New Jerusalem Church, New Jerusalem Church Lane, Dargah Cross Road, Sonapur, Bhandup West, Mumbai (2026)

Welcome to New Jerusalem Church! We are delighted to have you visit our FB Site. We thank God that you have taken interest to visit New Jerusalem Church. We believe that it is within God’s plan that we should come to know you and be part of your life as you also become part of ours. We, at New Jerusalem Church, seek to be a home of all God’s people coming from all nationalities, tribes, cultures,

and languages. At New Jerusalem Church, we are committed to inviting to become a disciple of Christ, building God’s Kingdom through our prayer, service and outreach to others in faith. We seek to build a strong godly community where all feel welcome and inspired by the Gospel to live God’s mission with faith, hope and love. Thou we may disagree with different doctrines adhered by Arminian, Reformed, Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptists, Nazarenes, churches of Christ, Pentecostal, and Charismatic we are not against or call others heretics regardless of our differences. We accept all believers in Christ of various denominations or churches committed themselves to their own theological and doctrinal distinctives they are taught and adhered with good conscience. We had learned much from and about them, even though we all hail from different theological or doctrinal tribes. What we share much in common, is one thing, but there are some elements that emphasize distinct and doctrine that may separates us. We thank God for these Christian experiences, which we believe have broadened our perspectives "One way to increase our knowledge and our level of certainty is by supplementing our own perspectives with those of others"John Frame. No congregation or denomination is perfect, and doctrinal conversations are often a sign of congregational health. The question of separation from a church should arise only when a matter of urgent theological significance is at stake — when it would violate both integrity and gospel witness to stay. Even though we all have our own doctrinal/theological distinctives and unique emphases on things we die hard to defend, having all those differences, we stand on our convictions without any compromise. We are convinced that we all are in communion with 'all saints'. Our concern is one or the other we must know that there is a place and a need to come together for the furtherance of the gospel and for His blood-brought Church. We are Committed to David Bobbington's concise instructive thought line shared across denominational or cultural lines. a. Biblicism,
b. Conversionism
c. Activism and
d. Crucicentrism, furthermore, without sacrificing or compromising we are also committed to the five characteristics theme of Classical Pentecostalism
a. Justification,
b. Sanctification,
c. Divine healing( we had
some reservations)??,
d. Second coming of Christ and . e. Baptism of Holy Spirit. To be specific, We are first Christians (regenerated, lifestyle controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit of God, working out salvation through gospel-centered grace of God and through the outworking sanctification of Spirit of God directions in life), next a catholic (i.e., a member of the universal/invisible church in union with Christ), then a Calminian (confident in our salvation like a good, persuaded and convinced Calvinist and we have carefulness about how we live like a persuaded and convinced Arminian), fourth a credobaptist( no one can be admitted into church membership until he or she has first consciously received salvation and baptism. Therefore, infants do not automatically become members of the visible church), fifth a Spirit-baptized( not dismissing the reality of powerful manifestations of the Spirit in the lives of believers after their conversion, it is the ongoing presence of Christ and the Spirit in believers’ lives, effected in Spirit baptism, is absolutely central for their growth as Christians), and sixth a Episcopalian("a combination of Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational authorities, expressed in a representational system" Dr Peter Toon). We cannot reverse this order. We reserve it. Rupertus Meldenius strikes the right balance. It calls for unity on the essential things, the core of truth in our union with Christ. In non-essentials (not the unimportant, but those things that if lacking do not prevent our union with Christ), it calls for liberty so that all might follow their consciences under the Word and Spirit. In all things, however, there must be love (“charity” from the Latin caritas, or “love”), “which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col. 3:14). If you desire to become a member or want to join in our Gospel-centered, Christ-exalting Spirit-motivated, having a passion for fulfilling the great commission and Church-planting ministry of this church, do not hesitate to contact us. Resting we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone, through Spirit alone, to the glory of God alone. Soli Deo gloria

Philip Lazar M Div, D.Min
Pastor-Teacher and President
New Jerusalem Church HQ
Mumbai
[email protected]

25/05/2026

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭

Pentecost is one of the most abused doctrines in the modern Church. It is distorted on two opposite fronts exaggerated by those who reduce it to spectacle, and denied by those who attempt to confine it to history. Both errors are serious, and both ultimately diminish the authority of Scripture and the glory of Christ.

On one side, sections of modern Pentecostalism have reduced Pentecost to a single outward sign—tongues—often detached from holiness, doctrine, and the fear of God. On the other side, cessationism dismisses the ongoing work of the Spirit by claiming that the gifts ceased with the apostles, despite no clear biblical statement to support such a conclusion. Scripture stands against both extremes.

𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 - 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭

The apostle Paul did not reject tongues. He clearly affirmed, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all” (1 Corinthians 14:18), and commanded, “forbid not to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39). Any theology that outright bans what Scripture permits is already in error.

Yet Paul also dismantles the idea that tongues define spiritual maturity. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass” (1 Corinthians 13:1). In other words, tongues without love are not power—they are noise.

Modern expressions that elevate tongues above character, above doctrine, and even above Christ Himself stand condemned by the very Scriptures they claim to uphold. In Acts 2, the Spirit was poured out, yet Peter did not preach tongues—he preached Christ crucified and risen (Acts 2:22–36). The Spirit did not come to create fascination with manifestations, but to exalt Jesus “He shall glorify me” (John 16:14).

A movement that talks more about experiences than about Christ has already drifted from true Pentecost.

𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 - 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝

Cessationism claims that the gifts of the Spirit ended with the apostolic age. But this assertion lacks explicit biblical support. Paul explicitly teaches that gifts continue “till we all come… unto a perfect man” (Ephesians 4:11–13), and that partial things like prophecy and tongues will cease only “when that which is perfect is come… when I shall know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:10–12). That is not the closing of the canon—it is the return of Christ.

There is no text that says, “tongues shall cease when the apostles die” or “when the New Testament is completed.” Such claims are theological constructions imposed upon Scripture, not derived from it.

Moreover, the command “forbid not to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39) remains in the inspired Word. If the practice were meant to disappear within a generation, the command becomes meaningless for the rest of the Church age.

Cessationism, therefore, does not protect Scripture—it restricts it. It replaces biblical expectations with theological caution and often results in a powerless form of Christianity that affirms the Spirit in doctrine but denies His ministry in practice (2 Timothy 3:5).

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭

The real testimony of Pentecost is far deeper than either camp admits. Scripture presents a comprehensive picture.

• Pentecost produces bold, Christ-centered witness “Ye shall receive power… and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). The early Church did not showcase gifts for attention; they proclaimed Christ with courage (Acts 4:31).

• Pentecost produces doctrinal stability and disciplined devotion “They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine… and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). The Spirit does not lead into confusion or novelty, but into truth (John 16:13).

• Pentecost produces the fear of God “Fear came upon every soul” (Acts 2:43). This element is almost entirely absent in entertainment-driven Christianity. The Spirit reveals the holiness of God, not casual familiarity (Hebrews 12:28–29).

• Pentecost produces holiness and crucified living “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh” (Galatians 5:24). Any claim to spiritual power that coexists with pride, immorality, greed, or self-promotion is exposed as counterfeit (James 3:14–17).

• Pentecost produces a love-governed community “All that believed were together” (Acts 2:44), and “the multitude… were of one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32). The Spirit forms a body, not spiritual celebrities (1 Corinthians 12:13).

• Pentecost produces generosity and detachment from materialism: believers gave “as every man had needed” (Acts 2:45). This directly rebukes prosperity-driven distortions that equate spirituality with wealth.

• Pentecost produces endurance in suffering: the apostles rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer” (Acts 5:41). The Spirit does not create comfort-seeking believers, but cross-bearing disciples (Luke 9:23).

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭-𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤

The New Testament emphasis is not merely on receiving the Spirit, but walking in the Spirit: “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). This is a continuous, Spirit-enabled life marked by obedience, sensitivity, and reverence.

The fruit of the Spirit—not gifts—is the primary evidence of spiritual authenticity “love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22–23). Gifts can be imitated or misused; fruit cannot. Gifts demonstrate ability; fruit reveals nature.

Where the Spirit truly governs a life, He produces both power and purity, both boldness and brokenness, both manifestation and meekness.

𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

The failure in both extremes is often pastoral. Leaders have either encouraged excess without discernment or enforced theological systems that quench the Spirit.

A true pastor must be Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, and Spirit-disciplined. He is called to “feed the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2), to guard doctrine (Titus 1:9), and to give himself continually to prayer and the Word (Acts 6:4). His ministry must not be driven by performance, trends, or institutional pressure, but by the reality of God.

He must cultivate a Church that walks in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1), not in emotional manipulation. He must allow the Spirit to move, yet ensure that everything is done “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). He must refuse both chaos and control—because both can resist the Spirit.

A Spirit-filled pastor does not build a platform; he shepherds a people into Christlikeness.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

The error of modern Pentecostal excess is not that it believes in the gifts, but that it often divorces them from holiness, doctrine, and the fear of God.

The error of cessationism is not that it values order and Scripture, but that it denies what Scripture still affirms.

The biblical position is neither excess nor denial—it is submission to the full counsel of God.

Pentecost is not about choosing between gifts and fruit. It is about the Spirit producing both under the lordship of Christ. It is about a Church where Jesus is central, the Word is authoritative, the Spirit is active, holiness is pursued, love is evident, and the fear of God is restored.

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙋𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩.

Those with ears to hear, heed the whole counsel of God.

Grace and Peace.

Philip Lazar, M.Div., D.Min.
Pastor‑Teacher

23/05/2026

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰 - 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭.

Acts 1-2.

We remember that Pentecost is not merely an event to recall, but a reality to live. The Spirit who came then is still at work today—calling, convicting, empowering, and sending. Let these truths shape our hearts as we prepare to gather.

1. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 — 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅

God’s work is never advanced by impatience or broken fellowship. Waiting is not weakness; it is obedience. Before seeking power, we must pursue peace—with God and with one another.

2. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 — 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉; 𝒂𝒔𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉

The Christian life was never meant to be dry or mechanical. The Spirit empowers, renews, and ignites boldness. Seek not just belief, but fullness—again and again.

3. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒅 — 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎

The gospel will not always be applauded. Some will receive it, others will resist it. Our calling is not to manage reactions, but to remain faithful to the truth.

4. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 — 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒚; 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍

Conviction is not condemnation; it is God’s kindness leading us back to Christ. When the Spirit exposes sin, He is opening the door to restoration.

5. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 — 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚 / 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕

Pentecost reminds us that salvation is urgent and available. Hearts can change in a moment. Pray boldly, preach clearly, and trust God to save.

6. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 — 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔’ 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔

The Spirit forms a people, not just individuals. True faith expresses itself in shared life—generosity, fellowship, and mutual care.

7. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 — 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 “𝑱𝒆𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒎” 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌

The mission did not end in Acts—it continues through us. Your home, your street, your workplace—this is your Jerusalem. Be a witness there.

Did Pentecost happen? It did. The question is, "Will I wait, will I receive, and will I carry the fire forward?"

The promise is still for us — "for you and for your children, and for all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39).

Tomorrow, we are gathering at New Jerusalem Church, Headquarters, Sonapur, Bhandup, Mumbai - 400078 to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.

𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚: 9:00 𝙖.𝙢. 𝙩𝙤 11:30 𝙖.𝙢.

All are invited to join us as we worship the Triune God in Spirit and Truth.

Grace and Peace.

Philip Lazar, M.Div., D.Min.
Pastor‑Teacher

20/05/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚

Using the sacred image of the Lord’s Supper as a backdrop for partisan point-scoring is not creativity; it is a calculated insult to what millions of Christians hold holy. It reflects a reckless willingness to inflame sensitivities and deepen fractures within an already diverse and delicate social fabric. By reducing a central mystery of the Christian faith to a political caricature, the publication is not merely “hurting sentiments”; it is normalizing contempt for religious symbols and eroding the mutual respect on which public trust depends.

We, therefore demand that your newspaper:

1. Immediately withdraw the offending image from all print, digital, and social media platforms.

2. Issue a clear, unambiguous, and public apology to the Christian community for trivializing the Lord’s Supper and for wounding the religious convictions of believers.

3. Establish and enforce strict editorial safeguards to ensure that no future content ridicules, distorts, or weaponizes any religious symbol or sacred event, in keeping with responsible journalistic standards and India’s commitment to religious harmony.

4. Cease the subtle promotion and spread of ideologically driven narratives originating from unregistered, non-compliant, and non-tax-paying entities that operate without transparency or accountability, particularly when such narratives undermine social cohesion.

Freedom of expression is not a license to desecrate what others hold sacred. Responsible journalism must act as a guardian of social harmony, not a catalyst for division in pursuit of attention or controversy. A clear, public, and unqualified apology is not only appropriate—it is necessary.

Grace and Peace

Philip Lazar, M.Div., D.Min.
Pastor‑Teacher

18/05/2026

𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

We are living in a time where fear, confusion, and uncertainty dominate the hearts of many. Wars rage, cultures shift overnight, truth is mocked, and morality is mourned. Many who once stood for Christ now whisper where they should roar.
But the answer to a frightened world is not a silent or compromised church — it is a fearless church that boldly proclaims the truth of God's Word without apology.

The Lord declared through Isaiah, "Cry aloud, spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression" (Isaiah 58:1, KJV). That command has never been canceled. The trumpet must still sound.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭

The early church was not born in comfort. It was born in fire. The Spirit fell at Pentecost and ordinary men and women became extraordinary witnesses. Peter — who had once denied Christ before a servant girl — stood before mockers and preached, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). Three thousand souls were saved in a single day.

Why? Because the gospel was preached without dilution, and the people chose to respond. Peter pleaded with them "Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40). That is the language of urgency. That is the language of love. The gospel is not a private invitation handed to a select few — it is a public summons offered to every soul under heaven. "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

Yet much of the modern church has reversed this fire. The world has turned the church inside out. Pulpits trade conviction for crowd approval. Sin is renamed. Repentance is rebranded. The holy fear of God is replaced with the hollow fear of man. Paul warned that this day would come: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:3).

But God is raising up a remnant — a radical church that refuses to bow.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥?

The word radical comes from the Latin radix, meaning "root." A radical Christian is not extreme for the sake of attention. A radical Christian is rooted — rooted in Christ, rooted in Scripture, rooted in the unchanging truth of the gospel. Paul prayed for believers to be "rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17) and "rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith" (Colossians 2:7).

To be radical today is not to invent something new — it is to return to something old. It is to live as the apostles lived and to burn with the same zeal that consumed Christ Himself "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up" (John 2:17; Psalm 69:9).

This is the missing fire of our generation — zeal. Paul commanded, "Be not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). Jesus rebuked the lukewarm church of Laodicea with terrifying clarity: "I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15–16). The Savior would rather have a sinner ablaze with conviction than a believer dead in apathy.

God is not searching for casual followers. He is searching for the wholehearted. "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 - 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞

Make no mistake — the gospel is for every sinner. Heaven's door is not bolted to the seeking soul. Jesus Himself cried, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). The invitation is "all." The promise is "whosoever."

• "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

• "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

• "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).

• "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him know that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).

This is the heartbeat of heaven — that none should perish. God does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). He stretches out His hands all the day long to a rebellious people (Romans 10:21). His mercy is wide enough for àthe worst sinner, and His grace is real enough to be received — or resisted. Stephen warned his hearers, "Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost" (Acts 7:51). Grace knocks; the soul must open the door (Revelation 3:20).

This is why we preach. This is why we plead. This is why we cannot be silent.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡

• It preaches Christ crucified. Not Christ the life coach. Not Christ the political mascot. Not Christ the therapist. But Christ the crucified, risen, reigning Lord — the only Savior of sinners. "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

• It stands firm in holiness. It calls sin what God calls sin and offers the grace that delivers from it. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness is not optional — it is the fruit of true salvation and the pursuit of every blood-bought believer (Philippians 2:12–13).

• It loves without compromise. It is not harsh; it is honest. It weeps with the broken, embraces the prodigal, and welcomes the weary. But it never tells a dying soul that the cliff edge is a meadow. "Speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) — both words matter equally.

• It shines in the darkness. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14). When the culture grows darker, the church should grow brighter. We were never called to blend in. We were called to "shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).

• It burns with evangelistic fire. "How shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14). The fearless church does not hoard the gospel — it spreads it. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Every believer is a witness, every life a pulpit, every breath an opportunity.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰

People are drowning in noise, entertainment, and empty promises. A watered-down gospel saves no one. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Paul said it plainly "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16). Notice — to every one that believeth. The power is in the gospel, not in our packaging.
A timid pulpit awakens no one. A church that mirrors the world offers nothing the world doesn't already have. But a church on fire with the love and truth of Christ — that is a force hell cannot stop. Jesus promised, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝

If you are a believer reading this, hear the call clearly: this is not the hour to shrink back. "Now the just shall live by faith but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:38). This is the hour to stand.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).

Stand in your home. Stand in your workplace. Stand in your church. Stand in the public square. Stand in prayer. Stand in the Word.

You may be mocked. You may be misunderstood. You may lose what the world calls valuable. But Jesus said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you... for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11–12).

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).

The world does not need more entertainment or watered-down messages. It needs courageous believers who fear God more than man, who love truth more than comfort, and who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4).
The fearless church is rising. The fire is falling on those who will receive it. The invitation still stands — whosoever will.

Will you rise? Will you burn? Will you stand?
"Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Ephesians 5:14).

Grace and Peace,

Philip Lazar, M.Div., D.Min.
Pastor‑Teacher

17/05/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰.

There is a kind of faith that looks alive but is not. It sits in pews. It sings the hymns. It nods at sermons and remembers the language of grace. But when the night comes—and night always comes—it has no oil of its own.

No one has ever entered the kingdom of God on someone else's devotion. Not on a mother's prayers, however faithful. Not on a grandfather's quiet holiness. Not on the reputation of a church or the eloquence of a preacher. A genuine relationship with God cannot rest on borrowed faith. These are gifts, yes—real means of grace that God uses to shape us. But they are not substitutes for the one thing every soul must possess a living, personal walk with Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that "every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12). The reckoning is individual. The faith must be too. Each individual is called to seek the Lord earnestly, to know Him personally, and to walk with Him daily.

Jesus understood how easy it is to mistake nearness to holy things for holiness itself. So He told the story of the ten virgins (Matthew 25). All ten are virgins. All ten waited. All ten carried lamps. All ten looked, to the casual eye, identical. The difference was hidden—until the bridegroom came. Then the foolish discovered something they had not anticipated oil cannot be shared in the hour of need. The wise were not unkind; they were simply unable. Spiritual readiness, by its very nature, is not transferable. It is the slow accumulation of a thousand quiet choices—choices made before the cry rings out at midnight.

"Watch therefore," Jesus said, "for ye know neither the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25:13). And Paul echoes the same urgency from another angle "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). The work is yours. The walk is yours. No one can do it for you.

What makes the parable so piercing is the way it exposes the comforting lie most of us tell ourselves there will be more time. Time to pray. Time to return to the Word. Time to take seriously the conviction we keep pushing aside. We assume the door will stay open as long as we need it. But Scripture refuses to indulge in that fantasy. "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6). And again "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1). Spiritual depth is not summoned in emergencies; it is built quietly, day by day, in the unseen places of obedience. "He that is faithful in that which is least," Jesus said, "is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10).

This is why the daily disciplines matter so much—not as religious performance, but as the very means by which the lamp is filled.

Consider the Word. The psalmist did not call it useful or helpful or even important. He called it light "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). Without it we are walking blind, no matter how confident we feel. Jesus Himself, hungry in the wilderness, declared that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). To neglect Scripture is to starve while pretending to thrive. But the one who delights in God's law is described differently "like a tree planted by the rivers of water… his leaf also shall not wither" (Psalm 1:3). Roots, hidden and steady, are what carry a tree through drought.

Then there is prayer—the breath of the soul. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) is not a poetic exaggeration; it is a command for the contour of an entire life. "Watch and pray," Jesus told the disciples in the garden, "that ye enter not into temptation" (Matthew 26:41). They could not stay awake. We rarely can either. And yet the call remains, because the alternative is a slow numbing of the soul—a quiet drift in which we no longer hear the voice that once moved us, and no longer feel the weight of sins we used to mourn.

We must also be honest about what surrounds us. The Christian life is not a stroll through a friendly meadow. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary is the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Paul tells us to put on "the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11)—armor is not given to those at peace. "Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6). The drowsy soul is the vulnerable soul.

And there are days coming, perhaps already here, that will test what is real and burn away what is not. "The fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is" (1 Corinthians 3:13). Religion that has never gone deeper than the surface will not survive the heat. Only what is rooted in Christ Himself will stand. "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). Endurance is not the gift of the dramatic moment; it is the harvest of years of quiet faithfulness.

This is why the command to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) is not a one-time event to be checked off, but a continuous posture—a daily yielding, a daily filling, a daily walk. "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). And the evidence of such a life is not noise or spectacle, but fruit "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22–23). This is the oil that keeps the lamp burning when the world grows dark.

So the invitation comes—gently, but without delay. Come back. Come back to the Word you have neglected. Come back to the prayer closet you have abandoned. Come back to Christ who has never stopped loving you. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8). "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). "Without me ye can do nothing," Jesus said (John 15:5)—and He meant it with tenderness, not threat.

To those who answer that call, the promise is unshakable. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). When weakness comes—and it will—His word standsn"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), but we do not walk alone.

The question, dear reader, is not whether the church is ready. Not whether your family is ready. Not whether the people around you are walking closely with God. The question is whether you are. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5).

The oil cannot be borrowed.
The lamp must be tended.
And the time is now.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆'𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.

Grace and Peace,

Philip Lazar, M.Div., D.Min.
Pastor‑Teacher

14/05/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 - 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.

Ascension Day is often treated as a quiet postscript to Easter—noticed, perhaps, but rarely proclaimed with the theological force Scripture gives it. Yet this neglect exposes a deeper problem: much of modern Christianity is functionally earthbound. We speak often of the cross, occasionally of the resurrection, but seldom of the throne. And in doing so, we risk preaching a Christ who saves but does not reign.

Paul will not allow such an imbalance. In 1 Timothy 3:16, the climactic note of the mystery of godliness is this “received up into glory.” This is not mere chronology—it is theology. The incarnate, crucified, and risen Christ is now exalted. The gospel does not terminate in an empty tomb but ascends to an occupied throne.
Exegetically, the phrase carries divine initiative: He was received up. This is no self-exaltation, but the Father’s vindication of the Son. The humiliation of Christ (Philippians 2:6–8) gives way to His exaltation (Philippians 2:9–11). The One judged by men is now enthroned by God. The ascension, therefore, is heaven’s public declaration that the work of redemption is accepted, completed, and crowned.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, it rebukes sentimental Christianity that reduces Jesus to a moral example or emotional comfort. The ascended Christ is not merely a friend walking beside us—He is the King ruling over us. Hebrews 1:3 declares that He “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” That seat is not decorative; it is judicial and royal. To ignore His reign is not humility—it is disobedience.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝, it confronts any theology that separates Christ’s saving work from His sovereign authority. The same Jesus who intercedes is the One who governs all things for His church (Ephesians 1:20–22). There is no gospel that offers forgiveness without lordship, no salvation that bypasses His crown.

𝐘𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞—𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥.

The ascension assures us that our Mediator is presently active. He intercedes (Romans 8:34), rules providentially, and pours out His Spirit (Acts 2:33). Every grace we receive flows from a reigning Christ. Your perseverance is not sustained by your grip on Him, but by His reign over all things for you.

Moreover, His ascension guarantees His return. The angels’ words in Acts 1:11 are not poetic—they are precise. “This same Jesus… shall come.” The One who ascended bodily will return bodily. The throne He now occupies will one day be visibly acknowledged by every eye and every knee.

Ascension Day, then, calls the church to lift its gaze. Christ is not absent—He is enthroned. He is not inactive—He is reigning. And He is not distant—He is coming.

A church that recovers the ascension recovers its confidence, its reverence, and its mission. For we do not proclaim a memory—we herald a monarch.

This evening, we will commemorate this glorious truth at New Jerusalem Church Headquarters, Sonapur, Bhandup (W), 400078, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Join us as we lift our eyes to the enthroned Christ and worship the King who reigns and is coming again.

“𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒚” 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒏—𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏.

𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐, 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆, 𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔.

Grace and Peace,

Philip Lazar, M.Div., D.Min.
Pastor‑Teacher

Address

New Jerusalem Church Lane, Dargah Cross Road, Sonapur, Bhandup West
Mumbai
400078

Website

http://newjerusalemchurch.in/

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