Author Archives: Ekundayo

Test from God: What is the Significance of Spiritual Trial?

Posted by Sep 22, 2016 Holy Word, Gospel Evangelism 1 Comment
Test from God: What is the Significance of Spiritual Trial?

It is inevitable that every Christian must go through the test from the Lord. Our God is merciful and He loves us. Every test from the Lord is for us to know the status of our strength in Him. Test is a reflecting mirror which shows your true stand in God.

I remembered the story of Lisa Ross. In a matter of days her comfortable world was shaken and she referred to the situation as a faith test; Her husband had a car accident; she was diagnosed with a terrible disease after spending more than six hours in the emergency room; a water pipe under their drive way burst to the tune of thousands of dollars and her future daughter-in-law miscarried a baby she desperately wanted.

Lisa went through hard times, but she did not forsake God. She considered the unwanted circumstances as a test of her faith.

I’ll take you through the scriptures for a full understanding of this topic, and I am sure you won’t be scared of God’s test at the end of the day.

Is the Test from God the same as Temptation?

There are differences between test and temptation. Test reveals how faithful you are to the Lord, while the motive of temptation is to knock you away from God’s salvation. God does not tempt His people, but the devil is the author of temptation.

James chapter 1 verse 13 says: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” This passage warned us not to mingle trial and temptation.

For instance, Clement was tempted to gamble, and he was ambitious to get quick riches. He fell into the trap and he lost all his money. At that point of his life, it is wrong for him to say: “God tested me”. His overzealous ambition to become rich put him into poverty.

The test approved by God keeps you strong in Jesus Christ. This is similar to the test your teachers conducted for you in school. The test is not meant to expel you from school, but to help you know how much of the teachers’ impartation you received.

Holy Spirit is your Great Teacher. So, He allows some good or difficult situations to happen to you as a form of test. The result of such test will let you know how much of the spiritual impartation you received from the Holy Spirit. If your test score is low, then you have the second chance to upgrade yourself in His grace and power.

But, temptation from the devil does not have the facilities for a second chance. The devil tempts us with the motive to steal our joy of salvation, and to oppress our faith in Jesus Christ. John chapter 10 verses 10 say: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

You have a reward for every test you pass, while temptation has destruction for his victims.

Right Perception of Spiritual Test

Many people thought that the spiritual test refers to the hard times and terrible circumstances of life only. That is not true!

  • Your good condition in life can also be a test for you.

For instance, the man with one talent in the parable of Jesus was richer than people who had nothing. But, he failed the spiritual test, because he refused to invest the wealth. (Matthew 25:24-28)

The Israelite were also tested in their abundance (Deuteronomy chapter 8).

For instance, the United States was a God-fearing country when the civilization, modernization and economy were not as developed as today. Presently, the rebellious lifestyle and the sodomy in the land are terrible. U.S is going through a trying period…

  • Another form of test from God is non-interference to the environmental factors.

Such as; famine, poor economic policy of the government, demoralized society and so on.

God chose not to interfere in all these situations to show you how strong or weak you influenced your life and the society with the word of God. For example; Isaac passed the test from the Lord and his obedience made him and his country rich in the midst of famine. (Genesis 26: 1-12)

  • God does not bring evil on innocent people, but He may allow temporal hardship for assessment.

The Lord will restore you after every test you go through. A practical example is the case of Job. Job chapter 42 verses 10 to 16 say: “And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before…”

Seven Advantages of Christian Test

1. It helps you to measure your level of faith.

2. Spiritual test strengthens your ability of perseverance.

3. Your spiritual growth increases.

4. It draws you closer to the Lord.

5. Trials strengthen your relationship with the Lord.

6. Test discloses your true identity (either as; church goer, lukewarm Christian, or genuine Christian).

7. Spiritual test reveals your level of obedience to the teachings of the Lord.

 

5 Rewards for Passing the Christian Test

1. You will receive the crown of glory. (James 1:12)

2. The Lord will honor you; Abraham passed his test and he received a big award. (Hebrew 11:17)

3. The Lord will make you exceptional – David enrolled for God’s test and he passed, the Lord declared him as someone after His heart. (Psalm 26:2)

Jesus passed the test at the mount Olive and the Lord declared His Name as the Savior (Philippians 2:8-11)

4. Restoration (Job 42:10-16)

5. You’ll Gain Heaven – You will become an heir in God’s kingdom when you pass the test from God. Revelation chapter 3 verse 5 says: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”

 

Whatever condition of life you are going through now, either hard times or comfort zone, live your life according to the standard of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord is your Teacher, and He will test you when the need arises. And you will pass the test if your lifestyle sticks to the obedience of the Lord’s instructions in the Bible. Stay fit in Christ!

Crown: The Golden Reward for Christians

Posted by Sep 10, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 2 Comments
Crown: The Golden Reward for Christians

Crown is an object of honor and authority. The faithful children of God who did not misuse the grace of God would receive eternal crowns in Heaven. The golden crowns are designed for Christians who obey the rules of God.

Golden crowns await the genuine Christians in heaven. Thus, all your commitment to godliness is not a waste of time and effort.

I am confident to share this message with you, because I enjoyed the privilege to see the beauty of heaven.

Is Crown available in Heaven?

Don’t doubt this wonderful gift in Heaven. God is not a man that He should lie… The Lord revealed various visions to John as regard this topic. Revelation chapter 4 verse 4 says: “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.”

I am also a living witness by the grace of God to tell the world about the availability of crowns in Heaven. The Lord revealed a vision to me thirteen years ago. I saw a golden crown descended on the shoulder of the Great Judge, and He declared Jesus and His followers victorious while the devil and his followers were condemned to lake of fire.

I did not see a golden crown on devil and his followers; rather I saw a golden handcuff on them, which signifies a ‘pure’ judgment.

Golden Crown as Christian Inheritance

Golden crown is your reserved inheritance in heaven as explained in the book of First Peter chapter 1 verse 3 to 5: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Did your faithfulness to God results to a crown of tears today? I have good news for you. You will wear the crown of Joy when you get to heaven. Revelation chapter 21 verse 4 says: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Crowns of this world include; fame, awards, wealth, big cars and houses, luxury and so on. All these earthly honors and authorities are temporal and will fade away soon.

But, the crowns in heaven have features such as; holiness, love, righteousness and obedience. The crowns in heaven are not comparable to the crowns on earth, because heavenly crowns are eternal. First Peter chapter 5 verse 4 says: “…and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

It is wise to spend all your energy on the things that yield beautiful reward in Heaven. Jesus says: “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with your entire mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.”

The crowns in heaven are part of the treasures awaiting Christians in heaven. So, Jesus Christ advised us to focus on how to secure the crowns in heaven. And He discouraged His followers from spending their strength on worldly gains.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for your treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew chapter 6 verse 19 to 21)

5 Things to Do Before Receiving the Crown

  1. Run the Race of Faith

It is impossible for unbelievers to get the crown in heaven, except they give their lives to Jesus Christ. Don’t fold your arms when you stand in Christ. The rewards in heaven is not automatic, you must play your role of obedience to the instruction of Jesus Christ.

Fill your spirit with the word of God always, so that you can stay strong in the race to heaven. You must rebuke spiritual laziness, because no one (not even your pastor) can earn the golden crown on your behalf.

Paul advised a smart race in first Corinthians chapter 9 verse 24: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”

  1. Fight a Good Fight

Am not talking about boxing tournament, neither do I refer to the act of terrorism. The Christian fight refers to your act of patriotism in Jesus Christ. It reveals your status of godliness in every position you find yourself. So, don’t entertain unrighteousness. Jesus says: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)

Ephesians chapter 6 verses 11 to 13 say: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

The golden crown is for everyone that fights and wins the battle through the use of Power and the Grace of God. The Christian fight implies rejection of any enticing temptation from the devil. Always use the word of God to tackle any spiritual warfare from your enemies. Paul said: “Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air…” (1Corinthians 9:26b)

  1. Discipline your Body

Don’t satisfy all the cravings of your body without screening them with the word of God. Paul said: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.’’ (1 Corinthian 9:27).

For instance, when your mouth feels like eating the whole food varieties in an eatery, stop the cravings of gluttony and remind your sense of taste the warning in Proverbs chapter 23 verse 21: “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”

When your eyes are interested in watching the half nakedness of the women on the street, turn your eyes away and remind your eyes the warning of Jesus in Matthew chapter 18 verses 9: “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.”

  1. Endurance

Listen! If you are going through hard times, because you are faithful to God in all your dealings at home, office, market, church or in the society. I have good news for you; Jesus is watching you and He will reward you accordingly!!

Jesus knew you would suffer persecution, but He promised to give you a crown of Life.

Revelation chapter 2 verse 10 says: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Don’t get discouraged from doing things in a godly way, because the suffering on earth and the Crown of Glory in heaven is incomparable. James chapter 1 verse 12 says: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

  1. Consistent Obedience

Let the truth abides in you always, and live a righteous life. You can’t break the rules and expect God to give you the crown of Eternal life. The grace and salvation of Jesus Christ do not give you the access to take His rules for granted.

First John chapter 2 verse 24 to 26 says: “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us–eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.”

The proclamation of Christianity is not an automatic ticket to receive the golden crown. So, consistent obedience to the word of God is a key factor to the reward of the golden crown. Hebrew chapter 12 verse 14 says: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord…”

 

The spirit of Understanding made it clear to me that the golden crown is set aside for you as soon as you start a lifestyle controlled by the fear of God. So, intensify the practice of holiness according to the grace of God; love God with all your heart; and give to the poor.

When you hold fast to these practices, then the devil cannot snatch your glorious crown from you. The LORD says: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)

Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Posted by Aug 30, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths 3 Comments
Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Witchcraft is a spiritual practice that makes the practitioner to receive power from the spirit realm for ‘good’ and evil purposes. God is the source of power, and He gives all His creatures a form of power to survive the existence of life.

Lucifer received a remarkable power in heaven, but he rebelled against God with the attempt to over-throw the Mighty Throne. Other powerful angels fought against Lucifer and he was chased from heaven to the earth. And his name changed from Lucifer to Satan, the evil one.

Prophet Isaiah revealed devil’s intention: “…How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…” (Isaiah chapter 14)

Revelation chapter 12 verse 7 to 9 say: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

Witchcraft seems to be appealing or helpful, but its source is from the devil.

The official statistics of witchcraft across the world are uncertain due to the historical public condemnation of the witches. Though, the modern practices of witchcraft are increasing day by day, and it had crept into the Christendom in a harmless form.

The American Religious Identification Survey revealed that Wicca (a modern pagan witchcraft religion) is doubling every 3 years. Wicca had an average annual growth of 143% between 1990 and 2001. Wicca is one form of paganism and it is the fastest growing spiritual identification in America.

The statesman Anne Elizabeth Wynn said that there are more than 200,000 registered witches and about 8 million unregistered practitioners of Wicca in the U.S.

If the United States could have these figures more than a decade ago, then I can’t imagine the present figures across the world. This is a serious issue I want to open up for you in this article as the Spirit of the Lord takes the lead.

The Principles of Witchcraft/Sorcery

It is impossible to have the complete list of how witchcraft is done in this article due to the spiritual background attached to this practice. The basic principles include:

  1. Control of the Mind

The Sorcerers get their request from the devil when they give their state of mind to the demons to control. Your mind is the strong threshold that determines the success of witchcraft.

  1. Incantation/Spells

Repetition of a name, word, or phrase in a specific number of times is one of the ways to conjure demonic spirits for magic.

  1. Materialism

The practice of sorcery is not complete without the use of living or non-living materials. Example of a living material is human or animal blood/flesh. Examples of non-living materials are not limited to black, white, or red clothe, plants, drugs, candles and occult books.

What is God’s View to Witchcraft?  

God hates the practice of witchcraft, because it is the devil’s magical powers, which distract people from the Sovereign Lord. Sorcery is rebellion against the Spiritual Power of the Almighty God. So, God did not support witchcraft, either for good or bad purposes.

The book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 9 to 12 say: “When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.”

How Witchcraft Strikes!

1. It takes control of the victims’ passive mind to deceive (just like the case of Eve in the Garden of Eden) or to create various forms of fearful imaginations.

2. The demonic voice speaks evil suggestions, discouraging words, or harmful instructions to the heart of the sufferers.

For example; witchcraft makes the sufferer feel sickness, and if the victim admits to such thought, then it leads to affliction of unexplainable or incurable sickness.

Note: Not all sickness is witchcraft.

3. Unholy Anger – the evil power of witchcraft creeps into the heart of some people and makes them feel unworthy. This leads to sad feelings and the sufferers loses their sense of dignity. The evil caused by witches/wizards contributes to the high cases of suicide in our society.

4. Deception – Devil reassure those who practice witchcraft a lot of goodies such as; healing, wealth, power, long life etc. Hmm! whatever devil gives to you is always counterfeit, and it is temporal. He gives one to collect one thousand!!

 

Questionable Practices in the Church

It is no more news that some Pastors visit the witches/wizard for ‘white witchcraft’. These shameful Pastors were not patient with the Lord. So, they went to the attractive servants of the devil for the magical power of miracles, wealth, healing and so on.

They claimed that such power is for the growth of the church. It’s a pity that the Lord will reject such ministers on the judgment day.

Matthew chapter 7 verses 21 to 23 say: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Witchcraft is an act of lawlessness!

If the church you attend is involved in one of the practices discussed below, then please go on your knee and ask God to open your eyes:

1. Abusive prayers

This include: Spells of death sentence to someone whom you claimed as your enemy; repetitive prayers; repeating a word or phrase for a specific number of times.

For instance, a Pastor told his congregation that they would enjoy spiritual protection if they read Psalm 23 repeatedly for seven times before leaving the house in the morning. This is a churchy witchcraft method of incantation. False Prophets invented Bible incantation into the church. Jesus did not support this witchcraft practice.

Jesus says in the book of Matthew chapter 6 verses 7 and 8: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them…”

2. Praying to God through Angels or Mary

It is a witchcraft practice to call the names of angels or saints during prayers. And it is not right to pray to God through ‘holy Michael’ or ‘holy Mary’. The name of Jesus is the only authentic Name to mention in your prayers.

Philippians chapter 2 verse 9 to 11 says: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

3. The Use of Materials as a Medium for Prayers

When a pastor asks you to come into the presence of the Lord with materials such as; water, soap, handkerchief, oil, candle, rosary etc., then, he is controlling your mind to believe in Jesus and materials (modern idols).

Invariably, your faith is attached to the materials, and that is an act of witchcraft. I saw some Christians tying handkerchief and wooden cross to their vehicle; because their pastor said that it will protect them from an auto crash…

There is no verse in the Bible that instructs Christians to gather any form of material for prayers.

False Prophets and Pastors presented this idolatrous practice as a form of prophetic innovations in many churches. God says: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them…” (Exodus 20:3-5)

4. Abuse of Speaking in Tongues

Demons have their own languages. Whenever you are lured or forced to speak in tongue, your mind will be controlled by the power of witchcraft. The demons in-charge of such disorganized church service will speak his language through your tongue. Demonic languages are filled with false confession and curses. And we don’t know all these, because there is no one interpreting the strange speaking in tongues to us.

I am sharing a true life experience with you. Please, do not speak in tongues when you are not led by the Holy Spirit.

Watch out for pastors that practice witchcraft; when they speak in tongues, there is always a consistent word or sentence in the one thousand and one tongues they speak. That specific expression is an incantation – top secret!

5. Liberal Acceptance of Worldly Practices

Many churches embraced idolatry holidays such as; Halloween, Christmas, Easter and so on. But, Jesus Christ did not instruct the church to celebrate such holidays. If you find out the origin of these holidays, then you will agree with me that it is purely witchcraft practices in the church.

The early church leaders who endorsed the celebration did so with the intention to attract idol worshipers into the church. Unfortunately, the liberal acceptance did not convert the idolaters to Christ, rather it made them to become ‘white witches/wizards’ in the church.

The act of celebrating a dead person by organizing party is a witchcraft practice. I am sure that many Pastors and Reverend who make a lot of money through burial ceremonies will hate me for exposing this truth. But, I won’t stop telling you the truth.

Satan used Entertainment and fashion as strong weapons of witchcraft to attack the church. Rock and rap music, movies and games were embraced by many Christians. This is one of the reasons for the increase in immoralities, divorce, suicide and indiscipline in the Christendom today.

Unscriptural fashion in the church increased the power of seduction, and this act results to the enthronement of the spirit of Jezebel. For instance, I heard of a pastor falling into the arms of a charming woman (she had heavy cosmetics on her face) to commit sexual immorality…

6. Smart Fundraisers

Beware of a church where your mind is controlled by the soul power and pressure of the Pastor during the contribution of funds. Example of such witchcraft practices are:

a. Forceful donation: A pastor insisting on a particular amount of money to be contributed before anyone could leave the church service.

b. Reference donation.

c.  Creation of millionaire’s club in the church etc.

How to defeat Witchcraft

1. Let your faith be in the Lord Jesus Christ alone and disregard materialism.

2. Keep your heart hot all the time: The powers of witchcraft find it easy to attack a passive heart. So, always keep your heart active with the word of God and good inspirational gospel music.

Colossians chapter 3 verses 16 says: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

3. Always read the Bible every day and practice the instruction of the Lord written in the Bible. Demons find it difficult to attack the obedient Christians. But, rebellious ‘Christians’ are cheap goats for the witches to prey on.

4. Don’t take part in worldly practices that are generally accepted by the society. Please, focus your lifestyle on the spiritual activities that are clearly stated in the Bible.

Jesus says in John chapter 15 verses 18 and 19: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

5. Discipline yourself: The secret of my victory over witchcraft today is linked to the ceaseless prayers through the name of Jesus Christ.

It is not easy for your carnal nature to easily obey the word of God. So, discipline yourself by staying away from spiritual laziness and sins and the grace of the Lord will sustain you.

 

Witchcraft is a practice that distracts the mind and faith of the practitioner from the Almighty Power of the Lord. And the use of witchcraft to help the church is ungodly and cannot stand the test of fire.

So, you will defeat any form of witchcraft if your heart is always active in the presence of the Lord.

I previously experienced witchcraft oppression, but I give God all the Glory for saving my life. My points in this article might sound unbelievable to you, but I have spoken the truth. I recommend you to do a deep research on this topic, and don’t hesitate to write your comments.

God with you.

Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 2

Posted by Aug 19, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths Leave a Comment
Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 2

The law of Jesus is more dynamic than the law of Moses. I discovered that Jesus Christ did not want His followers to live a nonchalant and undisciplined lifestyle. So, He updated the law of Moses for the New Testament believers.

A lot of people do not like to hear that they are under the law. They love to quote Galatians chapter 5 verses 18: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

The translation of verse 18 in the content and context of Galatians chapter 5 is that, once you give your life to Jesus, you are no more under the sacrificial law that could condemn you to death.

Jesus was condemned for your sins and He died for your sins. Then He resurrected to give you a gracious life, which is above the sacrificial law. That does not mean you won’t be controlled by the law of Jesus Christ.

The mindset of Paul when he wrote the letter to the Galatians and others was to discourage them from embracing the Old Testament Law of Moses (such as ceremonial laws) at the detriment of Faith in Jesus Christ.

I discovered something funny about Paul; when he was in the midst of the Gentiles, he did not obey any Jewish law. But, when he was in the midst of the Jews, he obeyed the same law he told the Gentiles not to do.

He made this remark in his letter to the Corinthians. “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.”

Paul did not encourage anyone to disobey the law of Jesus Christ. The secret of Paul’s spiritual freedom from sin is attached to the faith in Christ and the obedience to the law of Jesus. Romans chapter 8 verses 2 says: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” 

7 laws of Jesus You Cannot Disregard

I agree that we are no more under the sacrificial laws, ceremonial laws and the selfish laws of the Pharisees. But, Jesus Christ who delivered us from all these laws does not want us to live an unguided or lawless lifestyle. So, it is wise for us to obey His rules.

  1. Avoid Unholy Anger and Abusive Words

Anger and abusive words are prerequisite of a murder case. The law of Moses was silent about the prerequisite, but the law of Jesus did not.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 21 and 22 says: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

  1. Close Your Eyes to Lust

Jesus Christ does not approve the habit of watching pornography, sexy films or ex-rated magazines. Jesus Christ advised us to exercise self-control, which is the only way to escape the sin of adultery.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 27 and 28 say: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

He told us to cut off any part of our body if that is the only way to stop the mess. Many people thought that the statement in Matthew chapter 5 verses 29 to 30 is a proverb due to the harsh literal translation. “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perishes, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perishes, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” It’s neither a proverb nor a parable. (The sharia law court got their idea from these verses.)

  1. Divorce in the Law Does Not Imply Re-marriage

The law of Moses gave room for divorce and remarriage, but the law of Jesus did not. Jesus allows Christian to divorce their partner if and only if there is an evidence to prove the adultery.

The logical part of the law is that, both the divorced couple shall stay single for all the days of their lives. Did you ask me why? Fine! Jesus said: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.”(Luke 16:18)

This practice is common in the world, but it is against the will of the LORD.

  1. Don’t Make Conversational Vow

The law of Moses allowed different forms of swearing, but the law of Jesus does not allow such anymore. Simply say “yes or no” during any form of conversation. Christians don’t lie because the devil is the father of lies. So, don’t swear to impress people.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 33 to 37 says: “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

  1. No More Eye For An Eye

The law of Jesus mentioned in Matthew chapter 5 verses 38 to 41 sounds too strange that many preachers and ‘bible scholars’ said that it was a proverbial statement. The content and context of the passage showed that the instruction is a direct statement and not a parable.

The motive of the law is to make every Christian a peacemaker and a non-violent person. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also…”

  1. Love Your Enemies

The only way to show that you are a true child of God is when you show love to those who hate you. Malice is not an acceptable character. Matthew chapter 5 verse 43 to 45 say: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust…”

  1. Don’t Blow Trumpet

If you make a public announcement of the amount of money or assets you give to the poor or for the sponsor of the Gospel, then your reward is limited to the applause you received from the crowd.

Matthew chapter 6 verses 1 to 4 says: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward… that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

 

When you give your life to Jesus Christ, you are no more under the bondage of sins. But, you are obliged to obey the law of Jesus stated in the Bible. The law of Jesus is to guide you to live a holy life in this sinful world. His Grace and Sacrificial Blood on the cross are not meant for living a careless life, but they are strength for you to survive a righteous life on earth.

Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 1

Posted by Aug 10, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 1

Law of Jesus and Law of Moses originated from the same Legislative Office. But, the law of Jesus is an updated version of the Mosaic Law.

I heard preachers in the church and on media preaching to me that I am no more under the law. I got confused because if I’m no more under the law that says: “Thou shall not steal”, then do I have the liberty to steal from the church’s offering box?

During my personal Bible study today, I asked the Holy Spirit if Christians are under the law. If yes; which of the laws applies to us?

This article will open your mind to understand the issue of “under the law” which had raised a lot of controversy in the Christendom.

I read Matthew chapter 5 and spent more than 40 minutes to understand the true interpretation of verse 17 to 20. The Holy Spirit is my Interpreter.

Jesus says: “Don’t misunderstand why I come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest details of God’s law will remain until the purpose is achieved.

So, if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s law and teaches them will be great in the kingdom of Heaven.

But I warn you – unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can’t enter the kingdom of heaven at all!”

This topic can’t be explicit without the definition of ‘Law of Moses’, ‘Writings of the Prophets’ and the ‘Fulfillment of Jesus Christ’.

What is the Law of Moses?     

The Law of Moses usually refers to the basic commandments of God-given to His children through Moses. The first comprehensive Law is called the 10 commandments. Other laws are derivatives of these Ten Commandments.

“And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

“You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:1-17)

Other laws were recorded in the book of Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

The Law of Moses can be grouped as:

  1. Religious law: which include; worship law, sacrificial law, ceremonial law
  2. Moral law
  3. Administrative law

What is the ‘Writings of the Prophets’?

This refers to the prophecy of the first coming of the Messiah:

  • Prophet Isaiah prophesied: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

 

  • Prophet Zechariah prophesied: “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” (Zechariah 12:10)

 

  • Prophet Malachi prophesied: “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:1)

How did Jesus fulfill the Law?

The sacrificial law/religious law was the major law fulfilled by Jesus on the Cross. No more slaughter of sheep to cleanse our sins because the blood of Jesus on the Cross had delivered us from the bondage of sin.

Revelation chapter 1 verse 5 says: “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”

So, Christians are no more under the religious law of sacrifices. Ephesians chapter 5 verses 2 say: “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Are You Under the Law?

I won’t be shocked if this topic is not acceptable by the majority! I realized that a typical human being does not want to be under any law.

For instance, Adam and Eve were only given a single law and they could not stick to it. “…but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die…

So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis chapter 3)

Also, the Israelite disobeyed God’s law while the Pharisees and teachers of law twisted the commandments for their selfish interest.

Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 verses 19: “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

So, the “rule breakers” shall not be recognized in Heaven (least). Only the obedient children of God would be recognized in Heaven (Great). Thus, Christians are not lawless entity. Yes! We are not under the bondage of sin, but we don’t have the liberty to behave anyhow.

Beware of false teachers or pastors who present the Grace of Jesus to you as a license of liberty to break the essential laws!

Jesus did not give us the impression that we have no law to obey. The second part of this article will show the law of Jesus and its importance to the children of God.