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  • A NEW LIFE, A NEW HEART

    A NEW LIFE, A NEW HEART
    2025/04/04
    A NEW LIFE, A NEW HEART
    One of the most effulgent Bible characters in the New Testament is the apostle Paul. After experiencing the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, he became zealous for the Master's work. His only passion and joy in life was to bring others also to the Saviour he has found. The actuating principle of His life was to declare the goodness of God and the transforming grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. His ardor in the kingdom business was always inflamed with the memory of what Christ has done for him.

    Yes indeed, Paul had a very bad record. His past was stained with cruelty and murder and his life was blemished with a lot of moral defects. The taste of the sins, the worldly honour and the fame he was enjoying could have led him to be comfortable in his abode. But his encounter with Christ transformed Him. He knew well of the past shortcomings which could have silenced his voice in the holy records and impede his spiritual growth. There were many things in Paul’s life that could have triggered mockery and contempt from his contemporaries in line of his new faith.

    But glory be to the transformative grace of God, grace that pardons all our sins and takes care of all our guilt. Grace that is able to give us a new life after Christ has made us whole. This grace always searches for us; and while we were yet sinners the love of God (Christ) was given for us. Like Paul, we did not seek for it but it was sent in search for us. On that Damascus road, the Light of the world illuminated the mind and heart of Paul and transformed him. In his transformation, Paul understood how to respond to God’s grace. This is done by forsaking the former things, counting them as garbage and loss and embracing the new heart that is profitable in the new life.

    The experience of Paul should be an epitome for all Christians. The grace of God has found us in the streets, the bars, the shrines, the cultic and psychic centers. As we were engaging in the adultery, fornication, uncleanliness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, jealousies, envy, murder, drunkenness, revelries and the likes, the still small voice called us into a new life. "Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" was the offer from Christ. As we have accepted to live this new life, the things of the past that are not in conformity with the faith of Christ should be shunned.

    Unfortunately, there are many who call themselves Christians (accepting the new life) but still possesses the old heart. They are not privy to the Master’s command; "go and sin no more". Though they have accepted Christ, they have not fully surrendered to Him. They profess to be in Christ but still cling to their old life, the former things have not become former. Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spot? OH YES!, if so, then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. You have accepted Christ; you have become a new creature; you need to have a change of heart; Yes, the old heart (lifestyle) should give room for the new. You need to do so, but not in your own might. Give your will to Christ for His assurance to you is that "a new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."

    (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:17; Galatians 5:19-21; Philippians 3:13-16; Matthew 11:28; John 8:11; Jeremiah 13:23; Ezekiel 36:26; Ezekiel 18:31)
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    15 分
  • NEVER GIVE UP ON THE RACE.

    NEVER GIVE UP ON THE RACE.
    2025/02/18
    Never Give Up On the Race

    "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" (John 17:1; KJV).Even at the point of His death, Jesus never gave up. When even the religious leaders asked Him to save Himself if He was the Christ, that did not prevent Him from going forward with His mission of dying for the race of Adam. Our Saviour never gave up despite all that He had to go through for you and I. Because of His death for us, we have assurance of eternal life in a world made new.

    Matthew 5:12), the Lord wants us to also press on in Him without giving up. Like Zaccheaus who left nothing undone to see the Saviour (Luke 19:1-10), the Lord wants to pursue Him with all our hearts.

    It doesn't matter your past life or current situation, the Lord wants you to approach Him. Even as Christ gave us an example in perseverance even up to the cross, He expects us not to lose hope, but continue to trust in Him. If we cling to Him with an open heart like the woman with the issue of blood or express a desire to see Him just as He is like Zaccheaus, He will abundantly receive us and bless us.
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    15 分
  • HAVING FAITH IN GOD.

    HAVING FAITH IN GOD.
    2025/02/18
    Having Faith in God.

    The first chapter of the book of Job tells us how Job was a faithful man of God. God blessed him with seven sons, servants and much wealth. Satan challenged God that the protection and riches He has given Job was the reason for his unswerving commitment to Him. And so God gave the devil the chance to test Job to the highest point. Despite all the negative things the devil brought in the life of Job, Job remained steadfast and victorious in the end (Job 1 -2)

    As followers of Christ, the devil will bring a lot of misfortune in our lives just to test our faith in God. And this is where we have to stand strong and prove to Satan and the entire world that we are true children of God. In times of our extreme troubles, people may suggest various solutions to our problems, even including possible solutions that contradict the clear words of Scripture.

    It is important for us to learn that as Christians, we need to be firm in our principles no matter our situation in life. The Lord has promised never to forsake or leave us (1 Samuel 12:22; Matthew 28:20). He has promised that He will hear us when we pray unto Him (John 14:13-14).

    Beloved, whatever the problem or difficulty we encounter, our God knows, He sees and has a better solution for us if only we can trust in Him and wait for His own timing. Even as God finally answered the prayers of Job, He continues to answer the prayers of His faithful children who trust in Him and wait for Him. It is in our waiting on Him through prayers and a reflection of the Scriptures that He perfects our characters.
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    15 分
  • SELFLESSNESS.

    SELFLESSNESS.
    2025/02/18
    Selflessness

    "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).The story of Esther is an example of selflessness. Esther was a Jew who became the queen of Persia through God's providence. Because Mordecai who was a Jew refused to bow down to Haman, an official of the king, Haman was able to convince Ahasuerus, the king of the Persian Empire to write and seal a law that was to annihilate all the Jews in the empire by a certain date. Mordecai ensured that this perplexing news was brought before queen Esther, who was also a Jew (Esther 3 and 4)

    When Esther heard the troubling news, she did not think only about herself. She thought about the welfare of the people. Esther bid Mordecai to do the following:"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).Esther's act of selflessness is just a miniature of the selfless nature of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Concerning Christ, we read the following:"5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)Friends, in this text is found the greatest example of selflessness. As God's children, the Lord expects us to follow the supreme example of Christ's selfless nature. Just like queen Esther, there will come periods in our life where we must be totally selfless to be able to carry forward the gospel mandate that Christ has given to us. There will come periods in our Christian walk where we will have to forgo our food to feed the hungry, forgo our clothes to clothe the naked, forgo our schedules to spend time with the sorrowing and troubled, and forgo our money so the gospel can reach the world. It is my prayer that the Lord will give us the strength to imitate the selfless nature of Christ.
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    15 分
  • WHAT IF? (Life Is s Too Short)

    WHAT IF? (Life Is s Too Short)
    2025/02/18
    WHAT IF?

    (Life Is Too Short)

    What if the sun never rises on you again, will you and the world be proud of the footprints you left behind? What if the one you’re fighting with dies today, won’t it be too late to reconcile? What if this time of isolation is given for you to spend quality time with your family, will you show your love? What if you’re the only survivor on earth, won’t it be too lonely? What if all media is shutdown, what will become of your life? What if the Bible is the only book on earth, would you care to read? What if church houses are shut forever, will you be God’s church? What if Christ comes tonight, where would you go?

    People run to and fro to stock and restock their homes just to safeguard their life. What if there’s something more important to safeguard—eternal life? People try to stay in touch with the media and government just to discern signs of hope. What if there’s someone more important to stay in touch with—God, to discern the signs of the times. There are two days in every man’s calendar; this day (your present moments) and that day (the second advent of Christ).

    Life is too short—leave your footprints in the sands of time. Life is too short—to fight over trivial matters. Life is too short—be a loving dad, mom, or child to your family. Life is too short—be kind even to strangers. Life is too short—spend more time on your Lifeline (God) than on your timeline (social media). Life is too short—use your body as a living sacrifice for God. Life is too short—prepare to meet your Saviour (Jesus Christ). God cares. God loves you! (Revelation 22:11).
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    15 分
  • WHERE COULD I GO?

    WHERE COULD I GO?
    2025/02/17
    WHERE COULD I GO?

    Living below this old sinful world is like journeying through a land where there is no water. Sin has ruined this world to the state that its subjects do not enjoy the very purpose of their existence. Sin has put our world in scarcity and chaos. We face the turmoil and the great consequences of sin which do not give us comfort in this world. Many are wounded daily with grief, disappointment, failure, broken heart, broken home, job struggle, sickness, death to mention but a few.

    When it happens like that, the pains and grief diminish our standards to the extent that we cannot decipher between good and bad. Being in the dry land (afflictions), our souls taste for everything and anything in resemblance of water. The standards of our lives are mellowed because we see no importance of greetings to a dying person. Our moral compasses come to a standstill, and any wave of religion grabs our attention. That is when people move away from "the Power of the Gospel" to "the Gospel of Power".

    Satan knowing the very nature of our world and how it has deteriorated, has set for himself many priests. Altars are being raised superficially for God but in actual sense a cathedral for the devil. Streets, churches and auditoriums are always full of professed Christians who are hooked by prosperity preaching and bizarre gimmicks. Signs and wonders and trick miracles are substituted for the presence of God’s Spirit. Unknown to many, this is Satan himself masquerading as an angel of light to sway many people to error.

    But what do we see, when we are tempted and tried, afflicted and ruined, in debt or sickness, disappointed or oppressed, we turn to these so called men of God whose scheme is to lead many to the devil. Their appeals on television screens and radio waves are triggered by demonic powers and their miracles are just a showcase of their folly but yet, people turn to them because of pain and bewilderment.

    Forsaking God in time of trials is the first sin and the additional one is turning to seek help from where there is no help. We are warned not to put our trust in princes (false powers), nor in the son of man (pastors, prophets, imams, psychics, occultists etc.), in whom there is no help; for we have an able God to supply all our needs. Turning to human powers instead of God is a total denial of faith. God bids us to cast all our care upon him; for He cares for us. If you are heavy laden or perplexed, Jesus offers a solemn appeal, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". Where could we go in our difficult times? There is still a balm in Gilead? Just turn your eyes upon Jesus and all shall be well. (Psalm 146:3; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28)
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    15 分
  • ADD NOTHING: SUBTRACT NOTHING.

    ADD NOTHING: SUBTRACT NOTHING.
    2025/02/17
    ADD NOTHING: SUBTRACT NOTHING

    "Howbeit IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7; Emphasis Supplied).

    ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). My dear Brother or Sister in Christ, three times we find this charge brought forward by our Lord against the Pharisees. "Laying aside the commandments of God, you hold the traditions of men" [Mark 7:8). "Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own traditions" (Mark 7:9). "Making the Word of God of none effect through your traditions" (Mark 7:13). The first step of the Pharisees, was to add their traditions to the Scriptures, as useful supplements. The second was to give them equal authority with the Word of God. The last was to honour them above the Scripture, and to degrade Scripture from its lawful position. This was the state of things which our Lord found when he was upon earth. Practically, the traditions of man were everything, and the Word of God was nothing at all. Obedience to the traditions was highly regarded. Obedience to the Scriptures was lightly regarded.

    The very same process has taken place over and over again at this end of the world. The very same consequences have continually resulted. Religious observances of man's invention have been pressed on the Christian at this end of the world; observances which to all appearances are useful, and at all events well-meant, but OBSERVANCES NOWHERE COMMANDED IN THE WORD OF GOD! These very observances have by and by been obeyed with more vigour than God's own commandments, and defended with more zeal than the authority of God's own Word. Don’t look far for examples. Extra biblical festivals such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween are some of the man-made traditions that has been brought into the church of Christ.

    Beware of adding anything to the Word of God, as necessary for salvation at this end of the world. It is as good as saying that THE BIBLE is not perfect, and that you know better than God does, what is necessary for man's salvation. It is just as easy to destroy the authority of God's Word by addition as by subtraction. It is just as easy to destroy the authority of God's Word by burying it under man's inventions as by denying its truth. THE WHOLE BIBLE, and nothing but the Bible, must be your rule of faith at this end of the world. ADD NOTHING. SUBTRACT NOTHING! He that hath ears to hear, let him hear (Matthew 11:15).
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    15 分
  • "GIVE ME THE BIBLE".

    "GIVE ME THE BIBLE".
    2025/02/17
    "GIVE ME THE BIBLE"

    Times change, seasons come and go, the weather varies each day, but the Bible remains the same. The Bible is the only book that never needs to be updated, or revised. It is never obsolete or out-of-date. It speaks to every person, in every century, and in every culture. Like it's ultimate Author—Jesus Christ—the Bible "is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8; cf. John 1:1-2).

    The Bible never changes, yet it is the only Book that can change our lives. "Many books can inform you, but only one Book can transform you" (Samuel Koranteng Pipim). "Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God's Word..., half our fears arise from neglect of the Bible" (Charles H. Spurgeon). "The Bible is God's voice speaking to us" (Ellen G. White).

    "It is not only your body that gets hungry. Your mind gets hungry too, as does your spirit. Your body eats food. Your mind eats books while your spirit eats the Word of God. A balanced diet is not protein, carbs, and fruit and vegetables. It is food, books and Scripture" (R. Omokri). "Let us study the Bible, for if we do so, we shall find rest for our souls" (Samuel Koranteng Pipim). God loves you! (2 Timothy 2:15; cf. John 5:39; John 17:17).
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    15 分