Category Archives: Youths

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.

Prayer: 5 Ways to Get Your Requests Answered!

Posted by Jun 27, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Word of Faith, Youths Leave a Comment
Prayer: 5 Ways to Get Your Requests Answered!

Prayer is not only begging for God’s intervention, but also a channel of acknowledging the greatness of God. Prayer is a vital medium of getting supernatural results. Some people’s prayers go unanswered due to some irregularities. But, don’t lose hope in prayers to God.

According to a 2014 Pew Research center survey, 55% of Americans said they pray every day. 21% said they pray weekly and 23% said they seldom pray. It is interesting to discover that Americans ages 65 and older are far more likely than adults under 30 to say they pray daily (65% vs 41%).

I want you to agree with me that God who created ears is not a deaf Being. Thus, He hears when we speak. The book of Isaiah chapter 59 verse 1 and 2 says: “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.”

This post will show the important ways of presenting your requests to God for quick answers.

  1. Use Distraction-Free Venue

If your prayers at public centers (such as church etc.) are not answered, then consider a private place. God answers the prayer of those who speak to Him with an undivided attention.

For instance, an earthly father would never take his son seriously if the boy requests for a new bicycle while watching Tom and Jerry (cartoons). The boy is expected to avoid distractions, look straight into his father’s face and present his request.

I got this style of prayer from Jesus and it is working great for me. Matthew chapter 14 verses 23 say: “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”

Jesus prayed in the temple and public gatherings, but He always retreats to private places for uninterrupted prayers… This style of prayer plays a vital role in the success of Jesus on earth.

Don’t get tired of prayer! You might be using a wrong venue filled with distractions. Find a place of prayer where your heart and attention will not be carried away from the God’s presence.

  1. Fix Fasting

Prayers you have done for a while without an answer may fall into the category of prayer and fasting. Not all prayers need fasting, but some requests that need instant supernatural miracle will require such. Jesus Christ did not start His public ministration without fasting and prayer.

He asked God to bless Him with great authority, wisdom, power of healing and miracles. And God answered His prayers without hesitation. “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing…” (Luke 4:1 & 2)

Jesus’ disciples tried to emulate Him, but they couldn’t due to a prayerful lifestyle that lack essential fasting. “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.

So I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him… Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief… “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

If your prayer requires a spectacular outcome for people to see, then it is wise to fast.

Note: Don’t wound yourself with ‘almighty doctrines’ because you want to fast and pray. Jesus says: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.” (Matthew 6: 16 & 17)

    1. Call the Right Name in Your Prayer

Prayer is all about communication between you and God. But your relationship with God will be stronger if you call Him by His rightful names. When praying to God, call Him JEHOVAH, I AM WHO I AM, God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob, Prince of Peace… (Exodus 3:14 & 15, Isaiah 9:6)

You cannot call Him in reverence and stay the same. When you call His holy name, your prayers would receive feedback.

At this point, I want to advice you not to attach the name of God to any man (pastor, overseer or founder of a ministry) because the minister might not be serving the Almighty God.

I remembered a true life story of a female gospel musician in Nigeria. She always mentions the name of her pastor as a suffix to God’s name. She sang in her albums that it is the god of her pastor that saved and blessed her life…she thought she was making reference to God Almighty.

After the pastor died, she and everyone discovered that he belonged to a famous cult in his home town. And the false pastor was buried by his cult members. This scandal affected the reputation of the gospel musician.

If you don’t abuse the Lord by calling Him names He never told you He is, then He will listen to your prayers.

  1. Have a Firm Faith

Don’t waste your time praying, if you discover some level of bias in your heart. Such prayers will hit the rock. A vital role you need to play for your prayer to be answered is having faith in the power of God.

For instance, Jesus ensured that the faith of the blind men corresponded with their prayers before He answered their request. (Jesus is not a magician). “…two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”… And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” (Matthew 9:27-29)

Jesus emphasizes faith as a key reason for prayers to be answered. Matthew chapter 17 verse 20 says: “So Jesus said to them… if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

  1. Do Away with Materialism

A lot of prayers go unanswered because of the idolatry medium involved in it. The false pastors and prophets introduced the practice of materialism into the Christendom and this had affected genuine relationship with God.

Some church doctrines encourage their members to always pray with the aid of materials such as; candle, water, soap, handkerchief, oil, rosary etc. Such prayers cannot be answered by God. Though, am aware of devil’s manipulations of “answering” such idolatry prayers at times.

There is no verse in the Bible, where God instructed us to come before Him with such materials. I studied the prayer life of Jesus and discovered that the only instrument He used during His prayer is faith. So, if you believe in the power of Jesus, then do not put any material (idol) between your faith and God.

The danger in such practice is that your faith would cling to the soap, oil or handkerchief (and not to Jesus alone).

Stop the purchase of ‘spiritual materials’ from these dubious false bishops, pastors and prophets. They are swindling you of your hard-earned money. Jesus says: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

A true man of God will freely show you the right way to pray just as Jesus thought His disciple how to pray in Luke chapter 11 verses 1 to 4.

I am a living witness to tell you that God answers prayers. Though, He won’t answer any prayer which is against His will. Thus, always worship God in spirit and in truth, so that your entire prayer requests will not contradict His plan for your life.

Love of Jehovah: 5 Things His love Cannot Do

Posted by May 25, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Youths Leave a Comment
Love of Jehovah: 5 Things His love Cannot Do

The love of Jehovah is massive and incomparable to the love of man. You might wonder why this enormous love of God could not prove itself in some situations.

I remembered an old story of a king and his slave. “The king, who did not believe in the goodness of God, had a slave who, in all circumstances, said: “My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God does is perfect, no mistakes!”

One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king. His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty losing a finger. Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said “Is God loving? If He loves me, I would not have been attacked and lost my finger”.

The slave replied: “My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and he knows ‘why’ of all these things”. Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.

Later, he left for another hunt and was captured by savages who made human sacrifices. In the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the victim had not one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, it was not so complete to be offered to the gods.

Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave that he received very affectionately. “I really enjoyed the love of Jehovah! I was almost killed by the wild men, but for lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a question: if God loves, why did He allow me to put you in jail?”

The slave replied: “My king, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed for you, because I have no missing finger. Thus, the love of God has always been established in every situation.”

The love of Jehovah is not slack. Some preachers made us to believe that the love of God will permit ‘everything’ we choose to do. But, a lot of people got disappointed that God could not satisfy all their (self) wishes, so they left the church to become an atheist.

A series of Bible studies and events on earth made it known that the love of Jehovah is so much with us. Some folks thought that God’s love is handicapped. But, I would like to share some things the love of Jehovah cannot do.

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Condone Disobedience

There is a false believe in our midst that the love of Jehovah will stop Him from punishing Christians for any commandment we disobeyed. How can we claim to be a Christian and still delight in worldly actions?

The love of God forgives sins, but He does not urge you to continue sinning. First John chapter 3 verses 1 to 10 says: “…Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness…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, can you blame God for the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? Genesis chapter 3 verses 2 to 6: “And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; “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.”

The Lord sent them out of the garden; does that mean God did not love them? No! They had been forewarned, but they choose to obey the serpent.

The love of Jehovah in your life does not give you the license to misbehave, because there is discipline in it.

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Support Impatience

Can we blame God for Abraham’s family crisis? The LORD promised Abraham that He would make him the father of all nations, but he wasn’t patient enough. Abraham obeyed his wife’s advice and that marked the beginning of a great division in the human race.

Genesis chapter 16 verses 1 to 6 says: “…So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai… So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence.”

Is it fair to blame the love of Jehovah when we find ourselves in troubles that originated from our impatience?

There are lots of youths in jail because of financial crimes such as; drug trafficking, fraud, robbery and so on. They want to get rich overnight, but the law of the land caught up with them. Does that mean the judge in the court of law refused to love the criminals? No!

Similarly, the atheists chose to hate God because they expected the love of Jehovah to support their selfish attitude of impatience.

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Embrace Unfaithfulness

There are various crises in the world such as: terrorism, corruption, poverty, economic crunch, crime to humanity and so on. I discovered that all these crises caused by men were as a result of unfaithfulness to one another.

Thus, can we blame God’s love for the predicament caused by people in the society?

The false teachers preached to us that once we believe in Jesus, we can do ‘anything’ and the love of Jehovah will save us. But, I had discovered from the Word of God that His love cannot embrace unfaithfulness.

For instance, the Israelites were not faithful to God in the wilderness. So, only two of the adult generation got to the Promised Land. Deuteronomy chapter 1 verse 34 to 38: “And the LORD heard the sound of your words, and was angry, and took an oath, saying, Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give to your fathers, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and his children I am giving the land on which he walked, because he wholly followed the LORD.’… Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.”

Also, Jesus expressed His love to the Jews, but they remained unfaithful. Thus, we cannot blame Jesus for the siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Jesus says in Matthew chapter 23 verses 37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”

The love of Jehovah controls the faithful worshippers as explained in the book of John chapter 4 verses 23 and 24: “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Help Carelessness

Some people believed that once they become a Christian, Jesus Christ will always disallow the repercussion of any careless act they engaged to do. Hmm! Accepting Jesus implies carefulness.

For instance, the love of Jehovah towards king Solomon was so great that He blessed him with wisdom and wealth. But, can we blame the love of God for king Solomon’s carelessness with the beautiful women?

I wept when I read the later part of king Solomon: “But king Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites-from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you.

Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines…that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God…So the LORD became angry with Solomon…”(1King11:1-25)

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Befriend the Hypocrite

Hypocrites are people who pretend to serve the Lord. They are good in church activities, but their lifestyles are not Christ-like. The love of Jehovah in your life does not give you the liberty to love the ‘things’ of this world.

Jesus understood this fact, and that was the essence of His reply to the devil when He was tempted. Matthew chapter 4 verses 8 to 10 says: “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.”

You cannot be active in sin and expect the love of Jehovah to open the doors of Heaven for you.

The love of God was expressed through Jesus for the salvation of everyone, but He never befriends the hypocrites. Listen to one of his responses to the hypocrite: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)

The love of Jehovah can save sinners and they become saints. Meanwhile, His main priority is to help all saints to enjoy their eternity in heaven. Thus, God’s love can neither promote selfishness nor support ungodliness.

Why is Christian Youths Abandoning Faith in Christ?

Posted by May 16, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Gospel Evangelism, Youths 3 Comments
Why is Christian Youths Abandoning Faith in Christ?

The Barna group conducted a survey to study the trend of Christian youths abandoning their faith. George Barna said: “A majority of twenty-something – 61% of today’s young adults-had been churched at one point during their teen years, but they are now spiritually disengaged (that is, not actively attending church, reading the Bible, or praying).”

My heart breaks when I saw the trend at which the Christian youths abandon their faith in Jesus Christ. God is not pleased with the level of unfaithfulness and hypocrisy in the midst of the Christian youths.

When the Lord called me to be one of His special messengers to the world, the first message He asked me to preach to the world was centered to the youth. The Lord said: “Reveal the secret of the devil to the youths. Devil had a strategy to pull the Christian youths to hell. Since the largest population of the world is in this category, then his target is to distract them from Christ.”

“Devil will do such through the forms of scientific and non-scientific means. The target of devil is to have youths as the highest population in hell. Go and preach to the Christian youths to stop embracing worldliness. I love the youths and I don’t want them to perish. Worldly style of doing things should not be imitated in the Christian practices”.

I was shocked when the Lord spoke this message to me and I asked Him: “Hope the listeners of this message won’t say that I have come to judge the youths?” The Lord responded: “No, you are not judging the youths, refer whoever accused you to read the book of Amos chapter 3 and verse 7.”

I stood up and opened the Bible to know what was written in the Book – “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing; unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

I started preaching this secret 16 years ago and I won’t stop. Scriptures made it known that Jesus is not happy with this situation. The book of Mark chapter 9 verse 42 says: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he was thrown into the sea.”

It is important to identify the factors that influence Christian youths to abandon their faith in Christ.

  1. The Role of Parents

Proverbs chapter 29 verse 17 says: “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.” ‘Parents are not robot manufacturers’.

You have the obligation to train your children in the way of the Lord. Pushing them into the car for Sunday church service is not enough to make your children fear God. Always find time on a daily basis to pray and study the bible together.

When your children ask questions, please always give full answers with references to the scriptures. It will be difficult for Christian youths to abandon faith in Christ, if there is a parental care that shows Christianity as a relationship (and not as a religion) with God.

Many Christian youths are biased about the power of Jesus, because their parents (who work round the clock) had no time to answer the questions that troubles their hearts.

Some parents thought that should be the sole responsibility of the church Pastor. Show your children the path of the Lord; they will not depart from it. The Bible says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

The vital way to reduce the skyrocketed figures of Christian youths abandoning their faith is that parents must be a faithful role model in Jesus Christ.

  1. The Role of the Church for Christian Youths

The church is not the mega building, but the people gathering in it. How would you expect the faith of Christian youths to be stronger in a church filled with eye-service, ‘church politics’, love of money than the soul of the giver and indiscipline?

It is no more news that majority of our ‘Pastors’ in this generation are ‘economical’ with their preaching. The style of preaching in the 19th century is different from what we hear in the pulpit now. Some Pastors are scared of losing members (to other ‘Christian denominations’) if the undiluted word of God is preached in the pulpit.

With respect to my findings, seven out of ten churches are simply entertainments gathering. The order of services is filled with claps, jokes, and little of God’s word. I won’t be surprised if Christian youths from such churches abandon their faith when they get to high school or college!

To stop this unfaithful trend in the midst of our teens and youths, the church must go back to the first love. “…Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp-stand from its place–unless you repent…” (Revelation 2:1-7)

Let’s do it just like the early church. “…Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need…with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Act 2:42-47)

  1. The Role of Technology

Science has been a great distraction to Christian faith. The theory of evolution, New Age movement, Atheism and the invention of the internet are good instruments of distraction. It is dangerous for any Christian youths to share believes that originate from science.

The only source of faith is the Bible. Modern technology is not bad if it is used appropriately in accordance to God’s will.

Some Christian youths abandon their faith in Christ, because their heart had been carried away from computer games, social websites, television cable networks and surfing the internet for information not beneficial to their spiritual growth in Christ.

Nevertheless, Christian youths will be responsible for their decision before the Lord. The bible is available for everyone to study both online and offline. If there is any part of the scriptures you don’t understand, the Holy Spirit can help you.

John chapter 14 verse 26 says: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

God will never accept any excuse from the unfaithful youths, because the power of choice of every Christian youth is the main cause that sustains their faith in Christ.

Thus, Christians must tightly hold on to the faith they have in Jesus Christ in the midst of trouble or confusion. Jesus says 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.”

Read your bible daily and live a lifestyle that is strictly controlled by God. Thus, devil’s devices against your faith in Jesus Christ will be destroyed. Jesus loves you!!

20 Works of the Flesh You Must Not Do!

Posted by May 7, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Youths Leave a Comment
20 Works of the Flesh You Must Not Do!

Works of the flesh are like an ‘occupation’ that looks attractive to the employee, but the wages paid for it is death. Many years ago, I was engaged in various forms of works of the flesh.

I felt on top of the world when I engaged myself in the works of the flesh. But, I will never forget the night when devil decided to pay me the wages for the works of the flesh I did from my childhood. It was a deadly night, but the grace of Jesus saved me. And the Lord gave me a second chance.

Works of the flesh are also fruits of the flesh, which originated from the feast of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Though, it appeared attractive to the first parent, but the aftertaste was bitter.

It is important for us to check-balance ourselves all the time to make sure that the works of the flesh has no input in our lives. First Corinthians chapter 10 verse 12 says: “Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].” (AMP)

Some works of the flesh include;

    1. Cursing: Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 verse 22: “…But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”
    2. Divorce and Remarriage: Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5 verse 31 and 32: “…and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”
    3. Fornication: All forms of illicit sexual relationships such as; unmarried partners, homosexual, etc.
    4. Adultery: Extramarital sexual affair.
    5. Uncleanliness: Actions that make the heart impure such as watching porn, reading playboy, harmful thoughts and lustful desires.
    6. Lewdness: Immoral lifestyles, provocative wears and corrupt behavior.
    7. Idolatry: Worshiping images or man, giving respect to worldly things at the expense of God, the Creator.
    8. Sorcery: Patronizing false Prophets for magical handkerchief, oil, water and soap.
    9. Hatred: Strong dislike for a human being. Unforgiving! Jesus says in Matthew chapter 6 verse 14: “But I say, love your enemies!”
    10. Jealousy: Envy towards another person’s possessions.
    11. Anger: Intense fury without love.
    12. Selfish Ambition: Cheating another person or the government.
    13. Heresies: Cooked-up ungodly ideologies for cheap popularity and establishment of new denominations.
    14. Murder: Taking another person’s life without fair consideration.
    15. Drunkenness: Deriving pleasure from alcohol.
    16. Revelry: Lovers of wild parties and merrymaking.
    17. Theft: Taking what belongs to another person without rightful approval.
    18. Deceit: Both ‘white and black’ lies will lead the liars to eternal heat.
    19. Pride: The habit of self-esteem; no respect for God.
    20. Jokes: Foolish talks and jesting to make people laugh is like sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Read Ephesians 5:1-7.

You can also read the following passages for more understanding: Mark 7:21-23, Romans 1:29-31, Galatians 5:19-21, and Colossians 3:5-8.

Characteristics of Works of the Flesh

  1. Easy to do: For instance; the brain might find it difficult to solve a simple mathematics, but the thoughtful brain is always fast to disseminate lies to the tongue.
  2. Works of the flesh is popular: They are widely acceptable in our society and by the government. For instance; the government approves legalized adultery (divorce and remarriage), abortion, homosexual etc. Pregnancy before marriage is not a big deal anymore…
  3. Less Expensive: The works of the flesh is very cheap to do, unlike the fruits of the Spirit, which require strong determination and self-denial from worldliness.

Do not be enticed by the works of the flesh because its outcome is eternal loss of your soul. “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21 verse 8)