Title: The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke

The synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—alongside the distinct Gospel of John, form the core narratives of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry in the New Testament. While John’s gospel stands apart in style, approach, and perspective, the synoptic gospels offer a more unified portrayal of Jesus’ teachings and deeds.

Background of the Books

Following the birth of the church that Jesus built, immense growth occurred, particularly after the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, as described in Acts 2. This spiritual outpouring led to a rapid increase in the number of believers, spreading Christianity across regions and reaching continents such as Africa and Europe. However, as the church expanded, the number of firsthand witnesses to Jesus’ ministry began to dwindle due to natural attrition over approximately sixty years. Concerned about preserving the authentic faith and teachings, the foundational apostles transitioned from oral accounts to written documentation. This crucial shift gave rise to the synoptic gospels.

The Gospel of Mark

Mark’s gospel is considered the earliest and is notably shorter than those of Matthew and Luke. Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark does not include the genealogy of Jesus or the nativity story. Instead, it begins with John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness and details the baptism of Jesus, where God’s Holy Spirit descends upon Him, marking the start of His public ministry.

Mark emphasizes the deeds of Jesus, reflecting the belief that greatness is first seen in one’s actions, then in one’s words, and finally in one’s personality. This perspective aligns with the human tendency to assess a person's legacy based on their achievements, teachings, and overall character. Mark, a foundational disciple and apostle, was deeply concerned with documenting the miraculous works of Jesus. His gospel records 37 notable miracles, more than any other gospel, underscoring Jesus’ divine power and role as the Messiah.

The Gospel of Matthew

Matthew’s account takes a different approach, focusing on Jesus’ words to demonstrate His fulfillment of Jewish prophecies. Aimed at a Jewish audience, Matthew begins with a detailed genealogy linking Jesus to King David, thereby establishing His messianic credentials. Genealogy held immense significance for the Jews, as it revealed one's heritage and rightful place within the community.

Matthew frequently quotes the Old Testament, directly referencing 29 passages and making over 100 inferences to show that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. His gospel is structured similarly to the Torah, with five major discourses of Jesus’ teachings followed by five notable deeds. This structure was likely designed to resonate with Jewish readers familiar with the Pentateuch. Furthermore, Matthew's gospel uses the term "kingdom of heaven" instead of "kingdom of God" to align with Jewish customs of avoiding direct mention of God's name.

Matthew also addresses the judgment on unrepentant cities and religious leaders, reflecting a Jewish-focused narrative. His gospel, along with Luke’s, records Jesus' denunciation of the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their refusal to repent, as well as the Pharisees and Sadducees for their hypocrisy

The Gospel of Luke

Luke’s gospel offers a comprehensive and detailed account of Jesus’ life, aimed primarily at a Gentile audience. Known for its historical and orderly narrative, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and the universality of His message. It includes detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth, parables, and interactions with diverse groups of people, highlighting the inclusive nature of His ministry.

The Gospel of John

In contrast, the Gospel of John takes a unique approach, focusing on the divinity of Jesus. It emphasizes theological insights and long discourses, presenting Jesus as the eternal Word of God. John’s narrative is less concerned with chronology and more with the profound spiritual truths of Jesus' identity and mission.

Conclusion

The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke

The synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—alongside the distinct Gospel of John, form the core narratives of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry in the New Testament. While John’s gospel stands apart in style, approach, and perspective, the synoptic gospels offer a more unified portrayal of Jesus’ teachings and deeds.

Article: "Pentecost."

Pentecost is the Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus after His Ascension, observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter. Christ is God's gift to the church. The Holy Spirit is is Christ gift to the church.The gift of the Holy Spirit are the nine gifts of the spirit recorded 1 Corinthians 12:1-7. This event marks known as pentrcost is a significant moment in Christian history, symbolizing the empowerment and transformation of the disciples through the Holy Spirit.

In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost corresponds to the festival of Shavuoth, also known as the Feast of Weeks. This festival commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and is celebrated seven weeks after

Biblical Context and Transformation

The account of Pentecost is vividly captured in the Book of Acts. In Acts 2:14 (NIV), it states: "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: 'Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.'"

On this transformative Day of Pentecost, Peter and the Eleven had been filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. Empowered and endued with divine power, they stood before a bewildered and curious multitude in Jerusalem, ready to provide answers and explanations for the miraculous events they witnessed.

This scene is particularly poignant considering Peter’s previous actions. Before Pentecost, Peter had denied Jesus three times and was afraid to be associated with Him. He, along with the other disciples, had hidden behind locked doors on the resurrection morning, gripped by fear and uncertainty.

However, on the Day of Pentecost, a profound transformation occurred. Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Peter and the Eleven boldly stood up, raised their voices, and addressed the crowd with authority and confidence. The fear that once held them captive was replaced by a boldness that could only come from the Holy Spirit.

The Power of Pentecost

The difference the Holy Spirit made in the lives of the disciples is a testament to the power of Pentecost. With the anointing of the Holy Spirit, they were able to proclaim the message of Jesus fearlessly and effectively. This same Holy Spirit power is available to believers today.

Pentecost is not merely a historical event but a continuing reality. As modern-day followers of Christ, we too can experience the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. By embracing this divine power, we can stand up for Christ, raise our voices, and address the spiritual needs of the world around us. The message of salvation through Jesus remains as relevant today as it was on that first Pentecost.

With the Holy Spirit's anointing upon us and His power at work within us, we can make a tangible difference in our world. Pentecost signifies not just an event in the past, but an ongoing movement that continues to transform lives and empower believers to boldly declare that JESUS SAVES.

Article: "Overcoming Affliction: Finding Peace Amidst Troubles."

As a young Christian, I believed that committing one's life to God meant deliverance from all troubles. My perspective on suffering was limited due to my lack of understanding as an inexperienced person. As I grew in my knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and understood the core relevance of suffering, I write to encourage you with fundamental truth From the scriptures; Old and New Testament writings. 

In John 16:33, Jesus offers a powerful message of hope amidst life's challenges: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Affliction, synonymous with troubles, problems, trials, difficulties, setbacks, and opposition, is an inevitable part of the human experience. Throughout history and across cultures, individuals have grappled with various forms of affliction. However, amidst the darkness of affliction, there shines a beacon of hope through faith and resilience.

Biblical Perspectives on Affliction

Numerous scriptures provide insight into the nature of affliction and offer guidance on how to navigate its challenges:

- Job 14:1 acknowledges the inherent struggles of human existence: "Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble."
- Isaiah 53:4 speaks of Jesus bearing our sorrows and afflictions, demonstrating empathy and solidarity with humanity in its suffering.
- Acts 14:21-22 reminds believers that through many tribulations, they will enter the kingdom of God, highlighting the transformative power of faith amidst adversity.
- Romans 8:18 reassures believers that the sufferings of this present time are incomparable to the glory that awaits them.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 offers perspective on affliction, describing it as temporary and instrumental in producing an eternal weight of glory.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 shares Paul's experience of grappling with affliction, emphasizing the sufficiency of God's grace and the strength found in weakness.
- Psalm 34:19 provides comfort to the righteous, affirming that though they may face many afflictions, the Lord delivers them from them all.
- Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 declares the unwavering love and protection of God, assuring believers that nothing can separate them from His love.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 encourages believers to endure afflictions and fulfill their ministry, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.

Finding Peace Amidst Affliction

While affliction may test one's faith and resilience, it also serves as an opportunity for growth, transformation, and spiritual maturity. Through prayer, meditation on scripture, and community support, individuals can find strength, comfort, and peace amidst life's storms.

In times of affliction, it is crucial to remember Jesus' words: "In Me, you may have peace." By anchoring one's faith in Christ and trusting in His promises, believers can navigate the tumultuous waters of affliction with courage, resilience, and unwavering hope. As they journey through the valley of affliction, they can rest assured that God is with them, carrying them through every trial and tribulation.

In conclusion, while affliction may be an inevitable aspect of human existence, it need not overshadow the abundant peace, hope, and joy found in Christ. By embracing faith, resilience, and community support, individuals can overcome affliction and emerge stronger, wiser, and more deeply rooted in the love and grace of God.

1. Dear Reverend Minister,

I extend greetings to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and personal Savior. Your commitment to the divine calling upon your life is truly commendable.

The manner in which you respond to the will of God is nothing short of inspiring. The expansion of the Gospel is intricately linked to your calling, response, and actions. However, it is imperative to delve deeper into the understanding of your mission.

As a missionary minister, you are actively engaged in reversed missionary work. Your journey is unique, being a product of the missions led by Europeans in times past. The narrative of your calling differs significantly. While they preached Christ to a community with limited knowledge, you now find yourself preaching about a rejected Christ. This presents a profound challenge as you navigate through a society that has, over time, substituted truth with falsehoods.

You're dealing with a significant challenge: your ministry is being deliberately labeled a cult to discourage people from engaging with it. Despite this, the global south is making strides in various aspects, particularly in spiritual matters. While lagging behind in economic and social development, these regions have witnessed genuine ministries making a positive impact. The power of God has empowered many to undertake projects their governments couldn't. However, there's a risk that these successes might overshadow the intended spiritual focus. Personally, I believe in the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, offering salvation and grace beyond earthly provisions. Your task is to teach and preach the Ministry of Reconciliation, despite the branding challenge you're facing.

The church in the diaspora is like the time when the Babylonians took the Jews to different parts of Babylon. This led to the rise of many situational leaders, those who became leaders because no one else was there. It's like in a society where everyone is blind, the one person with one eye becomes the king. Some of the captives who served the Lord became leaders in the Babylonian Jewish synagogues and temples. They made an effort to keep the knowledge and promises of the covenant alive, but this led to some incorrect interpretations. Strange ideas entered Judaism, and each captive started expressing their faith in their own way, leading to hermeneutics. When the Jews returned, they needed a proper interpretation of the Torah, so a council was formed to decide what was an acceptable practice. We, in the diaspora, are facing similar challenges with interpreting the Bible. Many people are preaching and teaching, claiming they are called, anointed, and able, resulting in various churches, interpretations, doctrines, and practices. We find ourselves singing the Lord's song in a foreign land, but the songwriters don't fully understand the lyrics. There are strange interpretations in churches across Europe, America, and Australia because many missionary leaders lack proper training to lead the church of Jesus Christ.

Despite challenges, we should not give up. Just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Ezekiel emerged from Babylonian captivity, God raised mighty leaders and prophets. Decide to be different, walk with God, and He will walk with you. Singing the Lord's song in the strange land of Babylon created a platform for great prophets. God doesn't show favoritism, and whoever calls on Him will be saved, delivered, and raised to become a world phenomenon.

God has raised great diaspora missionaries, making them instruments of blessing to the world.

A concerning aspect of the diaspora experience is the misplaced focus on church matters. The economic struggles that initially forced people to leave their home nations often make these individuals neglectful and indifferent towards obeying God and following His will in their new foreign environments. Having traveled to numerous countries, I've observed a decline in faith among passionate worshippers from global south regions who sought better opportunities abroad. Some have even backslidden, becoming spiritually bound by material pursuits. It's disheartening to see leaders of church movements in Africa, for example, ending up in menial jobs like security or cleaning due to their pursuit of economic freedom in the diaspora. This poses a significant threat to the church's growth.

May the grace of our Lord guide you as you undertake this noble endeavor.

Sincerely, colleague and fellow laborer.

2. Dear Reverend Minister,

I greet you in Jesus Christ, our soon coming Lord Of Lords. I am writing to underscore the practicality of your current circumstances and its impact on your role. Dont give up. The best is yet to come. You are God's divine project still under construction. It is widely believed that one's location significantly influences their allocation and allotment. Your present challenges are intricately linked to both your internal qualities and the effect they have on your environment.

While you diligently serve in God's kingdom, it appears that the organizational framework under which you operate lacks a comprehensive system to support soldiers actively engaged in the field. The reality is that a soldier on the field often needs to navigate secular realms to generate income for personal and familial sustenance. The looming monthly bills present a stark reality, and falling short in meeting them is perceived as a shortfall greater than an infidel, a term that holds no room for acceptance or entertainment.

Hence, it necessitates a delicate balance – being adept enough to work in the secular sphere like any other individual while reserving ample time for divine service, sermon preparation, pastoral connections, and the responsibilities inherent to shepherding a congregation. The path is undoubtedly arduous, and your resilience to endure is contingent upon the grace of God. Succumbing to the financial challenges by abandoning other economic activities could lead to adverse consequences, both in the earthly and spiritual realms.

Recognizing that you stand as a lone soldier on the battlefield, survival becomes imperative. The peace within your home is intricately tied to the economic tensions you navigate. Some have succumbed, losing faith or deviating from their true representations. However, a select few have weathered the storm, emerging as success stories.

In navigating this difficult situation, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges and embrace the notion that, despite the hardships, you can be among the few who not only survive but thrive in this noble pursuit. May your journey be marked by resilience, unwavering faith, and the fortitude to emerge as a testament to the few success stories in this challenging vocation.

Sincerely, yours in the field.