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Writer's picturepastorolita
Jan 7, 20208 min read

The Obedient Family (Part 2)- Study Note: Gnosticism

The Obedient Family (Part 2)- Study Note: Gnosticism


Most detailed information about Gnosticism comes from the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Gnostic writings are still emerging from archaeological discoveries, e.g. at Nag Hammadi in Egypt. Christians who opposed Gnostics at that time included Irenaeus (Against Heresies), Hippolytus (Refutation of all Heresies), and Ephiphanius (Panarion).

Though Gnostics held a wide variety of beliefs, they shared the common philosophy called “dualism,” based on both Greek and Eastern thought. In simple terms, dualism treats spirit and body as opposites. Dualism often views spirit as good, and body as bad. Gnostics could not accept that God became flesh (Jn 1:1,14), for that mixed the good and the bad. They found various ways to explain away either Jesus’ deity or His humanity. They also explained away the fact that God (good Spirit) created the world (evil matter). Rejecting OT creation, they invented myths about a distant God that made many lesser gods, who made lesser gods, etc. (They called these gods “principalities and powers,” and the whole collection of gods the pleroma or “fullness.”) The lowest gods accidentally made the mistakes in which we live: physical bodies and a material world. Only a few humans – the Gnostics themselves – had enough pure spirit to understand spiritual ‘mysteries.’ They were fond of terms like ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge.’ Indeed, “Gnostic” comes from the Greek word gnosis meaning “knowledge.” Gnostics, of course, still had to deal with their earthly bodies. Some, called ascetics, tried to control their flesh through harsh rules. Others believed that flesh was too evil to control, so they went wild with drunkenness and immorality, while claiming to ‘know’ God with their minds.




If you are familiar with the NT, you realize that the apostles dealt with similar false teachings. 1 Jn, for example, defeats the error of ‘knowing’ God while living sinfully (1 Jn 2:4; 3:6; 4:7-8). The roots of Gnosticism were already growing and trying to reshape the church. Dualism was already popular. People often try to bring their favorite ideas and myths into Christianity. Those that wanted strict rules found plenty to borrow from the Law of Moses. Those that wanted to go wild tried to “change the grace of our God into a license for immorality” (Jude 1:4).


In Ephesus, Timothy had to guard against “what is falsely called knowledge (gnosis)” (1 Tim 6:20). He fought the good fight against myths (1 Tim 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim 4:4 cf. Tit 1:14), against genealogies (1 Tim 1:4 cf. Tit 3:9), against Jewish and ascetic rules (1 Tim 1:7-10; 4:3), and against teachers that rejected the bodily resurrection (2 Tim 2:18 cf. 1 Cor 15:12). Colosse experienced problems about ascetic laws, about “rulers and authorities,” and the worship of angels (Col 2:8-23). Paul exalted Christ as the Head far above every spiritual ruler and power (Eph 1:21; 6:12). He corrected false views that made Jesus less than “the fullness” (pleroma) of God (Col 2:9). Paul’s letters emphasized the true meaning of words like wisdom, knowledge and mystery. See Col 2:2-3 for a good example. John’s writings defended the truth that Christ truly came in the flesh (Jn 1:1,14; 1 Jn 4:2-3; 2 Jn 1:7).


Study Note: Gnosticism

Gnosticism, as a religion that systematically tried to take over Christianity, has now disappeared. Yet sects continually try to revive Gnostic heresies about the nature of God, of Christ, and of man. Dualism continues to exert a strong influence throughout the world. Some who claim to be ‘Christians,’ for example, still deny the truth of the full deity of Jesus. They try to re-write Scripture to make Jesus ‘a god,’ and also a created thing. They try to explain away His bodily resurrection. As another example, many feel that Christian faith is only a matter of the mind or heart. They think that the body has little or no part to play in responding to Christ. They resist biblical baptism because it goes beyond the pure use of the mind to involve the physical body in physical water. While supposedly emphasizing faith, many prefer to trust what they ‘know’ from personal ‘experience,’ rather than trusting the Christ who reveals His will in Scripture. “The apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42) means little to people who want to follow their own desires and feelings (2 Tim 4:3-4 cf. 2 Tim 3:1-7; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Jdg 17:6; Ps 81:12; Jer 7:24; 11:8; 23:17). Many still use grace as their excuse for disobedience and immorality. Others still think that strict rules solve the problems of human sin. So, while Gnosticism itself has passed away, “the basic principles of this world” (Col 2:8) remain as strong as ever. That is why we must, more than ever, listen carefully to the message of The Ephesian Collection.


Dear Members or Friends, True Disciples or Leaders and Rulers

Lord Jesus' first disciples included His apostles. But they were not the last disciples, for He trained them to train others.

"Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus our King did not say, "Make believers." A person may have some sort of belief, but never become a disciple. Our King Jesus does not say, "Make worshipers." People may give prayers and offerings without being disciples. All disciples believe and worship, but not all 'believers' and 'worshipers' are disciples. Our savior and King Jesus commands, "Make disciples." That term, as commonly used at that time, means, "Train learners who are committed to following their Teacher's instruction and example." Lord and our healer Jesus reinforces the meaning of continuing learning by saying, "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Some refer to Matthew 28:20 as the second half of the Great Commission. It may be more difficult to fulfill, but it is essential for spiritual health as you "grow up in your salvation." Hearing and obeying Christ our Lord and Savior, these are like air to the disciple. To stop breathing that air is to cease being a disciple.




INTRODUCTION AND TESTIMONY

Grace Kingdom Ministry international(G.K.M.I) was birthed in 2011 December in Buru Buru Phase 5 ,Nairobi,Kenya when the founder or Visionary Pastor Stephen Olita met the Lord Jesus Christ and gave him a vision of the Kingdom of God, to preach the Kingdom of God to all Nations Mathew 24:14 and to teach about our Lord Jesus Christ as we to raise leaders in Africa starting with Kenya, Africa and the Whole world. Acts 28:31, Philippians 4:13.

Grace kingdom ministry international is a Church, Leadership and Humanitarian organization with it headquarter in Nairobi, Kenya in Kiambiu Slum in Buru Buru phase one on outering road. We are mandated to address both spiritual, mental or emotional and physical needs for the oppressed people in our society including Widows, Orphans and disables, James 1:26-27.

We have seen and we are still seeing all kinds of crimes, Sexual abuse, murder,prostitution,adultery,rape,gang warfare Galatians 5:16-26 in our streets taking toll on our people especially targeting our young People with drugs and drug dealers are influencing our youth or our young People. Now is our responsibility as a Church to invest all our efforts into Sports, Business, Arts, Films and Music, Talents, Skills and gifts search and to bring our young People out of crime in our streets to our Lord Jesus Christ and to know Him better through these activities so they can discover their Purpose, Passion, Potential and their destiny which is a hope and a future.

OUR VISION-Transforming followers into leaders and leaders into agent of change (Raising Leaders and Rulers, shaping vision, influencing society and culture through Christ).Philippians 4:13

OUR MISSION-Preaching the kingdom of God, Teaching about Lord Jesus Christ and saving the lost at any cost. Mathew 24:14

Our Church as Leadership organization is mandated to train and raise over 3 Billions disciples or Leaders in Nairobi, Kenya ,the whole Africa and the whole world between now 2019 to 2035 and beyond. These trained Leaders will in return train others Disciples close to over 3 Billion and these circles of Multiplication goes on and on by grace and will or mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ as we preach the kingdom of God and teaching about Lord Jesus Christ as we follow His instruction to fulfill the great commission in Mathew 28:18-20.This is the main core of our vision and mission of our organization and we are looking for resources to fulfill this goal and plan from our Partners and well-wishers around the World including you and others.

SUBJECT:KENYA,AFRICA and The WHOLE WORLD are IN NEED OF YOU.Take action now.Don't watch things happening.make a difference.

WE Grace Kingdom Ministry International(G.K.M.I),WE are trying to plant our over 11 Churches and Orphanages(James 1:26-27) in Kenya,Malawi,India,Pakistan,Uganda,Ghana,South Africa,Tanzania,DRC Congo,Zimbabwe,Somali(al-Shabaab),Nigeria(Boko Haram), Sudan (South and North) , Philippines,Haiti ,Zambia,Australia, Onalaska Washington State USA for the Glory of GOD to fulfill the Great Commission Mandate in MATHEW 28:18-20 at a cost of over USD 7 Million.Acts 1:8,Acts 9:31.Acts 12;24,Acts 16:5,Revelation 2:9-10, Revelation 3:7-13.

Our vision and Mission is focused beyond 2035 if we will be alive by that time but if not we are planning it now for the generation now and the coming new future generation. As per below stated, We have two phases,Phase one is for Kenya to raise over 20 million leaders and Phase Two is the whole of Africa and the whole world to raise over 3 Billion leaders from now to 2035 and beyond. We believe we will fulfill this great commission by reaching out to the whole World or Nations by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as He commanded us to preach in Mathew 24:14 and Mathew 28:18-20 if these resources are met as suggested.

We have targeted to raise over USD 7 Million to plants or build the following Churches in Nairobi and the whole Kenya ,Africa and the whole world namely,Eastleigh,South B and C and along Ngong road ,Kibera area,Eastern province in Thika Makongeni, Nyatta plateau,Machakos,Nakuru,Kitale,Kisii,Homa Bay,Migori,Kuria Land,Kisumu,Siaya,Busia, Malawi,India,Pakistan,Uganda,Ghana,South Africa,Tanzania,DRC Congo,Zimbabwe,Somali(al-Shabaab), Nigeria(Boko Haram), Sudan (South and North),Philippines,Haiti ,Zambia,Australia, Onalaska Washington State USA. These Churches will include all the necessary facilities and resources for training Leaders or Disciples with also centers for feeding for the orphans and other vulnerable Children. Our own Radio ,TV station,Books,Publishing Company, Print Media, Universities, Holy Bible Colleges and institutes,Banks,Media centers and institutes for music and film making, Hotels resorts and Business buildings. and other systems of influence for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8,Acts 9:31.Acts12;24,Acts 16:5,Revelation 2:9-10, Revelation 3:7-13,Galatians 3:14,26-29.

Any support to help us raise the needed funds as mentioned in the above for the planting or building of these Churches in Nairobi ,Kenya, Africa and the Whole world as explained in the above will be will be honored and appreciated for the sake of saving souls for the kingdom of God to fulfill the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mathew 28:18-20.

WE need Partners, Holy Bibles, Financial Support, Lands in the Cities, Towns or Villages near you to do this worthy noble cause. Acts 4:28-37.

The following are our Church Bank details. Bank Name: Kenya Commercial Bank Swift Code:KCBKENX Bank Code:100 Branch Code:0107 ACCOUNT NUMBER:1253041768.

Also you can use Western Union Money Transfer or Money Gram addressed to Stephen Olita,+254722761587,email:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com.Please also do send me the copy of the Bank Slip to enable me access the Money and do the will of GOD. James 1:26-27 New International Version (Niv),Luke 6:38,2 Corinthians 9:5-15.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU SHOULD PARTNER WITH US AND DONATE ANY RESOURCES INCLUDING MONEY. https://web.facebook.com/groups/1773715129514690/ https://www.facebook.com/GRACE-KINGDOM-MINISTRY-521008011400445/\

Contact me for more information Pastor Stephen Olita,+254722761587,+254734939308 or email me:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com

For free Kingdom Counseling and Prayers call +254722761587,+254734939308 Or email:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com

For Kingdom of God Preaching’s and Teachings Series in Relationship,Equipping,Attitude and Leadership(R.E.A.L) Ask for them in Series in Books,Tapes,Audios,Videos,DVD’s,CD’sVCD’s,MP3’s,MP4’s and in Flash disks. Please call +254722761587,+254734939308 Or Email us: pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com

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