Category Archives: Church

Gifts of the Holy Spirit; What are the Gifts from the LORD?

Posted by Feb 22, 2021 Holy Word, Church Leave a Comment
Gifts of the Holy Spirit; What are the Gifts from the LORD?

Gifts of the Holy Spirit are divine attributes given to you as a reward for giving your life to the LORD through Jesus Christ. Every child of God is given the gift but not all knows about this reward and its usage!

Today’s message highlights some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and its usefulness.

13 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The most popular number of gifts is nine as mentioned in some verses in the twelfth chapter of the first letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth. The Holy Spirit have many spiritual gifts but the popular ones known to us include:

1. The Word of Knowledge

Christians with this gift might be illiterate but would be a teacher to the professors. Always filled with insights on how problems can be solved. Ability to interpret scriptures according to the mind of the LORD. Such people can invent and innovate!

2. Word of Wisdom

Ability to solve complicated issues. Brilliant intelligence beyond human reasoning to offer solutions. The key that opens the great doors of blessings and victory.

3. Gift of Prophecy

If you always receive specific messages from the LORD to someone, group of people, the nation or the world, then you have the gift of prophecy.

4. The Gift of Faith

All Christians are expected to have faith but this gift is a supernatural addition to the benefactor for urgent prayers to be answered. For example; Jesus, his disciples and the sick boy.

5. Gift of Healings

It’s a helpful gift during evangelism. It made the ministry of Jesus to spread very fast. No ailment is incurable!

6. The Working of Miracles

This gift of the Holy Spirit tumbles the natural conditions to a spectacular status. For example; Jesus raised Lazarus from the death.

7. Discerning of Spirits

It is the divine ability to differentiate the presence and action of demonic spirits and the Spirit of GOD.

8. Gift of Tongues

If you have this gift, then you would speak language of another tribe you have never learnt before. For example, the apostles speaking foreign languages.

9. Interpretation of Tongues

A rear gift that gives the audience the understanding of a foreign language.

10. The Gift of Helps

If you have this gift then you would always pay sacrifices than others. For instance; the women helping Jesus’ ministry.

11. Gift of Administrations

You would be exceptionally excellent in planning and execution of order.

12. Dream is a Spiritual Gift

When you notice that your dreams always come to pass then that is your gift from the Holy Spirit.

13. Vision is a Gift

If you don’t necessarily sleep before seeing events (not created by your imagination) which later come to pass, then you are blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Bible Verses of Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Joel chapter 2 verse 28: “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”

First Corinthians chapter 12: “…But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit… “

“To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues…”

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”

What is the Purpose of the Spiritual Gifts?

1. To avoid the church from stumbling into the traps of the dark powers.

2. Gifts of the Holy Spirit save Christians from acting foolishly!

3. Spiritual gifts bridge the gap between GOD and His children.

4. It helps you to stay consistent in righteousness as you drive the rough route to heaven.

5. No more bondage to the powers of sickness – Hallelujah!

6. Gifts of the Holy Spirit changes unfavourable situations to joyful circumstances.

7. The Devil cannot successfully deceive you by camouflaging as an angel of light.

8. Don’t be afraid to take the Gospel to a strange land because you either speak in their tongue or an interpreter of tongues is waiting for you.

9. Nothing would ever happen in your life without a previous clue

10. No false prophets can either deceive or dupe you!

The gifts of the Holy Spirit come from the LORD only. Paul advised the Corinthians to earnestly desire the best gifts, but don’t be shocked if GOD does not give you according to your desire. HE knows the best for you and all gifts from the Holy Spirit is best for the right application.

Your spiritual gifts are not meant for boasting or for selfish gains. They are given to you to help people around you to know more about GOD and His Goodness.  

Mammon; 10 Ways to Know if I Serve GOD or My Wealth.

Posted by Dec 26, 2020 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 4 Comments
Mammon; 10 Ways to Know if I Serve GOD or My Wealth.

Mammon is a spirit that masterminds the love of wealth for people’s comfort on earth. He is a friendly master who specialize in turning the heart of Christians from godliness.

The voice of money is so loud in the Christendom today! We rank our churches by size and the luxury in it. Why do we have millionaire club in the church? Why do we raise funds for expensive projects through game of the biggest donor among the rich and through exploitation of the poor?

Today’s message is for the Christians who have a strong concern to know if mammon is with them or not.

What did Jesus mean by serving Mammon?

He was teaching His audience about money and possession: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Jesus discourages you from the love of wealth accumulation. He wants you to spend your money into the lives of the poor. If you work hard to have many mansions, exotic cars, and all the best acquisition on earth then you are serving Mammon.

Jesus says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19

You’ll serve Mammon when you give importance to your wealth. Did you want people to recognise you as a wealthy person? Then you are in for it!

Jesus is not against riches but He does not want you to love money or squander the monies on material things of this earth.

The sitting down and construction of luxurious churches is against God’s plan for the Gospel, because Jesus Christ expects us to always be on the ripe field for harvest! 

The Strategy of the spirit of wealth

1. He gives you reasons for keeping all your accumulated monies into various bank accounts across the world.

2. This spirit would always discourage you from huge investment into the lives of poor.

3. Mammon tells you that building luxurious churches and purchase of exotic cars for the church workers are enough for God.

4. He puts your mind in all your treasures, so you think less about God and Heaven.

5. The spirit of Mammon lures you into greediness and a life without satisfaction.

How to Serve God and not Riches

One vital way to serve GOD is to manage your wealth properly to avoid bankrupt and invest your profit into the lives of the poor.

“Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” … Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew chapter 19

How to Know if You Serve Mammon

1. You love announcing your donations and when you are convinced to give to the poor, you want the TV stations to cover the events so that the world can know the millions you spent.

2. Preference to expensive things than moderate ones which serves the same purpose.

3. Do you yell at God disrespectfully when you run out of cash or not getting enough?

4. Devote more time to work and generate more money at the detriment of evangelism.

5. Followers of Mammon doze off when its time for Bible studies and prayers.

6. Mammon worshipers make special prayers to the Lord and promise to donate a big cash into the gospel if HE answers their request.

7. You serve Mammon when you limit the power of God to the amount of wealth you have.

8. When you love to preach prosperity and never want to emphasize messages like repentance and daily practice of holiness.

9. When your general overseer gets richer through the donation of church members and the poor congregates remain stagnant or get poorer, then you serve mammon in such a church! 

10. Church that spends much fund on various structural projects than the lives of the poor have Mammon on its altar.

I don’t intend to judge anyone or any church. The points above are not my opinion but the message of the LORD to all of us!

It’s a serious concern for me as well. You can share your comments with me.

Abomination of Desolation; What did Daniel and Jesus meant?

Posted by Dec 16, 2020 Holy Word, Church 2 Comments
Abomination of Desolation; What did Daniel and Jesus meant?

The LORD does not want you to be caught unaware when the time of tribulation approaches. So, abomination of desolation is a strong signal that needs critical observation.

Today’s message would compare the prophecy of Daniel and Jesus as related to the information about the end-time.

Prophecy of Daniel

The abomination of desolation is mentioned three times in the book of Daniel:

1. Daniel chapter 9 verse 27: “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week, He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate”

2. Daniel chapter 11 verse 31: “And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.”

3. Daniel chapter 12 verse 11: “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.”

Is Daniel’s Prediction Fulfilled?

Antiochus Epiphanes obtain the Seleucid throne in 175 B.C.

He set himself against the Jews, massacred many of them and plundered the temple at Jerusalem before returning to Syria.

Antiochus issued a decree that all nations in his empire should abandon their own customs and become one people. All the Gentiles and even many of the Israelites submitted to this decree. They adopted the official pagan religion, offered sacrifices to idols, and no longer observed the Sabbath.

All the people were even ordered to defile the Temple and the holy things in it. They were commanded to build pagan altars, temples, and shrines, and to sacrifice pigs and other unclean animals there.

The Israelites were forbidden to circumcise their sons and were required to make themselves unclean in every way they could, so that they would forget the Law which the Lord had given through Moses and would disobey all its commands. The penalty for disobeying the king’s decree was death.

On the fifteenth day of the month Kislev in the year 168/167 B.C., “Antiochus set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar” of the temple. This appears to have been a pagan altar, probably with an image representing the Greek chief god Zeus.

Any books of the Law which were found were torn up and burned, and anyone who was caught with a copy of the sacred books or who obeyed the Law was put to death by order of the king.

Thus, no argument that the prophesy of Daniel was fulfilled.

Prophecy of Jesus – Abomination of Desolation

Matthew chapter 24 was a loaded passage explaining signs of the end times.

Verse 15 to 22: “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),

Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes…

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”

Is Jesus’ End Time Prophecy Fulfilled?

A second fulfilment of the abomination of desolation occurred in A.D. 70 when Roman armies under Titus sacked the city of Jerusalem. In the process, Titus’ forces destroyed the temple building and altar and it has not been rebuilt to this day.

The event was a partial fulfilment of Jesus’ prophecy because the greatest tribulation is around the corner. The third repeated fulfilment of the prophecy related to “abomination of desolation” is imminent!

 

Abomination of desolation is an idolatry practice in the church. My personal observation is that the love of money had taken over the love of God in our midst. Who can convince me that the god of Mammon is not the idol on the altar of the church today?

This is food for thought for every Christian getting ready for the last day…

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…   

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?