®

INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN COUNSEL

bY CHINASOM UZODIMMA ELEKWACHI

 The Be It Model For Christian Choice 

"TO BE IT, IS TO BE CHRISTIAN"

 

 

A teaching, sermon script/Outline or pastoral advice about renouncing a vow of non-marriage or abstinence created using ‘The Be It Model For Christian Choice’ as a guided framework.

 

The importance of maintaining or upholding vows is highlighted in a number of Scriptures such as Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy 23:21, and Matthew 5:33.  

 

  • Numbers 30:2 - 2 When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

 

  • Deuteronomy 23:21 -21 When you vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it, for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you

.

  • Matthew 5:33 - 33 “Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’

 

However, even under the Law of Moses there are exceptions where vows are lawfully made void, which is made clear in Numbers chapter 30. More so, the same concept is realised more fully in the New Covenant as there is a law of grace and liberty that applies in certain circumstances, as indicated by Galatians 5:1 and Galatians 5:22-23.

 

  • Galatians 5:1 - Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

 

  • Galatians 5:22-23 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

Overall, the Bible makes it clear that it is good and right to uphold your vows, however, there are personal circumstances that leaves Christian people with the rightful option of forgoing a vow. The reason for this is that some vows may have been a misguided and regrettable mistake that leads to sin, which may be the case for vows of non-marriage or abstinence. Vows of  non-marriage or abstinence are not required to live a Christian lifestyle, and so, where abstinence may  be associated with or lead to sins such as a lack of self-control (lust) or sexual immorality it becomes an issue, albeit a resolvable one which is highlighted by the Scriptures 1 Timothy 4:1-3. 1 Corinthians 7:5, 1 Corinthians 7:9, and Mark 9:43.  

 

  • 1 Timothy 4:1-3 - 1But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron, 3forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

 

NOTE: The “later times” has been ongoing for centuries, it is not a new issue associated with the current man-made traditions of the Christian faith.

 

  • 1 Corinthians 7:5 - Don’t deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

 

  • 1 Corinthians 7:9 - 9 But if they don’t have self-control, let them marry. For it’s better to marry than to burn.

 

NOTE: Sexual immorality is an automatically disqualifying sin, which means that those who practice it cannot receive the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it prevents entry into the New Covenant, which is also commonly known as the Kingdom of Heaven, the Body of Christ, God’s Domain or God’s Kingdom.

 

  • Mark 9:43 - If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire,

 

NOTE: This is a Scriptural metaphor which indicates that when there are things or issues that cause you to sin, and you are able to resolve them; then you should immediately choose to prevent or stop the sin to avoid self-condemnation. Hence, the concept of “immediate sin resolution” also extends to non-marriage or abstinence vows.

 

Within this context, the Scriptures Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 1 Corinthians 7:,  1 Corinthians 7:9,  and Mark 9:43 indicate that the renouncing of  a mistaken and regrettable vow of non-marriage or abstinence, and pro-actively seeking to marry is the simple resolution to absolve the sins of lust and/or sexual immorality, which may be associated with the repression of the natural human desire for intimacy and affection. Therefore, this means that the renouncing of a non-marriage or abstinence vow combined with the genuine intention to marry is how to repent (change) of the broken vow, which is most important when a former self-detrimental vow continually leads to sin, or if there is a renewed desire to marry. Hence, it is the consideration of the consequences and benefits to the renouncing of a non-marriage or abstinence vow under the New Covenant’s law of grace and liberty that determines whether to hold on to, or let go of the vow (Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:22-23).  For example, where the renouncing of a non-marriage or abstinence vow prevents sin and improves one’s wellbeing - it is obviously the good and right thing to do, as the act of marriage can help decrease and/or prevent sins associated with lust or sexual immorality, which is most likely rooted in peoples natural desire for intimacy and affection*.

 

To conclude, it is fine to renounce non-marriage and abstinence vows within this context or circumstance, and that is because marriage to a correct individual can rectify the actual cause of the sin, which may arise from the lack of  a healthy expression of natural human desire, particularly when someone holds a genuine interest or desire for intimacy and affection.  Therefore, where the keeping of a non-marriage or abstinence vow has resulted in lust and/or sexual immorality there is a simple course of action to resolve the issue. Firstly, the yoke of emotional based sins can be lessened through fasting, prayer and working on self-control (Mark 9:29), and decreasing and/or stopping the sins of lust and sexual immorality through a consensual marriage to a suitable individual (heterosexual or straight relationships only) by: (1) a vow in prayer (2) a court marriage (includes a vow), or (3) a wedding ceremony (includes a vow).  The act of intimacy constituting a marriage is made clear throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament, and so, a vow of marriage in prayer is sufficient when it is the immediate concern to resolve the sin of sexual immorality.

 

Evidence of the act of intimacy constituting a marriage in the Old Testament

  • Genesis 24:67 - 67 Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife. He loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

 

  • Genesis 29:21-30 -  21 Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.”22 Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 23 In the evening, he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to Jacob. He went in to her. 24 Laban gave Zilpah his servant to his daughter Leah for a servant. 25 In the morning, behold, it was Leah! He said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Didn’t I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”26 Laban said, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me for seven more years.”28 Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week. He gave him Rachel his daughter as wife. 29 Laban gave Bilhah, his servant, to his daughter Rachel to be her servant. 30 He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him seven more years.

 

NOTE: Monogamous relationships are required under the New Covenant. Furthermore, the Scripture Genesis 29:21-30 indicates that Jacob’s marriages were not dictated by the organising of a wedding feast or ceremony, but the act of intimacy and a vow, as indicated by his intention to marry Rachel and his noted commitment to her.

 

Evidence of the act of intimacy constituting a marriage in the New Covenant

 

  • 1 Corinthians 6:16-18 - 16 Or don’t you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, “The two”, he says, “will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

 

NOTE: “to become one flesh” indicates that the act of intimacy results in a spiritually binding marriage that is recognised by the Lord, the Most High God. Therefore, where there is no marriage vow, the act of intimacy becomes the sin of lust and sexual immorality. An example of a marriage vow prayer is provided by the Book of Tobit (chapter 8: 4-8), which can be found in ‘The World English Bible’ and ‘The New American Bible’.

 

  • John 4:17-18 -  17 The woman answered, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You said well, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.”

 

NOTE: In the Scripture John 4:17-18, the Lord, Jesus Christ, who is all knowing about everyone and all things, is basically saying that He knows that the Samaritan woman had already been intimate with 5 men, but had yet to be intimate with her current boyfriend, who was therefore not her husband at that point in time.

 

 

All Scripture quotations are true and faithful copies taken from the ‘Holy Bible: World English Bible Version’, published by Bible Domain Publishing in 2016 (Public Domain Work)–ISBN-13:978-1530857654, and ISBN-10 1530857651.

 

This information is a general example of Chinasom’s training and educational services provided by Independent Christian Counsel, for example, there are likely to be other known factors that influence lust and sexual immorality, which also requires the additional consideration of other personal experiences*. Therefore, this information should not be taken out of its context, and so, lay persons should not try to interpret Biblical issues without the proper training that is required to address and resolve complex Christian matters, as it requires trained and proper moral conscience (discernment), developed Biblical literacy skills and  the correct consideration of personal circumstance.

 

More so, this content does not claim to be professional medical, health or psychological advice, but the content is a religious and spiritual alternative that may be informed by the theoretical knowledge of these professions. Chinasom Uzodimma Elekwachi trading as ‘Independent Christian Counsel’remains in no way or  form an agent of anyone who employs their own agency (choice) to use, follow or not follow the information and advice provided by this example. Chinasom has made every effort to ensure that this information was correct at the time of publishing; hence, Independent Christian Counsel does not assume, and hereby disclaims any liability and issues no warranty to the consumer or any party caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or for any other cause arising out of the use of the content, or the inability to use it. This example remains the intellectual property of Chinasom Uzodimma Elekwachi, and therefore it should not be used for unauthorised commercial or non-commercial reuse.

Instructorship and Pastorship Training (Professional Development)

The Instructorship and Pastorship Training (IPT) Program is designed to provide a robust and developed foundation in Biblical Context for Personal Circumstance (BCPC) and Core Christian Background Knowledge (CCBK), while simultaneously walking those who undergo its training through a  formal and official process of repentance. As a form of professional development, the intended and best possible outcome of the IPT is receiving the Holy Spirit, and the anointing to teach and/or pastor other people within a legitimate church assembly, whether a church organisation or community organisation. Alternatively, the IPT can be used to train those who may have already received the Holy Spirit, given that they also have a suitable and required background in the Christian faith through formal education, experience and/or profession, such as church staff.  This is necessary because the IPT is designed to correct and build upon already established knowledge, and is therefore not suited to those with only newly established knowledge that may have been gained through The VMFCP (the main target audience for the IPT is not lay Christian people).

 

The IPT course features 2 units, which are organised into 10 sub-modules that are taught in the format of workshops. The IPT course is basically the same for Instructors and Pastors, but with streaming occurring for Instructors and Pastors in sub-modules 1.1, 1.2 and 2.7 (please inquire for further details). Alternatively, there is the option for dual specialisation, which is training in the area of both Instructorship and Pastorship. This confers the position of a Pastoral Instructor, and is therefore best suited to church leadership. Notably,  there is no other way to secure a legitimate authoritative position within the Body of Christ. For example, The VMFCP is for "general salvation" purposes only, which means that there is no teaching or pastoral anointing associated with it at all. Hence, The VMFCP confers no authority to those who use it, as only a Scribe (Chinasom), can determine positions of authority within the Body of Christ, and The IPT was created for this very purpose.  The option of selecting to undergo certain IPT units is possible for churches where already established management and organisational structures exist, and this is because an equivalent training program can be organised to suit a church’s needs. For example, an Instructor, Instructor or Pastor may further specialise in a specific Discipline  or Portfolio such as 'Cleansing', 'Pastoral Care', Health Management', 'Parenting - Appropriateness & Discipline' and 'Christian Education' (for Instructors and Instructor assistants), which is based on mandatory or optional TPRT that is suited to all levels of church staff, and is therefore undertaken based on specific cultural, sub-cultural and organisational needs. For the relevant parties, The IPT also includes  the consideration for the expansion of a Church assembly to host and organise once-off and ongoing social events, or hobby/skill workshops that cater to a range of interests for the purpose of promoting healthy socialisation and community support among Christian people.

 

The IPT workshops are suitable for groups of up to 8 people at a time within one church organisation or community, however, requests can be made for the individual training of a church leader on behalf of its assembly. The IPT must occur in-person for the purpose of confirming Christian prospect and suitability (the likelihood of success is high), as well as baptism (if not already self-baptised), official anointing and registration processes, more so, through in-person workshops the Body Of Christs leadership is able to be built up in trust, orderliness, strength, peace, professionalism and community. The full IPT can be completed in 4-5 weeks when undertaken as an intensive course, which is the perceivably recommended timeframe deemed suitable for developed learning, proper reflection and genuine change to occur. If someone has received the Holy Spirit (or already lives a Christian lifestyle) prior to undertaking the IPT, then the full IPT can be completed in 2-3 weeks, as the focus becomes learning only. Apostleship is also a possible outcome of the IPT based on candidate suitability.

 

The small workshop size of the IPT permits a teacher-tutor style format of education, which enables each learner to be provided with a more personalised form of education because of the ability of the teacher to provide each learner with more direct attention. Hence, the IPT workshop format is based on the professional educational knowledge that smaller class sizes can help improve student educational outcomes, as well as their engagement in the learning process.  Therefore, because Instructors, Instructors, and Pastors are very important figures within the Body of Christ it means that their education must be of a high quality standard because it ensures that those who they Instruct or Pastor in the future are left in the care of good and well-educated hands. Once a baseline threshold of church leadership and staff has been saved, trained and observed to meet performance standards, the church assembly is able to train their own staff according to established and proper organisational protocol (optional licensed use of the IPT and TPRT).

 

 

Please send in an email inquiry if your Organisation Church or  Christian Education Institution is interested in the IPT/APT

 

If your inquiry or matter does not fall neatly within the categories of: The Creation of Christian Teachings About Any Topic; The Creation of Culturally Sensitive Christian Doctrine; Training or Advice based on topics from ‘The VMFCP’ publications; and IPT (Professional Development), then you are able to inquire about specific projects that encompass Chinasom’s skills and expertise such as Christian teaching resources, relevant training and licensing (pre-designed by Chinasom, and the scripted Presentation Series, 'Complications'  & ' The Words of Wisdom Bakery' (The WOW Bakery) which is suitable for children, teenage or adult Christian education),  or other complex Christian matters  i.e. the removal and/or destruction of problematic idolatrous items or cleansing of locations or items. Please submit an inquiry form for "Specific Project" if multiple services are required such as a complete church denomination reform.

 

NOTE: Independent Christian Counsel’s services are not for individual person(s). Hence, Independent Christian Counsel’s Services are primarily for Religious Organisations and Religious Communities, but other official organisations including government bodies, official and recognised organisations, or corporations may also inquire with Independent Christian Counsel. Alternatively, Christian Services are available for the most senior individuals belonging to the aforementioned, if required please use the Christian Services Form for any Christian Service requests. For any other questions or queries please use the general contact form, which can also be used to organise a video-conference with Chinasom before confirming further continuation with an inquiry or any other matter.