Following myths and legends

As we are moving towards one world government, one economy, one religion, in preparation for the rule of the Antichrist, people become more and more accommodative and tolerant towards festivities and celebrations. Our God hates syncretism and compromise. He has strictly commanded His people not to equate Him with anyone else or worship any other object as their God. (Deu.6:4) The God of the Bible is a jealous God who will not tolerate anyone equating Him with anyone or anything He created. (Deu.4:24; 6:15) He will not share His glory with anything or anyone else. We should never take this command for granted.

Doing it in the name of religious harmony or culture or tradition or whatever is abominable to our God. These are the subtle ways of the enemy. Never fall into that trap. We don’t have to oppose those who do it, but wisely stay away from it. Love and respect people but don’t contribute to the wrongs. 

You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

(James 4:4 NLT)

Keeping a cross on it or near it will not make an idol acceptable to the Lord. We should be serious about idol worship of any kind, whether it is a statue, picture, icon or living individuals. Whether we venerate them or honor them or remember them or pray to them or seek their mediation, it doesn’t make any difference. Nobody is worthy of glory and worship like the Lord Jesus the Almighty God. He has no equals, neither beginning nor end. There was nothing before Him. He created time and space, the universe and everything in it. He is on the throne and is worshiped in heaven by millions of His angels. Don’t equate the Lord God with anything or anyone else. Remember, the consequences are as bad as hell fire itself.

If you read 1 Samuel 5:1-4 you will see what happened to Dagon’s statue. When the Ark of God was placed alongside, it fell down. The worst thing is that even after recognizing the power of the true and living God, people don’t care to turn to Him and worship Him.

A Christian needs to be a transformed person. We are commanded not to imitate the customs and practices of the world. (Rom.12:2) There are festivals and celebrations commemorating different deities. Externally it looks like cultural or community celebrations. Things  like Valentine’s day and Halloween are a few examples.  We should seriously consider whether we can identify with these or not. We should not be guilty of identifying with wrong things, especially things that are done in the name of other deities.

There is only one God, the Creator of all; only one Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Bow down to Him willingly, worship and honor Him alone. Or else, there will come a time when every knee will have to bend before Him at the judgment. 

Developing Spiritual Immunity

Parents take so much care that their children eat well and have a balanced diet that they will develop immunity. Small children when they start going to school they contract a common cold, cough and so on. If their immunity levels are low then it happens more frequently. If not taken care then it can develop into infections and more complex physical conditions.

Similarly, in spiritual life, we need to have a balanced diet of God’s Word in order to develop spiritual immunity. God’s Word nourishes us and prepares us to resist the attacks of the enemy of our soul. (1Pet.2:2; Eph.6:10-17)

Sin is the worst virus that can infect us with disastrous effects, to our body, mind and spirit. It blocks the supply of spiritual energy that enables us to lead a victorious life. The Word of God reminds us of our condition, and when we obey His prescription we experience healing. God’s Word is not only our food, but it is also our medicine. We need it so much that we can not survive without it. So let us feed on it and be healed and strengthened by its power. Let it provide us the spiritual immunity to resist the deadly viruses around us.

Once we start developing immunity, alongside we need to strengthen our muscles and prepare ourselves for the tasks God has assigned for us. Here we need to build a discipline of
Prayer, Fellowship and Witnessing. We are called to grow as a family or a body, the body of Christ. The assembly of believers or the Church is this body in which we are members. Salvation through the blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ is what binds us together. We are to help and edify each other in the growth of the body.

Personal as well as group prayers help us grow strong. (Mat.7:7; Eph.6:18; Phi.2:12-14; 4:6; 6:18; 1Tim.2:1; 1Thes.5:17; Jam.5:16)

Fellowship with other believers encourages us and motivates us to move on as we face challenges. (Heb.10:24-25; Act.2:42; Mat.18:20; Phi.2:4; Col.3:13-14; Rom.15:5; 1Thes.5:11)

Witnessing through our life and words in the society will bring glory to God and others into God’s family. (Mat.28:18-20; Rom.1:16; Mat.5:16; Act.1:8; 2Cor.5:20; 2Tim.1:8; Lk.9:26)

As Children of God, we grow to maturity in this way and our lives will become fruitful for our Master and Savior. (Psa.1; Jn.15:8; 2Pet.1:8-11; Mat.12:33)

This is our life’s purpose as Christ followers. This world and all its pleasures will pass away and those who do the will of God will live forever with Him in glory.

And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
(1Jn. 2:17; 1Cor.7:31; 2Pet.3:10; Job 36:12; Ecc.6:12)

Covenant Thursday

In the Old Testament the Lord Yahweh made covenants with the descendants of Abraham Isaac and Israel, His chosen people. They were unfaithful many a time but God is always faithful. He fulfilled His promise and delivered them from slavery in Egypt. For this, a lamb had to be slaughtered and its blood painted on the doorposts and lintel. Also, the first borns of all their oppressors were killed. People of God ate a quick meal before their departure and they were told to do this year after year as a memorial.  

Israelites celebrated this all through the centuries as a memorial. It was also a pointer to the ultimate Passover where the perfect lamb of God would be sacrificed for bringing the ultimate deliverance from slavery to sin and satan. Jesus and His disciples ate this Passover meal the day before he was crucified.

As believers in Christ we have a new covenant. Jesus established this during the last Passover meal. He symbolically sealed it with His flesh and blood and fulfilled it the next day on the cross. God allowed His firstborn to be killed on that day to defeat death and set us free. He commanded His followers to continue to observe this symbolic act as the sign of God’s new covenant with us remembering the Lamb of God who gave His flesh and blood for our salvation.

Covenant Thursday is the commemoration of God’s new covenant with us. God is faithful to the last letter of His Word. Have you trusted the Lamb of God for your deliverance? Invite Him to be your one and only Saviour and enthrone Him as the Lord of your life, today.

Good Friday! Has it been GOOD for you?

Seventh April 2023 is marked as Good Friday on our calendars. Traditionally it is the day on which the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. Believers in Christ commemorate this day and celebrate because of what this day has brought forth for them and for the entire world. Those who have realized what Good Friday has done for them will never remain the same.

Why Friday?

Man was created on the sixth day, which is our Friday. He was created in God’s image and likeness, created to be in constant fellowship with Him. Man was placed in a garden. God placed only one condition before man that he should not eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. But man listened to the lies of satan and fell from the original plan of God and death was the result. Thus man lost the privilege of being in fellowship with his Maker.

But God didn’t give up on His creation. He made the provision for man to return to that privileged position. 

Man came under death and the whole earth became cursed. Pain and suffering became part of life. Man tried to cover his guilt and shame and overcome death in his own way. Pinning together a few fig leaves he tried to cover himself. God pronounced the effects of sin upon man and the earth and announced the remedy He has prepared. Thus there will be constant enemity between mankind and satan. Satan will continue to deceive mankind and the Son of Man will ultimately destroy satan. 

So God covered them temporarily with the skin of an animal which had to be killed for their sake, pointing to the death of the Lamb of God which will permanently remove man’s sin, guilt and shame.

This was fulfilled centuries later when God stepped down into time and space limiting Himself to be a human in the person of Jesus. God had announced His plan through prophets from time to time and all of those were fulfilled in the life of Jesus. He came as the offspring of the woman as it was promised. 

Why is this Friday “Good”?

Our fellowship with God can be restored because of this Friday.

On that Friday Jesus, the second Adam, was nailed to the tree or a wooden cross to die in our place because it was from the tree in the middle of the garden that satan deceived Adam. The tree of Eden was the point of disobedience for the first Adam, so, the tree on Calvary became the point of absolute obedience for Christ the second Adam. On that cross the seed of the serpent struck the heel of the seed of the woman but through His death and resurrection Jesus crushed the head of the serpent.

Thorns and thistles were part of the curse upon Adam. Jesus wore the crown of thorns as he took upon Himself all the sin and the curse that was on mankind.

On the Cross

During His life and ministry the religious leaders criticized and opposed Him. Though many ignored Him multitudes followed Him. Even when Jesus was on the cross the culprit on one side challenged His authenticity and ability to save. However, the other thief acknowledged his trust in Jesus as the Messiah and received the assurance of being with the King in glory.

Jesus never gave any justifications or argued His case. The Bible says He was like a sheep that was being taken to slaughter. Jesus responded by  praying for His tormentors. Roman soldiers did not kill Jesus but He Himself gave up His spirit as the Bible records. Everything that the prophets foretold about Jesus hundreds of years ago had come true. He experienced hell on the cross and in agony cried out, “my God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” He suffered and died bearing the punishment for the sins of mankind. He lived a perfect sinless life and offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Where I should have died, Jesus took my place.

Can anyone say God is unfair?

If someone rejects the provision of God and lands up in hell he/she alone is responsible. No one can blame God for it. God had done everything required for your salvation. You just need to accept and acknowledge it. 

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:10‭-‬12 NLT)

How can Good Friday become GOOD for me?

Before giving up His spirit Jesus said it is finished. God’s requirement for the forgiveness of our sins was fulfilled on the cross. We don’t have to die for our sins but only accept Christ’s substitutionary death as ours and surrender to His Lordship. So this Friday is “Good” Friday for anyone who trusts Jesus for their forgiveness.

Have you invited Jesus into your life to be your Saviour and Master? If not, you can do it now. Tell Him you need Him as your Lord and Saviour and ask Him to come in. He will. So Good Friday can be really good for you personally.

Christian Baptism

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Mat. 28:18‭-‬20 NLT)

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.
(Mark 16:15‭-‬16 NLT)

Great Commission

Jesus Christ’s last words to his followers before his ascension included a great commission for them. He commanded them to go into all the world and preach the gospel and baptize those who believed. He reminded them that judgment involving salvation and punishment would depend on people’s response to His words. He also promised them His unfailing presence. They were instructed to begin the work only after the arrival of the Holy Spirit who would indwell them as a guide and companion and strengthen them. (Acts 1:4-5, 8)

According to Christ’s command, the disciples went to many places, starting from Jerusalem, and preached the gospel of salvation. History records that many of those who heard the message were convicted in their hearts, repented of their sins and received water baptism as a sign of their repentance.  (Acts 2:37, 38, 41)

It is recorded in the Bible that at the beginning of the Christian Church, those who believed in the gospel and repented were baptized. By mentioning Bible verses referring to families being baptized we cannot argue that infant baptism was practiced in the Church. Later, ofcourse, believers began to accept their children as part of the church by sprinkling water through the ceremony called baptism.

What is Christian baptism?

Baptism comes from Jewish practices. We read that people were baptized during the ministry of John as a sign of repentance (Luke 3; John 1). It is an ordinance or sacrament that Christ commanded as a symbol of being born again under the new covenant. God’s Word makes it very clear that being born again is by faith alone. Baptism is not the source or means of salvation, but a symbol or sign of being saved. It is a testimony before the world and before God. An outward declaration of an inward change that has occurred. An open declaration of one’s willingness to forgo everything worldly and follow Christ. (Luke 9:23-26; Mark 8:34-38)

Church Membership

God’s Word makes it clear that a person is saved by faith alone.

For it is not by grace that you have been saved through faith;  You are not the cause either; It is the gift of God. And works are no reason why no one should be praised. (Eph. 2:8-9)

Christ made it clear that those who believe and are baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16).

In Acts 2:47 we read that “the Lord was daily adding to the Church those who were being saved.”

Thus the body of Christ, the true Church, is the group of people who have been saved by faith. Christ alone is the founder, Master, and head of His Church.  He is the only one who can add people to His body, the Church.  This Church, which He purchased by His own blood, is His bride. God has given spiritual gifts of grace to the Church so that it may grow up to the standard and fullness of Christ and be perfect in all things. (Eph. 4:11-16)

The Holy Spirit intended these gifts for the spiritual growth of the whole church. But history indicates that they were used to establish supremacy over church members and to acquire power and positions. We know that this tradition continues. The New Testament pattern of the organization and functioning of the Church were abandoned.  Christian denominations and groups sprang up based on the doctrines and teachings of those who emerged as “successors” to the apostles. Many rituals and ceremonies became part of the faith. Water baptism was seen as a condition or qualification for membership in denominations.  Everyone who is baptized received the “Christian” tag whether they believed the gospel or not. In other words, baptism has become a substitute for faith in the gospel.

Believers’ Baptism and Reformation

From time to time, whenever the Church of God synchronized with other philosophies and left the true faith, God raised up people who held onto the Gospel truth. They were all persecuted for standing up for the true Gospel. Some were brutally executed. Those who  adorned high offices exercised their “apostolic” authority in this manner. Whatever they say is interpreted as the word of God. The Church of God has become everyone else’s but God’s.

The term used in reference to the Church in the Greek means ‘a group of people who are called out’. The Church is the group of people who are called out from the world into God’s kingdom, from darkness into the light, from death into life, from slavery into freedom, from condemnation into salvation. Only the Lord Jesus can bring this transformation. Christian baptism is an expression of this transformation from self to Christ and from sin to salvation.

Believers’ baptism was not introduced by the reformers as some argue. If we look into the New Testament, we can see the command of Christ, the founder of the church. The statements of people who hold the reins of the church became more precious and authoritative than the words of Christ. They misled the people to believe that the Church is greater than the Word of God. To change the misconceptions and understand the truth, one should read and meditate on the Word of God daily.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
(Hebrews 4:12 NLT)

The truth will set you free

Anyone who dilute or modify the Gospel message which the Apostles preached will be cursed. Apostle Paul clearly warned the believers in Galatia that if anyone thus leads the Church astray, he will be damned. (Gal. 1:8-9).

The true gospel the Apostles preached is not available except from the Bible. Those who believe in the ‘legends’ handed down from generation to generation are drifting farther and farther away from the truth.  (1Tim. 4:7,16)

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
(John 14:6 NLT)

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
(John 8:32 NLT)

Know Christ Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life, submit to Him, obey Him, and worship Him alone.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
(Col. 1:15‭-‬17 NLT)

Growing Spiritually

Once we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord we are born again as children of God. As His children God expects us to grow. The instructions for our spiritual growth are provided in the Word of God, the Bible, which contains everything we should know in order to live a Godly life. 

(2 Peter 1:3), (1 Peter 2:2), (2Tim.3:16-17) 

It is important that we develop a spiritual discipline.

1.Study God’s Word daily

God speaks to us primarily through His written Word. We need to read it with the desire to listen to His voice. God wants us to study it diligently and meditate on it frequently (Deu. 6:6-7). We are commanded to desire the pure spiritual food of God’s Word (1Pet.2:2).

God’s Word does a lot of things in the life of a believer.

*It restrains us from sinning against God (Psa.119:11,133).

*It shows us the way in the dark (Psa.119:105).

*It equips us to stand against the enemy (Eph.6:13,17).

*It heals us (Psa.107:20).

*It gives us understanding (Psa.119:130)

*It reveals what is wrong in us (James 1:23)

*It exposes our thoughts (Heb.4:12)

Take time to read all references. Develop a habit of listening to God by studying God’s Word daily.

2.Talk to God in prayer daily

God speaks to us through His Word, we talk to Him through prayer.

Prayer is not a religious ritual done in a certain place, in a certain posture and repeating certain vocabulary. It is just talking to God your Father in heaven. As His dear child you have free access into His throne room any time. You don’t have to go through any mediator. In fact, He is longing to hear from you.

You may follow the pattern of the prayer our Lord taught His disciples in Mat.6:9-13.

Praise and Adore Him

You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. (Mt.6:9 CEV)

Only His children have the legitimate right to call God “Father” (John 1:12). Realize that you are talking to your loving father. Glorify His holy name as you come to Him. You can praise God repeating what God’s Word says about the person of God, His character, His works etc. (Eg. Ps.95; Ps.100; Ps.103)

Submit to His authority

May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. (Mat.6:10 NLT)

God’s rule will ultimately come whether we like it or not but as children we must yield to His authority willingly and follow His desire. We must desire that His will be done in our lives.

Ask for your needs

Give us today the food we need
(Mat. 6:11 NLT)

Ask for your needs and for others’. Remember the conditions.

*Ask according to God’s will (1Jn.5:14)
*Ask in Jesus’ name (Jn.14:14)
*Have no unconfessed sin
(Ps.66:18); (Jn.9:31)
*Ask without doubting (James 1:6-7)
*Ask with right motive (Jam.4:3)

Thank Him for everything He does. (Phil.4:6)

Confess your sins

…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
(Mat. 6:12 NLT)

If you are truly a child of God the Holy Spirit will lead you, and guide you. This is proof that you are a child of God (Rom.8:14). As we read God’s Word He will show us things in our lives that are displeasing to Him. Confess to Him and ask forgiveness. (1Jn.1:9) You don’t need to do it before the clergy in a church, you can do it from where you are.

Confession involves, first, agreeing with God that we have sinned and grieved Him. Second, thanking God that Jesus paid for these sins too, when He died on the cross. Third, repenting, which means turning back and not repeating those sins.

Remember to ask forgiveness from anyone whom you have hurt. Also, forgive anyone who has offended you. If we don’t forgive others, we are still guilty.

Take refuge in God

And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
(Mat. 6:13 NLT)

Ask Him to help you resist temptation. Intercede for your family, relatives and friends also to be protected from the evil one.

3.Fellowship with believers frequently

The born again children of God around the world together make the true Church which is the body of Christ. The gathering together of a group of born again believers in a locality is called a local church. This gathering is important for the edification and growth of every believer. This is God’s way of equipping His Church to fulfill His mission.

Unfortunately, most of our traditional church gatherings don’t edify or equip us for God’s mission. We need to find places where Christ alone is glorified and worshiped, and His Word is taught. Otherwise they are just social gatherings or “charitable societies”, at their best. I know this is a bit controversial and some of you may get angry with me. But we cannot escape reality. It’s a choice between Jesus and other people. Followers of Jesus in every generation had to make this choice. May the Holy Spirit guide you.

In the gathering of born again believers:

*His presence is promised
(Mt.18:20)
*Spiritual gifts are endowed
(1Cor.12:7-11)
*Mutual edification is focused
(1Cor.14:12,26)
That is why we are asked to assemble together as members of the body of Christ. (Heb.10:24-25)

4. Bear witness through your life and words

Before ascending to heaven Jesus gave a last command to His followers. It is known as the Great Commission. He wanted the message of salvation to go to the entire world. The Church was to be His channel to fulfill this command. Thus, we have been entrusted with this great responsibility and we are privileged to bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel. How do we do it?

Live as true followers of Jesus.

*Be obedient
(Luke 11:28; Mat.7:26)
Obey His instructions in the Word of God.

*Be an influencer
(Mat 5:13‭-‬14‭,16)
Be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Let the world see the transformation God has brought in your life.

*Involve in acts of kindness

Love and serve others

*Be willing to suffer
(Phil.1:29; 1Pet.4:12-19)

*Share a testimony
Tell others what God is doing in your life. Share your experience of following Jesus.

*Share the Gospel
Tell others how they can experience God’s forgiveness.

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.
(Luke 9:23‭, ‬25‭-‬26 NLT)