Kigoye Eriya

1 Peter 4:9 [Be] hospitable to one another without grumbling. Hospitality is a gift. Hospitality is taking care of the needs of others. We are one body and the body parts are interdependent of each other. One part cannot rot away while the other is smiling.  When one washes their hands, it's one hand that is washing the other. When a face needs to be cleaned, both hands take part in the washing. What a beautiful picture when each part gets help from another part!  The "I don't need people" mentality cannot work in the church. We shouldn't have poor people or anyone lacking in the necessities of life when the church exists. When one person prospers, it's for the good of all. It's good motivation to wake up daily to go to work in order to have enough to contribute to the needs of others.  Jesus had women who took care of his physical needs. He was God in flesh but still needed others. We too our flesh needs to be cared for in one way or the other. I have see...

1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  The meaning of the word administration used is to steer. This does not mean ruling but providing direction as like a captain does to a sheep.  Many times we have a way we desire to do things until the Holy Spirit through this gift uses a man gifted in this area to tell us what the Lord is saying we should do. Such men break the norms or the usual programs and introduce something different which is meant to bless someone in particular. Such men flourish in churches which do not go so much by what is laid out on the order of service, provide liberty for the leading of the Spirit to take charge. It's possible after having concluded a matter in a meeting to do otherwise and yet be pleasing to all. The idea which comes couldn't be thought of normally in a natural setting but nevert...

1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. The helps ministry or those who assist are very vital in the body of Christ. In any ministry, there is the leader and there leaders or assistants to the leader. Their role is to understand the vision of the leader and assist in implementing or running it.  Jesus had disciples to publicise his ministry in places where he was about to go, helped to defend him from attacks(Peter cutting off one of the Roman soldiers ear and also hindering many people including children from coming close to him for they might have pressed against him), helped to distribute the food and collect left overs whenever He fed the people, he sent them to the markets to buy food (at the last supper and also when they found him speaking to the Samaritan woman) etc.  When Jesus was present on earth, they ensu...

Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Mercy is when one gets kindness that they don't deserve. Mercy needs to be extended to those who are sick, have needs, or are in dire trouble.  How many will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ when Mercy is extended to them! The world today doesn't give anything for free. But mercy is handed out freely. These days when someone gives you something for free, better ask why because they might demand a pay back in one way or the other.  But we Christians extend it on behalf of Christ to receive the glory. That's why whenever someone thanks us for an act of mercy we don...

Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. The gift of leading or ruling is indispensable. Any good organization needs good leaders. Anything worthwhile stands or falls on leadership. Since everything rises and falls on leadership, a leader cannot therefore cast blame on his people he leads when things go wrong.  A leader is one who stands on behalf of his people to shield, Protect, provide and defend them. Without it families are at a brink of disaster. The father of the home ought to be a good leader as the bible says otherwise he doesn't qualify to lead the church. You see a good leader by the state in which his or her peopl...

Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.  We have some in the body of Christ who are specially called to serve God through their giving. Such people are very generous with money and give it in response to what the Holy Spirit instructs them at the time.  Not all giving is pleasing to God or brings a return to the giver. Some giving falls on fertile ground. Fertile ground are those ministries actually winning souls and changing lives. It means those who are not doing such are not worthy of receiving gifts. It is time the true ministers be supported while those causing more harm than good should be deprived of resources an...

Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.  To exhort is to encourage, to cheer or to stir up. We need such gifts among us in the body of Christ.  Imagine a world without exhortation, how would it look like? One exhortation like this would make people join/stay in the ministry. Ministry by itself has some challenges but amidst them we need men to encourage us to move on.  A monetary gift is an encouragement to a struggling minister or missionary out there to know that there are people who believe in their ministry and what they do. A good church attendance is an encouragement to the preacher, the anointing when preach...

Romans 12:6-7 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Believers have been called to teach. Teaching is the primary mode of instruction in the body of Christ. It is the way the Lord instructed us to make disciples. Teachers therefore have a key role in shaping the body of Christ by instructing us in the apostles' doctrine. When a church is established on the apostles doctrine, it cannot miss God. There are those which run off the tangent and hit shipwreck. We learn in Acts that the believers continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine. How did they do so, because of the faithful teachers God gave them. Any sound bible teacher does well to teach you the whole counsel of God. There are teachers who initiate what is to be taught while there are others who have to repeat what they have been ...

Romans 12:6-7 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;  Ministry or ministering is simply defined as serving or service. No wonder our church meetings are called services. In it's simplest form it's delivering the material needs of the saints. It's has the same meaning as the word deacon.  The way to the top or to greatness in the Christendom is not by being served but by humbling oneself to serve. The earlier one discovers that, the earlier they start that path to greatness. You will have to give yourself for the benefit of others, you become the shoulder on which they climb to greater heights. This is contrary to how the world operates. To the world being served and how many bow to you in service makes you great. But that's not God's way.  In the old testament we see David the yo...

Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Prophecying is different from being called into the office of the prophet. Prophecying is simply having a word of edification, exhortation and comfort, 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  There are people who by the leading of the Spirit get a one-time word to encourage the body of Christ to move on when in a trying situation. We need such every now and then. Such words maybe in form of, "my little children, be comforted, for I am with you."  Barnabas was called the son of encouragement in the book of Acts. Acts 4:36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus.  His real name was Joses or Joseph. We all need such men and not discouragers or those who throw ...

Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from [their] mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept [it,] let him accept [it."] There are gifts which are personal like the gift of celibacy. Paul was not married and so was Jesus and went ahead to do great things for the Lord. We don't see him complain at all for having been celibate because he was called into it. It was not forced on him. If Paul was married, would he do the sacrifices he did for the ministry, I doubt if he would. And so was Jesus. Perhaps society would call him unserious or irresponsible for leaving his family all alone. This enabled him to do much for God and do missions in far areas. God used him too to encourage others to be as he was. Meaning he was truly called into it. He was not burning! He advised those who were burning to go ahead and marry. It...

Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.), Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  The word gift is Charisma while gifts is Charismata in Greek language. Both come from a root word Charis which is known as Grace. It means all gifts are received by the grace of the giver who is God. No one can merit the grace or the gift they got. We normally use that word grace in Christian circles often. For example, "there's a grace of worship, care, giving, etc. on your life." This is when your seeing God operate through someone in a special way which is not common to all. Now remember there are those who care naturally for people but there those who supernaturally started caring for people or intercede or operate a certain way the day they got saved and were baptise...

E phesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: What is the difference between the various ministry gifts? An apostle is someone who pioneers movements, churches and is able to operate in all the five gifts when there is need. He starts a work, mentors and trains leaders like pastors to takeover the work and moves ahead to start other works elsewhere. The signs of an apostle are the strong gifts of the miraculous and healings operating through him. In the church apostles were the first ministry gifts which were developed that's why they are listed first in this scripture. God needs someone even though not in the office of apostle to walk in the apostolic grace to pioneer a work in an area. Apostle remind us that more work needs to be done in unreached areas. Prophets on the other hand speak forth what the m...

Ephesians 4:10-11 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; God has placed in the church special ministry gifts of apostles, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher for the edification of the body for the work of the ministry. Edification there means building up the body of Christ. These men of God perfect the entire body to do ministry.  It's the sheep which give birth to fellow sheep and not the shepherd. Believers when well perfected are the ones to do the invitation, the evangelism, visitations, the healing of others, the planting of fellowships and churches etc.  This order changed when the church separated special people, put them in special bible colleges, and paid them to do ministry to the body as the believers simply consumed what was being given to them. It became so worse that the bible belonged to a...

1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: Discerning of spirits is one of the revelation gifts. This is not merely discerning of evil spirits but simply having correct judgement by the revelation of the spirit of what is right or wrong, or the intents of the heart. Have you ever been presented with a too good to be true deal which if you went ahead to execute would totally lead you to total ruin? How did you avoid it? There's a witness in you which told you not to go ahead with the deal. Now this discernment was in the negative. But there's also a discerning of where you have to choose between two good options presented to you. There you had to discern what to choose either one of them or none at all. Now this may not be because you are very experienced in that area or you had prior knowledge but by God's leading you're led...

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: The Holy Spirit has bestowed 9 spiritual gifts to the body of Christ. They are categorized as revelation gifts, power gifts and vocal gifts. Revelation gifts include the word of wisdom; the word of knowledge and discerning of spirits. Power gifts include faith; the gifts of healing; the working of miracles while vocal gifts include prophecy; [divers] kinds of tongues; interpretation of tongues.  Word of wisdom is the Holy Spirit revealing the future to a man concerning a particular way in which something ought to be done. Wor...

Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Speaking in tongues was the first gift that always manifested in the lives of the disciples after the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is the evidence that one has actually received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The question then comes. Can someone have the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues? Some ask this question because they don't believe that such a gift really can manifest today. They believe such gifts ended with the apostles. What some forget is that the same Holy Spirit which was in the apostles' time is the one we have today. And He i...

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity. It is no surprise that Christians don't value His importance.  Jesus promised  to give the disciples the Holy Spirit after his ascension. He fulfilled that promise at the day of pentecost.  From that time they began to boldly declare the good news of Jesus' resurrection to all. Remember these were the same disciples who were hidden behind closed doors for fear of the Pharisees after the death of Jesus.  This boldness was supernatural. It was never natural. Boldness by the world standards comes because one has attained some level of educational qualifications, when one is presentable, smartly dressed etc. The world focuses on externals to create impressions. But God wants to deal with the internal. If one is e...

 *Faith and grace* John 1:14-17 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Grace on the other hand is unmerited favour bestowed on an individual who doesn't deserve it.  Many have summarised the two in this way, faith is the hand that receives from God while grace is the hand that gives. Bible says of his fullness have we received, grace upon grace. It also says, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Jesus therefore is the personification of grace.  When a man receives Jesus, he has received grace. There are wha...

  Acts 10:38 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. At the end of your life, how would like to be remembered for? There's a lot we remember about our perfect example Jesus Christ.  Jesus lived a life of sacrifice, by dying for us sinners. Choose to be remembered for having laid down your life for others. Jesus died for the common good of all. He was not selfish. He calls on us to be living sacrifices, Romans 12:1. We are in the last days whereby men are lovers of themselves. You find for example a parent living a luxurious life and yet their children aren't in school. They forget that their parents too never had a lot but at least sacrificed to ensure that they get the basics of life. We see people divorce, strive, take other people's property, etc. because they are selfish and only think about themselves. Christians cannot sacrifice their comfor...

  Acts 10:38 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. There many things we want and desire to do in this world. It's good to step back, and look ahead of time and wonder if I was no longer alive, what would be that one or a few things we would like to be remembered for? When you do that, you actually write your own story before someone else writes it on your behalf.  Taking the example of Jesus, He was a man and God in flesh whom the Bible writes about a number of things.  He was a carpenter and a son to a carpenter. The Bible makes no error in noting certain truths. This talks about work we all know. Be known at the end of your life for a skill you knew and knew so well. The Bible condemns laziness. He who won't work, shouldn't eat, the Bible says. Get involved in meaningful and decent work. Youths of today are so much into betting, that's no...

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 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. After becoming born again, we have work to do. We have a ministry we have to accomplish. And that is the ministry of reconciliation.  Reconciliation is putting back two bitter enemies to make amends about their relationship. Man became an enemy of God because of sin. Jesus took the punishment and judgement for sin in his body at the cross and gave man the right to be in right relationship with God.  By default every believer ought to be active in the ministry of reconciling others to the Lord. How is that done? By talking to them about the good news of how God sent Jesus to save them from the wrath to come. God is also not imputing man's sin upon him, He is in the...

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. If anyone who is in Christ is a new creation what does that mean? It means anyone who is in union with Christ is a new creation. Christ and them are One. It means if Christ is spirit, that means He is united with the spirit of another man and are one with him. We are one spirit with Jesus.  What then is the old creation? The old creation is after the likeness of Adam who was influenced by the devil to sin and hence became a sinner. The old creation is therefore one with the nature of sin. The old creation also is led of the senses and thus a soulish man. The old creation is of the devil, a son of the devil because Adam submitted to the devil and plunged the whole human race into sin. That's why it's not good to marry an unbeliever because you will interface with your father in law called the devil and you will face it rough. In fact th...

Matthew 16:15-16 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus asked the disciples a very important question that we also need to ask ourselves on a regular basis on the relationships we have among ourselves.  Many times we have taken for granted the people in our very lives because of busyness, neglect or not caring at all. This has led us to have a distorted view of how we perceive what we think of others or what we think they think of us.  Did the disciples think of Jesus as that mighty prophet, mentor, discipler, healer, or just a good person who came along to teach them good things. Whichever way they received them determined the level of impact He had on them yet He could be all that to them. Do you know you can think someone to be your friend when they don't think they are to you? In a way you maybe deceived because you never asked them to be one in your life. You may think someone...

Matthew 3:7-8 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: Repentance is simply a change of heart and mind which leads to a corresponding change of actions. It is making a total turn around in what we do starting with what we think and a heart which is broken and contrite. Bible says a broken and contrite heart I will not despise. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for putting up a show on the outside yet they never really meant it. The actions were simply religious to get the praise of men that's all. There also those who have what I call a religiously correct speech either in praise of God, worship and practices and yet their hearts are far from Him. It's what's called lip service. There's a way you can tell that someone is truly repentant, you can notice their body language and attitude. Attitude is s...

Hebrews 9:12 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]. To atone means to cover. Atonement is a word which was used so much in the old testament which referred to God covering people's sins. This atonement was effected when the high priest took an animal without blemish and sacrificed it on the altar. The blood which was poured would be sprinkled on the ark of the covenant which was in the most Holy place. The animal would then be burnt completely.  Once the Lord accepted the sacrifice, their sins would be atoned for only that year in which they had committed. Since the sacrifices were done year after year, it means their sins were partially removed till the following year.  Jesus on the other hand died for our sins once for all time. He is no longer dying for every sin you commit. He destroyed sin and it's power thereof. When Christ died, your sins were not only removed on...

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Redemption is a term best understood as buying back what was yours in the first place. The Bible has defined  Redemption in our theme scripture as the forgiveness of sins.  When man committed the sin in the garden of Eden, man became a slave to sin and a servant to the devil. Many argue that if God is powerful, why couldn't He just destroy the evil or the devil or man Himself and start allover again with a brand new race?  What they do forget is that God had given man authority to be his vice reagent here on earth. Vice reagent means ambassador or representative or co-ruler. God being a keeper of His Word didn't take back that authority even when man committed the highest treason and surrendered it to the devil.  The Bible says the heavens belong to the Lord and the earth belongs to man, Psalms 115:16. Although this scripture is not in Genesis, G...

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hope is the positive expectation that something good is going to happen. Without hope your faith has no backbone on which it can stand for faith is the substance of things hoped for.  Hope is your positive imagination. What image have you formed in your mind? Is it one which expects that something will happen or it won't. If you think it will, then that's hope. Many have lost hope that they can do anything of value in this world. This means they can't have faith for it.  When you study the Word, hear testimonies, hear words of encouragement and motivation, does it affect you positively or negatively? It should otherwise your faith cannot have a basis to hang on. The Bible says these three remain faith, hope and love. Hope is therefore key to a Christian.  Have times when you imagine yourself successful, you imagine yourself healed, imagine yourself healing the sick, opening blind...

 Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: The word salvation comes from a Greek word called sozo which means deliverance, healing and prosperity. In the old testament salvation was termed as Yeshua meaning Jehovah himself was the saviour, healer, deliverer, welfare of His people.  Many Christians understand salvation only as the forgiveness of sins. Of course the Lord delivered us from our sins but also from all diseases and poverty.  Jesus saved us from going to hell, a place reserved for the devil and his demons by taking on the punishment for sin on the cross and testing death on our behalf when he descended to hell.  Before God, we thus don't need to save ourselves or do anything to save ourselves unless we receive it as a gift which has been provided to us by Grace through faith.  When this revelation hits you, you cannot help but preach this good news to all you can so that they receive fre...

Romans 10:10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. Simply defined as the state of being right before God. There are two kinds of righteousness the Bible talks about. First is the righteousness according to faith and the righteousness according to works. Many christians are familiar with the righteousness according to works.  That righteousness according to works is what we have to perform on a daily basis so that we can live in harmony with fellow man in the community. If you lack such righteousness you will always hang behind prison for stealing, murder, etc. The righteousness according to faith is what a born again believer receives at the new birth. It is the very  righteousness which Jesus has. Since He walked perfectly before God and man, Jesus attained both...