Apr 23

Consequences Of Neglecting Personal Evangelism

Posted on by

SOUL-WINNING

 

Biblical References to start with: John 3:16-18,36; Ezekiel 3:17-21; 18:4; 33:1-16; Romans 1:14-16; Matthew 10:32,33; John 4:35-38; 9:4; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.

 

Sinners cannot get saved without the preaching of the gospel. It is the soul winner’s duty to preach to them.

 

The implication of neglecting personal evangelism includes

(1) The loss and waste of ripened harvest.

(2) Requirement of sinners’ blood from negligent soul-winners (Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-16).

(3) Christ being ashamed of Christians that neglect to witness (Mark 8:38)

(4) Loss of soul-winners’ reward (Daniel 12:3; Proverbs 11:30)

(5) Spiritual decline and stunted growth of local churches, and

(6) Delay in answer to prayer.

 

The consequences of neglecting personal evangelism on the part of the sinners, the soul-winners and the church are so great.

Every believer must therefore, wake up to this great responsibility. We must rise up to renew our first love for Christ (Revelation 2:1-5).

 

Say to yourself, “today I will undertake the task which is set before me, which is to win sinners to Christ”. Haven said that with conviction, I admonish you today to launch out and make this happen in your own little way.

Apr 22

Recovering The Lost Through Personal Evangelism

Posted on by

evangelism1

 

Personal evangelism is the person-to-person sharing of the gospel of Christ with sinners with the aim of leading them to salvation. Study: Mark 16:15-20; Acts 1:8; John 3:1-7; 4:5-29

 

The primary purpose of Christ coming into the world was to die for the salvation of man (John 3:14-18; 1 Timothy 1:15).

He came to seek and to save the lost. He could not allow any other thing to becloud His vision of saving the lost. He came for that purpose and died for it (John 6:15; 19:37; 1 John 3:8).

 

Christ preached to great multitudes who came from many regions to hear him (Luke 15:2; Matthew 4:23-25). He also used the personal evangelism strategy to reach individuals and families.

 

He used different approaches to reach different people.

 

  • With Nicodemus Christ used a direct approach: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:1-7).
  • With the Samaritan woman, He used an indirect approach: “Give me to drink” (John 4:5-7).
  • With the woman caught in adultery by the Scribes and Pharisees: He used a situational approach (John 8:2-11).
  • He applied the same approach with the informants who told Him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. “Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:1-3). Jesus reached out to His twelve disciples, whom He called apostles, through personal evangelism (John 1:29-51; Matthew 4:19-22; Luke 6:13).

 

For a local church to grow, the members must go and preach the Word right where the sinners are. Many sinners do not go to church, therefore, the church must go out to meet them where they are: in their houses, offices, town or village square, civic centres, playgrounds, hospitals, prisons, schools, marketplaces etc. (Acts 20:20; 17:16-31; 16:20-34).

 

No other business should thrill the heart of a New Testament believer than personal evangelism. Winning the lost is a task that must be done; failure to carry it out carries great consequences.

Apr 22

Obedience To The Heavenly Vision

Posted on by

heavenly-vision

 

In Acts 26:16-20 we understand that in his defense before King Agrippa, Paul related his encounter with Christ and the effect it had upon him – a change of life and purpose.

 

He went further to explain that he had received a commission from the Lord to preach repentance to the Jews at Damascus, Jerusalem and the coasts of Judea and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:20).

 

The brief account gives us an insight into the secret of his effectiveness and success in the ministry, which was obedience to the heavenly vision.

His prompt and wholehearted obedience should challenge everyone that has had an encounter with the Lord. True obedience never procrastinates nor questions the rational behind the commandments of God.

 

Heavenly-Vision-art-flattened

 

 CONVERSION AND CONSECRATION AFTER THE HEAVENLY VISITATION

Acts 26:9-15; 9:1-20; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; Galatians 1:21-24; Philippians 3:4-15; Exodus 3:1-10; 7:1-7; Hebrews 11:24-27; Isaiah 6:1-8.

 

What qualifies us for the commission is not church attendance or activities but genuine conversion. A definite experience of salvation is necessary before we can effectively and convincingly witness for Christ.

 

As the blind cannot lead the blind otherwise they both fall into the ditch, so also the unsaved cannot lead others into the salvation experience. True conversion is the product of genuine repentance of our sins, forsaking them and receiving Christ into our hearts.

 

 COMMISSION FROM CHRIST THROUGH THE HEAVENLY VISION

Acts 26:16-18; 9:6,15,16; 1 Corinthians 15:8-10; 1 Timothy 1:12,16; John 15:16; 20:19-23; 21:1,7-17; Isaiah 6:5-8.

 

Christ, through the vision, gave Paul clear details as to the content and scope of the commission. He was commissioned to preach the gospel and not to win an argument; to turn people to God and not to condemn. He was bold to make Christ known at every opportunity.

The grand design of our commission as born again Christian’s is to turn men from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God and from sin to righteousness.

 

If we have genuine experience of salvation, we will be eager and bold like Paul to testify of it to all men. As we testify to sinners, Christ must be the centre of our message before there can be a positive response from them.

 

 CHRISTLIKE COMMITMENT TO THE HEAVENLY VISION

Acts 26:19,20; 20:20-24; Galatians 1:13-16; Romans 1:14-16; 15:18-22; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; John 4:34; 6:38; 17:4; Hebrews 10:7.

 

Paul became a different man after the vision. His concern and compassion for the lost was not only for the Jews (his kinsmen for whom he had great heaviness and continual sorrow in his heart) but also for the Gentiles for whom he laboured day and night.

 

No price was too great for him to pay, no sacrifice was too high to make and no difficulty or problem was too much to endure so that he could preach the gospel and finish his course.

 

What Paul did for the Jews and Gentiles of his day, God expects us to do for the sinners around us today. True followers of Christ will spend and be spent in the Father’s business of soul winning.

 

May God give us the Grace to undertake this mandate….In Jesus Name, Amen!

 

 

 

 

.

Apr 20

The Wisdom Of Living With Eternity In View

Posted on by

eternal-livingWhat the scriptures says in Matthew 7:24-29,  the concluding verses, our Lord brings the greatest recorded sermon to an appropriate conclusion.

 

The goal of His message is to make us “wise unto salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15).

 

Indeed, this is the goal of the whole of the scriptures and the goal of every message from the Word of God. Multitudes of people had heard this great message from Christ, the Saviour of the world. The Lord had revealed God’s requirement for the blessed life.

 

It was a great privilege to hear the truth of the Kingdom from Christ Himself. But hearing the Word, even from Christ, the Lord of glory, is not enough; there must be a proper response to the message.

 

The Lord divides all who hear the truth of the Gospel to two classes. These two groups of people are classified as wise or foolish. The two groups have some similarities.

  • They both hear the Word of God.
  • They know the way of salvation as revealed by Christ.
  • They build a house of spiritual life after hearing God’s Word.
  • Both builders think that their houses will stand and withstand the tests and trials of life.
  • The outward appearances of their spiritual houses look alike.

 

 

These similarities are superficial. The differences actually determine the strength and quality of our spiritual lives.

One house has its foundation on the Rock; the other, with no foundation is built on the sand.

One group of hearers obey the Word of repentance and righteousness, the other group do nothing, they do not obey the Word.

 

 

The wise man receives grace to live in obedience to God’s Word; the foolish man merely hears the Word without living in obedience. The wise man will rejoice throughout eternity while the foolish man will suffer throughout eternity.

 

 

“Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine and doeth them.” Our wisdom begins with hearing the Word of God with a purposeful heart to obey.

 

 

There is no wisdom in hearing and not doing. Hearing about repentance, believing and entering the Kingdom, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, being pure in heart, walking in the light and glorifying God in all we do – this is our wisdom.

 

 

The wise builder builds on a strong foundation that will withstand all storms of life. Christ is the foundation of the Christian life. Yet we need to remember that Christ Himself refers to the foundation here as ‘obedience to His Word’

 

 

Further Scriptural reading: Matthew 7:24,25; Luke 6:47,48; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; Colossians 3:16,17; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 Peter 4:12-19; 2 Timothy 3:12-14; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Romans 8:35-39; Revelation 3:10-13.

 

 

.

Apr 19

Christ’s Supreme Love And Timely Warning

Posted on by

“Beware of false prophets.” Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the good Shepherd and His warning is to make His sheep to be watchful. He does not want to lose any of His own to “ravening wolves.” “Beware” – be watchful, be on your guard, take warning.

 

beware-of-false-prophets

In sounding this alarm and giving this warning, Christ was motivated by perfect love on the basis of His perfect knowledge.

 

There would be no warning if there were no danger. Knowing the presence of false prophets even at His own time and foreseeing the rise of teachers of damnable error in our time, He gave this warning over and over.

 

The Apostles have also given us the same warning. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders. Behold, I have told you before.

After my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Therefore watch. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways.

Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness” (Matthew 7:15; 16:6; 24:11,24,25; Acts 20:29-31; 2 Corinthians 11:13; Philippians 3:2; 2 Peter 2:1,2; 3:17).

 

“Beware of false prophets.” If it was a necessary warning at the time of Christ and the Apostles, it is a much-needed warning today.

 

Satan, the world and the flesh are not the only dangers in the way of the believer; there is another great danger: false prophets – wolves in sheep’s clothing. Beware, watch and be on your guard.

 

May God give us the Grace to heed to His calls and warning in Jesus name!

 

Amen!!

 

 

 

 

.

Apr 18

My Court Date

Posted on by

court2

 

After living what I felt was a ‘decent’ life, my time on earth came to the end.

 

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.

The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the ‘prosecutor.’
He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

 

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

 

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Him.

 

As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, ‘Let us begin.’

 

The prosecutor rose and said, ‘My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this person belongs in hell.’

 

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others, Satan told of other horrible
Perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.

 

I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

 

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not Offering any form of defense at all.

 

I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life – couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’d done??

 

Satan finished with a fury and said, ‘This person belongs in hell, is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.’

 

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.

 

As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Saviour.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, ‘Hi, Dad,’ and then He turned to address the court. ‘Satan was correct in saying that this person has sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this person deserves to be punished.

 

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, ‘However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and has accepted Me as Savior, so this person is Mine.’

 

My Lord continued with, ‘This person’s name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch this one from Me.

Satan still does not understand yet. This person is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.’

 

 

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, ‘There is nothing else that needs to be done.’ ‘I’ve done it all.’

 

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips..

 

  • ‘This person is free.’

  • ‘The penalty has already been paid in full.’

  • ‘Case dismissed.’

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, ‘I won’t give up, I will win the next one.’I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, ‘Have you ever lost a case??’

 

Christ lovingly smiled and said,

‘Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full~’

 

 

Hallelujah! I’m free!!

Apr 18

The Final Destiny Of Flattered, False Prophets

Posted on by
This is the teaching of the Word of God from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Christ taught clearly on the final doom and future damnation of deceived and deceptive prophets not because He rejoiced to see them damned but because He desired their salvation, warning them so they would see the future awaiting them if that would lead them to repentance.

sheepsclothing

“Wolves In Sheep Clothing”

Like His Father in heaven, He had no pleasure in the death, doom or damnation of the wicked or the false prophet. He said, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). As God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” so Christ is not willing that any false prophet should perish but that he should repent.
He offered them salvation and wept for them because they rejected the Truth (John 8:24; 9:40,41; Luke 19:41,42)
Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, taught the truth in love and we cannot teach the truth without love. No true child of God or true servant of God can teach this truth without love for souls and a bleeding heart. Yet, we cannot hold back the truth because of its painful reality.
While there is the possibility of repentance and redemption, we must proclaim this truth on housetops.
Judgment, indignation, wrath and damnation await unrepentant false prophets. Ministers who lead their members to captivity must go into captivity; those who send others to hell will follow them there.
Corrupt trees and corrupt fruits are united by corruption on earth and they will be united in condemnation throughout eternity. There is no repentance or forgiveness beyond the grave. God offers forgiveness and mercy while we are here on earth. Balaam refused to return from the way of perdition and he perished (Numbers 22:22,34; 2 Peter 2:15-17; Revelation 2:14).
“In Jerusalem, a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).“Make the tree good, and his fruit good“ (Matthew 12:33).
Our God Who   can change and transform any minister with his message and members.
Be willing and obedient.
Apr 17

The Destiny Of False Prophets And Their Followers

Posted on by
God is no unrighteous Judge, neither is He a partial Judge.  Matthew 7:19,20
Eschatology_False-Prophets_620
If the man who sins and rejects forgiveness and salvation is judged, will the man who sins and makes many others hardened in
sin not be judged? Of course, he will!
If a thief who steals, all by himself is sentenced and punished, will another thief who does not only steal but trains others to steal be free from punishment? False prophets will appear before God on the final day to answer for the deeds they have done in the flesh.

FRIGHTENING DELUSION OF FOLLOWERS OF FALSE PROPHETS

 

 

Matthew 13:15; 23:15; Isaiah 30:8-13; Jeremiah 44:15-23; John 3:19,20
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. A corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
The word fruit is used in Scripture in various ways. Children are referred to as fruits of their parents (Deuteronomy 28:4,11; 30:9; Psalms 127:3; 132:11). Converts and followers are also referred to as the fruit of preachers.
The followers of the false prophets are the fruit of their ministries. The effect of their message and ministry will be seen in the lives of their followers.
If the generality of their followers are nominal, sinful, carnal, covetous and blind to the truth of salvation and christian living, it is the result of what they receive from the false teachers.
The fruit of the false prophets, that is, their followers, gradually become committed, zealous, blinded, reprobate, fanatical and apostate. The influence of false prophets on their followers can become so strong until they harden their hearts, and permanently close their ears and eyes to the truth.
They often come under such strong delusion that they believe a lie and defend falsehood. The Pharisees and their followers (their “proselytes”) are an example of such strong delusion. Their followers became two-fold more children of hell than themselves. Though Christ did so many miracles to convince them of His divine credentials and authority, they rejected Him and opposed the saving truth He taught.
Those followers of the false prophets did not only reject Jesus Christ and His message, they resisted the Holy Ghost (Acts 7:51).
They made a deliberate choice not to retain God in their knowledge (Romans 1:28) and harden their hearts to the point of loving error and hating the truth. They turn away from sound doctrine and turn unto fables.
The paths of false prophets and their followers are very slippery; falling is easy but recovery is difficult, almost impossible. “Avoid them” (Romans 16:17,18).
Apr 16

Engaging The Power Of Faith For Fulfillment Of Prophecies

Posted on by

prayer[1]

Most often than not, we always wait on the Lord or keeps crying on what he has already commanded to be done. All he requires of us is to do what he had asked us to do, for what we are expecting to come to pass.

 

Everything commanded by God happens by the working of his hands. God speaks according to his unlimited resources, not to the current scarcity. 2 kings 7:17-20 For He speaks according to His integrity.

 

When he says a thing it must surely come to pass. 1 Kings 17:1-3, 8-14

 

As Christians we must have faith at all times ‘cos Faith is the master key to the world of possibilities. John 14:12, 6:26-28

 

It is by faith that we are grafted into God. What faith does is to graft us into God. This will let us partake of His divine nature. Romans 11:19-23

power

 

What makes bible faith unique is that it turns trials into testimonies. Matt 9:27-29. God is turning the person reading this articles trials into testimonies, in Jesus name!

 

  • Bible faith is a driving force – moving force. If its not moving you, its not there. Mark 10:49, 1 Kings 8:15
  • Engage in faith driven action, 1 Samuel 2:3, 1:18
  • Faith is the master key to a world of settlements 1 Peters 5:8-10, Hebrews 4:3,9
  • Faith brings us into our realm of rests. Hebrews 4:9-11

 

What You Need To Do To Be Settled By God

  • We must be planted in the house of God. Psalms 132:13-15
  • We must choose to serve God 2Chronicles 15:12-15, Matthew 6:33
  • As may be prompted by the spirit we must rear an alter of settlements

 

May God give us the grace to be doers of His words, and the faith to strive till we obtain our everlasting settlements from the throne of grace.

Amen!!

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

Apr 14

Understanding Our Root In The Realm Of The Supernatural

Posted on by

living_supernatural_400px-400x400

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
 Zechariah 8:23.

 

What the passage above is that our lights as Christians will so shine that no one around us will fail not to associate with us. ‘Cos the promises of our Lord Jesus to us as believers states that “Our days be multiplied, and the days of our children, in the land which the LORD sware unto our fathers to give to them, as the days of heaven on the earth, Deuteronomy 11:21. This goes to say that we can be living here on earth like it is in heaven..

 

Christianity we all know is not an emblem but a producing lifestyle. 1 Corinthian 15:40, 2 Chronicle 4:7, Colossians 3:4

We as believers we are born as a sign, therefore every believer is meant to be a sign commander John 14:12, Mark 16:17, Act 12:22. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Hebrews 2:11

 

supYou are born to operate the supernatural. Anyone born of the Spirit is like the wind that is blowing. John 3:8 Hence we are born of God, overcoming the world is inevitable. 1 John 5:4

How Do You Labor In God’s Word?

  • By listening to the word of God Deuteronomy 28:1, Romans 10:17. It is the diligence  in hearing the word that gives birth to the supernatural.
  • By studying his words 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. The study of Gods word gives man approval and total eradication of shame. Acts 2:22, 1 Corinthians 2:2-4
  • Meditating on the word of God. Proverbs 23:7
  • Acting accordance to the word of God James 1:25 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed”

 

Our blessings are inevitable if only we as Christians can act as we’ve heard from the scriptures and doing it accordingly. If you want to see everything, do everything you heard from His word.

 

I pray for God’s grace for us to do as His words commands, so we can start experiencing His  supernatural realm here on earth. Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

.