Category: Strategic Evangelism

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.

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

Kingdom People Living By Kingdom Principles: The Call of Missions, A Holistic Approach

daltonjenkins

The challenge to be truly missional requires that persons consider themselves to be disciples, and begin to engage their communities in their everyday life, to be incarnate.  This has posed a challenge to the church and seeks to answer the question: how will missions and being missional in the 21st century be any different from the Colonial Periods? The challenges that seem to be facing the Yonkers churches are similar to those which face the North American Churches.[1] Some of these challenges are diversity of the harvest, an increasingly large harvest, lack of harvesters, lack of focus in the Church, a dying Church and an unclear presentation of the Gospel. In the Book of Luke chapter 10 verse 2 it reads, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  This was Jesus’ view of the many souls that were not saved.  This picture is true today of the North American Church and begs the question “Has the Church lost its focus of the Great Commission?”  Many churches are declining, and even dying, while the ‘unchurched’ population is increasing.  Ed Stetzer and Mike Dobson state that three denominations – Assemblies of God, Nazarene, and Southern Baptists – all reported a decline in their membership.[2]  While many churches in these denominations are growing the greater portion is declining.

We do not have to travel miles and overseas to some foreign country to locate the mission field.  Right here, literally in our backyards, the world has come to us, as Sadiri Joy Tira, the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization senior associate for Diasporas, said, “The world has become borderless.”[3]   The next challenge that Jesus identified was that the laborers are few (Luke 10:2).  Many churches lack disciples or self-feeders (Christ-centered persons) that are harvesters.  According to Ed Stetzer and Mike Dobson in the book entitled Come Back Churches, 70 to 80 percent (70-80%) of North American Churches are in decline and 3,500 to 4,000 U.S. churches close their doors every year.   To be truly missional requires a holistic approach that includes the Great Commandment, Great Commission and the Great Compassion, this I call “The Circle of Mission”.  It is about ministering to the total person and requires an investment into person’s lives of our time and our finance.

[1] In their book Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples, Geiger, Eric, and Thom S. Rainer, researched and present a clear and detail picture of the North American Church community.  The book is published by Kiev Russia: B&H Publishing Group, 2006.

[2] Mike Dodson,  and Ed Stetzer in their Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too evaluated 300 churches that were declining and undertook a process that led to their turn around.  The book is published in New York by B&H Books, 2007.

            [3] Sadiri Joy Tira, “Evangelism vs. Missions” Christianity Today, July 2010.