Category Archives: Gospel Evangelism

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.

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.