I AM WHAT I AM

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy reading!)

When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses’ tentative response included a question “What shall I say Your Name is?” (Exodus 3:13). God replied “I AM WHAT I AM” (Ex. 3:14). God is- the eternally present One. A name so sacred among Jews, that they dared not even pronounce it. It is sometimes difficult for us to understand fully, what God meant by declaring this His name.

But when Jesus came, He explained it further and we understand the meaning of God’s name. To those who were confounded by His teaching, Jesus added, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). This infuriated the Jews of that time so much, that they took stones to throw at Jesus. But Jesus hid Himself and went out… (v59).

Jesus went on to explain about who He is… and our picture of the GREAT I AM becomes clearer. Jesus started declaring “I AM…” this and that… and we can reflect on what He said and appropriate it here and now into our present circumstances.

Today, I would like to share 7 sayings of Jesus about who He is!

1. I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

What did Jesus mean by this? How can we feed on Him? Jesus explains in the same chapter that the words He speaks to us are spirit and they are life (John 6:63). Therefore, when we come to Jesus and believe in Him, we will never more hunger and never more thirst… our spirits will be satisfied.

We can go about hearing so many people giving lectures, seminars, discourses on the art of living… but it will really profit us nothing in our spirit. But when we hear the words of Jesus, our spirit yields and is satisfied. And we come to know life, as it was meant to be!

Therefore, whenever you are hungry (spiritually), feed on the words of Jesus; for “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Jesus”. And in the midst of all your busy schedules, and things that you try to do, remember the words of Jesus- for they are spirit and they are life. Feed on the words of Jesus… and you will never hunger; believe in Him and you will never thirst.

2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12)

Jesus is the light of the world; He stepped down into darkness and opened our eyes that we may see! John 1:4 says: In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

If you are in darkness, the life of Jesus is your light. When Jesus came into this world, the people who lived in darkness could not comprehend His light. (John 1:5). But you and I, can have light in us- and around us, as we think of the life of Jesus. We can be people who walk in the light, just as He is in the light.

3. I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:14)

He guides us; He guards us; He feeds us! What a wonderful privilege to have God as our Shepherd. The Shepherd goes before His flock, and the sheep hear His voice and follow Him. He keeps us from straying away; He leads us beside still waters and green pastures; He satisfies our soul. We are the sheep of His hand; and we can boldly confess “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want”. He knows us by name and He allows us to know Him.

Why should you think that there is nobody to care? Why makes you think that God has left you to fend for yourself all alone? God is interested in you as an individual; He is involved in the process of intricately working out the details of your blessedness; He is intimately acquainted with all your ways. He knows your standing up and sitting down- Now how could He leave you alone?

If you so desire, the Lord will be your Shepherd. You can hear His voice and go after Him. And you can boldly confess “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”

4. I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

What glorious hope to those who are Christ’s! Jesus conquered death and has the keys to Hades; therefore we need not fear the evil day. Jesus said: “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

We can walk this life with confidence; because He lives, we will live too! And if we are absent from the body, we will be present with the Lord; (there is no in-between place for our souls to rest, pray or to get better and then jump into heaven someday!) We can finish this race victoriously with Jesus. There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it! His name is everlasting!

5. I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)

There are not many ways leading to glory! There are no two ways to know the truth that sets you free. There is only ONE way- Jesus! No one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ- this is the simple truth! Not all roads lead to heaven; and no amount of commendable works will get you there. There is only one Mediator between God and man- Jesus Christ.

6. I am the true vine (John 15:1)

When we come to Him, and yield ourselves to His will, we become branches that abide in Jesus Christ. Jesus explains in that chapter about how you can bear much fruit, as we learn to abide in Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing – we cannot bear fruit. But with Him, all things are possible! We will bear much fruit…

We have value only if we have Jesus- we must understand this and be aware that we are only branches attached to the true vine. Apart from Him, whatever works we do will only amount to nothing. We are stewards- channels through which the blessings of God flow through to others.

7. I am the First and the Last- the alpha and omega (Rev. 1:17)

Before the world began, Jesus was there; and at the end of time, Jesus is there. And in the in-between time, we find our security in Him alone- who was and is and is to come. We cannot see the future- but we know Someone who will be there- Jesus, the First and the Last. So we can face our tomorrows! He will lead us to rich fulfillment and afterward receive us to glory. He has promised “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20)

How blessed we are to have the GREAT I AM. Moses may not have had this privilege of knowing God by His name… but we have it through Jesus Christ.

And therefore in our own experiences here on earth, we can take courage because God- who says who He is, is with us! And we will come to know Him as the God who says who He is, indeed!

May the testimony of Jesus enlighten our understanding and help us to grow closer in our walk with Him. Amen.

Privileges of a Christian

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

How do you see yourself- when you move around the world and interact with people of this world? You may think that they are blessed with so many material things; but, do you know of the spiritual riches we have in Christ Jesus?

Today I want to share a simple message of some of the privileges we enjoy in Christ. But let me start with where we were and how we were before we knew Christ-for it is better for us sometimes to just glance back (as in a rearview mirror). See yourselves sometime in the past before you came to Christ: that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:12).

This was our condition. We were:

• Without Christ – separated from Christ
• Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel: the nation specially chosen by God to inherit the land flowing with milk and honey. And we were not part of that!
• Strangers from the covenants of promise: the promise given to Abraham: “I will bless you. And make you a blessing.”
• Without hope and without God: you know for those without Christ, there is no hope after death. They live a life without hope and without God!

(Amazingly that’s how we were!)

But now, in Christ, we are included in the commonwealth of Israel, and have the covenants of promise with us originally handed out to Abraham. Now we live with hope knowing death is not the end. We have ourselves tasted both the abundant life and eternal life. (In the past week, I had to attend two funerals- amidst the grief, I am always reminded of the glorious hope that we have: Grave is not the end- but a door to eternity!)

The Lord our God is with us. Without Him, we are nothing. But with Him, we have everything! In the Book of Revelation, Jesus spoke to the church at Laodicea saying “…you say I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor…” (Rev. 3:17). But to the church at Smyrna, Jesus says, “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);” (Rev. 2:9).

What a difference to have Jesus! Let me share with you 4 of the privileges that we have in Christ.

1. Brought near to God – Eph. 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

What a great distance separated us from God! But Jesus bridged that gap for us and in Him and His redeeming blood, we, who were far have come near to God. We can reach out to Him. When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. The psalmist says: But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works. (Psalm 73:28).

Therefore do not keep your burdens to yourself. There is someone near, and He cares. Cast all your burdens on the Lord. Find rest in Him.

2. Predestined to Adoption – Eph. 1:5
‘…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…’

You know, in the olden days, there used to be one big joint family, (as portrayed in the Old Testament) with male servants, female servants, maids and workers- all living together with their children. But the master’s children had special privileges that none of the servants had. These are the privileges that I am talking about, as we come to God as our Father; because we have been adopted into the family of God as sons and daughters- through Jesus Christ. Now, we can come to God- our Father, boldly. We are able to call Him “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15). Understand that this is a great privilege- that even the many angels and archangels of heaven do not have!

In eternity past, Jesus is God’s only Son. And then He came to this earth, and taught us to pray “Our Father in heaven…” And in His good pleasure, God has chosen us- yes, even us, to be sons of God. Call Him today: "Our Father!"

3. Inheritance – Eph. 1:11
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will…

We have an inheritance in the kingdom of God- an inheritance that is far more valuable than anything in this world; an inheritance that will not fade away. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). He has chosen us to give- an inheritance of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. An inheritance that is for keeps! Till eternity!

4. Every spiritual blessing – Eph. 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…

Sing out for joy! Break forth into song! We are blessed with every spiritual blessing (and not that He will bless us- but that He has blessed us). The riches of His grace are poured out lavishly on us (Eph. 1:8). Redemption, forgiveness, grace, wisdom, prudence (Eph. 1:7)- you name any spiritual blessing; you have it!

Indeed, what a privileged people we are, as Christ’s. Know this- from where you came, and where you are now. Let thankfulness and praise fill our hearts; In Jesus name, Amen.

Mystery of His Will - Final Part

[Message by Pastor Joseph, Founder, NLMI. Happy solving!]

Praise God! The Lord brings refreshing in His presence. I believe some of you are experiencing passing through the fire; or through the water. And I want to emphasize God’s word over you, that the fire- it will not burn you; and the waters-it will not drown you. Hallelujah!

Sometimes I’ve wondered and asked God, ‘Why do You allow us to go thro’ fire?’ [ I mean, no one would willingly go through a period of suffering. Would they?] ut do you know that we will not experience the spiritual and the super-natural, if we do not go through ‘fire’ and ‘water’ experiences? All our lives, we can choose to live the caterpillar life-eating and sleeping. But God’s will is for you to become a butterfly-that can dance in the sunlight. You know, the caterpillar goes through a period of darkness and waiting-into the cocoon. And if someone wants immediate results, and opens up the cocoon before time, the larvae would just die! That is why it is said, wait on the Lord, for your strength, during those ‘dark’ periods.

What we gain in Him, we cannot lose till eternity! [Read about the life of John Elliot and his work among African tribes-some of them cannibals.] Like it or not, someday, we will end this journey and face eternity. If we delay, He will come; and if He delays, we will go! And in this journey, we learn to follow Him-Jesus. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny Himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24) and so we learn, like Paul, to ‘die daily’. That is why He puts before us ‘fire’ and ‘water’, that we may follow Him!

Eph. 1:9 states: “having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself …”

When I came here the last time, I spoke about the mysteries in God, in part. Today, I will conclude the message on the mysteries of God. We have seen these mysteries: Read here: Part-1

1. Mystery of Christ’s Incarnation: 1 Tim. 3:16 and John 1:14
2. Mystery of Christ’s Indwelling: Col. 1:26, 27
3. Mystery of Christ’s Intimacy with the Church: Eph. 5:32

Now for the fourth one:

4.   Mystery of Speaking in Tongues: 1 Cor. 14:2

I know today, many are scared to speak in tongues-whether at home, or church. When I was young, I remember preaching against speaking in tongues. In 1966, a friend of mine from England (a scientist), invited me for a prayer meeting, asking me “Have you received the gift of the Spirit?” I knew he was baptized in the Holy Spirit, and was into this gift’s manifestation of speaking in tongues– and I told him, ‘See, I will come for prayer, but no ‘tongue’ business for me. OK?’ You see, I had my doctrines and he had his; and I thought there was no harm attending. When I went there, I was surprised to find that it was just him, his wife and I at the prayer meeting.

Anyway, we started to worship. I did not know my doctrine was wrong. But I was hungry for God and longed to go deep in my relationship with Him. The three of us were overwhelmed in God’s presence and our worship continued well into the night. It must be around 1:30 am, when the Lord reminded me that I had some bitterness-a grudge, and hatred against some particular person. Now I had reasoned within myself, and with the Lord during that night, that I was in the right and he was in the wrong. But the Lord spoke to me saying, When Adam was in the wrong, was it not I who went to set things right? And when the world was wrong, was it not I who sent Jesus?

Then, I understood that the Lord was calling me to set things right; and that I had no right to harbor bitterness and hatred. Now, asking for forgiveness is one of the difficult tasks one has to go through in life-you can imagine the humiliation and shame as the wrong-doer, and cringe away from it. Anyway, told the Lord that I would obey him and ask for the concerned person’s forgiveness the next day. Immediately, I felt a burst of release in my spirit and began to speak in tongues… the husband and wife joined in, and we were all laughing and speaking mysteries…

According to my promise to the Lord, I went to that person and told him that I had sinned and asked for forgiveness. But the story does not end there… After 13 years, this same person- during his encounter with the Lord, came to me and asked for my forgiveness! What a gift of the Spirit! As Romans 8:26 says: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

That is why I tell you, do not despise the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The nine gifts of the Spirit, mentioned in 1 Cor. 12 can be divided into 3 groups of 3 gifts each: the first three gifts of Prophecy, Tongues and Interpretation of tongues reveal the character of God the Father. The second group of 3 gifts- word of wisdom, knowledge and discernment relate to the revelation of God the Son. And the last 3 gifts – faith, healing and working of miracles brings a revelation of the work of God the Spirit. The triune God, is interested in manifesting Himself through the working of the gifts in us. And in the same way, we can group the fruit of the Spirit, mentioned in Galatians 5:22, 23. The fruit (of the Spirit) manifests in our character, and the gifts manifest in our ability- in God. These are given to God’s children, that we- who receive it whole-heartedly, may have the character of Jesus and the conduct of the Holy Spirit.

5.   Mystery of transformation: 1 Cor. 15: 51, 52

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Time is short. This is the only unfulfilled mystery. Paul is emphatic about the revelation of this mystery. He broaches the subject to Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17. Dead in Christ will raise first… And thus we shall always be with the Lord. What a hope we have. This is very practical and true in every Christian’s life: God with us, God in us, we in God and we with God.

May His Spirit bring a revelation of the mysteries of God and make it real in our lives. Amen.

Parables of Jesus

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

There are 32 parables of Jesus that I want to share with you today. Jesus spoke to His disciples and to the people of that time, making use of stories and illustrations. I do not want to go into the details of each parable; but I would certainly like us all to get ‘the big picture’ of what Jesus wants to communicate with us today. Yes, isn’t it sometimes good to have a bird’s eye view of the entire message from the parables, before we get into the nitty-gritty details?

Parables of Jesus, is different, from any other story or illustration, because it communicates some spiritual truths to us – His love, His open invitation to all, His second coming, prayer, stewardship, the kingdom of God, etc. These spiritual truths must be imbibed into our hearts along with the illustration Jesus taught; otherwise we will miss the big picture.

1. God’s love

• The Lost Sheep [Luke 15: 3-7]

The Return of the Prodigal Son (1773)
by Pompeo Batoni - Wikipedia

Even if a shepherd has 100 sheep and loses one, the good shepherd goes after that one lost sheep, leaving the rest of the sheep that are safe. This tells us of God’s unconditional love for you as an individual. God loves each one of us and knows us personally.

• The Lost Coin [Luke 15: 8-10]
Though only one coin was lost, the diligent woman seeks it out patiently; and rejoices when she finds it. The Lord is not going to give up on you any time. If you think you are far from him now, know that He is searching out for you… you cannot hide from Him.

• The Lost Son [Luke 15: 11-32]
Like the father of that prodigal son, the Lord is waiting and watching for you to return… When the prodigal son came to his senses, he was willing to become a servant to his father; but his father would have none of it. He gave his son new raiment, a ring, and he called for a feast and made him master.

God’s love for you is unconditional, personal, reaching out even to the depths of sin and shame. There is restoration and rejoicing in God’s love. Come home!

2. Rejection of Messiah

• Evil vinedressers [Matthew 21: 33-44]
There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard… and he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. He sent servants to receive its fruit, but the evil vinedressers beat one, killed one and stoned another. Lastly he sent his son, but they killed him too!

• The Unproductive Fig Tree [Luke 13: 6-9]
For three years, there was no fruit. But the keeper pleaded with the owner not to cut it for yet another year, that he may fertilize and try to make it grow fruit!

Both these parables, reflect the nation of Israel (fig tree) that rejected the Messiah and their works bore no fruit till the time of Jesus. And then came the open invitation to all who will come…

3. Open Invitation

• The Great Banquet [Luke 14: 16-24]
Those who were chosen, and those who were called to the supper, began to make excuses. They said they could not come for this or that reason. Then the master gave invitation to all those in the streets and lanes of the city, even to the highways and hedges…

• The Wedding Feast [Matthew 22: 1-14]
  An invitation is open to all who are willing… come and feast at the banquet table! The rich, the poor, the high, the low, the educated, the illiterate…
  But there was one who did not have a wedding garment. And when asked, how he managed to come in, he was speechless. Therefore, he was cast out. “For many are called, but few are chosen” (v14).

4. Thankfulness
The Lord has called us; He has chosen us. He freely forgave, and He freely gave… What is your response?

• The Forgiven Debts [Luke 7: 41-43]
Our love for Him stems from the things He has done for us. If you have been forgiven more- more than some other person you know, thankfulness must flow from your heart. Love Him more, if you know you have been forgiven more!

5. Kingdom of God / Kingdom of Heaven

• The Soils [Matthew 13: 3-8]
The seed is the word of God. It remains as potent as ever-unchanging! But what is about your heart, the soil? Is it hard like a rock? Is it so thorny that it can choke a crop? Or will it be that good soil that will produce fruit-thirty-fold, sixty-fold and hundred-fold?
Be sensitive to the word of God-receive it to grow and be fruitful. “He who has ears, let him hear!”

• The Weeds (Wheat and Tares) [Matthew 13: 24-30]
• The Fishing Net [Matthew 13: 47-50]

Be like the wheat, and the good fish, that are gathered together for use. The tares and the bad fishes will be cast out. So it will be at the end of age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

• The Mustard Seed [Matthew 13: 31, 32]
• The Growing Seed [Mark 4: 26-29]
• Yeast [Matthew 13: 33]

Respond to God’s word. There will be a tremendous change inside out, and the increase, guaranteed! Every part of our being is affected by His word and therefore, there will be no stagnant phase in our Christian life. And of the increase of His kingdom… there shall be no end!

• The Hidden Treasure [Matt 13: 44]
• Pearl of the Greatest Price [Matt. 13: 45, 46]

Learn to value the kingdom of God. It is more important that any OTHER THING in your life. Forsake all to hold on to that one treasure-kingdom of God. Everything else can wait; everything else is secondary! Seek first the kingdom of God… (Matt. 6:33)

6. Prayer

• The Friend at Midnight [Luke 11: 5-8]
• The Unjust Judge [Luke 18: 1-6]

Persevere in prayer. Never give up praying. Keep on asking, and you will have it; Keep on seeking, and you will find the answer; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Do not lose heart-He is there and He cares.

7. Humility

• The Wedding Feast [Luke 14: 7-11]
Do not seek a place of honor. Do not pursue after position and prestige. “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

• The Pharisee and the Publican [Luke 18: 9-14]
Do not trust in your own righteousness. Do not think you are better-off than others when it comes to sin. Keep condescension at bay! For we all, like sheep, had gone astray… and we found cleansing and righteousness only in Jesus and His redeeming blood. If you cry out, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”–you will be justified. Else you will return just the way you came…

8. Love for the Brethren

 • The Good Samaritan [Luke 10: 30-37]
To the question from a lawyer, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells this parable. A neighbor may not be your own countryman, or speaking your own language; nor from your caste or religion-but a neighbor is anyone in need when you are near, at any point of time. This is how we demonstrate Christian love towards one another. Do good to all…

9. Obedience

• The Two Sons [Matthew 21: 28-33]
One son says, he will not work in the vineyard; but later regrets it and goes to work. The other says he will do it; but does not! Therefore what really matters is not your speech, but your walk! Hear His word and do it, that you may build on the rock and not fall-in the day of the storm!

10. Unforgiveness

• The Unforgiving Servant [Matthew 18: 23-35]
Realize the extent to which you have been forgiven, and forgive in return! Freely forgive, one and all. Yes, sometimes people will hurt you, they will owe you something… but you-forgive.

11. Service

• Workers in the Harvest [Matthew 20: 1-16]
There is no time too early; and never too late for service. But do it… come into His vineyard to work. The Bible says, ‘the last will be first, and the first last’.

• The Talents [Matthew 25: 14-30]
Each talent is equal to 15 years of salary-this is so much. Even the one, who had received only one talent, received so much! Do not bury your talent in the ground. Use what God has given each one of us.

• The Minas [Luke 19: 11-27]
Each mina is 100 days salary. Start may be small; but it will yield rich dividends as you continue to do His service. Utilize your gifting, for His glory.

• Servant’s Attitude [Luke 17: 7-10]
As you continue in His service, have this servant’s attitude: ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’
He is everything and we are nothing but clay in His hands. He moulds us, and makes us and uses us for His glory!

• Wise and Faithful Servant [Matthew 24:45-51]
Always be faithful; do what you are called to do.

12. Attitude towards Wealth

• The Rich Fool [Luke 12: 16-21]
Material things-that’s what the world goes after. Amass wealth, store up for many, many years. But the fool does not know his life is more precious than wealth! We came into this world-empty, and it is certain that we cannot take anything from it when we go… Have the right attitude towards wealth.

• The Shrewd Manager [Luke 16: 1-9]
When he knew he was about to lose his job, the worldly manager made preparations to secure his future. Therefore use your money and wealth to build a spiritual future… Spiritual wealth, and treasure in heaven are going to last. Do not waste it all by non-use or misuse.

13. Readiness to Christ’s Return

• The Ten Virgins [Matthew 25: 1-13]
• The Traveling Owner [Mark 13: 34-37]

Watch! Be wise and be prepared! Jesus is coming quickly. Therefore be ready for His coming!

Maranatha! [O Lord, Come!]

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Hoping you read the post and be encouraged in your life, wherever you are)

Christ Jesus arose on the third day according to the Scriptures, just as He Himself foretold. And during the forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples on several occasions and taught them of things concerning the kingdom of God. Then after, in a place near Bethany, Jesus lifted His hands and blessed His disciples and was taken up in a cloud… out of their sight.

Acts 1:9-11

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

The worldly people of that time had this last image of Jesus in their minds: Jesus hung on the cross and died-humbled, human and helpless. NOT SO for the disciples, to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection; they had a radiantly different perception of who Jesus IS, because they saw Jesus ascending into heaven and heard the voice of angels telling them that THIS SAME JESUS will come again in like manner!

He lived, He died, He rose again alive forevermore; and He blessed them and ascended into heaven; and He IS COMING AGAIN! Nothing could alter or shake the disciples’ faith one bit, after this sight of Jesus ascending into heaven. They were willing to die for their faith in Jesus Christ! The greetings of ‘He is risen!’, when the disciples met one another, was now supplemented by the Aramaic phrase Maranatha which means “O Lord, Come!” [1 Cor. 16:22]

The second coming of Jesus is as fundamental to Christian faith as salvation in the name of Jesus. There are over 300 references in the Bible that talks about His second coming (and not just one or two). This is what I would like to share today: JESUS Will Certainly Come Again.

Just like you, I too am aware of the contradictions and contentions among theologians, bible scholars and the like about the events surrounding His second coming. For example ‘Will the tribulation be before or after His second coming?’ and ‘Will the church be raptured before or during His second coming?’ and some other similar questions. These are contentions regarding the events surrounding Jesus’ second coming; but the fundamental truth remains and that is: JESUS IS COMING AGAIN. We may not know the details, but this one thing is sure: He is coming again for His very own.

In Matt. 24:36 Jesus says: But of that day and hour no one know, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

There were many down the ages, who speculated on Jesus’ coming again. But nobody really knew, and they were proved wrong in their speculation. It is not for us to speculate on the time of His return, but we must be ready when He returns. Jesus says in Matt. 24:44: Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

1. Signs of His coming

a. Ignorance

Jesus spoke about the signs before His coming: People will not know and continue in their own wicked ways.

• In those days of Noah, it was ‘business as usual’ – people ate and drank, married and gave daughters and sons in marriage, and continued in their own ways (unheeding the voice of Noah) “and did not know until the flood came and took them all away…” (Matt. 24: 38, 39).

• As in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, when people continued in their immoral ways and did not know it, until God rained fire and brimstone and destroyed those cities.

The first coming of Jesus was foretold by prophets; the wise men knew the time of His birth and were guided to the place of His birth. Still, the Jews could not recognize Jesus as the Savior and nailed Him to the cross! They did not know…

Let us not fall into the same ignorance. We have His word, we have His Holy Spirit… who will guide us into all truth. Know that the Lord’s coming is at hand.

b. Foolishness

Jesus taught us the parable of ‘Ten Virgins’ [Matt. 25: 1-13]. There were ten virgins, all decked up and apparently ready to meet the Bridegroom. But five of them were wise, while the other five were foolish. And the difference was that the wise virgins brought oil along with their lamps, while the foolish did not. The difference was really in their preparedness, (and not their willingness!). Be wise; remember to take that pure oil for your lamp.

2. Prepare for His coming

a. Be ready

At the end of the parable of the ‘Ten Virgins’, Jesus says: Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. [Matt. 25: 13]

The Bible says that some will shrink back at His coming, because they were not prepared. If we are unprepared, we will not have the boldness to meet Jesus at His coming. Are you prepared to meet Him?

b. Abide in Christ

Apostle John calls us to preparedness by abiding in Christ. The bible says in 1 John 2:28 "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."

The secret to be confident at His coming is this: Abide in Christ. Only when a branch is attached with the tree, it can produce any fruit. He is the vine, we are the branches. If we abide in Him, and His word abides in us, then we will produce much fruit.

c. Purify Yourselves

Even from the first century, the disciples expected Jesus to come again. What did they do? They lived pure lives. Although Jesus' second coming did not happen during their time, they completed their life joyfully and victoriously. Down the ages, the disciples of Jesus did the same: Purify themselves. John continues in 1 John 3: 2, 3 “…but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

Peter too writes to the disciples suffering persecution [2 Pet. 3: 11, 12]: Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…

d. Be patient

James 5: 7, 8
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

We have this blessed hope of His coming again. Therefore we will be patient-even amidst trials and persecutions, injustice and alienation. We look forward to the great and glorious coming of Jesus Christ-This is the hope that encouraged the early Christians to continue patiently. We, even today, ought to have this hope and patience. Look forward!

e. Be faithful

In the parable of the talents in Matt. 25: 14-30, Jesus taught the disciples about being faithful to what has been given to them. “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.”

The bible says, that one received five talents, one other-two talents, and the last one received one talent; “to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a long journey.” [Matt. 25: 15]

We know the end of this parable: The lord commends those who were good stewards of his goods-the ones who received five talents and two. He says to them: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.”

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

1 Corinthians 15 is the chapter to read if you want to know about your own resurrection in Christ at His coming-this is Our Final Victory. The chapter conclude with this verse: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor. 15: 58)

We may not know the time of His coming, but we see (even now) the signs of His coming. Therefore let us be ready. Let us abide in Jesus and be patient till He comes. During our stay here, let us be faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us.

The Holy Bible begins with grandeur of God’s creation and closes with significance. Rev. 22: 20 says: He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Till that time we have His grace [Revelation 22:21]: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.