Can Soul-winning Help Me Speed Up My Harvest Time?

Posted by Jul 20, 2020 Holy Word, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Can Soul-winning Help Me Speed Up My Harvest Time?

Soul-winning for the LORD refers to evangelism. But there is a new teaching now that if I want an express harvest, I should sow seeds to soul-winning. John chapter 4 verse 35 was the reference.

Is it true that my blessings (wealth, achievement in business/job, happy home etc.) would get to me faster if I give my money for soul-winning?

Today’s message would answer the question above and explain the difference between physical and spiritual harvesting.  

Physical and Spiritual Harvest

I studied John chapter 4 in context and content and the earlier verses of was about soul-winning exercise of Jesus Christ to the Samaritan woman. The woman went into the city to continue the spread of the Gospel and the crowd were ready (ripe) to accept Jesus as their saviour.

So, when the event got to the stage of John chapter 4 verse 35, Jesus says: “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

The content of the passage is the (ready-to-accept-salvation) crowd approaching Jesus and the context of verse 35 is clear:

The first part of verse 35 was about the physical harvesting (Human gains) while the second part was about the spiritual harvesting (LORD’S gains).

…. lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest…. Jesus told His disciples to lift their eyes and see the ripe Samaritans approaching Him for salvation.

The planting and harvesting for soul-winning are very fast and the only earner in this harvest is GOD. Yes, there are rewards for the givers but they are not partaker of the harvest. (Because givers for soul-winning are labourers, they shall be paid by the LORD)

The events recorded in John chapter 4 was plainly ministering (seed) to people and they gave their lives to the LORD (harvesting).

Example of Soul-winning investment

For more clarity, let me give an example: “If I invest 100k into evangelism today and the funds was put into use at a village which influence 40 people and 10 souls gave their lives to God the same day. Follow up was done after two weeks and additional 20 souls became born again…”

The field Jesus is referring to in my example is the 40 people.

The seed here is the ministration of the Good News to the 40 people including the help rendered.

The ‘already white for harvest’ Jesus refers to in my example is the 30 souls who surrendered their lives to Jesus.  

Note: All events in John chapter 4 does not capture my own part as the investor of 100k for evangelism. Yes, the 100k is a seed and must have harvest too which was recorded in Matthew chapter 6 verse 19 to 21:

“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 yourselves 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.”

The Ministry of Jesus had many sponsors, in fact the evangelism that took place in John chapter 4 was well funded because the disciples went to buy food so that all of them can have strength to continue ministration…but Jesus didn’t mention that the harvest was for the sponsors.

The harvest in John chapter 4 (both content and context) is not for the gain of anyone but for God alone.

So, it is wrong for you to believe the teachers who say that if you want a faster physical blessing then you should invest in soul-winning.

Note: As Christians, our funds belong to God. We give back to Him through Evangelism but Jesus never meant in John chapter 4 that we would reap our physical gains faster than usual. The faster harvest HE meant was souls gained to the LORD. Soul winning is an investment for heavenly gains.

 

There is no dispute that if you sow seed in the Lord’s vineyard, you would reap bountiful harvest, but the time for your harvest (physical and spiritual gains) cannot be influenced. The LORD would give at the right time, it may be instant or planned.

Finally, soul-winning cannot help reduce the time between your seed and harvest time because soul winning is for spiritual harvesting while your seed is for physical (and heavenly) harvesting. Jehovah determines the time for All Things.

Troubled heart: 10 Ways to Relieve Your Soul

Posted by Jun 28, 2020 Holy Word 2 Comments
Troubled heart: 10 Ways to Relieve Your Soul

A troubled heart is a state of mind filled with uncertainty and anxiety.

It is obvious that the world cannot be free from trouble, but how can you be free from it? Who can save you from the experience of hard times? Where would the strength to survive troubles come from?

I was shocked about the US statistics from verywellmind:

“In the next 24 hours in the United States:

1,439 teens will attempt suicide.

2,795 teenage girls will become pregnant.

15,006 teens will use drugs for the first time.

3,506 teens will run away.

2 teens will be murdered.”

The figures above sadly show a terrible moment going on unannounced in the midst of youths who have the highest population density in the world…

Today’s message would give practical steps to take for your troubled heart to receive perfect relief.

What Could be the Cause of a Troubled Mind?

A troubled heart occurs when it comes to: Loss of job, health issues, death of loved ones, financial hiccups, divorce, high incidence of crime, poor standard of living, civil war, business bankruptcy.

Moral degradation in the society, love of porn among young and old, political corruption, popular acceptability of abortion and division in the church. The cause is sincerely endless…

10 Ways to Overcome a Troubled Heart

Please, note that accepting Jesus Christ as your saviour does not stop occurrence of troubles. But your acceptance guarantees your salvation. Don’t be disappointed that Jesus Christ is not a magician, but be glad that He have the master-key that opens the door of peace to escape troubles.

John chapter 16 verse 33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

When I found myself in serious troubles, I practised the following points below and my troubled heart received peace from the Lord:

1. Little Cry but Much Care

It is natural to cry when the heart is troubled but too much cry blinds the mind. Give care and love to your body, soul and spirit because you have many joyful times ahead of you.

2. Say ‘No’ to thoughtful expressions

Disallow regretful thoughts in your mind. Millions of thoughts with psychological images cannot ease your troubled soul. Empty your heart as much as you can and do the next point.

3. Singing Softens the Heart

Sing your favourite songs or play your favourite instrument and your heart would be lighted. Solutions to your troubled mind shall be revealed.

Philippians chapter 4 verse 6: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

4. Deny Your Faith a ‘Travel Ticket’

Don’t give-in to a natural phenomenon where your faith melts away in times of trouble. Build a strong determination in your heart to sustain your faith in the power of the LORD.

5. Make Prayers and not Complaints

Complaints to the Lord through a troubled heart can lead to blasphemy. So, it is wise you make short intermittent prayers to the LORD when your mind is heavy. It works for me when I lost my first child. The LORD will speak to you and you would hear from Him when your faith is intact.

6. Dig Deep and Throw Out the Sin

There are some cases where your troubles are rooted in your sins. You don’t need a microphone to announce your wrongs. Confess to the LORD and take steps of repentance, your troubled heart would become healed.

7. Don’t Give the Crown to Fear

Tough times are accompanied by fear, don’t admit to it because it could lead to total loss, depression, suicide and death. Rebuke fear and sustain your faith in the LORD.

Isaiah chapter 43 verse 1 to 3: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

8. Share Your Worried Heart with the Wise

“A problem shared is half solved.” Visit a wise God-fearing person and express your deepest pain to him. A simple narration from him can be a turning point for you.

9. Encourage Yourself through the Bible

If the wisest person ministers to you and you refused to encourage yourself, then your troubled heart would stay damaged for a long time.

I was a child of God who gained Masters admission to a University in UK but the organisation to sponsor me could not due to economic recession. It was then I knew that Christians are not immune against disappointment. I felt bad but encouraged myself with the word of God.

10. Put Your Trust in Him

I put my trust in the LORD when my heart was troubled and He blessed me with healthy children (no more death). He made me a business proprietor for His Glorious Ministry to grow…I can’t complete the count. The LORD would redeem you if your trust is completely in Him.    

Psalm 46 verse 1 to 3: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

 

Troubles come in various forms but some of the guidelines above would save you from the mess of a troubled heart. May the LORD help us to survive the troubles of each day in Jesus name.

Over-Righteous: Can a Christian Become Over-Wise?

Posted by May 31, 2020 Holy Word, Church, Word of Faith Leave a Comment
Over-Righteous: Can a Christian Become Over-Wise?

If a voice calls you over-righteous in your heart when you play a wise role in a tough circumstance, don’t feel bad because your reward is heaven.

Today’s message explains how Ecclesiastes chapter 7 verse 15 to 17 can confuse you about the practice of righteousness.

“All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? {destroy…: Heb. be desolate?}

Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? {before…: Heb. not in thy time?}” (kjv)

The Context of Book of Ecclesiastes

Remember the rule of reading the bible which involves understanding the concept of the writer, the content and context.

The book of Ecclesiastes is completely a personal deduction of King Solomon about the kind of life he lived. It’s full of regrets.

There is no single verse in this book that God neither speaks nor give instruction to king Solomon. So, you have to be very careful when reading the book.

When you test some of the expressions with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will notice that some of king Solomon’s expression in the book of Ecclesiastes failed woefully.

The first part of verse 15 gives us an understanding that verse 16 and 17 are product of “his days of vanity”.

What are King Solomon days of vanity?

The days he enjoyed life without God’s direction. The days he spent without obeying the instructions of the LORD. The days his wives and concubines turned his heart away from the LORD.

The book of First King chapter 11 verse 1 and 2 : “But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites-from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.”

Can I Obey the King’s instruction?

No Christian is expected to yield to his advice in Ecclesiastes chapter 7 verse 16 and 17: “Be not righteous over much…. Be not over much wicked…”

King Solomon is not speaking proverbially in verse 15, he shared the experience of a just man who die speaking the truth.

And in his own opinion (not led by God); in verse 16, he advised his audience to sit on the fence when it comes to the issue of speaking (or acting) the truth.

In verse 17, he admonished his audience to be wicked but no too much wickedness. For instance, when someone embarrass you treat his mess!

Verse 16 and 17 give us a clear picture of the “life of vanity” king Solomon lived. A life of a little righteousness and a little wickedness.

Does Jesus Have Any Reference to Over-Righteous?

  1. Jesus teaches us to be righteous in all the days of our life. He never mentioned over-righteousness, because there is nothing of such. If you are controlled by the Holy Spirit, you cannot be over-righteous. Righteousness is a lifestyle in Christ.

Jesus says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

 

So, don’t feel bad when you are hurt or embarrassed for the sake of righteousness.

 

  1. Jesus never encouraged any form of wickedness for the Christians. Wickedness of any measure is a sin.

 

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)

Writer of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes contradicts himself

I always feel bad when I read the latter end of King Solomon’s life. He lived a contradictory life. Can you believe someone who wrote against wickedness in his book of Proverbs can write in support of such act latter in his life?

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.” (Proverbs 10:2)

No wonder the end of king Solomon was not as glorious as his early days.

“…And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father… And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king’s seed in Edom…” (Please read 1King chapter 11)

Are All Books Scriptures From the LORD?

Not all collections in the Bible are Scriptures from the LORD. The 66 books were collated by men, it might shock you to know that there are many more Scriptures not found anymore. Though, the few we have is enough for us with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s statement to Timothy was recorded in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Paul’s definition of scripture is; God’s message written by servants of God. Perfect examples are all the book of the Prophets. It might shock you to know that not all the statements of Paul must be obeyed. You have to sieve his letters to separate God’s message and his own personal opinion.

For instance, 1Corinthians 7:6 “But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment…” Others are: 1Cor 7:12,25; 2Cor 8:8; 11:17

Note: Paul never knew which books would be collated to make up the 66 books we read today as Bible.

So, Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 does not authorise you to believe and obey king Solomon’s statement in Ecclesiastes 7:15-17 because it is not an inspiration from God, it is not a profitable doctrine and to make matters worse it was not for instruction in righteousness.

 

Finally, the instructions you are expected to obey in the Bible are God’s speech in the Old and New Testaments. Messages of Jesus in the New Testament. Direct messages of God through the disciples. Some selected messages of God through Paul.

You are not obliged to obey other books and letters without direct message of God. But they are useful to learn from the writers. For instance, I learnt from king Solomon that my wealth should be under the control of Jesus Christ and not by the beauties of life, parties, drinks or women…   

Familiar Spirit: How Can Christian Defeat Domestic Spirit?

Posted by May 9, 2020 Holy Word, Word of Faith 6 Comments
Familiar Spirit: How Can Christian Defeat Domestic Spirit?

Familiar spirit is a ministering spirit designated to help someone through the influence of dark powers. This spirit is the Devil’s version of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives counsel and helps someone without harm, but familiar spirit helps and hurt his client later on.

I put up this message today through the help of the Holy Spirit because many Christians are still under the torments of familiar spirit. I would expose the secret of familiar spirit and how Christians can be free from the terrible influence.

What help does this household spirit gives?

  1. It helps the witches and the sorcerer in their crafty business. For instance; the manipulation of Samuel’s image and voice when king Saul sought to hear from the dead.
    (First Samuel chapter 28)
  2. Familiar spirit assists the false prophets and pastors to predict the future of their members (divination).

The Cause of Familiar Spirit to Your Life?

When I gave my life to Jesus Christ and defeated the Devil’s confrontation through the Blood of Jesus, I thought that was all. My life became well improved but sometimes I still go through some struggles which I later identified the source to be the familiar spirit. I want to share some sources through which familiar spirit could get to you:

  1. Through your parents: If your parents had carried you to a witch doctor or any demonic consultant for help or dedicated you to the evil spirit…
  2. Visiting your false prophet (divination): If you have visited a false prophet to ask about your future or any help in a desperate way…
  3. Through exposure to demonic materials or wears: Ouija board, dark world materials, soap/oil/handkerchief/miracle water from false Pastors or Prophets…
  4. Joining the nice occult group: for instance, the white witches, churches with witchcraft doctrines and so on.
  5. Relationship with the Astrologers either offline or through the internet…
  6. Familiar spirit can move from one generation of your family to another.

How Does a Familiar Spirit Work?

Familiar spirit is used to your spirit and soul. It connects you to the kingdom of Devil. When you don’t have the Holy Spirit, it takes the full control of your life. The domestic spirit looks very friendly to you because it communicates unique information to you and answers your errands. His consolation is that when you die, you’ll go to hell.

But the day you give your life to Jesus and ask for the invitation of the Holy Spirit into you…a battle line is drawn!!

Yes, the familiar spirit would vacate your heart for the Holy Spirit to come in, but any slightest slackness from you is an opportunity for a strike.

Note: Giving your life to Jesus does not mean that the LORD would spoon-feed you. “But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

7 Ways You Can be Pulled Down

The familiar spirit is capable of doing the following:

    1. When you keep seeing the dead familiar people
    2. Hallucination through drugs or alcohol
    3. Frightening dreams or visions with consistent pattern of familiar places related to your old school, old parent’s house or village, group of dreadful people, long chase by thugs and the likes
    4. Thoughtful negative voices threatening your job, family and life.
    5. Exaggerating your challenges to sow seeds of bitterness into you.
    6. Always refer you to your friends and relatives doing better than you to make you feel uncomfortable with God.
    7. Fear, fear, fear, everything, everywhere, you are always afraid!

Your heart is the only place the familiar spirit can use to make an impact, thus, secure your heart with the word of GOD.

 10 Ways to Defeat Familiar Spirit

This domestic spirit is not a respecter of your status as a Christian. He is not bothered if you are devoted or full of anointing. He waits patiently for an opportunity to remind you of your past. Some steps to take to become victorious include:

  1. Don’t believe the voice of condemnation.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2Corinthian 5:17)

  1. Melt every fear with the hopeful and faithful word of GOD.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2Timothy 1:7)

  1. Give your whole heart to the LORD. So, don’t think carelessly!
  2. If your heart is full of fear or worries, you would have bad dreams, so ease your heart with good gospel music before going to bed.
  3. Miracle can’t stop it, so confront familiar spirit by sharply rebuking his familiar talks or images.
  4. Don’t give room to digest and analyse the thoughts from your familiar spirit. It may go big and get you depressed!
  5. Read more passages in the Bible and less of your old dairies.
  6. Stay away from close associates that gets you depressed with their toxic words.
  7. Be cautious and not conscious to sin.
  8. Your technical know-how cannot stop the familiar spirit, but your trust in Jesus every moment of your life is the golden bullet!

Familiar spirit is a demon attached to an individual to serve as a household servant. Christians suffering from the influence of this domestic spirit can receive permanent victory through faith and discipline on the path of righteousness. I have overcome the household spirit, so you can! 

Coronavirus: Eye-Opener for the Sensitive Christians!

Posted by Apr 8, 2020 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Coronavirus: Eye-Opener for the Sensitive Christians!

Coronavirus disease is a global pandemic affecting more than 225 countries; 6,184,299 deaths and 494.3 million infected cases – still counting. All experts in the world are helpless and no drug could cure this plague in our midst! Though vaccines are available now.

I call Covid-19 the Hands of the LORD to remind us that He controls the world. He is not wicked, but fulfilling the ancient prophesy!

Today’s message would help you to have a practical insight on how the Day of rapture could play out.

9 Lessons to Learn from Coronavirus Pandemic 

1. Coronavirus is now the greatest event shaking all the continents; thus, the rapture would occur one day and shake the root of the world.

Matthew chapter 24 verse 40 to 42: “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”

2. Covid-19 arose without warning to the world; so, the second coming of Jesus would happen suddenly and without prior notice.

First Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 2: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”

3. The Church never knew this pandemic would affect her early activities for the year 2020; So, a greater percentage of Christians may be taken unaware of the last day.

Matthew chapter 24 verse 38 and 39: “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

4. Weak patients had no opportunity to move off the hook of the deadly Coronavirus; the lukewarm Christians who miss the rapture would find it extremely difficult to endure the scorpion-whip of the anti-Christ.

Revelation chapter 13 verse 15 to 17: “…as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed…and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

5. Coronavirus had no respect neither for the world leaders nor human race; The events of the last day shall have no regard for ecclesiastical titles, church buildings or accounts.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 20: “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
 
6. This pandemic was able to distinguish the fearful and the faithful Christians; Rapture shall be a day when the sheep shall be separated from the goats.

Matthew chapter 25 verse 32 and 33: “All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.”
 
7. The virus had split the church into two. The members who kept Jesus in their church buildings and the ones who keep Jesus in their heart; The D-day shall differentiate between Christians on the broad way and the narrow way.

Matthew chapter 7 verse 13 and 14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

8. Coronavirus reveals sincere church leaders who releases funds from the treasury to help the poor members and the hypocrite leaders asking for tithes and offerings during the lockdown; The Day of the LORD shall separate sincerity from hypocrisy.

9. Covid-19 caused a lockdown and many lost their faith because they couldn’t enter the church building; The Rapture shall separate those whose lives are hidden in Christ from those who are hiding in the church.

Matthew chapter 7 verse 22 and 23: “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!’”

 

It’s time for you to search through your heart. Resolve all issues with the Lord. The window for forgiveness is available. Reconcile with the LORD and He would strengthen you.

All Christians must be at alert! HE may come during our generation!! Are you Ready?