Category Archives: Gospel Evangelism

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.

5 Major Things the Church Should Start Doing!

Posted by Mar 12, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 1 Comment
5 Major Things the Church Should Start Doing!

The church is the representative of Jesus Christ in this sinful world. Did you know the reasons for some people boycotting church attendance? Why do we have many unstable converts in the church today?

I am blowing my trumpet through this article as a call to everyone in the Christendom to stand firmly for the corrective measures.

The capacity of the church (with the power and grace of Jesus) can change the world! Listen to this statistics; According to the theological seminary database of Gordon-Conwell on Global Christianity: Denomination of Christian organization is 39,000 and the church congregations (worship centers) are 3,826,000 during the mid-2007.

I am sure that these figures would have increased after a decade. If more than 39,000 denominations in the Christendom could come together to start doing the following, then the level of division, misconception, and lukewarm (worldly mix with godly) would diminish;

  1. Preach Outside the Four Walls

Evangelism is not for the ‘Evangelicals’. Preaching the Gospel to people is the fundamental duty of every believer. Jesus did not ask us to limit our Christian performance to the church building.

And Jesus said to His disciples: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). Jesus Christ did not expect His followers to settle down and build concrete churches.

God supported the early persecution of the disciples at Jerusalem, because He noticed they were forming a mega church when they were expected to travel to other countries. It was synonymous to the story of the tower of Babel. I would talk more on this in my subsequent publication.

There is no record in the Bible that a New Testament church building was built. But, we have records of believers travelling from one place to another to spread the Gospel. They gather in a believer’s home to pray and encourage one another, and then proceed to preach to the lost souls.

Read the book of Luke chapter 10 verses 1 to 24 and you will understand the module operand for New Testament believers. We don’t need temples and synagogues like the Old Testament.

Can you imagine the impact of church evangelism if the 2.4 billion Christians could preach the Gospel daily to the 4.8 billion non-Christians on earth?

This is a clarion call to the church to leave the four walls and consistently start the public announcement of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Time is running out!!

  1. Screen your Pastor

The scandals of many Pastors in the church had discouraged many people in the path of Christianity. So, it is time the church screen the spiritual ability of our leaders. Many false Pastors do not want you to screen them, they quote scriptures like; ‘thou shall not judge’. If they refuse judgment on earth, the Lord will judge them in heaven.

The book of second Peter chapter 2 verse 1 says: “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”

Jesus Christ gives you the right to reject an unrighteous Pastor in your church.  He says: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? … Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire…” (Matthew 7:15-23).

Never allow Pastors with fruits of greediness, adultery, etc. to lead the congregation.

Pastoral responsibility is for the anointed; you must be called by God (not by senior pastor) to do the spiritual duty. Pastoral office is not a family business. Many guys who graduated from pastoral (theological) schools pick the “pastoral appointment” (man-made callings) and cause terrible spiritual blunders at long run. Enough of this mess!!

  1. The Church should Unite

Enough of this human philosophy and doctrines that separate us in the Christendom. Jesus Christ is One, but we have diverse church denominations. We must unite the church in awesome fear of the Lord. So, we can speak in one voice to defeat the devil that pollutes the Christendom.

It is wise to stop church competitions, and unite as a big family to win souls to Christ. Can we say bye to denominations?

  1. Intensive Teachings of the Bible

The church should start a balance teaching of the Bible. Salvation is not all about prosperity, grace and love. Salvation entails ‘sufferings’, endurance, discipline and tribulations…

I felt sad when some new converts told me that the churches they attended did less of Bible studies. But, the churches did more of song entertainment, clapping, dancing and donations. Such church practices arise to lukewarm Christians and the departure of new converts from the church.

There is nothing wrong in singing, clapping, dancing and donations, but teaching the word of God must take the highest priority. The essence of gathering in a church is for iron to sharpen iron. (Proverb 27:17)

The church is not an entertainment center! The role of the church is to train and discipline the new converts with the word of God, and not to bother them with compulsory donations.

“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2Timothy 3:16-17)

The church should not only teach prosperity, but also the in-depth of the scriptures.

  1. The Church should Spend more on the Poor

I talked about church extravagance in the last article I wrote on 5 things the church should stop doing. This generation is fond of ‘expensive’ church buildings, (spirit of pride and unhealthy competitions among some church leaders). All the millions of dollars for the ‘elegant church structure’ would be consumed by fire on the Final Day.

Jesus did not support spending so much on earthly structures, but He instructs us to give to the poor. When you tell a poor person that: “Jesus told me to give you this small parcel of foods and clothes”… it is a big sermon about the Gospel of Jesus to the joyful poor person.

The church should start giving to the poor aggressively, to avoid empty treasury in heaven. Jesus says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6: 19-20)

Church: 5 Things the Church Should Stop Doing!

Posted by Feb 26, 2017 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Church: 5 Things the Church Should Stop Doing!

Church is a group of Christians that gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to worship God. I am worried about the trend of the church. Is Jesus Christ in the church of our generation? Can two masters control a home? Can the Spirit of God and the spirit of worldliness control the church?

Barna conducted an analysis on the state of the church in 2016, and revealed that Americans are attending church less, and many are practicing their faith outside of its four walls. I am sure that other continents are experiencing similar trend.

Today, I want to share some practices going on in the church, which we need to stop. I don’t intend to judge anyone or any denomination, but I want us to trace our steps back to the Bible.

The world’s civilization/modernization is putting more pressure on the church. We must take our stand in Christ’s rules alone!

The church does not want to ‘hurt’ anyone with the blunt truth of the Gospel. Preaching topics like holiness, perseverance and so on is now a boring topic in many churches.

The church chose to be friend with the world with the intention to win souls, and such intention is affecting the integrity of the church. First John chapter 2 verse 15 and 16 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.”

I am sure Jesus Christ saw this church trend long ago, and He asked His disciples this question: “… Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

It is wise for us to stop the following practices before the Faith in Jesus is changed to faith in worldliness.

1. Using Worldly Styles to Present the Gospel

a. Music ministrations in the church are less different from the worldly music. The unique gospel musicals filled with powerful messages of salvation is uncommon in our generation.

The new converts could not stop singing the worldly songs, because we use the worldly musical tones and beats in the church choir.

“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….” (Matthew 6:24)

b. The Hollywood style of presenting the Gospel had produced more lukewarm converts to the church.

c. The introduction of cosmetics and fashion into the church makes it difficult to distinguish a Christian from an unbeliever.

For instance; Piercing of the body is not limited to the women anymore, because men in the church are piercing their ears to wear earrings. The use of Tattoo in the church is no more news…

“Who’s adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (1peter 3:3-4 KJV)

The church should stop imitating the worldly styles of doing things. It attracts unbelievers to the church, but they don’t understand the godly styles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Obeying the Ungodly laws of the Land

The church is not prepared for persecution. Let us stand against the ungodly laws of the land imposed on the church. How could a government ask us to organize wedding for homosexual!?

We shall serve only One Almighty God. The church should not be afraid of persecution from the rulers of the world. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

The church is scared to pray, read the Bible or preach the salvation of Jesus to the public. The church should stop pretending that the ungodly laws of the land are manageable.

3. Let’s Stop Church Discrimination

It is unfortunate that we have thousands of denominations, but the figures separated us from the one love of God. For instance, the Protestant disregards the Orthodox, while the Orthodox disregards the Evangelical, and the discrimination continues on and on…

Let us unite! Jesus did not ask us to form denominations, but He told us to go preach the gospel to the world. “And He said to them, “Go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

4. Church Extravagance

Let us stop spending millions of dollars on church buildings. Let’s spend it on spreading the Gospel to the world.

The expensive church buildings will be crushed on the Day of destruction. So, let us stop church extravagance, and spend our funds to help the poor.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

5. Church Politics

a. The poor people have less attention of the Pastor, but the rich enjoy more attention of the Pastor.

 

b. The rich are giving altar post such as Elder, Deacon and Pastor in the church, but the poor are limited.

 

c. The chair of the rich is different from the ‘ordinary’ people in the church.

“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality… you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool, have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4)

 

“If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

The church should come together to speak in one voice. And enough of these adopted worldly styles that pollute the church every day. The church should do things differently from the world.

Renewing of your Mind: Is it Necessary?

Posted by Feb 18, 2017 Holy Word, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Renewing of your Mind: Is it Necessary?

Are you going through a tough time to get yourself stable in Christ? Then the solution is regular renewing of your mind. Renewing of your mind is synonymous to your phone or laptop that shows an intermittent pop-up message requesting for software update. If you fail to click the update button, then the gadget would be exposed to security threat.

The failure to always renew the mind would expose Christians to threat of sinful lifestyle.

Many years ago when I turned away from Satan, I found myself singing the worldly song “unconsciously”. I had a strong battle about this until I discovered that I failed to renew my mind with hymns and good gospel music.

So, I did not only discard the worldly music CD distracting me from Jesus Christ, but also bought many good gospel CD for my listening pleasure. I overcame a corrupt mind by the regular renewal of my mind.

Today, I would share the word of God with you on how to renew your mind and the benefits to your eternity.

Understand the Nature of Your Mind

Renewing of your mind cannot be successful if you do not understand the working principle of the mind. The Lord created your mind to be the ‘central processing unit’ for whatever decisions you intend to take in life.

The mind is the strong room for implementation of decisions. And God gives you the complete control over your mind. God does not impose His decision to your mind. That was the reason Eve took her final decision in her mind to eat the forbidden fruits despite the warning from the Lord.

Your mind is a ‘free world’ and it is also a ‘battle field’, because God and devil speak to you through your mind. And your power of choice determines the final decision.

Galatians chapter 5 verse 16 and 17 says: “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.”

It is a significant step to renew your mind always because since the fall in the Garden of Eden, the mind of man is terrible. Genesis chapter 6 verses 5 says: “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Ephesians chapter 4 verse 21 to 24 says: “if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man who was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

If you always experience falling in sin today, rising in Christ tomorrow, then the following steps will help you to stand firm in Christ.

3 Ways to Renewing of Your Mind

1. Study the Bible

The first step after giving your life to Jesus Christ is to study the Bible. Have you studied the Bible from Genesis to Revelation? It is compulsory for every Christian to personally read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

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.”

Renewing of your mind cannot be successful without knowing the mind of God for your life. And the mind of God is written in the Bible. So, the only instrument that could renew your mind is the Bible. And not the various contradictory church doctrines, false pastors or the cultural practices in your country!

Thus, read and digest the word of God all the time (not once or twice in a week). Fill your mind with the instructions of the Lord always and renewing of your mind shall be sustained.

2. Do the Opposite

Renewing of your mind to fit into the right group of the children of God involves doing the opposite actions of the worldly character you confessed not to do again.

The book of first John chapter 3 verse 6 to 8 says: “Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him…let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

For instance, someone who is a liar before given his/her life to Christ must not remain passive about it. Such person is expected to confess the sin of lies, and ask God for forgiveness. And to start doing the opposite, which is saying the truth all the time.

The secret to saying the truth always is renewing your mind with the word of God that says “…and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Pick your jotter and list all the worldly character you do when you were far away from the Lord. Then, search through the Bible and write the opposite (godly character).
If you do the opposite, then the renewing of your mind to godliness would be achieved. There is power in the obedience to the word of the Lord.

Titus chapter 2 verse 11 and 12 says: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…”

A lot of preachers had deceived us that we do not have anything to do when we give our lives to Jesus Christ. And that is the reason for the high population of corrupt mind in the Christendom today.

Please, do not fold your arms and expect God to play the role of renewing your mind. He would give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19), but it is your duty to be active in the word of God.

For instance, a ‘Christian’ constantly prayed to God to help him stop fornication, and this brother refused to quit the surrounding ladies. And he does not renew his mind with the word of God that says “thou shall not fornicate”.

I bluntly told the brother that God does not answer such prayer point (such prayer contradicts the Bible).

3. Fear of God is the Fuel

You cannot live a godly life without renewing your mind with the word of God every day. And the fuel to energize the daily renewal is the Fear of God.

When I read the mighty deeds of the Lord in the Bible, I marveled at His great Power. Also, His miracles in my life are awesome. So, I made up my mind to fear God alone in every action I take in my life. The fear of God in my life gives me the ability to retain a renewed mind.

If the holy fear of God is absent in one’s life, it would be difficult to renew the mind.

7 Benefits of Renewing your mind

If you update the software of your mind with the word of God, then you will enjoy the following outcomes:

1. Victory over temptations; no more fall and rise!

2. You would acquire more Divine Power.

3. You’re dwelling in God’s Holiness.

4. Heaven is your Eternal Home.

5. Easy differentiation of God’s voice from that of the devil.

6. No spiritual viral attack from the devil could steal your spiritual password.

7. The Lord would dwell in your mind.

 

Renewing of your mind every time with the word of God, and obedience to the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ in reverence awe are the ways you can follow to achieve a stable Christian life. No temptation from the devil would sweep you off- balance anymore.

The salvation of Jesus Christ is sustained in you by the renewal of your mind in God’s holiness. Every Christians would enjoy God’s promises, but listen to this advice: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Cor 7:1)