Category: Gospel

There is Power in the Blood of Jesus

There is Power in the Blood of Jesus

daltonjenkins

As we enter this Easter season in 2026, I find myself reflecting deeply on the cultural climate in which we are living. So much is happening around us. There are rapid changes in society, shifting religious thought, and in many places a diminishing commitment to truth. We are living in a serious moment, a time when clarity is urgently needed.

One of the realities of our day is the rise of social media and the influence it has created. Many voices now shape public conversation, not because they have demonstrated faithfulness, theological depth, or a proven ability to defend the faith, but because they have gained visibility and influence online. In many cases, those who are now leading religious and moral conversations have not been tested, grounded, or validated in the way Scripture would require. Paul reminded Timothy to be diligent, rightly dividing the word of truth. Yet today, popularity is often mistaken for authority.

At the same time, the ease and reach of social media have also exposed the ways in which worship itself has been diluted, commercialized, and in some cases distorted. We are seeing behaviors that call to mind the moment when Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers, calling the people of God back to the purity, holiness, and true purpose of worship. Worship is not performance. It is not entertainment. It is not self-promotion. It is about Christ.

Because of this, many are turning away from the faith, while others are watering down the gospel in order to fit the spirit of the age and become the next influential voice on the internet. That is why this Easter season is such an important time to remind ourselves of who we are, what we are called to, and what we are expected to proclaim.

We must remember that the human story was broken in the Garden of Eden. Because of the fall, sin, death, and corruption entered the world. Humanity stands under the reality of separation from God. But thanks be to God, that is not the end of the story. In Jesus Christ, we have received the gift of eternal life. Easter is the season in which we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice, the full payment for sin, and the glorious redemption that came through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

That is why this Easter, I want us to focus on the blood of Jesus—why it is so important, and what it has accomplished for us. Many people today are comfortable with religious language. They say, “I love God,” or “I give God the glory.” But as believers, we must go deeper than platitudes. We must be able to make distinctions. As Peter teaches, we must be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is within us. We must be able to distinguish between the true and living God and the many false gods of this world.

When people say they believe in God, the question must be asked: which god? For there are many objects of worship in this world, but there is only one true God—the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of the universe, the uncaused First Cause, the One who spoke all things into existence out of nothing. That God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, walked among us, and lived a sinless life so that He might become the perfect sacrifice for our sins and complete the work of redemption.

During this Easter season, we remember that Jesus was crucified, that He died on the cross, that He was buried in a borrowed tomb, and that early Sunday morning He rose again—not in weakness, not in defeat, but in power and with all authority. He ascended into heaven, and before He departed, He gave us a promise: that He is coming again for those who believe in Him.

And what does it mean to believe in Him? It means more than acknowledging His name. It means recognizing that we are sinners in need of saving grace. It means understanding that apart from Him we are lost, condemned, and without hope. But through the grace of God—His unmerited favor—we have been given the opportunity to be forgiven, redeemed, and to live with Him forever.

That is why we call Him Savior. That is why He is the Head of the Church. That is why He is our living hope. And one day, all who truly belong to Him will live and reign with Him as He has promised. The blood of Jesus is powerfully effective in accomplishing redemption, forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, and sanctification for those who believe. When theologians describe the blood of Jesus as “efficacious,” they mean that Christ’s sacrificial death is effective in accomplishing salvation and the benefits of redemption. In Christian theology, several other doctrinal terms are used to describe the power, function, and results of Christ’s blood. Below are the most common theological descriptors.

So let me say to you plainly this Easter season: you are missing the very heart of life if you have not entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you follow any god that denies Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, and the only way of salvation, then you remain outside of the hope of eternal life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.”

So if you say you believe in God, then I ask you: what God do you believe in?

This Easter, let us turn our hearts again to Christ—Emmanuel, God with us—the One who brought salvation to the world.

The Choice That Defines Our Eternity

The Choice That Defines Our Eternity

daltonjenkins

You have ran out of time!

We all stand at a crossroads in life, faced with a decision that will shape our eternal destiny. The gospel of Jesus Christ extends a universal invitation to every person, regardless of their background, status, or nationality. This invitation demands a response from each of us – will we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, or turn away from Him?

The message of salvation isn’t reserved for a select few. As John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This love encompasses everyone, from the highest mountains to the deepest valleys, from the bustling cities to the remote villages. No matter where you are or what you’ve done, God’s offer of salvation is available to you.

But this universal offer doesn’t always receive a warm welcome. For some, the gospel is offensive, challenging their pride and disrupting their way of life. We see this reflected in the stories of the Herodian dynasty – Herod the Great, Herod Agrippa I, and Herod Agrippa II. Each had the opportunity to embrace the truth, yet their responses serve as cautionary tales for us today.

Herod the Great, upon hearing of Jesus’ birth, sought to destroy Him out of jealousy and fear. How often do we, like Herod, resist the gospel because it threatens our perceived control or status? The message of Jesus calls us to surrender our lives to Him, which can be uncomfortable for those accustomed to being in charge.

Herod Agrippa I, basking in the adulation of the crowd, accepted their praise as if he were a god. His pride led to a swift and terrible end. This serves as a stark reminder that our accomplishments, wealth, or status mean nothing in the face of eternity. As Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, declared – all is vanity. The degrees on our walls, the balance in our bank accounts, the titles before our names – none of these can save us or grant us eternal life.

Finally, we come to Herod Agrippa II, who heard the powerful testimony of the Apostle Paul. Paul shared his dramatic conversion experience, how a light from heaven knocked him to the ground and changed his life forever. Yet even in the face of this compelling account, Agrippa’s response was lukewarm: “Almost thou persuadest me to become a Christian.” How many of us today are in danger of being “almost persuaded,” yet never taking the final step of faith?

The stories of these three men remind us that regardless of our position or background, we all face the same choice. Will we embrace the gospel, or will we let our time run out?

Life is fragile and unpredictable. None of us know when our last day will come. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” We cannot outsmart death or delay it indefinitely. No amount of wealth, influence, or cosmetic procedures can change this fundamental truth.

So what should our response be to this urgent message? The apostle Paul gives us the answer in 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” We must not delay or procrastinate in our decision to follow Christ.

Some may be tempted to hide behind excuses or generational curses, believing they’re destined for a certain path because of their family history. But the gospel offers us a new identity and a fresh start. We can claim the blessings of God, declaring like the Psalmist, “I am blessed in the city and blessed in the field, blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out.”

Others might feel unworthy or too far gone for God’s grace. But remember, the gospel reaches everyone – kings and prisoners, Jews and Gentiles, the rich and the poor. No one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness.

For those who have already accepted Christ, this message serves as a reminder of the urgency of our mission. We must use every opportunity to share the good news, regardless of the response we might receive. Like Paul standing before Agrippa, we should be ready to give an account of our faith, speaking the truth in love even when faced with ridicule or opposition.

As we reflect on this message, let’s consider our own response to the gospel. Are we fully committed to following Jesus, or are we like Agrippa – almost persuaded but still holding back? Are we allowing pride, fear, or worldly concerns to keep us from embracing the truth?

Remember, our time on this earth is limited. We don’t know when our last day will come. The invitation to salvation is open now, but it won’t be available forever. As Joshua challenged the Israelites, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Will you choose to follow Jesus, accepting His offer of forgiveness and eternal life?

Don’t let your time run out. Don’t be content with being “almost persuaded.” Take that step of faith today. Embrace the love and grace that God offers freely to all who will receive it. Your eternity hangs in the balance.

For those who have already made this decision, let this be a call to action. Who in your life needs to hear this message? Who might be running out of time? Stand in the gap for them, pray for them, and share the hope that you’ve found in Christ.

In the end, nothing else matters as much as our response to Jesus. Our degrees will gather dust, our accomplishments will be forgotten, but our decision to follow Christ will echo through eternity. Don’t let your time run out. Choose Jesus today.

https://subsplash.com/u/betheltempleofpraise-yon/media/d/j4nypg4-your-time-has-ran-out

Jesus’ Imminent Return: Are You Ready?

Jesus’ Imminent Return: Are You Ready?

daltonjenkins

Jesus is Coming Back: Are You Ready to Meet Him?

In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, there’s one truth that stands unwavering – Jesus Christ is coming back. This isn’t a fairy tale or a distant dream, but a certain reality that demands our attention and preparation. As believers, we’re called to live with an acute awareness of this impending return, allowing it to shape our daily lives and decisions.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” Jesus assured His disciples. These words, spoken over two millennia ago, still resonate with power today. In the face of global turmoil, personal struggles, and spiritual warfare, we’re reminded that our hope isn’t rooted in this world, but in the promise of Christ’s return.

Jesus spoke of going to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house. This isn’t just any dwelling, but a home with “many mansions.” Imagine the grandeur and beauty of a place prepared by the Creator of the universe! No matter how humble our current circumstances, we have the assurance of an eternal residence that surpasses anything this world can offer.

But here’s the crucial question we must ask ourselves: Are we ready to meet Him?

This readiness isn’t about having our affairs in perfect order or achieving some level of spiritual perfection. It’s about the condition of our hearts and the authenticity of our faith.

Are we living each day in anticipation of His return? Or have we become so entangled in the cares of this world that we’ve lost sight of our eternal hope?

The Bible speaks of a great “falling away” that will precede Christ’s return. We’re witnessing this today as many turn from the faith, embracing false teachings and worldly philosophies. But for those who remain steadfast, there’s an incredible promise – we will meet the Lord in the air!

Picture the scene described in 1 Thessalonians 4: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” This won’t be a quiet, unnoticed event. The trumpet will sound, piercing through the noise of this world, awakening those who sleep in Christ and calling the living believers to join Him.

In that moment, our mortal bodies will be transformed. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” This corrupted flesh will give way to incorruption, and death will be swallowed up in victory!

But here’s a sobering truth – not everyone will experience this glorious transformation. Jesus made it clear: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” There’s no ambiguity in His words. Salvation and eternal life are found in Christ alone.

This exclusivity of the gospel might seem narrow-minded to some, but it’s the loving truth we’re called to proclaim.

Good deeds, religious rituals, or philosophical enlightenment can’t bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a Holy God.

Only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins and reconcile us to the Father.

So, how do we live in light of Christ’s imminent return? Here are a few key points to consider:

  1. Check your spiritual passport: Just as we need valid documentation for international travel, we need to ensure our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. This isn’t about riding on someone else’s faith or relying on past religious experiences. It’s about having a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ.
  2. Live with urgency: The early church greeted one another with the phrase “Jesus is coming soon.” Let’s recapture that sense of anticipation, allowing it to infuse our daily lives with purpose and zeal for the gospel.
  3. Pursue holiness: If we truly believe Jesus could return at any moment, it should motivate us to live holy lives. As the scripture says, “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).
  4. Share the hope: The reality of Christ’s return isn’t just good news for believers – it’s a wake-up call for a world lost in darkness. We have the privilege and responsibility of sharing this hope with others.
  5. Stay alert and discerning: Jesus warned of false prophets and deceptions in the last days. We must be grounded in God’s Word, able to distinguish truth from error, and not be swayed by every new spiritual fad or teaching.

As we reflect on the certainty of Christ’s return, let’s also remember the comfort it brings. For those who are in Christ, death has lost its sting. The grave is not our final destination. We have the assurance that whether we’re alive or have fallen asleep in Jesus, we will be united with Him for eternity.

This hope isn’t just a crutch for the weak or an escape from reality. It’s the bedrock of our faith, giving us strength to endure trials, motivation to live righteously, and joy in the midst of a troubled world.

So today, let’s echo the prayer of the early church: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Let’s live each day as if it could be the day of His return. And let’s share this glorious hope with a world desperately in need of good news.

Are you ready to meet Him? If not, today is the day of salvation. Don’t harden your heart. Respond to His invitation of grace and ensure that when the trumpet sounds, you’ll be among those rising to meet the Lord in the air.

Jesus is coming back. This same Jesus who walked the dusty roads of Galilee, who died on the cross for our sins, and who rose triumphantly from the grave – He’s coming again. Not as a humble carpenter’s son, but as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Let this truth stir our hearts, motivate our actions, and fill us with hope. For those in Christ, the best is truly yet to come!

https://betheltempleofpraise-yon.subspla.sh/w2zpctg

https://subsplash.com/u/betheltempleofpraise-yon/media/d/w2zpctg-jesus-is-coming-back-are-you-ready-to-meet-him
The Gospel as the Foundation for Racial Reconciliation

The Gospel as the Foundation for Racial Reconciliation

daltonjenkins

Thanks, Urban Apologetics Community

I am honored to be leading a workshop at our National Conference. The topic is 

“The Gospel as the Foundation for Racial Reconciliation”

Under-represented groups continuously cry against injustice and inequality throughout our societies. Sin is the cause of injustice and inequity. As an immigrant from Jamaica, I will begin with my own story of learning about racial injustice and inequality in the USA. We will seek to lay out a pattern for racial reconciliation and justice based on our dependence on God’s Word. First, we will look at the issue by addressing the:

  • A pattern of racial reconciliation in the Scriptures
  • The rise of the inferiority myth
  • The black church and the backdrop of the black experience

Then we will suggest some ways to address systematic injustice and racial reconciliation by:

  • Addressing the Biblical Kingdom agenda
  • Prophetically declaring the Kingdom impact on the culture
  • Incorporating urban apologetics in our theological discipline
  • Practically addressing structural changes that are needed

No matter where we emigrate and what injustice we face, God has provided the right balance to deal with these issues. We are all made in the image of God. We are recipients of reconciliation by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We, therefore, have the suitable characteristics to lead reconciliation.

I want to thank Damion R, Adan Coleman, Jerome Gay Jr., Toney Evans, Dr. Eric Mason, Voddie Baucham Jr., and the Urban Apologist Community for resources that served as receipts to this workshop.

Several years ago, I needed information relating to Africa’s contribution to Christianity. I also wanted to be more informed about the rise of the Black conscious community and the Black Religious Cults. Also, this was in part to counter the statement “Christianity is a white man’s religion.” I was introduced to Brother Damion, who introduced me to Tomas Oden’s book, “How Africa Shaped the Christian mind. That started my journey into unbelievable discovery and understanding.

This introduction was the tip of the spare. I later got connected with the Urban Apologetics Community (UrbanApologetics.org) and Jude 3 Project. From there, I connected with Adam Coleman. This brother is the real deal.

Thanks to everyone for your invaluable contribution to my workshop.

Happy New Year!

daltonjenkins

10 year anniversary.004In 2014, how could one truly and radically live out the mission of the Church?  We still have a lot of work to do, and we must earnestly advance the mission of the Church. The Church has to recognize that their primary mission is to advance the Kingdom of God. Jesus prayed for the Church in John 17:11-17:

“And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me… I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

The Gospel must be preached! I have made a decision to move forward declaring the Gospel. The Gospel is truly ‘good news’ because the events of Jesus’ ministry are the fulfillment of God’s loving decision to heal the broken creation.

In 2014, as we advance the mission of the Kingdom of God, we must maintain a solid biblical foundation.  With the changing cultural environment of our time truth has taken on a relative nature, if not a back seat. The Scripture is being viewed as less authoritative than previous years.

It is quite evident that whenever there is a lack of Biblical foundation and structure there is a potential to wander away from the message of the Bible and the structure of the Church. We must hold to the teachings of the Scriptures without compromise. The heart of the bible is the Gospel Message.

During this period of Church history, we must rely on The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit directs the Church. The Holy Spirit equips and empowers the Church to serve and to proclaim the Gospel. Without the Holy Spirit in our lives we will be carried away in this period of relativity.

There is a deliberate effort to devalue and destroy!

There is an effort to reduce the Bible to less authoritative and outdated. There is a spirit of division that has entered into the church. I pray that in 2014 we deliberately make an effort to unite and hold up the authoritative nature of the Bible. This disunity and lack of biblical authority has allowed the desecration of the sacred. There is a deliberate effort to desecrate the sacred. Is this a result of those who are supposed to guard the sacred have left it open in the name of:

1) Quantity instead of quality,

2) “Delicious instead of nutritious”

3) Conforming instead of transforming

4) Imitators instead of leaders

5) Talkers instead of doers

6) Appeasers instead of truth-tellers

7) Political correctness instead of biblical boldness

8) Popularity instead of prophetic purity

9) Celebrity instead of shepherding

10) Acceptors instead of defenders

2014 will be a year of decisions. Joshua declared, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. What will your decision be in 2014? Will you conform or will you transform. There is no hiding. You will have to make a decision.

We must not sacrifice the gospel message in the name of being accepted in the eyes of the world. In 2014, I make a decision to more forward in advancing the cause of Christ!

Happy New Year!!!

Dr. Dalton Jenkins

Let Us Rise and Build

daltonjenkins

The theme for consideration this year is “I will Rise and Build”. The scriptural focus is on Nehemiah 2:1-7.  Nehemiah personally answered the call and made the determination that he would rise and build and then was able to challenge the remnant of Israel in verse 18 to let us rise and build.

Often times it is easier to answer a call to action when others are joining or have answer a similar call.  Others will act alone if there is something in it for them.

However, the challenge this year is a personal one. Who will answer that call that Bill Haybels call, “Holy Discontent”?  This he said is when something wrecks you from the inside, when your spirit will not rest until you respond to the call.

During this year’s convention we are focusing on the individual call to build.  Nehemiah was in a secure job that carries certain risk but it was a prestigious position.  Upon hearing the news of the destruction of the old city he was moved to act.  It is this initial conviction that placed him in a position to be able to encourage others to act.  As Christians, we have to first accept the challenge and then act on the challenge, if we are going to be effective at encouraging others to act.

This was not a hasty action, one that was not properly informed.  Nehemiah counted the cost. Ultimately, the decision he made could have cost him his life, but he was willing to take the chance.  This move was not for selfish motive but to accomplish the mission of God (redemption-restoration of a broken relationship).  Answering the call of God is worth the risk all the time.

I believe we are living in a time when the motivation to stand alone, on principles, seemed to be abnormal.  However, I have a strong feeling that many are standing alone but are not in the limelight. It will take a conviction of the Holy Spirit to motivate us to abandon our individual pursuits in order to fulfill God’s call on our lives.  What is holding you back from answering that “Holy Discontent”?

Ten years ago I felt this “Nehemiah Unction”.  I could not resist and I could not rest until I answered that call.  The result of that call is this church and this ninth year celebration. Those who are members and regular attendees have also answered that unction and today we reflect and celebrate God’s goodness together.

Many lives have been changed and have experienced that call to come up higher. Yes, it is because others answered the call why we celebrate today. Lives have been changed because you and I answered the call to “Rise and Build”.  Like Nehemiah you have left something or someone to follow God and today we rejoice together.

My prayer this year, is that we all look with ourselves and respond to the challenge of the Holy Spirit.  There is a lot of work to be completed and the challenge ahead is great but God can use a committed heart to do extraordinary feats.  I am praying that the power of the Holy Spirit will cause a “Holy Discontent” within our souls until we get up and act on the call of God on our lives.

What will stir our hearts right now to action? Right where you are what do you see and hear that will cause you to move?  What does God has to do to get you to move?

Individually, we have to see the need and make up our minds that we are not going to delay anymore, even if we are the only one-we will act.  We will not wait on anyone else to act but we will sacrifice everything to be where God wants us to be and to do what God wants us to do.

After Nehemiah answered the call he was able to challenge others to build. If together we are going to build, then individually we have to rise and build.

This year, this is an individual challenge.

The Gospel Message: Contextualization (Acts 10)

daltonjenkins

The Colonial Era Model of missions continues to today according to Paul G. Hiebert’s essay, The Gospel in Human Context. “The Churches that were planted during the Colonial Era emulated western Churches in theology, worship and Church polity.” Critical Contextualization is necessary in missionary endeavors. “The gospel must be Biblical but relevant to the context. If the early missionaries adjusted too little, these missionaries in the twentieth century accommodated too freely and the result was syncretism.”[1] Every culture possesses both good and evil, and Christianity has the potential to transcend any cultural ethos if the missionaries are allowed by the Church to do so. Even in church-planting efforts, contextualization must be an active part of the planters’ consideration. A new paradigm, or a rediscovered paradigm, has emerged. According to Paul G. Hiebert’s essay, The Gospel in Human Context, “In recent years Evangelical missiologists, especially anthropologists, have emphasized the importance of contextual hermeneutics. A contextual hermeneutics seeks to interpret the scriptures in a way that is Biblically correct but also culturally appropriate and relevant. This approach reflects the importance of the two hermeneutical questions: what did the Biblical text mean originally and what does this text mean for us today.”[2] According to Hiebert, what we need is a more “contextual hermeneutics & critical contextualization that must be informed by Holy Scriptures, guided by the Holy Spirit and discerned by the Church” if we are going to be true to the Great Commission.

In the essay by Paul G. Hiebert, he identified several types of contextualization.[3] Hiebert posited that contextualization is a critical aspect of missions. I agree with him that all of us participate in some aspects of contextualization. The world is at our doorstep, and we have to minister to people within their context without losing the essence of the Biblical message. Hiebert argues that there are “changing perceptions of contextualization among missionaries and missions scholars. Missions must include social, historical, personal and other contexts in which people are living.” He maintained that minimal contextualization is when one is unaware of the contexts in which they live or the depth to which these contexts shape how and what they think.[4] He continues to define uncritical contextualization where there is a watered-down presentation of the gospel leading to syncretism[5] (“This would mean the “old religion” would become mixed in with the new Biblical faith and that culture would have more authority than revelation.[6] Critical contextualization tends to seek a balanced approach to which missionary interactions with societies is both true to the Bible and sensitive to the cultures of the particular people group”) and Divine revelation given in human context.

In Acts 10, we see that the Holy Spirit was the guiding hand in this missionary endeavor and that the message was all about Jesus Christ. Peter did not go to Cornelius with a message of cultural change, but one of spiritual revolution. Good deeds do not complete the conversion process, but a full acceptance of the person and work of Jesus does. It was at this point in the message that the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his friends and family who were present. Lawrence O. Richards in his book The Bible Readers Companion said,

The fact that Gentiles were given this gift, just as the apostles had been on Pentecost (cf. Acts 2), was proof of God’s acceptance of Gentiles into the Church. Peter’s phrase “at the beginning” (v. 15) suggests that this event was unusual because it involved Gentiles, and speaking in tongues, γλώσσαις (glossolalia), was not a common phenomenon in the early church.[7]

It was at the introduction of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Scriptural prophecies that the Holy Spirit did what only He could do; He came into their hearts, anointing them with the evidence of other tongues, γλώσσαις (glossolalia). In Acts 10:43, Peter said about Jesus, “He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

Before an invitation was given, the Spirit already readied the heart of Cornelius, filled him and anointing him. This process of the Anointing of the Holy Spirit began way back in Acts 10:1. It was evident in Matthew 4 at the introduction of Jesus’ ministry and at His baptism by John the Baptist. Cornelius saw something among the Jews that moved him. He practiced two out of the three virtues of the Jews at that time: prayer, alms giving, and fasting. He was obedient to the Holy Spirit and now as the full counsel of the gospel was being revealed he accepted and as a sign of God’s acceptance of this Gentile He gave them His Spirit with the sign of the γλώσσαις (glossolalia). Since these two men, the seeker and the messenger, were obedient to the direction of the Holy Spirit, Acts 12 indicated that The Good News spread rapidly, and many more became believers. The message Cornelius heard was the same message that was preached in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”[8] This is the gospel message; that there is salvation only through Jesus Christ. This salvation requires that one repents as stated in Acts 3:19 and accept Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior as seen in Acts 4:12. Here we have seen the gospel being presented in context of the culture; however, the message did not change and the requirements remained.

When we examine the ministry of Paul, we can see that he was born in a Hellenistic Greek culture, Tarsus; he was a Jew and Roman citizen. To add to the complexity of contextualization as stated in Acts 22:3, “he was educated under Gamaliel as a strict Pharisee?”[9] Yet we can learn a lot from the apostle’s presentation of truth that was based on Jesus Christ, and he was more concerned, I think, with critical contextualization of the gospel. Paul did not stray from the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He has provided a way for sinners to reconnect with God through conversion. In Acts 17, we witness Paul on Mars’ Hill, the pinnacle of philosophy, as he gently used their context to present the Gospel. Paul looked around and noticed how religious they were and pointed them to Jesus by speaking in their context. This method can be seen throughout the Pauline Epistles. It is very noticeable in Luke’s writings in Acts 15, about the story of Peter and Cornelius. On the Day of Pentecost Peter preached a sermon that had its basis in the life, work and teachings of Jesus Christ (Acts 3). What developed later was an institution that formed the basis of what we call Church today. The challenge that the early Church faced was how to contextualize the gospel. In the story of Peter and Cornelius this was evident. It took the revelation of the Holy Spirit to transform Peter.

Presenting the Gospel has to be strategic, holistic, and deliberate. This requires meeting persons in their context and applying the gospel contextually. There is a physical and a spiritual dimension to mission and the Church; if it is going to be effective we cannot continue to present a one-sided Gospel. I agree to some degree with Hoekendijk as he challenged missionaries to identify and integrate with the suffering masses, seeking to realize God’s shalom on earth, but he fell short of advocating for a holistic approach inclusive of the Church.[10] He went to the left of the evangelical community and focused on social, economic, and political liberation and less on the church as the vehicle to present the gospel message. Holistic approaches to mission are demonstrated in countries like Africa and Latin America; Asian church leaders have embraced Creation Care, an environment mission’s agency hosted by God and Creation conference in Kenya. In a recent article in the Christian Today magazine-July 2010, a “faith-based model”, in Mieze, Mozambique, they “teach rural poor how to use trade to rise out of poverty”. The founders of the program (Iris Ministries), Don Kantel and his wife, said, “We are determined to create a holistic model for transforming life among Africa’s poorest families through job creation and evangelistic outreach”.[11] Here, they were strategic and deliberate while maintaining a holistic approach to mission. They show the communities how to become self-sufficient economically and at the same time teach them about the life-transforming message of the Bible. In a unique way “the project brings together farming, animal husbandry, long-term orphan care, education, and newly planted church, all in a sustainable way with indigenous leaders”, a mission geared towards orphans and vulnerable children. As we bring the Gospel to the world we have to be aware of the context but we have to be anchored in a strong scriptural foundation.

;

[1] Paul G. Hiebert. The Gospel In Human Context, 100.

[2] Ibid., 101

[3] Paul G. Hiebert. The Gospel In Human Context, 82 – 94.

[4] Paul G. Hiebert. The Gospel In Human Context, 84.

[5] Ibid., 89 – 91 and 107

[6] A. Scott Moreau, Harold Netland and Charles van Engen, Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria, UK: Baker Books; A. Scott Moreau, 2000), 226.

[7] Lawrence O. Richards, The Bible Readers Companion, electronic ed. (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991), 718.

[8] W. Hall Harris, III, The Lexham English Bible (Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010), Ac 2:36.

[9] Logos Bible Software. http://blog.logos.com/archives/2010/07/mind_the_gap.html?FBF (Access 2010) – Make of Logos Bible Software.

[10] Johannes Christiaan Hoekendijk, The Church Inside Out, (London: Scm Press, 1967), 25-31.

[11] Cassandra Soars, “A Hand Up,” Christian Today, July 2010, 13.

The Gospel Message: Peter’s Address – Acts 10:34-43

daltonjenkins

The gospel message is all about Jesus and what He did and is going to do.  Peter summarized this in Acts 10:37-41.  The commission to go and preach was given by Jesus in Acts 1 and the authority and power to preach was given in Acts 2.  The revelation for mission was given in Acts 10 that laid the foundation for the selection of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2 where the Holy Spirit instructed, after they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”  Paul later became the face of missions to the Gentile world.  The gospel must be grounded in the Bible and consist of the message of Jesus’ life, work, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return.  Those who have first received the Gospel Message must carry out this message, and the Church is the organism that has been authorized to deliver this message.  The work of the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus in John 16:6-11, is clearly at work in the story of Peter and Cornelius.   Jesus said “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 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 go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”  The Holy Spirit was going to convict the world, in this case Cornelius.  In the case of Peter, the Spirit’s ministry of guidance and revelation of truth was demonstrated. Finally, the Spirit wanted Peter to present Jesus to Cornelius. This ministry of representation, according to John, is demonstrated through us who represent Christ here on earth.

We understand that the gospel message is sent to the world, not just to one group of people.   Matthew 28:20 said, “go into all the world” and in Acts 1 it gave more detail as to the meaning of the world: “And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Again we see the Holy Spirit taking the lead in first equipping the messengers before they were sent.  Those in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost were anointed by the Holy Spirit and sent to bring the Gospel message.  They sometimes struggled with the fact that many were accepting this message, but that did not stop the spread of the Gospel.  Peter was one who struggled with seeing the world outside of Jerusalem and the Jewish context.

The Holy Spirit however, gave him a lesson; this lesson was that God is impartial and all need the Gospel.  As the Holy Spirit taught Peter, we need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts on this matter as stated in Acts 10:15, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”  We are to be willing to take the gospel message to the world, and have no exception.  Once Peter understood the message, he was able to go into Cornelius’ home and present the gospel and fellowshipped.  This was a remarkable accomplishment, a Jew not only going into a Gentile’s home, but he was staying for a while and eating with them.  The food was not declared clean by Mosaic Law but by the fulfillment of the Laws through Jesus Christ.  He was truly a missionary.  A missionary is simply a messenger, bringing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.  As we endeavor to bring the gospel and assume the mantle of a missionary, there must be an understanding of contextualization of the gospel, wherein the message does not change, but the application of the message in the local context will vary.  This is true of Paul in Acts 17 when he spoke to the Athenians about their monument to the unknown God.  Paul used their context and presented the Gospel.  In the July 2010 Christianity Today issue in the article, “Love where you live”, J. R. Kerr said, “A city gets transformed when neighborhoods marked by the gospel are redeemed.  To do that, we need to stay 20 or 30 years.”[1]  This missionary enterprise is an investment, or a life commitment.

[1] Collin Hasen, “Love Where You Live” Christianity Today, July 2010, 36.