Category Archives: Holy Word

Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Posted by Aug 30, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths 3 Comments
Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Witchcraft is a spiritual practice that makes the practitioner to receive power from the spirit realm for ‘good’ and evil purposes. God is the source of power, and He gives all His creatures a form of power to survive the existence of life.

Lucifer received a remarkable power in heaven, but he rebelled against God with the attempt to over-throw the Mighty Throne. Other powerful angels fought against Lucifer and he was chased from heaven to the earth. And his name changed from Lucifer to Satan, the evil one.

Prophet Isaiah revealed devil’s intention: “…How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…” (Isaiah chapter 14)

Revelation chapter 12 verse 7 to 9 say: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

Witchcraft seems to be appealing or helpful, but its source is from the devil.

The official statistics of witchcraft across the world are uncertain due to the historical public condemnation of the witches. Though, the modern practices of witchcraft are increasing day by day, and it had crept into the Christendom in a harmless form.

The American Religious Identification Survey revealed that Wicca (a modern pagan witchcraft religion) is doubling every 3 years. Wicca had an average annual growth of 143% between 1990 and 2001. Wicca is one form of paganism and it is the fastest growing spiritual identification in America.

The statesman Anne Elizabeth Wynn said that there are more than 200,000 registered witches and about 8 million unregistered practitioners of Wicca in the U.S.

If the United States could have these figures more than a decade ago, then I can’t imagine the present figures across the world. This is a serious issue I want to open up for you in this article as the Spirit of the Lord takes the lead.

The Principles of Witchcraft/Sorcery

It is impossible to have the complete list of how witchcraft is done in this article due to the spiritual background attached to this practice. The basic principles include:

  1. Control of the Mind

The Sorcerers get their request from the devil when they give their state of mind to the demons to control. Your mind is the strong threshold that determines the success of witchcraft.

  1. Incantation/Spells

Repetition of a name, word, or phrase in a specific number of times is one of the ways to conjure demonic spirits for magic.

  1. Materialism

The practice of sorcery is not complete without the use of living or non-living materials. Example of a living material is human or animal blood/flesh. Examples of non-living materials are not limited to black, white, or red clothe, plants, drugs, candles and occult books.

What is God’s View to Witchcraft?  

God hates the practice of witchcraft, because it is the devil’s magical powers, which distract people from the Sovereign Lord. Sorcery is rebellion against the Spiritual Power of the Almighty God. So, God did not support witchcraft, either for good or bad purposes.

The book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 9 to 12 say: “When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.”

How Witchcraft Strikes!

1. It takes control of the victims’ passive mind to deceive (just like the case of Eve in the Garden of Eden) or to create various forms of fearful imaginations.

2. The demonic voice speaks evil suggestions, discouraging words, or harmful instructions to the heart of the sufferers.

For example; witchcraft makes the sufferer feel sickness, and if the victim admits to such thought, then it leads to affliction of unexplainable or incurable sickness.

Note: Not all sickness is witchcraft.

3. Unholy Anger – the evil power of witchcraft creeps into the heart of some people and makes them feel unworthy. This leads to sad feelings and the sufferers loses their sense of dignity. The evil caused by witches/wizards contributes to the high cases of suicide in our society.

4. Deception – Devil reassure those who practice witchcraft a lot of goodies such as; healing, wealth, power, long life etc. Hmm! whatever devil gives to you is always counterfeit, and it is temporal. He gives one to collect one thousand!!

 

Questionable Practices in the Church

It is no more news that some Pastors visit the witches/wizard for ‘white witchcraft’. These shameful Pastors were not patient with the Lord. So, they went to the attractive servants of the devil for the magical power of miracles, wealth, healing and so on.

They claimed that such power is for the growth of the church. It’s a pity that the Lord will reject such ministers on the judgment day.

Matthew chapter 7 verses 21 to 23 say: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Witchcraft is an act of lawlessness!

If the church you attend is involved in one of the practices discussed below, then please go on your knee and ask God to open your eyes:

1. Abusive prayers

This include: Spells of death sentence to someone whom you claimed as your enemy; repetitive prayers; repeating a word or phrase for a specific number of times.

For instance, a Pastor told his congregation that they would enjoy spiritual protection if they read Psalm 23 repeatedly for seven times before leaving the house in the morning. This is a churchy witchcraft method of incantation. False Prophets invented Bible incantation into the church. Jesus did not support this witchcraft practice.

Jesus says in the book of Matthew chapter 6 verses 7 and 8: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them…”

2. Praying to God through Angels or Mary

It is a witchcraft practice to call the names of angels or saints during prayers. And it is not right to pray to God through ‘holy Michael’ or ‘holy Mary’. The name of Jesus is the only authentic Name to mention in your prayers.

Philippians chapter 2 verse 9 to 11 says: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

3. The Use of Materials as a Medium for Prayers

When a pastor asks you to come into the presence of the Lord with materials such as; water, soap, handkerchief, oil, candle, rosary etc., then, he is controlling your mind to believe in Jesus and materials (modern idols).

Invariably, your faith is attached to the materials, and that is an act of witchcraft. I saw some Christians tying handkerchief and wooden cross to their vehicle; because their pastor said that it will protect them from an auto crash…

There is no verse in the Bible that instructs Christians to gather any form of material for prayers.

False Prophets and Pastors presented this idolatrous practice as a form of prophetic innovations in many churches. God says: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them…” (Exodus 20:3-5)

4. Abuse of Speaking in Tongues

Demons have their own languages. Whenever you are lured or forced to speak in tongue, your mind will be controlled by the power of witchcraft. The demons in-charge of such disorganized church service will speak his language through your tongue. Demonic languages are filled with false confession and curses. And we don’t know all these, because there is no one interpreting the strange speaking in tongues to us.

I am sharing a true life experience with you. Please, do not speak in tongues when you are not led by the Holy Spirit.

Watch out for pastors that practice witchcraft; when they speak in tongues, there is always a consistent word or sentence in the one thousand and one tongues they speak. That specific expression is an incantation – top secret!

5. Liberal Acceptance of Worldly Practices

Many churches embraced idolatry holidays such as; Halloween, Christmas, Easter and so on. But, Jesus Christ did not instruct the church to celebrate such holidays. If you find out the origin of these holidays, then you will agree with me that it is purely witchcraft practices in the church.

The early church leaders who endorsed the celebration did so with the intention to attract idol worshipers into the church. Unfortunately, the liberal acceptance did not convert the idolaters to Christ, rather it made them to become ‘white witches/wizards’ in the church.

The act of celebrating a dead person by organizing party is a witchcraft practice. I am sure that many Pastors and Reverend who make a lot of money through burial ceremonies will hate me for exposing this truth. But, I won’t stop telling you the truth.

Satan used Entertainment and fashion as strong weapons of witchcraft to attack the church. Rock and rap music, movies and games were embraced by many Christians. This is one of the reasons for the increase in immoralities, divorce, suicide and indiscipline in the Christendom today.

Unscriptural fashion in the church increased the power of seduction, and this act results to the enthronement of the spirit of Jezebel. For instance, I heard of a pastor falling into the arms of a charming woman (she had heavy cosmetics on her face) to commit sexual immorality…

6. Smart Fundraisers

Beware of a church where your mind is controlled by the soul power and pressure of the Pastor during the contribution of funds. Example of such witchcraft practices are:

a. Forceful donation: A pastor insisting on a particular amount of money to be contributed before anyone could leave the church service.

b. Reference donation.

c.  Creation of millionaire’s club in the church etc.

How to defeat Witchcraft

1. Let your faith be in the Lord Jesus Christ alone and disregard materialism.

2. Keep your heart hot all the time: The powers of witchcraft find it easy to attack a passive heart. So, always keep your heart active with the word of God and good inspirational gospel music.

Colossians chapter 3 verses 16 says: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

3. Always read the Bible every day and practice the instruction of the Lord written in the Bible. Demons find it difficult to attack the obedient Christians. But, rebellious ‘Christians’ are cheap goats for the witches to prey on.

4. Don’t take part in worldly practices that are generally accepted by the society. Please, focus your lifestyle on the spiritual activities that are clearly stated in the Bible.

Jesus says in John chapter 15 verses 18 and 19: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 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.”

5. Discipline yourself: The secret of my victory over witchcraft today is linked to the ceaseless prayers through the name of Jesus Christ.

It is not easy for your carnal nature to easily obey the word of God. So, discipline yourself by staying away from spiritual laziness and sins and the grace of the Lord will sustain you.

 

Witchcraft is a practice that distracts the mind and faith of the practitioner from the Almighty Power of the Lord. And the use of witchcraft to help the church is ungodly and cannot stand the test of fire.

So, you will defeat any form of witchcraft if your heart is always active in the presence of the Lord.

I previously experienced witchcraft oppression, but I give God all the Glory for saving my life. My points in this article might sound unbelievable to you, but I have spoken the truth. I recommend you to do a deep research on this topic, and don’t hesitate to write your comments.

God with you.

Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 2

Posted by Aug 19, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths Leave a Comment
Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 2

The law of Jesus is more dynamic than the law of Moses. I discovered that Jesus Christ did not want His followers to live a nonchalant and undisciplined lifestyle. So, He updated the law of Moses for the New Testament believers.

A lot of people do not like to hear that they are under the law. They love to quote Galatians chapter 5 verses 18: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

The translation of verse 18 in the content and context of Galatians chapter 5 is that, once you give your life to Jesus, you are no more under the sacrificial law that could condemn you to death.

Jesus was condemned for your sins and He died for your sins. Then He resurrected to give you a gracious life, which is above the sacrificial law. That does not mean you won’t be controlled by the law of Jesus Christ.

The mindset of Paul when he wrote the letter to the Galatians and others was to discourage them from embracing the Old Testament Law of Moses (such as ceremonial laws) at the detriment of Faith in Jesus Christ.

I discovered something funny about Paul; when he was in the midst of the Gentiles, he did not obey any Jewish law. But, when he was in the midst of the Jews, he obeyed the same law he told the Gentiles not to do.

He made this remark in his letter to the Corinthians. “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.”

Paul did not encourage anyone to disobey the law of Jesus Christ. The secret of Paul’s spiritual freedom from sin is attached to the faith in Christ and the obedience to the law of Jesus. Romans chapter 8 verses 2 says: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” 

7 laws of Jesus You Cannot Disregard

I agree that we are no more under the sacrificial laws, ceremonial laws and the selfish laws of the Pharisees. But, Jesus Christ who delivered us from all these laws does not want us to live an unguided or lawless lifestyle. So, it is wise for us to obey His rules.

  1. Avoid Unholy Anger and Abusive Words

Anger and abusive words are prerequisite of a murder case. The law of Moses was silent about the prerequisite, but the law of Jesus did not.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 21 and 22 says: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

  1. Close Your Eyes to Lust

Jesus Christ does not approve the habit of watching pornography, sexy films or ex-rated magazines. Jesus Christ advised us to exercise self-control, which is the only way to escape the sin of adultery.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 27 and 28 say: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

He told us to cut off any part of our body if that is the only way to stop the mess. Many people thought that the statement in Matthew chapter 5 verses 29 to 30 is a proverb due to the harsh literal translation. “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perishes, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perishes, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” It’s neither a proverb nor a parable. (The sharia law court got their idea from these verses.)

  1. Divorce in the Law Does Not Imply Re-marriage

The law of Moses gave room for divorce and remarriage, but the law of Jesus did not. Jesus allows Christian to divorce their partner if and only if there is an evidence to prove the adultery.

The logical part of the law is that, both the divorced couple shall stay single for all the days of their lives. Did you ask me why? Fine! Jesus said: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.”(Luke 16:18)

This practice is common in the world, but it is against the will of the LORD.

  1. Don’t Make Conversational Vow

The law of Moses allowed different forms of swearing, but the law of Jesus does not allow such anymore. Simply say “yes or no” during any form of conversation. Christians don’t lie because the devil is the father of lies. So, don’t swear to impress people.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 33 to 37 says: “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

  1. No More Eye For An Eye

The law of Jesus mentioned in Matthew chapter 5 verses 38 to 41 sounds too strange that many preachers and ‘bible scholars’ said that it was a proverbial statement. The content and context of the passage showed that the instruction is a direct statement and not a parable.

The motive of the law is to make every Christian a peacemaker and a non-violent person. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also…”

  1. Love Your Enemies

The only way to show that you are a true child of God is when you show love to those who hate you. Malice is not an acceptable character. Matthew chapter 5 verse 43 to 45 say: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust…”

  1. Don’t Blow Trumpet

If you make a public announcement of the amount of money or assets you give to the poor or for the sponsor of the Gospel, then your reward is limited to the applause you received from the crowd.

Matthew chapter 6 verses 1 to 4 says: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward… that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

 

When you give your life to Jesus Christ, you are no more under the bondage of sins. But, you are obliged to obey the law of Jesus stated in the Bible. The law of Jesus is to guide you to live a holy life in this sinful world. His Grace and Sacrificial Blood on the cross are not meant for living a careless life, but they are strength for you to survive a righteous life on earth.

Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 1

Posted by Aug 10, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 1

Law of Jesus and Law of Moses originated from the same Legislative Office. But, the law of Jesus is an updated version of the Mosaic Law.

I heard preachers in the church and on media preaching to me that I am no more under the law. I got confused because if I’m no more under the law that says: “Thou shall not steal”, then do I have the liberty to steal from the church’s offering box?

During my personal Bible study today, I asked the Holy Spirit if Christians are under the law. If yes; which of the laws applies to us?

This article will open your mind to understand the issue of “under the law” which had raised a lot of controversy in the Christendom.

I read Matthew chapter 5 and spent more than 40 minutes to understand the true interpretation of verse 17 to 20. The Holy Spirit is my Interpreter.

Jesus says: “Don’t misunderstand why I come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest details of God’s law will remain until the purpose is achieved.

So, if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s law and teaches them will be great in the kingdom of Heaven.

But I warn you – unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can’t enter the kingdom of heaven at all!”

This topic can’t be explicit without the definition of ‘Law of Moses’, ‘Writings of the Prophets’ and the ‘Fulfillment of Jesus Christ’.

What is the Law of Moses?     

The Law of Moses usually refers to the basic commandments of God-given to His children through Moses. The first comprehensive Law is called the 10 commandments. Other laws are derivatives of these Ten Commandments.

“And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

“You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:1-17)

Other laws were recorded in the book of Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

The Law of Moses can be grouped as:

  1. Religious law: which include; worship law, sacrificial law, ceremonial law
  2. Moral law
  3. Administrative law

What is the ‘Writings of the Prophets’?

This refers to the prophecy of the first coming of the Messiah:

  • Prophet Isaiah prophesied: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

 

  • Prophet Zechariah prophesied: “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” (Zechariah 12:10)

 

  • Prophet Malachi prophesied: “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:1)

How did Jesus fulfill the Law?

The sacrificial law/religious law was the major law fulfilled by Jesus on the Cross. No more slaughter of sheep to cleanse our sins because the blood of Jesus on the Cross had delivered us from the bondage of sin.

Revelation chapter 1 verse 5 says: “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”

So, Christians are no more under the religious law of sacrifices. Ephesians chapter 5 verses 2 say: “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Are You Under the Law?

I won’t be shocked if this topic is not acceptable by the majority! I realized that a typical human being does not want to be under any law.

For instance, Adam and Eve were only given a single law and they could not stick to it. “…but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die…

So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis chapter 3)

Also, the Israelite disobeyed God’s law while the Pharisees and teachers of law twisted the commandments for their selfish interest.

Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 verses 19: “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

So, the “rule breakers” shall not be recognized in Heaven (least). Only the obedient children of God would be recognized in Heaven (Great). Thus, Christians are not lawless entity. Yes! We are not under the bondage of sin, but we don’t have the liberty to behave anyhow.

Beware of false teachers or pastors who present the Grace of Jesus to you as a license of liberty to break the essential laws!

Jesus did not give us the impression that we have no law to obey. The second part of this article will show the law of Jesus and its importance to the children of God.

Narrow Gate: Is the Way to Heaven a Rough One?

Posted by Jul 31, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism Leave a Comment
Narrow Gate: Is the Way to Heaven a Rough One?

Jesus Christ used the word ‘narrow gate’ to describe the ‘tough’ process involved in staying fit on the track to Heaven. 

When One of the faithful followers of Jesus compared the popular lifestyles of people to the teachings of Jesus Christ, he asked Jesus: “Lord, are there few who are saved?” Jesus was not surprised about the question and He replied: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you will seek to enter and will not be able”. (Luke 13:23-24)

Is the Narrow Gate an Easy Task?

The message on many pulpits contradicts Jesus’ response in Luke chapter 13 verses 24. Some preachers made statements such as: “You have nothing to do once you give your life to Jesus”; “Your heaven is secured no matter what you do”; “You are under the dispensation of grace, so you have the liberty to do anything you like”…

All these and other similar quotes are ‘pleasing messages’ from the false preachers. The misconception of Paul’s statements is their references. Please test all preaching with the Word of Jesus, so that you won’t be carried away by the fake news about Heaven.

Jesus Christ did not give us the impression that the narrow gate to heaven is easy and He did not tell us that our journey to Heaven is free of hard times. Narrow gate means discipline, endurance, steadfast and denying yourself the pleasure of this world.

What did Jesus Mean by the Narrow Gate?

Jesus said: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate…” The word strive means; to try to achieve a result; to make a strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.

The gate is narrow because it’s holy features are unpopular and not generally acceptable by the people.. The other gate that leads to destruction is wide because it’s sinful features are attractive and many people enjoy it so much.

GOD oversees the narrow gate while the Devil controls the wide gate.

Jesus gave an advice to us in the book of Matthew chapter 7 verse 13: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it”.

The narrow gate is a symbol of Uniqueness, Exceptional Quality and Premium!!

Prophecy of the Narrow Road

God is so powerful in His Majesty and He knows the end from the beginning. The Lord had prophesied in the book of Matthew chapter 7 verse 14 that narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. The present situation of this generation tends towards the fulfilment of this prophecy.

As of 2010, Christianity had an estimated population of 2.2 billion adherents, which was nearly 31% of the 6.9 billion people on earth (according to Pew report). And the future predictions are not encouraging.

If the human counting (31%) is so low, I wonder what the LORD’s figure would be in the Book of Life…

Many people will go to heaven, but if the figure is compared to the total number of human beings on earth, the outcome is few.

So, the word ‘few’ mentioned by Jesus did not contradict the description of John in Revelation chapter 7 verse 9 to 10: “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Few people will pass through the narrow gate because a lot of people are not ready to pay the price of discipleship.

The Trend of Narrow Gate

The trend of few people surviving through the narrow gate started in the generation of Noah. After Noah preached for 120 years, only 8 people passed through the narrow gate.

The Lord said to Noah: “And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark-you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.”

The generation of Sodom and Gomorrah would have survived the fire if they obeyed the late night warning of Lot, but only a few survived the hot judgment.

Genesis chapter 19: “…So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city! But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking. When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city… Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens.”

It was only 2 men of Moses’ generation that entered the promised land because majority practiced rebellious lifestyles.

Numbers chapter 32 verse 10 to 12 says: “So the LORD’S anger was aroused on that day, and He swore an oath, saying, ‘Surely none of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and above, shall see the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not wholly followed Me, ‘except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have wholly followed the LORD.’”

Thus, we must not take the love of God for granted. Jesus loves us, and He does not want us to perish. The only way to enjoy His love is for you to obey His instructions and walk through the narrow gate. God’s love for you does not allow disobedience or rebellious acts.

How to Strive your Way to Heaven

1. Give your Body, Soul and Spirit to the LORD

You cannot achieve the outcome of gaining heaven without the Power and Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. John chapter 14 verse 6 says: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

2. Get the Road Map

The Holy Bible is the only authentic map you need for a successful trip to heaven. It is wise you test every word you hear with the Bible.

The common error I noticed in our generation is less zeal for personal Bible Study. Some Pastors won’t preach on the narrow gate because it is not an interesting topic that makes people laugh in the church.

Don’t hesitate to obey the word of God when situation is bearable or unbearable.

3. Be Focused on the Narrow Gate

There are lots of distractions out there. Distractions can steal your precious time for prayers and personal Bible studies. Examples of distractions are; parties, movies, video games, social media etc.

4. Love Endurance

The acceptance of Jesus Christ into your life does not imply a challenge-free life. So, you don’t have the freedom to live a careless lifestyle, but endure every trial that comes your way. Don’t give excuses for stumbling into temptations. It’s good you always seek God’s Power to overcome sin and He will give you.

Thus, don’t look for “better life” through the Broadway. The end of such “better life” is destruction. Always remember the promise of Jesus in John chapter 16 verses 33: “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.”

5. Be a Faithful Follower

Your work on the route to the narrow gate is to love God than all the things of this world. Luke chapter 9 verse 23 to 25 says: “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. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”  

 

God cannot force you to do the right things, but spend all your power of choice to follow Jesus on the path of the narrow gate that leads to Heaven.

Temple of God: What Does it has to do with My Body?

Posted by Jul 20, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Gospel Evangelism 1 Comment
Temple of God: What Does it has to do with My Body?

The temple of God is a sacred place of worship filled with the awesome presence of the Lord. God designed two types of temple. The first one is made from materials (structures of heaven and church buildings on earth). And the second type of temple is constructed through His breath (the body of Angels and Man).

The main purpose of creation is to worship God in praises. Psalm 66 verse 4 says: “All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.”

Why did God create our body as a form of temple? Well, the answer is not far fetched, because God dwells in the Praises of His people. Thus, our body must be designed to contain His presence. You will understand this point clearly if you are the type that worship God with all your heart. My body is not always the same when the Lord dwells in my praises to Him…it is a wonderful experience I love so much. Psalm 22 verse 3 says: “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”

If you engage yourself in praise and worship to the Lord, then His Presence will dwell in your body (which is linked to your soul and spirit).

The plan of God for the population of about 7 billion people on earth is to become His temples (dwelling places of praise and worship). But the publication released by the International Bulletin of Missionary Research in mid-2015 showed that the total number of Christian in the world is about 2.42 billion. Does that translate to 2.42 billion temples?

False Teaching about the Body

Your body is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. The psalmist meditated and discovered the great significance of the body. “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

But, devil cooked-up false teachings about our body so that we can sin against God’s temple. Few of the false teachings are:

  1. God does not care about your body, but cares about your spirit and soul…
  2. You can do anything to ‘beautify’ your body…
  3. Since you are born again then you have the liberty to do anything…

They deceive people through the misconception of Paul’s statements such as: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)

How to Purify God’s Temple

Your body is the temple of God. And he will dwell in you if your body is holy. The book of Leviticus chapter 19 verse 2 says: “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.”

  1. Clean with the Blood of Jesus

The temple of the Old Testament was purified with the blood of the spotless lamb. But our body (temple) must be purified with the Blood of Jesus. “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (First Peter 1:18-19)

God does not dwell in the temple of sinners. Thus, you have to give your life to Jesus by forsaking all sinful attitudes. Jesus fulfilled His promise mentioned in the book of John chapter 14 verses 16. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us took away the forces of loneliness. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever…”

 

  1. Don’t Change the Structure

God created you in His image and He won’t be glad to see the temple He created to be restructured by another fake creator. For instance;God did not support the popular fashion of tattoo on the body. “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:28)

 

The Spirit of God disapproves the use of cosmetics, bleaching creams and ornaments because they transform the image of God on the body to another strange image.

First Peter chapter 3 verse 3 and 4 says: “Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel–rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

Bad eating habits such as; gluttony, fast food, alcohol, concentrate juice and lack of balance diet defiles the body formation. The defilement of the body through this medium contributes to low life span in this generation.

It’s also a causal agent to the high occurrence of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart attack, kidney problem etc.

  1. Abstain from Sexual Immorality

I always preach in the Ministers’ conference that anointing does not guarantee over-confidence to sex related temptations. The best you can do is not to cast and bind, but to flee from the venue of temptation.

An African adage says: “you don’t smell the meal you won’t eat.” Thus, God detests any form of sexual sins with our body because He dwells in the temple filled with holiness.

Your country might legalize gay marriage, divorce and remarriage, fornication/adultery, but God will never accept such body as His temple.

First Corinthians chapter 6 verse 14 to 20 says: “…But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

What happens if the Temple is defiled?

God is holy and He also wants you to be holy. It is only the holy interrelationship that can make God to dwell in you. If the temple is defiled, then God will be angry and His Spirit will not dwell in such body.

Anyone that defiles his or her body with sins will face the wrath of the Lord. First Corinthians chapter 3 verse 17 says: “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

Your body is the temple of God and it carries the personality of your soul and spirit. God designed your trinity in this form so that He can dwell in you when you praise and worship Him. John chapter 4 verse 24 say: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

If you notice that the temple of God in you is not purified, please do not hesitate to run to Jesus for a cleanup. Jesus will restore and save you from eternal destruction.