Marketplace Evangelism Today

Do Not Cause Your Brother or Sister in Christ to Sin

Do Not Cause Your Brother or Sister in Christ to Sin

There is a problem in the Church that can cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble into sin. The problem is sexually provocative and revealing clothing being worn in church.

There are men and women who attend our churches who have been delivered from sexual sin. They come to church because they want to worship Christ Jesus and our Heavenly Father. They may be fighting battles that no one else knows about, and the Church should be a place that encourages them toward holiness—not a place that unnecessarily places temptation before them.

But there are some who are coming to church dressed in a manner that is neither modest nor appropriate for worship. Women do not need to wear revealing clothing as though they were going to a club, and men should not wear clothing that provocatively reveals or emphasizes private areas of their bodies. Biblical modesty applies to both men and women.

I am not making this up. I have even seen people involved in ministry dressed inappropriately. This is a problem in the Church. Sexuality should never become the focal point when we gather together. Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit should be our focus.

I remember a few years ago when a youth was allowed to read Scripture during a church service. We had brought a guest with us who was looking for a new church. The young lady was permitted to go onto the platform wearing extremely short, cut-off jean shorts that were very revealing. It was appalling to see, especially from someone standing before the congregation to read the Word of God. I spoke to the pastor about it afterward. Unfortunately, our guest never wanted to return to that church.

“Come as you are” has to do with coming to Christ with a heart willing to surrender to Him. It should never be used as an excuse to disregard modesty. Showing excessive skin or deliberately wearing sexually provocative clothing can become a stumbling block for brothers and sisters in Christ who may already be struggling with sexual temptation.

Jesus warns us in Luke 17:1–2:

“And He said to His disciples, ‘Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.’”

Jesus gives a very serious warning about causing others to stumble. If something we knowingly do encourages another believer toward sin, our actions can become a stumbling block.

What is a “stumbling block?” It can refer to something that places temptation before another person, encourages someone to violate his or her conscience, or contributes to weakening another person’s walk with God. Scripture teaches us that even when we believe we have freedom in a particular area, Christian love sometimes calls us to limit that freedom for the spiritual well-being of another believer.

Jesus’ reference to a millstone illustrates just how seriously He regards causing others to stumble. He was not commanding someone to drown himself. Rather, He used powerful language to emphasize the seriousness of leading others into sin. We should never treat another person’s spiritual welfare lightly.

Satan loves to use sexual immorality to bring men and women down. Wearing low-cut blouses, excessively revealing clothing, or other sexually provocative attire can unnecessarily place temptation before someone who may already be fighting a difficult spiritual battle.

Please do not dismiss this by simply saying, “They need to control their own lust.” Yes, every person is responsible before God for his or her own thoughts and actions. But Christian love also asks, “Could what I am doing unnecessarily become a stumbling block to someone else?” We should care enough about our brothers and sisters in Christ to consider how our choices affect them.

Dress is certainly not the only issue facing the Church, but it is one that we should not be afraid to address. We are called to present ourselves to God in a manner that reflects holiness—not only when we enter a church building, but in our daily lives.

A few years ago, I mentioned this subject to another ministry worker, and he was offended that I brought it up. But if we never address difficult subjects, how will we teach and disciple new Followers of Christ about living lives that are holy and pleasing to our Father in Heaven?

We need to lead by example. We need to teach biblical modesty with both truth and love. And we need to remember that holiness is not about drawing attention to ourselves—it is about living in such a way that our lives point others toward Christ Jesus.

If you recognize that you have been a stumbling block to someone else, repent and ask God to forgive you. Then make the necessary changes and determine, by God’s grace, not to become that stumbling block again.

Let our desire be this: May the way we dress, speak, behave, and live never unnecessarily draw someone toward sin, but instead point them toward Christ Jesus and a life that is holy and pleasing to God.

The Cross Still Calls Us Home

The Cross Still Calls Us Home

When I look at this image—the cross standing against the light, the crown of thorns, the nails, and the blood-stained cloth—I am reminded that our salvation came at an immeasurable cost.

Jesus did not go to the cross because He was powerless to stop it. He went willingly. He knew the suffering that awaited Him, yet His love for us was greater than the agony He would endure.

The crown of thorns reminds us of His humiliation. The nails remind us of His suffering. The blood reminds us that a price was paid for our sin. And the cross reminds us just how far the love of God was willing to go to rescue sinners like you and me.

Jesus said:

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” — John 15:13 (NKJV)

But there is something else in this picture that speaks deeply to my heart: the light behind the cross.

Calvary was not the end.

Jesus died, He was buried, and on the third day He rose again! The grave could not hold Him. Death could not defeat Him. Because Christ lives, there is forgiveness for the guilty, hope for the hopeless, restoration for the broken, and eternal life for everyone who truly places their faith in Him.

Perhaps you are reading this while carrying sin, regret, fear, or a burden that nobody else knows about. Maybe you have wandered far from God and wonder whether He would still receive you.

Look again at the cross.

That cross declares that God has not stopped calling sinners to Himself. Jesus still saves. His grace is still sufficient. His mercy is still available. But we must respond to Him—not merely with the word “Amen,” but with our hearts and our lives.

Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” — Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

My prayer today is that we would never become so familiar with the cross that we lose our wonder at what happened there. May we remember the price Jesus paid, repent of our sins, place our faith in Him, and follow Him faithfully.

The greatest response to the cross is not simply saying, “Amen.” It is surrendering our lives to the One who gave His life for us.

Dear Abba Father, thank You for loving us so deeply that You sent Your Son to save us. Forgive us of our sins and cleanse our hearts. Help us never to take the cross for granted. Draw those who are lost to Christ Jesus, strengthen those who are struggling, and help each of us to live every day with less of ourselves and more of Jesus. May our lives point others to the cross and to the risen Savior.

In the precious name of Christ Jesus, Amen.

Stay steady in Christ Jesus!

Lord, Save Me!

Lord, Save Me!

In the photo, we see Peter’s hand reaching out to Jesus. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30).

Jesus had been walking on the water toward the boat where His disciples were. When Peter realized it was Jesus, he said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus simply said, “Come.”

Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus. But when he took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the wind and the frightening circumstances around him, he became afraid and began to sink.

In desperation, Peter cried, “Lord, save me!”

And immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.

You can read this beautiful account in Matthew 14:22–36.

How many of us have found ourselves in a situation like Peter’s? I know I have. There are times in life when we can feel as though we are sinking and cannot pull ourselves back up.

Maybe you feel like you are drowning in sin. Maybe you sincerely want to stay steady in Christ, but you keep stumbling and falling back into old habits. Perhaps there is something in your life that has such a strong hold on you that you wonder whether you will ever be free.

This is when we need to remember Peter.

Peter could not save himself from those waters. He needed Jesus.

And so do we.

There comes a time when all we can do is cry out from the depths of our hearts, “Jesus, save me!”

That is not a cry Jesus despises. It is the cry of someone who realizes how desperately they need a Savior.

Jesus did not come into the world to condemn those who turn to Him seeking salvation. Scripture tells us:

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” — John 3:17

If you feel as though you are sinking today, please do not believe that you have gone too far for Jesus. Do not allow shame, fear, failure, or your past to keep you from reaching out to Him.

Turn your eyes toward Christ.

Call upon Him.

Repent of your sins and place your faith and trust in Him.

Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6

Perhaps today you can hear Jesus calling you to come to Him. You may feel the weight of your sin and realize that you cannot save yourself. If so, reach out to Jesus.

He is the Savior you need.

Jesus said:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20

If Christ is knocking at the door of your heart, won’t you answer Him?

You do not have to clean yourself up before you come. Come to Him in repentance and faith. Bring Him your sins, your failures, your fears, and your brokenness.

And from the depths of your heart, cry out as Peter did:

“Lord, save me!”

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Reach for His hand. Trust Him.

Jesus still saves.

Live Your Life as If Jesus Were Returning Today

If people who are struggling with or complacent about sin were to live their lives as though Jesus were coming back today, I believe there would be masses flocking to the foot of the cross and truly following Jesus.

I truly believe that Jesus is returning soon, but the Bible tells us that we do not know the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36). The Bible also tells us that the dead in Christ will rise first. Those who have died before us in their faith in Christ will rise. Then we who are alive in Christ will be caught up together with them.

“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

When Jesus returns, are you going to be ready?

I have a distant family member whom I have witnessed to, shared the Gospel with, and even had a face-to-face conversation with about Jesus. He always says, “Maybe later,” and then laughs about it. He thinks he will change his heart later. Right now, he enjoys this sinful world so much that he does not see how lost he really is. By the world’s standards, he is a good man. But by God’s standards, he is sinful and lost without Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Jesus wants a relationship with you. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

If you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God and place your faith in Him, you will be saved. But with genuine faith comes repentance and a changed life. When you truly receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I believe you will begin to live your life as though He would return today.

Please do not wait for a more convenient time to turn to Jesus. None of us is promised tomorrow, and we cannot change our hearts through our own strength. Jesus is calling you today with mercy, love, and forgiveness. Come to Him just as you are, confess your sins, place your trust in Him, and allow Him to make you new. If you are uncertain or have questions, seek out a faithful Christian or pastor who can pray with you and help you understand the Gospel. Do not let pride, fear, or the temporary pleasures of this world keep you from the eternal hope found in Christ.

Are you ready?

Should a Christian Participate in Halloween?

I used to participate in Halloween as a kid and a teenager. We loved to get candy. When I was in high school, I made a dummy out of a long sleeved shirt and long pants. I stuffed the arms and legs with pine straw and newspaper. I tied off the ends of the sleeves with rope and tied a rope around the waist for a belt and tied a rope around the neck. On Halloween night a friend and I climbed up on the roof and when kids came to the house, we would throw that dummy off the house and the kids would jump. They spilt their candy across the yard and we thought that was fun!

Back then, Halloween was a little more innocent than what it is today. Today, it has become very dark and often very evil, where occult practices are practiced and evil prevails. Should Christians participate in this holiday? Let us look at what Scripture says about evil and darkness.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” — Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV)

“Abstain from every form of evil.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)

These two passages work especially well together when addressing a Christian’s relationship to practices associated with spiritual darkness.

Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV) emphasizes separation and discernment: believers should not participate in works of darkness but instead live in a way that exposes them through the light of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV) emphasizes avoidance of evil. In context, Paul tells believers to test everything, hold firmly to what is good, and reject what is evil (vv. 21–22).

Together, they give a helpful principle:

The Christian question should not simply be, “Is this harmless fun?” but, “Does my participation honor Christ, reflect His light, and keep me separate from practices that glorify darkness or evil?”

That principle can be applied to Halloween without claiming that every person who hands out candy or wears a costume is intentionally participating in the occult. The concern becomes much clearer when Halloween activities celebrate witchcraft, demons, séances, divination, death, or other explicitly occult themes.

CHRISTIANS AND PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS

As followers of Christ, we should remember that the spiritual realm is not something God has called us to explore out of curiosity.

I understand why paranormal investigations can seem fascinating. Questions about haunted places, unexplained voices, spirits, and things we cannot see naturally capture people’s attention. But for the Christian, the question shouldn’t simply be, “Is this real?” The more important question is, “Does God want me participating in this?”

Scripture gives us reason to be very cautious.

God warned His people against seeking communication with spirits, mediums, and the dead:

“Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” — Leviticus 19:31

Isaiah asks:

“Should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?” — Isaiah 8:19

Paranormal investigations can cross a serious spiritual boundary when we begin calling out to spirits, asking them questions, recording EVPs hoping for responses, using spirit boxes, consulting mediums, or otherwise attempting communication with unseen entities.

Putting electronic equipment between ourselves and the spirit world does not necessarily change the nature of what we are attempting to do.

Yes, Christians believe in a spiritual realm. Scripture teaches us about angels, Satan, demons, and spiritual warfare. But recognizing that the spiritual realm exists does not mean God has given us permission to experiment with it.

Jesus never taught His disciples to search for haunted locations or attempt conversations with spirits. Instead, Scripture tells us:

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7

Our spiritual attention should be directed toward Jesus Christ—not toward ghosts, demons, familiar spirits, or paranormal manifestations.

We don’t need to become experts on darkness.

We need to become disciples who know Christ deeply.

If you have been involved in paranormal investigation, my purpose isn’t to condemn you. I would simply encourage you to prayerfully consider whether these activities are drawing you closer to Jesus or creating a growing fascination with the spiritual darkness He has called us away from.

There is tremendous freedom in realizing that we don’t have to investigate every unexplained experience.

We don’t have to identify every spirit.

We don’t have to understand every supernatural occurrence.

We need to know Jesus.

Our curiosity should never take us somewhere God’s Word tells us not to go.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” — Ephesians 5:8

May we seek Christ above everything else, remain firmly grounded in His Word, and walk faithfully in His marvelous light.

These type of investigations is not God’s will on your life. You should repent, renounce it, and ask our Heavenly Father to forgive you from your participation in those activities. Then stay steady in Christ my friends.

The Bible is Very Clear About Witchcraft!

Why do I keep bringing this up from time to time? The reason why is I continue to come across professing Christians who are dabbling into these things. There is a reason why God does not want you dabbling into these occultist works of darkness. Playing with these things can open up doors to demon possession or demon oppression. Stay clear of this abomination to God. Isn’t Jesus enough for you? Or is it that you truly do not know Jesus? Is it that you are not a true follower of Christ Jesus?

If you are a true follower of Jesus, STOP playing with the occult now! Repent of your sins now! Ask forgiveness now! Renounce ever doing occult practices now! Plead the blood of Jesus over yourself now! Turn 100% to Jesus now! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me!” John 14:6

Jesus wants all of you, not just part of you. You are either with Him or against Him! Repent and turn to Him today! There may be no tomorrow!

Press Release: As Iron Sharpens Iron: Discipleship to Holy Living

Press Release:

Reverend Joseph T. Lee of Marketplace Evangelism Ministries Inc. has just released his new book, entitled “As Iron Sharpens Iron: Discipleship to Holy Living. This has been published by WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervon. The publish date was on November 21, 2025.

The book is available in three formats, Hardcover, Softcover, and eBook. The book is available globally through online distributors such as Amazon, Barns & Noble, and Walmart.

Here is the Amazon link available in the United States.

https://a.co/d/flv4ryK

The following is a description of the book:

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
(Proverbs 27:17, NKJV)

As a marketplace minister, author Joseph T. Lee has encountered many people who are suffering because they are lost and stuck in a world of hopelessness. Through his work, he has been able to help and disciple people and point them to Jesus. Many times, people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus and believe and accept Him as their personal Savior. Then, often, these new converts are not being guided in how to live a life patterned after the life of Christ. Many are stuck in the same sin they were committing before getting saved. They need discipleship to assist them in their walk and their life.

As Iron Sharpens Iron discusses real-life problems and sin and offers a way to redemption and freedom so that people’s chains can be broken. Reverend Lee discusses sexual immorality, honoring your parents, witnessing, rebellion, confessing sin, repentance, the armor of God, struggles with the flesh, standing firm, thirsting for righteousness, worry, putting God first, Bible reading, prayer, forgiveness, discipleship, profanity, avoiding the occult, living by faith, less of yourself, being bold in your faith, and much more. New followers of Christ in need of guidance in their Christian walk can find the help they need on how to live a Christlike life.

Brought to Light

Brought to Light
Written by Joseph T Lee for Marketplace Evangelism Ministries Inc.

Most recently, at a Coldplay concert, an adulterous affair was brought to light where a married CEO and his HR Director were spotlighted on a “Kiss-Cam” in the stadium of where the concert took place. When caught, he was cradling her from behind and she was holding his arms. The CEO ducked down out of sight and the HR Director turned around quickly so that her face would not be seen by the video camera. Then they both disappeared.

These two were married but not to each other. Their infidelity was made very public, front and center. This reminded me of Adam and Eve. When they ate the forbidden fruit, they hid themselves in the garden and covered theirselves up with leaves because their eyes were opened to their nakedness. This was the first sin of humanity.

The fact that Adam and Eve hid themselves from God showed that they knew that their disobedience was wrong. They sinned against God. The same goes for the CEO and the HR Director. They were caught and tried to hide themselves because of their infidelity against their own spouses.

In Luke 8:17, it says, “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Their affair has come to light in a huge way. Their sin was placed on display for the world to see. You cannot hide your sins from God! He sees all things.

One of the Ten Commandments says in Exodus 20:14, “You shall not commit adultery.”

Look at Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Their sexual immorality has been brought to light. Many might say that the producers of the concert should not have invaded their privacy, but in public, there is no expectation of privacy. Cameras are everywhere.

If one does not want their sin publicized, then they should not commit adultery and other sins. The CEO and the HR Director not only sinned against God, but they sinned against their own spouses. They sinned against their children and family. They also sinned against their own bodies.

Look at 1 Corinthians 6:18, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”

Now, I do not think these two are followers of Christ. Most likely they are not based on the fact that they were willing to cheat on their spouses. But they must repent and turn from this wickedness. They should break the relationship off and go back to their spouses and seek forgiveness and reconciliation.

It is my prayer that they seek reconciliation with their spouses and repent from their sins and adultery. I pray that they will come to the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus and that they will make Him Lord of their life! Please join me in praying for them and the spouses and family they have crushed and hurt!

Photo Credit: Google

Lord, I Need You!

Lord, I Need You

Written by Joseph T. Lee

Matt Maher wrote the song, “Lord, I Need You.” The Refrain lyrics are:

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Oh, how these words resonate with me. As much as I try to stay steady in Christ, I find myself failing when I try to do it on my own. I fail miserably because I personally do not have the power to do it. I find myself falling into sin, even if the sin is considered very little, or accepted as usual behavior by the world.

When we sin, as followers of Christ Jesus, if we do not feel guilty or sorrowful, then I would say that we have a serious problem in our faith walk. Billy Graham once said, “The closer we get to Christ, the more sinful we will feel.” Isn’t that the truth. The closer we get to Christ, the more sinful we feel because we know that when we sin, even the smallest sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us of that sin, if not immediately, but almost immediately.

The words “Lord, I need you, oh, I need you. Every hour I need you” is truth for me. I know that I cannot stay steady in my faith walk without constantly praying to Jesus. My thoughts, although dealing with other things, should always incorporate Jesus with all my decision making. I must pray multiple times a day, even while at work, to call out on the name of the Lord to help me get through my day. And while I am at home and away from the hustle and bustle of the day, I should consider Christ Jesus when making decisions to watch TV, read, or conversations with loved ones. Even when doing housework or yardwork, I must say a little prayer and give Christ Jesus praise.

If we proclaim to be Christ followers, then we must admit that we need Jesus every hour. We need Him to get through this life. We need Jesus, in everything that we do. We need Him when getting up in the morning, to going to work, to speaking with clients, to speaking with employees, to going home and speaking with our spouses and children. Every hour we need Jesus.

I cannot imagine life without Jesus. Can you? Are you struggling? Do you know where to turn for help? Jesus is waiting for you to turn to Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)” Jesus also said, “Come to me all who are heavy laden and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Paraphrased Matthew 11:28). Jesus is waiting to have a relationship with you.

Do not delay in your decision. Ask Him into your heart. Believe in Jesus and He will save you. Ask forgiveness of your sins and repent, meaning turn away from those sins. I pray that you will come to Christ today.

Photo Credit: Text Art App