(A) OUR PATTERN OF PRAYER
(B) ORDER OF PRAYER
SERVICES
(C) WHY WE WATCH AND
PRAY
(D) WHY WE FAST ON
THURSDAY
(E)
FASTING IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
(F)
WHY WE OBSERVE THE THREE DAYS DRY FASTING
(G)
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE THREE (3) PENTECOSTAL PERIODS
(H)
BAPTISM IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
(I)
FLEE FROM OLD TEACHINGS AND FALSE PRACTICES
(J) OTHER BROTHERHOOD PRACTICES AND THEIR BIBLICAL REFERENCES
(K) THE ALTER
(L) HOW PROBLEMS ARE
SOLVED
(M) FUNERALS
WHY WE CALL HIM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST:
Today the churches of Christendom address our Lord and Master and Savior and Redeemer as "Jesus." What an insult and abuse of the King and kings and Lord of lords. In the Christ's Universal Spiritual School of Practical Christianity, i.e. in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), we call Him "OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."
We call no one else, father, except the Father who is in heaven (Matthew 23:9). Those in Christian Churches who call themselves Reverend Fathers, what are their motives?
WHY WE MAKE OUR SUPPLICATIONS TO THE FATHER IN THE NAME AND BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST:
(MATTHEW 18:19; JOHN 14:13; JOHN 16:26-27; COLOSSIANS 3:17).
Whenever you want anything from the Father, the Holy Spirit, all supplications must be through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the door keeper. If one professes not to know Him then one has failed woefully. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE MEDIATOR OF THE NEW COVENANT, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, THE SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD OF THE UNIVERSE.
Remember the way Our Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples to pray: "Our Father.....Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Well, this Kingdom (BCS) is that kingdom we all have been praying for. The Kingdom is indeed here; for heaven is God's throne, and earth is His footstool (Acts 7:49). The only duty we have to perform is to knock our heads on the ground. This method of worship is more solemn than anything else before God, because it is exactly what the angels do before God in heaven. WHEN YOU KNOCK YOUR HEAD YOU ARE BESTOWED WITH GRACE, AND AS YOU KNEEL YOU ARE BESTOWED WITH PEACE. There is no other method of worshipping God which is pleasing in His sight. Wherever you are, just kneel down and knock your head for your Father.
This method of worshipping God by the knocking of the head on the ground, as practised by angels and the Elders, must be adopted by all of us because it is the right way of worshipping God in spirit and in truth. Therefore, when you want to pray FALL ON YOUR FACE AND KNOCK YOUR FOREHEAD THREE TIMES ON THE GROUND TO THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT (MATT 26:39, REV 4:10/7:11/11:16).
You must start thus: "LET THANKS AND PRAISES, DOMINION AND POWER BE ASCRIBED TO GOD, IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AMEN. LET THANKS, PRAISES, DOMINION AND POWER BE ASCRIBED TO GOD IN THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AMEN. LET THANKS, PRAISES, MAJESTY, DOMINION AND POWER AND WISDOM BE ASCRIBED TO GOD NOW AND FOREVER MORE, AMEN. Then make your supplications. CLOSE YOUR PRAYERS WITH THE SAME:LET THANKS, PRAISES..AMEN (REVELATION 7:12)
There are many spirits: God and His Christ, Lucifer, Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, and spirits. Do not invoke anything. Pray in the simple way I have taught you, viz: To The Father, through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
When you want to give vision, testimony, dreams and prophesies you must start thus:IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND IN THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, NOW AND FOREVER MORE. AMEN.
BIBLE REFERENCES: JOHN 14:13; MATTHEW 18:19-20; JOHN 16:26-27.
Prayer Is The Key: Pray always, day and night, as many times as possible. Pray for the government and all sorts of people and the Brotherhood. (Acts 6:4).
Do not refrain from preaching the gospel and praying; for this constitutes a shield. Offer short but faithful prayers before and after meals, and conversation. In short, before you start and end anything, a short faithful prayer is essential.
THE SABBATH:
During the advent of Our Lord Jesus Christ, many regarded Friday as the day of rest, others regarded Saturday as the day of rest, but Our Lord Jesus Christ worked around the clock, twenty-four hours a day. THE MOSAIC LAWS SAY:" Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Because OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST saw THE FATHER, heard directly from THE FATHER and acted accordingly, He was accused of not observing the Sabbath; and that he was Beelzebub. He was called a devil, a ghost, an abomination, and they took up stones, swords, and sticks to kill Him. But OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST did not bother, He only sat down unruffled. If Our Lord Jesus Christ was looking unto man, resembled man, would he not have retaliated? BUT SINCE HE IS GOD HE REMAINED CALM. THIS SHOWS THE SPIRIT OF GOD. WHAT ARE YOU EVER BEFORE GOD? YOU ARE NOTHING. BUT GOD IS MERCIFUL, HE IS EVER LOVING, HE IS TRUE, HUMBLE, RIGHTEOUS AND PATIENT.
The Pharisees, on the strength of the MOSAIC SABBATH LAWS, believed that nothing should be done on the Sabbath day. But when OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST came, He demonstrated that the life of a man was more important than the Sabbath. In His teachings, Christ upheld that it was more acceptable in the sight of God and more rewarding to leave the alter in order to render help to a person whose life was at stake. In other words CHRIST WAS MORE INTERESTED IN THE PRACTICAL ASPECT OF LOVE WHICH IS MORE REWARDING THAN MERE RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES. AS A CHRISTIAN YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SHOW LOVE AND HELP TO WHOSOEVER IS IN NEED. YOUR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS IMPORTANT TO SOMEONE WHO IS FINANCIALLY HANDICAPPED. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER THE PERSON IS RIGHTEOUS OR NOT RIGHTEOUS. SIMILARLY WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO HAS ILL-HEALTH, IT IS YOUR PLACE TO HELP HIM IRRESPECTIVE OF HIS RELIGIOUS LEANINGS. BESIDES YOUR ASSISTANCE YOU SHOULD ALSO PRAY FOR THE PERSON. GOD HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY SPECIFIC TIME FOR ONE TO RENDER HELP TO SOMEBODY, BE READY TO HELP AT ALL TIMES OF THE DAY. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BAPTIZE PEOPLE AT ANY GIVEN TIME OF THE DAY, PROVIDED THEY ARE READY. THE WORK OF GOD IS NOT LIMITED BY TIME OR BY SEASON. THEREFORE THE CHILDREN OF GOD THEREFORE ARE DUTY BOUND TO CARRY OUT THE WORK OF REDEMPTION AT ALL TIMES. Some say that all other six days belong to them but seventh day belongs to God. What do they mean by such statement? CALL ON GOD ON MONDAY. CALL ON HIM ON TUESDAY. CALL ON HIM ON WEDNESDAY. CALL ON HIM ON THURSDAY. CALL ON HIM ON ALL DAYS. IS THERE ANY DAY YOU FIND HIM ABSENT?
DAILY SERVICES AND REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES
MORNMORNING PRAYERS (MORNING DEVOTION) - DAILY - 5.00 a.m.
EVENING PRAYERS - DAILY - 7.00 p.m.
ON SUNDAYS:
MORNING PRAYERS - 5.00 A.M
DIVINE MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE - 10.00 A.M
EVENING SERVICE - 7.00 P.M
REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES
Regular Sunday Services are held at 10:00 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. every Sunday.
The Holy Spirit Church was designed by the Holy Spirit to have a heart to heart talk with His children. It is also a mini-celebration of the day Our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead; Easter Sunday being the mega-celebration.
The Holy Spirit Church must be celebrated with sumptuous feast every Sunday after service, till eternity. It marks the automatic end of Sunday thanksgiving functions.
Outlining the Functions of The Holy Spirit Church, Leader O.O.Obu said:
1. The Holy Spirit Church shall cause to be celebrated the Resurrection from the dead of Our Lord Jesus Christ, every Sunday with a sumptuous feast.
2. The Holy Spirit Church shall tend after the disabled brethren all over the world (an additional aid to the effort of the Mercy Fellowship).
3. The Holy Spirit Church shall supervise the activities of all Fellowships and Bethels.
4. The Holy Spirit Church shall have the sole responsibility of inaugurating and encouraging the Holy Spirit Church in Bethels throughout the world.
5. The Holy Spirit Church shall encourage visiting members, especially the weak, to ascertain their welfare.
6. The Holy Spirit Church shall infuse into the minds of the children of God the need to pay their weekly set-aside tithes for the purpose 1. and 2. mentioned above.
MEETING DAYS
HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH - Every Sunday
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP - Every Monday
MEN'S FELLOWSHIP - Every Tuesday
GENERAL FELLOWSHIP - First Tuesday of the Month
SPIRITED CHILDREN
WITH THE FATHER - Third Friday of the Month
MERCY FELLOWSHIP - Fourth Friday of the Month
AREA GEN. MEETING - First Friday of the Month
SPIRITUAL COUNCIL
OF CHURCHES - Second Friday of the Month
CHILDREN'S SABBATH
(Fasting 6.am-12 noon) - First Saturday of the Month
Henceforth, He pronounced, all Fellowships Anniversaries must end with both Launchings and Thanksgivings on Saturdays. Highlighting further the essence of the Holy Spirit Church, the Father added that in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star we observe:
Wednesday being the day Our Lord Jesus Christ was in agony of death,
Thursday: Christ was killed on the Cross, and BCS observes this with fasting (starting at 6:00 a.m.) and braking of the fast with a feast after 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: Our Lord Jesus Christ resurrected on Sunday, a day that fortified the Christian's faith; for if Christ did not rise on Sunday, there could not have been anything called Christianity in the whole world, and Christ would not have been remembered, said Leader Olumba Olumba Obu. Sunday, therefore, is the only day in that order which has not been given its rightful phenomenal eminence.
Where in the world have you seen people gathered every Wednesday to celebrate the past events of Our Lord Jesus Christ? In BCS, we celebrate the LAST SUPPER just as Christ did with his disciples. We start Wednesday night with a Bible class session, after which we conduct full service, that is, we WATCH AND PRAY from 12 midnight until 3:00 a.m. when Our Lord Jesus Christ was arrested. We dismiss from vigil at 3:00 a.m. for it was the time that the disciples scattered when their Master was arrested.
BIBLE REFERENCES: MATTHEW 26:40-41, LUKE 22:7-20/39-40/45-46.
WEEKLY FASTING ON EVERY THURSDAY FROM 6:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.
The worldly churches and the entire world observe Friday as the day on which Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. But the Holy Spirit has revealed to Brotherhood of the Cross and Star that HE was crucified on Thursday. Our Lord Jesus Christ was condemned to death at 6 a.m., crucified on the Cross at 9 a.m., and His body was brought down from the Cross at 6 p.m. Consequently, all true Brethren commemorate His Sufferings and Passion on that day by fasting and praying every Thursday from 6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.
THE BIBLE TEXTS DURING THURSDAYS FASTING AND PRAYERS ARE:
6 a.m........Matthew 27:1-44
9 a.m........Mark 15:1-32
12 noon......John 19:1-37
3 p.m........Luke 23:1-49
6 p.m........Luke 23:50-End.
This is followed with Breaking of the fast with a feast after 6:00 p.m.
(E): FASTING IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
THE IMPORTANCE OF FASTING: Matthew 4:1-2/17:20-21; Luke 5:34-35.
(a) Our Lord Jesus Christ fasted for forty days and forty nights to be Holy in Spirit and in flesh. BUT WE FAST BECAUSE OF THE MULTITUDE OF OUR SINS. WE ARE THE EMBODIMENT OF SIN; AND FASTING IS THEREFORE HELD IN ORDER TO PURIFY THE BODY, AND SAVE US BECAUSE CHRIST DOES NOT WANT US TO PERISH.
(b) Children's Sabbath Service on Every First Saturday of the Month is preceded by fasting from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
(c) FASTING FOR REPENTANCE:(GENERAL FASTING): As soon as you are intimate with a man or woman, you become defiled. That is why fasting is held for the benefit of such persons who defile themselves through fornication and other sins, that they may purify themselves.
(F): WHY WE OBSERVE THE THREE DAYS DRY FASTING:
(72 HOURS OF FASTING : Matthew 12:40)
The three days dry fasting signifies the three days Our Lord Jesus Christ remained in the grave. He fasted for forty days and forty nights. We are fortunate because we only have to fast for three days and three nights. When you subject yourself to the three days dry fasting the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit will take dominion over your mortal body. The three days dry fasting is to sanctify us so we hear and accept the Father's gospel, and be able to spread it to those who are not as fortunate as we are.
Brotherhood Brethren observe FORTY DAYS FASTING (Matthew 4:1-2) during EASTER, and Fasting (6:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M. DAILY) during the other PENTECOSTAL PERIODS.
(G): WHY WE CELEBRATE THE THREE (3) PENTECOSTAL PERIODS:
We have three Pentecostal Periods which are periods of Refresher Courses for renewal of God's power. They are periods for renewal of God's words, and so such periods are Study Periods and not just for functions. The Pentecostal Periods are:-
1. CHRISTMAS PENTECOSTAL: We celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. EASTER PENTECOSTAL: We celebrate the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. AUGUST PENTECOSTAL: We celebrate the most important of all Pentecostal periods. This is because:
(a) It was in August that Our Lord Jesus Christ went to John the Baptist to be baptized of him. During the baptism the Holy Spirit descended like a dove on our Lord Jesus Christ, and a voice from heaven spoke:"This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matt 3:17).
This revealed Christ to John as the one who will take away the sins of the world. God had revealed to John the Baptist that he should baptize people with water, and whoever the Holy Spirit would descend upon, the same would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. But for this revelation, nobody would have been able to recognize Christ, not to talk of telling another person, "Behold the Lamb of God..." (John 1:29) Throughout eternity nobody would have known Christ, and with that who would have gone to Christ for salvation?
(b) It was in August that another group of people, on whom the Father had bestowed the state of Christhood, (Gal 3:27-29) i.e. the baptized members of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, dressed in their soutanes (REV 7:9/13-14/19:8,14) marched from Eton Street to a new location on 26 Mbukpa Road, Calabar. It was a coming-out day; the day for them to be revealed as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. This is because the death of Our Lord Jesus Christ was to restore man unto the position of sonship.
(H): BAPTISM IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR:
At the time of Abraham, every newborn male child was circumcised after eight days. At the time of Moses, the child was to be taken to the alter for sanctification after eight days. THAT SANCTIFICATION IS THE CHILD BLESSING WHICH WE CONDUCT TODAY. Both practices were forms of baptisms. AFTER CIRCUMCISION ONE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE ALTER FOR SANCTIFICATION. In accordance with Mosaic law two turtle doves were offered as a sacrifice, and the child had to be taken to the alter for sanctification. When you argue that baptism should not be administered twice, what about the two baptisms which Our Lord Jesus Christ had to undergo? (Luke 2:21-23).
People argue that if a man is baptized twice he will die. But all of you have been circumcised and taken to the alter for blessing, and you have even been baptized in the water. Have you died? When the priesthood is changed the law must of necessity be changed. (Heb 7:12).
Baptism by sanctification was preached everywhere until there came John the Baptist. God sent John specifically for baptism of repentance, a very significant baptism; and John was the first person to whom God revealed baptism by immersion.
Elijah had to come first to make straight the path. (Malachi 4:5/Luke 7:27/ Matt 11:14). The path referred to is the heart. Right from the beginning of the world, no one has known what sin is and become truly repentant. Abraham did not know what was sinful. Jacob did not know.
When God sends you He follows behind. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Of all the men born of women, none has risen who is greater than John, except he who is least in the kingdom of God." (Matt 11:11/Luke 7:28). Our Lord Jesus Christ remained on earth for thirty years, and nobody knew him because of the sins that abound on earth. For it is said, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." (Matt 5:8). How can you see God when your heart is not pure? It is quite impossible for you to see God if you are not pure in heart. That is why it is said, "Except you are born of water and of the Spirit, you cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5) IF YOU DO NOT FORSAKE SIN, CONFESS AND REPENT OF YOUR SINS, AND THEN BE BAPTIZED, HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST?
It is said, "Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." (HEB 12:14). EVERY COUNTING MUST START FROM ZERO. IF YOU DO NOT SEE A THING HOW CAN YOU RECEIVE SALVATION. RIGHT NOW YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT FORSAKEN SIN, NEITHER HAVE YOU REPENTED OF YOUR SINS. IF YOU LIVE FOR A MILLION YEARS, AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT FORSAKE SINS AND REPENT OF THEM YOU CANNOT SEE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND BELIEVE IN HIM.
Peter and some of the disciples were formerly disciples of John the Baptist.
They were baptized for repentance in order to make straight their path. They all confessed their sins and were baptized. THEY ALL FORSOOK THEIR SINS, AND THAT IS WHY THEY SAW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. JOHN NO LONGER HAD DISCIPLES BECAUSE HIS DISCIPLES REPENTED OF THEIR SINS, CONFESSED THEIR SINS AND THEY WERE BAPTIZED, AND SO THEY BELIEVED IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. NOTE THAT ALL THESE MEN HAD BEEN CIRCUMCISED, TAKEN TO THE ALTER FOR SANCTIFICATION AND THEY ALSO RECEIVED THE BAPTISM OF JOHN. That is why they believed in Our Lord Jesus Christ.
CONFESSION OF SINS: APART FROM BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR, WHERE ELSE DO YOU FIND A PERSON CONFESSING HIS SINS BEFORE BEING BAPTIZED? IT IS ONLY IN BROTHERHOOD. YOU HAVE TO CONFESS YOUR SINS OF MALICIOUSNESS, OF FORNICATION, OF FALSEHOOD, OF HATRED, OF STEALING. FORSAKE AND REPENT OF ALL YOUR SINS. IF YOU REPENT AND CONFESS YOUR SINS, AND YOU ARE BAPTIZED, THEN YOU PUT ON CHRIST.
THE MISTAKE YOU MAKE IS TO MISLEAD PEOPLE THAT IF THEY ARE BAPTIZED, THEY WILL GAIN ONE THING OR THE OTHER. SOME ARE TOLD THAT THEY WILL HAVE CHILDREN, AND SO THEY GET BAPTIZED WITH THE INTENTION OF HAVING CHILDREN. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. THEY HAVE TO GO FOR BAPTISM WITH THE SPIRIT OF REPENTANCE. IF YOU WANT TO PREPARE A HOUSE,i.e. KEEP IT TIDY IN ORDER TO WELCOME A VISITOR, IS IT BY POURING WATER INTO THE HOUSE THAT WILL KEEP IT TIDY OR BY SWEEPING THE DIRT AND WASHING THE HOUSE THAT WILL KEEP IT CLEAN? IF YOU GO TO A STREAM AND SIMPLY DIVE INTO THE WATER AND COME OUT, WILL THAT SUFFICIENTLY WASH YOU CLEAN? THE RIGHT THING TO DO IN ORDER TO WASH CLEAN IS FOR YOU TO SCRUB AND RUB YOUR BODY, AND THE DIRT WILL BE RUBBED OFF. THE DIRT SIGNIFIES THE SINS THAT YOU HAVE TO CONFESS. YOU HAVE TO CONFESS THAT YOU HAVE FORNICATED, YOU HAVE TOLD LIES, YOU HAVE STOLEN, YOU HAVE BEEN ANGRY, YOU HAVE BEGRUDGED, YOU HAVE QUARRELLED, YOU HAVE FOUGHT. YOU MUST CONFESS ALL THE SINS YOU HAVE COMMITTED, NONE MUST BE LEFT UNCONFESSED.
Why should a person who professes to have confessed his sins continue to steal, tell lies, hate, indulge in the preparation of concoctions and charms, drink liquor, consult oracles, fornicate, become angry? Has such a person confessed his sins? Can you therefore see the pivot around which salvation revolves?
(a) BAPTISM BY THE DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: Our Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples, "GO YE THEREFORE AND MAKE ALL NATIONS MY DISCIPLES; BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...... (MATTHEW 28:19).
The disciples of Christ were using water to baptize people, and because
of this, the disciples of John were disturbed at the multitude which (THEY WRONGFULLY THOUGHT) went to Christ to be baptized. It was actually THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST AND NOT CHRIST HIMSELF WHO BAPTIZED THESE PEOPLE. (JOHN 4:2). The disciples of John the Baptist complained, but John told them that except the authority came from above, none could do anything. (John 3:26-27).
(b) BAPTISM FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS: ACTS 2:38-39
"THEN SAID PETER UNTO THEM, REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. FOR THE PROMISE IS UNTO YOU AND TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND TO ALL THAT ARE AFAR OFF, EVEN AS MANY AS THE LORD OUR GOD SHALL CALL."
And (He) said unto them, LUKE 24:46-49: "THUS IT IS WRITTEN,
AND THUS IT BEHOVED CHRIST TO SUFFER, AND TO RISE FROM THE DEAD THE THIRD DAY. AND THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME AMONG ALL THE NATIONS, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. AND YE ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS. AND, BEHOLD, I SEND YOU THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER UPON YOU: BUT TARRY YE IN THE CITY OF JERUSALEM, UNTIL YE BE ENDUED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH."
Then said Jesus unto them again:(JOHN 20:2I-23): "PEACE BE UNTO YOU: AS MY FATHER HATH SENT ME, EVEN SO SEND I YOU." AND WHEN HE HAS SAID THIS, HE BREATHED ON THEM, AND SAITH UNTO THEM, "RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST. WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO THEM; AND WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE RETAIN, THEY ARE RETAINED."
IF YOU REPENT AND CONFESS YOUR SINS, AND YOU ARE BAPTIZED, THEN YOU PUT ON CHRIST. THAT IS THE JUDGEMENT. AFTER REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION OF YOUR SINS, YOU WILL BE PURE IN HEART AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BELIEVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. YOU WILL ALSO BE JUSTIFIED, AND YOU WILL RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.
(c) BAPTISM BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST:
UNLIKE JOHN WHO USED WATER TO BAPTIZE PEOPLE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST USED ONLY THE SPOKEN WORD. THERE IS NO DAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST USED WATER OR ANY OTHER MEDIUM TO BAPTIZE PEOPLE. HE ONLY USED THE WORD. HE WILL TELL YOU, "GO YOUR PROBLEMS ARE OVER, YOUR SICKNESS IS OVER," AND IT WILL BE SO.
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REPRESENT ALL THE TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
(d) BAPTISM IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR:
IT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OF OTHER CHURCHES; AND FOR THIS REASON, ONE MUST BE BAPTIZED AGAIN INTO BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR EVEN THOUGH ONE MAY HAVE BAPTIZED SEVERAL TIMES ELSEWHERE. HERE YOU MUST CONFESS YOUR SINS AND REPENT OF ALL YOUR SINS BEFORE BAPTISM. ONCE YOU CONFESS, AND REPENT OF ALL YOUR SINS, AND YOU ARE BAPTIZED, YOU BECOME A DIFFERENT PERSON. YOUR SALVATION STARTS FROM THE DAY YOU ARE BAPTIZED. THIS IS SO BECAUSE YOU ARE FIRST GIVEN THE WORDS OF GOD BEFORE YOUR CONFESSION. WITHOUT PASSING THROUGH THIS WAY YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME.
THE HOLY OIL AND WATER USED IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR ARE SIGNS OF THE PRESENCE OF THE TRIUNE GOD, AND ONCE YOU MAKE A SIGN OF THE CROSS ON THE FOREHEAD OF A PERSON WHO HAS CONFESSED HIS SINS, HIS SICKNESS IS HEALED AND HIS PROBLEMS ARE OVER. THERE IS NO SICKNESS THAT CANNOT BE HEALED THIS WAY. IT IS NOT AN EASY THING TO POSSESS THE HOLY SPIRIT EXCEPT THROUGH THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS WITH THE RIGHT USAGE OF THE HOLY OIL WHICH IS THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. The Holy Oil signifies the Blood of Christ and it is what is used in forgiving your sins and iniquities.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER: BAPTISM BY IMMERSION SHALL REMAIN FOREVER BECAUSE IT IS SOURCE OF SALVATION FOR MANKIND. THE WATER IS USED IN WASHING AND CLEANING ALL FILTHINESS, AND ONE BECOMES SANCTIFIED.
(I): FLEE FROM OLD TEACHINGS AND FALSE PRACTICES:
The orthodox churches lack the Holy Spirit because they are
under the law. And it is said: ONE CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED BY LAW. ONCE YOU HAVE FAITH IN THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU ARE BLESSED.
Before this period the orthodox Churches affirmed that the
Holy Spirit ended on the day of Pentecost. APART FROM THE EARLY DISCIPLES AND APOSTLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, ALL OTHER PEOPLE DERAILED FROM THE PATH OF RECTITUDE BY TRAMPLING ON THE TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. AND IF PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD DO NOT ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO THE TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND REFRAIN FROM DOUBTING HIM, THEY ALL WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. YOUR STATUS AND ATTAINMENT IN LIFE NOT WITHSTANDING, IF YOU VIOLATE THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE.
THE ONLY LAW IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR IS:
"LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER."
HERE IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR, WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, INSTEAD WE STAND BY LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER. IT IS LOVE THAT PREVAILS IN BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF BROTHERHOOD IS TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. THE WHOLE WORLD BEARS WITNESS OF THE WONDERFUL THINGS IN THIS KINGDOM.
THE MOSAIC LAWS VERSUS THE LAWS OF CHRIST
PEOPLE DO, FROM TIME TO TIME, MAKE OPEN CONFESSION ABOUT THEIR PAST SINS. I APPRECIATE THEIR COURAGE AND THEIR DESIRE TO LIVE A CLEAN LIFE. WHAT I NOTICE ABOUT THIS SET OF PEOPLE IS THAT THEY DO NOT CONFESS ABOUT THEIR LACK OF LOVE; RATHER THEIR CONFESSIONS CENTER ON THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MOSES. BUT THE QUESTION IS: WHICH OF THESE LAWS IS SUPREME, THE MOSAIC LAWS OR THE LAW OF CHRIST, WHICH IS LOVE? However, it is only necessary that I change the gear due to the timing of events. The time is short, so you have to hurry; for you need this LOVE because it is life. You have to practice it because it is the source of salvation.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAME AND SHED HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD SO AS TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THIS NEW AGE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE ARE BROUGHT INTO. HIS COMING ALSO BROUGHT TO NOUGHT ALL THE NORMS, VALUES, AND TEACHINGS OF THE OLD AGE. THEREFORE IF YOU GO BACK TO SUCH THINGS YOU ARE NOT WORTHY OF THIS NEW AGE, AND IT IS TO THIS END THAT I ALWAYS PITY MOST OF THE SECRET SOCIETIES, ORTHODOX CHURCHES, PRAYER HOUSES, WHO STILL MAKE USE OF THESE OLD TEACHINGS. IF YOU HAVE A RELATION WHO IS A MEMBER OF SUCH ORGANIZATIONS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU ADVISE HIM/HER TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO REPENT.
SEE JOHN 16: 20-25: THIS PORTION OF THE BIBLE APPLIES TO BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR OR THE CHRIST UNIVERSAL SPIRITUAL SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY. WHY SHOULD THE WORLD BE IN RAGE THAT A NEW CHURCH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED? ALL THE CHURCHES OF CHRISTENDOM, PAGANDOM AND HEATHENDOM USE CANDLES AND BURN INCENSE? THEY FORM ORCHESTRAS, AND CLAP THEIR HANDS, THEY INVOKE SPIRITS, TAKE DRUGS, INJECTIONS, AND THEY USE CHARMS AND CONCOCTIONS, THEY USE PERFUMES AND THEY CONSULT SPIRIT MEDIUMS. THEY GO TO MOUNTAIN TOPS, RIVERSIDE AND OTHER DESIGNATED PLACES TO WORSHIP. IT IS ONLY IN BROTHERHOOD THAT WE DO NOT DO ANY OF THE THINGS MENTIONED ABOVE. BROTHERHOOD IS NOT AN IMPORTED FORM OF WORSHIP.
READ 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-6 SO THAT YOU MAY HAVE A PICTURE OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF THINGS: "This also know that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, dispisers of those that are good,traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: FROM SUCH RUNAWAY. For of this sort are they which creep into houses to lead captive silly women laden with sin, led away with diverse lust. Do not forget this little point, people having a form of godliness and attributing falsehood to its powers. DO THE SO CALLED CHRISTIAN CHURCHES OF CHRISTENDOM NOT DENY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY AND TERM IT TO BE BEELZEBUB?
THE MUCH TALKED ABOUT CHURCH-GOERS ARE LOVERS OF BOTH ALCOHOLIC AND SOFT DRINKS. THEY LOVE MUSIC, FORNICATION, ADULTERY, NIGHT CLUBS AND LUXURIOUS LIVING. IF ANY PERSON PREACHES AGAINST THESE THINGS THEY IMMEDIATELY WOULD RELIEVE SUCH A PREACHER OF HIS POST, OR HE IS TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER CONGREGATION. THE WORLDLY PEOPLE CLAIM TO KNOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BUT IN THEIR ACTIONS, THEY COMPLETELY DENY HIM. READ TITUS 1:16: "THEY PROFESS TO KNOW GOD BUT IN THEIR WORKS THEY DENY HIM, BEING ABOMINABLE AND DISOBEDIENT AND UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK REPROBATE."
SINCE BROTHERHOOD IS FOUNDED ON THE TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, MEMBERS DO NOT DRINK ANY WINE, ALCOHOLIC OR OTHERWISE. THEY WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.
(J) OTHER BROTHERHOOD PRACTICES AND THEIR BIBLICAL REFERENCES:
(a): Why We Wear White: Revelation 3:4-5/7:9/13-14/19:8,14.
We are clad in white because "these are those who have been through great tribulation and have washed their clothes white in the lamb's blood; and we worship Him day and night."
(b): Why We Wear No Shoes: Ex 3:5, Matt 10:14, Luke 10:4
Our feet we do not adorn with shoes because:
1. As in the days of old, when Moses went to commune with God Almighty, he was asked to remove his sandals, as the ground on which he was standing was holy (Ex 3:5). Are we better than Moses? When Our Lord Jesus Christ sent His Disciples "As Lambs among wolves, He told them not to carry shoes (Luke 10:3-4). Again, the disciples were instructed that in homes that did not welcome them, they should shake the dust off their feet, not off the soles of their shoes (Matt 10:14/Mark 6:11/Luke 9:5,22:35)
2. Heaven Is His Throne And Earth His Footstool: Isaiah 66:1, Acts 7:49
The ground is holy! The ground is holy!
(c): Why Every Sister Covers Her Head: 1 Cor 11:4-5/11:13
(d): Why We Kneel Or Stand To Pray: Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Acts 9:40-41/21:5, Philippians 2:10.
(e): Why We Knock Our Heads And/Or Prostrate During Worship:
Matt 26:39, Rev 4:10/7:11/11:16
Three times we knock our heads on the ground in honor of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. We fall on our faces to worship God Almighty. Unlike the fallen angel, Lucifer, who adamantly refused to fall on his face, and worship the baby Jesus, and so was thrown out of heaven (Rev 12:7-9), we want to be for ever on the Lord's side, to worship, honor and adore Him.
THE ALTER OF GOD IS OUR HEARTS WHICH MUST BE PURIFIED AT ALL TIMES THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION OF SIN AND ABSTENTION FROM SIN.
However when we gather together to pray we set up table with a bouquet of flowers and three other very important items: the water, the holy oil, which is a symbol of the blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ; and the New Testament Bible, representing the Word of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is important to remember all the prophesies concerning Our Lord Jesus Christ. Even as Simon prophesied that a sword shall pierce through his side,(Luke 2:28-35) it happened accordingly. It was said that water and blood shall gush out of His side; and this proved Him as Christ. (John 19:34). It is the water and blood that passed out of His side that washes away our iniquities. The death of Christ left a fountain of water whereby we all bathe for the remission of our sins. It may be interesting to note that it was for this reason that John the Baptist was asked to baptize with water.
BIBLE REFERENCE:(1 JOHN 5:7-8) "FOR THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR RECORD IN HEAVEN, THE FATHER, THE WORD, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT: AND THESE THREE ARE ONE. AND THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH, THE SPIRIT, AND THE WATER, AND THE BLOOD: AND THESE THREE AGREE IN ONE."
All problems are solved and sicknesses healed by these three items- WATER, BLOOD (HOLY OIL) AND THE WORD OF GOD. If a patient has sinned,let him confess all his sins. Then give him the word of God, Water and Holy Oil. In this way he will be healed, or his problems will be solved. Do not accept diabolical substances from any person.
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES: All difficult cases are finally settled by THE SPIRITUAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, if the Peace Committee, the Executive of the General Fellowship, the Men's or Women's Fellowship Executive, and three ordained Brothers or Sisters have failed to settle the dispute. Brethren should not take their cases to the worldly courts. WE DO NOT BURN INCENSE, CANDLES, WE DO NOT USE ANY ROSARIES OR PRAYER BEADS, WE DO NOT HAVE ANY ORCHESTRAS OR BANDS, WE DO NOT MAKE ANY INCANTATIONS OR INVOKE ANY SPIRITS OR ANGELS. WE DEPEND COMPLETELY AND ABSOLUTELY ON THE FATHER THROUGH THE NAME AND BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID GREAT WORKS WITH THE SPOKEN WORD. HE DID NOT USE CANDLES, INCENSE, OR PERFUMES. HE DID NOT BEAT DRUMS. HE SPOKE AND PEOPLE WERE HEALED OF THEIR TERRIBLE SICKNESS. EVEN THE DEAD WERE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE.
[Return to Top]
In Brotherhood of the Cross and Star we believe that only the Father can give and also take life. Our Lord Jesus Christ was assigned to subdue death and Hades, and collect its keys; and so for us death exists no more. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord over all planes of manifest, including heaven and earth. We believe that Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, and God caused Him to resurrect; and so we do not cry, mourn or lament. Hence if our member passes away, we simply give thanks to the Father and conduct a very simple burial, beginning with a quiet burial of the dead body.
FATHER'S INSTRUCTIONS: Once you have been baptized, you become one with God and you have been made clean and therefore you should have nothing to do with drink and corpse. READ NUMBERS 6:1-8
THERE IS NO NEED TO TAKE CORPSES INTO A CHURCH BUILDING: The practice of the world is that when somebody dies you put the corpse inside a coffin, and place it at the alter of the church, and you say that it is coming to receive blessing. SHOW ME WHERE THAT TYPE OF LESSON IS DERIVED FROM THE BIBLE? Do you not see what is practiced in your forefather's churches. When somebody dies they ring the bell intermittently until the body is placed at the alter. That chapter in Numbers has specifically told you that such a thing should not be done, you should not touch dead bodies, especially now that God has come down to dwell with men. Why should you carry dead bodies into the church? THERE IS NO NEED TO TAKE A DEAD BODY INSIDE THE CHURCH.
WHO WILL HANDLE THE CORPSE: All persons have their different assignments. All men, women, children, and all classes of people have their different functions to perform. AND THE CHILDREN OF GOD TOO HAVE THEIR DUTY TO PERFORM. For example, when Mary sent word to Our Lord Jesus Christ about the death of His earthly father, Joseph, Christ simply said that Joseph had finished his assignment, and so He continued to preach the Gospel. He did not abandon the preaching to go and bury Joseph. When John the Baptist was decapitated in prison his followers informed our Lord Jesus Christ who still continued with his preaching while the followers of John quietly buried him in the prison yard without any fanfare.
And so let the dead bury the dead, but you should go and preach the glory of God. When Our Lord Jesus Christ died His disciples ran away. Joseph of Arimathia requested the body, and laid it quietly in a sepulchre hewn in stone. He did not take the dead body inside any church building.
Therefore, when somebody dies the corpse should be promptly returned to the dust to lighten the burden on the survivors. Why should corpses be kept for long periods of time in the mortuary? IT IS EVIL AND UNRIGHTEOUS TO PUT A DEAD BODY IN THE MORTUARY. It is an indirect way Satan uses to deplete your resources. Does it mean that the corpse, when it is frozen for so long, will return to life?
BROTHERHOOD MAKES THE WHOLE FUNERAL SIMPLE: IF A PERSON SLEEPS IN THE LORD, EMPTY THE CASE. THE CORPSE IS QUIETLY DISPOSED OF BY BURYING IT IN THE GROUND WITHOUT ANY FANFARE. WHAT FOLLOWS IS TO CONDUCT EVENING SERVICES IN THE DECEASED PERSON'S COMPOUND FOR SEVEN DAYS; AND THAT IS ALL.
This is so because we know fully well that the main being in the person has left the abode, and so there is no justification in incurring any expenses just to dispose of an empty case. It is only demented and foolish people who can afford to engage in such an exercise of spending for a corpse. WHATEVER YOU SPEND FOR THE CORPSE IS LOST, AND YOU WILL SUFFER A GREAT DEAL BECAUSE SUCH AN ACT IS NOT PERMITTED BY GOD. If you spend onward of twenty thousand for a coffin alone, just to dispose of a corpse, does it mean that you have not seen beggars and the poor that you could use the money to help? What is the wisdom in doing such a thing? If the worldly people could do such foolish acts, should people who call themselves children of the New Kingdom, do it too?
FATHER CONSOLES: You need to see Father help and console the bereaved in the heart. He would say: "Weep not, your relation is not dead. Death is a cruel word. There is nothing like it. He has finished his assignment. He needs the flesh no more. Beyond your sight is another task for him. After that task he passes on to yet task till he attains the crown of a perfect life; and where he has gone all shall go.
If you harbor any grief, and give way to sorrow in your heart, these sentiments will grow greater, and you will be nothing but grief. Help your relation, for he seeks solace now more than ever. He is glad when you are glad, and sad when you are sad. Rise up bury your woes, and smile at grief, and then help others bury their tears."