Category Archives: Gospel Evangelism

Old Self! : How to defeat your Old-Man!!

Posted by Jul 30, 2017 Holy Word, Gospel Evangelism , Leave a Comment
Old Self! : How to defeat your Old-Man!!

Old self is your personality that loves to do things in your own way without considering the opinion of the Lord. Old self or old man does not live to please God. The old-man hates the rules from the Lord, but loves everything about the world.

Old self is the rebellious nature which is not acceptable by the Lord. So, the teachings of Jesus Christ, His death and Resurrection are events that give New Life or New Man to all believers.

Everyone must put away the old self before enjoying the salvation of Jesus Christ.

I give God the glory for my life today. My old self starts to manifest from the tender age of nine. I grew up from a Christian home, but my old self pleases me more than obeying the instructions in the Bible.

So, I was hypocrite for a long time. I lived a lukewarm lifestyle till my final year in the Polytechnic. My encounter with the Lord defeated my old self, and I became a new man in Christ.

Today’s message will reveal the power of old self and how to overcome the forces of the old man.

What are the Features of the Old Self?

The old self neither obeys nor respect the Holy Spirit. Now the works of the flesh are evident:

  • adultery
  • fornication
  • uncleanness
  • lewdness
  • idolatry
  • sorcery
  • hatred
  • contentions
  • jealousies
  • outbursts of wrath
  • selfish ambitions
  • dissensions
  • heresies
  • envy
  • murders
  • drunkenness
  • revelries

If you carefully go through the list above, and you notice one or two of the character in your life, then the old self is still in control.

Colossians chapter 3 verse 5 to 10 says: “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which are idolatry.

Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.

And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

How to Defeat Your Old Self!

God loves you and He does not want your old self to put you away from heaven. The following tips will help defeat the old self:

  1. Walk in the Spirit

Paul said: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:16-18)

You are not under the curse of the law, if you quit the features of the old self.

  1. Obey the Word of God

The old self would want you to always argue with the word of God. And the old man would make you see the instructions of Jesus as a difficult task to accomplish. The old self makes the Bible boring to you, but do not give-in to the old-man.

Read the New Testament carefully and understand the New Life Jesus Christ is introducing to you. Embrace Jesus by obeying all His commandments. You can do all things in Jesus. Thus, nothing is difficult in the instructions of our Lord Jesus.

Jesus says: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7

Obedience to the word of God all the time will defeat the old man in you.

  1. Your Strong Determination is Essential

It is true that Jesus had completed your salvation on the cross, but He won’t spoon-feed you. You need to forsake worldliness. Make the right choice to follow Jesus with All your heart.

First John chapter 3 verse 4 to 6 says: “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.”

Don’t fold your arms and expect Jesus to come down from heaven to earth to do all the fights for you. He can’t force you to abide in Him. The Power of Jesus will give you victory over your old-man, if you have a strong determination in your heart to stop all worldliness.

The Grace of God is abundant in our generation, but only few could enjoy it, because, many are not ready to pay the price – “Then He 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

Your old-self will die if you always refuse to do the common practice of the world. And your new man will live forever if you always obey the word of God daily. It is impossible for people living in their old self to inherit the kingdom of God.

So, make the right choice! Crucify your old man on the cross, and live a New Life in Jesus Christ.

Is Water Baptism Necessary for the Christians?

Posted by Jul 13, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 4 Comments
Is Water Baptism Necessary for the Christians?

Water baptism is the immersion of a repented person in water as an outward proof of repentance. The process of repentance starts from the mind (soul), to the body (public display) and ends with spiritual transformation.

So, water baptism is the first part of public display by the new person who gives his life to the Lord. Today’s message gives a scriptural description of water baptism, and how important it is to the Christians.

Why Do You Need Water Baptism?

I have seen converts who were shy to tell people around them about their faith in Jesus. And in a short time, they were lured into worldliness again. Water baptism is significant, because it gives boldness to the heart of the new Christian.

If you can boldly come out to take part in public water baptism, then you will find it easy to tell people around you about your new life in Jesus. And It will be difficult for the spirit of shame to depress you.

Is Jesus Interested in Water Baptism?

The first servant of God who practiced water baptism in the New Testament was John the Baptist.

Mark chapter 1 verse 5 says: “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”

Jesus was not a sinner, but He decided to be a role model for the continuity of water baptism. So, Jesus insisted that John the Baptist should immerse Him in the Jordan River.

Matthew chapter 3 verses 13 to 15 say: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.”

Jesus laid more emphasis on the practice of water baptism when He rose from the dead. Though, some false leaders in the Christendom said that water baptism is not compulsory.

But, that does not change the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ written in the Book of Matthew chapter 28 verse 19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

When is the Right Time for Water Baptism?

If you standardize your lifestyle with the Word of God, and you realized that the result is counterfeit, then surrender your total heart to Jesus for a new life.

Thus, repentance from your sinful lifestyle precedes water baptism. The book of Matthew chapter 3 verse 6 says: “… and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

Water baptism signifies the time for ‘public announcement’ of forsaking worldliness.

Acts chapter 2 verse 38 says: “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.”

Who can be baptized in Water?

All the scriptural references of water baptism shows that the people immersed in water can differentiate right from wrong. So, water baptism is not for infants or children who can’t distinguish righteousness from unrighteousness.

Any church doctrine practicing water baptism for infants is against the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Where to Perform Water Baptism

Civilization and doctrine of men are changing the significant processes of water baptism. I am not comfortable with the in-door style of water baptism practiced in some churches.

In-door baptism does not take away the shame that makes it difficult for Christian babe to proclaim Jesus publicly. There is no part of the scriptures that supports in-door baptism.

Water baptism is best done publicly in a body of water.

 

Water baptism is pronounced in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). No any other name or ‘incantation’ is acceptable by the Lord.

Since our Lord Jesus Christ allowed Himself to be baptized as an example for His followers. I recommend water baptism for you when your body, soul and spirit are given to the Lord.

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!