Heralds Digest

  ““ And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. ” Revelation 3 : 1 - 2 NKJV Knowing and living are two complimentary components making the essence of life. We die the moment we stop knowing. Funny enough, in the wake of advances in knowledge and artificial intelligence, the challenge with knowing is getting more and more interesting by the days. Unfortunately, the more we are able to grab with our human mind and brain, the less it seems we are actually living. There are so many coverups of the real emptiness within the best of human knowledge, affluence, and accumulation. Then comes the revelation from He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “ I know your works, that you have a n...

  “ Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him .” Proverbs 30 : 5 NKJV From the seven churches in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, “ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2 : 7 )” is definitely an admonition of trust in the purity of God’s words. Unfortunately, in our extremely sophisticated world, digital age, and uncensored social media contents, actions of anyone who wine and dine on the Bible are hardly weighed by scriptural revelations. The ‘not enough’ mindsets beg for public opinions, administrative appeals, social censorship, and political endorsement before an expressed declaration of the words of God can be supported and executed. Whereas, “ Every word of God is pure ” implies that God expects all believers to tenaciously live for ensuring their world comply with the express revelation, no matter the pressure and persecution. And like the Spirit says to the Church at Ephesus, anyone who clai...

  “ Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1 : 3 NKJV Normally, and without unnecessary ambiguity, the King’s keeper suggests a reliable relationship with and revelation from the King; and the use of the keeper’s King will be equally appropriate. Unfortunately, in our world of changing styles, culture, and standards, there are many kings in the purview of most keepers or sycophants. Obviously, if John the beloved had not been considered the King’s keeper, he would not have earned the privilege of being preserved for the revelation of Jesus Christ at the island of Patmos. In life’s daily activities, engagement and consideration, the King’s keeper is equipped with the ability to read, hear, and keep the words of Christ’s prophecy. Those who read for argument cannot hear; and those who hear for attraction cannot keep. Whereas, the King’s keeper will prayerfully read the s...

  “ But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” Jude 1 : 17 - 19 NKJV Since godliness with contentment is a great gain, ungodly undertakings have always offered gross gains with greed. Unfortunately, sensual volunteers in godly enterprises have often possessed different services with zeal and zest, offering tremendous deliverables with self-centredness and ulterior motives. These carnal service offerings have always been the cause of dishonesty, divisions, and the desecration of the Lord’s altar. It is like feeding on the deceitfulness of cutting corners to attract breakthrough and success in life. Even in ministerial accomplishment, ungodly undertakings have destroyed huge spiritual investment, where ministries now labour for fame and...

  ““ Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, And if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, And likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk Among these who stand here.” Zechariah 3 : 7 NKJV It is always pitiful that privileges and opportunities are often abused and misused against the original intention of God. Such is mostly the office of priesthood for Eli and many other priests in the priesthood. When the scriptures say “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people ”, it is definitely “ that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ( I Peter 2 : 9 )”and nothing more. Unfortunately, the priesthood has often become the courtyard for primary accumulation of (1) Personal privileges; (2) Public profiles; and (3) Professional prosperity. Whereas, prosperous priesthood is originally designed for the PRAISES of Him who called...

  “I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.” I I John 1 : 4 - 6 NKJV Although “ Train up a child in the way he should go” is a fundamental principle of parenting, mentorship, and discipleship, the twisted mindset on love in our world has always preferred the adaptation “ Train up a child in the way he wants to go” . Of course, it takes discipline and determination to stand up to the truth in our broken world. And when the trainers have skeletons in their cupboards, truth becomes a bitter pill in the training sessions. Whereas, truth according to God’s commandments remain the walkwise way to the Disneylan...

  “ And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. ” I John 5 : 20 - 21 NKJV The closing of the epistle of 1 John leaves no doubt about the possibility of believers’  entanglement with idols or all engagements with activities that would not promote the true God. Without undermining the damnable end of unbelievers, believers can duly participate in the provision of the redemption story without living daily for the purpose of their redemption. If the scripture rightly says elsewhere that only those who are wise live for turning many to righteousness, it implies that heaven counts the participation of unwise believers as pitiable. Truthfully, life’s daily engagements, responsibilities and relationships with acquaintances come with the pressure of performance, which is mos...