What Would Jesus Say? (WWJS)

What Would Jesus Say? (Revelation 2 and 3)

In Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, Jesus had something to say to seven churches in the Roman Empire. The churches were located in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. To the church in Ephesus, Jesus said, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent." (Revelation 2:2-5, NKJV)

To the church in Laodicea, Jesus said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." (Revelation 3;15-16, NKJV)

The question for us today is: What would Jesus say to us? I believe the Holy Spirit has been speaking but have we been listening? Have we paid attention? Haven't we lost our first love - that zeal, commitment, and love for God we once had? Remember how you could not wait to tell others about Jesus? Are you still doing that now or have you become a bench-warming member of your church who is only interested in his or her business? Once you were on fire for Jesus, now you are lukewarm - neither hot or cold? Are you winning souls today and making disciples?

Oh my brethren, our tepidity has become nauseating. We go through the motions, speak in tongues forgetting that hell will be filled with tongue-talking Christians. Why? Because, they spoke in tongues not for the love of Jesus but for their selfish gain - looking for a shortcut to prayer. Oh, Father, forgive us our sins! Please understand that I am not against speaking in tongues. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14: 39-40, "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order." (NKJV). Yes, we are encouraged to speak in tongues but to do so in order, that is according to the Word of God. "...Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God." (1 Corinthians 14:26-28, NKJV). Of course, in your closet, you can pray as much as you want with or without interpretation.

What would Jesus say to us today? Jesus always focused on the spiritual welfare of the people (see the Beautitudes, Matthew Chapters 5 to 7). He fed the people when they were hungry after listening to His teaching which was about the Kingdom of God not about the system of this world. Today motivational speeches are prevalent in churches; worship has become entertainment; men are tempted in churches by scantily dressed women; the holiness of God is disregarded and the demonic idealogy of "once saved, always saved" propagated from pulpits. People are told to 'accept' Jesus as Lord and Saviour and that no matter what they do, they will still go to Heaven. Really? So what did Jesus die for? Did He die for People to live in sin? No way. The Bible says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Romans 6:1-2, NKJV)

The members of the early Church continued in the apostles doctrine and fellowship. The apostles did not manufacture a new doctrine; they were followers/disciples of Jesus and they obeyed Him. The apostles taught the brethren what they had heard from Jesus - the unadulterated, infallible Word of God. They did not modify the Word of God; they did not add to or subtract from the Word of God. 
"40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:40-47, NKJV)

In the light of the above, what should we do? Jesus said in Matthew 24:36-44,

"36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (NKJV)

May God help us not to fall asleep but to be ready. Are you ready? May God strenghten you, give you grace as you humble yourself under His mighty hand, and give you victory over temptation and sin as you await the second coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Have a blessed day.

Who Is A Disciplemaker?

 Who Is A Disciplemaker? (Matthew 7:13-14)

A disciple-maker must first of all be a disciple simply because it is impossible to give what you don't have. The individual who is seeking an educational qualification or professional certificate must come to terms with being a student. That would entail making decisions that would prioritise his or her studying; abiding by the rules of their preferred educational institutions or professional bodies. The goal would be the qualification but there would be a process. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus said, 

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it." (AMP).

Since there can be no discipleship without Jesus, it stands to reason that the potential or prospective disciple must desire life - eternal life found only in Jesus. The disciple cannot have a life that is independent of Jesus because true discipleship is a function of one's relationship with Him. 

It is important to note that failure to grasp the reality of everalsting life leads to self-deception and frustration. The road to eternal life is narrow and difficult; its gate is narrow. The implication is that effort, determination, and focus is required. Apostle Paul wrote, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, AMP). 

Despite all his achievements in the ministry and in the vineyard of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, Paul was desirous of more; he made a decision to press on toward the goal, the prize of the upward call of Jesus. In other words, he was determined to follow Jesus to the end. Is that your desire?

The early believers became disciples instantanoeusly (after receiving Jesus) because they were totally sold out to Him right from the beginning. They were determined to run their Christian races to the end, no matter what. There was no option B. I put it to you - that is where discipleship should start. The acquisition of knowledge is good but the working out of such knowledge demands sacrifice, total surrender, humility and a Kingdom mindset. In other words discipleship starts with a heartfelt commitment that is demonstrated by asking the question, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" each day of our lives. This is what Paul did in Acts 9:6.

This is why Jesus stipulated the conditions for discipleship. It makes no sense subscribing to the conditions when the willingness and commitment are not there. It makes no sense enrolling for a course when the commitment towards studying is lacking. It makes no sense to yearn for discipleship when self-aggrandisement, self-centredness, self-promotion are at the forefront.

Having decided to embrace the realities of eternal life, the believer comes to terms with the difficult conditions laid down by Jesus namely:

1. Taking up one's cross daily - "Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:27, AMP). There are tests, trials and temptations we would have to endure. 
2. Hating parents, siblings, wife and children and one's self -  “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God]—he cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:26, AMP). Our love for  members of our immediate and extended families should look like hatred compared to our love for Jesus.
3. Giving up all of one's possessions - "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not [carefully consider the cost and then for My sake] give up all his own possessions." (Luke 14:33). We must be willing to lay all at the feet of Jesus - our educational qualifications, our careers, our money, our families, our status, our cars, etc. for the sake of the Kingdom. Apostle Paul gave up everything as did the disciples of Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22; Philippians 3: 7-11). 
4. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness - "But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also." (Matthew 6:33, AMP). We must out God first in everything.
5. Offering our lives as a living sacrifice - "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]." (Romans 12:1-2, AMP)

Commitment to the above conditions paves the way for spiritual growth, reproduction and multiplication. Following Jesus is the prerequisite for becoming fishers of men. Following Jesus is not a walk in the park. It requires fixing our eyes on Him the Author and Finisher of our faith. When we are rooted in Jesus, we cannot fail; God will make us what He had ordained for us to be before the world began. Yes, we shall be pruned but it will be to enable us to be more friuitful (John 15:1-5).  Hallelujah!! Have a blessed day.

The Essence of Discipleship

The Essence of Discipleship

Matthew 28:18-20 - 
"18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen" (NKJV)

"18 Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” (AMP)

The Great Commission is stated as given by Jesus in the NKJV and AMP versions of the Bible. The Great Commission is a commandment given by Jesus to all believers irrespective of their denomination, age, ethnicity, titles, offices, sex, size, or location. It is a universal command and bishops, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, deacons and the laity must obey. Disobedience to the great Commission or any other command of God is detrimental to spiritual growth. Period.

"The Christian life is the discipled life and the discipling life" (Mark Dever, 'Discipling', page 13)

Mark Derver's statement is simple yet very profound and interesting. From a sequential viewpoint, in terms of arrangement of the words and phrases, the implications reveal what Jesus really had in mind. The task of discipling is not for the undiscipled. It is impossible for one who is not a disciple of Jesus to make a disciple or be a disciplemaker. 

In Acts 11:26, we read of how the disciplies of Jesus were first called Christians in Antioch. Note that the word, 'Christian' was not used as a means of commendation for the disciples;it was used in a derogatory sense. It can be inferred that the person who truly wants to be a Christian should be prepared for ridicule and mockery. 

The disciples did not suddenly become Christians. No!. Their Christian lives were demonstrated as a result of their discipled lives. Therefore a true Christian must be a disciple of Jesus. Otherwise his or her profession of faith in Jesus is false. That the disciples were called Christians does not mean that they were elevated in status. In fact, they remained what they were - disciples of Jesus whose newly acquired derogatory title, 'Christian' was a description of the visible outworking of their discipled lives brought about by following Jesus, wholeheartedly and unreservedly in the power of the Holy Spirit.

• They forsook all to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 14:33)
• They remained with Jesus, even when their understanding was minimal and others forsook Him (John 6: 66-71)
• They voluntarily died for Jesus. All the disciples except John were murdered for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• They loved Jesus more than their wives, children, siblings, parents, relatives, friends, and their own lives (Luke 14:33)
• They resisted any suggestion that implied putting man first (Acts 5:28-29)
• They were persecuted, imprisoned, and beaten all of which they considered to be an honour (Acts 5:40-42)
• They did not fast and pray to avoid persecutions like many Christians are doing today. They embraced God's Word that states that those who would live godly lives will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)

Are you ready for persecution? The early Church did not grow in the absence of tests, trials, and temptations. Contrary to popular opinion, the early Church grew in spite of persecution. Stephen who was a deacon was stoned to death because he stood firm on the infallible and uncompromising Word of God. Today the underground Church is growing exponentially in countries where brutal regimes seek to dehumanise and wipe out believers of Jesus. 

My brethren, disciplemaking is an undisputable outcome of discipleship. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matthew 7, 15-20, NKJV)

Are you making disciples for Jesus? The fruit of a disciple of Jesus is another dsiciple of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus must be a disciplemaker.  May God give you the grace and strength to receive His Word and put it into practice.

Are You A Fool?

 The Fool

"The [spiritually ignorant] fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have committed repulsive and unspeakable deeds; There is no one who does good. The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the children of men To see if there are any who understand (act wisely), Who [truly] seek after God, [longing for His wisdom and guidance]. They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalms 14:1-3)

The Oxford dictionary defines the fool as 'a person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.' . The atheist in spite of academic qualifications, managerial positions, wealth acquisitions, political connections, etc. is unwise and imprudent because he says there is no God. In spite of the worldly success of atheists, they are fools in the eyes of God. If God calls someone a fool, then the person is a fool indeed. 

On the other hand, the wise person may not necessarily be an academic, a business tycoon, an engineer or a medical doctor. A poor individual in a remote village or a young person still in secondary school can be wiser than a university professor. The Bible says, "The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; A good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord ; His praise endures forever." (Psalms 111:10). 

The fear of the Lord is the prerequisite for wisdom and  "Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord . For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, That spreads out its roots by the river; and will not fear the heat when it comes; but its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought Nor stop bearing fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

What this means is that the wise man fears the Lord, believes and trusts in the Lord, relies on the Lord, acknowledges that the Lord is a strong Tower to which the righteous gravitate (Proverbs 18:10). The foolish man disbelieves God, denies His existence, is deceived by Satan. Isn't it interesting that Satan and his demons tempt people to deny the existence of God yet they believe that God exists (James 2:19)?

Are you a fool or are you wise? Don't follow the bandwagon of the foolish. Open your heart to Jesus who died for you on the cross of Calvary. Acknowledge your sins and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour today while you are alive. No one knows tomorrow. Then the wisdom of God will be your portion in the Name of Jesus. God wants you to walk in wisdom not foolishness. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus to die for you. Repent of your sins and turn away from unrighteousness. The Bible says, "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23, NKJV)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 

God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). That is why it is wise to pay attention to what He says. Disbelieving the Word of God will not change Him or His Word but disbelieving the Word of God has unfavourable consequences. The individual who resists God is a fool and proud. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Anyone who is resisted by God cannot win against Him and is on the losing side, making his or her stubbornness futile. 

Let go and let God. Surrender your life to Him through Jesus (by confessing your sins, repenting of them and asking for His forgiveness). Not believing in God is really foolish. However believing God is wise. The ball is in your court and the choice is yours. Choose wisely.

The First Good Friday

 The First Good Friday

As I write this article, Good Friday, 29th March 2024 is rapidly coming to an end. On Good Friday, we remember the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. That was the day that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, was tortured, humiliated, and flogged till his back was lacerated. On the cross of Calvary, He hung for six hours in pain and during that time a thief on the cross asked for forgiveness and Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise that same day. The thief had spent his life committing crimes and was crucified because of those crimes but Jesus was innocent. That day this man who had lived a reckless life, an immoral life, a criminal life found forgiveness. It is really amazing when you think about - really amazing. The Bible says in Matthew 27: 35, “Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”

That is in Psalm 22:18.  You see the crucifixion of Jesus was a fulfillment of prophecy.  In Isaiah 53:1-5 we read, “Who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no ]beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded[k] for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

Doesn’t that gladden your hearts? Doesn’t that make you grateful to God for thinking about you? Is there any way we could have saved ourselves? No, there is no way we could not have saved ourselves. Jesus’ sacrifice paved the way for our deliverance from sin and the devil. I want to go back to the cross when Jesus was hanging. This is what the Bible records in Luke chapter 23:39-43  from the ESV. “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Wow. How that man must have felt!  At the last moment,  he was redeemed; he was forgiven. Today he is with Jesus in heaven. The Bible makes us understand that soon after that Jesus cried out, ‘It is finished’ and finally, ‘Father,  into your hands, I commit my spirit.’. You see, ‘it is finished’ was a statement of accomplishment,  a statement of finality, a statement of authority, a statement that cannot be disproved because Jesus accomplished to the fullest what He came to Earth for. The devil thought that he had defeated Jesus;  the devil thought that he had won the battle but he missed it completely. Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 2: 7-8, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, stated “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”  My brothers and my sisters, I want you to spend a few moments thinking about this. You see,  the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross of Calvary was the culmination and fulfillment of the plan that God had initiated in the garden of Eden. It’s amazing that in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned against God, disobeyed his commandments and as a result brought sin to the world that God was working. My brothers and sisters, God is always working; He never stops working. In Genesis 3:15, God said “l will put enmity between you and the woman (that is speaking to the serpent who had deceived Eve) and between your offspring and her offspring. He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel.” . As we celebrate Good Friday my question to you is simply this: Would you acknowledge what Jesus did for you or would you ignore it? Of course the choice is yours. You can decide to accept and acknowledge the fact that Jesus died for you on the cross of Calvary because of your sins and receive him as your personal Lord and Saviour. The Bible says in John 1:12. that for as many as received Him to them He gave power to become the sons of God. When  you receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour.  The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. You may say you won't or don’t believe and that is your prerogative but your unbelief does not change the absolute truth. One’s unbelief does not undo what Jesus Christ did on the cross of Calvary. History records that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that He died in Jerusalem on the cross of Calvary.  Secular history records show that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and lived on this earth in Israel, so disbelieving the word of God, to be honest with you, is a futile exercise because it does not negate the accomplishment of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. It does not in any way obliterate the fact that Jesus is the Way, and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). It does not in any way change the fact that God loves you unconditionally; it does not in any way change what is going to happen in the future when we die. We will either go to hell or go to heaven. The Bible says it is appointed unto man once to die and thereafter the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). A statement of unbelief will not change that. Nothing can change the infallible Word of God. Incidentally, everyone has free will. And God is not going to force anybody to receive Jesus but let me say that if you decide to live your life without Jesus, then your wish will be given or will be granted to you at the end of your life on earth. You thereafter, spend eternity without Jesus and that is not because God does not love you but it will be because God respects your wishes. Anyone who rejects Jesus on earth deserves to spend eternity with the devil in hell. I would like you to think about a situation in which you spend eternity in the presence of the devil and his demons. That will not be good but it does not have to be that way. Jesus paid the price for your deliverance from the devil and your salvation. As we think about Good Friday and the days ahead coming up to Sunday which is Easter Sunday (the day Jesus rose from the dead),  I would like you to think about your life. The Bible says in John 3:16 that  God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. So as you ponder over this short message I would appeal to you to surrender your life to Jesus so that you might be redeemed from the bondage of sin and the bondage of the devil. In Jesus you will know the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit today and the days ahead. May God bless you; May His face shine upon you; May He guide you as you obey His words. God bless you.

The Narrow Way to Life

 The Narrow Way To Life

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NKJV)

Jesus did not mince words about the requirement for finding life as opposed to experiencing destruction. By the way, there are no in-betweens. One either experiences life in its fullness (abundant life in Jesus - John 10:10) or destruction in the camp of the devil, who is the accuser of believers (Revelation 12:10) and Satan himself. If one is not on the way to life then he or she is on the way to death - the broad and comfortable way. The broad way is the way of easy believism; the way of the so-called progressive Christianity which is heresy; the way of compromise; the way of half-truths and deception; the way of carnality; the way of political correctness; the way of wokeism; the way of sexual immorality including fornication, adultery, homosexuality and transgenderism; the way of unbelief; the way of pluralism and relativism. The list goes on and on. 

We read in Scripture, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15). The love of the world is not found on the narrow path and the individuals described in the following passage of Scripture are treading the broad way that leads to destruction - "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

The question that arises is this: Which path are you on? God in His love and mercy wants everyone to choose the narrow path. Will you? What does the narrow path involve? It is important to remember that the narrow way is difficult, meaning that it involves sacrifice, persistence, endurance, suffering and bearing one's cross daily. Whatever your cross is, it will emphasise the narrowness and difficulty of the path that leads to life. What exactly is the meaning of all this? That there is no shortcut to our walk of faith; the Christian faith is not a walk in the park and we are involved in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-13). The narrow path is not the path of glamour or sensationalism; it requires death to self which means surrendering everything to Jesus. Are you holding anything back from Jesus?

It is tempting to think that miracles are an indication that one is on the narrow path. However while miracles will continue to occur amongst believers because of God's love and mercy, they are not necessarily an indication of right standing with God. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matthew 7:21-23). The broad way focuses on ostentation, sensationalism, and self-aggrandisement. There is a tendency for many to think that the miraculous authenticates their ministry. Nothing could be further from the truth. That one performs miracles does not mean that he or she is living a holy life and in obedience to God. The broad way accommodates everything that is contrary to God's Word and relegates God to the background. The narrow path embraces difficulty but the one on the narrow path is guaranteed life and success in God's calling upon his or her life. 

So, each of us has a choice - the narrow way or the broad way. Which will you go for? May God give you the strength and courage to choose wisely. Have a blessed day.

The Reality of Discipleship

 The Reality of Discipleship

"24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! 26 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. 32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. 34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. 37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:24-39, LSB)

The above words are the words of Jesus (the emphases are mine). If you have a bible that has the words of Jesus in red ink, the above words will be printed in red ink. That means that the words are as true today as they were 2000 years ago. There are certain salient points to be derived from the above text.

1. A disciple of Jesus is not above Jesus. If He was accused falsely, ridiculed, persecuted and insulted, His disciples will be similarly treated. Are you ready for that?
2. We must fear God. The Bible says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The Bible says that fools despise wisdom and instruction and that the fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1). It can be said without fear of contradiction that anyone who does not fear God will not enter Heaven.
3. Many have refused to confess Jesus before men. They are afraid of being scolded and ostracised but failure to confess Jesus before men has consequences - Jesus will not confess such a person or persons before God the Father. What does that mean? Such people will not gain entry into Heaven.
4. Our love for Jesus must supersede our love for others including our spouses and children. Period. 
5. We must take up our cross (not some fancy jewellery) but more like a thorn in the flesh as Apostle Paul experienced (2 Corinthians 12:7). This will be different for different believers but rest assured we all have crosses to carry daily. Are you carrying yours today?
6. If we try to find our lives, we will lose them. On the other hand, if we lose our lives in Jesus, we will find them and our lives will be fruitful. Those who try to find their lives live by their own creeds or standards in opposition to the will of God. Living in accordance with God's will is the best option for anyone irrespective of race, background, profession, or nationality. God's will is what we all need and it is not far from us. If we ask God sincerely, He will reveal it to us. That is what we were created for - to do God's will. 
7. Only those who lose their lives for Jesus will find it. Will you die for Jesus? This is a question that you must definitely answer for yourself if you really want to please and serve God fervently and effectually. The Bible says in Revelation 12:11, "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witness, and they did not love their life even to death." (LSB)  

"And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death." (Revelation 12:11, AMP).

May God grant you grace to understand His Word and to apply it in your life. True disciples of Jesus will not think twice about laying down their lives for Him. Will you? God bless you.