Special Assignment

(Message by Pastor S. Joseph, Founder, NLMI)

Praise God for this day that the Lord has made. Here we are all eager and willing to worship Him- our Lord Jesus, who loved us and washed us. As we sang the song “Change our lives…” I am prompted again to remind you that it is one thing to come here and sing some nice songs, but going out walking in obedience is quite another thing.

We all want change, don’t we? We do not want to be the same person we were, but somebody better. But let me remind you that change does not happen, unless we make a CHOICE. Good things do not happen to us by CHANCE… you are here blessed now because of some decisions- some choices that you made in the past. And how many of you know that it is sometimes really difficult to be willing and to change!

So, here I am, completing 79 years and pressing on to eighties and I know that this is not the age of Remington typewriters. That era is gone. So now, I have to submit to an 8-year old, (that I do willingly, because she is my grand-daughter, and a good teacher) to learn about computers, about opening e-mails, sending SMS, and even using facebook. I have come to understand that unless we change, we will be left behind!

The same is true of the kingdom of God. Are you willing? Do you want to stay here or go ahead? I tell you, if you are willing to change, the whole heaven will back you! The moment we decide in our mind, believe in our heart, see by faith and walk in obedience to His word, His Spirit will strengthen us both to will and to do His good pleasure. Hallelujah!

You know God can do anything. But He won’t do it against your will! [Otherwise He will be found in violation of His own laws]. Because God created man in His own image and gave him the ability to prosper, and to be fruitful and to fill the earth and to subdue it; and have dominion over every living thing [Gen. 1:28]. This is the ideal law- you can either accept it or reject it, but you cannot alter it. You and I are called to do this- where we are not under the circumstances, nor above our circumstances, but actually create our circumstances. That is why Paul writes: For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come-all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. [1 Cor. 3:21]

Only, if you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land [Isa. 1:19]. I tell you, if you are willing to take ONE step towards God, He is willing to take 1000 steps for you… What a mighty God we serve! The God of Israel is OUR God; and the rejected Messiah of the Jews is OUR Messiah! We have come closer to God, because the Jews were unwilling! Therefore, know who you are in Christ… and be willing. The circumstances do not matter… because even if the seed is still in the barn… and the olive tree have not yielded fruit, God says, “From this day I will bless you.” [Haggai 2:19]

Are you religious or a radical / revolutionary? Because if you are religious, then God help you! Because religion cannot take you one step further than where you are. But only the revelation will lead you from one glory to another. Let us have this ‘achiever’ mindset, rather than toiling in ‘average’ mindset. [Mediocrity is killing us!]

Turn with me to the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ and read the first chapter. Rev. 1:1-20. There are verses from here that I want to share with you today.

1. BLESSED DO
[READ, HEAR and KEEP ]

Verse 3: Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Mark out these three things that we must do: READ, HEAR and KEEP those things that are written in this book. If you do these, you are already BLESSED.

2. BLESSED DONE
[LOVED, WASHED and MADE PRIESTS]

And verses 5 and 6 here talk about those things that Jesus Christ has done for us: He loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and made us kings and priests to His God and Father…

Jesus loved us: with an everlasting love… agape love. Human love is based on reciprocation- the ‘because’ love; because you did this, I love you. But God’s love, the divine love, the love that excels all other love, is not based on your condition; it is the ‘in spite of’ love! In spite of being the person that we are, God loves us. It is His love that has drawn us here together, and many around the world, (about maybe 1/3rd of the 7 billion people on earth) to gather together and worship Him. We love Him because He first loved us.

His blood washed us clean: Jesus has cleansed us by His own blood that takes away all our sins. In the old covenant, people sacrificed animals whose blood only covered their sins (and not washed away); and they had to do the sacrifice year after year. But in contrast, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins. John the Baptist bore witness to Jesus saying: Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the whole world! What a wonderful privilege we have, to walk guilt-free and clean here on earth.

He made us kings and priests (or kingdom priests): Do you believe this- that He has made you, each one of you here, as priests unto God? I can see that not many are confident about this, if asked “Are you kingdom priest?” But that is why I say, we do not need religion, but revelation! Then you will say “God, whatever you say here for me is true and I believe it and take it” What a grand calling-priests unto God! What a position to be in day in and day out! Now position always goes together with responsibility. There has to be accountability and transparency in all your dealings. We are His ministers, and if we continue with responsibility, then promotion will come automatically.

3. SPECIALLY CALLED
[ANOINTED, APPOINTED and ASSIGNED]

Every one of you has a special assignment from God. It does not matter how young you are or how old you are! Abraham was called out when he was 75 years old; and Moses was 80 years old and having completed 40 years looking after the sheep of his father-in-law in the wilderness when he turned to see the wondrous burning bush; and Apostle John was in his nineties and banished to a lonely island when he saw those things he writes about. There is a special assignment for which you are anointed, and appointed to complete that particular task.

You can imagine the old Apostle John faithful in the church, preaching and encouraging young believers. But God had a special assignment and there was a shaking in the church; and the Roman authorities not being able to put John to death, took the aged man and imprisoned him and then banished him to the island of Patmos. Yes, the road may be tough and many a times God does not reveal before-hand what is in store for those called to do the special assignment.

Now that would have shattered the soul of any man! What happens to you when you take that path? Do you look for justice from God? Or do you imagine justice will prevail in the world? Do you say to yourself “Here I am- a faithful man of God and in my old age; how dare they touch me”? Or do you say to God “Please intervene and help”? Do you want to know what Apostle John said?

Rev.1:10 say: I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet...



That is why I said, you can be under the circumstances or over the circumstances; but there is a better way that you create the circumstances ... it all depends on your attitude in times of crisis. Your attitude will bless you or it may break you; because it reveals your character- are you really the person you show to the world? There may be two opinions even within the church! 1 Cor. 11:19 says: For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.

So, when there are factions and divisions even within the church, pray and seek the Lord; for what is of flesh will fall away, while what is of the Spirit will be revealed. In Antioch, the Holy Spirit commanded to set apart Paul and Barnabas for the evangelistic ministry. And they started out on their first missionary journey. They had wonderful and miraculous experiences of God’s work in and through them. But on the start of their second journey, there was a sharp difference between Paul and Barnabas. The contention was about whether to take Mark who was Barnabas’ nephew; and Paul was not in agreement. And they became divided and Barnabas took Mark and went on his journey, while Paul took Silas and went. But later on, in the Acts of the Apostles, we hear only about Paul and Silas.

4. SPECIFICALLY ASSIGNED
[HEAR, TURN, SEE]

Apostle John’s special assignment was to write in a book what he saw, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia (Rev.1:11). In his old age, and alone in the island of Patmos, God spells out John’s assignment.

Rev. 1:12, 13 continues: Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

Rev. 1:17-19: And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me saying, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”

“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”

John heard God’s voice; John turned to see who it was; John saw the One like the Son of Man; John fell down at His feet; John heard his specific assignment- to write those things he saw and send it to the seven churches in Asia.

Only one thing is permanent in this world-God and His word. {If you know of anything else, please tell me}. If you neglect His word, how can I help you? My prayer to God and my request to you is this: Please do not neglect God’s Word. Start today! Co-operate with the work of the Holy Spirit. Hear His voice; turn and see; and know that God has called you to complete a specific task- a part of His glorious plan and the purpose of your life here on earth.

It does not matter how old you are! All that matters is whether you are willing or not! Know His blessed work for you; know your position in Christ-washed, cleansed and made kingdom priests; know that God is in control of all things-and with your willing attitude create and ride on your circumstances in the Spirit; hear God’s voice-Obey! May God grant you to fulfil the purpose for which you are here, and bless you from this day forward, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

God's Plan and Purpose (Part-1)

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy reading!)

We have not only a God who is GREAT, but also wise. He works after every plan and purpose in our lives. Are you living a life that has no purpose or meaning? Are you unable to find God’s will, plan and purpose in your life?

We can come to Him, and seek His face alone. When our gaze is upon our LORD, our vision gets brighter, and clearer, and we can FOCUS our thoughts and shape our attitudes to follow after His plan and purpose. God’s word reveals His purposes for the redemption of mankind; it also gives a glimpse of the common purposes for each one of His children. And today, I want to concentrate and share on just one of God’s purposes...

Jesus said “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matt. 11:29

The picture here is clear when you consider this as an illustration of a young ox being trained to pull cart. The trainer invariably puts the young and inexperienced ox side-by-side with an experienced and well-trained ox. The process of learning is thus simplified for the young oxen. This is how we come to Jesus- He is the experienced One- “who was in all points tempted as we are and yet without sin”, and we- you and I, are the learner; learning to be gentle and humble.

1. Master-plan

One of the purposes of our life here on earth is to become like Christ Jesus. It is God’s desire for every one of us, that we learn, align and imitate our Lord Jesus. This is the Master-plan God has intended for each one of His children.

Romans 8:29 says: For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

He knew us before we were born, and He predestined us to be like Jesus. What a wonderful plan for our lives. Some think that we will become like Jesus only when we get to heaven; but beloved, it is right here on earth that we are being conformed to the image of Jesus.

Yes, we are being transformed from one glory to another, from one degree to the next, from one level to a higher level and one step after another step. It is a process that is gradual but sure. The Bible is clear on this transformation; the Apostles were all clear of this aspect of change... we have to grow up to be like Jesus- to be conformed to His image.

1 Pet. 2:21-23 says: For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”, who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

Are you troubled when you suffer? What is the thought foremost on your mind as people speak against you, accuse you falsely and point their fingers at you wrongfully? We may tend to be mad or at the least become disturbed. But as we place our feet in the footsteps of Jesus, we see with new eyes of God’s Master-plan of conforming us to His own Son; and suddenly we understand that it is all about us! Not what happens to us... but what happens in us. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” [1 John 2:6]

If you are a child or a teen, look at how Jesus walked during His young years, and walk as He walked. If you are a youth full of energy and enthusiasm, look at Jesus in His youth and walk as He walked. In all your years of life here on earth, keep in mind the grand Master-plan of God- and see the image of Jesus grow in you.

Jesus’ life was not just about a powerful ministry, but also an example to follow; to grow gentler as days goes by and to learn humility. Many would like to imitate the ministry of Jesus- but fail to consider the purpose of suffering for Him. Jesus’ life is an example to follow... this is our purpose here on earth.

2. Mode of Operation

Salvation is indeed instant, at the moment you believe Jesus died for your sins. But being and becoming like Jesus is not in an instant- it is learned over a lifetime. It is a process with definite principles of operation.

Becoming like Jesus does not come automatically once you have experienced salvation. Some believe God will do it all and remain passive and stagnant in their Christian life; and there are others that think we have to do it all and strive to earn God’s approval. But the truth is that God’s mode of operation involves both God and you- It is not a one-sided story of God doing everything; but it involves our co-operation too.

God’s mode of operation is elucidated in the verses in Phil. 2:12, 13. “...Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

God is working IN you through His Spirit, and you have to work OUT your salvation. The meaning of ‘salvation’ here is that of transformation, of sanctification. “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” [Phil. 1:6]. He’s still working on you and He’s still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. God is encouraging us, and coaching us- training us, for the goal He has set before us. And we in willingness learn and follow it through, and lay hold of that for which Christ has also laid hold of us.

If you do not match your ‘OUT’ work with what God is doing ‘IN’ you, things will pretty much come to a standstill. These 'works' must go hand-in-hand. It is like opening a joint account in a bank where BOTH are signatories; in such a case, the account can be operated only if both the parties agree and sign on the dotted line. This is the mode in which God operates in our life, too! We must agree with Him; we must co-operate with Him. Otherwise all the deposits in the account will just be useless.

Remember the illustration where we started from! It is of the young ox learning from the experienced ox. Willing to learn from Jesus is the key to operate the joint account. Paul, a mighty apostle, writes to Timothy- a young apostle, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” What I want to communicate through this is that even being an apostle of our Lord, does not make us immune to sin. Paul warns Timothy (himself an apostle) “Flee... youthful lusts...”

That is why we should never imagine at some point in our life, that we have ‘arrived’; and that we need not work OUT anymore. But, there is a path to pursue continuously, as long as there is breath- the path of righteousness, peace, faith, love... Youths in college will know that they don’t give a free degree- you have to pursue, study hard and work out those problems... and finally after much effort you are given your degree!

3. Method of Operation

God’s method is simple: He is going to use every circumstances of your life and every person that you come in contact with, to work out your good for you by-and-by. Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Ultimately everything will work OUT for your good- your bitter experiences, painful situations, difficult neighbours, fair-weathered friends, the close enemy... it is through these very things that God is at work IN you, as you work out. Finally all things will work for the GOOD. That is why James says in James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Didn’t we sing the song “Refiner’s fire” today? Yes, God allows these testing of our faith- that we may be refined as pure gold. His eyes are upon us in love and purpose. He sees the end from the beginning- and it pleases Him to conform us to the image of His Son, if we are willing.

God has a plan; He alone is all-wise to work out all things for our good. And He uses our everyday circumstances to wonderfully fulfil His purpose. Finally we conclude this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

Jesus says: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” God is not asking a part of you; He wants all of you or nothing. He calls for an internal abandon to self, and all its desires; For the flesh works against the Spirit; and the Spirit against the flesh.

If you notice in the Bible, there are a few things that we are called to do daily- as we walk the Christian life; and one of them is to say ‘No’ to your flesh (self). You may be born-again, baptised, and walking in newness of heart... but the flesh is part of you as long as you are here; and its works are contrary to the Spirit. Therefore we say ‘Yes’ to the Holy Spirit; say ‘No’ to our own self- everyday; ‘No’ to greed and malice; ‘No’ to immorality and impurity; ‘No’ to pride and speaking evil of one another. These are daily challenges that God has put before us.

Beloved, there are no shortcuts to Christian maturity and being like Jesus; (otherwise He would have told us!) We do not become immensely holy after an all-night prayer meeting; or after attending a miracle crusade. Most of our ‘circumstances’ that work together for our good are outside the worship gatherings; in the real world, in our day-to-day life.

See His Master-plan-His purpose; Set up the mode of joint working-Cooperate. Step up the war against the flesh-Follow Jesus. In closing let me read to you from 2 Cor. 4:16, 17: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

If you do not see everyday growth now- of being renewed day by day, start b y experiencing, maybe a year by year growth to start with. Pray with all your heart “Lord, I do not want to be the same person that I was last year; but I want to come closer to You and become a little more like Jesus, than last year” If you have seen growth from year to year, you can go ahead and look for change and growth month by month, and then week by week. And finally you will come to a place where Paul is talking about our outward man perishing- growing old and decaying flesh, but our inward man is being renewed DAY by DAY.

Praise God for His every day work in our lives. Praise God for His great and glorious purpose. Praise God for His wisdom and knowledge. Our times are in His hands. With abandon, we will follow after Jesus. We know that everything will be all right in the end, because we love Him and we submit to Him saying ‘No’ to our flesh; we are the called according to His purpose- His Master-plan of moulding and shaping us. Praise God. Amen.

Hardened Heart

(Message by Bro. Vijay Awale. Hearty reading!)

I’m standing here by the grace of God. I have seen the Lord’s mercy sustain me through close-to-death times that I have faced in my life. For our physical well-being, we do not neglect the condition of our physical heart. In much a similar manner, today, I would like us all to take a look at the spiritual condition of our hearts.


Is our heart hardened? Or is it soft and tender? Many have this idea, that people with hardened heart are those unbelievers, or those that are living in rebellion against God. They also think that this kind of people is easily identified by their sinful behaviour. But let me show you from the Bible, that things are not as simple as that! And at the end of this message, it may surprise you to find that the ‘hardened heart’ condition may be true in our own lives, too!

Mark recounts the happenings of a dark, stormy night when the disciples rowed their boat across the Sea of Galilee to go to the other side. What started as a routine 2 hour journey soon turned into a nightmare for them as the winds and storm did not allow the disciples to reach the other shore, though they rowed all evening. [Mark 6:45-52]

Then came Jesus- walking on the Sea towards them, fully in control of the elements that frightened the disciples no end. Imagine the surprise of the disciples as He talked with them and got into the boat. And Mark 6:51, 52 says: Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they {the disciples} were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, marvelled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

What is the relation between being greatly amazed beyond measure, and the hardened heart? But, Mark clearly distinguishes hardened heart with great amazement! The disciples had been witness to the great miracle of Jesus feeding five thousand with just five loaves and two fishes, and then gathering the remnants in twelve baskets; but they were not amazed as much as when Jesus got into the boat and the wind ceased!

What I am saying is this: the hardened heart relates more easily to the miracle in the natural realm than it does to a miracle in the super-natural realm. Now in your natural realm- you relate by your five senses of what you see, hear, feel, touch and smell. If you are amazed at changes in this natural realm more than those in the super-natural realm (of seeing by faith), then you may have a hardened heart!

When you pray, and are amazed at seeing the changes, you may have a hardened heart! Amazement in the natural realm can be a tell-tale sign of the hardened heart. You must expect a miracle all the time; when you pray, learn to pray in the super-natural realm. Expect God to show up in your situations all the time. And when you do see your answers you can rejoice in God and praise Him- but in no case be shocked or amazed!

Imagine Jesus lifting up His eyes to heaven, giving thanks, blessing the five loaves and two fishes and gave them to His disciples to set before 5000 men [Mark 6:41]; now do you think it shocked Jesus to see the loaves and fishes multiply? Definitely not! Do you think the disciples were amazed at the multiplication? Maybe yes-I do not know! But the heart of the matter is, if you understood multiplication in the hand of God, your heart is bound to be soft!

The dictionary describes ‘hardened’ as something- cold, unfeeling, unwilling and unyielding. We can go on hearing God’s word and reading God’s word, but if your heart is not willing to yield to His voice, you have a hardened heart.

Jesus brings up the issue of the hardened heart, again, after a few days to His disciples. Not many days after the ‘boat incident’, the disciples were again in the boat- this time along with Jesus.

Mark 8:13-21 narrates the incident: The disciples had forgotten to take bread along with them, and Jesus begins talking about the ‘leaven of the Pharisees’! And the disciples thought that they were in for trouble then because they had not brought bread!

But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” [Mark 8:17, 18]

Jesus lists out these qualities of the hardened heart:

• unable to perceive
• unable to understand
• unable to see
• unable to hear
• unable to remember

These 'senses' are in the spiritual realm that Jesus is talking about (the super-natural realm). In our spirit we have the ability to perceive, understand, see, hear and remember. But how is it in a church service, that the preacher goes on preaching, and only few grasp of what God is speaking into their hearts? The same word is heard by everyone in the congregation, but a part of them is unable to perceive and understand; but others do! And if you are not alive in your spirit to these five senses of perceiving, understanding, seeing, hearing and remembering, you have a severe disability in the spiritual sense. It leads us towards the hardened heart condition- a dangerous curve of our spiritual life.

If you read further, Jesus did ask them this these questions: When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up? They said to Him, “Twelve.” Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up? And they said, “Seven.” [Mark 8:19, 20]

Isn’t it interesting? The disciples did remember the number of baskets, but they could not relate it to the spiritual. They were indeed filled with knowledge, but it had not profited them spiritually. They got all their arithmetics right, but got their attitudes wrong! I do know of situations where the Holy Spirit impresses some word into our hearts during the singing of His praises, or during worship, or during the sermon; but, going home you are unable to recollect what it was that God had spoken. Or God would have spoken to you during the night, and you are unable to recollect it in the morning; then beware, you may have a hardened heart!

Exodus is a good place to start if you want to delve into the details of a hardened heart. Fifteen times it is written that Pharaoh hardened his heart. It is also written that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart; but I believe God hardened his heart only after he hardened it himself. You see, you have the ability to harden your heart. God has given us the capacity to harden our hearts, if we so desire. That is why it is written, “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion …” (Psalm 95:8).

But, the way to get out of a hardened heart is to CONSIDER, ponder, study, meditate, examine, think continuously… on the things God has done for you in your life and in the lives of those around you. Another word that comes to my mind is FOCUS- focus on the things that are of the Spirit and differentiate them from that of the flesh.

It will profit us little, if we are only filled with head-knowledge of God and His word- but it will profit us much, spiritually, if we are able to walk in them. Experience walking with Him day by day and see you heart grow tender and yielding to His voice.

Eve hardened her heart to God’s word and was deceived by the serpent. Instead she could have, if she had wanted, chosen to harden her heart against the Serpent's prompting. Pharaoh hardened his heart against Moses.

Remember the way to a tender heart, starts by hearing the word of God- because faith comes by hearing. Faith grows by obedience. Faith is strengthened in trials. Faith is the victory that overcomes the natural world.

Moses instructs Joshua not to forsake the Law of the Lord but to meditate on it. David in his first psalm talks about the blessedness of those who meditates in the law of the Lord day and night! Our heart condition is of utmost importance- both physically and spiritually! For out of it flows the issues of life!

May God enable us to check our heart condition and may He teach us wonderful words of life, that we may fulfil His great and glorious purpose that He has purposed for each one of us, in this our generation. Have a heart! Live! Amen.

Church's Foundational Truths - NLMI 1st Anniversary

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy Anniversary!)

This month of August last year (2010) the New Life Movement International (NLMI) came into existence. On this first anniversary in August 2011, God has given Pastor Joseph this verse of promise from the book of Jeremiah: They shall be my people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. [Jer. 32: 38, 39]

And today, I want to share with you the two foundational truths on which this church is built on: -

• The finished work of Jesus on the Cross
• The priesthood of all believers

1. The finished work of Jesus on the Cross

It Is Finished
In the cross, on that day during the Passover feast of the Jews in Jerusalem, Jesus triumphantly announced, “IT IS FINISHED” There was, and is now, nothing more for any man, priest or prophet to do to add to the salvation work of Jesus Christ.

After man’s fall in the garden of Eden, God made a plan to send Jesus into this world and redeem man from his sin and restore his relationship with Him. And in the fullness of time- at just the right time, Jesus came. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; He lived, He healed the sick, cast out demons, preached the good news of God’s kingdom… but above all, He hung on the cross and died for all humankind – once and for all, taking away the sins of those that would believe and showed the way of salvation. “It is finished” is the last hurrah of the Savior that came into this world; a triumphant shout of victory! No one on this earth or heavens could have done what Jesus did for you and me; He alone could do it- a sinless sacrifice pleasing to God the Father, that when God sees us, He will see His Seed and provide atonement to our sins.

There is nothing more to be added to what Jesus did to gain our salvation. Only the finished work of Jesus is able and wholly sufficient to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. [Acts 4:12]

He Bore Our Sins
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. [1 John 2:2]. YES! Jesus is THE Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the whole world. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. [Eph. 1:7] YES! Through His blood, all sins are forgiven; there is no sin too great that it cannot be forgiven; and there is no sin too small that it need not be forgiven. All  have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; we like sheep have gone astray, each turning to his own way. But the LORD has laid on Jesus, the iniquity of us all.

By faith, we look up to Jesus; and He receives us just as we are; forgives our sins and turn us over into a new creation. We CAN live our lives free from guilt and condemnation. All our past sins (however bad it may be) has been forgiven in Jesus Christ. In our present circumstance, as long as we are in this human body and on earth- alive, His blood continuously cleanses from all our sins. If we happen to miss our mark, we know we have an Advocate in Jesus Christ- who knows all our weaknesses. Sin shall not have dominion over us anymore, because of His work in us.

Blessed Be
The Bible marks out the beginning of human history at the time of creation. The Bible also marks out the end of human history as we know it now. In between, every person, from every race and every nation, has a choice to hold on to the gift of eternal life offered by Jesus Christ. Blessed are those that are called to the wedding feast. Blessed are those that drink from the living waters and taste to eternal life. 

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. [Rev. 22:14]. Blessed are those that have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. {Rev. 7:14}. Remember His promise: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool. [Isa. 1: 18]

The invitation is loud and clear and is open to ALL. “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. [Rev. 22:17]. Eternal life is free! Do you know of anything in this world that is available for free? Hardly any. But Jesus is offering His gift of eternal life freely. Come. Be part of it!

2. The priesthood of all believers

One Mediator
We need not go about searching and seeking holy men or a prophet to come and mediate for us before God. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus… [1 Tim. 2:5]. If you have received the gift of eternal life, and salvation in the name of Jesus, you have Him with yourself. And He is the one Mediator by whom we can come before God the Father. Have a talk to Jesus.

God’s Special Treasure

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; [1 Peter 2:9]. We are God’s special treasure here on earth because we have put our trust in Jesus and accepted His finished work of salvation for our own redemption.

In the Old Testament, the Jews were God’s special people. God dwelt among them in the midst of the tabernacle. In the New Testament, God dwells in us and we are the temple of God. What a great privilege! That is why, we are special people. God is in us. His presence is with us. Therefore, whatever we may think we lack, we should never lack one thing- God’s near Presence. If He is with us, we know that everything will be all right, because He cares for us. And soon our perceived ‘lack’ will vanish away.

Priests Before God
After we are saved, we are called as priests before God. God has made us as priests. Rev. 1: 6 says: And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We can come before God with our supplications and with the supplications of others. We can hear from Him and become messengers of God for his children. God answers our prayers and sends His help to those in need. We are not superior to other Christian believers. We need not be robed to show ourselves different from others- because there is no class of priests and laity; God has called each one to be priests before Him in Jesus Christ. We are blessed and we can be a blessing!

God’s Ambassadors
We are God’s representatives here on earth; representatives of God’s kingdom. Read 2 Cor. 5:17. Open your hearts to function as God’s representative. If you want to make a start as an ambassador, go and hear the burdens of your people (This is the start)…. Pray for them. Intercede for them. We have freedom to lay hands on the sick and pray for them; and they will be healed. This lavish gospel is given to all who believe.

Romans 12:1 says: …present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Everyday bring an offering before God- your bodies, a living sacrifice. In the Old Testament, the priests offered animals and killed them at the altar. But in the New, we present our bodies, not as a dead sacrifice, but a living sacrifice… It means that we fully surrender our lives.

Each one of us has a unique gift that we can use in His kingdom. We need not copy any ministry or any person… but we can learn to imitate one Master- Lord Jesus Christ. Seek to do that thing what God has called you to do. Be a blessing in Jesus name. Amen.