Discover The Most Expensive Item in the World!

Discover The Most Expensive Item in the World!

by | Jul 12, 2020 | General

What is the most expensive item in the world? The answer might seem relative, depending on one’s financial status and personal values. For some, the pursuit of the most expensive item—be it a car, jewellery, a house, or any other luxurious possession—is a significant life goal. Such items often serve as symbols of success and status, attracting admiration and accolades.

However, according to the greatest teacher ever, Jesus Christ, the true value of life’s most precious item far surpasses any material possession. In Matthew 16:26, He says:

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”

JESUS

Let’s take a moment to ponder this profound statement.

The Value of the Soul

Jesus’ question challenges us to reconsider our priorities. He implies that one can amass all the wealth and possessions the world has to offer and still suffer a tremendous loss—losing one’s soul. This verse underscores the unparalleled value of the soul.

“But what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” – Matthew 16:26

The Incomparable Worth of the Soul

For Jesus to make such a statement highlights the soul’s extraordinary importance. But what makes the soul so valuable?

  1. Eternal Significance: Unlike material possessions, which are temporary, the soul is eternal. It transcends the fleeting nature of earthly wealth and holds everlasting significance.
  2. Divine Creation: The soul is a unique creation of God, imbued with His image and breath of life. Its value is intrinsic and not dependent on external factors.
  3. Relationship with God: The soul’s value is also tied to its potential for a relationship with God. This relationship is the source of true fulfilment and purpose, far beyond what material possessions can provide.

We are too complex to have just happened by chance or random events. We are designed by purpose hence extremely valuable in the universe.

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Reflecting on Priorities

Jesus’ words urge us to reflect on what we truly value. While it’s natural to seek comfort and security through material means, we must not lose sight of what is ultimately most important. Our souls—our very essence and being—are priceless and deserve our utmost care and attention.

Worth Thinking About?

In a world that often measures success by wealth and possessions, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 16:26 serves as a poignant reminder of the soul’s supreme value. It calls us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and seek a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. Nothing is worth more than our soul, and no worldly gain can ever compensate for its loss.

Have An Eternal (Long-Term) Value System

Understanding the immense value of the soul encourages us to embrace long-term value systems that transcend immediate gratification and material wealth. Here are key principles to guide us in cultivating these enduring values:

1. Spiritual Growth and Development

Investing in our spiritual growth is paramount. This involves nurturing our relationship with God through regular prayer, meditation, and studying the scriptures. Spiritual disciplines help align our lives with God’s purposes and foster inner peace and fulfilment.

2. Building Strong Relationships

The quality of our relationships significantly impacts our well-being and legacy. Cultivating genuine, loving relationships with family, friends, and community reflects God’s love and creates a supportive network that enriches our lives and the lives of others.

3. Pursuing Integrity and Character

Character and integrity are foundational to long-term success and fulfilment. Upholding honesty, kindness, and ethical behaviour not only honours God but also builds trust and respect with others. Our character shapes our destiny and leaves a lasting impact on those we interact with.

4. Service and Contribution

Serving others and contributing to the greater good aligns with the biblical call to love our neighbours as ourselves. Acts of service, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting charitable causes, reflect Jesus’ teachings and create a positive ripple effect in society.

5. Lifelong Learning and Growth

Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and personal growth enables us to adapt to life’s changes and challenges. Seeking wisdom, whether through education, experiences, or the counsel of others, helps us make informed decisions and grow in our understanding of God’s world.

6. Stewardship of Resources

Faithful stewardship of our resources—time, talents, and treasures—is crucial. This includes managing our finances wisely, using our abilities to serve God and others, and making time for what truly matters. Stewardship reflects gratitude for God’s blessings and ensures that our resources are used purposefully.

7. Legacy and Impact

Consider the legacy you wish to leave behind. Our actions and choices today shape the memories and impact we leave for future generations. Strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and truth, inspiring others to follow a path of righteousness and purpose.

Conclusion

Embracing long-term value systems rooted in spiritual principles ensures that we prioritize what truly matters. By focusing on spiritual growth, building strong relationships, pursuing integrity, serving others, committing to lifelong learning, stewarding our resources, and considering our legacy, we align our lives with God’s eternal purposes.

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 16:26 reminds us that no material gain can compare to the value of our souls. As we navigate life’s journey, let us keep our eyes fixed on the eternal and invest in what brings lasting fulfilment and honour to God.

Prayers for the Local Church 1

Prayers for the Local Church 1

by | Jan 10, 2019 | Prayers

In this post, I have extracted these prayers from the book of 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 using the New Living Translation (NLT) version of the bible.  

Deriving prayers from the scriptures is one of the best ways of praying the will of God. 

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Every believer (Christian) who prays these prayers for his/her church will see the fruits of their labour in this world and that which is to come.  Shalom.

  1. We thank God for the church of God in Alperton, London [replace with your church location](1 Thessalonians 1:1)
  2. We pray that every member of this church will belong to the Lord Jesus genuinely. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
  3. We pray for grace and peace to every member of this church. (1 Thessalonians 1:1
  4. We pray that members of this church will be faithful in the work of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
  5. We pray that our members will have enduring hope because of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
  6. We pray that our members will live their lives as those chosen by God. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
  7. We Pray that every member will realise and know the love of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
  8. We pray every member will know that they are God’s people. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
  9. Pray that the gospel will not just be with words but with power amongst the church, this local church. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
  10. Pray that the Holy Spirit will have His work of full assurance of the truth amongst us as a church. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
  11. Pray that the leaders, pastors, and teachers of the word will teach the truth always. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
  12. Pray that the leadership of the church, on every level, would live a life that testifies of Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
  13. Pray that the leadership will have a genuine concern for members of the church. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
  14. Pray that the message of the Lord will always be received with joy from the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
  15. Pray that every member of the church will not lose their joy when suffering arises because of the Word. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
  16. Pray that every member will imitate God and the leadership of the church. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
  17. Pray that every member of our church will be a good example of a believer to other churches and neighbours. (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
  18. Pray that the word of God will spread through our members to people everywhere. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
  19. Pray that the faith of our members will speak and preach the good news. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
  20. Pray that our members will be welcoming and accommodating to those who live by faith and the truth. (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
  21. Pray that every member will turn away from every idol indeed and serve the living and true God. (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
  22. Pray that every member will look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
  23. Pray that every member will remember always that God raised Jesus from the dead. (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
  24. Pray that every member will live in remembrance that Jesus Christ rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgement. (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
  25. Pray that every member lives their life knowing that they will be judged someday and hence live a life of accountability. (1 Thessalonians 1:10)

Let me know if you have been praying these prayers for your local assembly. Share with as many believers as you know.

Evangelize the World!

Evangelize the World!

by | Sep 24, 2018 | Evangelism, General

Welcome to Evangelism Today. 

I want to say a big thank you for taking interest in evangelizing the world.   This is simply a command from the Lord Jesus and we should take it more seriously seeing the day of the Lord approaching.

This blog will focus on biblical text and insights that help you tell the world about Jesus.   Jesus indeed loves everyone in the world but does not love sin.  He has already paid for it and if only the world will focus on this love of God, then the world will be a better place.  Or better still, the people will be more loving, forgiving, caring and many more things attributes and attitudes that the Lord encouraged us to take on.

As I close this very short first post, I remember the text of Mark 16:15:

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

we now have access to the whole world, let’s follow this simple command of the Lord – preach the Gospel!  Not self-help, not self-motivation, not 7 steps to greatness or 5 steps to financial prosperity.  Just simply the Gospel.  The big question is “What is the Gospel?”   We will have a look at the Gospel that Paul said he is not ashamed of (Romans 1:16).

May God strengthen your heart and faith to begin to  live for Him daily.  Amen.

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