Category: NEW TESTAMENT

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JESUS PURCHASED THE CHURCH WITH HIS BLOOD – Acts

the church

 

Acts – The Church of Christ to Maintain Its Traditional Values

(Passage: Acts 20)
Apostle Paul declared to a body of believers and stated,

 

“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:26-29).

The Church to Honor Its Virtues

Jesus Christ founded the church for the purpose of benefiting all people that entrust their faith in him – The Christians. The Son of God purchased the church with his own blood through his death on the cross, so that people can fellowship and meet God’s mandate of holiness.

It is unfortunate that the church that Jesus Christ purchased with his blood has digressed from its traditional value. The Church has moved away from its Christ-centered traditions to fall in love with activities that have little or no contribution to God’s kingdom.

Most churches now lean toward politics. Their leaders restricted the movement of the Holy Spirit but allow their activities to be fully moderated by politics.

However, Jesus Christ expects the church to regain its stature and celebrate its Bible-based values.

Jesus will demonstrate his power in our various churches again if we can abide by his rules. Christ will reinstate his love with his church if he can gain its cooperation.

 

Application Prayer

Prayer for the Church Reinstatement

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, please redeem your church again. Gain the hearts of our church leaders to give room for the leadership of your Holy

Spirit. Please save the church that you died for to become relevant again. Let our church leaders start to fear and obey your instructions, and take your heavenly mandates seriously. Let the truth of your gospel be preached from our church altars; let true love be demonstrated among brethren, and keep us fit for your second coming.

Please, establish the standard of your righteousness in our churches so that people of this generation can have a good legacy to pass down to the coming ones.

Please make our churches receive your royal welcome in heaven as an adorable bride fit for her husband. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Amen.

Interested-based suggestions

HUMANS ARE REQUIRED TO OBEY GOD’S LAWS – 2 Kings
GOD OF POSSIBILITY MAKES ALL THINGS PERFECT – Ezekiel
SATAN IS OUT TO KILL, TO STEAL, & TO DESTROY – Revelation
SPIRITUAL GIFTS MUST BE USED TO PROSPER GOD’S KINGDOM – 1 Corinthians
JEALOUSY CAN LEAD TO A DARK PLACE – 1 Samuel

GOD IS INCOMPARABLE; TRUST HIM – Ezekiel

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THE PHARISEES CRITICIZED JESUS CHRIST – Luke

pharisees

Luke – The Pharisees Were Jealous of Jesus For His Capability

(Passage: Luke 6)

The Pharisees were bitter critics of Jesus Christ; they used their religion as a camouflage to express their jealousy and rage against him. The Pharisees were not hesitant to stalk Jesus all day long, and followed him on every turn to find an excuse to criticize and demean his ministry.

Bible recorded,

“Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first that He (Jesus) went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”

Bible also recorded,

“Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him”

Luke 6:6-7;Luke 6:1-2

Children of God to be Sensitive and Resist Satan

Satan loves to station his evil agents around godly people to frustrate their efforts. The enemies would focus on making attempts to derail believers from their pursuits of righteousness by castigating their works and throwing every available stone with the hope one might stick. Therefore to overcome the devil, believers must be spiritually sensitive (watchful) and prayerful, and they must be filled with the Holy Spirit also.

However, believers must not forget Satan’s intention is not to discourage them from serving God only, but his main motive is to kill, to steal, and to destroy their salvation (John 10:10). Hence, while we (believers) remain prayerful and watchful, we can follow Jesus’ examples and appropriately react in all situations.

For example, when Satan instigated fury in Pharisees to accuse Jesus of wrongdoing,

  • Jesus ignored the Pharisees – Believers should largely ignore their critics.
  • Jesus remained persistent in doing God’s business –Believers should never stop doing God’s will.
  • Jesus always withdrew to a silent place to pray for strength’s renewal after ministering –Believers must always refill and refresh their energy through prayers.
  • Jesus changed locations to avoid enemies’ distractions –Believers should diversify in ministry to outsmart their enemies.

Application Prayer

Prayer to Overcome Your Spiritual Enemies

Dear God, please give me strength to overcome Satan and live triumphantly on earth to the glorification of your holy name! Again, give me strength to remain focus and pay no damn attention to the devil and his evil agents!

Let your Holy Spirit empower me to remain immovable, and to keep faithfully serving you during opposition and challenges. Also, let your Holy Spirit empower me to be watchful and prayerful so that I can keep prospering in all my ministerial activities, so that light of your gospel can spread throughout the world.

When my earthly race is eventually over, let me appear in your presence in heaven to hear “Weldon and welcome my servant to the joy of your Lord!” For I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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PAUL ASKED TO HELP WEAK CHRISTIANS – Galatians

help weak

Christians To Seek Restoration of Backslided Christians

Help weak Christians! The scriptures emphasize the need for restoration of falling believers. It is written,

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).

The Need To Help The Weak Christians

Christian must help weak believers who have backslided from faith. God is hurt and heartbroken whenever a believer falls away from grace. The Creator will do whatever necessary to restore the person.

However, Christians are task to represent Christ and make serious efforts to restore those who have backslidden from faith.  We are Christ ambassadors, and we must restore falling Christians. Meanwhile, Satan may attempt to deceive believers to change focus from restoring their fellows. Therefore, Christians must avoid erratic criticisms of others.

Christians efforts must be to pray, encourage, and actively involved in other people’s lives until they are fully restored to faith. God will utilize our compassionate hearts as effective tools to help backsliding believers come on their feet and regain stability with God. The Creator will definitely bless believers that make positive contributions to the lives of other people.

Help weak Christians be restored to the faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer For Ability To Restore Backslide Christians

Dear Jesus Christ, I ask you to please make me an instrument of restoration to backsliding Christians. Energize me to pray, care, and proactively engage them until they are fully restored to your love. Enable me with the strength to help weak Christians. At the same time, I am using this opportunity to pray for every Christian who has lost his/her first love to be restored.

I ask the Almighty God to restore them to true and effective worship. I pray that Christ rekindle his fire in them so that they can continue to serve God in Spirit and truth. May the Holy Spirit possess my brothers and sisters that are turning back from true love of God! May the power of God rest on all saints to remain steadfast until the day of Christ appearance on earth.

May faithful brothers and sisters remain focus unto the end, so that we can all shout “Hosanna” and sing songs of victory. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make all my requests. Amen.

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JESUS CARES FOR THE LOST – Luke

jesus cares

Luke – Jesus Cares for Those That Are Neglected

The Pharisees criticized Jesus Christ for attending a party that was organized by Matthew the chief tax collector. Everyone – including Jesus and Matthew’s colleagues was enjoying the moment, but the Pharisees showed up to express their rage against Jesus.

The Pharisees labeled Jesus an immoral teacher who spend time with sinners. However, Jesus corrected the Pharisees and said,

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).

Jesus cares for all people. Christians must learn from Jesus who cares.

Inconsistent Christians could be labeled as Pharisees since Jesus’ era Pharisees were not consistent with God.  “Pharisee Christians” shifts their focus from serving God to something else, and they always find an excuse to justify their action.

For examples, Pharisee Christians worship their church denomination, and some worship their spiritual leaders instead of worshipping the true God of heaven. Also, some Pharisees Christians come up with hand-made rules to make God’s laws become stricter with the hope the action will make them receive better positions in heaven.

In addition, Pharisee Christians elevate their customized practices and are quick to condemn other Christian sects who do not comply with them. However, God expects the Pharisee Christians to change their beliefs and mode of operations in order to consider them “justified” in his presence.

God requires that all people – whether they claim Christianity or not – to become genuinely born-again so that they can be acceptable to his kingdom. Only those who follow bible standard and faithfully serve God will be acceptable to heaven on the last day.

Application Prayer

Dear God, please make me a true Christian who focuses on the biblical principles to appease you. Please save me from self-righteous acts that cannot lead anywhere near your kingdom! Give me the spirit of humility to focus on improving my relationship with you, and not to get busy in condemning others!

Help me to be less critical of others, but enable me with grace to focus on activities and actions that will motivate people into moving closer to you.

Let my operations result to populating your kingdom, and not to depopulate it. After my earthly race is over, please count me worthy to enter your kingdom to hear your favorable acceptance statement, “Weldon and welcome my good servant.” For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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CHURCH PEOPLE TO LOVE EACH OTHER – James

true love

True Love Must Reign Among Christians

(Passage: James 5)

Christianity is all about love; therefore, whoever claims to be a good Christian must practice love.

Children of God must love and care for each other.

We must pray and minister to each other’s needs.

Any physical or spiritual service that a Christian offers in absence of love is considered erratic, and it would not be rewarded by God.

The scripture emphasized the importance of love when it stated, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

…And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 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 5:14-16).

true love

Lesson on True Love

Love is powerful, and it is essential for all Christians. Brothers and sisters in Christ must demonstrate true love towards one another.

Brethren must care without prejudice! We must care for each other without segregation and partiality.

However, for Christ’s love to reign in Christian fold, we must exercise forgiveness, pray for each other, and pray together as a theme.

Also, we must be humble to confess our sins to one another. We must also make some significant efforts to restore our fellows who have backsladden from faith.

Consequentially, love will bind Christian brothers and sisters together.

It will also grant access to Holy Spirit to freely operate in our lives. That is, many unimaginable miracles will happen among brethren when we allow the true love of God to reign.

prayer

Prayer for God’s Grace to Operate in Love

Dear Jesus Christ, please enable believers to operate in love. Let us love and care for each other genuinely. Let brethren minister to each other’s needs through prayers and encouragements. Please let brethren provide for other people in terms of shelter, food, clothing, money, and other necessities.

…Enable Christians to visit our fellows in the hospital; let us offer moral supports for those who are in need. Please let your genuine love be real in Christian fold so that your glory can radiate in our lives with signs and wonders. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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CHRISTIAN TO SHARE TRUE LOVE – James

true love

True Love Must Reign In Christian Fold

(Passage: James 5)

Christianity was established to demonstrate God’s love. Therefore, Christians must love God and love each other dearly.

Any exercise that is demonstrated in the absence of love will not be acceptable to God.

The scripture emphasized the importance of love when it stated,

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

…And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 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 5:14-16).

lesson

Lesson on True Love

True love is essential for all Christians to demonstrate. Believers must love each other to demonstrate the true love of God.

Christians must not prejudice; we must not segregate people, and we must not offer preferential treatment.

Believers must also exercise forgiveness and pray for other people.

We must confess our sins to one another and make a significant effort to restore people who have backslided from faith.

The demonstration of our true love will bind brethren together; it will glorify God, and it will lead to an expansion of his kingdom.

prayer

Pray For Grace To Practice True Love

Dear Jesus Christ, please help Christians to operate in true love to honor your name. Help us to love each other genuinely! Let brethren minister to the needs of our fellows in prayers and encouragements. Empower us to provide welfare for people with food, clothes, money, and others. Let the brethren visit and pray for those who are sick.

…Please let your genuine love revolve around the Christian community so that your name can be glorified at all times! For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.

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JESUS REBUKED STORM – Luke

storm

Luke – Nature listen to Jesus Christ

(Passage: Luke 8)
Jesus Christ performed many healing miracles, and he raised dead people; however, he performed some unfamiliar miracles as well. The Son of God spoke against storm, and it obeyed!

love truly

 

Luke reported,

“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy…

…And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

…And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:22-25).

Jesus Christ Still Retains Authority To Help Believers

The authority of Jesus Christ is forceful and powerful. The authority is undefeatable, and it causes Satan to disarray anytime it is used. The Son of God has transferred the same unbeatable authority that he possesses to those who believe in him.

Jesus Christ said,

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18).

Since Jesus has so much enormous power to do many unimaginable things, everyone is encouraged to associate with him.

All people should attempt to utilize the authority of Jesus over their challenging circumstances.

A person that reserves his trust in Jesus Christ will prevail over any hash situation that may rise against him.

Application Prayer

Pray To Be Endowed With The Power Of Jesus Christ

I believe in Jesus Christ, and I am attaching myself to his authority. In the name of Jesus Christ, I command all challenging situations that stand against me to fail!

…I destroy all satanic opposition in my life, and I obtain my victory through the authority in the name of Jesus Christ. I triumph over Satan today, tomorrow, and forever! For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my declarations. Amen!

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JESUS COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES TO PREACH GOSPEL – Luke 9

preach gospel 

Luke – The Great Commission for Christians

(Passage: Luke 9)
Jesus Christ charged his disciples to preach the gospel to all people. Christ sent out his disciples to preach; he also empowered them with the Holy Spirit to prosper in their spiritual activities. The followers of Jesus Christ will perform signs and wonders to bear witness to their gospel evangelism.

 

Luke reported,

 

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-3).

The Name of Jesus Is Effective for Evangelism; Preach Gospel!

 

Christians to take advantage of the authority consisted in the name of Jesus Christ to preach the effective gospel, and prosper. Our obedience will make a significant impact for the kingdom of God.

Jesus, the Son of God has the highest authority that ever existed. The scripture expressed the magnitude of Jesus’ power and said,

 “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Jesus Christ shared his power privilege with his followers. He said,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen! (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

Application Prayer

Prayer of Grace to Preach Gospel and Expand God’s Kingdom

What a wonderful power that Jesus possesses! I attach myself with this power, and I am determined to use it to a full extent. I receive God’s power to preach the gospel and prosper for God’s kingdom…

…I also receive God’s grace by faith to demonstrate spiritual gifts needed to populate God’s kingdom. Please God empower me to remain faithful to you! For Jesus’ name, I have prayed. Amen.

 

 

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PAUL ASKED CHRISTIANS TO RESTORE A BACKSLIDE FELLOW – 2 Corinthians

backslide

Christians Must Not Neglect A Backslide Christian

(Passage: 2 Corinthians 2)

Paul encouraged Corinthian brethren to carefully handle fellows who backslide from faith and make effort to restore them. Paul asked to restore a backslide Christian as stated,

“But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

service

Christians To Stand In Gap For A Backslide Christian

Standing Christians are charged with the responsibility to restore their fellow believers who have fallen from grace. They must make significant efforts to help restore a backslide Christian to the faith in Jesus Christ.

God is interested in seeing a lost child restored. He is not interested to lose anyone to Satan’s kingdom!

All people must understand that God is loving. He forgives sins and restores sinners. Whoever comes to him to seek forgiveness will receive it.

It is important to state that Jehovah does not coerce anyone into repentance. No one should exercise repentance under duress.

God expects everyone to willingly come to Him and repent of his/her sins. He will restore any humble person that seek his forgiveness.

Any newcomer or a backslide Christian that exercise repentance and turn to God will be saved. An unbeliever/unrepentant soul risks losing God’s gift of eternal life in heaven.

No one should take God for granted and willingly commit sin since the Creator reserves measurable punishment for those who indulge in sin.

It is important that everyone make an honest assessment of his or her life and make the necessary correction needed to have a good relationship with God.

A person who keeps a good relationship with God will enjoy his benefits in this life, and the one to come.

Repent of your sins and return to the Lord.

holiness

Prayer To Live Uprightly With God and Not Backslide

Dear God, please I do not want to miss heaven, therefore, I confess my sins and repent of them. I am sorry for my past failures. I promise to start walking rightly with you. I will serve you with all my heart. Please equip me with your Holy Spirit to always meet your expectations and befit your kingdom…

…Help me to effectively work for the restoration of any Christian who backslide. Give us all grace to faithfully serve you unto the end. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.

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CHRISTIANS TO PROPERLY USE THEIR TONGUES – James

tongues

Tongues Are Powerful – Christians Use Them Cautiously

(Passage: James 3)

Human tongue can make a huge impact on the lives of others. Christians are warned to be cautious of the use of our tongues so that it can bless people, and glorify his name.

The bible declared,

“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:7-10 NKJV).

Tongues Can Make Or Break Lives

Christians must be careful with the use of our tongues since words carry weight to either make or break a life. Words can demoralize people, and it can encourage them! We (Christians) must use our tongues to build lives to honor God.

We must be sensitive to use our tongues to teach people about God’s law.

It is important that we use our tongues to encourage people to preserve their faith in Jesus Christ so that God can save them and qualify them for heaven.

Jehovah will surely bless people who make him proud with the use of their tongues! He will honor them in this life and in heaven also.

Prayer To Maintain Decency With Tongues Usage

Dear God, please give me the grace to adequately utilize my tongue to bless people so that your name can be glorified. Help me to not abuse your grace of free speech that I have…

…Do not let me tear other people down with my tongue, but let my words be full of grace to bless them! Please let your blessing pursue me as I desire to satisfy you every day of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.

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