Repent and be baptized

After the ascension of Jesus Christ and the replacement of Judas Iscariot, the next major event that took place in the lives of the disciples of Jesus is the arrival of the Holy Spirit. This great event took place on the day of Pentecost. The day of Pentecost was celebrated on the 50th day after the Passover. This Jewish Festival attracted Jews from all over the world to visit Jerusalem. This is how the Holy Spirit’s arrival came about: “When the day of Pentecost came, they [the disciples] were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.‭” (Acts 2:1-4). This miraculous sign attracted the people in the city. The people from all over the world were amazed to hear the disciples declaring the wonders of God in their own languages. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” ‭(Acts 2:7-11).

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (‭Acts 2:38)

This incident made room for the first public crusade that took place after the ascension of Jesus. Taking Hold of the opportunity, Peter presented to the people the message of the gospel. He gave them a detailed overview of the Messianic and how these were fulfilled in Jesus. Peter made it clear to the people that salvation can only be found in the name of Jesus and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (‭Acts 2:21). Peter elaborated on how the death of Jesus was God’s plan for atonement. The people were shocked by the words from Peter. About 50 days ago, this same Peter was afraid to even be seen as associating with Jesus. However, at this crusade, Peter spoke with all boldness defending the faith in Jesus and inviting others to believe. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”‭ (Acts 2:37). The crowd demonstrated the most appropriate response to the gospel menage. Peter’s response was this: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”‭ (Acts 2:38-39).

The people heeded to Peter’s advice for repentance. They accepted Jesus as God’s Messiah and came to accept that in order to flee from God’s wrath, the answer is Jesus. On that same day, those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:41). When people hear the message of the gospel, their feedback can be that of acceptance or rejection. Those who accept the message of the gospel undergo repentance: showing sincere regret or remorse for their actions. After a person accepts Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and repents from their sins, the next major event is water baptism. Water baptism is significant as it indicates our acts of obedience to the Lord in putting our trust in Him. Water baptism also shows our outward transformation, our immersion in the water symbolizes our death with Christ and when we come out of the water, it symbolizes our newness in Christ. Therefore, the three thousand people who were baptized on the day of Pentecost, demonstrated their commitment to the Lord Jesus. As ambassadors of Christ on earth, we should also preach the message of repentance and encourage baptism for those who demonstrate their faith in the Lord.

To rescue those who are perishing and bring them to the saving knowledge of Christ, we should preach Christ. Our message should be followed by a call unto repentance. Then we should continue with the need for baptism for the new converts.

Love letter to the church in Ephesus: The bride that forsook her love for her bridegroom

As we identified in a previous post, the church is the bride of the Lamb. The letters of Jesus to the seven churches were His love letter to the church. The church in Ephesus was birthed through Paul’s missionary journey. Even while Paul was far away in Rome serving his prison sentence, he sent a pastoral letter to the church reminding them of the new life in Christ. It is important to note that of the surviving 13 letters of Apostle Paul, the Ephesian church were the recipient of three: the letter to the Ephesians and 1-2 Timothy. Paul knew the infiltration of things that will cause the people to lose their first love. Besides these letters Paul spent countless hours teaching this church while he was with them in person. In Acts‬ ‭20:29‭-‬31‬, Paul told the Ephesian church this:
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (Revelation 2:4‭-‬5)

In John’s Revelation, the Lord Jesus wrote to the Ephesian church a letter that is still relevant in our days. What was the message to the Ephesian church?
Jesus first gives a praise report of the good deeds of the Ephesian church:
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2:1‭-‬3‬).

Then, He goes ahead to mention the critical matters that need urgent attention. These were not praise reports but rebuke and admonition:
‭”Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” (Revelation‬ ‭2:4‭-‬5). In the words of Jesus, the failure to repent will cause the lampstand of the church to be removed.

Then He concludes by saying that “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2:7‬).

Did the Ephesian church obey the words of this letter? Obviously no! The historical account of the church shows that beside Paul and Timothy, the apostle John also served in the Ephesian church. With all these great leaders serving the church in Ephesus, they still did not obey the words of Paul, Timothy, John and even Jesus Christ. Ephesus is currently a tourist site with no church. Their lampstand was removed permanently for their disobedience. Ephesus was the bride that forsook her bridegroom. She went about living her life as if she had no head. In fact, the geographical location known as Turkey was a Christian region in the Asia Minor. At the moment, Christians are less than 1% of the population of Turkey. Before you blame any religious invasion, know that the church had no lamp, the failure to obey the words of the God led to their spiritual death which was ultimately crowned by their extinction.

Many believers are like the Ephesians, they believe in God yet, they have forsaken their first love. They are like a bride that is interested in other men and even spends more time with them doing things she is not allowed to. The future of such an adulterous bride is divorce. May God help the church not to be cut off from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Huldah: The prophetess who spoke the mind of God

Throughout the history of Judah (Southern Kingdom) and Israel (Northern Kingdom), the sins of the people against the commands of God were repeated from generation to generation. In fact, the Northern Kingdom,  that is Israel, was carried away into captivity or exile in 2 Kings 17. The reason for the exile was given in 2 Kings 17:7-8: “All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced.” The people in the Southern Kingdom (Judah) had their own share of sinful practices until they were also carried into exile. However before the captivity of Judah, there were some kings who were interested in the things of God and did what was right before the Lord. One of such Kings was Josiah. He was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. The name  of Josiah’s mother was Jedidah, daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left (see 2 Kings 22:1‭-‬2).

Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter. (2 Kings 22:14)

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah (when he was around twenty-six years), he commissioned the repairs of the temple of the Lord. As the work was ongoing, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law in the temple. Thus, even the high priest did not have access to the Book of the Law until they started work on the temple. So one will ask, “what was the high priest teaching the people?” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan the secretary and then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king (2 Kings 22:10). When the Book of the Lord was read, the king  tore his robes (2 Kings 22:11). The people were living differently from the Law of God. The king was sad and commissioned the high priest and a few other people to “Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us” (2 Kings 22:13). Thus, Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter (2 Kings 22:14). 

Huldah was the prophet of God, she was the wife of Shallum and she lived in Jerusalem. Thus in the midst of the poignant idolatry and evil, there was a prophet of God. A woman who had the ability to hear the words of God. As long as the people continued their ways, they didn’t hear the mind of God. However,  when the king saw the need for repentance, the mind of God was heard. Huldah didn’t miss words, she went straight to the point. She said to the messengers of the king,
“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.”
The messengers took her answer back to the king (2 Kings 22:15‭-‬20).

King Josiah was proactive about the feedback from Huldah. He immediately began a consecration of the nation. He got rid of the idols, the mediums and spiritists. He cleansed the nation and removed all foreign gods. This is how the Bible describes Josiah: “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses”  (2 Kings 23:25).

From this story, we can learn a few lessons. The wages of sin is death and God was ready to destroy the nation for their sins. We can also see that repentance brings mercy. When Josiah repented, the doom was averted during his reign. We can also learn that the presence of a priest and a prophet does not make an automatic sinless nation. The people must be taught the word of God and the people must be ready to live for God. Further, Huldah teaches us that we can still be in ministry and still be a virtuous wife. Huldah also teaches us that the unadulterated word of God carries power. Even the king was afraid of the words of the prophet. Josiah did not look down on Huldah because she was a woman. God can use both men and women to bring His agenda on earth. Imagine, if Huldah had abandoned her calling because of the evil on the land, no one would have heard from God. It is possible to live right even in the midst of great evil. Be intentional, spend quality time with God and He will definitely speak to you even in the most unlikely situation. Woman, be intentional! You are also a vessel of God!

I will pour my Spirit on all people

Joel the prophet told of a day that God’s Spirit will be poured out on all people. The Lord promised that when the people return to Him and repent of their sins, He will forgive them: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:12‭-‬13). This attitude of reconciliation and repentance is followed by the outpour of the Spirit: “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28‭-‬29).

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28)

The Spirit’s manifestation as prophesied by Joel came into fulfilment in the book of Acts: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”(Acts 2:1‭-‬4). On the same day, the church was born. Peter in his speech reminded the people of Joel’s prophecy and told them that, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”(Acts 2:21) as Joel had mentioned.

The message of Peter was received with repentance: “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:37‭-‬41)

Pentecost day cannot be overemphasized. Do take part in the activities of your church to mark this day. May we be filled to the overflow even as we engage in the celebration of Pentecost day (the day the Holy Spirit arrived to lead the church). Guess what? He is still here. He is in you and He is in me. What a wonderful privilege. 

The denial!

Have you ever been denied by someone you expected to stand up for you? To be denied by a loved one is very hurtful and this can affect the relationship in the long term. However certain circumstances can cause people to deny you. I pray that we will never face denial from those we love. If you have ever been denied, know that you are not alone. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied being the disciple of Jesus. Prior to the arrest of Jesus, Peter had told Jesus that, “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37). At Gethsemane, Peter demonstrated his zeal by cutting the ear of one the servants of the high priest who came to arrest Jesus. But, Peter denied the Lord three times.

“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” (John 18:17)

What made Peter deny the Lord? Peter indeed loved the Lord but at the time of the arrest, Peter like the rest of the disciples were filled with fear. He followed the soldiers to the courtyard of the high priest and joined the servants and the officials to warm themselves while his master faced trial. On three occasions, on the same night, Peter denied being a disciple of Jesus. At the third denial the rooster began to crow reminding Peter of Jesus’s words, Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:38).

What did Peter do after denying the Lord? “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75). Peter showed remorse for his actions. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter was reinstated by the Lord and Peter was forgiven. On three occasions, the Lord Jesus asked Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know that I love you” (John 21:15). Of course the Lord knew Peter loved him but the Lord reminded Peter of his assignments; “Feed my lambs”, “Take care of my sheep”, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). After the arrival of the Holy Spirit, this same Peter who was afraid of a servant girl, stood boldly and declared the gospel of Jesus until his death.

Peter did not wallow in the denial state, he repented of his actions and after the Holy Spirit had been given, Peter became a pillar that led the new church and till date, we are all part of this church. This story reminds us that, when we fall down, we should do everything possible to get up. As long as we stay down, we shall remain in the pit. But, when we repent and confess, we are forgiven and we are able to do exploits for the Lord.

He will purify us from all unrighteousness

One of the things most people find it hard to do is to confess to one another the wrong we have done to each other. Sometimes, people confess not because they are genuinely remorseful but so as to be trusted again. The truth is we don’t walk around with X-rays and scanning machines to know what is in each other’s hearts. However, God does see the depths of our hearts. In the same way confessing our sins to God should come out of genuine brokenness. Confession should not just be a routine exercise but it should come from a broken and a contrite heart. Psalm 51:17 says that the Lord will not despise a broken and contrite heart.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.(1 John 1:9)

When we confess our sins to God, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). God sees when we are genuinely remorseful. David in the Bathsheba encounter committed adultery and murder and God’s anger was on David. But, David showed a legitimate repentance. He prayed for forgiveness and asked God to forgive him of his iniquities. Indeed God forgave David but the child born from this adulterous encounter died. David prayed for the child to live, but the child still died. Our actions have consequences and even if God forgives our sins, the laws of our countries will deal with us accordingly. Before you vent out your anger or do something you know will have bad consequences, know that the law is no respecter of persons.

Let us pray together with David:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalms 51:1-2; 10‭-‬12).

Sin makes us unrighteous before God but when God purifies us, He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Reach out to one another in genuine repentance for it is the will of God that we live at peace with one another.

The Lord wants everyone to come to repentance

Have you ever wondered why wicked people live long? I had asked a similar question some years ago. Why does God allow evil people to live? Why doesn’t the earth open up and swallow them? Why do we have to endure watching them do harm to people for a long time? What happens to the souls of the innocent people they harm? These questions are legitimate questions all of us ask all the time. However, God is not man and we don’t expect Him to think, act and payback like the way we would. In fact, scripture admonishes us that we have the mind of Christ (1Cor. 2:16). So, what will Jesus do?

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).

Is the Lord just slow in dealing with the wicked? 2 Peter 3:9 states that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Thus, the Lord has given us the opportunity to repent. God does not delight in seeing men perish in their sins. He wants all men to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. None is beyond redemption, none is beyond forgiveness, none is beyond salvation, none is too sinful that God cannot save.

Instead of channeling our energy to wish evil to fall on evil people, let us rather pray for their salvation and look for opportunities to share with them the Gospel. Imagine how peaceful the world will be if everyone comes to repentance! The world is changing so fast and the things we see around us indicate that the end is near. We don’t want to leave our family and friends in a state of unawareness. Let’s be kind enough to pray for them and use every opportunity to share the love of God with them. If we refuse to pray and share God’s love with them, they will perish and we might end up as the victims of their evil escapades.

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH)
The world needs our intercession now.