Category Archives: Church

Messiah: Is Jesus the Christ that would deliver us?

Posted by Jan 31, 2019 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Messiah: Is Jesus the Christ that would deliver us?

The Prophets foretold the coming of the messiah in the Old Testament and the Jews eagerly anticipated the arrival of Christ who would do many miracles and rule their nation forever. They expected the Messiah to come from Bethlehem and be a political leader that would defeat the Romans.

According to Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics 2016, the religious affiliation of the Israeli population as of 2016 was 74.7% Jewish, 17.7% Muslim, 2.0% Christian, and 1.6% Druze, with the remaining 4.1% including faiths such as Samaritanism and Baha’iism, and irreligious people with no faith.

The Hebrew word “Messiah” is translated to “Anointed One” which is also called to as “Christ.”

Today‘s message will explain the scriptures that substantiated the truth about Jesus Christ.

Prophecy and the Fulfillment of Jesus as the Messiah 

1. Jesus was born of a Virgin

The prophecy recorded in the book of Isaiah chapter 7 verses 14 was fulfilled and recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 1 verse 20 to 23:

“…behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

2. Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Prophecy written in the book of Micah chapter 5 verses 2 says: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. After His birth, King Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah would be born. They responded by citing the Old Testament prophecy revealing that Christ would be born in Bethlehem.

“So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:5-6)

3. Jesus performed Miracles.

Isaiah chapter 35 verse 5 and 6 says: “…Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”

Jesus also fulfilled this prophecy as the messiah, because it was confirmed by the Jews who refused to accept Him as the Christ.

John chapter 11 verse 47 says: “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, ‘what shall we do? For this Man works many signs.’”

4. Jesus was rejected by His people.

Psalmist prophesied that: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:22-23)

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”(Matthew 21:42-43)

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, but I am not comfortable with verse 43 above. Could that mean the Jews had lost the ‘nation’ they are still waiting for? Is that the cause of the Jews not believing Jesus as the messiah…? 

5. Jesus numbered with transgressors and suffered for the sinners

One of the prophecies related to the messiah was written in the book of Isaiah chapter 53 verses 12: “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong,

Because, He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”   

No one fulfilled this prophecy except Jesus, because He was crucified along with two thieves and His crucifixion was for the redemption of sinners according to God’s spiritual plan.

Luke chapter 23 verses 32 and 33: “There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”

Did GOD confirm Jesus as the Messiah?

Yes of course! Jesus was simultaneously baptized with water, and anointed with the Holy Spirit. The LORD confirmed Him publicly.

“And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22)


Did Jesus Admit to be the Messiah?

Jesus was bold to confirm Himself. “The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things. ”Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:25-26)

The careful studies of the Old and New Testaments emphasize that Jesus is the Messiah and the Savior of everyone and every nation. I have seen the manifestation of Jesus, and I am also a living witness that Jesus is the Christ.

What is God’s Warning to the Church?

Posted by Dec 31, 2018 Holy Word, Church 3 Comments
What is God’s Warning to the Church?

God’s warning to His children is fearful, and calls for a check and balance. Though, this topic is unpopular on the pulpit, but it is real!

Today’s message is prophetic. This publication is neither my words nor my opinion. I have a Call from the Lord to speak this God’s warning to everyone.

“So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.”

Please read this God’s warning with an objective heart so you can understand the motive of God’s love in this message.  

I had a vision few years ago: I was climbing a very high mountain, and when I was close to the top of the mountain, the Lord approached the top from the other side.

He had an angry look and expressed His disappointment about the actions of the people on earth. He was furious and told me a lot of mess in the Christendom which some were listed below. The Lord says: “Go tell the people to stop their unholy and provocative actions…”

He angrily left me on the mountain.

I was extremely shocked to my bone marrow, because it was the first vision the Lord would neither smile nor speak with a gentle voice to me. When I was pondering on how to descend the high mountain, the spiritual power of the Lord lifted me from the mountain to the midst of people on earth.

I found myself preaching God’s warning to a man and the hosts of heaven came down to our midst. I was amazed and I told the man: “The presence of the angels is a witness that the message I shared with you is from our heavenly Father”.

When the vision of God’s warning was over, I knelt to pray and the Lord referred me to the book of Isaiah chapter 13 verses 3 to 13 as a scriptural reference – please read this passage.

The Mess that Triggers God’s Warning

  • Many youths in the Christendom do not know God, but they know how to do church activities.
  • Many Christians do not have a steady relationship with the Lord.
  • Many leaders refuse to discipline the prideful church members.
  • The influence of money had taken over the church.
  • Many leaders refuse to say the godly truth (which is not friendly to the carnal nature), because they don’t want their lazy members to leave for the next jamboree denomination or church across the street.
  • Bad competition among churches; for instance, a church idolizes handkerchief and the demons release ‘miraculous manipulations’. The leader in the next church, who does not want to lose his members to the former church, also introduced the new idolatry doctrine of miracle-handkerchief…
  • Many leaders divert the heart of their members from the LORD to themselves. Leaders are celebrated during the testimony time. The name of the Lord is not solely exalted in their testimonies and the miracle-materials are taken the position of God in the heart of people (idolatry!).
  • Many leaders are too impatient, and they claim to help Jesus to do miracles by getting powers from spirits in the heavens, waters, and forests.
  • False Prophets and Pastors had taken over the Christendom, they made church a business ventures and they exploit both the rich and the poor.
  • They had watered the instructions of God written in the Bible, because they want many people in the world to love their sermons.
  • You can’t distinguish some Christians from the women of the street; majority of the men and women polluted their body (the temple of God) with worldly outfits.
  • The gift of Speaking in tongues is terribly abused.
  • The minds of many Christians are filled with features of this world, and their hearts are far from the Lord.
  • The choir don’t get inspirations from the LORD anymore, they copy the music trend of the worldly musicians, and they call it gospel hip pop, rock, and the likes.
  • The church is not ready for persecution, so every satanic policy from the Government is embraced without strong repulsion.
  • The First Love is nowhere to be found!

God’s Warning that Must Not be Joked with!

The Lord says:

  • “Stop Hypocrisy!”
  • “Make consistent relationship with Me”.
  • “Stop loving the things of this world.”
  • “My Grace is not a ticket for your carelessness.”
  • “Teach your children My way of Life.”
  • “Stop stepping on My toes!”
  • “The church should uphold discipline and no more lukewarm.”
  • “Stop justifying your sinful lifestyle!”
  • “Holiness should be the popular features in the Christendom not Money.”
  • “Go out to preach as instructed by Jesus, and spend less time in the mega-buildings.”
  • “I have never given a commandment to organize burial ceremony (wining, dining and dancing) for the death of Christians, stop it!”

God’s warning might not be interesting, but I implore you to check your stand with the Lord and balance it. God does not joke. God loves, but He does not tolerate sin. He will deal mercilessly with all sinners, so make good use of His grace to live holy.

After the vision, the Lord made me to know that if I have a sin in my portfolio at the end of my life, He would never hesitate to send me to hell. Thus, God is not a respecter of man, and He cannot be deceived.

God’s warning is meant to save us from the end time damnation. The Lord does not want us to perish!

So, stay firm in holiness, righteousness and godliness.

7 Things Worldly Enjoyment Can Take From You

Posted by Nov 25, 2018 Church, Holy Word, Youths Leave a Comment
7 Things Worldly Enjoyment Can Take From You

Worldly enjoyment is a kind of joy derived from ungodly practices. God does not endorse worldly enjoyment, but it is widely accepted across the world by the people. It is a sad development that worldly enjoyments are embraced in the Christendom without any significant resistance.

If you are among the few Christians who are eager to know the object of desolation sitting on the altar, then today’s message will be a great blessing to you.

7 Worldly Enjoyments That Can Destroy You

1. Alcohol and Smoking

These are enjoyments that satisfy the sense of taste.

As of 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are around 3.3 million deaths worldwide per year due to harmful use of alcohol. Thus, alcohol-related deaths make up nearly six percent of all global deaths per year.

WHO publication on 9 March 2018 revealed that the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 7 million people a year.

More than 6 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 890 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.

Jesus turned water to wine, but He did not support the habit of alcoholism as a form of enjoyment.

Luke chapter 21 verses 34, Jesus says: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life and that Day come on you unexpectedly.”

Alcohol and smoking will take away your healthy life.

2. Careless sex

This worldly enjoyment satisfies the sense of touch and lustful desires.

It was reported that more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide. Each year, there are an estimated 357 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.

Having multiple sex partners, remarriage and transgender are no more taboo in our generation, and no one dare throw stones at Homosexuals in the church.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness…” (Galatians 5:19)

Careless sex will take away your sound mind and peaceful home. This worldly enjoyment will separate your spirit from the LORD, and put you into bondage.

3. Gambling

It is not for business, but a fun of luck in the realm of worldly enjoyment.

Size of the online gambling market is 37.9bn USD. The Financial Conduct Authority has studied a sample of spread-betting customers and found that 82% lost money on products offered by the industry called contracts for difference (CFDs).

If you consider gambling to be an enjoyment, then get set! It will take away your hard-earned money and all your inherited wealth. Gambling takes away wealth and gives poverty.

4. Wild parties

This worldly enjoyment satisfies the carnal nature, and it involves act of entertainment such as; ungodly music, jokes, untrue movies, Halloween, erotic dance and so on.

Galatians chapter 5 verses 21 says: “envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Revelries will take away your personal relationship with the LORD. And, the Spirit of the Lord cannot stay in the heart of someone filled with such worldly enjoyment.

5. Drugs

Some people refer to drugs as energy enjoyment, while some call it enjoyment for relaxation.

People who use drugs are up to ten times more likely to die suddenly or as a result of chronic diseases than people who do not use drugs.

Addiction to drugs will take away your good life from you. It leads to madness, suicide and untimely death.

6. Cosmetics

This worldly enjoyment idolizes the body for beauty. The use of paints, wigs, attachments, tattoos, jewelries, and other ornaments for artificial beauty to your body is ungodly.

Lipsticks, kajal sticks and eye-shadows, for example, are known to contain lead, a carcinogen and neurotoxin that can affect the nervous system adversely, leading to high blood-pressure, allergies, behavioural abnormalities and even decreased rates of fertility!

Mercury and parabens — a chemical preservative used in many cosmetics are some other hazardous substances common to beauty products. Although the purpose of parabens is to inhibit bacteria, but the chemical itself is known to trigger the growth of cancer cells in the body.

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel…“ (1Peter 3:3)

Cosmetics take away the image of God on you and give cancer.

7. Material wealth

It is an asset enjoyment that involves unnecessary acquisition of many cars, airplanes, buildings and all other forms of properties as a sign of affluence.

“…And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God…” (Please read Luke 18:18-27 for the details)

Asset enjoyment can take away your chance of gaining Heaven.

 

Don’t be deceived by the false preachers, because staying away from all these worldly enjoyments does not make Christianity a boring relationship with God. The enjoyment for the Christians is different from the worldly enjoyment.

Please endure this world in God’s presence, so you won’t miss the everlasting enjoyment in Heaven.

Self-Righteousness: How to avoid Hypocrisy!

Posted by Aug 11, 2018 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 1 Comment
Self-Righteousness: How to avoid Hypocrisy!

Self-righteousness is a lifestyle controlled by some pleasing doctrines created by the wise great men. Hypocrisy is pandemic in the Christendom. Why? Self-righteousness has replaced godly righteousness in the church. Why?

A big log of wood fell off my eyes and I want you to read today’s message with an open-heart, because it will help you to escape the trap of self-righteousness.

The Parable of Self-Righteousness

… Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ’God, be merciful to me a sinner!’

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

This parable reveals that self-righteousness is common among the religious people. The tax collector was justified, because he realized his sinful life and wanted God’s mercy for a change in lifestyle.

The Lord will never contradict Himself, only sinners who repent shall be justified. Proverbs chapter 28 verse 13 says: “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

Thus, every Christian must be careful to avoid stumbling into hypocrisy.

8 Actions of Self-Righteousness

It is a virtue rated by man and not by God. Self-righteousness is highly esteemed among people, but it is an abomination before the Lord. Self–righteousness includes;

1. Unnecessary Segregation

The self-righteous people believe they rank higher in holiness than others, so they don’t relate with everybody except their caucus.

2. Blowing Trumpets

They announce the number of souls won, the amount spent on the poor and how important their presence and finances helps the church.

3. Sitting on the Fence

Self-righteous people put one of their legs in worldliness and the other in church doctrines. They might be physically clean but spiritually dirty or vice versa.

4. Self-righteousness Loves Praises

They want the Pastor to always exalt them on the pulpit for their wonderful gifts to the church. They prefer all eyes to be on them for admiration. The self-righteous present themselves as church celebrities!

5. Dislike Corrections

The self-righteous are educative, so they thought their knowledge of the Bible surpass others. They love to correct others, but they don’t want corrections.

6. Good Judge

The self-righteous condemns those struggling with the stronghold of sins. But, if you ask them to substantiate their hypocrisy with the Bible, you hear them say “thou shall not judge…”

7. Boastful

Self-righteousness is filled with pride. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’” (Matthew 23:29-30).

8. Inventors of new Doctrines

The most powerful tool that divides the Christendom is self-righteousness. Many church founders choose to be unique by creating diverse doctrines that do not originate from Jesus Christ. Each Founder considers theirs to be the right church.

 

5 Ways to Guard against Self-Righteousness

The antonym of self-righteousness is godly righteousness, thus;

1. Give the Holy Spirit the total control of your life.

2. Don’t put yourself under church doctrines but give yourself to instructions of Jesus in the Bible.

3. Don’t make Pastors and Prophets your role model, but make Jesus Christ your role model.

4. Believe in Jesus and don’t put hope in great men.

5. The lifestyle of many superiors is self-righteousness. So, imitate the lifestyle of Jesus written in the Bible.

Self-righteousness is like a filthy rag before the Lord (Isaiah 64:6). But, godly righteousness is the basic need for you to enjoy eternal rest in Heaven. In the book of Matthew chapter 25 verses 46, Jesus says: “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Christian Discipline: The Tough Path of Christianity!

Posted by Jul 27, 2018 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 7 Comments
Christian Discipline: The Tough Path of Christianity!

Christian discipline is organized by the Holy Spirit to make you do the things your body, soul and spirit will not ordinarily do. Discipline is essential for the continuous growth of every Christian.

“Pablo Casals was considered the greatest cellist (Someone who plays a violoncello) to ever live. When he was 95 years old he was asked why he continued to practice 6 hours a day. He answered, “Because I think I am making progress.”

Thus, Christian discipline enhances continuity on the lane of perfection to heaven.

Today’s message will broaden your understanding on the concept of Christian discipline and how to attain the acceptable margin.

What is Christian Discipline?

Christian discipline sounds restrictive, but it is a godly training for acquiring strength and victory. It is the act of total submission to the instructions of the LORD. Christian discipline involves obeying the directives of the Holy Spirit without argument or personal opinions.

The aim of Christian discipline is to tame your body, soul and spirit in the way of godliness. First Timothy chapter 4 verses 7 and 8 say: “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things…”

The spiritual system for Christian to be disciplined is not readily acceptable to the human thinking. But, self-control is the key attribute needed for a successful Christian.

For instance, a lot of people get bored after prayers of 20 minutes. But, if you make yourself available for discipline, there are some times you won’t stop praying until the Spirit of the Lord ask you to stop, though your knees might suffer pains, but you have to endure like a soldier standing on the parade ground….

Christian discipline means pruning your life for fruitfulness. Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:1-2) 

Who is the Tutor for Christian Discipline?

The tutor for Christian discipline is God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23)

The only successful way for you to survive this sinful world is to give yourself to consistent discipline in the Lord.

Don’t be scared of God’s discipline and don’t refer to it as a harsh punishment! Rather, it is an expression of love to save your life from eternal condemnation.

Hear God speaks in Revelation chapter 3 verse 19: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

The Lord becomes your Father when you give your life to Him. Thus, a good child must always yield to the training of the father.

“You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you. Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deuteronomy 8:5-6)

How to Become a Disciplined Christian!

1. Readiness to give everything about your Life to the Lord

“Then Jesus said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

2. Avoid Distractions

Be focused on godliness. The Blood of Jesus washes away all your sins, but your focus on Him to live a godly life sustains His salvation in your life. Your thoughts, speech and actions must always fall in line with His instructions.

3. Create Time for Fellowship

There are many activities you encounter every day, and if care is not taken you might have no time for spiritual exercises. I am sure Jesus went through similar experience and that was the reason for His regular night fellowship with His Father on the mountain. (Matthew 14:23)

Christian discipline gives strength and mark of holiness. So, it is mandatory for you to allocate time for prayers, Bible studies, inspirational songs and meditation in the presence of the Lord every day.

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…” (Ephesians 5:18-19)

4. Charge yourself always

Your heart must not be passive for a second. Christian discipline involves filling your heart always with the word of God.

I share this to you as a testimony; the gadgets that keep me away from mess include my mp3 audio Bible. I listen to it in the car or anywhere I go to. My computer has music files that can play for the next 24 hours…

So, my ear is trained to listen to the word of God always and my heart is adapted to the obedience of His word. That is the secret of any discipline Christian! Your heart must be updated always with godly information, and not with the latest deal of worldliness.

5. Obedience to Instructions

The success of the army in battle is always credited to their obedience and disciplined actions.

Similarly, the success of every disciplined Christian is solely dependent on obedience to the instructions given by the LORD. Thus, a genuine Christian is not a lawless person!

6 Benefits of Christian Discipline

1. Hearing God’s Voice

If you find it difficult to hear God’s voice, then give yourself to godly discipline.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

2. It gives you Strength and Power

Devil cannot defeat you. And, you will be free from the bondage of carnal nature.

3. You will always enjoy the presence of God

4. Free from sin

Many people in the church commit disobedience to the commandments of Jesus, because they refuse Christian discipline.

Only disciplined Christians are children of God. “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” (1John 3:9)

5. Secured Salvation

Christian discipline is for those that are active and not for those who love Jesus Christ, but dislike His commandments.

Jesus says: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21)

So, the disciplined Christian who strive everyday will enjoy secured salvation.

“Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able…” (Luke 13:23-27)

6. You cannot suffer deceit

“He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.” (Proverbs 10:17)

 

Only the disciplined Christian can succeed in the Christian race on earth. So, make yourself available for God’s discipline every day and your spiritual growth will receive strength. Note: The Blood of Jesus does not support indiscipline!