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The Least in the Kingdom? Part 2

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The Least in the Kingdom? Part 2 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:28 Being the least ranks high however, how we treat the least matters most to our Lord. The least are the down trodden, the weak, the poor and the less privileged in our world. Going to the rural areas of India with my covenant friend and brother Rev. Rajushalem Vaska was such an humbling experience some years ago. We experienced first hand the joy of ministering to the least. However, while seeking for partnership from fellow ministers someone said to me, “why go to India, they don’t have money to give you, you will just spend for nothing”. This is the reality of our error. Why do we do ministry? Is it so we could amass wealth? Is that why we focus our mission work only in cities and nations with affluence? Let’s reconsider. Jesus said that he will class people as sheep or goats to go into heaven or hell based on how they treated the least of His disciples by visiting, feeding, clothing and quenching their thirst. Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. Matthew 25:45 KJV If you didn’t do it for the least then you didn’t do it for Christ. We must redefine ministry in the light of pleasing the Lord and ministering to the least. Stop chasing after kings, rulers and wealthy men – that counts little in God’s eyes. Let us pursue the purest form of religion which entails giving attention to the least. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27 KJV It is good to give seeds, gifts and offerings to great people to engender the grace they carry but it is of much more blessing to minister to those who can not repay you, to support rural missions and be part of wiping off the tears from the eyes of the least. Let’s minister to the unreached and unchurched. Consider giving to support our “Mission to India Phase 4” efforts to the unreached people groups in India and to strengthen ministers in the fields. If you are feeling led to, kindly ask me how to partner with us. Selah!

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The Least in the Kingdom? Part 1

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The Least in the Kingdom? Part 1 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:28 Jesus clearly states that the only one who surpasses John the Baptist is he that is the least in God’s kingdom. What an oxymoron? He that is least in God’s kingdom is greater than John whom we just concluded is the Greatest of All Time Prophet. How can the least be greater? Just as we have observed in previous teachings, God doesn’t look as men see or judge as men judge. In Christ’s estimation, the humbler, the greater. The least in God’s kingdom of grace (divine love reaching down to save men) is greater than the greatest in the world of the law (human endeavor to reach out to God). But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) Both Pride and Humility are only found in the heart and thats where God sets His eyes on. He who must be the head must be he who serves. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! But among you, the one who serves you best will be your leader. Luke 22:25-26 (Living Bible) The least, the servant or the humble in Christ’s estimation is the greatest. That’s the leader. That’s the Boss. We must become servant leaders if we must gain Christ’s affirmation and promotion. Beloved, to be better or greater than John, we must humble ourselves and pursue the least position. This is what pleases God. Drop all your trophies at His feet, lay low all your titles and achievements and in your patience according to Luke 21:19, possess your soul. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 (KJV) Whoever exalts himself [with haughtiness and empty pride] shall be humbled (brought low), and whoever humbles himself [whoever has a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly] shall be raised to honor. Matthew 23:12 (Amp) Please have a modest opinion of yourself so God can raise you to honor. Irrespective of how men perceive you, God’s estimation is what matters most. May God help us to humble ourselves.

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The Beauty of His Grace Part 2

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The Beauty of His Grace Part 2 What is Grace! The Britannica defines grace this way; Grace, in Christian theology is the spontaneous, unmerited gift of the divine favour in the salvation of sinners, and the divine influence operating in individuals for their regeneration and sanctification. I like that. In grace, God favours the unworthy. While in Mercy God denies us the punishment we deserve, Grace is God granting the blessings we don’t deserve. “At the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” So, you can’t work to earn grace. It is free and undeserved. Romans 11:5–6 ESV Yes, grace may well be defined as unmerited favour but it is a lot much more. Grace is the power of God for living the Christian life. Grace doesn’t excuse our sinful nature and actions. No! Rather grace empowers us to live life at its fullest and righteousness at its peak. Paul rightly opined that He is able to be who he is and do what he does by grace 1 Cor. 15:10, he was strengthened through his weakness 1 Cor. 12:9 and he received power and influence for obedience 2 Cor. 9:8. Grace is so beautiful. It is by His grace that I am standing in the faith. Oh my – the discouraging things I have noticed even in people that ought to be examples. But irrespective of them, I am strong in the faith by grace. There is so much more grace is. And guess what, it is the free gift of God. All we need do is to receive it. Have you received this great gift?

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The Beauty of His Grace Part 1

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The Beauty of His Grace Part 1 John was unarguably the greatest of all prophets under the old Testament. He was perfected even under the Law. Jesus fulfilled the law. He is the bridge that ended the law and started the grace “movement”. The scriptures through Prophet John describe Him as the one that was full of grace and truth. John 1:14-17 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Beyond all the beauties that John possessed Jesus added that the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than him. That’s what grace does. Grace took our frailty, failures, faults, falls and fears, swallowed them up in the cross and set us above this greatest prophet of all time. The Beauty of grace is that without dependence on the finished work of Christ our labours at righteousness and godliness are nothing but junk. You CAN NOT be holy without the enabling power of the grace of God accessible in Christ. Look at what the scriptures says of grace in Galatians 5:4 (KJV) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Ephesians 2:8 We are saved by grace and this sets us above John that’s why Jesus said, the least in the Kingdom surpasses John the Baptizer. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:28 (KJV) Beloved, take a moment to thank God for His immeasurable grace that frees us from sin and it’s consequences. God bless you!

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Let Us Exalt His Name Together

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Let Us Exalt His Name Together Lifting up the name of Jesus must be intentional, collective and unbiased. The Psalmist aptly sang:O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalms 34:3 (KJV) Magnifying and exalting the name of the Lord requires our collective efforts. We must excitedly join the saints whenever they are glorifying our Great God or His Christ. John didn’t mince words when he declared, ‘let Him increase and let me decrease’. In our actions, speeches, motives let’s put all effort out to lift Jesus up. If we don’t He could get even inanimate objects like stones to rise up to exalt him. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Luke 19:39-40 (KJV) Just like John did publicly and unashamedly we must strive to lift Jesus up at every opportunity life presents to us. Shalom!

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Among Those Born of Women

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Among Those Born of Women What a phrase! This is so heavy. For who is it that wasn’t born of a woman. Obviously, I wouldn’t presume that this included The Master Himself. He was NOT born of a woman but of a virgin girl and the Heavenly Father, right? Since we are all born of women Jesus captured all human life in that phrase. All prophets were born of Women, so in essence Jesus left no major or minor prophets out. John the Baptizer was the G.O.A.T. – The Greatest Of All Time Prophet. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: ……. Luke 7:28 (KJV) One of the most distinguishing feature in John was his character. John was a true servant of God who sought God’s glory and not his own. He spoke of Jesus with such humility and respect. John 1:27 KJVHe it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. Wow! John was so humble he didn’t want any glory to himself. The scriptures said he confessed and denied not that He was not Christ, he was not that prophet, he was not Elijah. See John 1 verse 20 and following. All men have pride deeply rooted in them. All men desire the accolades, honour and attention but not John. He just wanted Jesus glorified. I have heard of preachers who angrily leave the pulpit or just wouldn’t preach because they were not properly applauded or called with their complete titles. I wonder where we learnt all that from. Some others will talk to the Holy Spirit as though He was their servant. “Spirit move now to the right”, they will proudly announce. Lord have mercy on us all. John indeed was the most humble of men who should have been the proudest. He promoted Christ and His ministry and even encouraged his followers to go after Jesus. Ministers, can we repent of all attempts to (knowingly or by mistake) act like the bride is ours? The Church (people we are privileged to lead) is not ours. The Bride belongs to the Bridegroom. We are just friends of the Groom. Kindly read what Prophet John said below meditatively and be blessed as we humble ourselves. John 3:28-29 (KJV) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. The Message Version brings it home so well. Beloved, we as ministers are just His Bestman and we should be content with that privilege. This was what set John apart. You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegroom’s friend, his ‘best man’–that’s me–in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start? “That’s why my cup is running over. John 3:28-29 MSG

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What’s so Special about Prophet John

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What’s so Special about Prophet John Continuing on our teaching on the greatest of all time prophet of the Old Testament. Let’s try answering the question, Why? For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: ……. Luke 7:28 (KJV) What’s so Special about Prophet John? Why will Jesus so affirm him? Firstly let’s look around his personality. What’s amazing about the man John? May we learn the lessons in Christ’s word. “Of all born of a woman none is to be likened unto John in greatness.” What a testimonial! What a prophet! Shalom.

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The Greatest Prophet of All Time

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The Greatest Prophet of All Time Jesus made a huge statement about John the Baptist while he was teaching that is worth reminiscing over. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:28 (KJV) Did Jesus just rate John the Baptist as being greater than Noah, Moses, Elijah, Elisha and Isaiah? That’s serious. But what are the qualified John for such a commendation? Was it his miracles? No! Indeed we have no record of any miraculous act performed by John the Baptist. Was it his affluence? Definitely NO! For he was a humble prophet dressed in animal skin and hair and eating wild honey and locusts. Was it his literary skills? I think NOT. Was it the influence he garnered or the crowd he attracted? No! He spoke hard against evil and iniquity in his day and was tagged as public enemy number 1. Why will Jesus rate him as the greatest of all prophets? We need to appreciate Jesus’ choice of John and review the way we rate believers and pastors. It is not the affluence, influence or miracles but something much more was of value to Christ. While certainly we need these things, May God help us pursue after that which is more than gold. Have a blessed day!

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COURAGE DEVELOPMENT

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Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Amp Courage is that thing born of faith that propels one into glorious heights irrespective of the obstacles or lack of resources. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines courage as the ‘ability to do something dangerous or face pain and opposition without showing fear’. I think I like that. Though they seem alike, courage super outweighs ‘bravery’. To be brave a word that has its root in bravo is to act without fear. Sometimes it creates some audacity that causes pride. Courage on the other hand is targeted towards a positive God – glorifying venture. Courage is not an act, it is a virtue. Bravery tends to be more spontaneous, whereas courage comes with a high degree of choice and forethought. Bravery is seen outwardly but courage is a thing of the heart. Courage makes us do God’s will in spite and despite our feelings because we know He is good. As a believer, courage from the above verse is not a choice, it is a command from the Lord. Stop being timid, rise up and stay up. A man of courage does not easily accept diversions. You must have the courage of your convictions.  In Joshua Chapter 1 at least three times the Lord insists, “Be Strong and very courageous”. It takes courage invest in kingdom ventures, to preach the gospel in and out of season, to stay unspotted from this world and it’s lusts. In this alarming global economic crunch – we all need courage injected into our being to be sane and know with no shadow of doubt that God will come true for you. The Bible said of David whose wives and children had just been taken captive and whose men were considering stoning him to death that he encouraged himself in the Lord. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) That was where his strength was found. You have no business with being discouraged because it will be a direct disobedience to the instruction in Joshua 1:9 So how can we pump our courage up? 1.Appreciate Grace It’s a function of God’s grace that you have come this far in life. As you lean on the Lord, your courage gets beefed up. 2.Have Hope Hope for the future will give you the strength for today. The Bible says about Abraham in Romans 4:18 that he hoped against hope and he received God’s blessing. 3.Exercise Faith Show me a person who trustfully believes God and I’ll tell you such a man has very high courage. 4. Meditation Meditate on God’s Word, don’t just read it, Meditate! 5.Confession Speak to yourself! This book of the law shall not depart out of your Mouth. Joshua 1:8 (KJV) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. God will cause what you say to become a living reality. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Numbers 14:28 (KJV) Jesus is Lord!

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