Audio: The sword of the Spirit

 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ….”-Ephesians 6:17

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I want to draw our attention to the importance of the word of God in our faith life. The word of God is God -John 1:1. It is the source of our faith “ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17.

The process of salvation begins when you hear the word of God. The word then produces faith in you-. The faith you have is used to accept the gift of salvation. You cannot be saved without faith because salvation is not by grace alone. Your salvation is a combination of Grace and Faith. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-Ephesians 2:8-9. You became born- again through the word of God. -1 Peter 1:23

Your new life in Christ ( your faith life ) must continually be sustained with the word of God. This means the word of God must be in you and become alive in you. Everything you need to discover about yourself is in the word of God. It contains all the promises God has for you. The word is one of the means through which God speaks to you. Jesus says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you”-John 15:7.  In First Peter 2:2, the word of God is the milk you need for your growth in Christ. The word of God is the lamp that will guide your feet and the light that will brighten your path -Psalm 119:105. It is profitable for every area of your life Timothy 3:16-17.

We discover in Ephesians chapter 6 that the word of God is the sword of the Holy Spirit. It is the sixth piece of armor that Paul talks about as he details the whole armor of God. Paul admonishes Christians to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the wiles of the devil- Ephesians 6:11. Take note that it is the schemes, strategies, and deceits of the devil that you need to fight against with your full armor. All the weapons mentioned are undoubtedly vital for defense. The sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, is the only weapon that is both defensive and offensive. It is sharper than any double-edged sword – Hebrews 4:12. It is the word that endures forever -1 Peter 1:25

Jesus Christ used the same weapon, the word of God, to dismiss the devil in Matthew chapter 4. Jesus thus demonstrated how valuable it is to be well-grounded in the Word of God.

Shouting and screaming “fire” at an all-night service or an early morning prayer session without knowing the word of God will not help you. The right knowledge and application of the word of God will let satan walk away.  He may leave to return at another time just as he did to Jesus Christ in Luke 4:13, but as long as you are abiding in the word and the word is abiding in you, you will not fall prey to any of his schemes.  

Never replace the word of God with anything. It is the ultimate tool you need to survive all the potholes and dark and slippery places in this troubling world. The Bible, which means the “book of books,” contains the word of God, and it is the best book to read.

Don’t keep a sword without knowing its worth and usage. Master the art of using it. This is why Jesus Christ has given us another teacher in the person of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus Christ values teaching and learning. He was a teacher during His ministry here on earth. And He wants us to learn from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Depend on the Holy Spirit, and He will lead you into all truth as you meditate on the word of God, The sword you always need.

I recommend you watch “READ THE WORD TO HEAR GOD” by Patrick E Quainoo on our YouTube Channel.

Let me hear from you. Send all your comments or questions to mailto:pqgm29@gmail.com

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.

(Video) PQGM donates books to Volta Home Orphanage

(Video) PQGM donates books to Volta Home Orphanage

Patrick Quainoo Global Ministries, PQGM, has presented a mix of reading and coloring books to children at the Volta Home Orphanage in Ghana, West Africa.

This is to encourage good reading habits in the children. Other items donated to the orphanage included toiletries and hand sanitizers.

The gesture falls under the ministry’s Love Mission initiative, which cares for widows, orphans, and disaster victims worldwide. Below are some pictures.




The occasion also marked the joint birthday celebration of Pastor Patrick and Joyce Quainoo. The delegation from PQGM treated the children to food and soft drinks and prayed for them.



Click on video to watch the full event.

Balance your passion with knowledge

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What must I do to inherit Eternal Life ?

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Eternal life is an important subject today, just as it was during the physical presence days of Jesus Christ on earth.

On different occasions, Jesus was asked the same question on how to inherit eternal life by a rich young ruler (Luke 18:18) and a conniving lawyer (Luke 10:25).

In John chapter 5, Jesus exposes the unbelieving Jews when He tells them, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life” -(John 5:39.

Dear reader and listener, searching, examining, or studying the scriptures is not eternal life. Similarly, moral living, attending church regularly, or performing many good deeds are encouraging but do not earn you eternal life.

So, If you’re also asking the same question, “How do I get eternal life?” the only answer I have for you is: “Have faith in Jesus Christ“- (John 3:15,16).

Faith or belief in Jesus Christ saves you and activates your new life in Christ (Ephesians 2:8, John 14:6). Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and your salvation package from God includes eternal life.

I want you to know that faith in Jesus Christ is and remains the only genuine path to eternal life! This is how John puts it: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11-12 )

All who put their faith in Christ Jesus are saved! They can begin to live their everlasting or eternal life in Christ right now – (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)

What is Eternal Life?

Eternal life is a gift from God- (Romans 6:23). It is the guaranteed assurance that other faiths don’t have and can’t give you.

The truth is, no one ceases to exist when they die. You will live forever, either rejoicing in heaven or gnashing your teeth in hell. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke chapter 16, we read that both men died, yet both men continued to live: Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom and the rich man in hell, being tormented.

Eternal life is, therefore, more than just life after death. It is a brand new life in Jesus Christ. It is knowing your God.-(John 17:3).

John 3:36 says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

Like the rich young ruler in Mark chapter 10, some people have placed their faith in their status and material possessions. They have, therefore, walked away from Jesus Christ. Others also refuse to hear anything about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which produces faith. Scripture says the faith you need for salvation comes from hearing God’s word -(Romans 10:17).

Aside from being denied life, verse 36 of John chapter 3 says the wrath of God abides with those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, if you accept and believe in Jesus Christ, you have eternal life. Jesus embraces you immediately. This means you experience and enjoy God daily while looking forward to heaven someday. Eternal life is your current possession.

In Revelation 3:20, we see Jesus’ willingness to have a relationship with us. He says that when you hear His voice and invite Him in, He will dine with and be with you. That’s a promised friendship!

This is what makes eternal life a relationship between God and man. John confirms that eternal life is not a thing or a theory but a relationship with a Personality- (1 John 1:1, 2, 3).

Eternal life is an interactive relationship in which you speak to God in prayer through Jesus Christ, and He speaks to you through His word and His Holy Spirit.

I invite you to accept Jesus Christ this minute by confessing Him as your Lord and Savior. Believe God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved! – (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:30,31).

Salvation entitles you to live in heaven someday, but that does not mean sitting idle and waiting for that day.

Enjoy your eternal relationship with God through Christ on earth, as in heaven. Begin to tell others about your new relationship with Christ to attract them.

I recommend you watch “ETERNAL LIFE” and “THE NEW YOU IN CHRIST”  by Patrick E Quainoo on our YouTube Channel.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPiXV8Jp2DM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR48puk4nvY

Let me hear from you. Send all your comments or questions to mailto:pqgm29@gmail.com

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.

(Pictures) Widows in Ashanti treated to Mother’s Day lunch

(Pictures) Widows in Ashanti treated to Mother’s Day lunch

Patrick Quainoo Global Ministries, PQGM, has hosted a special Mother’s Day lunch party for more than one hundred widows in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. 

The event was held in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital. It falls under PQGM’s mission of offering hope through the love, comfort, and grace of Jesus Christ to women who have lost their spouses. 

 

The widows came from different towns and villages and had plenty to eat and drink, accompanied by music for dancing. 

A representative of PQGM, Pastor Richard Atuobi, encouraged the widows and thanked the Blessing Foundation for organizing the event successfully. 

Representatives of Patrick Quainoo Global Ministries

Watch a short video of the widows thanking God with some dancing skills.

The Holy Spirit: Your Power to do!

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”-Acts 1:8

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Let’s focus on the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit this week. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and Jesus Christ, as described in Romans 8:9 and 1 Peter 1:11. Micah chapter 3, verse 8, also refers to the Holy Spirit as the power of God.

You are blessed as a child of God (Ephesians 1:3) and powerful because the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, lives in you (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The Holy Spirit is your helper, teacher, counselor, intercessor, and comforter-John 14:16-18. The Bible says those who the Spirit leads are the children of God -Romans 8:14. You are never alone.

The Holy Spirit is God’s power

The Holy Spirit is synonymous with power. Power is defined as the ability to do things or cause an effect. The power you need to be effective as a child of God is not from shrines or does not emanate from some religious activities you undertake.

The power you need comes directly from the Holy Spirit, who has empowered many people since creation. Many scriptures in the Bible confirm the Holy Spirit as the source of God’s power. Let’s take a look at some.

In Luke 1:35, the Holy Spirit is identified with the “power of the Highest…. “ in the announcement of Jesus’s birth.

After Jesus Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River and subsequent fasting and temptation in the wilderness, Luke 4:14 reports that Jesus returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit.”

In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples, saying, “ You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…”

Before His ascension, Jesus asked the disciples to  “tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”-Luke 24:49

In Acts 10:38, Peter recounts “ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power….”  

In Acts 8:18, a sorcerer named Simon, attracted by the workings of the Holy Spirit, offered money to the disciples, saying, “Give me this power also….”

The disciples of Jesus Christ were indeed powerful because they had the Holy Spirit living in and abiding with them-Acts 2:4. Peter, Paul, and others were bold in preaching, healing, and raising the dead-Acts 2:43 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2. They faced persecution, accusations, and even death fearlessly. The disciples were unstoppable as they turned the world upside down -Acts 17:6-7.

The power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead

The power to do, demonstrated in the early disciples, is the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11). That power is available to all believers today, and it enables me to write these articles effortlessly, with so much joy.

It is the extraordinary power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:20 confirms that God’s divine power is at work in every believer. He will make you accomplish great things. You will become more than you have ever dreamt or imagined -Ephesians 3:16-20.

The power of the Holy Spirit is not your power. It’s God’s power living and working in every area of your life -1 Cor 2:12. It is an incomparable unlimited power for those who believe -Ephesians 1:19. Relying on your strength may leave you in a mess.

David & Others

The power of the Holy Spirit has existed since creation. It was evident in the lives of some individuals in the Old Testament, including Moses, Samson, Daniel, Joseph, Micah, and David.

The boy, David, could do what the whole army of Israel, led by their Chief Commander Saul, was afraid to do. The Holy Spirit transformed David from a shepherd boy into a warrior who killed Goliath. This was after Goliath had tormented the Israel army for more than forty days -1 Samuel chapter 17.

 Earlier in chapter 16, David had been anointed as King of Israel, and verse 13 states, and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.”

What must I do?

I want you to know that you have the power to do inside of you. Yes, you!  God has deposited in you the ability, resources, skills, and many other gifts that should benefit you and the world. These include but are not limited to the following:

  • The power to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to nations even to the ends of the world -Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20
  • The power to gain insights and understanding of spiritual things- 1 Corinthians 2:11-12, Ephesians 1:17
  • The power to be intelligent, creative, and skillful- Exodus 31:1-6
  • The power to be bold and unafraid -Acts 4:31
  • The power to demonstrate your spiritual gifts to the benefit of others  -1 Corinthians 12:4, 7-11
  • The power to sustain your hope and confidence in the promises of God -Romans 15:13
  • The power to endure weakness and suffering – Romans 8:26.

The Holy Spirit is the power you need to fulfill your God-given purpose in this lifetime.

Jesus is our perfect example. He was determined to complete His assignment here on earth because He had the Holy Spirit. Scripture says Jesus was purposeful as He set His face to go to Jerusalem -Luke 9:51, undaunted even in the face of rejection – Luke 9:51-55 and was focused on reaching His goal -Luke 13:31-32.

You can reach your goal too!

Recommended Watch: “POWER OF A CHRISTIAN” and “THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” by clicking the links below. Get similar messages on Our YouTube Channel

POWER OF A CHRISTIAN (HOLY SPIRIT) – YouTube

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT with Pastor Patrick – YouTube

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #2 with Pastor Quainoo – YouTube

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #3 with Pastor Quainoo – YouTube

THE POWER IN A BELIEVER #FAITHMOMENTS – YouTube

Send your comments and questions to mailto:pqgm29@gmail.com

Your love donation will help us reach many more people through the Gospel of Christ.

(Audio) The Holy Spirit

 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you”-John 16:7

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Let’s talk about the Holy Spirit. Patrick and I would love to discuss the Holy Spirit and our experience with Him. He is our best friend, and we have real experiences of Him. I can share many personal stories of the help and counsel I have received from the Holy Spirit ever since He came into my life. He is the Spirit of truth in John 14:17, and in Romans 8:9, He is the Spirit of God and Jesus Christ.

Jesus said the world cannot receive the Holy Spirit because it does not know Him, even though the Holy Spirit has been around since day one.  

God accomplished everything in creation through the Holy Spirit. The Bible records that “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” in the beginning- Genesis 1:1-3.

The Holy Spirit was involved in the conception of Jesus Christ. Scripture says the Holy Spirit came upon the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:35).

The power of the Holy Spirit is so unique that it produces everything from nothing to something and transforms old things into new things. Through the Holy Spirit, a sinner gets a new lease of life -John 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:1-2.

Unlike the world, a child of God cannot remain ignorant of the Holy Spirit because Jesus said, “But you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” -John 14:7.

A Promise fulfilled 

The Holy Spirit is the Father’s promise fulfilled in Acts 1:4 and Ephesians 1:13,14. His presence was evident on the day of Pentecost as He filled the disciples in Acts 2:1-4.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was temporarily with some select individuals. Still, the promise of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is “that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).

Jesus fulfilled His earthly ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit, having been anointed by the Holy Spirit. He never functioned independently of the Holy Spirit. Scripture says the Holy Spirit led Jesus in Matthew 4:1.

Luke 10:21 records that Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:11 explains that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead.

The same Spirit is what Jesus promised His disciples in John 16:7. Take note that Jesus says, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you;….. “   

That is a loaded statement. The whole chapter can plummet the disciples into despair. Verse 28 tells us that Jesus was returning to His Father but was not leaving the disciples as orphans. He says his departure is to the benefit of His disciples.

Using a conditional clause, “if,” means the Holy Spirit will only be sent to us on condition that Jesus departs.

Let me explain it this way: In His physical human body, Jesus Christ can only be at a particular place at any given time, but the Holy Spirit’s omnipresence makes it possible for Him to indwell all believers all over the world simultaneously.

The Holy Spirit is our advantage because His presence is better than the presence of God in human form.    

Jesus admits the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit in His own life and knows that is the same help we need to survive in this chaotic world. Jesus, therefore, calls the  Holy Spirit  “another Helper” in John 14:16. This means the Holy Spirit is not a stranger at all. He is the representative of Jesus Christ here on earth. He has come to glorify and testify of  Jesus Christ. (John 15:26, 16:14.)

Not for sale

The Holy Spirit is for every believer as God gives the Spirit without limit- John 3:34. In Acts 10:45 and 1 Timothy 4:14, the Holy Spirit is called a “Gift”. He is God’s special gift to mankind.

You cannot buy the Holy Spirit. He is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ – John 7:37-39. In Acts, chapter 8, a former sorcerer attempted to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit, and this was the response from Apostle Peter: “Your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 

Fueling the Believer

The Holy Spirit seals your salvation and authenticates your identity as a child of God. Romans 8:9 says you don’t belong to God without the Spirit of Christ, and 1 Corinthians 12:3 says without the Holy Spirit, you cannot say, “Jesus is Lord.”

The Holy Spirit helps us to serve God, thus eliminating any confidence we put in our flesh-Philippians 3:3

The Holy Spirit is our strengthener, teacher, reminder, guide, and revealer. He leads us into all truth. -John 14:16, 26, John 15:26, John 16:13, Isaiah 11:2

He empowers believers  -Acts 1:8 and equips us with supernatural gifts that will make us stand out – Romans 12:6-7

He changes your character by replacing negative habits with His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and many more in Galatians 5:22  

Convicts the world

Salvation is not an act of force or coercion. A sinner must be convicted to realize their need for the Savior. One of the assignments of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of its sin-John 16:8-9. Conviction is not condemnation. Jesus did not condemn the world; certainly, His Spirit does not condemn. 

Convicting makes the sinner aware of their unbelief in Jesus Christ, which is the root of every sin. The Holy Spirit is, therefore, the Person at work in our salvation, pointing the unbeliever to Christ -John 16:15, Titus 3:5-6.  When we accept and believe in Jesus Christ, God comes to live in us by His Holy Spirit. That’s teamwork!

Sin imprisons an individual, but the Holy Spirit sets you free to be all that God wants you to be in Christ Jesus (1 Cor 2:12, 2 Cor 3:17). Embrace the positive ministry of the Holy Spirit today!

Recommended Videos –  Click on the links below to watch “THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT”  by Patrick E Quainoo

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – YouTube

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-2 – YouTube

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT -3 – YouTube

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-4 – YouTube

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-5 – YouTube

Send your comments and questions to mailto:pqgm29@gmail.com 

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.

(Audio): Discover the relationship in Eternal Life

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” -John 17:3 

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Ever since I grasped the meaning of eternal life, it has become one of my favorite messages. When I had the chance to share a word for the first time on FAITHMOMENTS, I spoke about eternal life. I can teach about eternal life every day because I want you to know and understand that your new life in Jesus is “a present—continuous—personal relationship” with God.

Our salvation in Christ Jesus comes with many great and priceless benefits that must be enjoyed right here on earth. One of the benefits is eternal life, which the Bible describes as a “gift” in Romans 6:23.

Many people have been made to believe wrongly that eternal life is only after death, someday in heaven. But John 3:16 tells the opposite. It says you have eternal life when you believe in Christ Jesus. 1 John 5:11-13 and John 6:40 and 47 are among several scriptures confirming our possession of eternal life.

Now and After

We were saved for heaven, but we must begin living our salvation here on earth. Eternal life is now and in the future. Praise God because you don’t have to wait till after death to start living your everlasting life. This confirms what Jesus said in John chapter 5:24, that a believer in Christ Jesus has “passed from death to life.”

John chapter 17, verse 3, plainly tells us what eternal life is- “know God and know Jesus Christ.”  Jesus Christ provides the best definition or meaning of eternal life. He is the exclusive author of eternal salvation according to Hebrews 5:9 and Acts 4:12. He is the only Way to God in John 14:6. Eternal life is therefore not found in anyone but in Jesus Christ, and it is received by faith.

“Know,” as used in John chapter 17, is not just knowing God or grasping some theological facts about Him. The verse talks about knowing God from a personal relationship and friendship you develop with Him through Christ Jesus, which leads to your personal experience of Him. Without this understanding, you will remain a church member with many good deeds to your credit yet lack a deep and personal intimate relationship with God.

You can’t know all about somebody in a few hours. No!  A day, a week, a month, or even a year is not enough to know somebody. Ask married couples who have been together for many years, and you will be surprised that they are still getting to know each other. To know somebody is to know them continuously, every day; to know somebody means to be friends or have a relationship with them. Even after one of the disciples of Jesus, Peter, had revealed with the help of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the son of God, Jesus later asked another disciple in shock, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?”- John 14:9. (Emphasis mine ). What you don’t know or understand cannot benefit you. Eternal life is to know the God that you worship.

God values relationships, and that is why He took the bold step out of love and offered Jesus Christ so that through His blood, we can have fellowship with God – Colossians 1:20. The existing enmity between God and man as a result of sin has been replaced by “peace” in Ephesians 2:14-17. The death  and resurrection of Jesus mean reconciliation between God and man, which must result in a fellowship, not  a mere “ follower.” The eternal life assurance of salvation is the reason why I say that in the absence of heaven and hell, Jesus would still die to bring us closer to our creator. Therefore, Jesus also means no separation between God and man. Apostle Paul must have been driven by this revelation knowledge as captured in Philippians 3:10. Christianity is all about a personal relationship with a Person, not just some doctrine, theories, or facts.  

An attractive relationship

As a believer, you are not just in any religion. You’ve been called into Grace, who is Christ. Therefore, let your Grace-filled personal relationship with God become a magnet to attract others. You’ve earned the right to be called “ a child ” of God in John 1:12 not because you observe the law to the letter but because of your faith in Christ Jesus.

You are qualified to approach God confidently in Ephesians 3:12. The word of God says in Colossians chapter 3 that you are hidden with Christ in God. Faith in Jesus Christ gives all believers the same opportunity to be in a relationship with Him. I’m talking about a relationship based on what Christ did for us on the cross and not because of our performances. The only weapon the devil ever had against you was your sins, but Jesus dealt with that on the cross according to Hebrews 9:22 and Hebrews 10:12.  Don’t let your past life deprive you of the everyday relationship you can enjoy in Jesus Christ. Jesus has set you free to enjoy a relationship with God and to tell others about Him.

Somebody’s salvation depends on what you share from your experience with Jesus.  After personally meeting with Jesus, this is what the Samaritans said to the woman whose testimony led them to Jesus Christ: “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man is the Savior of the world.” -John 4:39-42

To know God and Jesus Christ is to increase your knowledge of them through the word of God. If God is a stranger to you, you are less likely to believe what He has said in His Word. Just like the early believers, let us increase our knowledge of God—Ephesians 1:17. In 2 Peter 3:18, we are encouraged to grow in our knowledge of Christ Jesus.

Your relationship with God through Christ Jesus will commit you to spending time in His word, to know Him more and more, and to hear Him speak to you directly. In John 10:27-28, Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice…” Do you hear His voice?

Prayer becomes an effortless daily lifestyle borne out of a relationship with God and not just an avenue for seeking material things or fulfilling a religious requirement.  

Recommended Videos: “JESUS IS ETERNAL LIFE” & “READ THE WORD TO HEAR GOD “ by clicking the links below.

https://studio.youtube.com/video/XUroeWxkKc0/edit

https://studio.youtube.com/video/U5mD8PCTmBY/edit

https://studio.youtube.com/video/lzBuBXobDIs/edit

Send your comments and questions to pqgm29@gmail.com  

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.

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Why you must stay focused on Jesus

“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity],….”-Hebrews 12:1-3 

(LISTEN TO AUDIO VERSION)

Faith in God is the pulse of a believer. In 1 Peter 1:7, faith is valued as more precious than gold. That’s revealing! 

We need faith at the point of salvation to accept what God has made available through grace. We also need faith throughout our Christian life to please God, according to Hebrews 11:6. Verse 1 of Hebrews chapter 12 admonishes us to “run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,”. Our faith life is comparable to running a race. Believing in Christ Jesus-Romans 10:10 qualifies you to run the race of faith.

Without endurance, one can easily get tired and may not be able to finish the race. Do you know athletes are disqualified when they don’t complete a race? It is, therefore, advised that when you are trailing or exhausted, you must try and cross the finish.  In the same way, believers must be determined to cross the finish of the faith race.

When I contributed to our “ FOCUS ON JESUS “SeriesI illustrated the need to finish a race no matter the circumstance by referring to the example of former British Olympic runner Derek Redmond. His story has been described as one of the purest examples of determination and perseverance in Olympic history. Tipped to pick the gold medal for the 400-meter semi-final race, Derek was forced to pull up due to an injury. The injury may have denied Derek the medal,  but it could not move him out of the race, as he had to limp to the finish.  

Hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 to 3 admonishes believers to avoid distractions. Let me make it simple for you -get rid of distractions! Distractions can derail you and take you off the track. To run the race of faith, we must strip off or lay aside any weight hindering us. 

As children of God, the remedy for endurance or perseverance is to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ. The Bible presents Jesus as the perfect example to emulate.

Jesus must have encountered many distractions, two of which are the “cross” and “shame,” in fulfilling His assignment. He, however, did not quit but endured. Verse 2 of Hebrews chapter 12 testifies that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, signifying his exaltation. We are being encouraged to look at both the exaltation and motivation of Jesus Christ as we run our race.

Why focus on Jesus?

  • We must focus on Jesus Christ because He is the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith. We believe in Him unto salvation- John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9. We must continually believe in Him because our sustenance depends on Him – 1 Cor 1:8.  
  • Jesus finished the race set before Him and is now seated at the right hand of God. This proves that Jesus completed His assignment -John 19:30, Philippians 2:8-11, 1 Peter 3:22, Hebrews 1:3.
  • Jesus endured the cross. God entrusted the cross, which was the path to redemption, into the hands of Jesus. So, though the experience was horrific, it was the necessary price to pay for the forgiveness of sins- Hebrews 10:12-14, 1 Peter 2:24. The cross shows just how horrible sin is -Romans 6:23.
  • Jesus endured bitter hostility from sinners. In the lead-up to His crucifixion, Jesus appeared to answer questions before the Sanhedrin, consisting of the chief priest, scribes, and elders. The people who had gathered to watch the proceedings did not only mock Him but spat on his face -Matthew 26:67. How sad to see the very people you are willing to die for humiliate you.
  • Jesus disregarded the shame associated with the cross. It means Jesus deliberately ignored any shame attached to the cross. In the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a shameful way to die. But Jesus despised the shame, setting his eyes on the hope of joy ahead- “For the joy set before him….” Hebrews 12:2.

Life in this world can be a wild ride of change and uncertainty. There will be times when you must navigate rough waters-John 16:33. Challenging periods can become distractions. Never forget the hope of joy set before you. Follow Jesus’ formula by focusing on the glory ahead. Paul speaks of finishing his race joyfully in Acts 20:24. That should be our goal, too- Philippians 3:13-14. The secret is to take our eyes off the circumstances surrounding us and stay focused on Jesus. When you stumble, fall, or get injured, get up, shake the dust – off, and continue the race, even if it means limping to the finish. Remember, this race is not about speed but persistence and endurance. Crossing the finish. It is not to receive temporal medals here on earth but eternal rewards in heaven.  Paul exhorts Christians to go for the prize in 1 Corinthians 9:24.  

 When you find yourself at the crossroads, remember the old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”  For believers, the tough thing is to get going because they remember to keep their eyes on Jesus, who remains the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith.

Recommended videos – “FOCUS ON JESUS” by Patrick and Joyce Quainoo

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #2 – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #3 – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #4 – YouTube

FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST #5 – YouTube

Send you comments and questions to pqgm29@gmail.com

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.

Enjoy your freedom in Christ Jesus

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”-Romans 8:1-2

(LISTEN TO AUDIO VERSION)

To better appreciate and enjoy the freedom or liberty in Jesus Christ, you must know and understand who you have become in Him.  Romans chapter 8, verses 1 and 2, states that the status of a believer in Christ Jesus is “FREE” and “NO CONDEMNATION.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are no longer under condemnation. You are free from the bondage of sin and death. You are debt-free! What you now possess is Eternal life.

Jesus Christ sets you free the moment you believe in Him. This is the good news of the Gospel. In John 3:16, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This good news calls for celebration. If you believe in Christ Jesus, you can start enjoying eternal life.

What has Jesus set you free from?

You have been set free from sin and death. You have also escaped the wrath that comes from not believing in Jesus Christ, according to John chapter 3, verse 36. Romans 6:20-23 and Acts 13:38-39 confirm that you have been set free from every sin. The penalty of sin hanging on us when we were sinners has been paid in full by Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!  What you have is “freedom” ] in Him.  Aside from the forgiveness of sins, we have also been made alive with Christ, according to Colossians 2:13-14.

In Titus chapter 2, verses 13 to 14,  we learn that Jesus has redeemed us and purchased our freedom from all wickedness. Praise God! If we have been set free, why do some Christians behave as if they are still in bondage? 

Ignorance or lack of knowledge is one of the many reasons. Some Christians refuse to know what God has made available to them in His Word. In Hosea 4:6, God says people perish because of a lack of knowledge, which is because they reject knowledge. (Emphasis mine).  Note that the problem here is the rejection of knowledge, which causes you to lack knowledge, leading you to perish. Jesus said in John 8:32 that the truth you know will set you free.  

Another reason is that many Christians allow their past to imprison them. This leaves them plagued by guilt and condemnation. Your past life is not a life sentence. There is a better present and future life in Christ Jesus. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that anyone in Christ is a new creation.  A new creation has a new life, not the old life. And if Jesus has set you free, you are free indeed, according to John 8:36.  Romans 6:4 encourages believers to walk in the newness of life.

Ignorance of the word of God and all the great benefits available to you as a child of God will not only keep you in bondage but will become a license for greedy and false preachers to take advantage of you. In Galatians 2:4, Paul did not mince words as he brought to the fore the activities of “false believers” aimed at bringing us (believers) back into bondage. I like the NKJ version of the Bible, which states, “And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),”

 I often say many Christians are living a “bonded life,” even though the law of liberty in Christ has been put into effect. This makes me sad.  In Galatians 5:1, Paul calls on all believers to hold firmly to their freedom to avoid another yoke of bondage. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives according to Luke 4:18. You are a child of the free woman, so stop living like a child of the slave woman -Galatians 4:30-31.   

Enjoying your freedom means acknowledging and living a practical life that demonstrates that true freedom is in Christ Jesus. You talk and walk that freedom. You walk with your chest out and your head up, ready to explain your freedom to anyone with questions.  

What are we free to do?  

Among many other things, we are free to know God every day and to have a deep relationship with Him—2 Corinthians 3:17, John 17:3.

We are also free to enter the presence of God with boldness. You must not hide from God. Genesis 3:8 says Adam and Eve hid from God after they had disobeyed Him. Still, Jesus has set you free to have an eternal relationship with your creator -Hebrews 4:16, James 4:8. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ broke and removed every barrier that existed between us and God-Romans 5:10.

We have been set free to make disciples. This is the “Great Commission” that every believer or follower of Jesus Christ must pursue. I call it the ministry of a believer. You may dodge this assignment if you are running around feeling guilty and condemned. One of the tricks satan employs to discourage the children of God from sharing Jesus is guilt.  I want you to know that your freedom is your license to boldly tell others about Jesus Christ– Matthew 28:19-20.

We have been set free from the law, which is of the old covenant, into freedom in Christ in the new covenant. The law points people to sin -Galatians 3:23-25, Hebrews 8:6-7.  Gentiles are not part of the old covenant and its associated laws-Romans 2:14, Galatians 4:4-5. The new covenant in Christ Jesus, however, embraces Gentiles, and there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Christ-Galatians 3:28.  

Jesus has set us free! We are cautioned against abusing that freedom. 1 Peter 2:16 advises believers against using our freedom as a cover-up for evil. In Galatians 5:13, Apostle Paul admonishes Christians not to use our freedom to please the flesh. I will encourage you to rely on the Holy Spirit as you live your new life in Christ; He is your helper -John 14:26.

Recommended: Watch “YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS ” by clicking the links below. Get related messages on our YouTube Channel

YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS – YouTube

KEEP YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS with Pastor -Patrick – YouTube

OUR FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST – YouTube

YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS # 2 – YouTube

OUR FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST-4 – YouTube

YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST JESUS # 5 (Shadows or Realities ?) – YouTube

Let me hear from you. Send all your questions and comments to pqgm29@gmail.com

Your love donation will help us to reach many more people with the Gospel of Christ.