Sermons of Father. M.Devadasu

Sermon 1. Temptation of Sin – The Path to Victory

Scripture: Genesis 3:1–24; John 1:29; 1 John 1:7

Blessing: Beloved lovers of the Word! May the Lord graciously grant you, through today's meditation, the spiritual discernment and tools needed to overcome the sin that so easily entangles. Amen.

The Nature of Sin

Listen, my beloved in the Lord. Let me explain the nature of sin. The outcome of temptation is dreadful. Just as sparks are drawn to the fire, so too is sin drawn to those who give it attention. If touched, it clings. Even if you try to shake it off, it won't leave without leaving its mark—without burning, without bringing pain. A single spark, once attached, cannot be easily removed. It causes damage, and even if slight, it leaves tears behind.

The innocent, the ignorant, the weak, the simple-minded, those who fear authority, the careless, and those who listen to evil voices—all are susceptible to temptation. Even if such individuals appear devout or have walked in faith for ten years, if they secretly harbor desire for sin and indulge in it inwardly, they will inevitably fall when that temptation comes to life.

Our first parents, Adam and Eve, though innocent, fell. They could not escape the grip of that terrible deception. Merely standing and listening to the serpent led to their downfall. They trusted a voice they had never heard before. In a world without sin, sinless beings believed a deceitful voice—and were ruined. They disregarded the warning of God's Word. They paid attention to and believed the voice of Satan—the enemy of God and man—and were led into destruction.

This terrifying sin that has come as a result of disobedience to God holds great power. Weakness is called a "temptation"—we cannot escape it by our own strength. We must not assume in this life that we can somehow find our own way out of such sin. These are extremely burdensome, emotionally draining efforts with very little result.

We claim to be devout, and we believe we are beyond the temptations of Satan. We think we are no longer under such power, that our souls have been delivered from it. Many believers think this way. But when we examine their stories closely, they are often tragic.

Their circumstances are very different, and the fruit of their faith is often very sorrowful. They cry, "Alas! How did I change like this?" "Oh no! Why did I go wrong?" "Why did I fall?"—"Lord, forgive me this time!" "Lord, save me this time!" "Lord, heal me this time!" How many times have believers wept in such distress saying, "I have finally learned my lesson, I will not return to it again"?

Sin is the result of yielding to temptation. No matter how many temptations come—whether from Satan, demons, or influenced humans—people may become lawbreakers, deceivers, and fraudsters. But no matter who it is, when, or where—however severe the temptation—it remains just that: a temptation, not a sin. Only when we yield to it or commit the act does it become sin.

Each person is drawn away by his own lust. The sin-nature within him and his own evil desires attract him. — James 1:14

Illustrations on Temptation

A magnet—when brought near a heap of mixed metal pieces like iron bits, needles, and also silver or gold fragments—will attract only those pieces that respond to its magnetic power. The rusted iron scraps will cling to it, but will the gold pieces stick to it?

In the same way, those with a rusted (impure) heart run toward Satan's temptation and cling to it, but will those who are like purified gold—the saints—be drawn and defiled?

In a radio, one wire is connected to a battery or power source. But do you know where the second wire goes? It is grounded into the earth. Only then does current flow and the radio works. Without grounding, the setup is incomplete.

Similarly, even if Satan sends out his electric wire (temptation), unless we connect our wire (our desire) to it, neither he nor anyone else can operate through us. This second wire is our own will, our own craving, our own lust. If we guard our wire and do not connect it with Satan's line, we will not fall into sin. But if we connect it, we become weak, deceived, and led astray.

Everyone is led astray by his own lust. For example, as soon as you see a tamarind fruit, your mouth waters. Why should your mouth water? What did the tamarind do? Its very nature is sour. Just by seeing it, your reaction is triggered. Likewise, when you see something sinful, and you start to desire it, you're already beginning to be corrupted.

When you look at a well-ripened mango, your desire is stirred. But what did the mango do? It just ripened and sat there. It didn't chase after you. In the same way, when you look at those who are already steeped in sin—those who appear attractive to the eyes, those who are spiritually "ripe" in wrongdoing—who gets deceived? It is you who are led astray by your own lust. You're not deceived by them; you are deceived by your own desire.

Everyone is led away by his own lust, deceived, and tempted. Isn't that so?

Therefore, no one should say, "I am being tempted by God." God never tempts anyone. He is the One who helps and protects. Whenever temptation or hardship comes, never say, "God is the one who brought this upon me." That is not correct. — James 1:13–18.

Some people say things like, "They deceived me," or "They caused me to fall into sin." But that is a false excuse. No one can cause me to sin without my consent, without my approval, or without my knowledge.

When someone secretly harbors a desire inside and decides to fulfill it, they may outwardly act like they are unwilling—saying "no" on the surface—but slowly, gently, they follow after it. And in the end, they commit sin while making it appear that someone else forced them.

But it is not really someone else's compulsion. If that were the case, haven't many people approached and pressured you in the past? Did you give in to all of them?

Neither demons nor Satan can do anything to me without my consent. The extent to which you give place to their temptation—to that extent they can act. They cannot forcefully make us do anything; it depends entirely on what we permit.

God is not unjust toward us. The Creator knows this truth, which is why it is written: "Do not give place to the devil." — Ephesians 4:27.

Even God does not force Himself upon us to do His good work if we don't give Him space. The more we agree and open our hearts, the more He works. He does not violate our free will. — Mark 6:1–5.

Blessing is Your will, O Lord. Receiving the blessing is my will. — Lord Jesus!

When we give space to God, we receive His power. And with that power, when we resist Satan, he will flee. If someone does not resist but instead sleeps in the hands of the devil, he will be carried far away and cast down into the pit! — James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10–11.

Desire, when conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. That is why we must be extremely cautious concerning sin. — James 1:15.

Sin longs to rule over us—it is crouching at the door. Every moment it watches and waits, saying, "When will I get the chance? When will I catch him off guard?" Like a beast that waits to leap upon its prey, it is ever watchful. — Genesis 4:7.

Sin entangles easily. In the beginning, it appears sweet, but in the end, it turns strange and bitter. At first, people embrace sin with joy, but eventually, it leads only to entrapment. Mustard seeds may seem pleasant to play with or to sow, but their plants—their branches—grow into thorny bushes! — Hebrews 12:2.

The Path to Victory Over Sin

To deliver us from this dreadful sin, the Lord Jesus Christ shed His eternal atoning blood. So do this: moment by moment, place your trust in His holy blood.

A child born in the womb of a mother, in her blood, is surely her child. Even if that child goes astray and becomes corrupt, the fact that he was born from her blood remains true.

Likewise, you were born through the redeeming blood of Jesus, who cleansed you from sin—so believe that you are truly His child. And because you are His child, return to Him.

Become fully obedient. We must be wholly obedient to His will. Then, we will escape sin. — Ephesians 4:22–24.

Lean upon Christ—just as a child leans upon its mother. Without depending on your own strength, but completely resting in Him, you will escape sin that falsely claims to protect but truly misleads.

Truly, when sin approaches and we cast it far away—if we reckon ourselves as dead to it—we can overcome sin. — Job 11:13–19; Romans 6:11. Be sure to read these verses.

We must remember Christ—who died and rose again for us—every moment. Blessed are those who meditate on God's Word day and night; through divine meditation, they will escape sin.

Those who seriously reflect on and practice the above five principles will surely be delivered from the terrible bondage of sin.

The Power Behind Temptation

On this earth, Adam and Eve committed the first sin. Through that sin, the whole world became immersed in sinfulness.

Every sin involves temptation from both outside and inside. Therefore, both internal and external temptations exist in every sin.

Invisible power: In every sin, there is an invisible force at work. Though unseen, it is active. Just as in electrical wires—you can see the wire, but not the current flowing within—so also in sin, an invisible power is hidden but working.

This invisible power in sin hides itself and operates through visible means, bringing temptation. This kind of temptation has led to the destruction of the entire human race. — Ephesians 2:2.

The invisible powers of evil can come face to face with us. Though they are unseen, they offer suggestions, show alluring hopes, and tempt us to commit sin.

It is difficult to recognize these invisible forces, and that is why man easily gives in. Misinterpretations, twisting of meaning, harboring doubts, making decisions according to one's own will, and falsely accusing others—all these occur under their influence.

Prayer

Heavenly Father! We thank You for today's message. Grant us inner discernment through Your Holy Word so that we may understand the schemes of the flesh, the world, and Satan. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we may overcome them. We ask this in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

(This message was preached by Father Devadasu in the year 1939.)

Sermon 10. The Missionary of the Country of the Gadarenes

Scripture: Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28

Blessing: Dear Word-loving believers, through today's message, may the Lord grant you the blessing of His healing! Amen.

A man possessed by a legion of demons saw Jesus from afar. He lived among the tombs. The actions he took are deeply meaningful:

• He saw Jesus from a distance—this is significant.
• He came running to Jesus.
• He worshipped Him.
• He fell down before Him.

These are not the irrational behaviors of a madman; rather, these are righteous acts. Before Jesus arrived, his deeds were truly mad—attacking people, harming others, screaming uncontrollably. But now, what he does—seeing Jesus, running toward Him, bowing in worship—are acts of spiritual clarity.

Even the act of worship is guided here not merely by the man himself, but by something deeper. The Bible says, "He ran and worshipped Him." The demon within him brought him forward. It was as though the man and the demon came together, yet with separate intentions.

• The man's heart longed for deliverance—his desire was: "Lord, save me!"
• The demon's intent was to beg: "Have You come to torment us before our time? Do not judge us yet. Allow us to enter another being or another place."

Notice this irony: neither his parents, friends, nor travelers brought him to Jesus. The demon did! The demon brought him with its own purpose—to plead not to be cast out. But within the man's heart was a silent cry for salvation. Thus, though they approached Jesus together, their motives were opposite.

This shows us something powerful: often, sickness, affliction, and demonic oppression themselves lead people to Jesus. Many who are brought to Christ are brought not by friends, but by suffering.

Sickness came through sin, and sin came through Satan.

So, the order is:

Satan → Sin → Sickness → Suffering → Jesus.

When the man came to Jesus, he brought along all of this: his sickness, his sin, his bondage to Satan.

On the surface, we see a sick man approaching Christ. But behind him is something unseen: Satan. What is visible is the illness and the sufferer; what is hidden is the spiritual warfare. Unless the sufferer comes to Jesus, how can the Creator come to him? All humanity has been affected by sin through Satan. That is why Christ came—not for the righteous, but for sinners.

Just as you recognize your physical ailments, you must also recognize your spiritual sickness, your sin, and Satan's bondage in your life. This man lived in tombs—a place of death. He was far from Jesus. Yet he saw Jesus from a distance, ran to Him, bowed down, and worshipped. Why was he able to do this?

Because Jesus had already commanded: "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" That divine command opened the way for the man to respond. The first three acts—seeing, running, bowing—became possible because the demonic stronghold was beginning to break.

The fourth act, the one hidden deep inside him, was this unspoken cry:

"Lord, save me!"

His worship was not empty—it was full of meaning. It expressed his inner longing to be freed, healed, and saved.

The Meaning of His Worship

For example, consider a beggar walking on the road—he may bow to a passerby. A traveler might bow to a government official. Why? Because he believes that person holds authority or might be able to help him.

In the same way, when the demon-possessed man saw Jesus from a distance, he immediately recognized someone extraordinary—someone noble and powerful—was approaching, and he bowed before Him.

Previously, this man used to harm travelers and torment others; but now, with honor and reverence, he bowed before Jesus. His bowing revealed a hidden quality of respect and recognition.

To those who are sick or afflicted today, I urge you: remember that the Lord Jesus is present here. His Word promises that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there in the midst.

So, just as the possessed man bowed before Jesus, acknowledging His greatness, you too should bow with reverence before the Lord who is here.

Bowing is often done with an expectation of help—just as someone might bow in hopes of receiving a Christmas gift or a piece of cake. The demon-possessed man bowed in hope of deliverance, and this act had deep meaning.

Consider also the example of a child frightened by a barking dog—he instinctively looks toward an adult for protection.

Similarly, this man's bowing reflected an inner cry:

"This demon has tormented me for a long time—please deliver me, please save me!"

Just as a beggar greets someone in expectation of receiving, and a child looks to someone to save him from danger, so this man bowed before Jesus in hope of freedom. His bowing revealed a heart that was waiting for rescue, yearning for deliverance.

Therefore, when you come to Jesus, come with expectation—believing that He can remove your sin, heal your sickness, and deliver you from the grip of Satan.

Within you lies the capacity to honor Him, the faith to trust Him, and the spirit to wait upon Him for your healing. That is what pleases the Lord, and that is what leads to your transformation.

If I had been near that demon-possessed man, I would have sung,

"You are the One, O Lord!"

Just as he bowed in reverent hope, recognizing the Savior, I too declare today,

"You are the One, Lord!"

Let every sick person today hold on to that song of faith and expectation:

"You are the One who heals, delivers, and saves!"

Running to Jesus

It appears that the man ran toward the Lord Jesus. Just as many sick people come to Jesus believing He can heal them, this man, though once among the tombs, rose up and ran to Him.

His running revealed his eagerness and hope. The urgency in his heart was now visible in action.

Honor and faith began in his mind, but they didn't remain internal—they moved him outward into motion.

Merely believing in the mind or honoring the Lord in thought is not enough. One must depend on Him, seek refuge in Him, and go to Him. One must rise up and draw near to the Lord.

This passage compels us to examine ourselves:

• The honoring nature.
• The believing nature.
• The eagerness to run to Him.

We must honor Him, believe in Him, and most importantly, go to Him.

Now consider—what is more important: for the Lord to come to the sick person, or for the sick person to go to the Lord?

Healing begins when the patient goes to the physician. Healing does not come by remaining as one is.

When the sick person goes to where Jesus is, healing becomes possible. Jesus may come by His omnipresence, but the afflicted must still draw near.

The Lord declared,

"Whoever comes to Me, I will never cast out."

This is His voice—and this is why the man ran to Him.

These three essential traits must be found in every person seeking healing: honor, faith, and readiness to run toward Jesus.

With these, no one will be left behind.

Additionally, three other elements must also be present: sound teaching, fervent prayer, and anointing with oil.

When these three are practiced together, healing, restoration, and spiritual growth will surely follow.

A Changed Life

Dear believers who long for spiritual growth, everyone desires to grow in the Lord. But in order to grow, we must not remain where we were in our spiritual life last year. Each new year should take us a step higher. God has given us His Word so that we may grow in such maturity and transformation.

Consider the man who was possessed by demons. Let us observe three things about him:

• Where he was.
• Where he came from.
• What he was doing.

His story shows us that God can also transform our lives and remove our miserable conditions.

He was living in the graveyards, in a dreadful and hopeless state, but the Lord Jesus made necessary arrangements for his deliverance and restoration.

First, Jesus gave him a command.

Second, He appointed him to a task.

Third, He made the result of that calling visible.

The Lord's Commission

The same man who had been delivered from the tombs was now entrusted with a divine commission.

Jesus Christ made him His servant—not an earthly government official, but a worker in the Lord's mission.

Christ pulled him out of destruction and assigned him a task:

"Go home to your own people and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you."

This is the work of the Gospel.

Every one of us has a home and people of our own. We are called to proclaim the Lord's mercies to them.

There is no greater calling than to teach the things of God. It is the highest and most honorable service.

If the God who healed a man possessed by a legion of demons could do that, can He not restore us?

The One who transformed a man who did not even know the Word of God—can He not transform us who have heard it?

Therefore, dear ones, let no one lose hope—look to God!

Just as He lifted that man to such a good state, He is able to lift us today.

Whatever weakness or discouragement is within us, the Lord can take it away.

Just as a priest is ordained and appointed to ministry, in that same harbor Jesus ordained this man who was once mad—to preach the Word.

What was his appointment?

It was the ministry of teaching.

Yet those who knew him might have said,

"Wasn't he the madman? Wasn't he the one who lived in the graveyards?"

But the Lord transformed him and gave him a divine mission. Is that a small thing?

Our Calling

Dear brothers and sisters, how many of us have been restored by the Lord!

Each of us can say:

• "When I was sick, the Lord healed me."
• "Jesus made me whole—He can heal others too."
• "I once heard a sermon, and now I share that same message."

If you speak like this, you become evangelists, teachers, and preachers—servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Take these messages and speak them in your homes, your villages, and your towns.

Why did you receive so many teachings?

So that you may also go and proclaim them.

Everyone who is saved should help bring salvation to others.

The very first thing Jesus did for the delivered man was to appoint him as a teacher.

He said to him:

• "Go."
• "Tell your household."
• "Tell them what the Lord has done for you."

How many ears need to hear that command of Jesus?

The Lord had twelve disciples. Before He ascended to heaven, He appointed them to a mission:

"Go into all the world and preach the Gospel—I have prepared you."

Just as He prepared the twelve, and the seventy, in the same way He prepared this man.

He brought him into that same divine arrangement.

How blessed it is!

Just as the Lord Jesus commanded His disciples,

"Go into all nations,"

and sent them to the Gentiles, in the same way, He gave such a high privilege to this man who had once been demon-possessed.

What was the message he was to preach?

Simply this: the grace and mercy God had shown him.

To the one He sent, Jesus provided everything needed for ministry:

• A place to preach—his very own home, his personal territory.
• A congregation—his own household.
• A message—the testimony of what the Lord had done for him.
• A calling—the ministry of the Gospel.

Thus, the Lord gave him the teaching ministry, a divine command, a clear message, a platform, and a people to reach.

Even today, the Lord continues to appoint and equip us in the same way.

He first gave this divine appointment to a man who had lived among the tombs.

If He restored us, will He not also entrust us with the same calling?

Yes! He will give us everything He gave to that man.

The Work of the Missionary

First, the story: He brought out a man from the graveyard and restored him.

Second, the commission: He gave him a mission, a command, a message, a location, and a people.

These two acts—the restoring and the commissioning—are the work of the Lord.

Yet, we also see what the man himself did.

To the disciples, Jesus entrusted the whole world. But to the man from the tombs, He entrusted his own house.

The man went and proclaimed,

"God has healed me, God has restored me!"

The evangelists who recorded this made it clear: wherever he went—even in remote regions—he was to proclaim all the great things God had done for him.

As written in Luke 8,

"Return to your home and tell how much God has done for you."

This is the purest form of evangelism: to declare God's goodness and saving power from personal experience, beginning right where we are—with our own household.

A Living Testimony

Decapolis—it was an unclean place. Yet this man testified there about all that God had done for him.

Surely, he must have shared the entire history of his former miserable condition. Could that not itself be considered a great sermon? His testimony alone could have been shared over five weeks—what a powerful and lengthy story!

But some people today try to summarize all that in just one hour.

Some who hear the history of native missionaries say,

"What do I know? I cannot go preach."

Others say,

"I have no education. How can I go preach?"

One old woman came to me after hearing a message and asked,

"Should I go and just say, 'The Lord is coming. Be prepared'?"

I replied,

"Yes, say even that one word. That is enough."

Can you all at least do that much?

The Lord did great and merciful things for that man.

His Transformation

Look at how much transformation occurred:

• Earlier he wouldn't even go to other houses—but now he goes.
• He would not travel to other nations—but now he goes to all nations.
• He was once naked—but now he is clothed.
• He was once demon-possessed—but now he is casting out demons.
• Once he was terrifying—but now he is a helper to others.

Just as the Lord spoke a little, but the man did much—the result of his work was that everyone was amazed.

Deep astonishment stirred in their hearts.

From this story, we must learn all the divine instructions that the Lord gave and apply them in the same way.

That madman became:

• A teacher.
• A house preacher.
• A touring evangelist.

Because of his missionary service, everyone was amazed.

Can you do the same?

Have people ever been amazed by you, or have you ever been amazed at something about the Lord?

At the end of Matthew 7, it is written that when Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching.

So now:

• The people were amazed at the Lord's words.
• The people were amazed at the words of the man who once lived among the tombs.

In the story of the Good Samaritan, he said,

"If more is needed, I will give it."

Therefore, every Gospel preacher must determine:

"Even if the Lord asked only this much, I will do more."

Let every Gospel worker declare:

• This is my faith.
• This is my vow.
• This is my duty.

Thus, we must do the work completely.

There were many things the Lord did not directly command this man to say—but he still went and told both his family and the people of his nation.

Prayer

O Lord Jesus, today many are sick. Through this message, grant them healing. Just as You gave healing to both body and soul to that man and blessed his ministry—bless these people also. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who is coming soon. Amen.

Preached by Father Devadasu Ayyagaru, in the Guntur Christ Church on March 20, 1949.

Twenty-First Message – Preparedness: Being With Him

Scripture: Isaiah 40:3–4; Luke 1:5–17; 1 Thessalonians 4:17

"Listen! A voice of one calling in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord in the desert...'" – Isaiah 40:3

When we examine the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, we find several well-known aspects:

• His birth.
• His teachings.
• His miracles and healing of the sick.
• His death on the cross for sinners.
• His resurrection.
• His ascension into heaven.

However, the account of His return has not yet occurred. But just as there was a message foretold before His birth—"The Lord is coming"—which was fulfilled, so also now, we await the fulfilment of His Second Coming.

We are living between two stories:

• The story of His first coming, which has already taken place.
• And the story of His second coming, which is soon to take place.

Before Jesus was born into the world, John the Baptist came, declaring that the Messiah was coming. John was born six months before Jesus. Both entered their ministries at the age of 30. John's message was simple:

"The One foretold by the prophets has come."

Therefore, it is necessary that we understand the story of John first.

John was like the morning star that appears before the rising of the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus Christ. John's appearance confirmed that Jesus had arrived.

In the same way, the signs that precede the Second Coming are like morning stars. They shine before the full light of day.

Those who preach about the Lord's coming today are like John—voices calling out before His return. Their message is:

"He is coming! Prepare yourselves!"

That is a morning star sign, indicating that the Lord is near. Many signs have already appeared—and all are like forerunners of the true Light.

Before John's birth, there was a priest serving in the temple. His duties were to clean the temple, light the lamps, and offer incense. He was an elderly man, serving faithfully. This priest stood between John's coming and Jesus' arrival.

This elderly couple—Zechariah and Elizabeth—had no children. They were aged and were living in quiet faithfulness, ready to die in godliness. According to the priestly order, there were 24 groups of priests, and each group served one week.

During his appointed week, Zechariah entered the temple to serve. While he was inside, the rest of the people were outside praying. They were to continue praying until he returned. Inside the holy place, Zechariah was offering incense and praying. Only after finishing his priestly prayer and incense offering would he return to the people outside.

There are two types of devotion among believers:

1. Those who walk according to God's commandments (spiritual obedience).
2. Those who walk according to spiritual ordinances or traditions (spiritual discipline).

True godliness requires both. For what use is an ordinance without purity of heart? As the Scripture implies, "What is a ritual without spiritual sanctity?" So both commandment-following and ritual purity must go hand in hand. Within a godly household, both husband and wife should be devout. And within each individual, both types of devotion should be present.

Take for example the priest Zechariah, who was praying in the temple. As he prayed, an angel appeared, and he was startled.

Can one be afraid during prayer?

Yes! Even if we pray regularly, we are not like angels. When we encounter divine presence unexpectedly, we too may tremble. Still, Zechariah and Elizabeth were blameless before both God and men.

They were:

• Obedient to God's commandments and devoted in their spiritual practices.
• United in their marriage.
• Righteous in the sight of both God and people.

The angel said to Zechariah:

1. "Do not be afraid."
2. "Your prayer has been heard."
3. "You will have a son."
4. "He will be great before the Lord."

The priest must have prayed for a child—and that prayer was now being answered. God gave them a son who would be a gift of devotion to the Lord.

Their son, John, would be greater in faith and calling than his parents. Children ought to surpass their parents in spiritual fervor.

John would go on to proclaim the coming of the Messiah. He would abstain from wine and live a consecrated life. His calling is described in Luke 1:17—to prepare a people ready for the Lord.

Here’s an illustration: imagine a class of 30 students preparing for exams. Twenty are diligent; they are reviewing with urgency. The remaining ten are careless. A wise teacher will not abandon the careless ones but give extra attention to them—because time is short.

The angel said to John,

"Go to those who are already expecting the Messiah, and prepare them even further."

That was John's calling—to take the expectant and make them ready.

At that time, many believers had heard that the Lord would come, and they were waiting. But if they weren't properly prepared when He arrived, they wouldn't recognize Him.

So John was sent not just to reach the lost, but also to prepare the faithful more completely.

Now, we are in the same situation. You've heard of the Second Coming. You believe and are waiting. This teaching is sent to help you prepare fully.

If that final stage of preparation is neglected, even the faithful may miss the Lord's return.

We must also preach to those who are not yet ready, but most urgently to those who already believe—to bring them into full preparedness.

This requires many more preachers of the Second Coming.

When someone says,

"Come to the Lord,"

the response should not be,

"I'm not ready."

For those already seeking, faithful teachers are needed.

Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed faithfully—even into old age. Because they prayed, their promised child, John, was born.

Likewise, if we continue in prayer, God will raise up many preachers.

Who is truly preparing in these days?

Those who:

• Pray earnestly.
• Offer sincere incense (prayers) to God.
• Continue in prayer even into old age.

They are the ones who believe in the Second Coming.

They have heard.

They are praying.

They are watching.

They are being made ready.

So let us pray:

"Lord, send more teachers like John—gifted, devoted sons filled with the spirit and power of Elijah."

What was Elijah known for?

He could look at a man and tell what kind of person he was. John was the same.

Today, we especially need preachers of the Second Coming.

Through:

• Hearing.
• Believing.
• Praying.
• Watching.

We have become partially prepared.

But when we are with Him, we shall be fully prepared.

Luke 8:38; Mark 5:18 — A man from Gadara who was healed by the Lord once prayed, saying,

"Let me be with You."

The dwelling he desired was none other than the presence of the Lord.

That was his prayer—"Let me be with You."

Do you not desire His presence?

Have you not prayed,

"Let me be with You"?

Remain steadfast in this desire and in this prayer.

This was the same man who once lived among the tombs, who was possessed by demons, naked, and violent—attacking people on the roads.

But now, he longs to stay with Jesus.

What an incredible transformation! What a profound desire! What a heartfelt prayer!

His former condition—his entire past life—was completely changed. He abandoned everything that had defined his former misery.

He became a new man.

Once a threat to others, he now follows Jesus—not to harm, but to hold on to Him.

Because of all that Jesus had done for him, gratitude arose in his heart.

And from this grateful heart came the prayer:

"Let me be with You."

All who have been saved by the Lord can make this prayer.

They will always desire to be with Him.

This prayer, born out of a longing to dwell in His presence, is a blessed one.

Those who have been truly healed will want to stay near the Lord; those who haven't will not have such a desire.

Earlier, Jesus was in one place and this man in another. There was a great distance between them. But after receiving healing and deliverance, he no longer wanted to remain away from the Lord.

His only desire was:

"Lord, let me remain with You."

This desire did not arise because someone instructed him to say it. It came naturally from a grateful heart that had experienced the mercy of God.

When a person truly experiences the grace of Christ, he begins to long for the continual presence of the Lord.

That desire is itself a sign of spiritual life.

Many people pray for blessings, healing, protection, prosperity, and peace. But this man prayed for something greater than all these:

"That I may be with You."

This is one of the highest prayers a believer can offer.

When the Lord becomes more precious than His blessings, spiritual maturity has begun.

The man had already received healing. Yet healing was no longer his greatest joy. His greatest joy was the Lord Himself.

Even today, many seek the gifts of God more than God Himself.

But the believer who has truly understood the Lord says:

"I do not merely seek Your gifts—I seek You."

This should become the longing of every believer.

Every day we should pray:

"Lord, let me live with You."

"Lord, let me walk with You."

"Lord, let me remain in Your presence."

Those who cultivate such fellowship on earth will rejoice in eternal fellowship with Him in heaven.

The Second Coming is not merely about seeing the Lord—it is about being with Him forever.

This was the hope of the apostles.

This was the hope of the early Church.

This must also become our hope.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, just as You prepared people through John the Baptist before the first coming of Christ, prepare us today for His glorious Second Coming. Remove every hindrance from our lives and create within us a deep longing to remain with You. May our greatest desire never be earthly blessings, but Your holy presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is coming soon, we pray. Amen.

Focused Prayer

Believers who are preparing for the coming of the Lord should spend time every day in quiet fellowship with Him. Let every prayer rise from a heart that longs for His presence rather than merely His gifts.

Say continually:

• Lord, prepare me.
• Lord, keep me faithful.
• Lord, let me remain with You.
• Lord, make me ready for Your coming.

Those who faithfully continue in this expectation will not be ashamed at His appearing but will rejoice in His glorious presence forever.

Sermon – Pray Without Losing Heart

Scripture: Luke 18:1–8

Blessing: Dear believers, may the Lord teach us through today's meditation to pray continually without becoming discouraged, and may He strengthen our faith until every prayer is answered. Amen.

The Lord Jesus taught this parable so that people should always pray and never lose heart. Two important questions arise before every believer:

• Is your prayer truly directed toward the goal?
• Has discouragement begun to enter your heart?

Every believer must firmly believe that God will surely hear every sincere prayer. We should never dwell on the thought that God has ignored us or failed to listen.

Therefore, whenever you present your personal burdens before God, do not become sorrowful. Do not surrender to grief or disappointment.

Instead, increase the intensity of your prayer.

Whenever discouragement enters the heart, prayer gradually decreases. As prayer decreases, the fulfillment of God's answer is delayed.

All believers are called to live lives of continual prayer.

Some prayers have already received answers, while many new prayer requests continue to arise throughout life.

When Jesus taught this parable, He emphasized one great principle:

"People ought always to pray and not lose heart."

Day and night we must continue praying.

Today...

Day and night.

Tomorrow...

Day and night.

This pattern must never stop.

That is why Scripture speaks of:

"His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night."

The Chosen Prayer Warriors

Imagine ten people praying together over one matter while a preacher quietly watches them.

He notices:

• Who becomes sleepy.
• Who becomes distracted.
• Who repeatedly walks away.
• Who continues praying faithfully without interruption.

Among them he identifies only those who continue steadfastly without discouragement.

Likewise, God chooses those who refuse to stop praying.

The preacher chooses those who remain faithful in prayer.

God also chooses those who persevere.

These become His chosen intercessors.

They are truly people of prayer.

Just as a teacher selects students who excel in their studies, God chooses believers who excel in prayer.

Why?

Because He appoints them to participate in the fulfillment of His divine answers.

Therefore, even if only in name, never allow discouragement to overcome you.

Those whom God chooses are entrusted with seeing His promises fulfilled through prayer.

Many matters are continually being brought before the Lord.

God desires to answer every one of them.

For that purpose He raises up faithful intercessors who will stand before Him day and night.

Just as:

• Evangelists are needed to preach.
• Caregivers are needed to help the suffering.
• Counselors are needed to comfort the troubled.

Likewise, prayer warriors are needed to bring God's answers into fulfillment.

Just as students graduate from schools and enter different professions, those trained in prayer are appointed into God's ministry of intercession.

Thus, God continues raising up men and women devoted to prayer so that His purposes may be accomplished upon the earth.

God needs:

• People who receive His answers.
• People whose prayers bring His purposes to fulfillment.
• Men and women who dedicate themselves completely to prayer.

Whenever such people are available, God accomplishes great and mighty works through them.

The Lord Himself chose twelve disciples.

Nearly nineteen hundred years ago they carried the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

They did not merely receive one form of knowledge.

Through fellowship with Christ they learned:

• Divine wisdom.
• Humility.
• Holiness.
• Spiritual living.
• Many other heavenly virtues.

After being trained by the Lord, they went throughout the nations proclaiming the Word of God.

Although they possessed neither worldly riches nor high levels of secular education, they had learned the Word directly from Christ Himself.

Because of this, they accomplished noble and fruitful ministry.

At times they became weary while learning, yet they never remained discouraged.

For example, when Peter became hungry, he did not complain.

Instead, he entered into prayer.

In this way every disciple became skilled in the discipline of prayer.

Whenever they found even a little time, they devoted themselves to prayer.

Likewise, if we obey the Lord's teaching, He too will appoint us to great spiritual ministries and divine responsibilities.

If those whom God has chosen continue praying day and night, He will certainly hear them.

Therefore, let us begin today—not tomorrow.

Let us not merely pray for those who continue faithfully.

Rather, let us become such people ourselves.

In these days, the power of prayer is decreasing, while suffering, criticism, and opposition continue to increase.

Even so, we must remain faithful to the work God has entrusted to us.

Since the wicked are diligent in doing evil, the righteous should be even more diligent in doing good.

Therefore the Lord gives us two great commandments:

• Pray continually.
• Never lose heart.

If you continue praying without discouragement, your prayer truly becomes continual prayer.

If someone prays for only a few days and then stops, that is not continual prayer.

It is interrupted prayer.

The English Bible uses the expression:

"Faint not."

It means:

• Do not become weary.
• Do not lose strength.
• Do not become discouraged.

When a believer stops praying because answers have not yet come, that is discouragement.

This is exactly what the Lord warns us against in this parable.

Therefore our prayers must possess three characteristics:

• Continual prayer.
• Frequent prayer.
• Day-and-night prayer.

When these qualities are present, our Heavenly Father will answer quickly.

If discouragement is absent, His answers will come speedily.

Even when there appears to be a delay, He will surely answer.

Why can we be so confident?

Because His Word declares:

"He will answer them speedily."

From that single promise we understand two truths:

• God always remembers His promises.
• God faithfully fulfills what He has spoken in Scripture.

What He accomplished in the past gives us confidence for the future.

Therefore we may confidently believe that our prayers today will also receive His answer.

Finally the Lord asked:

"When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

This question applies to every believer.

Just as breathing proves that a person is alive, prayer is the spiritual breath of the believer.

We must continually breathe through prayer.

We must bring every burden before the Lord without becoming discouraged.

When we remain in such continual prayer, Christ our Bridegroom Himself will strengthen and establish us.

Amen.

This message was preached by Father Devadasu Ayyagaru on July 5, 1945, in Rajahmundry.

Sermon – The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven

Scripture: Matthew 13:11

Blessing: Dear friends, may the Lord grant you understanding of the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven through today's meditation. Amen.

The truths concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, the Church, many profound teachings of Scripture, and even the person of the Lord Jesus Christ cannot be understood by the natural, worldly mind.

Such people neither understand these things nor receive them because worldly thinking rules their hearts.

Since they neither seek nor use the wisdom that God gives, they remain spiritually blind.

Isaiah 6:10 illustrates this condition by showing hearts that have become dull and unable to receive divine truth.

God always looks upon the heart.

That is why Jesus said to Judas,

"What you are about to do, do quickly."

His heart had already chosen betrayal.

Romans 1:24 likewise teaches that God gave certain people over to the desires they had already chosen.

There are spiritual truths that cannot be understood merely by intelligence.

They are understood only through faith.

As Hebrews 11:1 teaches:

"By faith we understand."

Faith therefore reaches farther than human intellect.

The Lord Jesus said to His disciples:

"To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been given."

Notice carefully that the Lord did not say, "You are more intelligent," or "You are more educated." Rather, He said that this understanding had been given to them.

The mysteries of God's Kingdom are not discovered merely by study, but are revealed by God's grace.

Many people hear the same sermon, yet only a few understand its spiritual meaning.

The difference is not in the message—it is in the condition of the heart.

Those who seek the Lord with humility receive understanding, while those who approach with pride remain spiritually blind.

Why Jesus Spoke in Parables

The disciples once asked,

"Why do You speak to them in parables?"

The Lord answered that the mysteries of the Kingdom had been entrusted to those who followed Him, but not to those who had hardened their hearts.

A parable reveals truth to the humble but hides it from the proud.

To the believer it becomes light.

To the unbeliever it remains only a story.

Thus, the same words produce two completely different results.

One person receives life.

Another remains unchanged.

This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah:

"Hearing you will hear and shall not understand; seeing you will see and not perceive."

Their ears heard the words, but their hearts refused the truth.

Therefore, spiritual understanding depends more upon obedience than upon knowledge.

The Heart Determines Understanding

If the heart is humble, the Word of God becomes clear.

If the heart is proud, even the clearest truth becomes hidden.

God does not hide His truth because He is unwilling to reveal it.

Rather, people hide themselves from His truth through unbelief and disobedience.

The mysteries of Heaven are treasures.

Treasures are entrusted only to faithful people.

Likewise, God entrusts His heavenly mysteries to those who faithfully walk with Him.

When a believer faithfully obeys the light already received, God grants greater light.

But when a person rejects the light already given, even that little understanding begins to disappear.

That is why Jesus declared:

"Whoever has, to him more will be given."

Spiritual growth always follows faithful obedience.

Therefore, let every believer pray:

"Lord, open my understanding that I may know the mysteries of Your Kingdom."

Knowledge alone cannot reveal Heaven.

Only the Holy Spirit can illuminate the heart and make God's mysteries known.

Those who receive such revelation become joyful students of the Word.

Day by day they continue growing in wisdom, faith, and spiritual understanding.

Then the Lord said to His disciples:

"Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear."

Many prophets and righteous men longed to see the things that you see but did not see them. They longed to hear the things that you hear but did not hear them.

Throughout the generations, holy men of God looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. They spoke about Him through prophecy, yet they did not witness the fulfillment with their own eyes.

The disciples, however, were greatly privileged. They walked with the Lord, listened to His teachings, witnessed His miracles, and received direct instruction concerning the Kingdom of Heaven.

This privilege was not given because they were wiser than others, but because God graciously chose to reveal His truth to them.

The Responsibility of Receiving Revelation

Whenever God grants greater understanding, greater responsibility also follows.

Those who receive the mysteries of the Kingdom must not hide them.

Instead, they should faithfully live according to them and lovingly teach them to others.

The light we receive from God is never meant only for ourselves.

Just as a lamp is placed upon a lampstand to give light to everyone in the house, spiritual understanding should shine through our daily lives.

The purpose of divine revelation is transformation.

It is not merely to increase knowledge but to produce holiness, obedience, humility, and love.

If knowledge produces pride, it has missed God's purpose.

If revelation produces obedience, then it has fulfilled God's purpose.

Walking in the Light

Every truth that God reveals should immediately be put into practice.

Those who faithfully obey today's light will receive tomorrow's light.

But if today's truth is neglected, spiritual understanding gradually fades.

The Kingdom of Heaven is opened step by step to those who continue walking faithfully with the Lord.

Therefore, let every believer continually seek:

• A humble heart.
• An obedient spirit.
• A desire to know God's will.
• A life that practices the revealed truth.

Then the Holy Spirit will continue revealing the deeper truths of God's Kingdom.

The more we walk with Christ, the more clearly we understand His Word.

The more clearly we understand His Word, the more faithfully we follow Him.

Thus, knowledge, faith, and obedience continually grow together in the life of every true disciple.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the mysteries of Your Kingdom through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us humble hearts, willing minds, and obedient spirits so that we may understand Your Word, walk in its light, and faithfully teach others. May the Holy Spirit continually open our understanding until we stand complete in Christ. Through our Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

The Parable of the Sower

The Lord then said:

"Hear therefore the parable of the sower."

The seed represents the Word of God.

The sower is the one who proclaims the Word.

The various types of soil represent the different conditions of the human heart.

Although the same seed is sown everywhere, the results differ because the hearts that receive it differ.

The Seed by the Wayside

Some seed fell by the wayside.

When anyone hears the message concerning the Kingdom but does not understand it, the wicked one comes immediately and snatches away what was sown in the heart.

Just as birds quickly pick up seed lying on a pathway, Satan quickly removes God's Word from a careless heart.

Therefore, every believer must guard the Word immediately after hearing it.

Meditation, prayer, and obedience protect the seed from being stolen.

The Seed on Rocky Ground

Some seed fell upon rocky places where there was little soil.

The seed sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow.

But when the sun became hot, the plants withered because they had no deep roots.

Likewise, some people receive God's Word with immediate joy.

Yet they do not allow the Word to take deep root within their lives.

When trials, persecution, or hardships arise because of the Word, they quickly stumble.

True spiritual growth requires deep roots of faith.

The Seed Among Thorns

Other seed fell among thorns.

The thorns grew together with the good seed and eventually choked it.

These thorns represent worldly worries, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires of earthly life.

Such things slowly occupy the heart until God's Word becomes unfruitful.

Therefore, believers must continually remove the thorns that hinder spiritual growth.

The heart should belong completely to the Lord.

The Good Soil

Finally, some seed fell on good soil.

This represents the person who hears the Word, understands it, receives it gladly, and faithfully lives according to it.

Such a believer produces abundant spiritual fruit.

Some bear thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold.

God desires every believer to become good soil where His Word grows abundantly.

Therefore, let us continually prepare our hearts through prayer, humility, obedience, and meditation upon God's Word, so that the seed He sows may produce lasting fruit for His glory.

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

The Lord presented another parable, saying:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field."

The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.

The field represents the world.

The good seed represents the children of the Kingdom.

The tares represent the children of the evil one.

The enemy who sowed the tares is the devil.

The harvest is the end of the age.

The reapers are the angels.

During the night, while people slept, the enemy secretly came and sowed tares among the wheat.

When both plants began to grow, the servants noticed the weeds and asked the master:

"Lord, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then where did these tares come from?"

The master answered:

"An enemy has done this."

The servants immediately asked:

"Shall we go and pull them out?"

But the master replied:

"No, lest while gathering the tares you also uproot the wheat. Let both grow together until the harvest."

Spiritual Meaning

The Lord explained this parable Himself.

Within this world, both the righteous and the wicked continue living together until the appointed time of judgment.

God, in His patience, allows both to remain until the harvest because He knows perfectly who belongs to Him.

Human beings often judge outward appearances.

God judges the heart.

Therefore we must never become impatient or attempt to carry out God's final judgment ourselves.

The separation belongs to God alone.

At the end of the age, the angels will gather the tares first and bind them for destruction.

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.

Therefore every believer should strive to remain as healthy wheat that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God.

The Lord patiently watches over His field.

Though evil exists in the present age, its final victory is impossible because the harvest belongs to God.

The believer's responsibility is not to become discouraged by the presence of evil, but to continue growing faithfully until the day of harvest.

When Christ returns, every hidden thing will be revealed, every righteous work will be rewarded, and every act of evil will receive its proper judgment.

Therefore let us remain faithful, fruitful, and steadfast until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

The Lord spoke another parable:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field."

Although the mustard seed is among the smallest of seeds, when it grows it becomes larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree.

The birds of the air come and make their nests in its branches.

Likewise, the Kingdom of God often begins in ways that appear very small and insignificant.

A single believer...

A single prayer...

A single act of faith...

A single word of the Gospel...

These may appear small in the eyes of the world, yet God causes them to grow into something great for His glory.

Therefore, no believer should despise small beginnings.

The Lord delights in causing small things to become great through His divine power.

Every great work in God's Kingdom begins with a faithful beginning.

The Parable of the Leaven

Again the Lord said:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it was all leavened."

Leaven works quietly.

It cannot immediately be seen.

Yet its influence gradually spreads until the entire dough is changed.

In the same way, God's Word silently transforms the heart.

Its work is often unseen at first.

But as the Holy Spirit continues working within a believer, the entire life is gradually transformed.

True spiritual growth is usually quiet rather than dramatic.

It is revealed through daily obedience, increasing holiness, growing faith, and continual fellowship with God.

The Kingdom of Heaven does not merely change outward behavior.

It transforms the inner person.

As leaven spreads through the whole lump, so the grace of God spreads throughout the whole life of the believer.

Therefore, allow the Word of God to continue its work within your heart until every part of your life reflects Christ.

Those who faithfully remain under the influence of God's Word will gradually become more like the Lord Himself.

This is the glorious work of the Kingdom of Heaven within every child of God.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

Again, the Lord said:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again. Then, in his joy, he went and sold all that he had and bought that field."

The Kingdom of Heaven is the greatest treasure that anyone can ever discover.

Once a person truly discovers its value, every earthly possession becomes secondary.

The joy of obtaining Christ surpasses every worldly gain.

The man in the parable gladly surrendered everything because he knew that the treasure he had found was worth infinitely more than all his possessions.

Likewise, every true believer should gladly surrender anything that hinders fellowship with Christ.

No earthly treasure can compare with the riches of God's Kingdom.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

When he found one pearl of great price, he went away, sold everything he possessed, and bought it.

The merchant had seen many pearls throughout his life.

But when he discovered the one perfect pearl, nothing else compared with it.

Likewise, many people search throughout life for happiness, peace, knowledge, wealth, or honor.

But when they truly discover Jesus Christ, every other pursuit loses its importance.

Christ Himself is the Pearl of Great Price.

Those who truly know Him willingly surrender everything in order to gain Him.

The Kingdom of Heaven cannot be compared with earthly possessions.

Its value is beyond measure.

Therefore every believer should treasure Christ above all else.

The Parable of the Dragnet

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a large fishing net cast into the sea that gathered fish of every kind.

When the net became full, the fishermen pulled it ashore.

Then they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but threw the bad fish away.

So it will be at the end of the age.

The angels will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous.

The wicked will be thrown into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Therefore, every believer must prepare for that final separation.

Today, both the righteous and the wicked live together in the world.

But on the day appointed by God, a perfect separation will take place.

No one will escape His righteous judgment.

Those who belong to Christ will inherit His eternal Kingdom.

Those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God.

Therefore, let every person seek the Lord while there is still time.

Let every believer remain faithful until the end.

The Lord concluded by asking His disciples:

"Have you understood all these things?"

They answered,

"Yes, Lord."

Then Jesus said that every teacher who has been instructed concerning the Kingdom of Heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his treasure things both new and old.

Those who truly understand God's Word are called not only to learn it but also to faithfully teach it to others.

May the Lord grant us grace to understand the mysteries of His Kingdom, treasure Christ above everything else, remain faithful until the end, and joyfully inherit His everlasting Kingdom. Amen.

Sermon – Blessed Are Those Who Believe

Scripture: John 20:24–29; 1 Corinthians 15:58

Blessing: Dear believers, may the Lord strengthen your faith through today's message so that you may remain steadfast, immovable, and always abound in the work of the Lord. Amen.

I. Those Who Believed

Because they believed, the matter is true. It is not an imagination or a faith-based tale—it is a historical account.

1. The Lord was born.
2. Believers accepted that He performed miracles and taught.
3. Unbelievers did not accept it.

(John 11:23–27) – At Bethany, the Lord spoke at Lazarus' tomb and raised him from the dead. Even before He performed this miracle, Martha said,

"Lord, I believe that You are the Messiah who was to come into the world."

At another time, when speaking to a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, He said,

"I who speak to you am He,"

and the woman believed. Leaving her water pot, she went into the city and declared the news to the people.

During the Lord's Birth

At the time of the Lord's birth, in Jerusalem, Simeon, who was performing priestly duties, and Anna the prophetess, saw the Child and believed.

At Jacob's well, the Samaritan woman believed.

At Lazarus' tomb, Martha and Mary believed after witnessing the Lord's works.

The disciples believed before the crucifixion.

(Matthew 16:15–16) – When Jesus asked Peter,

"Who do you say I am?"

Peter replied,

"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Thus, the disciples believed.

During the Lord's birth, the shepherds and the wise men also believed.

At the Cross

The centurion, upon witnessing the miraculous signs and the transformation in nature during the crucifixion, believed and declared that Jesus was truly the Son of God.

At that moment, three kinds of people believed in Him:

1. Those from the Lord's own nation (the Jews).
2. The Samaritan woman (a person of mixed descent).
3. The Roman centurion.

These formed a group of early believers.

However, some people, even after witnessing miracles (John 11:45–46), still did not believe.

Others remained with Christ from His birth until His death. They believed the truth about His life and accepted Him as the Savior.

These people believed because they saw with their eyes, heard with their ears, and were convinced in their hearts. Therefore, they were called blessed.

Those who believed in those days would say:

"We saw the Lord raise the dead from a manger, a temple, a well, and even a tomb. That is why we believe."

When the Lord asked questions or performed miracles, their faith did not falter.

Can we say their belief was in vain?

Today, we are believing based on their testimony and the impact it had on their lives.

That same blessed opportunity has now come to us.

Even during the time of Christ, such faith existed.

Believers During Christ's Time

In the days of Christ, people witnessed His works, heard His teachings, yet some were not convinced and did not believe.

Still, we believe today as they did then.

We are part of their group, and the blessedness they received is now ours as well.

Psalm 25 is often referred to as the Psalm of Trust. It contains many references to faith.

In fact, throughout the Scriptures, faith is found to be a common thread.

There were devout people, believers, and even ordinary individuals who placed their faith in God.

Because they believed, they were called "devout" and "beloved."

If we believe as they did, we too will be considered beloved and pleasing to God.

You may ask,

"How can I say I am pleasing to God?"

If I can say,

"I believe everything written in the Scriptures,"

then I stand among those like Simeon, the Samaritan woman, Martha, the centurion, Peter, and the other disciples—those who were pleasing to God.

Whether we understand everything or not, whether we are fully convinced or not, if we still choose to believe, we are part of that blessed group.

Such people are:

1. Pleasing to God.
2. Beloved by God.
3. Hated by the world.

Hymn: "To you and to your congregation... Praise be to the Savior!"

II. Second Section – They Did Not Believe

1. They did not believe.
2. They confessed their unbelief.
3. They continued in unbelief — this forms the central focus.

Although the Lord had repeatedly declared that He would rise from the dead, His disciples did not believe it. They neither expected it nor recognized the possibility. They had no anticipation or preparation in their hearts.

Prior to His resurrection:

• In the courtyard, they did not believe.
• In the Garden of Gethsemane, they did not believe.
• In the council or trial, they did not believe—though He had spoken plainly, they failed to trust His words.

Three circles of followers are noted in Scripture:

1. The twelve disciples who were closest to Him.
2. The seventy who followed from a distance, representing a wider circle of learners.
3. The seven women who ministered to Him, showing deep devotion.

Yet even these intimate followers did not believe. In addition, hundreds more who had seen His miracles and heard His teachings still could not comprehend or believe in the resurrection.

When Jesus was being led to the cross, the daughters of Jerusalem wept for Him. But He turned to them and said,

"Do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children."

These women mourned His visible suffering but had no thought of His victorious resurrection.

Though He was their promised King, even His own people did not believe in Him. How then could strangers believe?

Take Mary Magdalene as an example—the Scriptures do not explicitly state that she believed or disbelieved at first. The Gospel of Mark says she trembled and was afraid.

Why?

Because she assumed someone had taken away the Lord's body.

When she told others, even the women did not believe her (Mark 16:8).

Still, the Lord chose to reveal the glory of His resurrection first to Mary—a woman once bound in darkness, now chosen to witness the greatest light.

Even the men and women who had previously believed struggled now with unbelief.

Why?

Because they had seen the Lord's visible glory from birth to the cross, but the glory of the resurrection surpassed all of that—and it was difficult for their hearts to grasp.

Consider this comparison:

Just as the light of a gas lamp surpasses that of a small flame, so the resurrection surpasses all prior manifestations of His glory.

Yet they reasoned,

"Joseph of Arimathea buried Him; Nicodemus anointed Him with spices. How then could He rise?"

This kind of reasoning led them into sorrowful unbelief.

But didn't the Lord foretell His resurrection?

Did He not raise others—the widow's son, Jairus' daughter, and Lazarus?

Then why could He not rise Himself?

Of course He could!

He is the Lord of life.

They should have believed—yet they did not.

And this unbelief became their downfall.

III. The Hearts of the Lord's Disciples

The hearts of the Lord's disciples were clouded by three things:

1. Ignorance,
2. Unbelief,
3. Sorrow.

Because they were filled with these, they were unable to believe.

1. Ignorance

The disciples were unable to comprehend what was happening.

Similarly, the women disciples, filled with grief, conversed among themselves in deep sorrow.

In both cases, unbelief, sorrow, and fear veiled their hearts—thus, they could not recognize or believe in the risen Christ.

This is why the Lord rebuked the disciples on the road to Emmaus:

• "Foolish ones" – they had forgotten what was spoken to them.
• "Slow of heart" – they had failed to understand.

At that time—during the Lord's crucifixion—the believing community was small:

• Just 11 disciples.
• And 7 women.

This small fellowship faltered. At times, even a devoted assembly may stumble and fall—that is why caution is necessary.

Jesus once asked (Luke 18:8),

"When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

The implication: faith will scarcely be found.

Even now, the rapture of the Church is near, yet unbelief and doubt are creeping in—did this not happen even to Peter?

2. Who Is Vulnerable to Unbelief?

Unbelief can come upon:

1. Those who were well-taught.
2. Those who once believed deeply.
3. Those who earnestly waited with expectation.

Yet even they can fall into unbelief—unless vigilant, it can drag them into a spiritual abyss.

Remember: Peter, who boldly claimed he would never fall, fell.

Let us be careful—no one is exempt.

Let the entire Church beware of the chilling winds of unbelief that may sweep through unexpectedly.

3. Thomas: The Warning and the Redemption

Where was Thomas when the others saw the risen Lord?

He was absent, not fellowshipping with the others.

If we neglect gathering together—in fellowship or worship—we too may fall into the same doubt.

Because of this, Thomas gained a reputation. The Lord Himself said to him,

"Do not be unbelieving, but believing."

And Thomas, finally, became a man of deep faith.

IV. The Tragedy of Unbelief

Unbelief is a tragic and dangerous state, and even those who once believed are not immune to it.

Among those who failed to believe in the resurrection were Peter, Thomas, and the women who followed Jesus.

Though they had believed in Him earlier, at the moment of His resurrection, they faltered.

Those who had faith in the temple failed to believe at the moment of His return.

It is easy to judge them now, but if you have heard about their unbelief, consider yourself warned—unbelief can strike anyone.

The greatest deception of Satan is not merely tempting believers to sin, but causing them to fall into unbelief.

This is more powerful and destructive than any outward sin.

What sin did the disciples or the women commit?

None—except unbelief.

They simply did not believe.

And through that unbelief, they lost much:

• The truth and promises of the Bible.
• The fellowship of the saints (especially in the context of Christ's second coming).
• The spiritual life of the Holy Spirit.
• Salvation.
• The supreme eternal blessing.

If someone who has believed for years falls into unbelief tomorrow, what value does that former faith have?

That is why you must restore your faith today.

Beloved listener, if unbelief ever comes upon you, remember these words and reaffirm your trust in Christ.

As Jesus said to Thomas,

"Do not be unbelieving, but believing." (John 20:27)

He also declared,

"Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed."

In response, Thomas cried out,

"My Lord and my God!"

The apostle Paul urges believers in 1 Corinthians 15:58:

"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."

A person who is truly steadfast will not be shaken, and one who is immovable is indeed firm in faith.

The early believers were first strong in their faith but later began to waver.

Though they were shaken, they did not fall—yet even that shaking was dangerous.

Let this be a caution to you and your church.

May the Redeemer preserve your faith.

V. The Journey of Believers

True believers pass through a journey:

1. First, they are steadfast.
2. Then they may be shaken.
3. Finally, they return to being firm and established in faith.

We are called to remain steadfast in our relationship with the Lord, in His service, in spiritual growth, and in our zeal for Him—always, at all times (1 Corinthians 15:58).

To remain firm is good.

To remain unshaken is even better.

But to grow spiritually is best of all.

How far should this growth go?

Until the Bride is caught up—until the rapture.

Until we are seated in the New Jerusalem.

Until then, we must continue growing in faith.

Why did Christ rise from the dead?

Because His resurrection is the foundation and proof of our faith.

Those who once did not believe later became the boldest witnesses of His resurrection.

And even if unbelief rises again in your heart, it must be corrected.

Bring back your faith and boldly proclaim,

"He is risen indeed."

Paul, who once persecuted the Church and rejected the risen Christ, later became a passionate preacher of the resurrection.

Thomas, who doubted, later believed with all his heart.

Those who believe that Christ is risen—even today—will overcome every trial and ascend to glory, just as He did.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. Amen.

This message was originally preached by Father Mungamuri Devadasu on April 16, 1950.