31/10/2024
NEW BOOK: The Curse on the Name of Jesus Christ... Coming Soon!!!
Excerpt: In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, âAnd I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.â Here, Jesus emphasizes the strength and faith that will serve as the foundation of His Church. When He refers to Peter, He points not to the man himself but to the steadfast faith that Peter professed. This rock symbolizes the enduring power of the Spirit and faith, the very foundation upon which Godâs Church stands.
Reflecting deeply on this verse, we find Jesus saying, âBlessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this understanding did not come from human insight, but from my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the power of hell will never overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.â In this declaration, Jesus speaks to the entire Church. His promise is to build it not upon a single individual but on a solid foundation of faith in Him, His Spirit, and His Word. Each believer embodies the living, Church; it is a spiritual journey that mirrors the walk of Jesus, believing as He believed.
Today, many Christian churches have veered from the true spirit of God and His Church. They have splintered into denominations, focusing on names and traditions, and have sometimes employed Godâs teachings to erect vast institutions rather than nurturing the living temple within each believer. Jesus sent out His disciples with the instruction to take nothing but their faith, trusting that God would provide through the hearts of those He called. This powerful reminder teaches us that Godâs work thrives on faith, not material wealth.
Yet, many churches today pursue financial gain with greater fervor than they share the Word. They equate larger buildings, greater numbers, and wealth with Godâs blessings. In their quest to draw the world in, some have adopted popular music genres and secular influences, hoping to capture attention and fill their pews. However, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God flourishes through Spirit-led service and humble faith, not by conforming to the worldâs ways. As Scripture reminds us, âDo not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mindâ (Romans 12:2). The power of Godâs Word stands alone, eternal and life-giving, needing no enhancement from outside influences.
As we journey through our faith, let us embrace the transformative power of music as a means of connecting hearts and bringing vibrant praise into our worship. Many artists have woven the rhythms of popular culture with gospel themes, creating melodies that resonate deeply with believers. While some may be swayed by fame or fortune, others remain anchored in Godâs Word, producing music that strengthens the Church within each believer. Whether through music or any form of worship, let us remember that true power lies in the Spirit, not the medium. Authentic worship is grounded in Spirit and truth, transcending external influence.
Consider the inspiring example of gospel artist Kirk Franklin, whose music has touched millions. Though he has faced challenges in aligning his journey with faith, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of grounding and discernment. Scripture advises us, âDo not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mindâ (Romans 12:2). Our faith stands strong, fueled solely by the presence of God. We must remain vigilant, as the enemy looks to distort what appears good, leading many to believe that wrong is right and right is wrong.
Imagine the remarkable transformation if all believers, ministers, pastors, leaders, and artists, returned to the purity of Godâs teachings through His Prophets, nurturing the living temple of God within each soul. When Jesus spoke of God dwelling among His people, He was not speaking of physical structures or messages shaped by secular culture. The true Church thrives within each believer, a sacred temple where Godâs Spirit dwells and flourishes as we walk in faith. To nurture this temple means embracing a life of prayer, surrender, and daily renewal in His Word, allowing Godâs Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and desires without the need for worldly adaptation.
What if leaders genuinely embraced this inner calling, urging each believer to discover and nurture Godâs presence within, to listen to His voice above the clamor of culture, and to encounter worship as a divine meeting? What if they fully embraced His call to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in the Spiritâs provision? As each believer deepens in the Spirit, a unified, Spirit-led Church would emerge, reflecting Godâs power and love beyond any building, title, or borrowed influence from the world.
If leaders surrendered their ambitions to Godâs guidance as some of the disciples did, the Church would radiate as a united body of believers, each one a living temple brimming with Godâs presence. This Church would transcend the limitations of worldly pursuits, standing as a beacon of divine love that reaches into hearts and transforms lives through the light of Christ alone.
Envision the profound power and unity that would arise if every believer came together in faith, irrespective of background or tradition, to worship the one true God. Consider the extraordinary sight of millions gathering in reverence, akin to the awe-inspiring moments during Ramadan when billions of Muslims fast and seek closeness to God. What if individuals from every walk of life united in a shared belief in Godâs power and love, lifting their voices in harmonious praise? God would move in ways we could scarcely comprehend...
