THE ONLY MEDIATOR BETWEEN MEN AND GOD.

1 Timothy 2:5

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"

Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

The word "mediator" is derived from a Latin word medius, to mean; in-between.

A mediator can be a person who attempts to make people engaged in a conflict come to agreement. He acts as a go-between.

A mediator can also be defined as a person who works to effect reconciliation, settlement or compromise between parties at variance.

So then, mediation comes into play because there is conflict or disunity. This may emanate either from someone or certain factors. But the opposite is true; that if there is one seeking to mediate, it is pretty much true that there is another seeking to cause conflict and disunity.

In this case, scripture describes Jesus as the mediator between men and God. And so it does explain Satan as wedging a gap between men and God by his wiles as lies, deceive, accuse, murder, theft, tempt etc (Genesis 3:4-5), (Matthew 4:3), (John 8:44, 10:10), (Revelation 12:9-12).

He is a person who must not only stand in-between, but rather tow the process and create remedies to reconcile the conflicting parties. And this is only possible if such a person is acceptable to the conflicting parties. But if not, then he must be disqualified so to have an acceptable solution/remedy.

Thus to say; mediation is not a wishful matter. It is a matter that entails certain dictations without which it may not be. For mediation is a whole ministry (2Corinthians 5:11-21). It does not just happen. It is a process that must begin somewhere and end somewhere. It thus must not be open ended but have resultant effects. 

Roles of a mediator

• He facilitates the discussion and to help the parties identify the issues (prayer) (John 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:24). Prayer reunites and facilitates the reconciliation. Thus Jesus was dressed in human flesh.

• A mediator does not make decisions for the parties (free will) (Matthew 11:15, 13:9), (Mark 4:9), (Luke 8:4-15). But he can advise.

• A mediator is not to discover truth or establish fault (not a judge) (John 3:17-21, 8:15-16).

Upon this, is Jesus acceptable to mediate between God and men? Does He fit within the requirements of this mediation?

Background

The need to reconcile men and God

There is need to reconcile man and God because God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26-28). He (God) breathed in man the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). For man is God's own.

God placed man in the garden of Eden and man was well in fellowship with God. He directed him to eat of all the fruits of the trees in the garden except for one tree; the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17).

But Satan tricked man to disobey God and man ate of the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:6). That Satan had been thrown out of heaven (Luke 10:18), (Revelation 12:7-12), and thereby subsequently condemned for disobedience, he became envious of the fellowship that there was between man and God. He (Satan) had finally realized that he had missed his chance. So he wanted neither to have it.

Satan is the evil spirit which seeks to wedge a gap between man and God. And to be able to execute this duty, he (Satan) uses objects that are in form of men. For the devil's project is aimed at failing God's plan by encouraging man to disobey God. It is Satan's project which is aimed at setting man in a self defeating conflict against God. For Satan is already defeated and condemned. It is upon this that he schemes to deceive many more so they join him in his eternal condemnation.  

The act of disobedience disunited and separated man from God. It broke the bond that was. It is at this point that the whole world, (with every creature inclusive), descended into this state of affairs. This particular act of disobedience bred sin. Yet God detests sin. And upon this, man stood condemned together with the snake (Genesis 3:14-19).

How and why Jesus comes in the picture?

At the point that sin had separated man from God, God reasoned not to give up on man. Many more plans were initiated so to redeem man. But the grand plan was the sending of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Jesus was meant to reconcile the (fallen and sinful) man with God.

Apart from being the Son of God, the indisputable scriptures show us that Jesus stands inexcusable. Is there literally a trace of a sin in Jesus?  Can any one else claim the same? Well, what do you believe?

Well, let us examine the requirement that a mediator must be acceptable to the conflicting parties.

Does Jesus fit within this requirement? What does scripture say of this? Scripture tells us that God the Father is pretty pleased with the Son (Jesus) (Matthew 3:17, 12:18, 17:5), (Mark 1:11, 9:7), (Luke 9:35). (We should always stand firm if God is pleased with us).

Much as Jesus' accusers should have wanted to find a case against Him, they could not find one. They struggled so much to disapprove Him as the Messiah (never lose heart when people seek to disapprove you or the message God has given). They wanted to do away with Jesus but they could not tell why, except for sheer pride, hatred and jealous.

They (the religious leaders) sought to use all sorts of tricks so to trap Jesus and find a way to accuse Him, and subsequently seek to fail His grand project (they were only oblivious agents of the devil) (Matthew 12:13-17, 16:1-4, 19:3-9, 22:15-22, 22:34-40), (Mark 8:11-12, 12:13-17, 12:28-34), (Luke 7:39-40, 20:20-26).  And they sought to convict Jesus (just as they did) with no case at all (Matthew 27:20-26), (Mark 15:9-15), (Luke 23:13-23).

Jesus' accusers failed to get a case against Him. He (Jesus) challenged them if one had a case against Him (John 8:46). None of them did point out one particular case against Jesus.

So then, can't I, upon this examination of scripture, suggest that Jesus stands crystal pure? Isn't it so? Must not a mediator be so?

For scripture has purely told us that God the Father is pretty pleased with the Son (Jesus). The religious leaders found no case against Jesus, even when they sought to have Him convicted.

So, what does scripture mean when it says that there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time..." (1Timothy 2:5-6)?

Upon examination of this scripture, it suggests that there is no other option by which to reach the Father except by submission to the Son (Jesus Christ). For the connotation that "...there is one mediator..." translates that that is the only option. No matter how one may wish.

Sin is consequential. Jesus came so He can save man from the consequential sin. So then, the devil is but to divide, and Jesus is but to unite. And then, we ought to learn that there is one uniting us and there is also one dividing us.

Why or why not Jesus?

That Jesus is the only Mediator between men and God is not a wishful statement/submission. Just as we have examined above, Jesus is the only person to ever live in flesh with no sin. Who else is sinless? And if not, can a sinner save a sinner? Can a poor man make a rich one rich? I do not intend to use logic in spiritual matters because it should not be, but is it logical that a poor person can make the other rich? Or can two poor people combined make rich?

Is God so limited by anything?

God is never limited. For while we were sinners, God found a way in Jesus to set the world free (Romans 5:7-9). That all the world had fallen prey to sin, God was left the option of Jesus alone. Jesus is holy and righteous, and a willing partner to save.

The case of Sodom and Gomorrah

Abraham sought to have Sodom and Gomorrah to be saved from God's wrath if there were fifty righteous souls in those cities. But Abraham realized there could have never been fifty righteous souls so to spare Sodom and Gomorrah. This went on until when Abraham stopped at ten souls. Yet in reality, with the exception of Abraham's nephew; Lot, none else survived God's wrath in these two cities (Genesis 18:16-33). Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because none stood righteous. Lot could have only been saved because of his biological relationship with Abraham.

So then, in this particular case, what option could have been left with God other than to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? And thus then, sin can be a limitation for God to go any further with a person. However, that God is limited is not, but rather that He will find a way to rid a person of sin and then He will carry on with them.

So, if God was only left with Jesus to save man, how could it have been that God is limited rather than that God will always find a way where there seems to be no way? For God makes what appears to be impossible pretty possible. For one righteous person can save a city (Jeremiah 5:1).

Additionally, if one righteous person can save a city, well and good. Yet didn't Abraham know this? Whether he knew or not is another matter. But suppose that he knew, could he have offered to stand in for Sodom and Gomorrah? How much could Abraham have been willing to offer so to spare Sodom and Gomorrah with?

The case of Enoch

Enoch was carried alive to heaven for his righteousness (Genesis 5:21-24). And well, it is commendable of Enoch. Yet being a mere mortal person, he could only save his soul.  Enoch could not offer more than he had. He was a righteous man but for himself alone. He could then not offer himself like Jesus did because it was not for him, and couldn't therefore help other than for himself.  And Enoch, like anybody else never said he could because he knew he could not afford.For there is more than meets the eye in all the process that Jesus underwent so to rid this world of sin.

Jesus suffered scorn, beating, spat upon, and did not retaliate. Who else would have stood that much humiliation? What other suggestion there is? Should we just wish!!!??? If there was one or two more people who are like Jesus in this world, would we still be in conflict?

But that many people dispute Jesus' mediation role is a matter dating way back, even during His stay on earth. Some people knew and accepted Jesus when they saw Him literally, but when they would be faced with challenges, they were tempted to doubt if He (Jesus) is the one. Among such people is John the baptist (Matthew 11:2-3). 

So then, that you doubt if Jesus is the one is and has not been a matter unique to one person. Everyone has done so in one way or the other. But God will always be.

But Jesus executed the duty pretty much with confidence. For Jesus stood upright. Jesus taught God's word and He loved it that a person would take just that (Luke 11:27-28). It was never to be a personal matter (Matthew 12:46-50), (Mark 3:31-35), (Luke 19-21). Upon this, Jesus did not hesitate to assure His listeners that He was the one (John 8:24-26, 14:6).

This makes Jesus' sacrifice pretty perfect. Isn't it so? If not, why not? We (in human flesh) have all sinned and can't measure up an inch (Romans 3:23). Well, can you? Yet if one believes that he or someone else can match up, then they are welcome to the arena. But if not, scripture says it clear; there is only one sacrifice to have ever been made for the remission of sin, and that is the (perfect) sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Apart from this, there is no other (Hebrews 10:26).

Sin to be washed away is paid for by the shedding of blood. To this, any meaningful spiritual covenant is made with the shedding of blood. But what kind of blood? Or by the blood of who?

We already all do agree, whether Christian or not, that there has not been a sin that Jesus can be accused of. Neither will there be. Is it so or not? If not, why not? For if Jesus did not sin while in human flesh, is there any slight possibility that He will at any other point?

So, that there is no sin ever traceable in Jesus pretty qualifies His blood as pure and worthy. Do you not agree?

By the shedding of this spotless blood, Jesus bought us back to God (Matthew 26:28), (Mark 14:24), (Luke 22:20), (Acts 17:11, 20:28), (Romans 5:9), (1Corinthians 6:20), (Hebrews 9:22), (1John 1:7). It is this very blood which cleanses us of all sin. For it is the clean which can wash away the unclean and not vice-varsa. And a sinner can not redeem a sinner.

And in this, Jesus has played the role of a Mediator between men and God. Rather Jesus has reconciled us (sinners) with God. He has dealt with the sin which has played the role of separation between us and the Holy God. And through the prayer of repentance, Jesus has made it possible that sin is forgiven and subsequently washed away.

But if another person has shed blood which is like the blood of Jesus, so to play the role that Jesus does play then you can let me know. Otherwise, I know, and it is pretty proven that it is only the spotless blood which has the power to cleanse away sin. So then, it may be easy to wish away, but it can't be the same to deny.

 Assurances of life

If there is anything that anybody should be or is praying for, that should be or is indisputably life. This is so either in this life or in the life after. But how can we be assured of this life? Or who can assure us of this much craven for or coveted treasure of life?

This is what Jesus said about the assurance of life. He said that whoever believes in Him will live. Meaning that though one may literally seem to be living, if they have no Jesus, they are walking dead. But if you do not want to be a walking dead, or a non-walking dead, for that matter, it is pretty proven that there is only one option and that option is submission to Jesus Christ.

Jesus gives us unprecedented assurances of life (John 5:24, 12:25-26, 14:1-6), (Luke 23:43). Only Jesus  has risen from the grave. He has not only assured us of life either here or after death, but He has rather (by His very resurrection) become the assurance (Mark 16), (Luke 24), (John 11:25). Is there another one you know of? If yes, who is he? For "great" religious leaders die pretty the same. Their names are only wished great. Can we be mistaken if we proclaim that Jesus remains exceptional of all?

So, that we seek to struggle to please God is simply a wastage of time and resources on a barren issue. We can not make ourselves what God wants us to be. He (God) rather through Jesus makes us what He wants us to be. Rather than to struggle to appear good by good morals and seeking to keep the impossible laws, it would be wiser to submit to the only one who can cleanse you effortlessly.

In Jesus were the required ingredients for a perfect sacrifice. Righteousness, truth, joy, holiness, love, peace, commitment, caring, willingness, humble, knowledgeable, bearing, missionary, kindness, meekness, faithfulness and goodness.

So now, because a mediator does not mediate literally, but also spiritually (Satan also divides both literally ans spiritually) (for spiritual disunity is directly translates in literal terms), Jesus manifested in this sinful, perishable body, but He went back to heaven so He can plead and mediate our spiritual reunion with the Father (Romans 8:3-8).

That Jesus is on the right side of God interceding for us before the Father, He is carrying on with His mediation role, reconciling us with the Father (Romans 8:32). For Jesus (by His perfect sacrifice) has removed the deadly veil that separated us from God. And through Jesus Christ, we can be accepted of the Father.

And if Jesus is mediating between us and God the Father, then we ought also to learn from Him so to be mediators in various situations and areas of life. For there should be mediators in families, communities, Church bodies, work places etc.

The person of Jesus makes His priceless sacrifice the perfect one. Jesus is an exceptional mediator. Jesus is the only assured Mediator between men and God. To the glory of the Father. Amen.

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EASTER SUNDAY OR RESURRECTION DAY?

Many peoples have (upon accepting Christ) given up on much of their tribal based ancestral practices, witchcraft and sorcery for the new found life in Jesus Christ. Most of such people are found in Africa, Asia, and America. For paganist practices (from Babylon) spread first amongst the Europeans before it did in any other part of the world (Revelations 18:1-8).

The Europeans, under the guise of spreading Christianity, they carried on these practices to other parts of the world. For the Europeans have been quite imperialistic. And in this, they blend the Christian Faith with much of their practices in a bid to have their cultures felt elsewhere. And indeed, the European culture can be felt in every part of the world.

Yet such practices have their source in paganist Babylon.  For if I may ask; what is the origin of wearing black on funerals? For if one wears a bark cloth on a funeral, he will be deemed either backward or so much of a culturalist. But to look decent is, (according to Africans) to be modern.

So then, that many Christians have massively adopted such practices, they are being only under oblivion, they have yet to discover that they are worshiping gods and following devilish cultural beliefs of other peoples who have masqueraded as Christian (Europeans and Babylonians).

Some peoples only give an appearance of a Christian but they are not so in substance. They disguise their devil worship practices as being part of the Christian Faith. They only take advantage of the readily universal coverage and acceptance of the Christian Faith so to promote their ill intended agenda. They only seek to obscure Jesus with their devil worship practices.

Easter is a very popular day world over. And it is okay to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. But devil worshipers have sought to take advantage of this day to spread their evil cultural devil worship practices.

Where did “Easter” get its name? Where did the concept of an Easter egg and bunny originate?

The name “Easter” has its roots in ancient polytheistic religions (paganism). On this, all scholars agree. This name is never used in the original Scriptures, nor is it ever associated biblically with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For these reasons, we prefer to use the term “Resurrection Sunday” rather than “Easter” when referring to the annual Christian remembrance of Christ’s resurrection.

Ancient origin

Most reference books say that the name “Easter” derived from the Eastre, the Teutonic goddess of Spring. Although this relationship exists, in reality, the origin of the name and the goddess are far more ancient—going all the way back to the Tower of Babel. The origin begins not long after the biblical Flood.

The Flood was a divine judgment sent on mankind after evil had become all pervasive, and all people everywhere were totally unresponsive to God. The Bible says that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). It is not difficult to imagine that life must have been almost unbearable at this time in history. God gave humankind a second chance by preserving the righteous man Noah and his family (a total of 8 people).

After the Flood, Noah had a talented, but evil, great-grandson named Nimrod (Genesis 10:6-10) who rebelled greatly against God. The Bible says that he was “a mighty one” Jewish tradition indicates that Nimrod was a tyrant “who made all of the people rebellious against God.” It is evident from history that Nimrod was not only a political leader, but also the lead priest of a form of occultic worship.

King Nimrod, Queen Easter (Ishtar/Semiramis), and Tammuz (the “reincarnated” Nimrod)

Nimrod built and organized major cities. The Bible notes that these included Babel, Asshur, Nineveh and Calah (Genesis 10:10-12). If you know anything about ancient history, the mention of these places may send shivers up your spine. For these were cities of great, almost unimaginable practices and perversion.

When Nimrod eventually died, the Babylonian religion in which he figured prominently continued on. His wife/queen saw to that. Once he was dead, she deified him as the Sun-god. In various cultures he later became known as Baal, the Great Life Giver, the god of fire, Baalim, Bel, Molech, etc.

“Later, when this adulterous and idolatrous woman gave birth to an illegitimate son, she claimed that this son, Tammuz by name, was Nimrod reborn.” Easter/Ishatar “claimed that her son was supernaturally conceived [no human father] and that he was the promised seed, the ‘savior’”—promised by God in Genesis 3:15. “However, not only was the child worshiped, but the woman, the MOTHER, was also worshiped as much (or more) than the son!” Nimrod deified as the god of the sun and father of creation. Easter became the goddess of the moon, fertility, etc.

“In the old fables of the Mystery cults, their ‘savior’ Tammuz, was worshiped with various rites at the Spring season. According to the legends, after he was slain [killed by a wild boar], he went into the underworld. But through the weeping of his mother… he mystically revived in the springing forth of the vegetation—in Spring! Each year a spring festival dramatically represented this supposed ‘resurrection’ from the underworld.”

Thus, a terrible false religion developed with its sun and moon worship, false priests, astrology, demonic worship, worship of stars associated with their gods, idolatry, mysterious rites, human sacrifice, and more. Frankly, the practices which went on were so horrible that it is not fitting for me to speak of them here.

It was at Nimrod’s city of Babel (Babylon) that a towering structure was first built in defiance of God as part of their Satanic religion. Archaeological evidence indicates that this was a spectacular pyramid-shaped structure (ziggurat). The Bible tells us that at this time there was only one language in the world and that most of the world’s population centered in this area and participated in this religion. It was evident to God that all mankind would soon degenerate into a level of evil that would parallel that of the pre-Flood world. For humanity’s sake, something had to be done to slow and frustrate this organization of an evil one world, tyrannical government.

God confused their language, so that they could not understand each other (Genesis 11:7). (This is the ultimate source of the world’s many languages.) As a result, many people moved away from the area in groups according to their particular new language. Most, if not all, of these people carried their evil Sun-God-based religion with them. They continued to worship the stars and practice all the other ungodly rituals of their religion. Some also continued to build pyramids reminiscent of the Tower of Babel as part of this mystery religion. Today, we can still find remnants of these throughout the world (e.g., Iraq, South America, Central America, Egypt, Burma).

Babel was the origin of an idolatrous system that swept the world. The Bible says of her, “Babylon… the nations drank her wine; Therefore the nations are deranged” (Jeremiah 51:7). The Bible often speaks of the Satanic religions which came from her. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus “witnessed the Mystery religion and its rites in numerous countries and mentions how Babylon was the primeval source from which ALL systems of idolatry flowed.” Austen Layard said “that we have the united testimony of sacred and profane history that idolatry originated in the area of Babylonia—the most ancient of religious systems.”

Basically, almost every vile, profane and idolatrous practice you can think of originated at Babel with Queen Easter/Ishtar (Semiramis), the Mother Goddess and Nimrod.

As the people scattered from Babel with their different languages, they, of course, used different names for Nimrod (Tammuz) and Semiramis. Some called the Mother Goddess “ISHTAR” (originally pronounced “Easter”). In other lands, she was called Eostre, Astarte, Ostera, and Eastre. Other names for Semiramis, the Mother Goddess include: Wife of Baal, Ashtaroth or Ashtoreth, and Queen of Heaven. The Mother goddess was frequently worshiped as the goddess of fertility—and as a sort of Mother Nature and goddess of Spring and sexual love and birth. She was also worshipped as a mediator between god and man. Sexual orgies and temple prostitutes were often used in her worship and in attempting to gain her favor.

The Easter Rabbit or Hare

The rabbit is well known as a sexual symbol of fertility. In various parts of the world, religions which developed from Babel also associate the rabbit with periodicity, both human and lunar (Egypt, China, etc.). As you may remember, the Mother Goddess Easter (Semiramis) is associated with the Moon. In other words, the Easter bunny symbolizes the Mother Goddess. Annual Spring time fertility rituals are associated worship of the Mother Goddess and Tammuz, the reincarnation of her husband Nimrod.

The Easter Egg

Most children and families who color or hide Easter eggs as part of their Resurrection Sunday tradition have no knowledge of the origin of these traditions. Easter egg activities have become a part of Western culture. Many would be surprised and even dismayed to learn where the traditions originated.

“The egg was a sacred symbol among the Babylonians. They believed an old fable about an egg of wondrous size which was supposed to have fallen from heaven into the Euphrates River. From this marvelous egg—according to the ancient story—the Goddess Astarte (Easter) [Semiramis], was hatched. And so the egg came to symbolize the Goddess Easter.

The idea of a mystic egg spread from Babylon to many parts of the world. In Rome, the mystic egg preceded processions in honor of the Mother Goddess Roman. The egg was part of the sacred ceremonies of the Mysteries of Bacchus. The Druids used the egg as their sacred emblem. In Northern Europe, China and Japan the eggs were colored for their sacred festivals.

The egg was also a symbol of fertility; Easter (Semiramis) was the goddess of Fertility. The Easter egg is a symbol of the pagan Mother Goddess, and it even bears one of her names.

Summary and Conclusion

“Easter” is simply one of the names of a woman who mightily deceived the world and whose religion has caused untold suffering and misery. She was clearly an enemy of the true God, and her son Tammuz was an anti-Christ, a false messiah that ultimately deceived millions.

If you are Christian, it is not difficult to discern the bizarre deception and confusion that Satan has successfully orchestrated. For example, notice the embarrassing irony in these traditions which are practiced innocently by most people. They are repeated year after year, because they have become traditional and their origin is unknown to many.

• On the day commemorating Christ’s resurrection, Americans roll decorated eggs on the White House lawn and pretend the Easter rabbit hid them. The same ritual is practiced at some Christian churches. 

•  “In Lancashire [England] on Easter eve boys and men have been in the habit of touring the towns and villages as ‘Pace-eggers’ begging for eggs before performing the ‘Pace-Egging’ or Pasch (i.e., Easter) play.”

• In Greece each person in a group bangs his red EASTER EGG [not knowing that it is symbol of the Goddess] against the eggs of all the others present in turn, saying ‘Christ is risen,’ and receives the reply ‘He is risen indeed’.”

The seductive symbols of ancient ungodly religions inspired by Satan have been incorporated into people’s everyday lives, even to this day—continuing to obscure the truth of God .

One might wonder if there is a better way for Christians to celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection, the most important of all Christian holy days. In retrospect, it seems obvious that it would have been a better witness to the world if Christians had not attempted to “Christianize” pagan celebrations—adopting the name “Easter” (Ishtar/Semiramis) in remembrance of Christ.

Jesus has been obscured by painted eggs and bunnies. Attention has been shifted away from spiritual truth and toward materialism (clothing, products and candies with the wrong symbolism). Stores merchandise the name of “Easter” (not “Resurrection Sunday”) and sell goods that have nothing to do with Christ’s death and resurrection. Christians naively use symbols and practices that unknowingly perpetuate ancient anti-Christ traditions—symbolic customs followed by the same religious cults that inspired the destruction of great numbers of Christians and Jews. Is the Devil laughing at us?

Many church bodies recognize the problem and make every effort to keep the focus of Resurrection Sunday totally on Jesus Christ and the Good News that He brought.  

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SHOULD CHRISTIANS FOLLOW ONE RELIGIOUS LEADER?

To follow or not follow a religious group or leader should be based on principle and character rather than on-look admiration. It calls for a person who can match what scripture says he should be. He should be Christian and must be of a given character.

Scripture is the principle guide

It is impossible to do without leaders, (only if they do not intend to assume powers they should not). For some leaders can be misleading. This kind of scenario also perturbed the Apostle Paul so much that by what he wrote to the Galatians, you can feel his anger (Galatians 2:6). So, if even the Prophet Jonah had tried to resist going the way God had commanded and directed him, what makes one believe that it won't happen to them? And if a leader can be misled, can't he be the one to mislead others? Sometimes it is the very leaders who may stand as a hindrance to the accomplishment of the very task.

In this therefore, whatever it may be, leadership is categorical. Rather that leadership can be unique to a particular person as may be intended for a particular people (Galatians 2:7-9). This implies that one who may not fall under that particular category may not necessarily entirely admit to it.

The case of Elijah gives us very good lessons. The prophet Elijah was complaining to God how that all men of God had been murdered. And that he was the only surviving individual (1Kings 19:9-14). God in reply told him (Elijah) that He (God) had a reserve of Seven hundred who had not bowed to Baal (1Kings 19:18). God's statement to Elijah teaches us that God does not condition His work on an individual who can be vulnerable and wanting in many ways.

But it is also paramount to understand that He (God) does not go on picking on one person after the other. This is because He is the Omniscient God who chooses on whoever He does when He already knows who they are. Rather if God has chosen on a particular person for a given task, He (God) will make sure that that person accomplishes the task.

When God told Elijah of His (God's) reserve of Seven Hundred, did He disqualify him (Elijah)? The same also is mirrored in Jonah's case (Jonah 1). Why didn't God just choose on another person in place of Jonah when Jonah had initially diverted to Tarshish rather than Nineveh where he had been sent? God will use a person if He chooses to despite a person's seeming literal limitations.

Jonah

So then, all this should teach us that leadership comes from God. And so it is God who empowers a person to perform a leadership role. Not that that person is talented to be so by his own ability. Thus then , no one should boast that he is in leadership. Leadership is God's own project.

Additionally, leadership may not be about pleasing individuals, but fulfilling a mission. Christian leadership should never be compromised in any way (Galatians 1:10). We should always keep to the dictates of the calling. Otherwise, you can always be disqualified albeit may continue to seem as one.

Therefore then, a leader should stick to the way how he has been called. As a leader, you are answerable to the Master (Jesus Christ). However, this is not to say you are entirely and completely independent of whoever. Rather you are also accountable to the ones you lead and those you lead with. That is why the leadership of the Church of Christ is built on pastors, elders, and deacons who are all expected to work together under a head who also is guided by the Holy Spirit (but together as a team) (1Timothy 3:1-10, 5:17), (Titus 1:6-9), (James 5:14), (1Peter 5:1), (Acts 14:23, 15:1-2, 15:4).

Yet Pentecostalism (to which I subscribe) does not readily entertain centralized leadership. As so, we do not believe in universal religious leaders. We believe that Jesus CHRIST is the universal head of the Church. He Jesus) directs the Church by giving us the Holy Spirit.

We do not believe in universal (earthly) headquarters of the Church. We believe that the headquarters of the Church is in heaven. However, in certain incidences, there are denominational heads. But like we have mentioned above, there are leaders in pastors, elders and deacons without whom, a church may be difficult to manage well.

Pentecostalism is founded on scripture. Rather Pentecostals should not practice any extra canonical  authority. Looking to Jesus CHRIST is the principle.

Pentecostal Christianity is also not necessarily concerned with following a particular leader. It is strongly advisable, though, to belong somewhere under someone. It is crucial that everybody is discipled as a requirement for disciplined Christian living and for would be Christian leaders.

But for a personal relationship with God is categorically a decision of an individual. It is undeniable, though, that some other people come into our lives (when they are God sent) to help guide us into a relationship with God, yet the final counting decision is solely made by a particular person. For in Spiritual terms, every particular person will account for their decisions (Romans 14:10-12). Yet this is not to wish away each other's responsibilities (Ezekiel 3:20, 33:6).   

Thus then, there is no reason why a Christian shouldn't follow someone if they guide them in the way of and to Christ (Ephesians 5:2), (Philippians 2:1-8). I follow a leader in whom I can envisage the required materials to guide me in the way of Christ and subsequently to heaven. That is the one major reason I chose to be Christian.

Could we expound on these virtues for a Christian leader?

• Follower of Jesus CHRIST/Christian.

• Following Scripture.

• Character.

Follower of Jesus CHRIST/Christian

A Christian leader must be one who follows and submits to the authority of CHRIST. After all, the whole philosophy of Christianity is about CHRIST without whom, it could have never been. The Apostle Paul is only in position to instruct the Corinthians to follow him for one outstanding reason; that he followed CHRIST (1Corinthians 11:1).

Follow me as I follow Christ

For the Apostle Paul to be what he had become (an Apostle and a leader), it was not for who he was/is. Rather it was/is for what he had chosen to submit to; Paul had chosen to follow Jesus CHRIST. To be a Christian leader therefore, you have to have committed to submission to CHRIST. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian Faith (Isaiah 28:16), (Psalms 118:22), (Acts 4:10-11), (Romans 9:33), (Ephesians 2:20-22), (1Peter 2:7-8).

Following scripture.

A Christian leader must be one who takes scripture as how it is laid down in the Bible. Rather he should be guided by the Holy Spirit just within and along the path of what scripture stipulates. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It is scripture which guides a Christian leader to lead just how God requires. Christian leadership isn’t about prestige; it is about guiding a people into the right path which leads them to heaven. This was the basic mission of Jesus while on earth. He gave up all so that He could lead a soul out of hell to heaven. 

So then, Christian leadership is sacrificial as is exemplified by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A leader must not be selfish. This is not about self. It is about the people being led. Scripture, as guided by the Holy Spirit is the foundation. 

How well or wrongly/poorly scripture is used will define the destination of and which product one individual will become. If one is guided by instructions as they are stipulated in scripture, there is no reason why Christians shouldn’t follow them, if they happen to be in a position of leadership.

NB We shout when the Bible shouts, we keep silent if it does keep silent.

Character.

A leader must be exemplary (1 Timothy 3:2-12), (Titus 1:6). For leadership is not a wishful matter. How one leads tells much what product the people he leads become. A Christian leader should not be a leader for himself, but for the people. This is what must manifest in their character. 

A leader must not be emotional, must be one with a mission, from which he can’t be swayed by rumors, insults or provocations. This is just how Jesus defeated the devil. He (Jesus) was never overtaken by insults. He was never provoked. He kept Himself to the dictates of the mission. 

Jesus defeated the devil by character, and finally by the crucifixion. Jesus' character is part of what gives us confidence in Him. A leader must have the confidence of the people he leads. This only comes by a consistent exemplary character.

A leader, who can fulfill the above, could be assured of people's confidence to and allegiance in them. Christian leadership can only be made possible and successful if with CHRIST. For Jesus is the Author and Perfecter of the Christian Faith (Hebrews 12:2). 

To have or not to have the authority should depend on whether you follow CHRIST as the overall head and model of the Church. CHRIST grants the authority. It is all about Jesus CHRIST. 

The Church of Jesus Christ is not for promoting persons. No. Not at all. The Church of Christ is for promoting God's Kingdom. Everyone who wishes to serve or lead in God's service must fit just within this particular agenda of God. Short of this is automatic disqualification.

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UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

There are three vital things which God grants us and these do govern the potential of a person in life. These are: Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding (Exodus 31:3, 35:31).

Where is the source of Understanding? Job asks. (Job 28:20)

Understanding comes by Revelation. And Revelation comes from God by His (God's) guidance. God guided John to the island of Patmos so that He (God) could reveal to John the things that John couldn't see literally. God then told him to write the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:10).

We terribly lack understanding, yet we are resistant to guidance. If John had resisted being guided to the island of Patmos, it is most likely that he (John) wouldn't have been the author of the book of Revelation.

Jesus does recognize this terrible part of us (Matthew 22:29). In our terrible quest to remain ignorant, we think it is defeat if we concede lack of understanding. And this keeps us in continual ignorance on many things which could easily be understood if we let guidance. Understanding therefore may never simply be grasped by engaging, but by the guidance of God through the Holy Spirit.

If we do not understand, then we can never make sense of anything. That is why scripture is emphatic on urging us to understand. It is paramount that we should always understand what we do. And that we should make those we work with or lead do so.

Nehemiah made sure that everybody understood what he was doing (Nehemiah 10:28). It could terribly be defeating and an accident ready to happen if we do something that nobody else does understand. On His mission, Jesus sought to make people understand who He is and what He came for (Luke 4:18).

God gives us revelation and the prophets so that we have knowledge of what is to happen next, so that we can understand it and be able to go about it well.In this then, God wants us to understand and scripture does indeed appreciate this as can be seen below:

Luke 24:45-"Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

Exodus 36:1 - "Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded".

Deuteronomy 1:13 - "Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you".

Deuteronomy 4:6 - "Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people".

Deuteronomy 32:28 - "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them".

1Samuel 25:3 - "Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb".

1Kings 3:9 - "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

1Kings 3:11 - "And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

1Kings 3:12 - "Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee".

1Kings 4:29 - "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore".

1Kings 7:14 - "He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work"

1Chronicles 12:32 - "And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment".

1Chronicles 22:12 - "Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God".

2Chronicles 2:12 - "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom".

2Chronicles 2:13 - "And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

2Chronicles 26:5 - "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper".

Ezra 8:16 - "Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding".

Ezra 8:18 - "And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;

Nehemiah 8:2 - "And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month".

Job 12:3 - "But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

Job 12:12 - "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding".

Job 12:13 - "With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding".

Job 12:20 - "He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged".

Job 17:4  - "For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them".

Job 20:3 - "I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer".

Job 26:12 - "He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud".

Job 28:12 - "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

Proverbs 18:2 - A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Proverbs 14:29 - [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 2:2-5 - So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding.

Proverbs 17:27 - He that hath knowledge spareth his words: [and] a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Proverbs 3:13-18 - Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

Proverbs 20:5 - Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Knowledge can only profit if it entails "understanding". The Ethiopian Eunuch read the scriptures, and it appears pretty much he had the zeal to read, but that is all he could do, he lacked understanding (Acts 8:30). Fortunately, he was open to guidance. And when Philip factored in, he (the Ethiopian Eunuch) was readily receptive.

Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch

Jesus dressed in human flesh so that He could literally guide us in the way of God. God had given us instructions by way of commandments and we could not adhere to them. But when Jesus dressed in human flesh and appeared amongst us, He has made an indisputable lasting impact by being directly exemplary to us.

When the Helper who is the Holy Spirit comes, one of the things He is to do is to testify of Jesus (John 15:26). Thus then, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are to work together to make us come to the true knowledge of God. For the Holy Spirit convicts us on what Jesus has commanded and taught us to do. Together, you can do much.

In this light then, we ought to understand the Trinity. Jesus taught us not only about His person, but also about God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. It is thus paramount that we understand both: Jesus and His word. Jesus is as vital as His word, and the opposite is true (Matthew 7:21-23), (Hebrews 4:2), (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47-49). If we pray in Jesus' name (and it works to pray in Jesus' name), then we should also take His (Jesus') word pretty seriously. And we should also treat His commandments as very vital (John 15:14-15), (Luke 6:46).

And we also ought to seek to understand the person of Jesus much as we do His word (John 6:33-35, 41-42, 48-58, 60-61, 63, 66). For Jesus is the word, and the word is Jesus.

Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.  Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves" (John 14:8-11).

Jesus gives us direction and it is upon Him that our Faith is built (Hebrews 12:2). For it is best and well understood that way. Jesus is the cornerstone of anything and everything Christian (Psalms 118:22), (Matthew 21:42).

The gospel of Jesus Christ can be understood along the following:

• God the Father

• The person of Jesus

• The person of Jesus as the foundation of the gospel

• The Holy Spirit

• Embracing Jesus Christ and His teachings

• Repentance

• Bearing the fruit of repentance

• Love

• Forgiveness

• The gospel of peace

• The gospel of healing

God the Father

When Jesus came, He taught about God the Father (Matthew 6:9). He wanted us to be assured that there is God the Father and that He (God the Father) does indeed love and care for us. Jesus came so He could cleanse us, lead us and present us to the Father. And in much of His speech, He would refer to the Father (YAHWEH) (John 5:20-24).  So Jesus was teaching us that the project to save man had been long an initiative of the Father and fulfilled by the Son.

At one time, Jesus said He could never do a thing that He is not learnt from or without the Father (John 5:19, 30). Equally so, we witness by scripture that the Father referred to Jesus as Son (Mark 1:11), (Matthew 3:16). In this, Jesus wanted us to learn that the source of all life, power, love goodness, purity, holiness and righteousness is the Father (who had also presented Himself in the Son). He wanted us to know that to be able to live a positive spiritual life, we have to ready to learn from God. 

More scripture about God the Father. 

 Luke 10:21-22 

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

John 10:30 
I and the Father are one.”

Matthew 10:20
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matthew 24:36 
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

John 12:44-45
And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.

Matthew 11:27
All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Mark 13:32
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Luke 15:20
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

The person of Jesus Christ

Jesus' Gospel is also about His person. Jesus Christ is the gist of the gospel. Every thing is because the Son is (John 1:1-2). And without Jesus, it is pretty and terribly impossible to understand this gospel. And if you can't understand who Jesus is, neither will you understand who God the Father or the Holy Spirit is.

Thus to ask; who is Jesus?

Jesus attempted to reveal to the disciples what His person is. But He always loves it that it comes by revelation rather than Him to seem to orchestrate it.

At one moment, Jesus asked what the disciples had understood of Him to be; Peter said; "...you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 14:16), (Mark 8:29-30). In reply, Jesus commended Peter for this lovely revelation.

Additionally, at the last supper, when Jesus shared with the disciples bread and grape vine juice, he said; "Take, eat; this is my body". And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-28).

Jesus is the light

Going further in scripture, God the Father (in His voice) admonishes that the person of Jesus Christ is His Son (Matthew 3:17), (Mark 1:11), (Matthew 12:18), (Matthew 17:5), (Mark 9:7).

The person of Jesus Christ as the foundation of the Gospel

Jesus Christ being who He is, and understanding Him as so, He was anointed by the Father to save the world by way of His perfect sacrifice. For Jesus is the name of the person, yet Christ is what He is.

In Jesus' person (the Christ), He revealed what His mission is; to set the world free of sin (Luke 4:18), (Isaiah 61:1). In the same vein then, the person of Jesus  makes it that we can understand what the purpose of the Gospel is.

Jesus' mission is to set the foundation for our Faith (John 8:24), (John 6:29). For only through Jesus we can approach God the Father (John 14:6), (John 10:9). Without Jesus, there is no Christian (John 15:1-8).

The first man in Adam failed to live to his abilities; the second man in Jesus lived up to His abilities. Jesus thus used His abilities to accomplish a mission. He (Jesus Christ) is the foundation of the Gospel of the New Testament (1 Corinthians 15:47, Romans 5:18). For by the righteousness of Jesus, we are counted worthy.

God the Holy Spirit

In much of His teachings, Jesus pretty much referred to God the Holy Spirit. He said that when He left earth, He would let the Holy Spirit on us who would teach us more, guide us, comfort us, give us wisdom, give us remembrance of all Jesus' teachings, give us power and convict us of; sin, truth, and righteousness (John 14:26, 16:7-15), (Romans 8:26, 15:13).

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment

The Apostle Paul also teaches us that if we have the Holy Spirit, then we know the mind of God. For no one knows a person's thoughts except his spirit. So, the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God and if we receive Him, then we know the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:12-16). So it is then that if one has not Christ, then he has not the Spirit of Christ. And if one has not the Spirit of Christ, then he is not of Christ (Romans 8:9).

Are they three Gods?

No. Not at all. They are not three Gods. It is one God who presents in the three. The same God is God the Father. The same God is God the Son. And the same God is God the Holy Spirit. Each of the three is the same God as the other (John 14:9). 

Embracing Jesus Christ and His teachings

On the person of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ is built. No one else with the righteousness of God. Jesus alone who is the Son of God and God stood to save man. The person of Jesus is exceptional because in Jesus is the person of God. Jesus is never like any other person. He is God. Life is in Him and in His teachings.

Through Jesus therefore, there is hope of life after death (John 11:25), (John 5:24). Yet to deny Jesus can be self judgment to eternal condemnation (John 3:19).

It shouldn't therefore be simply wishful to choose to follow Jesus. He is tested, proven and justified by the Father. Jesus is worthy because He lived a life free of sin (John 8:46). Jesus gives us an opportunity to relive a life of honor.

For this, it is perfectly fitting and rightly commensurate to fall in love with Jesus. Only Jesus has exhibited to us the kind of love that is limitless in every way.

Unlike others, Jesus never breaks a person's heart. If you give your life to Jesus, you pretty stand assured. If you already have given your life to Jesus, the wisest thing ever in your life is to keep just with Him.

Repentance.

Repentance is the action of repenting. It is an expression of sincere regret or remorse. Having offended someone, what comes next should be repentance.

Every human person is a sinner. It is simply empty and shameless one to deny and insist he is not a sinner (1John 1:9-10). It is a weakness rather than a strength to insist not to repent. It is terribly shameful and unbecoming!!!

By way of Adam having sinned, anything human is ingrained with sin (Romans 3:23). Apart from being known as human, man's other name should be SINNER!

Salvation therefore does not come by keeping a set of moral obligations. Neither is it that being not saved is the failure to keep the same. 

Salvation is not what we do. Salvation is what Jesus makes us to be. And what Jesus makes us to be is in the heart, not what we are literally. To do or not to do certain things can't bring a person Salvation. Such may only be for public consumption (Colossians 2:20-23).

Spiritual healing therefore comes from within out, and not from out in. So, our actions should be sourced and determined in the heart rather than to simply act.

It is groundless to think that your actions can influence your heart. It never can be!!!??? For it should be rather that your heart will influence your actions. We can only impress fellow men but not the Omnipresent and Omniscient God!!!

"Celebrate the beauty of your heart and not your riches". 

Salvation is life. It is a recreation of a relationship with God. If to say; Salvation is the character of God. And the character of God is; righteousness, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22), (Romans 14:17).

Christians are perpetually failing in spiritual progress simply because we prefer to struggle to appear as good moral people (looking for justification from others) rather than to submit to Jesus (the only one who can make us good).

Salvation does not come out of fear. It should rather be out of conviction. Salvation is a gift which is granted by God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus always called for and encouraged repentance so to be counted for God (Luke 13:1-5), (Luke 18:9-14). Everyone who loves God should repent. Repentance creates a whole new beginning. It is a new lease of life. With Jesus, it is a whole new world.

There is no sinner whom can't be forgiven. All you need is; admit your sin (wrong and bad perception and wrong doing) and repent.

Jesus died for every bit of a sin. He (Jesus) is seated on the right hand of God the Father interceding for every bit of every sin (Romans 8:33-34).

A repentant sinner

Bearing the fruit of repentance

Repentance cements a person's new found life in Jesus Christ. This is to pursue to live a transformed life.

A repentant person keeps aligned to living a repentant life. Such a person is focused to living a life that is to the glory of God.

Relentlessly and unceasingly yearning to have a heart that is after the heart of God and pursuing righteousness.

There must be evidence of a Christian both inwardly and outwardly in the way you go about your life.

You ought to understand that how you live your life could be an inspiration to save another soul.

For repentance comes from self realization of having been wrong and going the wrong way.

Choosing the way that God directs you to is to be wise. By doing this, one has chosen the sure way of life (Luke 18:6-8), (John 8:11), (Matthew 3:8-10). And this makes it possible that you begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

When we seek Christ Jesus, we are to regain the image of God in which we were created. God wants us back in His image.

The gospel of Forgiveness

What is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness can be defined as an act of pardoning an offender. And Forgiveness comes in response to repentance.

Jesus promised that if one repents, they will be forgiven. But He admonished us that we ought to forgive those who wrong us so that we can also receive forgiveness from the Father (Mark 11:25), (Matthew 6:14-15). Jesus added on that we ought to forgive not once, not twice, but always (Matthew 18:21-22). He said this because He wanted us to learn that just as each one needs to be forgiven, always, so should each one forgive the other, always. For God forgives every repentant person, always.

In the same spirit, each one should desist from judging the other (Luke 6:37). For judgment is of God. Yet He has not judged us, but He has reached out to us through Jesus Christ so that we are not condemned and so that we all are reconciled with God (2Corinthians 5:18-19).

Jesus taught that forgiveness should be oral much as it is practical. It is not an item only to be uttered. For if you intend to forgive, then you do so in all ways; that is orally, mentally and literally. Having done all this, then reconcile. Jesus went on to exemplify this to us when He forgave those who had crucified Him (Luke 23:34).  He did so not for the public viewing. But Jesus wanted to give a chance to everyone to reconcile with God.

Jesus forgave right on the cross

The Gospel of Love.

What is love?
According to scripture, if we are to define what love is, it says God is Love and Love is God (1John 4:8).

Jesus' gospel was also the gospel of love. He taught us to love the Lord God with all our heart, our possessions, with all mind, and with all our strength (Matthew 22:37-39), (Mark 12:29-32). He taught that we should love one another (John 13:34-35). He also taught us that He came to save us because He loved us (John 15:13). Jesus, love can never be matched.

Jesus taught that we should not only love so we can receive the same back to us (Luke 14:12-13). So He said we should love as how God loves each one of us. For God loves everybody, even those who hate Him. We should then love even our enemies by not cursing and condemning them, but pray for them (Luke 6:31-35).

The gospel of peace

What is Peace?
Peace can be defined as freedom from disturbance, it is quiet and tranquility.

Jesus'  gospel was also the gospel of peace. He came so that He could help us make peace with God. Jesus also said that He came so that we could have peace within us and with other people (John 16:33), (Matthew 5:9). For the peace makers are the children of God.

Jesus demonstrated that His gospel was a gospel of peace not in word only, but also in practical terms. When one of the disciples chopped off one of the soldier's ear, Jesus did not accept it (John 18:10-11), (Matthew 26:51-53). He placed back the ear and healed the man. Jesus was demonstrating that His gospel was not about violence. It was a gospel of peace in every sense, and the sword would never be applicable.

Jesus taught us how to demonstrate peace making rather than resorting to bickering and violence. He said that if you have an issue with your adversary, seek to make peace with him before he takes you to the judge who may pass the verdict and throw you in jail until when you pay the whole penalty (Matthew 5:24-25), (Luke 12:58-59). In this, Jesus was teaching us to seek to make peace with God and with fellow people.

The gospel of healing

What is healing?
Healing can be defined as the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again. So, healing comes after there is a breakdown in one's health, either spiritually or literally.

Jesus' gospel was also about healing. When He sent the disciples, He instructed them to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils (Matthew 10:8). And Jesus did perform a lot of healing both spiritually and literally. He healed the sick and restored sight to the blind. He healed Peter's mother in law of a fever (Matthew 8:14), (Luke 4:38-40), (Mark 1:29-39).

Jesus healed Mary Magdalene both spiritually and literally. When she met Jesus, she was made anew (Luke 7:36-50), (John 12:3). Jesus also healed the man with a legion of demons (Mark 5:1-20). And Jesus performed a lot more spiritual and literal healing (Luke 4:35, 4:41, 8:29, 11:14), (Matthew 8:16), (Mark 1:34, 39).

In conclusive terms, we can learn that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a dynamic and holistic gospel. For it touches every bit of life. It (the gospel) gives an opportunity to every individual to relive a life to the honor of God. For it never matters who you are, you always have an opportunity if you commit and submit to Jesus Christ.

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