Heralds Digest

“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 16:19 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.16.19.nkjv   There is no doubt that COVID-19 had greatly exposed the unpreparedness of the emergency response, procedure and control of almost all the nations of the world. Even the world’s superpowers in military might and security system are found wanting in the demand for efficient response to national disease management and control. The bottom-line lesson is that the isolation of evil from good is not largely common sense, even when it seems like one. The corruptive influences of evil in every system (home, workspace, and the society) is synonymous to the divisiveness of disobedient disciples in Apostle Paul’s admonition; and they depend on the target’s level of exposure. Therefore, the appropriate response to “avoid or isolate them” requires heaven-inspired intellig...

“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also...Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:1-2, 16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.16.1-2,16.nkjv   If the scriptural reference to a holy kiss is literally conceived, there must be no doubt that it is an expression of agape (God’s kind or Charity) love. It is not selective; as it is demanded to be expressed to one another in the fellowship. But considering the risk involved, who will open his doors to a total stranger? Notwithstanding, the exhibition of this risk receipt is common for all in the fellowship, who are qualified as Saints. Sister Phoebe was recommended to the Church of Saints in Rome because she has an undoubtedly qualified credentials as a Saint of t...

“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:30-32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.15.30-32.nkjv   If life’s battles are largely physical, human strategies and intelligent caution will suffice. Unfortunately, invisible opposition and spiritual battles are the dominant forces against human progress in life. Even in contemporary missionary work and charitable dispositions, only the likes of Paul the Apostle can maintain the right focus without buying the distractions of the enemies. The enemy of our souls uses many enemies, including adversaries, loved ones and even ourselves, against believers’ commitments to the will of God, unles...

“For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:18-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.15.18-19.nkjv There is no doubt that consistency to the preaching of the gospel message requires strategies, self-discipline, and dedication of the disciples of Christ. And when anyone wobbles on the field of evangelism, it is easier for him to put the blame on insufficiency in self offerings. The contrast is also possible for those who count trophies for their achievements. However, in Paul’s testimony to the brethren in Rome, he said “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient”. Little wonder the book of Acts of the A...

“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God...Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:7, 13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.15.7,13.nkjv   The indiscriminate boiling and brewing of hatred, insecurity, and catastrophe in almost all the regions of the world show nothing more than the reality of hopelessness. Arising from the smallest unit of our family to the fellowship of brethren and the network of friends, the absence of hope birth nothing more than the struggle to breathe. Whereas, hope comes with the sacrifice of humility and the willingness to accommodate one another in spite of our pointed irritating flaws. Unfortunately, no one can truly receive an annoying child, irresponsible partner, rudderless leader, suspicious neighbour and a demanding parent without an encounter with Christ - the hope of glory. He paid the ultimat...

“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.15.5-6.nkjv   The similarity between body builders and burden bearers is the capability to cope with pressures. While the body builders take on dead weights with pleasure in order to build the necessary muscles for pressure, burden bearers have been developed to fairly handle emotional problems or pressure. Unfortunately, burden bearers are greatly in short supply because many who are called to the gym through the challenges of life often cry fouls and unprepared. Burden bearers worry about the fact that they have many unanswered questions, while relating to family challenges and delays to prayer requests, workplace difficulties and misconstrued appreciation. Unknowingly, they are getting built for future services ...

“Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:16-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.14.16-17.nkjv Good gestures are commendable in times of great needs. Social welfare packages are graciously complemented by these great gestures from individuals, groups, private firms and corporate organizations. However, the consummation of love mostly demand a little more than the expression in good gestures. Love in settings with sincere fellowship often demands the understanding of people’s feelings, emotions, and human physiological disposition to gestures. Little wonders that the provision of material substance and wealth often fail to guarantee peace and unity at home and the fellowship of people. Therefore, gracious gatherings demand a little more than good gestures in order to guarantee an atmosphere filled with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy S...