Who Is The Holy Spirit?

Choose To Be On The Side Of Truth

An Amazing Picture Of Love

Discover How Much God Loves You

Jesus Christ is The Only Way To God (The Father)

“Jesus said to him, “I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life. NO ONE COMES to the Father EXCEPT through Me.” (‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).


This statement from Jesus that is quoted above is an astounding truth. Jesus did not mince words; He said that He is the ONLY WAY to the Father, and of course He knew this statement would offend many, and rightly so, for the cross of Christ is an offense to the unbelieving world. Paul said that the gospel we preach, which is “Christ crucified” is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. (see 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:23‬). You see, man wants to be able to access God in his own way, and so man would like to believe that there are many ways to God, which is the reason for the many religions in the world. But God has ordained only one Way by which all men must come to Him, and this way is Jesus Christ. “For there is one God and ONE Mediator between God and men, the Man CHRIST JESUS” (I Timothy‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given among men BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED.” (Acts‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Many people will say that claiming Jesus as the ONLY WAY to the Father or the ONLY NAME by which we must be saved, is narrow; but the Bible says that the way that leads to life or that leads to God is narrow, and only a few find it. (see Matt 7:14). The broad way leads to destruction. (see Matt 7:13). And so all other ways to God apart from Jesus Christ lead to destruction. Jesus is the only way to God because He Himself is God. Jesus is the only way to life because He Himself is the life — in Him is life.


There is no doubt that all the great philosophers of old, and the founders of the world's religions had great ideas, perhaps they had good intentions too, but they couldn’t and cannot give LIFE to anybody. They themselves died and found themselves helpless in the hands of death, utterly defeated and swallowed up by the grave. And those who follow after them will no doubt suffer the same fate, because the disciple cannot be greater than his master. But Jesus Christ came into the world not just with great ideas, not just with good intentions, but with WORDS OF LIFE. In fact, He was the only Man to ever claim to be the Way the Truth and the Life, the only Man to ever claim to be THE RESURRECTION and THE LIFE (see John 11:25, with John 14:6), and then prove it by His death and resurrection. All the great philosophers of the world spoke mere human words, words of the flesh which could not give life to anyone. But when Jesus came, He said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK TO YOU ARE SPIRIT, and THEY ARE LIFE." (John 6:63 NKJV). And so Jesus spoke words that gave life to men. He spoke the words of God the Father (see John 12:49-50), the words of life. The apostle John says of Jesus, that, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:4 NKJV). And Jesus Himself added that whoever follows Him shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (see John 8:12). Yes, Jesus also died; yes, He was also buried; but what sets Him apart is that He was raised from the dead on the third day, thereby proving His deity — proving that He is over all the eternally blessed God. Amen. (see Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 3:16; Acts 20:28). Before His death, Jesus had said, “My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. NO ONE TAKES IT FROM Me, but I LAY IT DOWN of Myself. I have POWER to lay it down, and I have POWER TO TAKE IT AGAIN. This command I have received from My Father.” (see John 10:17‭-‬18 NKJV). And Jesus was right. He did just that — He laid down His life, and He took it again. Truly, He is risen! He is alive forevermore! The Bible says that Jesus presented Himself ALIVE to His disciples after His suffering “BY MANY INFALLIBLE PROOFS, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (see Acts 1:3).

Thus, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is truth which cannot be denied, for it is supported by many infallible proofs; it is a divine truth, and it is a historical fact. Jesus, finding Himself in the hands of death, and coming face-to-face with the devil who had the power of death, tied the devil up, stripped him of all his power, and destroyed him. (see Hebrews 2:14, with Colossians 2:15). Then He walked out of the grave with the keys of hell and of death. When He appeared to John in a vision, He laid His right hand on him, saying to him, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I AM ALIVE FOREVERMORE. Amen. And I HAVE THE KEYS OF HADES AND OF DEATH." (Revelation 1:17‭-‬18 NKJV). What a glorious declaration of victory!

Indeed, our Savior Jesus Christ "has ABOLISHED DEATH and BROUGHT LIFE and IMMORTALITY to light through the gospel," (see II Timothy 1:10 NKJV). Today all you have to do to receive this life and IMMORTALITY Jesus brought is to believe the gospel. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31 NKJV). Jesus Himself said, “I am the resurrection and THE LIFE. He who believes in Me, THOUGH HE MAY DIE, he SHALL LIVE. And whoever lives and believes in Me SHALL NEVER DIE. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25‭-‬26 NKJV). Truly, those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ do not die; we only fall asleep, and when we are absent from this earthly body, we are still alive, present with the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven. (see 2 Corinthians 5:8). Glory to God! Soon, when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back in glory, and we are already asleep in Christ, our bodies will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (I Corinthians 15:53‭-‬54 NKJV). Hallelujah!


Truly, God’s way of salvation is not a ritual, God’s way of salvation is not a set of laws, God’s way of salvation is not a religious system; rather, God’s way of salvation is a Person, and His name is Jesus Christ. He says that whoever believes in Jesus Christ should not perish but have eternal life (see John 3:16); that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (see Rom 10:13; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21). Indeed God’s way of salvation is very simple, so simple it’s scary. And thus Paul says, “But I FEAR, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from THE SIMPLICITY that is in Christ.” (II Corinthians‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Oh, the simplicity of the gospel! John writes: “And this is the testimony (or the witness, the record, the gospel): that God has given us eternal life, and THIS LIFE IS IN His Son (Jesus Christ). He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (‭I John‬ ‭5:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬, brackets and emphasis mine). This gospel or testimony is very clear and simple. Yet many people today have had their minds corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ and have stumbled; they cannot accept how simply believing in Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior can give life or bring salvation to a man. Paul said, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” (II Corinthians‬ ‭4:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).


Now, let me bring to your remembrance the story of the Israelites who were bitten by fiery serpents in the wilderness because of their disobedience and their grumbling, and how God provided for their salvation. The Bible says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, WHEN HE LOOKS at it, SHALL LIVE.” So Moses made A BRONZE SERPENT, and put it ON A POLE; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, WHEN HE LOOKED at the bronze serpent, HE LIVED.” (Numbers 21:8-9, NKJV). You probably know the backdrop to this story. The anger of God was kindled against the people of Israel when they began to murmur and complain against God and against Moses. The Bible says, “And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.” (Numbers‬ ‭21:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). When the people repented, the Bible says that they came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.” (see ‭Numbers‬ ‭21:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Then God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Bronze signifies judgment, and the serpent is always symbolic of sin. So, the bronze serpent on the pole was a symbol that God had judged their sins. And by looking at that bronze serpent on the pole, those who were bitten by the serpents were healed; they did not die but lived. Mind you, the person who looked upon his wounds died. The person who looked at Moses died. The person who tried to find his own cure died. The only way for healing and salvation was to LOOK at the bronze serpent on the pole. And only those who obeyed this simple instruction lived. (see Numbers 21:9).

Now, we can agree that this is an interesting provision that God made for the salvation of the children of Israel, and I cannot explain to you by what process simply looking at the bronze serpent  on the pole could save a person's life, but I know that it worked by FAITH or OBEDIENCE. I can’t also explain to you why God didn’t make more than one provision for the healing or salvation of these people. There obviously isn't any logical or scientific explanation for this either. It was God's only provision, and just that. It was the only means or the only way God ordained for them to be saved. He said that all they had to do was LOOK at the bronze serpent on the pole, and they will live. Very simple! And who can question God’s ways? As King Nebuchadnezzar rightly acknowledged, “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He (God) does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. NO ONE CAN RESTRAIN His hand or SAY to Him, “What have You done?” (Daniel‬ ‭4:35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Job made a similar statement when he said of God, “If He (God) takes away, WHO CAN HINDER Him? Who can SAY to Him, ‘What are You doing?’” (Job‬ ‭9:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). It is high time every man stopped asking foolish questions and stepped in line with the plan God has ordained for our salvation, because God is not going to change it, and no one can hinder or restrain Him. Jesus Christ is God’s only way of salvation. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. (see Romans 1:16).


Now, back to the story about the bronze serpent Moses raised on the pole for the healing of the children of Israel who were bitten by the fiery serpents, it is easy to imagine some foolish ones among the people, lying on the ground convulsing as a result of the snakebite, perishing. And their friends are saying, "Hey buddy, in the middle of the camp Moses has set up a pole with a bronze serpent. Just look at it and you'll be healed." And their response is, "What are you talking about, man, what good will that do? I can't make sense of that. How can simply looking at that bronze serpent on the pole do anything for me? Don't you see, I'm dying! I need some real help here!" And the friend says, "Yeah, but just look, and you will live!" And he maintains, "Ah, come on, how can that help?" And I can see him arguing and dying because he can't understand how simply looking at the bronze serpent would help. And there are some folks like this today; they want to understand the how of salvation instead of just receiving it. Indeed there are many people today who have heard the gospel, but instead of believing it, they are asking, “How? How can this be? How can Jesus be the only way to the Father? How can simply believing in Jesus save me?” And they are maintaining that unless they can understand all the processes by which God is working, they won't accept it. And thus they are perishing in their unbelief. Jesus said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in Him SHOULD NOT PERISH but HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.” (John 3:14-15, NKJV). But many people today ridicule and make a mockery of this provision. It doesn't make sense to them, and so they reject it. Even among the body of believers, there are some so-called believers who don't seem to get it. So they’ve added their own provisions, some religious rituals or “works” that one has to perform in order to earn eternal life. Just trusting in Jesus and looking to Him with faith doesn't make sense to them. And so they have been bitten by sin, condemned to death, and instead of trusting in Jesus completely for healing and salvation, they want to save themselves — put their own antivenom and bandaid on it. And thus we have all kinds of so-called churches leading people astray with various doctrines of salvation that are far removed from God’s simple provision of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.


Again, I can't explain how simply believing in Jesus Christ with all your heart and confessing Him as your Lord and Savior can cleanse you of all your sins and cause you to be born again and become a child of God. I can’t explain how believing in Jesus will give you eternal life. All I can tell you is that it will, because God says so. It works because that's what God has ordained, and it has worked for me personally, so I can testify to it. Yes, this gospel is personal to me, so when I preach it I know what I’m talking about. Jesus, hanging on the cross, was bearing the judgment of God for your sins. The Bible says, "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, everyone of us, to our own ways. And God has laid on Him the iniquities of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). On the cross, Jesus, who knew no sin, took our judgment and became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Today when we look at the cross, we are reminded that Jesus bore our sins, our shame, our condemnation, our curses, and our death on that cross. When we look to Jesus with faith, we receive salvation — remission and forgiveness of sins, righteousness, justification,  healing, blessings, peace, joy, life.


Indeed Jesus is the only way to God, just as He Himself testified saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (see John 14:6 NKJV). Whenever you listen to a preacher or religious leader, ask yourself if he is bringing you this message, if he is bringing you to a total reliance and trust in Jesus Christ and Him only for salvation, or if he is bringing you to trust in a false religious system? Is he bringing you to trust in a religious ritual? Is he bringing you to trust in a church? And if a man will seek to cause you to trust in anything other than Jesus Christ and a complete reliance upon Jesus Christ for eternal life, then that man is a false prophet. God wants you to just believe in Jesus Christ and live! That is God’s provision. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:12 NKJV). And when we say this, we are not judging those who don’t believe in Jesus; it is the Word of God that judges them (by the word of their own mouth). According to the Word of God, those who don’t believe in Jesus are ALREADY CONDEMNED (see John 3:18-19; Mark 16:16): we the preachers are not the ones judging or condemning them; we are rather the ones who are trying to bring them out of condemnation. We are trying to help them make the right confession that will bring them justification. Jesus said, “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, HAS THAT WHICH JUDGES him— THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN WILL JUDGE HIM in the last day.” (John‬ ‭12:47-48‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Again, He said, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE JUSTIFIED, and BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE CONDEMNED.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭12:36-37‬ ‭NKJV). Your confession (or words) will either justify you or condemn you, depending on whether you confess Jesus as your Lord or deny Him as Lord. The Bible says “that if you CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH the Lord Jesus and BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART that God has raised Him from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED. For with the heart one believes unto RIGHTEOUSNESS, and with the mouth CONFESSION is made unto SALVATION.” (Romans‬ ‭10:9-10‬ ‭NKJV). Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today, and you will have life and be free from condemnation. If you are ready to sincerely give Jesus your heart, to make HIM your Lord and Savior and thus receive eternal life, pray and call on His Name. I cannot do your praying for you, but if you need guidance, pray this prayer from your heart: “Almighty God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of salvation, and I thank you for sending your beloved Son Jesus Christ to die for me and to bear the judgment for my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ was delivered up to death for my sins and was raised up from the dead for my justification. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and Savior. And I thank you that I have received eternal life in the name of Jesus. Amen.”


I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Is Fasting Relevant or Even Necessary Under the New Covenant?

Some Christians today question whether Fasting is relevant or even necessary under the New Covenant, especially in the light of the finished work of Christ, since we are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. But the Lord Jesus Christ Himself answered this question during His ministry here on earth. When the disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus why His disciples did not fast, “Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom MOURN as long as the bridegroom is with them? But THE DAYS WILL COME when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then THEY WILL FAST.” (Matthew‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Here, Jesus, treated FASTING and MOURNING as though they were synonymous, and He indicated that we (His disciples) would fast in those days after He (the Bridegroom) is taken away from us (an allusion to His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven)— (see Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35). And so we are currently living in the days Jesus was speaking about; WE ARE LIVING IN THE DAYS WHEN WE OUGHT TO FAST, because Jesus (the Bridegroom) has been (physically) taken away from us. When we fast, we basically mourn Jesus’ physical absence as we seek intimacy in our fellowship with Him, yearn for His quick (physical) return, and delight ourselves in His Word, treasuring His words more than our necessary food. In Fasting, we subdue our body (or flesh), and deny it its desire for pleasures such as food, wine, sex, foolish jesting, idle talk, and other mundane things, as we delight ourselves in the Lord and in the (spiritual) pleasures that are at His right hand forevermore. And so Fasting, if it is to be done right, must be accompanied by PRAYER, as well as STUDY and MEDITATION on the WORD of God. Indeed, studying and meditating on the Word of God gives us nourishment (see Matthew 4:4; Acts 20:32; Proverbs 4:20, 22), and should accompany fasting where possible. Moses said, “When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ATE NO BREAD AND DRANK NO WATER.” (Deuteronomy‬ ‭9:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬). Doubtless it was the Word of God that nourished and sustained Moses in those 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”” (‭Matthew‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). God said that His words are life to those who find them, and health (or medicine) to all their FLESH (or body). Thus the prophet Jeremiah, speaking concerning the Word of God, said, “Your WORDS were found, and I ATE THEM, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). In Fasting, we align ourselves with and submit to God’s will as revealed in His Word, rather than our own will. Like Moses, and like Jesus, we shun natural food and desire and lay hold on the spiritual food of doing God’s will and finishing His work. (see John 4:34).

 Fasting must also be accompanied by good and charitable deeds (see Isaiah 58:6-7). The Lord Jesus taught that when we fast the right way, we will be REWARDED openly by God the Father (see Matthew 6:17-18). He said, “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, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and YOUR FATHER who sees in secret WILL REWARD YOU OPENLY.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭6:16-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). And concerning this REWARD that the Father will give you openly, the Bible says, “Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’” (see ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:8-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Truly, fasting, if it is to be rewarded this way must be a sincere act of worship to God, and not a hypocritical or vain religious custom or practice. We must all learn to discipline our body and bring it into subjection (by the Spirit), especially through fasting and prayer, submitting to God always and bringing His will and purpose into manifestation in our life.

Beloved, another evidence that Fasting is relevant and even necessary under the New Covenant is that the early apostles practiced it frequently. They fasted and prayed all the time, often doing so before the laying on of hands. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that certain prophets and teachers in the church that was at Antioch were ministering to the Lord and FASTING, and that “As they ministered to the Lord and FASTED, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”” (Acts‬ ‭13:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). After receiving this command from the Holy Spirit, they FASTED again and prayed. And the Bible says, “Then, HAVING FASTED and PRAYED, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Again in the Acts of the Apostles we read that Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and appointing elders in every church. “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and PRAYED with FASTING, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (‭Acts‬ ‭14:23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). And so Prayer and Fasting was an integral part of the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship. In his first epistle to the church of God in Corinth, the apostle Paul recommended that whereas the Christian husband and wife are each to consider their body as being under the authority of the other and thus submit one to the other, seeking to fulfill their marital duties to each other without deprivation, that it is prudent that they each set aside by agreement times when personal (sexual) gratification is to be suspended in order that one or the other, or both together, may give themselves to FASTING and PRAYER. (see 1 Corinthians 7:3-6). Thus, although God does not frown upon marriage, nor the sexual relationship between husband and wife, we may voluntarily and for a time deprive ourselves of even this, which, like our necessary food, is rightfully ours, to seek God’s face and draw nearer to Him relationally, with great reward.

Indeed we should not minimize fasting and prayer, claiming that our fasting and prayer does not move God since He has already moved for us by giving His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to us, because such a statement is a partial truth and not the whole truth. You see, we cannot use the positional victory we have in Christ to minimize Fasting and prayer; fasting and prayer is as important as all the other actions such as reading and meditating on the Word of God, walking in the truth, preaching and teaching the Word, holding fast our confession, speaking in tongues, sowing faith-seed, practicing righteousness and holiness, walking in love and doing charitable deeds, etc that we have to take to work out our salvation or lay hold on eternal life. The truth is that although God has brought us out of (spiritual) Egypt or Satan’s kingdom and has given us an inheritance (or the promised land), which is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus, we also have a responsibility or a part to play to possess or lay hold on the land or the eternal life God has already given us. We have a fight to fight, and it is a fight of faith. Thus Paul said to Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (I Timothy‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Then to the Philippian saints, Paul again said, “WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling” (see Philippians‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). To the elders of the church in Ephesus also, Paul said, “I commend you to God and to THE WORD OF HIS GRACE, which is ABLE TO build you up and GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE among all those who are sanctified.” (‭see Acts‬ ‭20:32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). You will notice from these verses that Paul is asking believers (not to be passive, but) to do something: to lay hold on eternal life, to work out or go in and possess our salvation, to, by the avenue of the Word of God’s grace, possess our inheritance among the saints.

Thus, we (believers under the New Covenant) are similar to the Israelites under the Old Covenant in regard to the means or avenue by which we possess or lay hold on the blessing or the inheritance God has already given us. And thus the Bible says that we should not become sluggish in our work and labor of love, but are to show diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, and “IMITATE those who THROUGH FAITH AND PATIENCE INHERIT THE PROMISES.” (‭see Hebrews‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NKJV‬). We are to imitate Abraham, imitate Caleb, imitate Joshua, imitate Paul, imitate those men from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, who through FAITH and PATIENCE laid hold on eternal life or inherited the promises of God. You would remember that when God said He had already given the promised land to the children of Israel, the children of Israel still had to take steps and actions to lay hold on the land, and this involved a fight— not only a physical fight but also a fight of faith. And unfortunately many of them succumbed to the fight of faith and did not inherit or possess the land. In fact, among all the Israelites who originally came out of Egypt and journeyed toward the promised land, only Joshua and Caleb actually inherited or possessed the promised land, and they did so through faith and patience. So the point we are making here is that God didn’t just drive out the inhabitants of the land of Canaan for the Israelites without any effort or action on the part of the Israelites themselves. In fact, it was God Himself who SPOKE to the children of Israel in Horeb, saying: “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. SEE, I HAVE SET THE LAND BEFORE YOU; GO IN AND POSSESS THE LAND which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.” (see Deuteronomy 1:5‭-‬6‭, ‬8 NKJV, emphasis mine). Indeed God had already given the land to the Israelites, yet He wanted the Israelites to GO IN AND POSSESS THE LAND which He had set before them. The Israelites had to fight many battles to possess the land, the most important fight of all being the fight of faith; and God fought for them only as they believed God’s Word or His directives and took steps to fight and possess the land He said He had given them. Similarly, under the New Covenant God has already given us the promised land, He has set the land before us; He says that we have eternal life (see 1 John 5:13), all things are ours, the whole world is ours (see 1 Corinthians 3:21-23). God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ (see Ephesians 1:3). But, like the children of Israel in the Old Testament, there are steps or actions that we have to take to possess our inheritance in Christ Jesus if we truly believe God, there is a fight that has to be fought, a battle that has to be waged, and God only fights for us as we yield or submit to Him or His Word and commit to the fight He has ordained for us, trusting Him to lead us in victory. For the children of Israel, the fight was both a fight of faith as well as a physical fight, they were involved in many physical wars; but for us under the New Covenant, it is spiritual warfare, it is a fight of faith; and one of the steps or actions God has ordained for us to prepare ourselves for and to engage the adversary in this fight is FASTING and prayer. Fasting and prayer helps us to lay hold on the victory Jesus has already won for us in our spiritual warfare.

Now, let me draw your attention also to a story in the gospels where a man brought his epileptic son to the disciples of Jesus to cure him, and they could not cure him. Later, the man brought the same son to Jesus and Jesus cured him by rebuking the demon (and the demon came out of the boy). The Bible says, “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; for assuredly, I say to you, 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. HOWEVER, this kind does not go out EXCEPT BY PRAYER and FASTING.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭17:19-21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬; see also Mark 9:28-29). Jesus said here that there is a kind of demon that does not go out EXCEPT by prayer and FASTING. The Lord Jesus Christ also said that the demon didn’t come out “because of your unbelief.” So what does prayer and fasting have to do with helping to overcome unbelief? You see, we walk in the flesh and in unbelief when we walk by sight and judge by the hearing of our ears. Fasting and prayer, however, helps us to subdue our flesh (by the Holy Spirit) or as Paul puts it, keep our body under, so that our spirit (the inner man) can gain the ascendancy or dominion over it, and thus strengthen us to resist the devil and his temptations by faith or submission to God’s Word. When you live a LIFESTYLE OF FASTING AND PRAYER, there is no operation of the flesh that the devil can lay hold of to resist you with or subvert your authority. Indeed, if you ever learn to shut your flesh (that is, your body and its desires) down through FASTING and PRAYER, you will walk by faith and shut Satan down, because the only power Satan has is through deception and manipulation of the flesh and its lusts. In conclusion, although our fasting and prayer may not necessarily move God, it does move us to a place where we can see, expect, receive and lay hold on the exceedingly great and precious promises of God, and thereby become partakers of the divine (or God) nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Fasting and prayer helps us to overcome the influence or power that the flesh may have in our lives, so that, instead of operating out of the flesh, we can continually yield to the Spirit and operate out of the Spirit or out of faith! May you cultivate the spirit of prayer and fasting, and lay hold on the victory which God has already given, and which is rightfully yours in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Get to Know Jesus and the Power of His Resurrection

The Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ – the Lamb of God – was slain from the foundation of the world, and was manifested at the end of the world for our sake. Today, we (believers) are citizens of Heaven (see Philippians 3:20) because of the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, “who was delivered up for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 KJV). It is my prayer that all of humanity will strive to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. Knowing Jesus and the power of His resurrection was the apostle Paul’s life goal also. In his epistle to the Philippians, he wrote: "That I may know Him and THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION." (see Philippians 3:10). There is power in the resurrection of Jesus Christ indeed, and everyone should have the same hunger or burning desire (as Paul) to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. In fact, the power of Jesus’ resurrection is such that no one can be saved without believing (in their heart) the resurrection of Jesus. The Bible says, in order for anyone to be saved, not only must he confess with his mouth the Lord Jesus, but he must also believe in his heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. (see Romans 10:9). It is the power of Jesus’ resurrection that gave birth to me and to you, and to all who are in Christ, whom the Bible calls the new creation (see 1 Peter 1:3;  Acts 13:33; with 2 Corinthians 5:17). As a believer, the resurrection of Jesus Christ not only gave birth to you, but also gave you “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (I Peter 1:4-5 NKJV). The power of His resurrection has also made the believer righteous (through faith) by birth (see Ephesians 4:24). It has made the believer a partaker of the divine (or God) nature, and thus one with God. (see 2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 8:9; Romans 8:16; John 3:6). Jesus Himself was born or begotten of God by the power of His resurrection. (see Acts 13:33; Romans 1:4). And so today, the Bible calls Jesus the firstborn Son among many brethren. (see Romans 8:29). And we are the many brethren. Both the firstborn Son and the many brethren are born of the same Father (God) by the resurrection (see Acts 13:33; Romans 1:4; with 1 Peter 1:3). And both the firstborn Son and the many brethren are the same in divine life and nature. (see 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 4:17). Hence, Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers. (see Hebrews 2:11).

In fact, prior to His resurrection, the most intimate term Jesus used for His disciples was “friends” (see John 15:14-15). But after His resurrection, He began to call them “brothers” (see John 20:17), because through His resurrection, His disciples (since they believed in Him) had been regenerated or begotten of God (see 1 Peter 1:3). Therefore, the fact that the Lord is not ashamed to call us brothers indicates that we are one with Him in life and share His divine nature indeed. We are truly the sons of God, and we have the full rights of sons. And now because we are God’s sons, God has given us the Spirit of His Son. (see Galatians 4:4-7). So today we have the power or the legal right to make the claim that we are sons of God. We have the same rights (as sons) that Jesus has. The Bible says Jesus Christ is the heir of ALL THINGS. (see Hebrews 1:2). And the Bible also says that all believers are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (see Romans 8:17). This means that collectively, believers are heirs of ALL THINGS together with Christ. No wonder Paul told the Corinthian Church that “let no one boast in men. For ALL THINGS ARE YOURS: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or THE WORLD or life or death, or things present or things to come—ALL ARE YOURS." (see I Corinthians 3:21-22 NKJV,  emphasis mine). Indeed, all things are ours – things present (the earth), and things to come (Heaven) are ours – because we are joint-heirs with Christ. All things are yours, beloved. And all things are mine. This is great news. And it has all been made possible by the power of Jesus’ resurrection.

Thus, we always have to remember that we are the sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ only because we are in Christ. We have to abide in Him and let His Word abide in us in order to experience the fullness of our inheritance and power as sons. God has given all authority in Heaven and on earth to His Son Jesus Christ. And Jesus shares that authority with those of us who believe in Him and thus are His brothers and joint-heirs with Him. (see Matthew 28:18-20). He says, in His name we will cast out demons; we will speak with new tongues; we will take up serpents; and if we drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt us; we will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. (see Mark 16:17-18 NKJV). For us to be able to experience all of these, we have to abide in Him and allow His Word to abide in us. This is why Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NKJV). The apostle Paul was walking in the consciousness of this truth when he declared that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

Beloved, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Let us, therefore, get to know Christ more deeply and intimately through His Word. Let us get to know the power of His resurrection, because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the gospel of Christ. The book of Acts shows how the disciples were witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, and how they preached it powerfully to the world. “And with great power the apostles GAVE WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS. And great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33; see also 1:21-22; 2:29-32; 4:1-2). Peter witnessed about the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the very first sermon he delivered on the Day of Pentecost. (see Acts 2:22-32). He quoted David (in the Psalms) to prove that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was prophesied in the Old Testament, and that it was not possible that death could hold Jesus. (see Acts 2:30-31). Then in 1 Peter 1:3 he says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope THROUGH the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This speaks mightily of the power of Jesus’ resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is the central message of the church, a message no true church of Christ can deny. Hence, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was also at the core of the apostle Paul’s teachings. For example, in Athens, Paul spoke forcefully to the philosophers about the resurrection of Christ. “Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, ‘What does this babbler want to say?’ Others said, ‘He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,’ because HE PREACHED TO THEM JESUS AND THE RESURRECTION.” (Acts 17:18 NKJV, emphasis mine). Paul then told them, “‘Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all BY RAISING HIM FROM THE DEAD.’ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter’” (see verses 30-32).

In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul again preached about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He said, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Then Paul adds, “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15:12-22 NKJV).

In the Book of Revelation, John also bears witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ whom he calls “the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler over all the kings of the earth.” (see Revelation 1:5). Jesus Himself – the Faithful Witness – also bears witness of His own resurrection. He says, “I am HE WHO LIVES, AND WAS DEAD, AND BEHOLD, I AM ALIVE FOREVERMORE. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Revelation 1:18 NKJV,  emphasis mine).

Beloved, just like Peter says, the resurrection of Jesus Christ has indeed given a living hope to mankind; and we have to proclaim to the world the same message Paul preached, that indeed Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead for our justification. (see Romans 4:25). Let us proclaim this message everywhere. Let us encourage all men to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and to receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness to reign in life. (see Romans 5:17). To those of you who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior, I encourage you to do so now. Today, if you believe in Jesus Christ, He will come to live in your heart, and you too will be born again and have eternal life. The Bible says, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:11-12 NKJV). So if you desire to receive Jesus and make HIM your Lord and Savior today, pray and call on His Name. I cannot do your praying for you, but if you need guidance, pray this prayer from your heart: “Almighty God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of salvation, and I thank you for sending your beloved Son Jesus Christ to die for me and to bear the judgment for my sins. I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified for my sins and was raised from the dead for my justification. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and Savior. And I thank you that I have received eternal life in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer sincerely from your heart, I’m happy for you. You are born again! Welcome to God’s family. I encourage you to join a local church that preaches the gospel of grace so that you can grow further in your knowledge and understanding of the Word of God. You’re now God’s child. You're now a new creation in Christ. The devil had a hold over your old man because of sin, but he has no hold over you as a new creation — because of righteousness. You have eternal life. I thank God that you have been born again as a new creation in Christ. Stop regarding yourself according to the flesh (see 2 Corinthians 5:16). You are spirit. (see John 3:6). You are no longer a sinner. There is a permanent change in your spirit. You have the life of God in you. You have a new nature  — Christ is in you. You have His ability in you. You are no longer held back by the past, and you can live for the future in Christ, according to all His promises. You are an overcomer. (see 1 John 5:4-5). You can experience the overcoming life by walking by faith and by allowing Jesus to live  in and through you. (see Galatians 2:20). The victory that overcomes is your faith. Remain blessed.



I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

This New Year, Go In And Possess Your Possessions in Christ

This New Year, Go In And Possess Your Possessions in Christ

"See, I HAVE SET THE LAND BEFORE YOU; GO IN AND POSSESS THE LAND which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.’" (Deuteronomy 1:8 NKJV,  emphasis mine).

"Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “HOW LONG WILL YOU NEGLECT TO GO AND POSSESS THE LAND which the Lord God of your fathers HAS GIVEN YOU?" (Joshua 18:3 NKJV).

Beloved in Christ, the Bible is rich with revelations for a glorious living in this present life. You see, every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God is forever settled or established in Heaven. (see Psalm 119:89). The Lord has said, "My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips." (Psalm 89:34 NKJV). And so we can trust the Word of God. And by believing the Word of God, we can also establish it here on earth. (see Matthew 18:18; Job 22:28). The Word of God is a law. This is why in the Old Testament every Word God spoke to the prophets (and not just the Ten Commandments) was called the Law of God. Even the Ten Commandments were also called “the WORDS of this Covenant” (see Deuteronomy 29:9). Thus, it is no secret that “words” and “law” are often used interchangeably in the Old Testament. In Joshua 1:8, the entire written Word of God is referred to as “BOOK OF THE LAW.” Moreover, when Moses spoke to all Israel on their fortieth year in the wilderness (see Deut. 1:1-4) explaining the WORDS of God to them, the Bible says he was explaining the LAW of God. (see Deut. 1:5). Yet it is obvious from Moses’ speech (see Deut. 1:5-8) that He wasn’t explaining the Ten Commandments nor the ceremonial laws. And so, beloved, whenever you see the “Law of God,” especially in the Old Testament, don’t be quick to interpret it as The Ten Commandments and/or the ceremonial laws, but rather pay attention to the context so that you can rightly divide the Word of truth.

Now, the Bible says, “On this side of the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses BEGAN TO EXPLAIN THIS LAW, saying, “The Lord our God SPOKE to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. SEE, I HAVE SET THE LAND BEFORE YOU; GO IN AND POSSESS THE LAND which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.’” (Deuteronomy 1:5‭-‬6‭, ‬8 NKJV, emphasis mine). Indeed God wanted the Israelites to GO IN AND POSSESS THE LAND which He had set before them. But the children of Israel were hesitant. And God wasn't happy with that. The Bible says, "Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And THE LORD SAID to him: “You are old, advanced in years, AND THERE REMAINS VERY MUCH LAND YET TO BE POSSESSED." (Joshua 13:1 NKJV). The Lord is saying the same thing to us today, especially those of us who have been Christians for so many years and still have not possessed all our possessions. Beloved, YOU HAVE OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE in Christ Jesus. (see Ephesians 1:11-12). The Bible says you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (see Ephesians 1:3). The whole world is yours. (see 1 Corinthians 3:21-22). God’s divine power has given to you ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness. (see 2 Peter 1:3). You have eternal life. (see 1 John 5:13). Yet, even though all this inheritance has been given to you and is yours, you have to MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT to go in and POSSESS it. And if you're like the average Christian, there remains very much of your inheritance yet to be possessed. Therefore, it is time to go into the Word of God and possess your inheritance.

At Shiloh, Joshua asked the children of Israel, “HOW LONG WILL YOU NEGLECT TO GO AND POSSESS THE LAND which the Lord God of your fathers HAS GIVEN YOU?" (see Joshua 18:3 NKJV). Today, ask yourself the same question. How long will you neglect to go and possess the inheritance God has given you in Christ? The apostle Paul in exhorting the early believers to go and possess their inheritance in Christ, said, “So now, brethren, I COMMEND YOU to God and TO THE WORD OF HIS GRACE (or the Word of God), which is able to build you up and GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32 NKJV,  brackets and emphasis mine). Yes, the inheritance is already yours if you're in Christ, but it is the Word of God that will give or deliver it into your hands. You have to read and meditate on the Word of God to find out and know all that belongs to you, and then possess them by faith -- believing every promise in your heart and confessing it with your mouth. (see Romans 10:8, 10; 2 Corinthians 4:13). The Bible says of the man who delights in the law (or the Word) of the Lord, and meditates in His law (or His Word) day and night, that he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and WHATEVER HE DOES SHALL PROSPER. (see Psalm 1:2‭-‬3 NKJV). As God said to Joshua, “This Book of the Law SHALL NOT DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may OBSERVE TO DO ACCORDING TO ALL THAT IS WRITTEN in it. For THEN YOU WILL MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS, and then YOU WILL HAVE GOOD SUCCESS.” (Joshua 1:8 NKJV,  emphasis mine). Beloved, your inheritance in Christ includes prosperity and good success in this present life. But you can only possess it when you become a doer of God’s Word. (see James 1:21-25). And you can begin that journey today. For it is God's will for you to prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (see 3 John 1:2).

The apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, admonished him to LAY HOLD on eternal life. He said, "Fight the good fight of faith, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV, emphasis mine). Indeed, you cannot lay hold on something unless that thing already belongs to you. And when it comes to our inheritance in Christ, it already belongs to us -- eternal life already belongs to us. (see 1 John 5:13). Every blessing already belongs to us. (see Ephesians 1:3). Hence, we possess or lay hold of them by (or through) faith. We fight the good fight of faith, believing and confessing every promise or blessing of God regardless of our outer circumstances, until it manifests in the physical realm. Just as the PROMISED LAND was a place of rest for the children of Israel under the Old Covenant, ETERNAL LIFE (which encompasses every blessing that is wrought in the redemptive work of Christ) is our rest in the New Covenant. (see Matthew 11:28, with 1 John 5:13). And the Bible says that “we who have believed do enter that rest.” (see Hebrews 4:3). Indeed, every blessing in Christ belongs to us. The New Covenant is a superior covenant with better promises. (see Hebrews 8:6). And like the Old Covenant, those who follow the terms or keep the words of this covenant will prosper in everything they do. (see Deut. 29:9). It is through faith and patience that we lay hold of all the promises of God. (see Hebrews 6:12). Our father Abraham inherited God's promises through faith and patience. “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Romans 4:20‭-‬21 NKJV). Indeed, Abraham obeyed or acted on God's Word with perseverance and endurance. And God said to him,"In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, BECAUSE you have OBEYED My voice.” (Genesis 22:18 NKJV).

Let us also ALWAYS obey God's voice (or do His Word). There is great reward in obeying God's voice. And so “we do not want you to become lazy, but to IMITATE THOSE WHO THROUGH FAITH AND PATIENCE INHERIT WHAT HAS BEEN PROMISED.” (Hebrews 6:12,  emphasis mine). Possess all your possessions in Christ through faith and patience. Plant the Word of God in your heart, and act on it, and it will bear fruit in your life. The Word of God is a seed. (see Luke 8:11). And Jesus told us how this seed works to produce fruit in the Kingdom of God or in the life of a believer. He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should SCATTER SEED (the Word) ON THE GROUND (your heart),  and SHOULD SLEEP by night AND RISE by day, and THE SEED should SPROUT and GROW, he himself DOES NOT KNOW HOW. For the earth yields crops by itself: FIRST the blade, THEN the head, AFTER THAT THE FULL GRAIN in the head. But when THE GRAIN RIPENS, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the HARVEST HAS COME.” (see Mark 4:26‭-‬29 NKJV). And so the revelation here is that you have to scatter the Word (or seed) on the ground (your heart), and then patiently wait for the harvest. Don't entertain doubts in your heart just because you don't see the Seed sprouting yet, or you don't see the fruit yet. The Bible says that you don't know how the seed sprouts and grows, and so don't fret about the process. Just believe that as you sleep at night and rise by day, the seed (or the Word that you have planted) will sprout, grow and bear fruit -- first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. This will be a reality for you as you continue to scatter the Word of God in your heart and patiently wait in faith for the harvest. You will be fruitful or productive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just don’t doubt the Word of God, but believe it, because doubting the Word you have planted (simply because you haven't yet seen the fruit or result) is like digging out a planted seed in the natural; you stop or reverse the growth process when you do that, and so you cannot expect to have any harvest. This is why the Spirit said through James that the man “who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For LET NOT THAT MAN SUPPOSE THAT HE WILL RECEIVE ANYTHING FROM THE LORD; he  is  a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (see James 1:6‭-‬8 NKJV, emphasis mine).

Thus Jesus, making a distinction between the different types of ground (or heart) on which the Word of God is sown, said, "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who HEAR THE WORD, ACCEPT IT, and BEAR FRUIT: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20 NKJV). And so the question is: what kind of ground are you when it comes to the Word of God? How do you receive the Word of God when you read it or hear it preached? The Bible says: "But these are the ones SOWN on GOOD GROUND, those who HEAR THE WORD, ACCEPT IT, and BEAR FRUIT: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20 NKJV). May you be among those who HEAR the Word, ACCEPT it, and DO the Word -- who hold on to the Word and act on it, confessing it regardless of the tribulations and persecutions that may arise because of the Word, regardless of how the cares of this world may try to distract or dissuade you. And may you bear fruit a hundredfold.

Jesus also said, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure YOU USE, it will be measured to you; and TO YOU WHO HEAR, MORE WILL BE GIVEN. For whoever HAS, to him MORE WILL BE GIVEN; but whoever DOES NOT HAVE, even WHAT HE HAS WILL BE TAKEN AWAY from him.” (Mark 4:24‭-‬25 NKJV, emphasis mine). Everything I have shared in this post is a revelation from God. The more you hear, accept and use or act on these revelations God has given you, the more revelations God will give you. It's that simple. Begin to act on the revelations from God. Begin to discover what belongs to you in Christ by reading the Word of God and meditating on it. Then, claim every promise or blessing by believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth. Possess or lay hold of your possessions in Christ, starting right now. "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV). Hallelujah! Only those who BELIEVE actually receive the promise of God. (see Galatians 3:22). Make this new year your year of victory and new beginnings. Believe and obtain the promises of God. Enjoy your possessions, as you possess them by faith. Amen. Remain blessed.  #DontRemainABabeInChrist #BeSpiritual #ShareTheWord #HappyNewYear

The Birth of Jesus Christ is Good News That Should Cause Great Joy For All The People

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I BRING YOU GOOD NEWS THAT WILL CAUSE GREAT JOY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11, emphasis mine).

 Many people find it difficult to embrace the Good News (of grace) because they don’t understand the bad news that we are all guilty before God and deserve to die. The Bible says, "where there's no law, there's no transgression" (Romans 4:15). In other words, no one would be guilty of sin if there were no law, "for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (see Romans 3:20). "To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law." (see Romans 5:13 NIV). In Romans 1:22-32, the apostle Paul lists over 23 different kinds of sin including idolatry, murder, envy, gossip, disobedience to parents, lack of understanding, pride, and deceit, and then declares that "all who do such things DESERVE DEATH." In Romans 14:23, Paul expands the list of sins to include anything that is not of faith (which will include our doubts or worries). James also expands the list of sins further to include anything we know is good but fail to do. (see James 4:17). Such all-encompassing definition of sin makes Paul's pronouncement in Romans 3:23 that "ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God" all the more compelling. It also makes the declaration in Romans 6:23 that "the wages of sin is death" all the more scary.

The truth remains, my dear friend, that no man can stand before God on Judgment Day and claim they’re without sin. We are all guilty as charged. We are all guilty before God, and we all deserve to be punished with the full measure of God's wrath. We all deserve to perish in hell. And we can't redeem ourselves from this punishment just by "doing good." Our "good deeds" cannot atone for our sins. And no matter how much "good" we do, we will always fall short (see Romans 3:23). So how do we get out of this guilty verdict and its consequence? Since we can’t save ourselves, we just need to be humble and admit that we need a Savior! And the good news is that “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” (see Luke 2:11). Jesus Christ, the Son of God is our Savior. This is why Romans 3:24 says, “ALL ARE JUSTIFIED FREELY by His GRACE through the redemption that CAME BY CHRIST JESUS.” We who believe in Jesus Christ have transitioned from being guilty in Romans 3:23 to being justified freely in Romans 3:24. Hallelujah! We are acquitted of all charges! “For as IN ADAM all die, even so IN CHRIST all shall be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22, NKJV). As in Adam all were made sinners, even so in Christ all are made righteous. (see Romans 5:19, with 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30). Isn't this Good News? Doesn’t this make you want to scream "thank you Jesus?" Doesn’t this call for celebration?

Beloved, this is the amazing grace we often sing about. We have all been FREELY JUSTIFIED by His grace. We did not work for our justification. Our right standing with God is “without works” (Romans 4:6), “without the deeds of the Law” (Romans 3:28), “not of works” (Ephesians 2:9), “It is the Gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). The Bible also says in Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” This certainly leaves no room for boasting. Thus Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST." 

Jesus has borne the full punishment for our sins, and all we have to do to be saved is BELIEVE in His atonement for our sins. This is the Good News Paul and all the other apostles preached. Paul affirms this good news when he declares: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: "And by him ALL THAT BELIEVE are JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39 KJV, emphasis mine). John also declares that Jesus Christ is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). What this means is that Jesus has paid the penalty for everyone's sins. That is called grace (unmerited, undeserved favor). But you have to put faith in what Jesus has already accomplished; you have to believe it in order to be saved (see Ephesians 2:8). Jesus bore the full extent of God's wrath against sin, as He who knew no sin became sin (see 2 Corinthians 5:21) and was forsaken by God (see Matthew 27:46), so that you and I will be reconciled to God (see 2 Corinthians 5:19). Thus Peter proclaims: “For Christ also hath ONCE suffered for sins, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST, that He might BRING US TO GOD …” (1 Peter 3:18, emphasis mine). And Paul adds, "In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE.” (Ephesians 1:7, brackets and emphasis mine). This, my dear friend, is the good news! This is the gospel! It sounds nearly too good to be true. But that is why it is called the "Gospel." And it is the good news we celebrate this and every day.

 May you accept this gospel of grace and put your faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who alone can save you. Be blessed.

 I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Be Strong and Courageous in the Lord

Beloved, throughout the Bible, believers or the saints are urged to be strong and courageous in the Lord. Before his death Moses said to all the children of Israel, “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes WITH YOU. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses called JOSHUA and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; DO NOT FEAR NOR BE DISMAYED.” (Deuteronomy 31:6‭-‬8 NKJV). Then when the Lord God Almighty Himself also spoke to JOSHUA after the death of Moses, He said, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; AS I WAS WITH MOSES, SO I WILL BE WITH YOU. I will not leave you nor forsake you. BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ONLY BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE; DO NOT BE AFRAID, NOR BE DISMAYED, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5‭-‬9 NKJV).

Now, in this short passage quoted above, notice how many times God Himself told Joshua to BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, and to be VERY COURAGEOUS. It just shows how important it is to God that His children and servants are strong and courageous. In this passage also, God tells Joshua why he must be strong and courageous. One of the reasons is that he was to divide as an inheritance the promised land among the children of Israel. God also promised Joshua that no man shall be able to stand before him all the days of his life, because God would be with him as He was with Moses, and would never leave nor forsake him. God knew that it would take strength and courage for Joshua (and all believers for that matter) to lay hold on the promises from God. Joshua’s strength and courage was to be drawn from the Lord, from knowing and being conscious that He the Lord God almighty was with him, just as He was with Moses, and would never leave nor forsake him. Another reason Joshua was admonished to be strong and courageous is that it takes strength and courage to observe to do according to all the law (or the Word of God) which Moses commanded, and to prosper as a result and have good success. It takes strength and courage to be a DOER of the Word of God, and not just a hearer. And again, this strength and courage comes from the Lord, from knowing and being conscious that the Lord is with you. Therefore God made sure to point out to Joshua that He would be with him, AS HE WAS WITH MOSES, and would never leave nor forsake him. Joshua knew how God was with Moses; he knew the great signs and wonders God performed through the hands of Moses. And so God was basically reminding Joshua that Moses prospered and was successful in all He did, because He the Lord was with him. Moses delivered the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt because the Lord was with him; Moses divided the Red sea for the children of Israel to pass through it on dry land because the Lord was with him; Moses fed the children of Israel with manna from Heaven because the Lord was with him; Moses struck the rock with his rod for water to come out and quench the thirst of the children of Israel and their livestock because the Lord was with him; Moses received quail (meat) for all the children of Israel to eat in the wilderness because the Lord was with him. And so when God said to Joshua that “As I was with Moses, so will I be with you,” Joshua could rest assured, he could call to remembrance how God was with Moses, and use it as a basis to be strong and courageous.

Beloved, to be strong and courageous in the Lord today, we also have to remember how God was with our Lord Jesus Christ, and with all the saints who were before us, and how He kept His promises to them and did mighty signs and wonders among them. In the Old Testament, the prophet Habakkuk, calling to remembrance the marvelous works of God, prayed, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2 NIV). In the New Testament, Peter also, while preaching to Cornelius’ household, called to remembrance “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, FOR GOD WAS WITH Him.” (Acts 10:38 NKJV). We can be strong and courageous and accomplish great and marvelous deeds when we believe and are conscious of the truth that the Lord our God is with us, just as He was with Jesus of Nazareth, and just as He was with the early disciples, and that He will keep His promises to us, just as He kept His promises to them; for the Lord Himself has said, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (see Matthew 28:20 NKJV). He has also said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (see Hebrews 13:5). “So we may boldly say: “The Lord  is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 NKJV). Thus, our level of consciousness about the Lord’s presence with us at all times will make all the difference as to whether we will be afraid and dismayed, or strong and courageous. Indeed the Lord our God is with us always, He will never leave nor forsake us; and He will repeat His awesome deeds in our day, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hallelujah! “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those  who  have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28‭-‬31 NKJV). Praise be to God!


Now, the Bible records how strong and courageous the young man David was when he faced the giant Philistine of Gath, Goliath, and defeated him. Why was David so strong and courageous, one may ask? It's because David knew, believed, and was conscious that the Lord God Almighty was with him, and that the Lord would never leave nor forsake him. Thus while approaching Goliath, David said to him, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF THE ARMIES OF ISRAEL, whom you have defied. This day THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU INTO MY HAND, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, THAT ALL THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD IN ISRAEL. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands.” (I Samuel 17:45‭-‬47 NKJV). Clearly, the source of David’s strength and courage (as revealed in this passage) was the Lord, whom he knew was always present with him and would never leave nor forsake him. David said, “THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S,” and beloved I don’t know what battle you are facing today, but if you would believe with David that THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S, then I can assure you that THE VICTORY IS YOURS. Glory to God!

In First Samuel chapter 30, there is another record of a terrible situation David faced and how once again he triumphed over the situation in the strength of the Lord. David and his men came to Ziklag, where they had left their wives and children, only to find out that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women and everyone who was there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. So here David and his men stood in the wreckage of the city burned with fire, and their wives, their sons and daughters taken captive; then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. (see 1 Samuel 30:1-4). What a tragic sight this was! The Bible says, “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters...” (see 1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). And so David’s condition was made worse by his own people threatening to kill him, to stone him. But here is the point I want us to focus on: the Bible says that in the midst of all this, “David STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD HIS GOD.” (see 1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). Another translation (the NIV) says, “But David FOUND STRENGTH in the Lord his God.” Hallelujah! Beloved, where do you look for strength in times of trouble? I hope that your strength is in the Lord your God. David knew the source of his strength was outside of his flesh; he knew that the source of his strength was God — and so he relied on God, strengthening himself in the Lord his God. Thus, in the Psalms David writes, "THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (Psalms 28:7 NKJV). Every believer has to have the same consciousness and confidence David had, that the Lord is our strength. Our hearts must trust in the Lord, and we will be helped and filled with joy to sing to Him songs of praise in every situation. David, armed with the Lord as his strength, pursued the Amalekites, attacked them, and recovered all that they had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. (see 1 Samuel 30:18). “And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.” (1 Samuel 30:19 NKJV). Glory to God!

When we face battles in our own lives and are at our weakest and are unable to fight in our own strength, we must “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). The Bible says that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (see Isaiah 40:29). Again, “the God of Israel gives POWER and STRENGTH to His people. Praise be to God!” (see Psalm 68:35 NIV). Indeed, God's grace is sufficient for us in every situation, and His strength is made perfect in weakness. (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). David’s victory presents us a classic example of God’s strength made perfect in weakness. Paul said, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, THEN I AM STRONG." (II Corinthians 12:10 NKJV). Truly, when you are conscious that the Lord is your strength, then you will always be strong and courageous regardless of your circumstances. Hence, Paul again said, “I CAN DO ALL THINGS through CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” (Philippians 4:13). Paul was conscious of Christ in him, Christ was his strength. Beloved in Christ, we must also be conscious that Christ who is the wisdom of God and the power of God dwells in us and strengthens us, and so we can do all things through Him. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (see Romans 8:28). Whatever situation you’re in today, rest assured that all things will work together for your good. Therefore, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 NIV). “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (see 2 Timothy 2:1 NIV). For “If God is for us, who can be against us?" (see Romans 8:31). Nobody! Truly, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (see Romans 8:37). We need to have an overcomer's attitude or a victory mentality whenever we encounter trials or adverse circumstances. We need to understand that it is only by faith in Jesus' finished work that we can keep our hearts from being troubled. Paul, walking in faith, said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (see Philippians 4:11). Then he added, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned THE SECRET OF BEING CONTENT  in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV). And that secret is to set your mind on things above, set your mind on Jesus Christ who is your strength and your life, and know that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (see Philippians 4:13, with Colossians 3:2-4). Glory to God! Remain blessed.

There is Power in the Name of Jesus

Beloved, there is saving power in the Name of Jesus; there is healing power in the Name of Jesus; there is miracle-working power in the Name of Jesus. And this power is activated through FAITH in the NAME. The apostle Paul said by the Spirit that God exalted Jesus “to the highest place and GAVE HIM THE NAME THAT IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, that at the NAME of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (see Philippians 2:9‭-‬11 NIV). No wonder the spirits are subject to us in the Name of Jesus  (see Luke 10:17, 20). I rejoice because (in the Name of Jesus) my name is written in heaven, in the Book of Life (see Luke 10:20), for whoever calls on the NAME of Jesus shall be saved (see Romans 10:13). Jesus is “able to SAVE to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (see Hebrews 7:25 NKJV). The apostle Peter says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other NAME under heaven given to mankind by which we must be SAVED.” (Acts 4:12 NIV).And the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, in commanding His apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, said, “He WHO BELIEVES and is baptized WILL BE SAVED; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: IN MY NAME they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:16‭-‬18 NKJV).

In the Acts of the Apostles we see evidence of the power in the Name of Jesus. And for today's discussion I want us to focus on the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful. (see Acts 3). The Bible says that Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer (that is, the 9th hour or 3pm). It would be fair to assume that Peter and John were not expecting the encounter that they had with the lame man at the gate of the temple; nonetheless, they were READY or PREPARED for it. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy said, “Preach the word! BE READY IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON…”  (II Timothy 4:2 NKJV). This is an exhortation to us also to be ALWAYS ready or prepared to give witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and to do so with great power. Peter and John were ready when the opportunity came, when A CERTAIN MAN asked them for alms, a man who was lame from birth (a complete stranger whose name they didn't even know) who was ALWAYS CARRIED and LAID DAILY at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ASK FOR ALMS from those who entered the temple. This lame man was not asking for healing, he was only asking for money. Perhaps he didn't think anyone could give him healing, for he had been in that condition from birth, and he was over 40 years old. Besides, these mostly legalistic Jews from whom he always asked for alms had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge (see Romans 10:2), and so they had a form of godliness, but denied the power thereof. Thus the lame man seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple ASKED them for money only, not healing.

Beloved, when someone asks you for money, you can only give what you have; Peter didn't have any money at all (on him), and of course, you can't give what you don't have. But Peter had something that he knew the lame man needed even more; he had HEALING in the Name of Jesus. Peter knew he had it. Jesus had given all His disciples the authority to ask ANYTHING in His Name, and He WILL DO IT (see John 14:14). Peter took Jesus seriously and laid hold on His promises. Peter knew, as every believer needs to know today, that Jesus did not lie, Jesus meant what He said; no deceit was found in His mouth (see 1 Peter 2:22). Jesus had also promised that in His NAME His disciples (those who believe the gospel) will lay hands on the sick, and the sick WILL RECOVER (see Mark 16:18). Peter believed all of these promises. And so Peter, though he didn't have any money on him, HAD SOMETHING, and he was aware of what he had. Hence the Bible says that Peter and John both fixed their eyes on the lame man, they stared at him intently, and Peter said, “Look on us.” (see Acts 3:4). Beloved, let us not ignore people who ask us for alms, for we always have something we can give them, even when we don't have money. And when trying to administer healing in the NAME of Jesus, let us also be mindful to make eye contact with the sick person, and try to get the sick person to give us their attention or consent, so that they are expectant. The lame man in this story gave Peter and John his attention, EXPECTING to receive SOMETHING from them (see Acts 3:5). In this context he was expecting to RECEIVE MONEY from them, for that was what he was asking for. The lame man certainly didn't expect what was coming next. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I DO NOT HAVE …” (see Acts 3:6). In fact, if Peter had stopped at this statement, the lame man would've been utterly disappointed. Thankfully Peter didn't stop there; Peter HAD SOMETHING he wanted the lame man to know about and to RECEIVE from him. So Peter continued, “But WHAT I DO HAVE I give you:” (see Acts 3:6). Now, what did Peter have that he was so generous with? Peter had the HEALING POWER in Jesus’ Name. And Jesus had said, “Freely you have received, FREELY GIVE” (see Matthew 10:8). Therefore Peter gave it freely to the lame man. Peter said, “IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, rise up and walk.” (see Acts 3:6). Hallelujah!

Beloved, Peter knew, indeed Peter believed, and he was aware that the NAME of Jesus had power to accomplish what he (Peter) had commanded; and so Peter wasn't going to accept any other outcome, he wasn't expecting any other outcome but to see the lame man rise up and walk in the NAME of Jesus, just like he had commanded. Therefore, Peter TOOK HIM (the lame man) by the right hand and LIFTED HIM UP (see Acts 3:7). Peter followed up his faith-filled command with the ACTION of lifting up the the lame man by the right hand, because Peter believed that what he had commanded in the NAME of Jesus MUST HAPPEN, it had to be fulfilled. The Bible says, and IMMEDIATELY the lame man’s feet and ankle bones RECEIVED STRENGTH (see Acts 3:7). So the lame man, leaping up (or jumping to his feet), STOOD and WALKED and entered the temple with them -- WALKING, JUMPING, and PRAISING GOD (see Acts 3:8). Glory to God! “And ALL THE PEOPLE SAW HIM WALKING and PRAISING GOD.” (Acts 3:9 NKJV). My dear reader, there is awesome power in the Name of Jesus! What a testimony the lame man now had! And he didn't hide his testimony, he didn't hide his miracle, he didn’t hide his joy; he walked and praised God for all the people to see. He praised God publicly, grateful, and joyful.

Indeed, Peter’s FAITH in the Name of Jesus was strong and unwavering. It was FAITH that would not be denied. It was FAITH that worked. Peter wouldn't take No for an answer. The Name of Jesus works, it cannot fail. And Peter understood it, he believed it. Now, how did the people who saw the lame man walking and praising God respond? The Bible says that they were filled with WONDER and AMAZEMENT at what had happened to the lame man (see Acts 3:10); they were GREATLY AMAZED (see Acts 3:11). But contrast their response with Peter’s response; Peter was not amazed, nor did Peter marvel, because he knew, he understood, and he believed that the Name of Jesus has POWER to accomplish ANYTHING. Those of us who believe in the Name of Jesus need not marvel at the mighty miracles, signs and wonders that are performed in the Name of Jesus; it should be normal to us. As believers, the supernatural is natural to us (in the Name of Jesus). Hence, our response is always to give the glory to God. Thus, when Peter saw the people's reaction, “he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, WHY DO YOU MARVEL AT THIS? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (Acts 3:12 NKJV). Peter gave the glory to God. He basically said “You marvel at this because you have the wrong perspective; you think it is by our own (human) power or (human) godliness that we made this man walk.” What Peter meant was that these people shouldn't have marveled if they knew that the healing was performed by the power of God, for with God nothing is impossible. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Beloved, Peter was echoing the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:”‘Not by (human) might nor by (human) power, but by My Spirit’ Says the Lord of hosts.” (see Zechariah 4:6 NKJV, brackets and emphasis mine). The power in the Name of Jesus is the POWER of God, and we should not think it incredible that it accomplishes the seemingly impossible, like healing a man lame from his mother's womb, who is over 40 years old. As Paul said to king Agrippa, “Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8 NKJV). Nothing is impossible with God. If you’re sick, receive your healing now in the Name of Jesus!

Beloved, Peter gave the glory to God when he revealed that the power that had healed the lame man is in the NAME of Jesus. He said that this Jesus is the Prince or Author of life, He is the glorified Servant of God whom you (men of Israel) denied in the presence of Pilate, when Pilate was determined to let Him go; this Jesus is the Holy One, the Just whom God RAISED FROM THE DEAD, of which we (His disciples) are witnesses (see Acts 3:13-15). “And His NAME, through FAITH IN His NAME, HAS MADE THIS MAN STRONG, whom you see and know. Yes, THE FAITH WHICH COMES THROUGH HIM has given him this PERFECT SOUNDNESS in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16 NKJV). Now, note carefully what Peter said here. He said that it was Jesus’ NAME that healed the lame man; through FAITH in Jesus’ NAME, the lame man was healed and made strong; the FAITH which comes through Jesus (for Jesus is the Author and finisher of our faith -- see Hebrews 12:2) gave the lame man PERFECT SOUNDNESS. Truly, Jesus’ NAME and the FAITH that comes through Him doesn't heal partially, it gives PERFECT SOUNDNESS. Jesus indeed is able to SAVE (redeem, deliver, heal, prosper, bless) to the uttermost those who come to God through Him (see Hebrews 7:25).

In the next post, we will discuss the response of the Jewish rulers to the healing of the lame man in the Name of Jesus, and what we can learn from the apostles with regards to responding to the threats that we face today from some government authorities, religious authorities and other opposing groups in carrying out our priestly duty of preaching the gospel to every creature. May you receive whatever you ask for in the Name of Jesus. Remain blessed. #UnveilingMysteries #SpiritLife #shareTheWord #FollowThisBlog

How To Respond When We are Severely Threatened and Commanded to Stop Preaching the Gospel of Christ? (PART 2)

Beloved, we’re concluding our discussion on how to respond to severe threats and strict laws against the preaching of the gospel, and as we mentioned earlier in Part One, we are drawing inspiration from chapters 3 through 5 of the Acts of the Apostles. We have already pointed out from the example of the early apostles that one important way to respond when we are threatened severely and commanded by governing/religious authorities and opposing groups to stop preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ is to OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. We also learned that another important way to respond is to PRAY. And of course these two responses are to be employed TOGETHER or SIMULTANEOUSLY, and not as alternatives. We learned in Part One that when the disciples were severely threatened and commanded to stop speaking and teaching in the Name of Jesus, they not only decided to obey God rather than men, but they also prayed, and God answered them. God empowered or emboldened the disciples by the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of power, the Spirit of prophecy) to do that which the enemy had severely threatened them and commanded them not to do, as the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit, and they SPOKE the Word of God with BOLDNESS. The Bible says (as a result of the prayer) that the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and they did it with GREAT POWER. (see Acts 4:33). And GREAT GRACE was upon them all. (see Acts 4:33). Oh, thank God for answered prayers! What could we do without the grace of God? “And through the hands of the apostles MANY SIGNS and WONDERS WERE DONE among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.” (Acts‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). “And BELIEVERS were increasingly ADDED to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and THEY WERE ALL HEALED.” (‭Acts‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Indeed this was a great period of progress for the disciples and for the gospel. But it didn’t stop the Rulers of the people and elders of Israel (or the Council) from coming after the apostles again.

The  Jewish Religious Rulers (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), seeing the progress the apostles made in spreading the gospel and performing miracles, healings, signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus, were filled with indignation (anger, resentment, jealousy). The Bible says, “Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.” (Acts‬ ‭5:17-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). They ARRESTED the apostles and put them in the public PRISON. But God was obviously pleased with the work the apostles were doing for the Kingdom, so He intervened; God didn’t allow the apostles to spend the night in prison. God wanted the apostles to keep the momentum going, to continue with the good work of preaching the words (or message) of this (eternal) life. So the Bible says, “But AT NIGHT an ANGEL of the Lord OPENED THE PRISON DOORS and BROUGHT THEM OUT, and said, “Go, STAND IN THE TEMPLE and SPEAK to the people all the words of this life.”” (‭Acts‬ ‭5:19-20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). It is quite interesting to me that throughout the Acts of the Apostles God often sent help DURING THE NIGHT (see Acts 5:19; Acts 16: 25-28; Acts 12:6-10; Acts 27:23-24); I believe this is significant, for “NIGHT” also connotes that God will always send help in our DARK moments, and so we should not be afraid. Praise God! Beloved, when you OBEY God rather than men and do the will of God, God will be with you every step of the way and He will deliver you from all your afflictions.

It is also worth noting that God didn’t release the apostles from prison for them to go into hiding. Rather, He told them to go back into the temple (into the full glare of their persecutors) and speak (that is, preach or teach) the words of this eternal life (which is in Christ Jesus). And as always, the apostles OBEYED GOD. The Bible says, “THEY ENTERED THE TEMPLE EARLY IN THE MORNING and TAUGHT” (see Acts 5:21). Hallelujah!

The Bible says that when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard that the apostles were missing from the prison, with the prison doors still locked securely and the guards still standing outside in front of the doors, they were greatly perplexed (confused), wondering what would come of this (see Acts 5:23-24). Then someone came and told them that the missing prisoners (that is, the apostles) were STANDING in the temple and TEACHING the people (see Acts 5:25). The apostles were doing exactly what the angel of the Lord had told them to go and do (see again Acts 5:20). Beloved, you will never go wrong obeying God, you will never go wrong doing what God tells you to do. Even if you get in trouble with the government/religious authorities for doing it, don’t be afraid; we have the example of the early apostles to encourage us. The Bible says that they ARRESTED the apostles again, without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned (see Acts 5:26); they arrested the apostles for doing exactly what God had commanded them to do. “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not STRICTLY COMMAND you NOT to TEACH in this NAME? And look, you have FILLED Jerusalem with YOUR DOCTRINE, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”” (Acts‬ ‭5:27-28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). In other words, the Council was accusing the apostles of violating their command (their law, or instruction), and FILLING JERUSALEM WITH THEIR DOCTRINE. And thankfully, the apostles were guilty as charged. Oh, how pleasing it would be to God if all Christians will fill our neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, nations and the whole world with the doctrine of Christ, with the doctrine of the apostles, with this glorious gospel of peace!

Now, it is fascinating how Peter and the other apostles responded to these charges with such holy boldness. They said, “WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD, rather than men.” (see Acts 5:29). Then they also pressed counter-charges against the rulers and elders of Israel, saying, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom YOU MURDERED by hanging on a tree.” (see Acts 5:30). The apostles were basically calling the Jewish leaders MURDERERS, for they charged that they were the ones who murdered Jesus. And then the apostles testified that God RAISED UP Jesus and has EXALTED Jesus to His RIGHT HAND to be Prince (or Ruler) and Savior, to give REPENTANCE to Israel and FORGIVENESS OF SINS. (see Acts 5:31). They concluded by identifying themselves as Jesus’ WITNESSES to these things (these truths), adding that “so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (see Acts‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

The Bible says that when the members of the Council heard what the apostles said, “they were FURIOUS, and PLOTTED TO KILL THEM” (see Acts 5:33); they wanted to prove themselves as the murderers the apostles charged them to be. But one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and he advised the Council (in private consultation), that they shouldn’t kill the apostles but leave them alone, for if this plan or this work (the apostles were doing) is of men, it will come to nothing (for, after all, their Leader Jesus Christ is dead), but if it is of God, no man can overthrow it, lest they even be found to fight against God. (see Acts 5:34-39). Gamaliel buttressed his point with examples of uprisings or movements in the history of Israel that came to nothing after the ringleaders’ death (see Acts 5:35-37). And so the other members of the Council agreed with Gamaliel (see Acts 5:40), and they did not kill the apostles. Rather, they called for the apostles and BEAT THEM (see Acts 5:40). The apostles were beaten for obeying God and following God’s command. Then they were commanded (once again) by the Council that they SHOULD NOT SPEAK IN THE NAME OF JESUS. (see Acts 5:40). After that, the apostles were released; THEY (the Council) LET THEM GO. (see Acts 5:40). Praise God! The Bible says, “So they departed from the presence of the council, REJOICING THAT THEY WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME for His NAME. And DAILY in the temple, and in every house, THEY DID NOT CEASE TEACHING AND PREACHING JESUS as the Christ.” (Acts‬ ‭5:41-42‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). The apostles truly won! They could not be stopped. They (in the words of the unbelieving Jews) turned the world upside down (see Acts 17:6). Oh, what boldness and zeal they had for the preaching and teaching of the gospel! They even REJOICED that they were counted worthy to SUFFER SHAME FOR JESUS’ NAME. And DAILY in the temple (in the full glare of their persecutors) and in EVERY HOUSE, they DID NOT STOP TEACHING AND PREACHING JESUS AS THE CHRIST. (see Acts 5:42). They OBEYED God rather than men. And buoyed by PRAYER and sustained by the power of God through faith, they pressed on, they pressed toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Beloved, may you also OBEY GOD rather than men whenever you are confronted with severe threats and laws against the preaching and teaching of the gospel; and may you not forget to PRAY. May you be bold and unstoppable as you preach and teach the gospel of Christ, and even in the face of severe persecution, may you rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus’ Name. Amen. #SpiritLife #UnveilingMysteries #shareTheWord #FollowThisBlog