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President: Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen
Associate Editor: Gideon Pingkihan
Content Editor: Effie Ochago
Design: EGM Media
-Emily E. Bennett -Leslie Moore -Jola Praise Ademola -Effie Ochago
MEET OUR WRITERS
Emily E. Bennett, M.Ed., Ed.S., a former writer teacher, believes writing can be used as a powerful tool to encourage, inspire, and renew hearts and minds. Now as a mom of three, she fills her day seeking God in the little moments of life: a soft tune hummed by one of her sons, a butterfly precariously floating around her yard, a lyric in a song that makes her heart pump. Her writing reflects the goodness of God’s love and grace as seen in her own dark moments. More of her writing can be found on her blog “Meditations & Motherhood.” Emily currently lives in Georgia, US with her sweet husband, three blessing kiddos, and cuddly 80lb goldendoodle.
Leslie is extraordinarily blessed to be a full-time mom and homemaker. She married her high school sweetheart, John, and they reside in Mississippi with their two children. A love of history and theology inspires Leslie as she weaves faith through the historical romance novels she crafts. When she’s not writing or daydreaming about her characters, Leslie enjoys traveling with her family, reading books written by her talented friends, and volunteering with children. Leslie is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with The Steve Laube Agency.
Jola Praise Ademola is a visionary artist, Christian storyteller, and media evangelist dedicated to illuminating the Holy Spirit's presence in everyday life. Through her craft, Jola weaves inspiring narratives that reveal the divine in the mundane, bridging faith and culture. As founder of Rehomation ministry, Jola shares Bible-based teachings and prayers focused on family, relationships, and community transformation. Her entrepreneurial spirit also drives Mola Standard Limited (MSL), a social impact startup company harnessing creative solutions for societal change. Connect with her online @jolaadura_/Rehomation.
Effie is a writer and editor based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a deep passion for the word of God. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language and Communication and currently serves as the Content Editor for EGM Times.Dedicated to sharing biblical truth and inspiring others in their faith journey, she uses her writing to uplift and encourage.
Emily E. Bennett
Leslie Moore Jola Praise Ademola Effie Ochago
EDITORIAL
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I hope you are all doing well by God’s grace.
In this edition, we will be featuring a prominent character in the Bible, and one of the most compelling narratives of transformation in Christian history, Apostle Paul.
He was known as Saul of Tarsus, a devout Pharisee and a fierce persecutor of Christians before becoming a fervent evangelist, preaching the very gospel he once tried to destroy. Taking the name of Paul, he dedicated the rest of his life spreading Christianity across Roman empire, establishing churches, and writing letters that would later form a significant portion of the New Testament.
Paul’s own words in 1 Corinthians 15:10, saying “But by the grace of God, I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain”. In this text, we can see Paul’s deep awareness of the undeserved favor he received and his commitment to make that grace count through his tireless work for the gospel. Paul remained resilient in his mission through suffering, imprisonment, and hardships he experienced, proclaiming “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
The life of Apostle Paul is indeed a powerful example of how God can turn a life around. Using past failures as a foundation for a greater calling serves as a glimpse of hope to prove to us that His grace is capable of transforming even the hardest of hearts and no one is far from His love. Romans 8:28 assures us, “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
To all of you who are reading this today, let Paul’s story encourage you. No matter where you have been or what you have done, the grace of the LORD is sufficient for you. He can turn even our darkest past into a powerful testimony and use you for His glory. As Paul encouraged Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12).
Let us trust in His plan, stay faithful, and embrace the calling He has for our lives, and may the life of Apostle Paul inspire us to walk in boldly in faith.
Enjoy reading. God bless us all.
In His Service,
Gideon Pingkihan Associate Editor EGM Times
THE MOST POWERFUL WAY TO HONOR THE NOTHING YOU HAVE
-Emily Bennett
Paul’s influential teachings of Jesus show Christians that God takes our “nothing” and performs the impossible.
I lay in bed, fists clenching the comforter. Tears streamed down my face, sopping into my pillow. My heart was broken, and my mind was in despair. Not knowing what else to do, I opened the Bible app and read the scripture in front of me. The words of the apostle Paul struck me as he called one of his students good and faithful. My heart cracked open in unbelief as I felt God place these very words on my splintered soul. I looked up at God through tear-filled eyes and asked dejectedly, “Do you really call me good and faithful?”
My hands released the comforter. Palms open, empty before me (and before God), symbolized the nothing I felt, the nothing I had to give, the nothing I had become. I was filled with nothing, exposed and vulnerable before God. “I have nothing. I feel like nothing,” I whispered into the air. “What can you do with nothing?”
In the depths of depression or anxiety, the enemy uses “nothing” to subdue us and make us submit to our internal crises. “Nothing” calls us worthless, pointless, incapable. We become the pawns of the negative voices we listen to most (especially when our inner voice is the most negative). If “nothing” means we are unimportant, then we are defeated before God can even use us.
However, the Apostle Paul, “a servant of Jesus Christ,” encourages God’s people through the Holy Spirit that the “nothing” we can give is exactly what Jesus uses to glorify God and show us the freedom God desires for our lives. Freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1), freedom from shame (Philippians 1:20), and freedom from self-sufficiency (Philippians 2:13). As a teacher who taught mostly from the cells of prisons, Paul emboldens us to serve God fully and to be fully loved and known by Him even when we have nothing to offer or feel empty ourselves.
Paul was an avid writer and teacher of the way and truth of Jesus Christ. Once a persecutor of Christianity, he becomes persecuted when a divine encounter with God changes Paul's life's trajectory forever (Acts 9:1-22). Paul wrote his letters to different churches to ensure that the message of Jesus had, in essence, nothing added to it: the way to salvation is the belief in Jesus and then repentance of sins. That’s it. Nothing else—actions, words, or deeds—can save us. Paul assures God’s people that nothing can thwart God’s great plans for his people (Philippians 1:6), nothing can come between his love and our hearts (Romans 8:38-39), and nothing will ever make us fall to condemnation (Romans 8:1).
“BUT WHEN WE SURRENDER OUR NOTHINGNESS TO GOD, HE BEGINS TO TRANSFORM US INTO HIS IMAGE BEARERS, AND WE WEAR THE ALMIGHTY’S HONOR AND GLORY. WE REFLECT HIS LIGHT EVERYWHERE WE GO, ILLUMINATING THE NOTHINGNESS AROUND US.”
What does Paul show us God can do with our nothingness? God chooses us, blesses us, and adopts us into his very own family (Ephesians 1:3). In return, we have nothing to be anxious for, nothing to fear, and nothing to regret.
God’s power and love tenderly mold our nothingness into something beautiful. We are lumps of clay in the great potter’s hands (Jeremiah 18:6), unformed, stuck, and hardening every moment apart from God. But when we surrender our nothingness to God, he begins to transform us into His image bearers, and we wear the Almighty’s honor and glory. We reflect his light everywhere we go, illuminating the nothingness around us. When we have nothing more to give, God’s mercy is rich, drenching us in an impenetrable, unconditional love (Ephesians 2:4-5).
If we continue holding on to our nothingness like it is better than God, God lifts our hands, heads, and hearts and showers us with limitless grace. He takes the nothing we give and gently says, “Child, I created you. Let me show you what we can do with this.”
If you are looking for perfection, Jesus is the only one with those credentials. If you want to know how to live God’s way as a follower of Jesus, you can study the words of the very real, inspiring person of the apostle Paul. His letters are not only truthful and stirring, but they also admonish the teachers of scripture to keep the gospel pure of nothing but Jesus.
So, when you feel like you are coming to the end of yourself, to the nothing that is beyond you, don’t be anxious or afraid of the vacuum you might face. Remember that this void might be exactly where God is leading you. When we have nothing left to give, God can continue the good work he began in us from the beginning of creation. As the apostle Paul reiterates, “nothing” is a powerful word when put into the hands of a great, grace-filled God.
THE LIFE OF APOSTLE PAUL
Acts 9:3-6
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his
Acts 9:20-22
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 21:33
Acts 13:6
6 Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
3 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
THE GREAT WORK
-Leslie Moore
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1 ESV).
From holding the coats of the men who stoned Stephen to his radical conversion on the road to Damascus to penning the masterpiece gospel doctrine found in Romans and other epistles, Paul's life continues to inspire us.
Paul proclaimed bold words to Christians in the ancient city of Corinth, not as a boast of himself but, as he explains in 1 Corinthians 4:15, as a father to believers in Christ. He often addressed his readers as brothers, beloved children, and saints. As a leader, Paul lived a life others sought to follow. He could confidently challenge his readers to imitate him because he first imitated Christ. Above all, Paul was a servant and obediently chose to follow the call of proclaiming the gospel to the world.
Historians and Bible scholars agree that the apostle Paul's missional life led to the rapid spread of Christianity in the first century. The ripple effects of his tireless ministry can be felt by believers today as we continue to study and glean from the words of his teachings. First-century and present-day believers turn to Paul’s writings to understand the delicate balance between biblical truths like the relationship of grace to the law, justification by faith not works, salvation through Christ alone, the believer's identity in Christ, and Christian conduct.
Perhaps unlike any before or after him, Paul called himself both the foremost sinner and blameless under the law as a Pharisee. In Philippians 3, Paul explains that he, above all others, had reason to boast in his flesh. After a detailed list of his accomplishments, he declared them all “rubbish.” The original Greek word here can be translated as garbage or even dung.
WITHOUT THE LAW ACTING AS OUR MIRROR, WE WOULD NEVER UNDERSTAND OUR NEED FOR A SAVIOR.
Paul stacked his long and noteworthy list of accolades and achievements next to knowing Christ as Lord, calling his efforts worthless. In his own words, he says, "But whatever gain I had, I counted loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them all as rubbish, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" (Phil. 3:7-9).
As a Pharisee, Paul treasured the law. While the law is good and acts as the means by which we understand our sinfulness, the law cannot make us righteous. We can only be accepted as holy when Christ imputes his righteousness to us. Conviction of sin through the law is God’s mercy in our life. Without the law acting as our mirror, we would never understand our need for a Savior. Paul’s years of studying the law provided the foundation for his significant letters, including the book of Romans, where he reminded believers of Abraham’s righteousness through faith before the establishment of the law.
Through Paul’s three missionary journeys, he carried the gospel to much of the Mediterranean world and experienced persecution from the Jews. In his letter to the churches of Galatia, he expounded Jesus’ words on how by loving your neighbor, the whole of the law is fulfilled.
What better way to express love than by sharing the hope of the gospel with those around you?
Paul modeled this love by continuing to teach believers through his letters despite persecution and imprisonment. To the believers in Colossae, Paul explained his great struggle in Christ’s strength to bring them to maturity. To Philippi, he expressed his great love in yearning to see them. To Ephesus, he did not cease in his prayers for them, and to Corinth, he declared his great thankfulness for them and the grace God gave through Jesus. Through his words, the evidence of Paul’s love for those he called brothers and sisters in Christ was unquestionable.
We can confidently say Paul ran his race and finished faithfully (2 Tim. 4:7). He loved in great measure, traveling long distances to ensure the gospel was preached to those who had not yet heard. This same man said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
And yet, for Paul, Jesus was everything. Christ’s finished work on the cross, the righteousness only He could impute upon us, the depths of His love, and the redeeming blood found only in His death endured as Paul’s motivation in all things. Jesus remains our perfect example, a spotless life of obedience poured out in submission to His Father in all things.
As modern-day believers contemplate the ministry of Paul of Tarsus, a final question remains: How are we, who share the privilege of reading the same Spirit-inspired Scripture passed down by the work of scribes and scholars for over two thousand years, to carry on this gospel of hope? How are we in our communities, workplaces, homes, and churches to continue the great work of early Christians like Paul, who let nothing stand in the way of spreading the Good News?
Lord, lead us as you led Paul. Raise your men and women to share Your gospel for Your glory and namesake until the world hears.
The Bible stands as the most translated book in the world, a testament to its profound impact, having reached the hearts of people in at least 3,756 languages as of 2024.
THE UNLIKELY APOSTLE
Someone like me died the other day.
His name was Stephen. He was a storyteller, too, and although he was one among seven men chosen to distribute food to the neglected widows in the early church, his devotion to God surpassed all. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ until his death. He even dared to describe the future and the glory of what he saw. Unfortunately, the people who listened disagreed. Covering their ears with hatred, they took him out, screaming ‘Blasphemy!’ and stoned him. For this very gospel, he was killed.
The weather must have been very warm that day. The sun, high up in the sky, almost blinding with its rays. So much so that the Pharisees took off their outer garments to allow them more freedom to swing their arms and haul stones against this "blasphemer." His accusers placed their garments under the watch of a certain man named Saul. This was the first time a storyteller died. Even more, the first man to be killed for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
-Jola Praise Ademola
But this is not my actual story.
My actual story concerns the man who watched the garments of Stephen’s executioners. He was Saul of Tarsus, born to well-to-do Jewish parents in a place known today as Turkey. All his youth, he learned the hardness of religion. Sent to be trained strictly at a rabbinical school in his youth, he studied the Law and the prophets under a leading authority in the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel. He embraced his education so much that he pursued the execution, seizure of assets, and incarceration of Christians whom he believed to be against the cause of God. With the backing of the high priest and Sanhedrin, he led a violent persecution against the early church. He was set on one major thing: to kill anyone who didn't think like he did.
Saul continued in this way he knew best until what he disbelieved struck his eyes, literally.
It was on his way to Damascus. He had the Law on his side— permitting him to bring anyone who belonged to this different way, this Christ’s Way, bound to Jerusalem for public spectacle and the horror of others. Almost at the end of his journey to Damascus, he and his companions were suddenly struck by a blinding light from heaven, and a voice they all could hear addressed him by name.
I am Jesus.
I am Jesus in these people you torture and kill. I am Jesus whom you hunt to hurt.
Yet, I am Jesus who conquered death and rose again, like I said I would.
I am Jesus who you will now know and now speak You cannot resist my turning your hate into grace
Saul’s conversion is proof that Jesus qualifies the most unqualified. We look to Jesus—the no-fault-finding Human Resource Manager who would call us to do the work of the Father and see us through His job requirements, walking according to our calling. I doubt anyone could have seen that coming, from persecutor to evangelist. Another great lesson Saul’s conversion teaches me is to learn to pray for the enemies of the church.
Whoever they might be, no matter how grave their actions against me. Sometimes, I am so moved by the hatred and persecution brewing against God's people in northern Nigeria that I want to pray for fire to consume the enemy; that their eyes be shut forever and they be put to shame, and that they get a taste of their own medicine; that the worst kind of disease, misfortune or death befall them. Micah 7:19, in the King James rendition, says, “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” May I not be like Jonah, who desired the destruction of a repentant people. I do not blame him too much; I would be lying if I said I couldn’t relate. Human thinking tells us that the downfall of our enemies is victory, but who can limit God’s mercy?
Scripture says God will “turn again” in Micah 7:19. I don’t know how many times He will turn again before His second coming. But I wish to extend His invitation to you. Jesus says: “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30, KJV.
“It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Come home out of your own way,
“Saul’s conversion is proof that Jesus qualifies the most unqualified.”
Are you a mother trying to cope with the painful reality of your adult child's addiction or self-destructive behaviors?
Are you overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness, fear, and despair?
Do you experience regret, as though you could have prevented this from happening to your child?
Are you worn out from trying to save them from themselves?
You are not alone. I've experienced a similar journey in my effort to save my children who struggled with substance use disorder. After years of trying to break free from feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame, I finally surrendered my will to God and embraced His redeeming grace like never before.
From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children offers guidance to mothers grappling with the anguish of their child’s addiction. Through Biblical truths and personal insights, you will discover the lies keeping you trapped in guilt and shame and experience the transforming power of God’s grace to set you and your loved ones free.
Dawn R. Ward is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry for women whose loved ones struggle with addiction or life-destructive behaviors. Dawn and her husband, Steve, are parents to three adult children. After many years working in the medical field, primarily with female patients, Dawn has a unique perspective on the hearts and lives of women. Dawn's mission is to share the transformative love of Jesus, offering hope, healing, and freedom to all enduring life's hardships. www.dawnrward.com and www.thefaithtoflourish.com
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DAWN R WARD
Smith Wigglesworth was born on 10 June 1859 in Menston, Yorkshire, England, to an impoverished family. As a small child, he worked in the fields, pulling turnips alongside his mother; he also worked in factories to help provide for his family. He was illiterate as a child, being unschooled because of his labors.
Nominally a Methodist, he became a born again Christian at the age of eight. His grandmother was a devout Methodist; his parents, John and Martha, took young Smith to Methodist and Anglican churches on regular occasions. He was confirmed by a Bishop in the Church of England, baptized by immersion in a Baptist church, and had grounding in Bible teaching in the Plymouth Brethren while learning the plumbing trade as an apprentice from a man in the Brethren movement.
Wigglesworth learned to read after he married Polly; she taught him to read the Bible. He often stated that it was the only book he ever read, and did not permit newspapers in his home, preferring the Bible to be their only reading material.
Smith struggled with the reality of healing, while being ill himself. He decided to give up the medicine that he was taking and trust God. He was healed. They had five children, a girl and four boys. One morning two of the boys were sick. The power of God came and they prayed for the boys and they were instantly healed. Smith struggled with the idea that God would use him to heal the sick in general. He would gather up a group of people and drive them to get prayer in Leeds. The leaders of the meeting were going to a convention and left Smith in charge. He was horrified. How could he lead a meeting about divine healing? He tried to pass it off to someone else but could not. Finally he led the meeting and several people were healed. That was it. From then on Smith began to pray for people for healing.
Over Smith's ministry it was confirmed that 14 people were raised from the dead. Thousands were saved and healed and he impacted whole continents for Christ. Smith died on March 12, 1947 at the funeral of his dear friend Wilf Richardson. His ministry was based on four principles " First, read the Word of God. Second, consume the Word of God until it consumes you. Third believe the Word of God. Fourth, act on the Word."
" First, read the Word of God. Second, consume the Word of God until it consumes you. Third believe the Word of God. Fourth, act on the Word."
-Smith Wigglesworth
WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK FROM SAYING YES TO THE CALL OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE? SAY YES TO THE CALL OF GOD BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
HARD TRUTH
ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OF
OR HIS SERVANTS? JESUS CHRIST
-EGM Times Editorial Team
In today's world, it is easy to admire and follow influential Christian leaders who inspire us with their words, wisdom, and example. It is biblical that we should respect and learn from them, but we must ensure that our primary devotion is to Christ alone. When our loyalty to a leader surpasses our commitment to Christ, we place ourselves in spiritual danger.
When you study 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, you can see How Apostle Paul confronted the Corinthian churches who tried to bring division among the body of Christ based on the leaders they followed.
1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere human beings? 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.
“OUR PASTORS AND LEADERS ARE A GIFT FROM GOD TO TEACH AND GUIDE US ON OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. BUT OUR ALLEGIANCE BELONGS TO JESUS CHRIST ALONE.”
Here, Apostle Paul strictly condemns the people who tried to give more importance to the servants of God instead of giving importance to the God of Paul and Apollos. We live in a time when many Christian leaders don't mind getting as many fans as possible, but Paul was not a big fan of his own fans because he didn't try to build his kingdom but the Kingdom of God alone. He made sure everyone around him gave the entire glory to God alone.
Jeremiah 17:5 says, "This is what the LORD says: Cursed is a man who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh & whose heart turns away from the LORD." This text warns us about the consequences of putting too much trust in human beings rather than God. Let us remember that our leaders are human & can fall into sin. Even the most faithful & anointed leaders are not perfect.
The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). When we place too much faith in a person, we set ourselves up for disappointment if they fail. Don't mindlessly follow your favorite Christian preachers or worship leaders. Stay rooted in God's word and follow him. They may be God's instruments to empower you spiritually, but they should never replace God. Being a disciple of Jesus goes beyond just watching them; you must meditate on scripture and spend quality time praying personally.
Conferences and Church services should never substitute your personal quality time with the Lord.
Our pastors and leaders are a gift from God to teach and guide us on our spiritual journey. But our allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ alone. Leaders can inspire us but are not our foundation—only Christ is. People can lead us closer to Jesus but should not replace Him in our hearts. Many Christians become more loyal to the church, a denomination, or a preacher rather than Christ Himself, which is dangerous! It can lead to spiritual deception and even division within the church.
Many are committed to a certain preacher or worship leader; when they fall from their faith, people who follow them more than Christ also fall away from their faith.
Let us avoid personality-based Christianity. Instead of saying, "I follow Pastor X," say, "I follow Jesus." If a leader falls into sin or false teaching, stay focused on Christ and continue growing in faith. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus—the only perfect and unchanging leader.
LAW VS. GRACE
Paul, a Jew, was mentored by Gamaliel, a respected Rabbi who perfectly understood the Law. The Law here refers to Jewish customs passed from generation to generation. An example of such is the circumcision of infants, which was done at eight days as a symbol of the covenant that Abraham had with God. Another set of laws was handed to Moses as the ten commandments, among many other laws recorded in the book of Exodus. Today, laws and customs vary from culture to culture. In Africa, for instance, our ancestors sacrificed livestock to their gods to appease them whenever there was a calamity or simply to seek blessings.
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-Effie Ochago
Is the Law all bad?
Romans 8:3: For what the Law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.
Certainly, the Law is not all bad. Laws of the land are meant to maintain Law and order and should be respected. They are necessary today because we live in a fallen world. Moreover, scholars have suggested that the idea of human rights was based on the book of Genesis, which is our creation in God's image. While laws of the land are designed to guide people to understand right and wrong, believers who the Spirit leads excel morally and produce the fruit of the Spirit. God gave the Law to Moses to show man how sinful he could be. Paul says in Romans 7:7-8 What shall we say, then? Is the Law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the Law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the Law had not said, "You shall not covet.." But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the Law, sin was dead. Let’s take this instance. What would come to your mind if someone told you not to think of a purple elephant?
A good example of this is seen in the Book of Exodus during the Israelites' journey to the promised land. God gave the ten commandments to the Israelites in Exodus 20, with the first Law warning them against idolatry. Until then, the Israelites had not outrightly attempted to make gods for themselves. However, in Exodus 32, the Israelites asked Aaron to make idols right after receiving the Law when they saw Moses taking too long to come down from the mountain.
No One Can Keep the Law Perfectly
No one can keep the Law perfectly as it was designed not to bring out righteousness but to reveal man's sin. All human beings are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam, which the Law stirs up. Moreover, if you fail to obey one commandment, you are guilty of breaking the entire Law. (James 2:10-12). This means that none of us can follow God's Law flawlessly. Living under the Law is trying to appease God by your actions and believing that righteousness is based on what you do or don't do.
What is Grace?
Grace is the unmerited favor that God gives us. We receive grace when we accept that Jesus, who is fully man and fully God, came down to earth, took the form of human flesh, was crucified, died, and was buried, and on the third day, resurrected and is now seated in the right hand of the Father. Living under grace means believing that when Jesus was crucified, he took upon himself your sin and was punished for it on your behalf, giving you His righteousness in exchange. It is also believing that at the end of days or during rapture, because of Christ's work on the cross, we will get access to heaven. Faith is, therefore, accepting the work of Jesus on the cross. Our salvation today is a product of God's grace.
Therefore, the opposite of living under grace is trusting something other than Jesus, especially the Law, to get salvation. We fall short when we attempt to work our way into gaining the right standing with God or blessings. This results in burning out, resentment, and bitterness towards God and others.
Grace Produces the Fruit of the Spirit
The Law's requirements were met after Jesus's death and resurrection, and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower believers to evangelize and live victorious lives. The Holy Spirit guides our daily lives in a personal way that the Law cannot replicate. He also produces in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Overall, while the Law seeks to enforce goodness through external rules, grace transforms people from within, cultivating morality that flows outward.
Life in Between A Heart After God's Own Heart
One of the characters who received the highest honor from God in the scriptures is David. God declared David was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) – an incredible title to receive from the Most High God! But what does it truly mean? It signifies that David was able to grasp God’s thoughts, values, and principles during his brief life, stewarding them concerning himself and the people, situations, and places he encountered.
David’s life was a classic rags-to-riches story – from an obscure shepherd to a renowned king. However, as many of us know, his path was far from easy. It was marked by long periods of waiting, rejection, wilderness, obscurity, loneliness, oppression, battles, and many other trials. His journey was rugged, lengthy, and strenuous.
Most of the Psalms we have are David’s ‘diary’ entries from these various phases. If you have experienced even a small portion of these seasons, you know they can bring out the worst in us – anger, frustration, impatience, slander, and blame. We tend to become bitter, harbor ill thoughts, and hold God and others responsible for our predicament.
Throughout David’s Psalms, while he honestly expresses his anguish, we also see a profound desire for God’s presence and His purifying work. “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) Notice that he didn’t just focus on his words and actions. His prayer also addressed his thoughts – a deeper level of sanctification.
It takes immense courage to share our unfiltered thoughts with someone, especially the unpleasant ones. Looking at David’s Psalms, it’s clear he did this unabashedly. He laid everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly – before God, inviting the Holy Spirit to cleanse him thoroughly. In essence, the subtext of his writings is, “Lord, to be honest, this is what I am feeling and thinking – but You ‘search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me’ and (Lord, bring me to a place where my thoughts please you), ‘lead me in the way everlasting.’” (Psalm 139:23, 24)
Constantly pouring out our hearts to God and inviting Him into our messes, I believe, is a powerful way to maintain communion with Him. As we remain in constant communication with the Holy God, He will reveal our deep-seated sins and take on the task of purifying us. He will make us holy as He is holy as we abide in Him. And in time, He will mold our hearts after His – helping us take on the shape and form of His thoughts, desires, and plans for ourselves and the world around us, while also empowering us to be agents of change.
Daya Raja, Bangalore
Daya thinks it’s absolutely cool to be known by Jesus. She deeply appreciates nature, art and silence. Her dream is to fall in love with Jesus and humanity every day. Daya can be reached at dayaraja95@gmail.com
He is waiting for you!
Dear friend,
Thank you for engaging with this edition. We hope it inspired you to deepen your understanding of the incredible life of Apostle Paul.
If you're reading this and haven't yet felt the incredible love and strength that God offers, I invite you to open your heart to Him. His love, which is beautifully embodied in the salvation found through Jesus Christ, is a gift that can transform your life in profound ways. God cares deeply for you and has wonderful plans designed just for you. He longs to welcome you into His family with open arms, offering hope and eternal life.
We invite you to rededicate your life to God if you have been born again but have drifted from His call. Say this prayer and accept Jesus as your Savior: "Lord Jesus, I come before you today, acknowledging that I am a sinner, and my sins have separated me from you. Today, we believe that you are the Son of God and that you had me in mind when you were crucified and died. I believe that you are resurrected and seated at the right hand of the Father. I accept you today as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for paying the price for my eternal redemption. I am now the righteousness of God in Christ. I ask you to fill me with your Spirit. Amen."
Congratulations on surrendering or rededicating your life to God. You are now a new creation in Christ! We encourage you to connect with a family of believers (church) in your area, and we pray that you grow in your faith through the study of His word by the grace of God.
