What is Your God-Given Mission?

Abraham: Abraham's mission was to establish a covenant with God, pioneer the path of monotheism by rejecting the polytheistic and idolatrous practices of the ancient world, become the patriarch of a great nation, a foundational model of faith and ultimately serve as a channel of divine blessing for all the families and nations of the earth.

Joseph: Joseph’s mission was to go ahead into Egypt to preserve (from perishing in a time of severe famine) the family of Israel and set the stage for the growth of the Israelite nation through which God planned to reveal Himself to the world.

Moses: Moses’ mission was to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, lead them through the wilderness, bring them to the Promised Land and lead them into the Old Covenant with God, which among other things served as a guide to point mankind to Christ.

Joshua: Joshua's mission was to assist and succeed Moses, lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River, and conquer the Promised Land of Canaan in addition to establishing the tribes in their new land and turning their hearts back to God's law.

Samuel: Samuel’s mission was to serve God by bridging a crucial era in Israel's history –acting as the last ruling judge (turning Israel back from idolatry to God), a premier prophet, and the "kingmaker" who transitioned the nation from a loose tribal confederacy under judges into a united monarchy.

King David: David's mission was to unite the twelve tribes of Israel, capture and establish Jerusalem as Israel’s spiritual and political center, lead the nation in putting God at the center of national life, and establish a royal bloodline that would eventually lead to the birth of Jesus Christ

King Solomon: Solomon's mission was to govern the united kingdom of Israel in peace and prosperity, build the first holy Temple in Jerusalem, and lead God's people with divine wisdom

Esther: Esther’s mission was to save the Jewish people from complete destruction and genocide in the Persian Empire.

Ezra: Ezra’s mission was to restore the spiritual identity and purity of the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylon and lead them to renew their covenant with God by seeking, obeying, and teaching God’s law.

Nehemiah: Nehemiah's mission was to rebuild the ruined protective walls of Jerusalem (which had remained broken down more than a half-century after the completion of the rebuilding of the temple) and serve as the governor of Judah to restore the physical, social, and spiritual security of the Jewish people in the 5th century BC

John the Baptist: John's mission was to act as the prophetic forerunner, announcer and messenger who prepared the way for Jesus Christ, calling people to repent of their sins, baptizing them in the Jordan River, and pointing them to Jesus as the promised Messiah

Mary: Mary’s mission was to birth Jesus physically, nurture Him during his childhood and point people to Him as Christ.

Jesus Christ: Jesus' mission on earth was to save mankind from sin and death, reveal God's love, destroy the power of darkness over humanity, reconcile men to God and establish God’s kingdom on earth

Apostle Peter: Peter's mission was to serve as the rock upon which Jesus would build His church, to feed Jesus’ sheep and to lead the early Christian community in spreading the Gospel.

Apostle Paul: Paul's mission was to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, specifically to non-Jewish people, and establishing Christian communities across the Roman Empire, while supporting himself working as a tentmaker.

C.T. Studd: C.T. Studd’s mission was to spread the Gospel to unreached people in Inland China, India, and the Belgian Congo, eventually establishing the Heart of Africa Mission, which later expanded into the Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade (WEC) to mobilize global missionaries.

R.G. LeTourneau: R.G. LeTourneau’s mission was to be "God’s businessman", receiving divine inspiration to design groundbreaking heavy earth-moving equipment, running a successful engineering business as a mission field and giving away 90% of his income to fund global Christian missions and co-founding LeTourneau University to blend technical and Christian education.

William Wilberforce: William Wilberforce’s mission was to fight for the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the reformation of societal morals in Britain.

Mary Slessor: Mary Slessor’s mission was to spread the gospel, stop the ritual killing of twin babies, end harmful practices like human sacrifice, protect women's rights and promote peace as a local judge among the Efik people in Nigeria.

Sydney Elton: Sydney Elton’s mission was to raise, nurture and mentor a new generation of Christian leaders in Nigeria from 1937, laying the foundational prophetic and apostolic groundwork for the country's Pentecostal and Charismatic revival.

Dr. Francis Collins: Dr. Collins’ mission has been to decode the human genetic blueprint to cure disease while demonstrating the harmony between science and Christian faith

Prof. Z.T. Fomum: Prof. Fomum's mission was to conduct scientific research in organic chemistry as an act of obedience to God’s command to “subdue the earth” in addition to preaching the Gospel, making disciples, planting churches, and training spiritual leaders in Cameroon and beyond.

Now, the question is what is your own mission?

The truth is that every single one of us has a divine mandate/mission/assignment/purpose to fulfill. There is a specific reason God created you, there is a specific assignment God framed you to accomplish on earth in His great grand plan for mankind. We are not here on earth just to occupy space, we are not here to play and gallivant around, we are not here to live for ourselves and die. We all have been sent by God to do something for Him and not for ourselves. We all have a specific portion of God’s work on the face of the earth that has been assigned to us even before we were born for which we will one day stand before Him to give an account.

Have you sought the Lord to discover His purpose for your life? Or are you living for yourself, chasing your own dreams?

May the Lord help us all to find our life’s mission and pursue it with all our strength and complete it, so we can say at the end like Paul the Apostle, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7).

The Secret of Good Success: God With Me

 A quick scan of the scriptures shows a clear factor/trait that was common to all the men of faith who succeeded in fulfilling God’s assignment for their lives: the presence of God was with them.

1. Abraham:

o   And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do.” (Gen. 21:22)

2. Isaac:

o   And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” (Genesis 26:24)

3. Joseph:

o   And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. (Gen. 39:3) 

o   The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. (Gen. 39:23)

o   And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him. (Acts 7:9)

4. Moses:

o   The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Ex. 33:14)

5. Joshua:

o   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. (Josh. 1:5)

o   Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses. (Josh. 3:7)

6. Phinehas:

o   And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him. (1Chr. 9:20)

7. Samuel:

o   And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. (1 Sam. 3:19)

8. David:

o   And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. (1 Sam. 18:12 )

o   And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. (1 Sam. 18:14)

o   And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. (2 Sam. 5:10)

o   So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him. (1 Chr. 11:9)

9. Solomon (Before He Strayed):

o   And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. (2 Chr. 1:1) 

10. King Asa (Before He Strayed):

o   And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. (2 Chr. 15:9)

11. King Hezekiah (At the beginning):

o   And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. (2 Kings 18:7)

12. Ezra:

o   This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him (Ezra 7:6)

o   For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. (Ezra 7:9)

o   And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. (Ezra 7:28)

13. Nehemiah:

o   And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me (Neh 2:8)

o   Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. (Neh 2:18)

14. John the Baptist:

o   And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. (Luke 1:66)

15. Jesus: 

o   How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Acts 10:38)

16. The Early Church in Antioch:

o   And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. (Acts 11:21)

Friends, the abiding presence of God is the secret to achieving good success (emphasis on good) in our life’s journey. Let us seek, cultivate His presence with all our heart and flee from sin and anything that will rob us of His glorious presence.

The World vs The Word of God

The world says "be yourself", the Word says "be like Christ"

The world says "flaunt it if you have it", the Word says "be decent and modest"

The world says "follow your heart", the Word says "follow Jesus"

The world says “you need to level up to your mates”, the Word says “don’t compare yourself to others”

The world says "hate your enemies", the Word says "love your enemies"

The world says, “na who love me I go love”, the Word says “love your neighbor as yourself"

The world emphasizes "self love", the Word emphasizes "deny self"

The world says "love is love", the Word says "flee from sexual immorality”

The world says "do what makes you happy", the Word says "do what makes God happy"

The world says "pursue your own dreams", the Word says "pursue your God-given dreams/assignment"

The world says "please yourself", the Word says "please God"

The world says "do wetin you love (YOLO)", the Word says "do what God loves"

The world says "your body, your choice", the Word says "your body is God's temple"

The world says “there is no God”, the Word says “God created all things”

The world says “there are different ways to God”, the Word says “Jesus is the Way”

The world promotes “self-centeredness”, the Word promotes “selflessness”

The world says "get rich or die trying", the Word says "store up treasures in heaven"

The world says “it's all about you”, the Word says “it’s all about Jesus”

The world says “the end justifies the means”, the Word says “abstain from all appearance of evil”

The world says “your happiness now is what matters most”, the Word says “God’s will is what matters most”

The world says “it’s not a big deal, everyone is doing it”, the Word says “pursue holiness without which no one will see the Lord”

The world celebrates “earthly achievement/success”, The Word says “set your mind on things above”

The world defines greatness by “fame, power, wealth and prestige”, the Word defines greatness by “service to God and humanity”

The world says "live your own truth", the Word says "Jesus is the truth"

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:17)

The 7 "I Am" Statements of Jesus

1. THE BREAD OF LIFE

• And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35,48)
• I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)

Jesus satisfies and gives everlasting, unending life!

2. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

• Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
• As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5)

Jesus is the only source of true spiritual illumination, providing guidance, truth, spiritual sight and life to a world lost in spiritual darkness/blindness (sin, error, ignorance, confusion and separation from God)!

3. THE DOOR OF THE SHEEP

• Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7)
• I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9)

Jesus is the only way to the kingdom of God, spiritual nourishment and abundant life (spiritual richness, peace, and fulfillment)!

4. THE GOOD SHEPHERD

• I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
• I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (John 10:14)

Jesus protects and cares for all who belong to Him!

5. THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

• Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25)

Those in Christ have victory over death and the grave and have eternal life!

6. THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

• 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)

Jesus is the exclusive path to God, to salvation; Jesus is the full revelation of God, He is the source of all truth and knowledge about God, His Word is the unquestionable Truth; Jesus alone is the source of life, He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life and the Giver of eternal life!

7. THE TRUE VINE

• I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser (John 15:1)
• 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)

Only those who are joined in vital union with Christ can be divinely fruitful!

My friends, don’t procrastinate any longer, come to Jesus Christ today!

10 Rewards for Overcomers

Most people who profess Christianity today are focused on earthly realities, while the word of God clearly admonishes us to fix our gaze on heavenly things (2 Cor. 4:18, Col. 3:2).

Below is a quick list of ten heavenly things (to remind ourselves to always set our minds on) which our Lord Jesus Christ (in the letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor) promises to all those who remain steadfast in following Him until the end, through trials and temptations.

1. Eat from the Tree of Life: “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7)

2. Crown of Life: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2:10)

3. Saved from Second Death: “He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev. 2:11)

4. Eat Hidden Manna and Receive a white stone with a new name written on it: “To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it. (Rev. 2:17)

5. To Rule with Christ in His kingdom: “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father” (Rev 2:26)

6. Receive the Morning Star: “And I will give him the morning star.” (Rev 2:28)

7. Clothed in White Garments, Name Will not Be Erased from the Book of Life, and Jesus will confess his/her Name before God and His angels: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Rev 3:5)

8. Kept from the World’s Hour of Trial: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Rev. 3:10)

9. A pillar in God’s Temple, with God’s Name, Christ’s New Name and the Name of God’s City written on him/her: He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” (Rev. 3:12)

10. Sit with Christ on His throne: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Rev. 3:21)

THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK

 

While the church today is filled with so much activity and programs with all manners of topics and themes, it is expedient to go back to the scriptures to rediscover the real goal and the actual point of the Christian journey. A quick look at the prayers and writings of the early church in the verses below provides some key answers.

1. TO BE PRESENTED HOLY, BLAMELESS AND WITHOUT BLEMISH IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

· 1 Thess 5:23 – Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

· 1 Thess. 3:13 – so that He may strengthen and establish your hearts without blame in holiness in the sight of our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints (God’s people)

· 1 Thess 2:19 – For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

· 1 Cor. 1:8 – And He will also confirm you to the end [keeping you strong and free of any accusation, so that you will be] blameless and beyond reproach in the day [of the return] of our Lord Jesus Christ

· Eph. 5:27 – so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless

· Phil 1:10 – so that you may learn to recognize and treasure what is excellent [identifying the best, and distinguishing moral differences], and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ [actually living lives that lead others away from sin]

· Col. 1:22 – yet Christ has now reconciled you [to God] in His physical body through death, in order to present you before the Father holy and blameless and beyond reproach

2. TO BE JOYFUL AND FAULTLESS IN GOD’S GLORIOUS PRESENCE

· Jude 24 – Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight

3. TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST

· Rom. 8:29 – For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.

4. TO STAND PERFECT AND COMPLETE IN ALL THE WILL OF GOD

· Col. 4:12 – Epaphras, who is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, [pleading] that you may [as people of character and courage] stand firm, [spiritually mature] and fully assured in all the will of God.

5. BEING PERFECT/COMPLETE IN CHRIST

· Col. 1:28 – We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom [that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God], so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him—the Anointed].

6. TO CARRY OUT GOD’S WILL AND BE PLEASING TO HIM

· Heb. 13:21 – equip you with every good thing to carry out His will and strengthen you [making you complete and perfect as you ought to be], accomplishing in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

· 2 Cor 5:9 – Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.

7. TO REACH ONENESS IN THE FAITH

· Eph. 4:13 – until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].

8. TO BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD

· Eph. 3:19 – and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

9. TO OBTAIN THE GLORY OF OUR LORD JESUS

· 2 Thess 2:14 – It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection], so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

10. TO BE FILLED WITH THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

· Phil. 1:11 – May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

While not an exhaustive list, the ten key points above show clearly that the goal of Christ's sacrifice and the goal of the Christian journey is not earthly things. The whole end goal of our meetings, our conferences, our seminars, teachings, our gatherings, our prayer meetings, our prayer stretches, our vigils, our bible studies, our outreaches, our miracle crusades, our deliverance sessions, our retreats should be to attain the points above and not to become rich, famous, or to become a star. It is not to acquire any earthly thing that perishes, it is not to make it big, it is not to be comfortable, and it is not to become great by worldly standards.

17 Reasons Why Jesus Came

In today’s world with diverse kinds of teachings from different preachers purporting to represent Jesus Christ, it is important to return to the basics to understand why Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, came to earth in human form. A quick search through the New Testament reveals 17 key reasons mainly stated by the Lord Himself. These are outlined below.

1. To Seek and Save the Lost from Sin: for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). “But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 15:24)

2. To Give Us Abundant, Eternal, Everlasting Life: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

3. To Call Sinners to Repentance: “When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17) “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

4. To Fulfill the Law and Prophecy: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matt. 5:17)

5. To Give his Life as a Ransom: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

6. To Serve Others: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

7. To Destroy the Works of the Devil: “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)

8. To Bear Witness to the Truth: “Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37)

9. To Make Us Children of God: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12)

10. To Do God’s Will and Glorify God: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38) “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4)

11. To Preach the Kingdom of God, the Good News: “but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (Luke 4:43). Also see Luke 4:18-19

12. To Baptize us with the Holy Spirit and Fire: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matt. 3:11)

13. To Reveal God to Mankind: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col 2:9) “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb 1:3)

14. To Bring Light to the World: “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46)

15. To Be Our Example: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21)

16. To Separate God’s People from the World: “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division” (Luke 12:51) 

17. To Bring Judgment: “Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment [to separate those who believe in Me from those who reject Me—to declare judgment on those who choose to be separated from God], so that the sightless would see, and those who see would become blind.” (John 9:39) “I have come to cast fire (judgment) on the earth; and how I wish that it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49)

22 ONE ANOTHERS OF SCRIPTURE

A quick search through the scriptures of the word “one another” shows us the following 22 things that we are admonished to do continuously to one another as believers and followers of Christ.

1. LOVE ONE ANOTHER

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34)

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you (John 15:12)

These things I command you, that ye love one another (John 15:17)

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law (Rom. 13:8)

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another (1 Thess.4:9)

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Pet. 1:22)

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another (1 John 3:11)

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment (1 John 3:23)

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (1 John 4:7)

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another (1 John 4:11)

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12)

And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another (2 John 1:5)

that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)

2. BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted (Eph. 4:32a)

3. FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye (Col. 3:13)

forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32b)

4. CONFESS SINS TO ONE ANOTHER

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16a)

5. SERVE ONE ANOTHER

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Gal. 5:13)

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet. 4:10)

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet (John 13:14)

6. ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God (Rom. 15:7)

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling (1 Pet. 4:9)

7. BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2)

8. EDIFY/ADMONISH/EXHORT/TEACH ONE ANOTHER

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do (1Thess. 5:11)

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another (Rom. 15:14)

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16)

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Heb. 10:25)

9. FORBEAR WITH ONE ANOTHER

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love (Eph. 4:2)

10. COMFORT ONE ANOTHER

Wherefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thess. 4:18)

11. PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16b)

12. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24)

13. HONOR ONE ANOTHER

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Rom. 12:10)

14. SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER

Submitting to one another in the fear of God (Eph. 5:21)

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (1 Pet. 5:5)

15. GREET ONE ANOTHER

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you (Rom. 16:16)

All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss (1 Cor. 16:20)

Greet one another with a holy kiss (2 Cor. 13:12)

Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pet. 5:14)

16. DO NOT JUDGE ONE ANOTHER

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way (Rom. 14:13)

17. DO NOT PROVOKE ONE ANOTHER

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another (Gal. 5:26)

18. DO NOT ENVY ONE ANOTHER

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another (Gal. 5:26)

19. HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7)

20. DO NOT LIE TO ONE ANOTHER

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds (Col 3:9)

21. DO NOT SPEAK AGAINST ONE ANOTHER

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge (James 4:11)

Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! (James 5:9)

22. BE AT PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion (Rom 12:16)

Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another (Mark 9:50)

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus (Rom 15:5) 

17 Dire Reasons to Take Heed

To take heed means to be cautious, to pay attention, to give careful attention, to watch out, to be careful, to take care, to be at alert, to be on guard, to be watchful. It is used to connote warnings. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us quite a number of reasons we are admonished as followers of Christ to take heed:

1. So that you do not forget God: Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons (Deut. 4:9). Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of anything, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee (Deut. 4:23). Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage (Deut. 6:12). Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day (Deut. 8:11). Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage (Deut. 8:14).

2. So that your heart will not be deceived/misled: And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many (Mark 13:5-6). Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them (Deut. 11:16). And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them (Luke 21:8). And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you (Matt. 24:4). Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15). Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved (Php. 3:2).

3. So as not to be treacherous/unfaithful to your spouse: Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate] (Mal_2:15-16).

4. So that you don’t lose your reward with God: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 6:1). 

5. So as not to despise little children: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven (Matt. 18:10). 

6. So that you can gain more understanding of the truth: Then He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond]—and more will be given to you besides. For whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him” (Mark 4:24-25). So be careful how you listen; for whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a longing for truth], even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him” (Luke 8:18). 

7. So that the light in you is not darkness: Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness (Luke 11:35). 

8. So you don’t fall into the sin of covetousness: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15). 

9. So that Christ’s Second Coming will not come on you unexpectedly: And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (Luke 21:34). 

10. So as to shepherd (tend, feed, guide) the church of God: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). 

11. So that your work for God is not burned with fire: According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon (1Cor. 3:10). 

12. So that you don’t make other believers stumble/fall into sin: But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak (1 Cor. 8:9). Jesus said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks [temptations and traps set to lure one to sin] are sure to come, but woe (judgment is coming) to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea, than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble [in sin and lose faith]. Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one another]! (Luke 17:1-3).

13. So that you do not fall into sin/fall from the faith: Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1Cor. 10:12). I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me (Ps 39:1). Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures. Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness] (2 Pet 3:16-17). Take care, brothers and sisters, that there not be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to trust and rely on the Lord, a heart] that turns away from the living God (Heb. 3:12). See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ (Col. 2:8).

14. So that you do not destroy one another: But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another (Gal. 5:15). 

15. To complete your ministry: And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it (Col. 4:17).

16. To ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you: Pay close attention to/Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (1Tim. 4:16). 

17. So you don’t fall into the sin of hypocrisy: In the meantime, after so many thousands of the people had gathered that they were stepping on one another, Jesus began speaking first of all to His disciples, “Be continually on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees [that is, their pervasive, corrupting influence and teaching], which is hypocrisy [producing self-righteousness] (Luke 12:1). And in [the course of] His teaching, He said, Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and [to get] greetings in the marketplaces [public forums], And [have] the front seats in the synagogues and the chief couches (places of honor) at feasts, Who devour widows’ houses and to cover it up make long prayers. They will receive the heavier [sentence of] condemnation (Mark 12:38-40).

10 Things to Pursue For the Rest of Your Life

To pursue a particular aim or result means you make persistent efforts to achieve it, often over a long period of time; to pursue also means to seek or strive to attain (some object, desire, etc); to try to find, get, win; seek after; to chase; to go on; to continue with something. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us 10 clear things that we should pursue passionately on a daily basis for the rest of our lives as followers of Christ:

1. Peace: Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will ever see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22). So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth] (Rom. 14:19).

2. Holiness: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).

3. Things that Edify/Build up/Strengthen/Encourage others: So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth] (Rom. 14:19). 

4. Love: Pursue love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).

5. That which is good for all: See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all (1 Thess. 5:15).

6. Righteousness: But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).

7. Godliness: But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things (craving to be rich, foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition); aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart. (1 Tim 6:11)

8. Faith: But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).

9. Patience/ Steadfastness/ Endurance: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1 Tim 6:11)

10. Gentleness/ Meekness: But as for you, man of God, run away from all these things. Instead, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11).

18 Things to Abound in throughout 2018 and Beyond

To abound in something means to have such a thing in large numbers or amounts. It means to be full of, overflow with, teem with, be packed with, be crowded with, be thronged with, be jammed with; be alive with, be overrun with, swarm with, bristle with, be bristling with, be infested with, be thick with something. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us quite a number of things that we should abound in as followers of Christ. Below is a list of things the word of God encourages us to abound in now and always:

1. Hope: May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope (Rom 15:13).

2. Sufferings of Christ: For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ (2 Cor 1:5). 

3. Giving: But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also (2 Cor 8:7).

4. Faith: You are rich in everything—in faith, in speaking ability, in knowledge, in the willingness to help, and in the love you learned from us. So now we want you to be rich in this work of giving too (2 Cor 8:7). Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving (Col 2:7).

5. Utterance/Speech: But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also (2 Cor 8:7).

6. Knowledge: But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also (2 Cor 8:7). For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8). 

7. Diligence/Total commitment/Dedication/Enthusiasm: Indeed, the more your faith, your ability to speak, your knowledge, your dedication, and your love for us increase, the more we want you to participate in this work of God’s kindness (2 Cor 8:7).

8. Love: And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight (Phil 1:9). And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you (1 Thess 3:12). But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more (1Thess 4:9-10). For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Pet 1:8)

9. Grace: And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) abound toward you (2 Cor 9:8a)

10. Good works: so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 cor 9:8b).

11. Fruit/Reward/Profit: Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you] (Phil 4:17). And [God] who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity] (2 Co 9:10).

12. Pleasing God: Brothers and sisters, now I have some other things to tell you. We taught you how to live in a way that will please God. And you are living that way. Now we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way more and more (1 Thess. 4:1). 

13. Virtue/Goodness/Moral excellence: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8). 

14. Self-control: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).

15. Patience/Perseverance/Steadfastness/Endurance: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8).

16. Godliness: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8)

17. Brotherly kindness/ brotherly affection/Christian affection: For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:8)

18. Work of the Lord: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose] (1 Cor. 15:58) 

May we abound in all these more and more and more till Christ returns or calls us home in Jesus name. Amen

Seven Types of "Christians"

Culled from The Naked Church by Wayne Jacobsen

Pretend Christians only go through the motions of religion for the benefits of being thought a Christian. It might please a spouse, help them make business contacts, or give their children a religious heritage, but they are not interested in growing closer to God or obeying His will.

Cultural Christians think that they inherit Christianity from previous generations. These people love chaplains in legislatures, “Now-I-lay-me-down-to-sleep” prayers, and invocations at graduations. Cultural Christians produce the kind of headlines we see coming out of Ireland: “Catholics Kill Four More Protestant In Belfast.”

God gets more bad press from Pretend and Cultural Christians than from any other variety. They are hypocrites of the worst order, exploiting Christianity for their own gain. The next four varieties are less maliciously inclined, but that still doesn’t negate the emptiness they feel or the damage they can cause.

Fire-Insurance Christians scare easily, and though thoughts of hell may drive them to “accept Christ,” they are always trying to find minimal salvation—just enough to qualify for heaven. Their favorite question upon hearing what God wants of them is “Do I have to in order to still be saved?”

Creedal Christians find salvation by agreeing with a prescribed list of truths. Our evangelistic strategies, or lack of them, have produced more of these than any other. The Four Spiritual Laws are the epitome of Christianity by creed. They forget that good theology isn’t enough: it’s how much of it we allow to shape our lives that is important. As James 2 points out, even demons can affirm correct theology: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

Good-hearted Christians seem so loving, kind, and generous that even though they don’t get “too religious” everyone assigns them believer status. They do little harm to Christianity itself, since they often demonstrate more kindness than the others, but they endanger themselves by finding false security in their perceived goodness rather than in surrendering to Jesus.

Ethical Christians try to find salvation by living a morally impeccable life, and outwardly they appear that way. Yet when this is produced by their own strength of will, it yields very little of Christ’s compassionate character. These people are usually happy only when demanding of others the same ethic that makes their own life so miserable.

These last four may indeed be better-intentioned than the first two, but they are equally as misguided. All of them seek to answer the legal question of escaping the flames of hell, but do not fulfill the purpose of salvation, which is to restore our fellowship with God. 

We may see a wide variety of so called Christians, but the Bible recognizes only one kind—disciples. Disciples are those people whose hearts burn with an unquenchable hunger for God, desiring to know him better every day. They are not perfect, but they love him and continue to draw near him to learn how to trust Him more and be changed into His likeness.

There are lots of people like this (you probably even know some), but regretfully they are often typed as exceptions. In actuality, they are model normal Christianity—walking in a real relationship with the living God.