The Instruction Manual for Living

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By C/E/S Idowu-Onibokun 

Tuning into Baba Job’s sermon on Sunday 3rd January 2021, the first Sunday of the year, was the best thing I did. He gave a timely message including challenging us to join the Christ Castle Bible Institute (CCBI). The encouraging way he spoke connected to my spirit.

Little did he know, I had told God as I do every start of a new year, I want to draw closer to Him, and I felt Him saying join CCBI. Immediately after the service I contacted a few people to enquire about CCBI and I received good reviews.

Lastly, learning that it was going to be delivered online via zoom, I knew for sure it was meant to be. In terms of the time commitment, I challenged myself saying, at times I can watch TV and socialise, so why can’t I dedicate more time to God, especially as He always makes time for me.

As I write, we have completed two out of the three modules, Christian Ministry and Prophetic Ministry. We are looking forward to the final module on Christian Education. We were asked during our first lecture, why we joined CCBI and what do we want out of it? I recall sharing that I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the Word, as well as wishing to meditate more on the Word, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 says, ‘But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.’ I can confirm that I have not been disappointed.

Now I have joined, and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience, I really do not want anyone to miss out, especially the youth. What the youth need to understand is that truly the Word of God is an Instruction Manual for Living. We are living in the world, but not of this world (Romans 12:2). We are the Christian leaders of tomorrow. We have our peers looking up to us as role models, so we need to demonstrate the knowledge of the Word of God in our lives.

I asked a couple of youth who joined the CCBI course to give feedback on their experiences so far. One said: “Taking the CCBI course has been an enjoyable experience so far. I have learnt a lot and it has certainly helped me to deepen my understanding of God’s word. I have particularly enjoyed the interactive Bible study sessions, as they have help me further consolidate my personal quiet time with God. I would highly recommend that more people take up the opportunity to do the CCBI course as the topics are very interesting and informative. No matter your level of Bible knowledge, the CCBI course is a great foundation builder or developer.”

They mention being able to consolidate their personal quiet time with God, and that is exactly what God requires of us. I recall Psalm 119:9 being taught to me when I was a teenager, ‘Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.’

Another youth shared, “I have enjoyed CCBI because it is a course created for anyone and everyone and presented by those experienced and knowledgeable in the Word. It was all refreshing and encouraging as it allowed me to meet with others who were either like minded or challenged my thinking in a positive way. Which I believe now to be for growth.” They mention growth, also referred to as maturing in the Word.

What does 1 Samuel 2:26 tell us, “And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men”? I believe I have tried to emphasise the point; it is now left for you to listen to the Holy Spirit who directs you. 

I would like to end by sharing my own observations on the course so far:

• I have thoroughly enjoyed having lecture from both the male and the female Bible school teachers, who are at various ranks in the church. They each come with their various styles, as it usually is when one lectures. 

• Secondly the format of the lectures: you are encouraged to engage during the teaching, and at the end the lecture materials are sent out for us to review prior to completing our weekly tests. One can spend between 30 mins - 1 hour and this is time to consolidate our understanding at our own pace. 

• Thirdly, which is very important, we are encouraged to give feedback. Our Course Leader and Rector are first class. They take our comments on board and address them as soon as humanely possible. 

The Word of God is an Instruction Manual for Living.

What does that mean to you!