Category Archives: Gospel Evangelism

Is Worldliness a Sin or a Harmless Lifestyle?

Posted by May 29, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 2 Comments
Is Worldliness a Sin or a Harmless Lifestyle?

Worldliness is the act of doing anything that is popularly accepted by the people in the society. For example; cultural practices, parties, fashion and so on. The act of worldliness contradicts the act of holiness!

A teacher asked a student, “Is the world round?” He answered, “No madam”. “Is it flat?” she asked. “No madam”, he replied. “Well, if it’s not round and it’s not flat, then what is it?” “It is crooked!” he explained. He got it right. The world we live in is crooked.

The lesson you’ll read today focus more on the significance of worldliness and its effect in the lives of people.

What are the Features of Worldliness?

Worldliness is enticing, because every feature in it tends to be harmless, and the doers derive ‘enjoyment’ from such act.

Some features of worldliness are called works of the flesh in Galatians chapter 5 verse 19 to 21: “…adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 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.”

Hmm! Some preachers deceived us that we are not under any law (law of Jesus), so we can moderately take part in worldliness. The early Christians in Ephesus were also deceived, but Paul advised them not to yield to such sweet talks.

Ephesians chapter 5 verse 3 to 6 has some features of worldliness: “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks…”

The Effect of Worldliness

Since worldliness is any action that separates you from the presence of the Lord, then there is no doubt that the devil is the author of worldliness.

The toxic effect of worldliness is Deformation of Character. It overwrite the right senses of the enticed people. Worldliness blindfolds the right insight her victims. People who give their lives to worldliness do not love to hear that they have some commandments of the Lord to obey. They always argue the true word of God.

First John chapter 2 verse 15 to 17 says: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

How to Overcome WorldlineSs

1. Love God sincerely with all your heart

Jesus says: “…You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37

2. Make up your mind to become a genuine disciple of the Lord

Don’t do the popular things happening around you, except they are found in the Bible as godly practices. For instance; it is a popular trend among men and women to pierce their ears for earrings, and to put on tattoo for beauty and fashion. Don’t join the train! Don’t imitate the celebrities or ‘Christians’ around you doing such.

The Bible should always guide you in everything you do.

3.  Conform to the Holy Spirit

Romans chapter 12 verse 1 and 2 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

I realized that when I failed to hear from the Holy Spirit before taking any action, I stand the chance of 90% failure. The Holy Spirit is the best Teacher you need. You cannot be overwhelmed by the act of worldliness if the Holy Spirit lives in you.

 

Worldliness gives a temporary enjoyment of sinful lifestyle in this world. But, for what profit is it to someone who gains the entire world, and loses the soul to eternal punishment?

The short form of worldliness is sin. Do not love the world and don’t be loved by the world. Thus, the church should stop borrowing the styles of the world to win souls to the Christendom. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1Cor 10:12)

Born Again; How to Process the Ticket to Heaven

Posted by May 14, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Born Again; How to Process the Ticket to Heaven

If you are interested in taking a flight to the kingdom of God, then you will go through the process of born again. The issue of gaining heaven is not limited to confessing Jesus as Savior on the lips.

Do not be deceived by the wrong teachings of the false teachers in the Christendom. They asked the new converts to repeat ‘salvation prayers’ after them and after the short prayer, they told the new converts that they are born again. No! To born again is not by the mouth, but by holy practical lifestyle through the authority of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s message will explain the essence of born again and how to get it done correctly. In a short while, I would like to share the born again story of Gideon Wambua with you:

“Having been brought up in a Christian family, God was not far from me.  From the  beginning, attending church service was part of life.

Growing up, I came to know God as reality… but I had never thought of having a personal relationship with God.

The turning point in my life came in 1995, when I reflected on my past.  It became clear that God was in full control of my life.  It dawned on me that if it were not for God, my life would have taken a different direction.

By then I had graduated with a first class honors degree, but I had no job. It was after listening to a T.V. program, and hearing a testimony of a sister-in-Christ who was really enjoying God’s divine interventions in all circumstances, that I was jolted to reality and I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior – by God’s grace. This meant committing my life to God and letting Him run the show.

It took this simple but very important step (accepting Jesus as my personal savior) to get a job, for I had a job in three days!  God gave me the strength to quit smoking (I had been struggling with this for years).  Surrendering all to Jesus is a lesson I have learned in my born again life.”

What does it mean to be Born Again?

Born again is a new life that involves the transformation of your body, soul and spirit through God’s spiritual grace and power. Jesus’ definition of born again is written in the book of John chapter 3 verse 5: Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

  • To be born of water means water baptism

It signifies that you have chosen to be dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Water baptism is for the New Testament believers. The Holy Spirit led John the Baptist to start water baptism; Jesus did it and likewise the Apostles. Don’t be deceived! If you have not done the water baptism, then you have not start the process of born again.

Matthew chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 say: “Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

  • To be born of the Spirit means spiritual baptism

You’ll neither pay offerings nor learn speaking in tongues from any pastor or school of theology before enjoying the spiritual born again. Spiritual baptism involves genuine repentance from sins and surrendering your total life to Jesus.

Listen to the response of Apostle Peter to the new converts after his preaching: “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” (Acts 2:37-38)

If you welcome Jesus into your life, then the Spirit of the Lord will baptize you. So, your obedience to the word of God sustains your status of born again with the Lord. The book of John chapter 14 verse 23 says: “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.”

Is it Compulsory to be Born Again?

It is saddened that many people wants to go heaven, but very few are committed to the great task. Yes! The process of born again is tedious to those who love the world (carnal nature), but it is easy for those who love the Spirit (God’s nature).

Jesus says: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)

It is mandatory for every Christian to be born again. It is your responsibility to be born again. Don’t fold your arms and expect Jesus to do the transformation process for you. Born again is all about distinguishing yourself from worldly thoughts, polluted culture and unholy practices.

The Grace of Jesus and His Power is abundant for every serious-minded believer.

The faithful attendance to church services and activities (without genuine repentance and Spiritual control of your life) does not make you a born again Christian. To occupy positions in the church such as; bishop, pastor, evangelist, music director, usher etc. does not make you a born again Christian.

The millions of dollars donated to the church without Christ controlling your lifestyle does not make you a born again person.

God loves you and He does not want you to perish. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Your stable born again lifestyle in Christ will save you from hot judgment. And, your trust in Jesus is the code that’ll give you access to heaven. Enough of lukewarm lifestyle!

So, believe in the Power of Jesus, He can save you. Forsake all sins and decide today to live your life according to the instructions of the Holy Spirit. Obey the word of God always and you will enjoy your born again life into eternity.

Crucifixion of Jesus; How Important is the Cross?

Posted by Apr 20, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Crucifixion of Jesus; How Important is the Cross?

Crucifixion of Jesus on the cross was more than a film show. And it was a calculated plan by God to redeem humanity. The crucifixion of Jesus on the cross took place more than two millennia ago. The Blood of Jesus that flowed at the Golgotha was mysterious, extraordinary, powerful and priceless.

This edition will unfold the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus and the essence of the human sacrifice. And, I am sure you will gain more knowledge about the plan of God for the salvation of your life.

Did God hate Adam and Eve?

The disobedience of Adam and Eve put them into the forewarned harsh consequence. But, the LORD chose to reconcile with them. They misused their power of choice when they obeyed the counsel of the devil. (Genesis chapter 3)

Nevertheless, the LORD planned to save their souls and the lives of their offspring. And, the Secret Code for the redemption from sin is the sacrificial use of Sinless Blood. The LORD started the sacrificial process – slaughtered (flow of blood) an animal. And, the animal skin was recycled to wears for Adam and Eve.

Genesis chapter 3 verses 21 say: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (KJV)

If Animal Sacrifice, then why Crucifixion of Jesus?

The LORD approved the consistent use of animal blood for redemption from sin. He taught the patriarch (Abraham, Moses…) to follow the same pattern, but it got to a point that they messed up the sacrificial process. So, the crucifixion of Jesus was inevitable.

Isaiah chapter 1: “…Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me… To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats…”

Man had always betrayed the deal of redemption with the Lord. But, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… (John 3:16). HE does not want sin to always overcome us, because no sinner would dwell with Him in heaven.

At last! The Lord revealed the Final Plan that will permanently set us free from the bondage of sin – A one-time human sacrifice. The condition of the great sacrifice is the use of a sinless human being, but no one on earth was qualified. So, the LORD asked the saints in heaven if anyone could volunteer for the crucifixion.

Revelation chapter 5: “…And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look at it… But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll…

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation…”

Can you imagine the scenario? It was only Jesus the Lion of Judah, volunteered in heaven to go through the terrible pains and suffering attached to the Great Sacrifice, despite the huge number of angels in heaven.

What Supreme Price did Jesus Paid for Your Redemption?

1. Jesus was arrested like a criminal;

Matthew chapter 26 and verse 55 says: “In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.”

Jesus was highly embarrassed. He was not a criminal, but was dragged to the court without respect. Jesus endured the shame of crucifixion, so that you won’t face a terrible shame at the courtyard of the Lord on the Judgment Day.

Everyone that rejects the salvation of Jesus will be put to eternal shame. “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:41 and 42)

2. Jesus was mocked;

I don’t know if you have once experienced a mockery that affects your personality? It is always painful! The soldiers stripped Jesus, and a crown of long sharp thorns was put on His head. I can’t describe the pains He felt on the journey of His crucifixion. The soldiers spat and hit Him with a stick which led to bleeding of His Head… (Matthew 27:27-31)

Jesus went through all these bitter experience, so that those who believe and follow Him to the end would not suffer satanic mockery in hell.

3. He was terribly thirsty;

The throat of Jesus was parched during the crucifixion, but He could not enjoy a cup of cold water or milk. He was given an awful wine mixed with bitter gall…

4. Jesus was crucified on the cross;

Life is all about the Physical and the Spiritual. In the physical aspect of the crucifixion of Jesus; He was stripped half naked and His body was positioned on the heavy wooden cross.

It wasn’t a film trick! Long nails which were more than 8 inches in size with a long hammer were used to crucify Jesus on the cross. His hands and legs suffered pains, nerve shocks and bleeding. His wounded body was stretched on the cross for six hours. A great sacrifice!!

He went through pains, depression and rejection for you to enjoy freedom from the bondage of sin. “Jesus! I acknowledged you suffered that single day for me to enjoy eternity…”

5. The Spiritual effect of Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross;

Devil’s secret plan to corrupt the human race was exposed and defeated. The power of sin and death (originated from the forbidden fruit) was overcome during the crucifixion process on the cross. The Blood of Jesus that dropped from His hands and legs to the soil is the Great Sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

Three Mysterious things happened:

1. The holy Blood touched the soil we were made from and the power vested in the holy blood removed the curse of sin on man. (Hebrew 13:12)

2. The soil that was cursed was also blessed for our sake. (Genesis 3:17)

3. The temple cloth tore itself without the use of scissors; a mark of new intimate relationship between the LORD and man. (Matthew 27:51)

 

Crucifixion of Jesus was the secret plan of God for our redemption from sin, and freedom from the bondage of Satan and hell. The holy Blood of Jesus was accepted by the LORD as the Final Sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Thus, no more animal or human sacrifice would be acceptable by the Lord.

Hebrew chapter 10 verse 26 says: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”

Come to Jesus with a sincere heart. No matter how terrible your sins, the Blood of Jesus through His crucifixion on the cross will cleanse you. Obey the instructions of Jesus in the Bible and you won’t miss the beautiful heaven. And you would have peace and freedom from the forces of the devil. Hallelujah!

22 Signs of Mature Christians;Checklist for the Faithful Christian babes

Posted by Apr 2, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
22 Signs of Mature Christians;Checklist for the Faithful Christian babes

Mature Christians are people who are no more confused by the tricks of the devil. They develop and grow in the obedience of the word of God daily.

One of the attributes of mature Christians is synonymous to the story of a boy and his teacher:

“A teacher of English Language was giving a dictation to the class. The students were asked to write the words dictated by the teacher. Those who write every letter correctly without any error in spelling would receive prize.

The teacher started the test by announcing the first word – ‘peace’. The students began to write. A bright and brilliant boy stood up and asked the teacher, “Madam, I know three words pronounced similarly, which of these we should write. The boy meant the similar sounding words – ‘peace’, ‘piece’ and ‘peas’.

The teacher forgot that a test was in progress and tried to make her point very clear, “It is p-e-a-c-e peace” she announced. There were roars of laughter.”

So, mature Christians seek for the mind of God in everything they intend to do. More signs of mature Christians are listed below;

Fruits of the Mature Christians

1. They control their tongues

2. Not easily carried away by false teaching

3. Distinguish right and wrong and do the right

4. Mature Christians do not compete with others

5. They don’t act holier than others

6. Their spirits are sensitive

7. Mature Christians hate sin

8. They are clean in every aspect of life

9. Faith is their national anthem

10. Mature Christians neither gossip nor look down on people

11. They are not carried away by all kinds of teachings

12. They are hospitable

13. Good at leadership skills

14. Mature Christians are satisfied with what they have

15. They give honor where it is due

16. God Fearing

17. Patient and not short-tempered

18. They respect people and are sensitive to their neighbors’ feelings

19. Full of wisdom

20. They know when to talk and when to keep quiet

21. They love their friends and those who hate them

22. Mature Christians speak the truth all the time.

 

The book of first Peter chapter 2 verses 1 and 2 says: “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, want the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…”

It is important that every one of us must grow from Christian babes to mature Christians. So, the only proven diet to meet maturity in Christ is feeding on the word of God and obeying His instructions.

This is the advice of Apostle Peter for you today: “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him is the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2Peter3:18)

Persecution: A Powerful Tool for Evangelism! Don’t Fear!

Posted by Mar 23, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 5 Comments
Persecution: A Powerful Tool for Evangelism! Don’t Fear!

Persecution of the early Christians after the Day of Pentecost was dreadful and bloody. But, the deadly encounter did not discourage the disciples from evangelism. I want to use this medium to share with you the significance of persecution in evangelism:

Is Persecution a Sin?

The meaning of persecution is to pursue Christian in a way to afflict or put to death for proclaiming Jesus Christ as the savior of humanity. Jesus Christ was persecuted when on earth and He told us it was a Blessing.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Jesus knew the pains and grief involved in persecution. So, He warned us to be courageous and faithful in Him when we go through such circumstances. He says: “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.”

Thus, persecution is not a sin, but it is a strong formidable “tool” for evangelism.

The Advantage of Persecution

My careful study of the Bible showed that the Lord wants the New Testament generation to be active on the ‘field for harvest’ (church evangelism). And, He did not promote the passive mode of the Old Testament ‘synagogue’ (church building).

The Lord wants the Christians to be Gospel Broadcasters and not ‘Bench Warmers’.

“Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

The Mandate the Lord Jesus gave to all believers before and after His resurrection was to spread the Good News to the world.

The early disciples abandon the mandate and they coordinated a ‘mega church’.

“…And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch…” (Acts chapter 5)

Hmm! It was synonymous to the story of the tower of Babel. God instructed the early parents to subdue the earth, but they chose to build a city and a mighty tower that would touch the heavens. Well, the Lord used languages to scatter them abroad. Read the book of Genesis chapter eleven for more of the story.

Similarly, the apostles were comfortable in Jerusalem until the persecution came to scatter them. The persecution facilitated the spread of the Gospel to other continents.

Historical Record of some Early Christians

Persecution is not a curse, but it is an avenue to proof to the world that Jesus is the only Savior for the world.

Around 34 A.D., Stephen was stoned to death at the perimeter walls of Jerusalem. And more than 2,000 Christians suffered martyrdom in the same year.

About a decade later, James the son of Zebedee was murdered by the Governor of Judea- Herod Agrippa.

Around 54 A.D., Phillip became a martyr at Heliopolis in Phrygia. He was whipped, imprisoned and crucified.

 Matthew, the tax collector preached in Ethiopia and was killed by the sword.

James, the brother of Jesus was stoned and the idol worshipers used a fuller’s club to hit his brain out of the skull.

Matthias was stoned and beheaded at Jerusalem.

Andrew, the brother of Peter spread the Gospel across Asia. But, he was crucified on a cross at Edessa.

Mark was dragged to pieces through a chariot by the people of Alexandria in Egypt.

Peter was crucified at Rome.

Paul was executed by the sword during the first persecution under Nero.

Around 72 A.D., Jude the brother of James was crucified at Edessa.

Bartholomew was crucified by idolaters in India.

Thomas spread the Gospel to Parthia and India. The pagan priests thrust him through with a spear.

Luke traveled to various countries and was hanged on an olive tree by idolatrous priests in Greece.

Simon Zelotes evangelized to Mauritania, Africa and Britain, where he was crucified in about 74 A.D.

Christian persecution did not hinder the growth of the Christian faith, because the Power of God sustained the evangelism. Many people who saw the horrible maltreatment of the Christians gave their lives to Jesus Christ. So, the more the persecution in Jerusalem and other countries, the more the Gentiles believed in the salvation of Jesus.

Don’t be scared of persecution during evangelism, because it will be a blessing to you. The second coming of Jesus is delayed, because you and I have not spread the Gospel to all the people in the world. Jesus says: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the entire world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14).

Presently, different forms of persecution are going on across the continents in the world; Syria, India, China, Arab, United States, Africa etc. But, preached the Gospel and don’t be scared of persecution, because the kingdom of God is your inheritance.