09/02/12

Follow the steps to be fruitful in the Lord's work

Matthew 28:19,20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


We have many Christians or I would say so called Christians who are also half atheist. Many during the time of trouble do acknowledge God exists and then there are others who think God does not have the power to do things or we live in a time where God has shut shop and will not do any great miracle. For these if any one miracle happens through a person, that person is glorified and called 'Saint' and his or her statues and photos are put all over the place. That person then becomes another god among the many they have. No doubt this is intentionally done with commercial intention for this institution also called 'Church'.

Something I will never forget when in fellowship a Brother was sharing in a humour tone about what happened with another Pastor. This Pastor from south India was having a sharing session at the area common between groups of houses, so people of all faiths were sitting at this session.

At this session this Pastor was sharing on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and was telling them how He was whipped, bruised and nailed on the crucifix even though He was innocent. The Pastor did narrate this with great emotion and caused the hearts of many to feel the suffering and be moved. In all this an old Hindu woman cries loud out in her native language saying 'O Krishna how did you let such an innocent suffer'. She was calling on her god Krishna and questioning him as to how he let an innocent man like Jesus suffer on the cross!

All these things happen because we Christians do not follow the instructions of the Lord on how to extend the Kingdom of God. In today's message the Lord gives us very clear instructions on how to reach out to people and bring them into His Kingdom.

The instructions to us is to go to all the nations and to teach all nations, but before the teaching there is something we are told to do and that is baptize them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

A large group of Christians have made the second part of the instructions as a ritual and called it the sign of the cross. Before I came in the Lord I too used to do this hand gesture every time I started my prayer, stood before a religious statue or even passed a monument where Christians gathered to fellowship. Not only that, even if I passed any funeral or stood before a grave that gesture would be there. Some do it not once but a number of time and the speed at which they do looks like they are doing some martial arts moves.

If one reads the instruction clearly Jesus did not give us this instruction to do some gesture or exercise. The Son is not greater than the Holy Spirit such that the Son is before the Spirit of God. It is given in that order because of Who revealed Who. It is the Father Who revealed the Son to us and it is the Son Who revealed the Holy Spirit to us. Unless one does not know Who God the Father is, it is useless speaking to that person about the Son.

If we go out and preach about Jesus Christ to people who do not believe in God or have many gods, it is just a waste of time and efforts. Before we tell people of the Holy Spirit or even of Jesus Christ we need to clear their minds that God exist and that there is only one God. It is only after this is clear that we tell them about the Son and how the Son came from the Father. Once they know the Son only then it is appropriate to tell them about the Holy Spirit and how the Son came as man to give us His Spirit so that by the working of His Spirit man could be saved.

Baptizing means submerging and here Jesus does not tells us to submerge the person in water but in the Name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Like I shared earlier the Greek word translated as name comes from the meaning understanding. Thus we need to submerge the people first in the understanding of Who God the Father is then Who the Son is (includes man Jesus and God the Son) and then only give them the understanding of the Holy Spirit.

It is a pity people call themselves Christians even though they have not completed step A of the process. It is only when we do this process properly would we be able to teach them the Word of God.

Without the Holy Spirit it is impossible to keep the Commandments of God which is not the 10 given through Moses or only the 2 through Jesus, but the whole Word. It is only when the Author of the Word is in us that the Law gets written in our hearts. Many consider the heart as a room and a part of God occupies it. God being in us means the understanding or knowledge of God (Father, Son and Spirit) is rooted in us. It is only then the glory of God will manifest in our lives.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, your people err because we do not follow your instructions. Lord, we thank You today that You found it good that we know this. You have found us worthy to know what was hidden from many who are considered wise in this world. It is out of your love and grace that You chose us to be blessed in You. Lord help us walk according to your instructions so that we would be fruitful in our doings...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)