for who he is and what he's invested in you is the fifth commandment God gave his people. 10. To get the most from a spiritual father, you have to press into them. Don't expect them to do all the work. Make it easy for them to invest.

FRUITS MEET FOR REPENTANCE

“CALLED TO PRODUCE FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE” (LUKE 3:8)

John’s message had a twofold emphasis.

(i) The imminent appearance of the Messianic kingdom.

(ii) The imminent appearance to prepare for this event. He proclaimed an exhibition of repentance in the affairs of ordinary life and wanted his audience to show it in their daily relationship with one another. He therefore has an answer for every group of people who cared to how and what was expected of them (Luke 3:10 – 14).

Let us first of all look at the three key words in this theme “CALLED TO PRODUCE FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE” (LUKE 3:8)

1. REPENTANCE The world “CALLED” is derived from the Greek word “Kaleo”. In practical terms, fruit represent good works, a thought, attitude or action that God values because it glorifies Him. You produce inner fruit when you allow God to nurture in you a new Christ-like quality. You produce outward fruit when you allow God to work through you to bring Him glory. This would certainly include sharing your faith with others. The Apostles saw every area of life as an opportunity to produce fruit. For instance Paul wrote, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8). 19 Jesus shows how important and valuable fruit bearing is when He says, “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:16) The fruit you produce is your only permanent deposit in heaven. Repentance is one of the main themes of the Bible. The world “REPENTANCE” is used 110 times from Genesis 6:6 to Revelation 16:11.

The original Greek word for “Repentance” is “Metanoia” which stands for “a real change of mind and attitude towards sin and its cause, not merely the consequences of it” as used in Matthew 3:8 and Luke 24:27. Repentance prepares a soul for remission of sin. Some examples of repentance found in the Bible include the following: - The brothers of Joseph (Genesis 50:17) - David (psalm 51) - The people of Nineveh (Jonah 3) - The prodigal son (Luke 18:9-14) - The Publican (Luke 15:11-24) and - Peter (Matt. 26:75).

- Who does the calling? - Why are we called? - What type of fruit should a Christian produce? - What are the things that hinder us from producing fruit? - Are there Biblical examples of people who have succeeded in producing fruit in keeping with repentance? - How can one produce fruit in keeping with one‟s repentance? - What are the benefits or rewards for the Christian that produces fruit? Answers to these and other questions are bound to give us more insight to a better understanding of the theme.

Who Calls? The Bible makes it clear that God always takes the initiative in calling people. - God called Abraham to go to the Promised land (Genesis 12:1). -

Moses was called by God to go and deliver the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:10). -

Gideon was called to save Israel from the Midianites who were harassing them (Judges 6:14). - Elisha was called to replace Elijah the Prophet (1 Kings 19:19). -

Isaiah was called to go and send a message to the people of Israel (Isaiah 6:8) - And Paul was divinely called to be a Minister of the gospel (Acts 26:16). What is the Purpose of God when He calls? Is it for the well being of God or for the good of the person being called? The Prophet Jeremiah is of the view that it is for the good of the person God call (Jeremiah 29:11). Indeed God has a plan for the life of each individual believer. His call does not only involve a wonderful purpose of us throughout eternity, but we also have an expression of that call upon the earth now.

Alfred P. Gibbs in his book “the Preacher and his Preaching” emphatically asserts that “the authority of the call is the prerogative of Christ alone, for He calls whomsoever He wills.”

Why are we called? Whenever God calls us He has a reason or purpose for the call.

(i) To Be Separated to Him: When God calls a sinner, it is so that the sinner will repent and live to please Him. This involves a position transfer. The Sinner is called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9). The person becomes separated unto God. Yes, God has emphatically proclaimed that those who were not His people shall be called the children of the living God (Romans 9:26). Such people are separated to the family of God.

(ii) To Fulfill His Purpose: The salvation of a Christian is not based on anything the person has done. It is actually dependent on the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Similarly, Christians are saved and called to holy living not because of what they have done but because of God’s own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:8-9). God has a purpose for us to fulfill here on earth and later in eternity. What a joy to actually know the purpose for which God has called us, and to fulfill it. How wonderful it will be if we can dedicate ourselves as Paul did to fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives by pressing forward towards the mark … (Philippians 3:14).

(iii) To Produce Fruit That Remains: People that are called by God are chosen by Him, Such people are ordained by God to go and produce fruit. Jesus emphasized the need for every believer to produce fruit in John 15. If the believer is fruitful he is pruned to produce more fruit. However, it is pertinent to draw our attention to the type of fruit that God requires his children to produce. It is a fruit that is in keeping with repentance and therefore remains (John 15:15).

What Type of Fruit should a Christian Produce?

Let us consider the characteristics of a fruit that is in keeping with repentance. The qualities of such a fruit include the following:

(i) It is an Outcome of a Changed Mind, heart and Will: True repentance involves a change of our mind (Matt. 21:28-29), our heart (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Isaiah 57:15) and will (Luke 15:18-20). Jesus stressed the need for repentance in His sermon (Cf. Mark 15, Matt. 4:17; Luke 5:32). The Pillars of the first century church emphasized repentance. Peter in his second epistle, chapter three and verse nine notes “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness but is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Paul asserts that “a godly sorrow leads to repentance…” (2Cor. 7:10).

Repentance is the start of a walk with God. It is the departure point with the old life style and the beginning of a new life in Christ. There is not Christianity without repentance, a total, decisive, once and for all turning away from all known sins and turning to God.

(ii) It Emphasizes Restitution: Restitution is an act of restoring what has been wrongfully taken. It is a bold step taken to right an earlier wrong done. It is only those that have truly repented that can contemplate or embark on restitution. Let me emphasize here that most sins committed by me are against God, as well as against our neighbours. It seems to me that the only way to have a conscience void of offence toward man is the restoration of wrongs, damages, or losses suffered. By restitution you make your ways right before man and with repentance, you come into right relationship with God. This Christian practice has Biblical support (Cf. Genesis 20:7; Exodus 24:1-4 Matthew 5:23- 24).

(iii) It is an Embodiment of Good Works: Although we are not saved by our good works, good works are the expected fruit of true repentance. This is highlighted severally in the Scriptures (Cf. Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20; 2Tim. 3:17 and 1Pet. 2:12). Surely we are created in Christ Jesus to produce good works (Ephesians 2:10).

(iv) It easily Forgives no Matter What: Any person who produces fruit in keeping with repentance understands the need to forgive others. He goes a long way to forgive even his enemies (Matthew 6:12-15; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 6:37 and Ephesians 4:32).

(v) It shows Evidence of the fruit of the Spirit: As opposed to the works of the flesh, the Christian that produces fruits in keeping with repentance usually manifests the fruits of the Spirit in speech and conduct. Let us closely examine the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

This one fruit is made up of nine components namely: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

(a) Love: The Greek word for divine love is “AGAPE” which is a strong, ardent, tender, compassionate, devotion to the well-being of someone. A person manifesting this fruit seeks for the good of God and his fellow human beings. He is patient, kind, generous, humble, courteous, unselfish, righteous and sincere (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Kenneth E. Hagin asserts in his book titled “Growing up Spiritually: that this fruit of the Spirit is a fruit that grows in your life because of the life of Christ within”.

(b) Joy: The original Greek world is “CHARA” which means the emotional excitement, gladness, delight over blessings received or expected for self and for others. This attribute is the hallmark of anyone who produces fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 19:6) even when undergoing difficulties (2 Corinthians 7:4). The British writer and Oxford Professor, C.S. Lewis said his conversion from atheism was purely intellectual. He studied the claims of Christ and saw that the truth was on Christ’s side. The only honest thing he could say was, “Here I am Lord, if you’ll have me”.

But Lewis added that later on he was surprised by joy. This joy of the Lord comes from a dedication and commitment to the will and plan of God for the child of God.

(c) Peace: This component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is derived from the Greek word “EIRENE” which stands for the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order and security in the midst of turmoil, strife and temptations. Since God is the author of peace and Christ is the Prince of peace, it stands to reason that the person who manifests this fruit must have encountered Jesus Christ.

This peace of God helps us believe God will supply all our need “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:19). It helps us keep our trust in God so we rest in Him in the midst of the storms of life.

(d) Longsuffering: The Greek word “MAKROTHUMIA” means patient, endurance, to bear long with the frailties, offences, injuries and provocations of others, without mourning, repining or resentment. Frankly speaking I am of the opinion that his fruit component only be produced by a Christian who produces fruit that is keeping with repentance (Cf. Colossians 1:10-11). The Holy Spirit helps us to be patient and even tempered even toward those that deliberately try to upset or harm us. This fruit of the spirit helps us to go the extra mile, turn the second cheek, endure insult and bear with those that ridicule us.

(e) Gentleness: The word is derived from the Greek word “CHRESTOTES” which means a disposition to be gentle, soft spoken, kind, even tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct. In our modern age where most people are always in a hurry to catch up with one appointment, meeting or business transaction, this quality seems to have been missing. Nevertheless, this fruit is sympathetic, sensitive to people’s needs, and problems. It gives a soft answer that turns away wrath and avoids stirring up angry outbursts of temper (Proverbs 15:1). (f) Goodness: The Greek word “AGATHOSUNE” represents the state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous and God like in life and conduct. The Bible makes it clear that man of himself cannot do good (Psalms 14:3). However, after being born of the Spirit, the Christian can be endued with this attribute. It manifests in helping others and meeting their real needs.

(g) Faith: In Greek the word “FAITH” is written as “PISTIS” which means the loving, divinely implanted, acquired and created principles of inward and wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust and reliance of God and all that He says. Simply put faith as total trust and confidence in what God has promise. The Christian life is a walk of faith since without faith one cannot please God (Hebrew 11:6). Every Christian needs to manifest this fruit so as to have meaningful relation with God.

(h) Meekness: This word is derived from the Greek word “PRAOTES” which means the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balance in temper and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge. God helps the meek person (Psalms 147:6) and make him a blessing to others (Galatians 6:1). No wonder only true believers can produce this fruit that was manifest in the life of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:7; Matt. 11:28-30).

(i) Temperance: The Greek word “ENKRATEIA” means self-control; a moderation in the indulgence of the appetites and passions. Daniel exhibited this wonderful fruits while living as exile in Babylon, He had his friend had this fruit and God blessed them as they refused to eat the King's food (Daniel 1:8f). How wonderful our Christian witness would be if we coveted this attribute. Let me at this juncture say that temperance is not mere moderation. Rather, it is a self-control that results from self-discipline. The corresponding verb is used in 1Cor. 9:25 of athletes who must exercise self-control in everything if they want to win. This fruit helps the Christian to put to death all the desires, Passions. Appetites and tendencies of the flesh.

What are the Things that Hinder us from producing Fruit?

The following obstacles hinder a Christian from producing fruit in line with repentance.

(i) Unbelief: This is the act of not exercising faith in what God has said. It leads to doubt and blocks the production of fruit in the life of a Christian. In Matthew 21:21a) Jesus Christ highlights the undesirable attribute of unbelief in the life of a believer. James the Apostle also is of the same view (James 1:6-8).

(ii) Lack of the Word of God: The amount of the word of God in the life of a believer is a measure of the spiritual growth of that believer. Hosea the prophet puts it this way and I quote, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6a) Mark 11:24 says “You err because you know not the scriptures.” In the parable of the Sower, Jesus explained, “the seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). God‟s will for our lives is fruitfulness (Psalms 1:3) because the righteous is said to be like a tree planted, cultivated and well watered. The Apostle Paul boldly advised Timothy to study the word of God in order to be approved of Him.

(iii) Prayerlessness: In an age where people are so busy chasing after money, position, title, etc. Conscientious and effective praying becomes difficult if not impossible. To pray is not only to win but to bear fruit. The time we spend with the Lord in prayer can release a great, life – changing and historic power to a needy word. A prayerless Christian is a defeated Christian who definitely cannot bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Dr. lee Robertson in his book titled “For Preachers only” said, “it is a sin not to pray and how often we have sinned against God”. He suggest three major reasons for prayerlessness and I quote. “it may be we haven’t prayed because we are selfish we think only of ourselves, not of others. It may be we have failed to pray because of forgetfulness we are so busy with the things around us, we don’t take time to pray. It may be we didn’t pray because of foolish pride we have an idea we can work it out for ourselves and so we didn’t call upon God.”

(iv) Lack of Generosity: The Bible teaches that Christians can give willingly and cheerfully, from a spirit of generosity (Exodus 25:2; 2Cor. 9:6, 7). One cannot produce fruit if one does not give God does not measure our giving by the amount we give, rather He rewards us according to what is left after we give. No wonder Jesus said the very little amount given by the Widow was greater than all the others because it was “all she had”. (Luke 21:1)

(v) We need to be generous when we give for the things of God. It is a proof of our love for God and our fruitfulness. To refuse to be a faithful and fruitful steward by giving is an act of robbery and rebellion towards God.

(vi) Not Abiding in Christ: The danger of fruitlessness has been expressly highlighted by Jesus in John 15:4 and I quote “Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the Vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (GNB). It is a fact that only Christian that does not abide or get connected to Christ will not be able to produce fruit. We need to do all in our power to always ensure that we remain attached to Jesus to ensure our fruitfulness.

Are there Biblical Examples of People who have Succeeded in Producing Fruit?

The answer is a resounding yes as we shall see from the following examples.

(i) Zacchaeus: According to Luke 19:1-10, a man named Zacchaeus has a life changing encounter with the Lord Jesus. Like all Publicans, he had become very rich by oppression and extortion of money from the Jews. He was an avowed and certified sinner. However, after his encounter with Jesus, his life changed. In a singular act, he repented of his sins and received salvation. Although God had forgiven him, Jesus had something against him. Listen to the heartbeat of a changed Zacchaeus, “Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.” This is a commitment of the present reality of his changed life not of his past. He continued, “if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” What a sign of changed personality.

(ii) Zacchaeus showed that repentance is more than shedding tears. It requires that one has to produce evidence of one‟s repentance.

(iii) The Samaritan Woman: This woman obviously had led a very sinful life but her story did not end on that sad note (John 4:7f). After having a direct encounter with Jesus Christ, her life became beautiful. She began to produce fruit by calling on others to come and meet the Lord; and the Bible records that she was very successful in doing so (John 4:29-30). How many of today’s Christians would have done what she did?

(iv) Nicodemus: Information available indicate that this man was a Jewish Rabbi, member of the Sanhedrin, very wealthy and a ruler of the Jews. Nevertheless, he recognized his need of Jesus and went to see Him to get more insight on things of God. Christ used the opportunity to inform Nicodemus of the necessity of the new birth experience (John 3:1f). After his meeting with Jesus Christ the Bible records that Nicodemus produced fruit keeping with repentance. For one thing, he testified for Christ (John 7:50-51) and again he did service for Christ (John 19:19). It is indeed possible to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. We have numerous examples of people who had produced fruit in keeping with repentance; such as Stephen, Peter Paul, James, the thief on the cross etc.

How can We produce Fruit in Keeping with Repentance?

Before any tree can produce fruit, it has to be planted and grow to maturity. Similarly for someone to bear fruit in keeping with repentance he has to meet the following requirement.

(i) Get the New Birth Experience: This foundational truth was canvassed by Christ depth in this discussion with a Jewish ruler Nicodemus. In this experience a person receives a new holy nature from God which is an essential requirement to be part of God’s holy Kingdom. We become born of the Spirit as opposed to being born of the flesh. We become born of God in contrast to being born of man (John 1:13). Watchman Nee in his book titled “The Spiritual Man” has this note of warning concerning those who do not have the new birth experience and I quote: “When a man is regenerated he obtains God‟s life. This is the minimum for every believer. Whoever has not believed in the death of the Lord Jesus and received a supernatural life which he originally did not have, regardless of how zealously he may be progressing in the areas of religion, morality and learning, is still a dead man in God’s sight. All who do not have God’s own life are dead.” Our Igbo Hymnbook (Ekpere na Abụ) contains several greatly inspired hymns on this subject. Take for example Abụ 258 that asks the challenging question, “Have you been to the Lord for the cleansing power?” Even Abu 266 emphasizes the new birth experience as it tells the story of “A ruler once came to Jesus by night.” All these go to show the necessity of the new birth experience.

(ii) Be a Spiritual Man: By this I mean that anybody who wishes to produce fruit in keeping with repentance should be subject to the rule of the Holy Spirit. A spiritual man is someone whose mind, will and emotion are completely under the control of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual man has come to know the intimacy of the Holy Spirit as he is unveiled in the word. We need to become conscious of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence, and learn to walk in the light of the Word. Kenneth E. Hagin writing on this subject said and I quote: “The Spiritual man is the one whom the Word has gained the ascendancy over his mind and over his body. It has brought him into harmony with the will of God…” Again, David Yonggi Cho in his book titled “The Holy Spirit: My Senior partner” highlights the need for the Christian to intimately relate with the Holy Spirit and I quote: “Fervently fellowship with the living Holy Spirit, Without it, the Church naturally becomes cold, worship becomes mechanical and faith loses the burning passion which gives a depth to our whole personality.”

(iii) Abide in Christ: Jesus Christ taught this spiritual principle in John 15:5 and I quote: “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” The vast majority of trees have branches and it is on these branches that the fruits are found. It is therefore a great importance that the branch is firmly attached on the stem of the tree for it to produce fruit. Without the stem the branch will not exist. To be a fruit producing Christian, we need to abide or remain in Christ at all times. Failure to do so will lead to unfruitfulness and destruction.

(iv) Live a Holy Life: To some people living a life of holiness seems impossible but god commands His people, in the NIV, “Be just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Pet. 1:15). To some Christians to live a life of holiness is to dress in a certain way devoid of ear rings, necklace or make-up. Such people are very concerned with the outward appearance; but is God really concerned about the outward man or the inner man? Let Samuel the Prophet provide the answer and I quote: “But the Lord said to Samuel, do not consider his appearance or his height, man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1Sam.l 16:7). Living a holy life is to be separated from all sin and immoral living a consecration to the same end in life that God is consecrated to. It permeates the personal moral cleanness of life and conduct. It is evidenced by purity of life and morals, not by outward appearance and the customary adoring which make a person more beautiful and a better representation of true religion.

(v) Obey the Great Commission: Just prior to Christ’s ascension, he issued the Great Commission to His disciples and I quote: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age: (Matthew 28:19-20). The major command in this directive of Jesus is for his disciples to make new disciples or to produce fruits for Him.

How can a Christian obey the Great Commission in this age? Stan Toler in his book titled “The 26 people principle: transforming lay persons into leaders” makes a case for the Church today to adopt the use of personal evangelism and I share that viewpoint. Personal evangelism is always a one-to-one relationship, effective only as we build bridges of good interaction with the person we are leading to Christ. Evangelism becomes effective when every member of the church is reaching out and winning souls for Christ. We need to teach our congregations that personal evangelism is an essential part of Christian living.

The world renowned Evangelist Billy Graham in his book titled “The Billy Graham Christian Worker's handbook” said and I quote: “Only by a life of Obedience to the Voice of the Spirit, by a daily denying of self, by full dedication to Christ, and by constant fellowship with Him, are we enabled to live a Godly life and an influential life in this present ungodly world.” Let us mobilize our congregations to be concerned about evangelism. We cannot pretend to love God and profess that we are Obedient to Him if we are not involved in the Church’s mission to reach those who do not know Christ. Every Anglican member should obey the great Commission by sharing Jesus with all.

Let us begin to step outside our Comfort Zones to share the good news of Christ with all by every possible means.

(vi) Put a Premium of the Cultivation of the Fruit of the Spirit: Although a Christian begins to manifest some measure of Christian virtues immediately after repentance, let us not lose sight of the fact that further and continuous fruitfulness depends on cultivation. Although a tree produces fruit from its own life, the branches must be pruned and the fruit sheltered and protected from insects and wild birds. Since we reap what we sow, those who fail to cultivate their inner spiritual life will fail to reap a bountiful harvest of Christian virtues. Let us not neglect the cultivation of our Christian life.

A neglected garden grows weeds and soon becomes fruitless. You must repent if your fruits have become rotten due to neglect or carelessness. Do not depend on the fruit you produce in yesteryears. Let your fruit be fresh so that those that come in contact with you will see the freshness of your fruit, taste its sweetness and giving glory to God for your life. Therefore, let us put a premium on the cultivation of the fruit of the spirit in our lives. Every church must begin to emphasize fruit bearing in the lives of her members. The totality of our members should be taught on the importance of producing fruit in keeping with repentance. For the 21st Century to move Forward, Christian virtues must abound in her. No matter the amount of success enjoyed by the church, she should not lose sight of the importance of real Christian character. Christian workers and leaders should be examples to the flock. The higher we go in the cultivation of Christian virtues, the more wholesome our impact on the generality of the member. Do not despair if you discover now that you are fruitless. Let the Lord restore you, prune you and make you fruitful in Jesus name Amen.

(vii) What are the Benefits or Rewards for the Christian that Produces Fruit?

(a) He Avoids God‟s Disciplinary Interventions: Bruce Wilkinson in his book titled “Secrets of the Vine” highlights how God intervenes in the life of a barren Christian and I quote, “If your life consistently bears no fruit, God will intervene to discipline you. If necessary, he will use painful measures to bring you to repentance.” A child of God who  produces fruit will definitely avoid God‟s disciplinary measures reserved for the unproductive Christian (John 15:2).

(b) He Attracts God’s Pruning to produce more Fruit: If your life bears some fruit, then God will intervene to prune you. If necessary he will risk your misunderstanding of His methods and motives. His purpose is for you to put away immature commitments and lesser priorities to make room for greater abundance to His glory. Pruning is the vine dresser’s single most important technique for ensuring a plentiful harvest. In pruning, God asks you to let go of things that keep you from His kingdom purposes and your ultimate good. This kind of pruning goes beyond rearranging priorities to the heart of what defines us – the people we love, the possessions we cling to, our deep sense of personal rights. They are the very ears God must rule if we are to bear more fruit.

(c) He Gets Invitation to Abide More Deeply With Him in order to Bear much Fruit: God's purpose for a Christian is not for him to do more for God but that he will choose to be more with God. It is only by remaining and staying closely connected to Him that one can enjoy the most rewarding friendship with God and experience the greatest abundance of His glory. If we are not abiding in Him, we wither and die and become of no spiritual use. However, if we stay connected to him, if we draw spiritual nourishment from Him. If we allow the power that flows through Him to flow through us, then nothing will stop us from producing much fruit. The invitation to abide more deeply comes from Christ to the fruit producing Christian (john 15:9). The challenge in abiding in Him is always to break out from dutiful activities to a living, flourishing relationship with God, Someone may wonder how working less for God in order to spend more time with Him can give rise to “much fruit” in your life. Reason is that when you abide with Him, God rewards you by supernaturally multiplying your efforts. Let me point out that abiding in Christ carries with it a promise of answered prayer. Jesus said, “if you abide in me and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.” (John 15:7, 8). Later, in verse 16, Jesus repeats the promise, Nothing pleases God more than when we ask for what He wants to give. Let us begin to spend more time with Him. Let us allow priorities, passions and purposes to motivate us. Then we will ask for things that are closest to His heart and will bear much fruit. He lives in Joyful Abundance: Undoubtedly the most startling symbol of abundance in the Old Testament is the snapshot of what the spies found in the promised land as recorded in Numbers 13:23 and I quote: “They came to the valley of Eshcol and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grape; they carried it between two of them or a pole.” To my mind, one cluster of grape that is carried on a pole by two men represents a bumper harvest or a snapshot of supernatural abundance. I believe that it is the portrait of fruitfulness that God has in store for His people. Such a person lives in joyful abundance. After all, Jesus made a wonderful promise to His disciples that night in the vineyard, and I quote: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy be full,” (john 15:11). Joyful abundance is for Christians that produce fruit. You were created for a life mission of abundance for God but you will have to cooperate with God's ways and respond to him in obedience and trust.

CONCLUSION:

The call to produce fruit in keeping with repentance is a call to service. Christians are saved to serve. Every believer must therefore be involved in serving God. There is a place for every child of God in this work; and in God’s Vineyard, no work is considered small. The call to produce fruit is also a call to living life of holiness and purity of heart. It is a call to the church to rise up to her calling and intensify her efforts to evangelism. We are to go out and sow precious seed of the word of God in the hearts of our fellow men. We cannot do these things without the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we cannot do without the Holy Spirit in our Christian Service. Our preaching will be ineffective, our counseling inadequate and every other service will be unproductive expect done by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let me challenge all of us to heed the call to produce fruit, more fruit and much fruit as we dedicate ourselves to walk with the lord, decide to do His will, consistently abide in Him and wholeheartedly trust and obey Him. If you are willing to accept the challenge please join me as I conclude with the 19th century songwriter

Mr. D.B. Towner‟s song titled “Trust and Obey”.

SS & S 642 TRUST AND OBEY

When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word

What a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will, he abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

But his smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,

But our toil he doth richly repay;

Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown or a cross,

But is blest if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of his love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor he shows, and the joy he bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet,

Or we will walk by his side in the way;

What he says we will do, where he sends we will go,

Never fear, only trust and obey.