SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

GRACE VINE MINISTRIES INT’L

GRACE VINE FAMILY CHURCH

MEMBERSHIP TRAINING

CLASS 101

(DISCIPLE TRAINING)

BY:

REV. MIKE BENSON AJAYI

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING

A statement of Bible doctrine as believed and taught by the Grace Vine Ministries Int’l (aka Grace Vine Family Church)

We preach Christ’s birth, baptism teachings, crucifixion, resurrection ascension, second coming, and millennial reign. White Throne judgment, and the nee Heaven and the new Earth when he will have put all enemies under His feet, and the redeemed will reign with Him for all eternity. We believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible, and endorse all the teachings contained therein. Following is a summary of the basic tenets of our faith.

THE DIVINE TRINITY: Consists of the persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the Holy Ghost, perfectly united as one. Mathew 3:16, 17, John 5:7.

REPENTANCE: is a godly sorrow for sin with the renunciation of sin. Isaiah 55:7; Mathew 4:17.

JUSTIFICATION OR SALVATION: is the cost of God’s grace whereby we receive forgiveness for sins and stand before God and though we had never sinned Roman 5:12; Corinthians 5:17.

SANCTIFICATION OR HOLINESS: act of God’s grace whereby we are made Holy, is the second definite work and is subsequent to justification. John 15: 15 – 21; Hebrew 13:12.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST: is the endowment of power from the high upon the clean, sanctification life and is evidence by speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. John 14:16; 17, 26; Acts 1:5 – 8; 2:1 – 4.

DIVINE HEALING: of sickness is provided through the atonement James 5:14,16; 1Peter 2:24.

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS: will be just as literal and visible as His going away. Act 1:9 – 11. There will be two appearance when one coming first, to catch away His waiting Bride. Mathew 24:20 – 44; 1 Thessalonians 4: 15 – 17; second, to execute judgment upon the godly. 2 Thessalonians 7:7 – 10; Jude 1:1 – 15.

THE TRIBULATION: will occur between Christ coming for His Bride and His return in judgment. Isaiah 26:20, 21, Revelation 6 and 9.

CHRIST MILLENNIAL REIGN: is the literal 1000 years of peaceful reign by Jesus on earth. Isaiah 11 and 35.

THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT: is the final judgment when all the wicked dead will stand before God. Revelation 20:11 – 15.

THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH: will replace the present heaven and earth, which will be destroyed after the Great White Throne Judgment 2 Peter 3: 13; Revelation 21:13.

ETERNAL HEAVEN AND ETERNAL HELL: are literal places of eternal destiny, each as eternal as the other. Mathew 25:41 – 46; Luke 16:22 – 28.

MARRIAGE IS FOR LIFE: a holy institution that is binding before God, giving neither partner a right to marry again as long as the first companion lives Mark 10:6 12; Romans 7:1-3.

RESTITUTION: is subsequent to salvation, wherein wrongs against our fellow men are righted in order to have a clear conscience before God and man. Ezekiel 33:15; Mathew 5:23, 24.

WATER BAPTISM: is the immersion “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, as Jesus commanded. Mathew 3:16; 28:19. THE LORD’S SUPPER is an institution ordained by Jesus so that we might remember His death until He returns. Mathew 26: 26 – 29; 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 26.

WASHING THE DISCIPLES FEET: is practiced according to the example and commandment Jesus gave. John 13: 14, 15, we believe in the expansion of the Kingdom of God through PROSPERITY. Zech. 1:17. Thus, we are the workmanship God with all substance through tithes and freewill offerings. Prov. 3:9; Mat. 3:10; 1 Cor. 16 1 – 12; Heb. 7:8.

THE BREAKING OF BREAD. HOLY COMMUNION. As the breaking of bread being the body of Jesus Christ and the wine being the blood of Jesus Christ shed for the remission of sins .Matthew 26:26-27.

MIRACLES SIGNS AND WONDERS : The believer is empowered by the Holy Ghost to work signs and wonders .Isaiah 8:18,Mk16:20

VISION 2020

The following is a summary of the vision of the Grace Vine Family Church.

Our Motto: Saving the Unsaved and perfecting the Saints.

This involves building up the individual through the Five dimensions of Church Growth.

Namely:

1.      Growing Warmer Through Fellowship

2.      Growing Deeper Through Discipleship

3.      Growing Stronger Through Worship

4.      Growing Broader Through Ministry         

5.      Growing Larger Through Evangelism

Our goal is to raise an Army of a very healthy and commitment ministers for the end time harvest of the Church in readiness of the Lord’s

5 CIRCLES OF COMMITMENT

 

GRACE VINE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

 

GRACE VINE COMMITMENT

COMMUNITY:

It is the pool of lost people that live within driving distance of your Church that have made no commitment at all to either Jesus Christ or a church.

THE CROWD:

These are the regular attendees. They are at least committed to one service in a week. They could be believers or non-believers.

THE CONGREGATION:

The congregation is the group of official members of your church. They have been baptized and have made a commitment to be a part of your Church family. They are now more than attendees. They are committed to the purpose of fellowship.

THE COMMITTED:

These are godly and growing people who are serious about their faith and who for one reason or the other are not actively serving in ministry of the Church. These pray, give and are dedicated to growing in discipleship. Their three main habits are:

1.      Quiet Time or meditation

2.      Tithing

3.      Active in a small group.E.g Home cell leaders, department heads.etc

THE CORE:

 This is the deepest level of commitment. They are dedicated to ministering to others. They lend and serve in the various ministries of the Church as Sunday School teachers, musicians, youth sponsor and so forth. They form the heart of the Church at the end.

INTRODUCTION:

At the end of this course, we should have answered the questions.

1.      What is a Church?

2.      What are the purpose of the Church?

3.      What are the responsibilities of membership?

4.      What are the benefit of being a member?

5.      What is the vision and strategy of this Church?

6.      How is the Church organized?

7.      How can I get involved in the ministry?

8.      What do I do now I am a member?

OUTLINE OF CLASS 101

Discovering G. V. M. I. Membership

i.       Our salvation (justification, sanctification, glorification)

          a.       Making sure you are a Christian

          b.      The symbols of salvation

                   1.      Baptism

                   2.      Commission

ii.      OUR STATEMENTS;

          a.       Our purpose statement why we exist.

          b.      Our vision statement what we intend to do.

          c.       Our faith statement what we believe

          d.      The G. V. M. I. Strategy What we practice

iii.     OUR STRATEGY

          a.       Brief history of G. V. M. I.

          b.      Who are you trying to reach (our target)

          c.       Our developing process to help you grow

          d.      The G. V. M.I. Strategy

iv.     OUR SCRIPTURE

          a.       How our Church is organized for growth

          b.      Our affiliation (PFN, CAN)

          c.       What it means to be a member

          d.      What is the next step after joining?

v.      The G. V. M. I. Quiz

1.      What is Church? 1 Tim 3:15; Eph. 2:19, it is the family of God. A Christian without a Church family is an orphan.

2.      What is the purpose of the Church?

          Because of the tendency by people “longing for belonging”, the church (the fellowship or community of believers) serves as an extended family and place where you are cared for.

3.      What are the benefits of being a member?

1.      It identities you as a genuine believer (Eph. 2:19; Rom 12:5).       

2.      It provides a spiritual family (Gal. 6: 1,2; Heb. 10:24, 25).

3.      It gives you a place to discover and use your gift in ministry (Cor. 12:4 – 27).

4.      It places you under the spiritual protection of godly leaders (Heb. 13: 17; 20: 28,29).

5.      It gives you the accountability you need to grow (Eph. 5:21).

4.      What are the responsibilities of membership?

1.      Identify your calling and by activating it through faithfulness contribute to the development of the church.

2.      Protect the unity of church, by acting in love towards other members, refusing to gossip, following the leaders. Rom. 14: 19; 1Pet. 1:22; Eph. 4:29; Heb. 13:17.

3.      Sharing the responsibility of the Church by praying for and warmly welcoming those who visit. 1 Thess. 1:1,2; Luke 14:23; Rom. 15:7.

4.      Serving the ministry of the Church by discovering your gifts and talents, be equipped to serve by the pastors, developing a servant’s heart 1Pet. 4:10; Eph. 4:11, 12; Phi. 2:3,4.

          Supporting the testimony of the Church by faithful attendance, living a godly life, giving regularly. Heb. 10:25; Phi. 1:27; 1Cor. 16:2; Lev. 27:30.

a.       CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

          Act 2:37 – 47

Every young convert who has given his/her life to Christ is faced with the challenge of the relevance of the local Church to his/her new faith in Christ; this sometimes affects the old converts adversely. They are usually bothered by three basic questions:

1.      Can one remain a Christian without being a member of a local Church?

2.      After being the member of the invisible church, does one have to join a local church?

3.      If one wants to become a member of a local church, which church should one join?

INTRODUCTION

The moment a sinner repents and becomes a child of God, the Bible describes him as a newborn babe. It is necessary that he must desire the sincere milk of the word of God for the purpose of his growth (1Peter 2:2). This is the responsibility of a responsible church to feed and nurture this believer until he/she is mature and becomes useful as an instrument to bring others to Christ (Act 20:18, 20).

1.      There are some who do not want to join a local Church because;

a.       They lack humility to come down to the level of being students. 

b.      The fear of living a disciplined life.

c.       In built inferiority complex.

d.      Unwillingness to commit self.

e.       Unwillingness to be controlled.

f.       Possible, ignorance of the cost of being alone.

2.      Why you must be a Church member

a.       For identity Hebrews 10: 24, 25; Acts 11: 26; Rom. 12:5; Eph. 2:29. 

b.      For spiritual development Acts 20:28

c.       For intimate fellowship 1:13 – 24.

d.      For co-operate blessing Psalm 133

e.       For spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7.

f.       For communal development Acts. 2: 45; 4: 32.

g.       For spiritual protection Heb. 13:17, Acts 20:28, 29.

b.      MEMBERSHIP CONDITION

          Acts 2:227 – 47

1.       Conversion:  Acts 2: 37, 38, 41, 47; 4:4; II Timothy 2:19; Mark 16:16; James 1:27.

          Membership in the Church is for those who are saved, have repented and received the word of God as the only code of conduct. These are the new Testament Church members. These are the ones who have taken conscious effort to depart from iniquity.

2.      Commitment: Act 2:42, 46; II Timothy 3:14 – 16. The commitment of every member must be pronounced in regular attendance of Bible Study at the various location and House Caring fellowship closet to their house. These meetings are not optional and must not be attended selectively. Commitment must be extended to soul winning.

3.      Soul Winning: Romans 1:14; Acts 8:4. The result of conversion and commitment are John 15:18 – 22; II Timothy 3:12. Christ’s Church is a persecuted Church, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it Mark 16:18.

4.      Submission: Philippians 2: 3-8; John 14:15, 16; Hebrew 13:7; 7, 17; Act 2:42. Obedience and submission are basic and fundamental to the Christian life. Even the laws of nature follow the principles of obedience. It is strange if Church members disobey Christ and the leader of the Church.

5.      Identification with the local Church:

          Acts 2:41, 42; 11:26; Hebrew 10:24, 25. The earlier Church was added to: continued; were together. Blocks ,do not stay in isolation to be called buildings. It is wise to be identified with this Bible believing Church where the whole counsel of God is taught.

6.      Member’s Profit: Act 2:44, 45; 20:28; I Timothy 4:8; Mark 8: 36, 38. That which is profitable gives eternal benefit. The hearing of the word of faith gives eternal life. As a Bible believing Church, We offer you things that are profitable in this life and that which is to come.

v The joy of togetherness

v Caring and sharing

v Partnership in divine service

v Opportunity to collective leadership

v Benefits from family experience

v Encouragement through testimonies

v Opportunity of constant feeding

TOPIC:     FAITH

MEMORY VERSE: Heb. 11:1

Faith means total dependence on God. When Adam sinned, he stepped out of God-dependence into in-dependence (which is unbelief). This is the reason God placed such a high priority on faith. Faith is the way we come back into relationship with God (God dependence).

a.       WHAT IS FAITH?

Faith is obedient action in response to what God has said. True faith is expressed in;

1.      Obedience and

2.      Action, in response to

3.      Hearing God’s words (voice). Heb. 11:1.

Faith means having trust, assurance or confidence in another person or that person’s words. Having faith in God involves an exchange of self-trust for God trust. We stop trusting in ourselves, connections and trust Him. We abandon reliance  on our limited source of knowledge and start perceiving from His unlimited source.

b.      TWO KINDS OF KNOWLEDGE

          1 Cor. 2;4 – 7, 8 – 16.

1.      Sense Knowledge

All knowledge that comes to natural man comes to him through the five senses-seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching. That is the limited knowledge described as ‘man’s wisdom’.

2.      Revelation knowledge

This knowledge is based on the five senses, not on natural reasoning on an alternative sources THE TRUTH of the word of God. It is received man’s spirit, and is described as God’s Wisdom. 2 Cor. 5: 7. 

QUESTIONS

1.      What is faith?

2.      What kinds of faith  have we?

3.      How are they different from each other?

HOW TO DISCOVER AND DEVELOPE YOUR MINISTRY

(DIVINE CALLING OR MISSION)

The word of God teaches that everyone has been called by God to fulfil a divine assignment regardless of whatever situation you may find yourself. 1  Cor. 7:17, 20, 24.

God offers to everyone He calls the power and authority needed to fulfil his/her ministry or calling. The question is “How do we discover and develop our ministries and those of our partners”? How do we find our calling? How can we best prepare for it? Where can we begin to put in into practice?

WE ARE CALLED BE GOD

Our ministry is the body of Christ chosen by God not by ourselves or by others. Heb. 5:4. The Spirit himself will set a calling within our heart, sort of a prompting and until we do something about it we are never at peace. As it develops, God will notice and give approval and promotion. David said, “For Promotion and power come from nowhere and earth. But  only from God,” Ps. 75:6, 7 TLB.

God sets within the Church local leaders who are to be shepherds of His flock. Shepherds (Pastors) are called to protect, direct, correct, feed, teach and care for the sheep. Such oversight is needed for the ministries of members to develop in a balanced and healthy way.

THE LOCAL CHURCH

This is the body of Christ of which you are a member. Believers should be related to the body of Christ in a local Church setting (i.e. as members). If there are local shepherds who are wise, loving and full of the Holy Spirit and Faith, the local Church is the wisest and safest place to grow and develop. This is, God’s plan for His people. And for this plan to work, He needs pastors who are loving, loyal, faithful and committed to the Lord and his flock. No local Church is perfect. The Lord doesn’t require leaders who are perfect. He uses imperfect leaders to train and equip imperfect members.

If the Lord has brought you into a local Church under a senior pastor, then honour the authority of the leaders as would Christ’s own authority. Do your best to help him in every way possible. Do double duties for the Senior Pastor as you would for the Lord Himself.

HOW DO WE START

Our ministry in the Lord begins with those who are part of our circle of life. Our lives touch many others every day. We should start, therefore, with the people of our little our family members, our church, nearby school, those we work with, those living in our community.

Our desire is to share the life, love and truth of Jesus with them in warm, practical and personal way. And we daily trust the Holy Spirit to show through our lives to bring His blessing to those around us in little ways, large opening will come sooner or later. We will see what needs to be done and how with others we can do it.  

As we show forth the love of God though words and deeds, we learn to trust the Holy Spirit for His power, and the fruit and gifts of the spirit will work together in a beautiful and balanced way that we may not know but other will.

FIVE BASIC MINISTRY GIFTS

The five ministry-gift of Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher are the foundation upon which the Church rests, Eph. 2:20; 1Cor. 3:10; Eph. 4:7, 8, 11, 17.

Let us take a closer look at their functions.

1.      APOSTLE

He is a man who lays the foundation for (or plants) new Churches. He appoints or anoints local leaders and gives them advice after which he moves on and keeps in touch with them and informs them of what God is doing in the Church at large. Luke 11:49; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20.

2.      THE PROPHET

He is a man with timely message from the heart and mind of God. He foretells events. He speaks to leaders and others and tells them what the future holds if they move outside God’s perfect will. His lesser functions is also to “edify” (build up) ‘exhort’ (stir up) and “console” (cheer up)  the body of Christ. Acts 11:28; 13:1; 21:10,11.

3.      THE EVANGELIST

He is a man or woman who preaches the gospel of Christ to sinners. His message is simple direct and in the power of God’s word. Men are moved to make a decision about Christ. Acts 8:5 – 40, 21:8.

4.      THE PASTOR

He is a man with a shepherd’s heart. He cares for each other sheep personally, yet watches over the flock as a whole. He seeks to direct, protect, correct, feed and comfort God’s people in a local church setting. John 10:11 – 18.

5.      THE TEACHER

He is a man or woman who has a love for God’s word and God’s people. He seeks divine truth in both a practical and personally way. Neh. 8: 4 – 8.

OTHER MINISTRIES

Besides the five basic ministries gifts of leadership, there are other ministries for church members which are tailored to train members to: MINISTER TO THE LORD, TO ONE ANOTHER AND TO THE WORLD. (i.e. unchurched community.)

They are as follows (Rom 12:28,29).

a.       SERVING AND HELPING OTHERS

This refers to practical service in the local fellowship. It includes the office of Deacon but  takes in many other activities as well.

b.      EXHORTATION

To “exhort” means to encourage, inspire, warn and inform the people of God. This ministry stirs up believers to worship, work, war and witness, for the Lord. The “Exhorter” puts fire in our faith.

c.       GIVING

This ministry involves the giving of one’s earthly goods (usually money) for the advancement of God’s work. The giver must be honest, sincere and humble. He/she must be sensitive to the spirit and gifted with wisdom. Thus giving with discretion i.e. the right amount and for the right purpose.

d.      ADMINISTRATION (GOVERNMENT)

This ministry refers to wise, strong leaders who know how to plan, organize, train and establish budgets and accountability in the Church. It involves the structure and organization needed to oversee the affairs of the church. Act. 6:3.

e.       MERCY

This ministry entails having sympathy and caring for others and wisdom to know what to do. They are the glad angels of mercy. James 2:13 – 16. It is the calling which not only meets practical needs, but brings, faith hope and love to those who need help.

f.       MIRACLE HEALING

Miracles shows God’s power and proves His presence in our midst. Their purpose is to point unbeliever to God and build up the faith of the saints. They are signs of divine love in action for those in need. These ministries prepare the way for the Gospel of Grace to be preached. Gifts of healing are to provide Christ’s healing to those who are sick.

g.       INTERCESSION

Praying and fasting on behalf of others in demonstration of the power of God.

h.      HOSPITABILITY

It enables a warm welcome into a Christian home. Inviting people to your home for evangelical dinners and breaking of bread.

i.       VISITATION

We can take God’s love to others when they cannot come to us. We think of the sick, the aged, lonely and even those in prison. Jesus wants to reach to them all through us.

j.       SOCIAL CONCERN

These are out-reaches to the poor and needy-to those who have been put down. He can only touch them through us.

k.      LITERATURE

The power of the written word is very great. God had given the gift of the writing many. It ranges from personal letters to published articles and books. It requires much effort, but the rewards are great.

l.       MODERN MEDIA

This involves using modern method of communication such as radio, internet,films, television and other fields of communication to those whom He would use in creative ways. 

m.     FINE ARTS

This is the spreading of the Gospel through creative arts such as music etc. that is using art to the glory of God.

n.      RECONCILIATION

To “reconcile” means to bring together in peace those who have been enemies. First of all, of course, it is a person’s with God that necessitates our living in peace with one another for “Blessed are the peacemakers”.

In conclusion, personal ministry can be best discovered and developed within the fellowship of local Church especially through home cells groups . Under wise and loving leadership we will find our place and function in the family of God. In this way, the church of Jesus Christ will become strong and sound.

THE MINISTRY OF TITHING PART 1 

TITHING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Tithing is a doctrine or teaching that spans all over the scriptures-both in the Old and the new. God encourages tithing because it is one of the basic keys for divine prosperity. Believers who don’t pay tithe may never reach the height of God desire for their prosperity.

-        Abraham             Genesis 14: 20

-        Jacob                    Genesis 28: 22

-        Israelites              Leviticus 27: 30 – 34

Tithing was practiced before  the law and after the law.

TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 

In the New Testament, Jesus did not condemn the act of tithers but rebuked the hypocritical practice of it. Malachi 3: 8. Non tithers in the Bible are called “Robbers of God”. Our tithe is the right of “God. It is not a favour done to but a major responsibility of every believer. It is normally the seed, which will give birth to abundant fruit. No farmer would like to eat his seed. Therefore no Christian man or woman should spend his tithe. It is meant for the storehouse.

WHAT IS TITHE?

Tithe is the one-tenth of our income. This could be salary, net profit from a business, financial gifts, pocket money etc. This could be in terms of money, harvest or goods. It is a part of our income dedicated to God in faith in expectation of greater harvest.

THE RESULT OF TITHING

1.    It gives provision to the house of God. Malachi 3:10.

2.    It is the test of faith and faithfulness. Malachi 3:10.

3.    It is the secret of financial open heaven. Malachi 3:10

4.    It is a mandate to super-abundance. Malachi 3:10

5.    It is our bait to silence the devourer. Malachi 3:10

6.    It attracts divine favour from men of God.

7.    It seals multi-facet abortive ventures. Malachi 3:11

8.    It opens our life for miraculous investors. Malachi 3:12.

THE EFFECT OF NON-TITHING 

1.    It is the pathway to financial insecurity and dishonour.

2.    Loss of the joy of sharing.

3.    It leads to financially induced quarrels in marriages. 

4.    Deprives us from bonding with our pastors. 2 cor. 8.5

TOPIC:     WATER BAPTISM        

TEXT:       MARK 16: 17

After repentance and receiving Christ as our Saviour, the nest step in our Christian life is Water baptism. We should note carefully that water baptism is God’s command; Be baptized” Act. 2:38.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED

Only those who have become genuine believers by putting their faith in Christ should be baptized. Those being baptized should be old enough to make their own personal decision for Christ. This period is referred to as the “age” of accountability”. This stage comes when a child knows right from wrong. (Isaiah 7:16 Niv). Until that age, children of believers are safe and secure by the faith of their parents. This does not mean that children can’t be baptized, the same way children get anointed with holy oil, partake of the holy communion, likewise  a child can be baptized to fulfil all righteousness ( symbolizing the children who were baptized unto Moses when they crossed the red sea with their parents.)by the permission of the parents.  Baptism is always preceded repentance. 

Examples:

a.       The day of Pentecost Act 2:37, 38, 41.

b.      The new Christian at Samaria Acts 8:12

c.       The Ethiopian Enoch Acts 8:35, 38

d.      Saul of Tarsus (The Apostle Paul) Act 9:17, 18

e.       Cornellius and his company Acts 10:47, 48

f.       The Corinthians Acts 18:8

g.       The disciple at Ephesus Acts 19: 1 – 5

HOUSEHOLD BAPTISM

a.       The household of Stephanas 1 Cor. 1:16, 1Cor. 16:15.

b.      The jailer and his household ( there may have been children) Acts 18:8

d.      The household of Lidia Acts 16:14, 1

HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED

The Greek word baptism in the bible is the word baptized which comes from bapto. Meaning to dip “to plunge under” “to immerse”.

For example the word bapto was among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, when a piece of cloth was changed into the colour of the dye,

THE BIBLICAL METHOD OF BAPTISM

a.       John the Baptist. Mathew 3:5,6, John 3:22, 23.

b.      Christ’s baptism. Mark 1:9, 10

c.       The Ethiopian Eunuch. Acts 8: 35, 38

WHERE SHOULD WE BE BAPTISED?

The bible says they baptised in water where there is much water. Baptism in the sea, in the river, in the streams, pools, foundations and tanks. Where possible, baptize outdoors as in the Bible, as public testimony. In Desert regions with limited water a generous sprinkling could suffice same with snowy places, in this case, snow powder would do.  

WHY SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

a.       A clear conscience 1 Pet. 3:20, 21

b.      A public testimony Romans 6:3,4

c.       Burying the “old man”.

Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward experience Rom. 6:6; 7:14, Cor. 2:21.

d.      Declaration of victory Cor. 2:12, 15

e.       Acknowledgement of faith Mat. 10:32, 33

f.       Affirms our oneness in Christ. Gal. 3:27, 28

g.       Accepting God’s purpose Luke 7:30

h.      Separation from the old life 1 Cor. 10:1,2.

When the Israelites crossed the red sea from Egypt there was a symbolic baptism, Even though the level of the water was well above their heads, and the water was “… a wall to them … Exo. 14:29. They had been saved from the judgment of God through Moses meaning a full and final separation from Egypt, Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

1.      Fulfils all righteousness Matt. 3:13 – 16

2.      Brings rejoicing Acts 8:38; Acts 16:33, 34

3.      It demonstrates the Circumcision of the heart Rom. 2:28. 29. Col. 1:10, 13; Phil. 3: 3

GRACEVINE MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

Having received Christ as my Lord saviour and been baptized, and being in agreement with vision of the Grace vine family Church (saving the unsaved and perfecting the saints), I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Grace vine family church. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

1.      I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH

          By acting in love towards other members. 1 Pet. 1:22

          By refusing to gossip. Eph. 4:29

          By following the leaders. Heb. 13: 17

2.      I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH

        By praying for its growth 1 Thess. 1:1-2

          By inviting the un-churched to attend. Luke 14:23.

          By warmly welcoming those who visit. Rom. 15: 7.

3.      I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH

          By discovering my gifts and talents 1 Pet. 4:10.

          By being equipped to serve by my pastors. Eph. 4:11 – 12.

          By developing a servant’s heart. Phil. 2: 3, 4, 7.

4.      I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH

          By attending faithfully Heb. 10:25.

          Be living a Godly life Phil. 1:27.

         
       By giving regularly 1 Cor. 16: 2, Lev. 27:30.     

You could exercise this very important duty of faith by giving  to this life- transforming ministry and help us change the world , one person at a time by giving to this Bank account 
ACCOUNT NAME: MICHAEL  BENSON AJAYI
BANK                                                                      ACCOUNT NUMBER
1] FIRST BANK  NIGERIA PLC                               3031092415
2] ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC                                    3712003360                      3]UNITY BANK PLC                                                  0013220330