BCS Doctrines
All the doctrines of Brotherhood of the Cross & Star(BCS) are in conformity with the teachings and doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ; hence BCS is a Spiritual School of Practical Christianity – Isaiah 2:2-4, John 16:12-15, 1st Corinthians 13:10 & 12.
Motto: Faith, Hope and Love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Aim:
- To completely love and summit ourselves to God and love one another Matt 22:37-40.
- To practically follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ John 13:15, 14:15.
- To spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (love) to the entire world. John 20:21.
Baptism
Repentance and Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the gate-way to salvation, and into the Kingdom of God. Through this, the Gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed unto you. Baptism is conducted at any time or day, whenever the person is ready to accept, it is for all ages. Matt 3:11, 28:19, John 3:5, Mark 16:16, Ephesians 4:4-5.
Language
Greetings
“Peace of the Father, Perfect Peace or Peace be unto you”; is the general opening greetings of BCS members irrespective of the time or occasion. Peace is the heavenly language. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6. He used the same greetings of ‘peace’, John 20:19 & 26 and His disciples followed suit in their evangelism, Matt 10:12-13, and after His ascension.
Titles
All females and males of all ages and status are addressed as sisters and brothers, or brethren, Matt 23:8, Act 9:17, Rev 6:11, Malachi 2:10. Because we are of one parents (Adam and Eve) and come from one God. Genesis 1:26-27.
Common communication phrases
BCS members thank God for everything they see, Ephesians 5:4 & 20, and believe that everything work for good for those who love God. Hence no disappointment or failure. Examples of such phrases includes – “Thank you Father”, “All is Well”, “The Father is Before and Behind”, “Listen to the Holy Spirit”, “Let the Holy Spirit direct”, “Let the will of God be done” and “Father or Papa Bless You” Matt 19:34. Others are “Father owns everything”, “Father knows everything”, “Transfer instead of death” and so on.
We start and end testimonies, revelations, visions, dreams, general discussion or announcement with; Ephesians 5:20.
“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
In the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now and for evermore. Amen”.
BCS DRESSINGS
WHITE: BCS members commonly or instinctively dress in white to work, occasions or casuals as simple as possible, no makeup, no plaits, or jewelry of any kind; rings, chains, beads and non-wearing of wrist watch, 1 Peter 3:3, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Exodus 32:2-4, etc.
White Robes
BCS members wear distinctive long white robes or garment called ‘Soutane’ or the “Royal Robe”. This garment is worn by all members regardless of their age or position within the Kingdom, to Bethels or outside the Bethel.Rev.3:4-5, 7:9 & 14. White soutane is the same raiment that Our Lord Jesus Christ wore when He was transfigured, Matt 17:2.
Reception of His Holiness, The King of kings during His official visit to Rivers State, Nigeria.
Red Garment
Red soutane is worn by the Holy Trinity and is sown in the same style like the white soutane. Rev 19: 13, Isaiah 63:1, Genesis 49:11.
Black Garment
Is worn by the Harbingers of BCS only, Rev 11:3-6.
The colours:
White symbolizes “righteousness”, “purity” and peace.
Red means “love” and “the word of God”.
Black is “Judgement”
Turbans(Sarge)
These are long wide ropes with different colours tied round the waist by the ordained brothers and sisters. BCS ordination is done by the Holy Father alone. The number of years in BCS or age does not determine individual ordination. It is determined spiritually and based on destiny. All positions and duties are all based on practical love for one another and evangelism “to make the whole world one is a task that must be done”.
Turban colours Position
Purple turban Bishops – brothers, 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Red turban Evangelist (brothers/ sisters), Apostles- brothers, Deaconesses- sisters
Black turban Pastors – brothers
Yellow turban Senior prophets/prophetess
Blue, green and brown turban – Prophets / Prophetess
All ordained brethren sit together in the ordained pew
Cross section of Deaconesses at Elephant & Castle bethel, London
Shoes
BCS members do not wear shoes especially inside the Bethel or any place of worship. Exodus 3:5 Act 7:33 – Romans 10:15, Luke 22-35.
A Deaconess in her full robe with bare feet
Bethels
Members of BCS worship in a ‘Bethel’ (as opposed to what others called churches) as in Genesis 28: v 18–19. The true meaning of Church is ‘ body of a person which is where God dwells and not a building or premises’.
These Bethels have their individual names depending on the location or the name of the area that it is built e.g., Elephant & Castle Bethel London, Mill Hill Bethel London, or Manchester Bethel and so on.
Bethels of the BCS are opened 24hours a day, 7days a week, and each day of every year from January to December.
There are three basic keys of BCS
Prayers, Songs and Gospels
Knocking or bowing of head
BCS members bow their head three times in reverence to the Holy Trinity God, before and after prayers (Matt 2:11,26:39, 1 Corinthians 14:25, Rev 7:11) or at any time, place or occasion whenever the spirit directs. Bowing of head is a very vital and effective part of communication with God; it’s akin to a dialing tone or knocking on the door before going in.
All prayers starts and ends with;
“Let thanks, honour and glory be ascribed to God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
“Let thanks, honour and glory be ascribed to God in the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Let dominion and supremacy be given to God now and for ever more, Amen.
BCS members thank God for everything in their prayers, as it is believed to be an insult, greed and ignorance to ask God for anything especially carnal things. God is our Omniscient Father and knows what is good and suitable for us, Matt 6:25-26 and there is time for everything. The power of the spoken word alone prevails, there is no burning of candles, incense, perfumes or use of any form of diabolical item.
Spiritual Weapon: Fasting
Fasting is the act of refraining oneself from food and water. It is a period of purification in which brethren devote themselves to prayers and supplications to God. Fasting brings you closer and in direct communication with your Creator through self sanctification while separated from the chaos of the world. It is good for the spirit, as well as flesh. All types of sicknesses and problems are solved through fasting. Members are enjoined to fast 6.00am to 6.00pm especially on Thursdays – as this was the day Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified (as opposed to Friday, adopted by other Christian organisations). See the Good Friday Gospel by the Leader.
Before the Pentecostal period, 72 hours of dry – fasting with no food or water is undertaken by all Brotherhood of The Cross and Star members Matt 17:21, Galatians 5:24-25, to purify oneself and to be ready for the one month Pentecostal, which is one week after the dry fasting.
During Pentecostal, fasting is observed daily from 6am to 6pm, to bring you closer and worthy to receive the Holy Words and blessings of God, Acts 13:2-3. As with all other fasting, full feast is served for the breaking of fast. Like all other activities everything is directed solely by the Holy Spirit. Nothing therefore is compulsory or imposed on any member.
Songs
The songs in BCS are very unique, heavenly and melodious and they are composed directly by the Holy Spirit. It is the type of songs that is not heard in any other place outside BCS. The power conveyed through the songs could break more than the wall of Jericho. It is a healing balm which comes with divine happiness and lasting joy.
There are three types of songs in BCS; spiritual songs sang by all congregation, special songs rendered by Choir, hymnary from BCS hymn book and songs for special occasions.
A cross section of Choristers at an open-air outing – Covent Garden, London
Gospels
The words of God in BCS are the most powerful weapon, as it comes directly from the author of words and wisdom and is based solely on “love one another”. It is the truth enriched with love, comfort, strength, faith, contentment, assurance, hope and revelations. The Gospels from the Sole spiritual Head of the Universe is the only path to purification, righteousness and salvation. All the texts and sermons are quoted from and based on the Holy Bible.
The laws and rules
BCS members are law-abiding members of whichever country they are. They do not partake in any strike, demonstration, protest or rebellion of any kind. They believe solely in the will of God; James 4:7, hence they do not litigate, 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, revenge, bear false witness, take oath, swear, Matt 5:34-37, James 5:12, or curse. BCS members are forgiving, Matt 6:14, merciful, kind-hearted, honest and truthful and trust only in the divine judgement of the Perfect Father. Matt 5:38-48.
All true children of God must meet the requirements enumerated in the gospel titled “First step to God”.
Feast
Is the food that our Lord Jesus Christ promised will be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God, Luke 22:15-16. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave a demonstration, (Luke 22:19-20) of this most precious food and revealed the bread to be His body and the cup (water), as His new testament in His blood; The Love Feast. John 6:51-57, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Feast in BCS consists of fruits, vegetables, rice etc., and water. It is purely vegan and is blessed and served after service or fasting.
Feast could be of two types:
- Fruits feast; which is prepared basically with various types of fruits.
- Full feast; consists of both fruits and food.
There is also house feast, which could be fruits or full. BCS members do house feast or blessing before or shortly after they move into a new house and also at will, as the Holy Spirit reveals or directs. Acts 2:42-47.
Food and Drink
In BCS the word of God is the main food, as our Lord Jesus Christ said that man shall not live by bread alone but by the word that proceed from the mouth of God. BCS members do not kill, eat or offer meat or fish, neither do they eat any dairy product. In BCS, Vegan is practiced. Eating of fruits is very important and significant, hence BCS members usually have fruits at their homes; fruits are served to visitors or strangers in place of drinks.
It is our belief that heaven and earth and its inhabitants were created before man. All the creations of God are part of Brotherhood (see What is Brotherhood).
Genesis 1:29 “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
BCS members do not drink or offer alcoholic drink, wine, soft or any artificially mixed drink except water.
Smoking and snuffing is not the food of the Holy Spirit and is not acceptable in BCS.
Medicine
BCS do not believe in medicine of any form and so do not swallow, drink, inject or rub medicine of any type. BCS members believe in faith healing through the power of the spoken word, confession of sins, spiritual songs, power of the spoken words, prayers, fasting, going on ministry work, or the mere blessing of water and drinking and/or calling on the new name of God, as the only and the most effective cure with no after effect.
WORSHIP
Months, Weeks and Days activities
Pentecostal periods: this is a periodical fellowship with the Holy Father whereby, everyday activities of the smaller Bethel’s are closed and further activities are carried out in the appointed Pentecostal Centers.
There are three seasons of Pentecostal and they all signify the three most important stages of our Lord Jesus Christ.
During these periods there are 10am and 7pm services everyday, followed by different fellowship meetings with the Holy Father whereby the Sole Spiritual Head of the Universe, Leader O. O. Obu imparts enormous blessings and advises to His children.
December Pentecostal:- is in remembrance and celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ Luke 2:10-14, and the birth of the supernatural Teacher, Leader O.O. Obu Isaiah 63:1, on December 30th. The whole world is invited to these wonderful celebration at any Pentecostal Center near your home.
April Pentecostal:- is in remembrance of the betrayal, torture, pain, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fulfillment of His promise; that He will return John 14:3-4 and that He will send the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit, John 16:7. The spirit of truth, John 16:13, the Perfect Man who will lead all to the accurate knowledge of truth and who will bring all that is in parts to whole, 1 Corinthians 13:10 &12. The promise of the personification of the Holy Trinity God and the establishment of the new and last kingdom of God on earth, with men is fulfilled today Daniel 2:44, Rev 21:3-4.
A cross section of brethren during a Pentecostal period at BCS World Hq. 34 Ambo St, Calabar Nigeria.
August Pentecostal
August Pentecostal:- to commemorate the time which our Lord Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist and revealed by God as His beloved Son on August 8. Matt 3:16-17.
THE GREAT MARCH
BCS members put on the Royal Robe or white Soutane for the very first time and also moved from ‘8 Eton’ street – the thatched house to 26 Mbukpa street – a much bigger place on 8. 8. 1958.
Weeks:- there are also weekly activities and celebrations after the Pentecostal; which are undertaken by different fellowships each week, such as women fellowship week, men fellowship week, children fellowship week, Christ Natural Crusade week, Christ Natural Chorister’s week, Spirited Children’s week etc.
DAILY EVENTS
5 am every day (365 days a year) is morning prayers in the Bethel or at individual houses.
Sundays :- 10 am full service. 7pm evening service.
Mondays :- 10 am individual or group ministry, door to door as the Spirit directs. (Except on Pentecostal period where full service is conducted daily at 10am).
7pm women association or fellowship meetings.
Tuesdays :- 10 am ministry as the Holy Spirit directs.
7pm men fellowship meeting or general meeting once a month.
Wednesdays :- 10am ministries as the Holy Spirit directs.
9pm Bible lectures. 12am is watch and pray. This is in remembrance of the 3 hours that our Lord Jesus Christ spent on Mount Olives with His disciples,
to pray before the final betrayal. Luke 22:39-46.
Thursdays:- the Holy Spirit revealed that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on Thursday and not on Friday as it is widely recognized by churches. To this end all true Brotherhood observe 6am to 6pm fasting every Thursday of each week. Our Lord Jesus Christ was condemned to death at 6am, crucified on the cross at 9am; His body was brought down from the cross at 6pm.
7pm evening service
Friday:- 10am ministries as directed by the Holy Spirit.
7pm evening service followed by Spirited children’s meeting or Mercy Fellowship meeting or Area General Fellowship meeting, depending on which week of the month.
Saturdays:- 10am general cleaning, followed by ministries. 1pm children Sabbath fellowship. This is equally suitable for adult especially the newly baptised brethren. There are also other fellowship meetings.
Thank you my good Father.
Compiled by Sister Emem-Ette