This submission should pique those who claim to be followers of JESUS. Rather than become aggressive, it calls for sober reflection to reignite the flame of the potency of the name of JESUS than just the SIGNBOARDS of CHURCHES
Religious leaders command followership based on the mystery that surround their lives either by way of miracles, SIGNS and wonders.
Those who follow Jesus are endeared to HIM because of HIS teachings as well as miracles, signs and wonders that follow after HIS ministrations.
JESUS was NOT a Christian. Do not be surprised.
The term "Christian" wasn't used during JESUS' lifetime. His followers were called "followers of the Way" or "disciples" (Acts 1:15, 9:1-2).
The term "Christian" originated in Antioch around 41-42 AD, referring to believers who followed Christ's teachings (Acts 11:26). JESUS Christ is the central figure of Christianity, and while HE wasn't referred to as a Christian during HIS lifetime, HIS teachings and legacy led to the development of the Christian faith.
And those who were called Christians got the appellation because the lifestyle of JESUS was seen in them.
The word "Christian" is mentioned only three times in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. Here are the verses:
- *Acts 11:26*: "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
- *Acts 26:28*: "Agrippa said to Paul, 'In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?'"
- *1 Peter 4:16*: "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
These verses highlight the origin and early usage of the term "Christian" to describe followers of Jesus Christ.
JESUS NEVER came to preach religion nor did he build a cathedral.
"Everywhere he went, he was doing good" is a summary of JESUS' ministry, mentioned in the Bible in:
- *Acts 10:38*: "You know how God anointed JESUS of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how HE went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with HIM."
This verse highlights JESUS' compassionate and miraculous ministry, emphasizing HIS mission to bring hope and healing to those in need.
The word "SIGN" or "SIGNS" is mentioned 185 times in the Bible, across 20 books. Here are some of the verses:
*Old Testament*
- Genesis 1:14 - God created lights in the heavens to serve as signs for seasons, days, and years.
- Genesis 9:12-13 - God set a rainbow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant with Noah and all living creatures.
- Exodus 3:12 - God told Moses that the sign of His presence would be when the Israelites worshipped Him on the mountain.
- Exodus 4:8 - God gave Moses signs to perform to convince the Israelites that He had sent him.
- Deuteronomy 11:18 - Moses instructed the Israelites to bind God's words as a sign on their hands and between their eyes.
- Psalm 78:43 - God placed signs and wonders in Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery.
- Isaiah 7:14 - The prophet Isaiah told King Ahaz that a virgin would conceive and bear a son, Immanuel, as a sign from God.
*New Testament*
- Matthew 12:38-39 - Jesus said that no sign would be given to an evil and adulterous generation except the sign of Jonah.
- Matthew 16:1-4 - The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus for a sign, but He refused, saying that an evil generation seeks a sign.
- Mark 16:17 - Jesus said that signs would accompany believers, including casting out demons and speaking in new tongues.
- Luke 11:29-30 - Jesus said that no sign would be given to the generation except the sign of Jonah.
- John 2:11 - Jesus performed His first sign in Cana, turning water into wine.
- Acts 2:19 - Peter quoted Joel, saying that God would show signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth.
- Revelation 12:1-3 - A great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and a great red dragon.
The phrase "These SIGNS shall follow them that believe" is mentioned in the Bible in:
- *Mark 16:17-18*: "And these signs will accompany THOSE WHO BELIEVE: in my NAME they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
This verse highlights the supernatural SIGNS and manifestations that JESUS said would accompany believers, demonstrating God's power and authority through them.
JESUS never came to establish denomination nor preach doctrines. HE minded HIS Business and spoke truth to power.
Any region HE reached, HIS fame spread abroad and HE didn't need publicity because SIGNS followed HIM.
A lot of people have asked and wondered why these SIGNS seem scarce and why SIGNBOARDS have become popular.
Several questions roam the minds of church goers. Was JESUS real? Why are the SIGNS so scarce? Why is the world dominated by more SIGNBOARDS than SIGNS? Does it mean that the template has changed? Has the power whittled down? Why is there so much denomination and doctrines than the belief of JESUS? Where did the modern day disciples get it wrong? Is there more clamour for filthy lucre than the raw power for divine SIGNS? Are religious leaders after showcasing themselves than showcasing the sender? Why is there no boldness to tackle the power of darkness as of old? Why is competition about building edifice than building Godly people? Is everyone cashing in on the name JESUS without portraying the attributes of HIM who initiated the appellation "CHRISTIAN"?
Why is Religion more popular than the SPIRITUALITY of the religion?
Is JESUS truly about SIGNS or SIGNBOARDS?
Written by: Demola SANYAOLU
Comments