Many of us know the story of Joseph. We know he was one of Jacob’s sons, deeply loved by his father. But once he began to dream those prophetic dreams, his brothers grew jealous and, in the end, sold him as a slave to foreigners the Egyptians.
As we read, we find that while in Egypt, God was with Joseph and caused him to prosper in everything he did. Eventually, he became second in command to Pharaoh, ruler of Egypt. No one could approach Pharaoh without going through Joseph. Pharaoh entrusted all the wealth and affairs of Egypt to him. [Remember, Egypt was then the strongest empire on earth just as the United States might be seen today.]
But Joseph’s life story carries a profound spiritual mystery and message for the Church. Joseph represents our Lord Jesus Christ, and Pharaoh represents our Heavenly Father. The eleven brothers of Joseph symbolize the Jews (Israel), while Egypt, the foreign land where Joseph found refuge, represents the Church among the Gentiles. Joseph’s wife, Asenath, an Egyptian woman given to him from Pharaoh’s royal household, symbolizes the pure Bride of Christ.
Just as Joseph was envied and rejected by his own brothers and sold into slavery, so too was the Lord Jesus rejected by His own people, the Jews. He came to them as their long-awaited Messiah, but when He declared Himself to be the Son of God, they despised Him, plotted against Him, and handed Him over to the Romans to be crucified. That act was, in essence, the selling of Christ to the Gentiles.
That is why, in the book of Acts, we find Paul and Barnabas saying to the Jews:
Acts 13:46–49 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Acts 13:46–49
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
You see, Christ came first for His own people, but they rejected Him. Until that time, God had not revealed Himself to the Gentiles; grace was given only to Israel. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 15:24,
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
But because they rejected Him just as Joseph’s brothers rejected him the grace was extended to us, the Gentiles (symbolized by Egypt).
Another hidden truth in Joseph’s story is that not all Egyptians truly believed in Joseph, even though Pharaoh did. During the seven years of plenty, Joseph labored to prepare for the famine he foresaw, but most Egyptians didn’t take his warning seriously.
If they had, when the famine struck, they would not have been forced to sell their land and possessions for food. As citizens of Egypt, Joseph would have freely provided for them. But their lack of faith cost them dearly.
This reflects the state of many Christians today. They have received Christ, yet they ignore His warnings about the spiritual famine to come the time of great tribulation.
The only person who did not suffer during that famine was Joseph’s wife, for she lived with him in the royal palace. She knew his heart and shared in his secrets. Notice that Joseph did not find his wife on his own; Pharaoh himself gave her to him. This beautifully illustrates that the Bride of Christ the chosen ones is given to Christ by the Father Himself.
Remember, among those who call themselves Christians, there are two groups: the Bride of Christ (the true Wife) and the companions or attendants. They are like the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25. Both groups exist in the end times, but only the wise virgins the true Brimiwill be taken in the rapture.
Just as Joseph ruled over all of Egypt, providing food to those who came to him during the famine, so will Jesus Christ reign supreme. During the coming Great Tribulation, lukewarm Christians vijthose who should have been ready will face that period of distress, while the Bride will be rejoicing in heaven with the Bridegroom at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
When Joseph’s brothers began their journey to Egypt in search of food, it was a sign that the famine had truly begun. In the same way, today we see a growing spiritual hunger for the true Word of God. The Jews, who for centuries have waited for their Messiah, are now gradually realizing their mistake that there is no other Messiah to come. They are beginning to recognize that the One they rejected is the hope of the whole world.
When that day comes when Israel truly repents know that the Great Tribulation has begun, and the door of grace will be closed to the Gentiles. Just as Joseph’s brothers wept before him, so will Israel weep for Christ.
Zechariah 12:10–11 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be as great as the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.”
Zechariah 12:10–11
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be as great as the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.”
After that, only a few short years will remain until the final seven years come to an end and the world as we know it will be finished. During that time, there will be unprecedented tribulation on earth. Then all nations will finally recognize that Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone the One rejected by the builders. Every tongue will confess that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, and that there is no salvation or eternal life outside of Him just as all of Egypt came to understand that every resource and all authority had been given to Joseph.
You can see the times we are living in. The nation of Israel is rising again. Soon their eyes will be fully opened to recognize Jesus Christ as Lord.
So, my friend, ask yourself: Will you be among the Bride of Christ who is taken up before the Great Tribulation begins? How do you see the Lord Jesus just as an ordinary man, or as your King? Remember, Joseph in the prison was not the same as Joseph in the palace. Likewise, Jesus on the cross is not the same as the glorified Lord today. The Bible says He now sits in unapproachable light, and His words are truth and life.
If you have not yet become part of His royal family if you have not been born again of water and the Spirit you will not escape the coming tribulation nor enter the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Why miss such glory? Repent today. Turn to the Lord and let Him wash away your sins. He will give you the grace to be counted among His Bride.
The Rapture could happen any day now.
May God bless you!
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Everything written in the Old Testament is a shadow of spiritual realities unfolding in the New Testament today. For example, as we read how God called the children of Israel out of Egypt to Canaan through the wilderness, so too does God call His children today out of the bondage of sin [Egypt], leading them through the Red Sea [representing baptism 1 Corinthians 10], and then into the wilderness journey that every Christian must pass through. In this wilderness, one is taught to worship God, to rely on Him completely, to be tested in every area yet never abandoned. The final step is entering Canaan, which begins on earth now and ultimately culminates in the new heavens and the new earth.
Similarly, we learn another lesson from the story of Samson, which is also a shadow of spiritual realities at work today. We read that Samson was consecrated by God from his mother’s womb, just as the Church of Christ began at Pentecost, holy and pure, without blemish. Samson was instructed by God not to cut his hair but to bind it in seven locks a picture of the Church of Christ that we see reflected in Revelation chapters 2 & 3, where the Lord sends messages to the seven churches. Remember, the Church has passed through seven distinct periods known as the Seven Church Ages over the past 2,000 years, and the era we live in now is the final age, Laodicea.
Just as Samson’s strength was in his hair, the Church in all seven ages has relied on the Word of God to stand. Yet, tragically, we read that Samson exhibited immoral behavior by consorting with harlots and foreign women who were not of Abraham’s lineage. These women later discovered the secret of his strength. Proverbs 31:3 warns: “Do not give your strength to women.” But Samson ignored this, allowing himself to be deceived by worldly women who did not know the God of Israel. The result: he fell into the hands of his Philistine enemies for a long time:
Judges 16:15-21 15 Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me; you have not told me the secret of your great strength.” 16 When he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines went up to her and brought the money in their hands. 17 She made him sleep on her lap, and so she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. 18 And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I will go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. 19 The Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. He was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison.
Judges 16:15-21
15 Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me; you have not told me the secret of your great strength.”
16 When he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines went up to her and brought the money in their hands.
17 She made him sleep on her lap, and so she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him.
18 And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I will go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
19 The Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. He was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison.
Do you see the pattern? The same thing happened to the Church after the apostles departed. Paul wrote:
Acts 20:29-30 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:29-30
29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
In the New Testament, Delilah represents the harlot Church, which refers to the Catholic Church, which gradually mixed false teachings into the original Church. By 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, pagan rituals and idolatry were incorporated, the practice of praying to saints, penance, hierarchical leadership, and monetary requirements all absent in the early Church were established. As this Church grew in influence, the Spirit’s power waned, except among a small remnant. This period of spiritual darkness lasted over 1,000 years and is known in history as the Dark Ages.
During the Nicaean council, the “Delilah Church” completely cut the hair of the Church of God the Church lost its spiritual gifts, Scripture was restricted, faith in Christ through grace alone nearly disappeared, and monetary requirements replaced true spiritual devotion. But just as Samson’s hair eventually grew back, so too did the Church experience a renewal. When his hair grew again, Samson brought greater destruction than he had at first:
Judges 16:22-30 22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. 23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon… 27 Samson said to the servant who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars that support the temple, so I may lean against them.” 28 Now the temple was full of men and women; all the rulers were there, and on the roof were about three thousand people watching. 29 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Strengthen me just once more, O God, so that I may with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 30 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars and braced himself against them. “Let me die with the Philistines!” he shouted. Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple… so that the dead he killed during his life were far fewer than those he killed at his death.
Judges 16:22-30
22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.
23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon…
27 Samson said to the servant who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars that support the temple, so I may lean against them.”
28 Now the temple was full of men and women; all the rulers were there, and on the roof were about three thousand people watching.
29 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Strengthen me just once more, O God, so that I may with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”
30 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars and braced himself against them. “Let me die with the Philistines!” he shouted. Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple… so that the dead he killed during his life were far fewer than those he killed at his death.
Similarly, in the Church, when the “hair” began to grow again that is, when believers returned to the Word of God the Lord raised up men like Martin Luther in the 16th century to teach justification by faith in Christ, John Wesley in the 18th century to teach sanctification through the blood of Jesus, and in the 20th century, William Seymour at the Azusa Street revival in the United States to teach baptism in the Holy Spirit as the seal of God (Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8:9). The restoration of spiritual gifts began again from the early 1900s.
All of this is preparation for the true Bride of Christ for the coming rapture. The “hair” has reached its full growth, and what remains is the final awakening of the Bride through the seven thunders of Revelation 10:4, giving her perfect faith (Luke 18:8) to enter the rapture a powerful and brief revival surpassing even the first Pentecost.
Ask yourself: are your “hairs” growing? Or are you still serving religion and denominations? Remember: hair growing signifies returning to the Word. No Christian’s strength exists outside the Word of God. The Bible warns against idolatry, yet churches may condone it always follow the Word over human tradition.
Scripture says that those who believe and are baptized will be saved meaning full immersion in water but churches may teach sprinkling. Always follow what the apostles did in the Bible:
Acts 2:37-38 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:37-38
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
These are the last days. Now is the time to ensure your “hair” is growing. Seek a personal relationship with God. Return to the Word. Denominations cannot take you to the rapture only a few will enter it (as the Bible says). Have you been born again? Have you been baptized and received the Holy Spirit? God bless you.
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Natural things reveal spiritual truths. The Lord Jesus said,
“For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (Luke 16:8)
This applies to us as Christians. Let’s learn from the wisdom the “people of this world” possess. The Apostle Paul also said:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 )
When we read this, we see how Paul observed worldly athletes and gained wisdom from their discipline. Similarly, we can learn from them to gain wisdom before our God in heaven.
If you’ve ever watched runners in short or long-distance races, you’ll notice that participants are not all mixed together. Children, adults, men, and women are not randomly combined. Why? Because if they were, the results would be unfair: only one group would dominate the prize, and the competition would lose meaning. To maintain fairness, athletes are separated by age, gender, and ability.
For example, in a 100-meter race, if ten women and ten men ran together, all top ten positions would likely go to the men, and the first woman would only appear in 11th place. To solve this, races are separated: men run against men, women against women.
Even though it may seem unfair that other men ran faster than her, prizes are awarded according to the group, not absolute time. Similarly, races for children or the disabled are separate from adult races, yet the winner’s medal in each category holds equal value.
RACES IN THE CHURCH
In God’s kingdom, all Christians participate in one spiritual race, but God divides us into groups: men, women, and children. Within each group, the reward for those who serve faithfully is equal.
Many Christians try to mix groups, ignoring God’s design. But God has assigned responsibilities in His church according to gender:
“I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:8) “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” (1 Timothy 2:11-12 )
“I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:8)
“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” (1 Timothy 2:11-12 )
These verses clarify that teaching, pastoral leadership, and similar roles are designated for men. A woman who tries to assume roles outside her assigned “race” may work hard, but she will not receive a reward in God’s timing, because she is not running in her intended group.
“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.” (1 Corinthians 14:34 )
THE RACE FOR WOMEN
What does the race for women look like?
“Similarly, women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control… rather, by good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10 )
A woman who lives with peace, modesty, self-control, discipline, purity, and good behavior participates fully in her race alongside other faithful women such as Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, and Mary Magdalene. On that day, she will receive a reward of equal or even greater value than a man in leadership who has not been fully faithful in his assigned responsibilities. She will sit with Christ on His throne.
Rick Joyner, a well-known American preacher, once described a vision where he saw Christ showing him the heavenly throne room. He noticed that most of the thrones were occupied by women and children, not men as he had expected. This illustrates that faithful women will receive their full reward when they run their race with discipline and devotion.
LESSONS ON FAITHFULNESS
Rewards are measured according to the gifts and responsibilities God has given each of us. Just like a teacher who gives one student ten questions and another one hundred, the first student may achieve 90% while the second achieves 50%. The reward is based on faithfulness to the task given, not the absolute size of the task.
Before learning from the great figures like Moses, Elijah, or Paul, women should learn from faithful examples in Scripture: Miriam (Moses’ sister), Martha, Mary Magdalene, Susanna (Luke 8:1-3), Tabitha, and Lydia (Acts 16:13-15).
Sisters, as you begin your journey of obedience to Christ, remain in the position God has placed you. Strive for holiness, discipline, and be an example to other women. The heavenly throne awaits you.
OUR CALL AS CHRIST’S WITNESSES
All of us, men and women alike, have been called to be witnesses of Christ. Wherever we are, we are to draw others to the kingdom through our actions and character:
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15-16 )
Remain faithful in your race, run diligently in the lane God has assigned you, and your reward will be eternal.
Be blessed.
Scripture (Luke 5:1-7, NIV):1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around Him and listening to the word of God.2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
This passage is rich with spiritual significance beyond its literal meaning. Jesus standing by the shore teaching the crowds (v.1) reflects His role as the Divine Teacher, the Logos the Word incarnate (John 1:1-14). The crowd listening to God’s Word illustrates humanity’s hunger for truth, yet it’s from a humble fisherman’s boat that Jesus ministers, symbolizing God’s use of ordinary, even seemingly insignificant, vessels for His extraordinary purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
The “boats” here symbolize our lives, skills, and resources what we depend on for sustenance and livelihood. Jesus choosing an empty boat (v.3) to preach from is deeply symbolic: God often chooses those who feel empty, weak, or exhausted to display His power, highlighting that success comes from divine empowerment, not human effort alone (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Peter’s initial hesitation (v it.5) reflects human doubt and weariness. He had labored all night without success an apt metaphor for those who toil in life or ministry without immediate results. Yet, Peter obeys Jesus’ command to cast the nets again “because You say so.” This is a profound act of faith and submission, echoing Proverbs 3:5-6 trusting God’s guidance even when circumstances seem discouraging.
The resulting miraculous catch (v.6-7) demonstrates the abundant blessing and provision God gives when we cooperate with His will. The nets breaking and boats nearly sinking show that God’s blessings can overflow beyond what we imagine or can contain (Malachi 3:10).
If you feel like you’ve worked hard but seen little fruit whether in your career, ministry, or personal lifethis passage reminds you that God sees your efforts and can turn your “empty boat” into a vessel of blessing.The Boat as Your Means of Livelihood: Your skills, education, business, property, or other resources are like Peter’s boat. Even if they seem “empty” or unproductive right now, God can use them in unexpected ways.God Uses the Ordinary: Jesus did not choose the best or busiest boat, but the empty one. Similarly, God often works through those who feel inadequate or overlooked.Obedience Despite Doubt: Like Peter, obeying God’s word “because You say so” is essential. Faith does not always come with visible evidence but trusting God’s promises leads to breakthrough.Overflowing Blessings: The miracle teaches us that God’s blessings can be abundant and overwhelming sometimes requiring others to share in those blessings (Ecclesiaste 4:9-10).
Beware of trying to “buy” blessings through rituals, anointing oil, or salt without surrendering your own resources and life to God. True blessings come from a heart surrendered and obedient to God’s will (James 4:3-8).
God says, “Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you” (James 4:8). If you have been laboring hard with little to show f
May God rich.
John 16:13 (ESV):
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
This verse teaches us the ongoing role of the Holy Spirit not just at conversion, but as a continuous guide into God’s truth. Without the Spirit, one cannot truly know God.
Romans 8:9 (ESV):
“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”
It is impossible to genuinely know and follow God without the Spirit. Yet, many believers receive the Holy Spirit at conversion but later quench Him, often unknowingly. This is evident when people say, “I was once on fire for God, but now I’ve cooled off.” The Bible warns:
1 Thessalonians 5:19 (ESV):
“Do not quench the Spirit.”
Quenching the Spirit means suppressing or resisting His work in our lives. The Spirit is quenched when we resist His leading, especially in growing in truth.
What often causes people to quench the Spirit? The answer is religion and denominationalism.
When Jesus ministered, He found many people bound by their religious systems particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 23). They were diligent in observing God’s law but missed the fuller revelation Christ brought. Their Torah (Law) was incomplete, and they rejected Jesus because He challenged their traditions.
They refused to allow the Holy Spirit to teach them more and lead them into all truth, instead clinging to their religious identity and system.
In the New Testament era, God has never established denominations. The church is one body, united by:
One faith
One baptism
One Spirit
One Lord
One God
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV):
“There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Yet today, many different denominations exist, often dividing believers over doctrinal preferences and traditions. Paul addressed this problem:
1 Corinthians 1:12-13 (ESV):
“What I mean is that each one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
True Christian unity is in Christ, not in denominational labels.
When the Holy Spirit wants to lead a believer deeper into truth such as understanding proper baptism by immersion in Jesus’ name (Acts 2:38) the person should prayerfully study Scripture and seek the Spirit’s guidance.
John 3:5 (ESV):
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
However, many rush to their denominational traditions instead of Scripture. If their tradition rejects what the Spirit reveals, they reject it too, quenching the Spirit’s work.
When Scripture says:
Revelation 18:4 (ESV):
“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, and lest you share in her plagues,”
it calls for a spiritual separation from religious bondage and error, not just physical separation.
2 Corinthians 6:15-18 (ESV):
“What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Believers are called to leave behind false teaching and practices tied to denominationalism that hinder spiritual growth.
Denominations will be instrumental in forming the “mark of the beast” system in the end times. Jesus described two groups of believers in Matthew 25: the wise and foolish virgins.
The wise virgins, representing Spirit-filled believers, carried extra oil symbolizing the Spirit’s revelation and ongoing guidance so their lamps stayed lit. The foolish virgins, representing those content with religious traditions and lacking the Spirit’s fullness, ran out of oil and were shut out from the feast.
Do you know what will happen shortly before we leave this earth to meet the Lord in the clouds? Will the rapture truly happen suddenly for God’s saints? If you are not aware, the Bible has already given us light concerning this matter. We read:
1 “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them… and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day… 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
The Scriptures clearly show that the “Day of the Lord” will come like a thief to the nations who do not know God, because they are in spiritual darkness and are asleep in the things of this world.
However, for God’s saints, the Bible indicates that they will not be in darkness, meaning they will recognize the season through spiritual discernment and prophetic signs.
The Bible does not give the exact day or hour, but it gives “seasons” and signs of His coming. These signs are both external and internal.
These include:
But there are also internal signs, which relate specifically to the Bride of Christ.
The Bible reveals that the rapture will be accompanied by three major stages:
Two of these stages have already been discussed earlier. Today we focus on the final stage:
This is the final sign. We read:
13 “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep… 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again… 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord… 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air… 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
Those who will first hear the voice of the Lord will not be the living saints, but those who died in Christ.
At that moment, the dead in Christ—who are with the Lord in Paradise—will hear His voice calling them out of the graves.
This is similar to what happened with Lazarus:
“Lazarus, come forth.”
And also:
“The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”
They will rise with their former bodies and walk on earth for a very short time.
The key question is: what happens next after the saints are raised?
To understand this, we look at the first resurrection as a shadow.
51 “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain… and the earth did quake… 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”
The first resurrection was a foreshadow of the final resurrection.
Just as those saints appeared to people in Jerusalem after rising, so also in the last days, resurrected saints will appear briefly to those still alive.
They will not appear randomly, but with a divine purpose:
Imagine seeing Abraham, Jacob, or Joseph standing before people and testifying about Christ—this would bring overwhelming conviction and faith.
This will be a very short but powerful season. The resurrected saints will:
Then suddenly, the living saints will also be transformed.
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump… the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
After this, all the saints together will hear the trumpet of God and be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.
Hallelujah!
The world will not fully understand what is happening. Life will continue normally for those left behind, until the revelation of the Antichrist.
Only a small number of people will be taken, but for them it will be glory and joy unspeakable.
If you are living in sin—drunkenness, sexual immorality, pornography, worldly living—and still call yourself a Christian, then that day will come upon you like a thief.
How will you expect to see the saints of old or even Christ Himself if you cannot separate yourself from sin today?
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
The time is far spent. The Lord is at the door. Have you given your life to Christ? Have you been baptized and received the Holy Spirit?
If not, now is the time to repent and turn to Him before the door of grace closes.
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The wisdom of this world says, “Bend the fish while it is still fresh,” meaning that when a fish dries up, it can no longer be bent without breaking. The same is true for our children. Likewise, the Word of God tells us in Proverbs 22:6:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
The reverse is also true — if a child is not raised in the right way, he will not easily abandon the wrong path, even when he becomes old. This reveals how both God and Satan are equally interested in the destiny of a child. God desires to secure that destiny, but Satan works hard to destroy it from the earliest stages of life.
Therefore, it requires greater effort to build a person’s life in childhood than to repair it in adulthood.
The world today is not like the world of the past. Evil has multiplied, and sin has become more accessible and normalized.I remember, when I was a child, around the ages of four to seven, my brother and I used to watch what adults considered “normal entertainment.” Our home had a television, and at that time, videos of Michael Jackson or Congolese music were very common. Almost every home with a VHS player had such tapes.
Adults enjoyed them, but as children, we were frightened. Many of those videos had disturbing, dark themes — people transforming into monsters, graveyard scenes, or supernatural images. What seemed harmless to adults planted fear and spiritual disturbance within us.
Soon, those things we saw on TV began manifesting in reality — at night, we would see small shadowy beings opening kitchen doors and dancing in front of us, exactly like those in the videos! When adults entered the room, the figures disappeared. These were not dreams or imagination — both of us saw them clearly.
Those manifestations stopped only after one of our parents gave their life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
This shows that what we expose our children to has spiritual consequences. What enters through their eyes and ears creates spiritual doors — either for God or for demonic forces.
If those things happened then — how much more now, when technology has multiplied? Today, children are not only exposed to television but also to smartphones, the internet, and countless video games.
Many popular games are spiritually corrupt. Games like House of the Dead, Mortal Kombat, Diablo, Titan Quest, or even seemingly innocent games such as Spiderman or Zuma, often contain occult imagery and demonic themes.
These designs are not accidental. Many of these games are created under the inspiration of satanic groups, who copy images from the spiritual realm of darkness. They reproduce demonic creatures and assign them roles similar to their real activities in the spirit world — killing, destroying, or drinking blood (John 10:10).
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
When a child repeatedly watches or plays such content, he begins to fellowship with those spirits unknowingly. Over time, what he sees in the game may begin to appear in dreams or real life. The spirit starts giving him instructions, corrupting his behavior, and planting sinful desires.
That’s why we now see children exhibiting shocking behavior — rebellion, premature sexual awareness, disrespect, or unnatural anger. These are spiritual influences taking root through ungodly media.
Many parents mistakenly think they are showing love by giving children freedom to watch, play, and listen to anything. But the Bible is clear:
Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go.”Proverbs 22:15 — “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”Proverbs 23:13–14 — “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with the rod and deliver his soul from Sheol.”
Modern parenting has rejected biblical discipline under the pretense of “love” or “modernity.” But refusing to correct a child is not love — it is neglect that endangers the soul. God disciplines His children because He loves them (Hebrews 12:6):
“For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”
Correction today saves the child’s soul tomorrow. As Hebrews 12:11 reminds us:
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
When parents discipline in love, guided by Scripture, they cooperate with God in shaping eternal destinies.
Parents must intentionally build spiritual foundations for their children. Instead of worldly songs and shows, let them learn hymns, worship songs, and Bible stories — about Elijah, Daniel, Jonah, the Israelites’ journey, and the kings of Israel.
Teach them to pray, to use the name of Jesus, and to speak Scripture. Encourage them to attend Sunday School or children’s Bible classes, where they can grow in the Word. Lay hands on them often and speak blessings over their lives (Numbers 6:24–26):
“The Lord bless you and keep you;The Lord make His face shine upon you,And be gracious to you;The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,And give you peace.”
By doing so, you will shield their souls from the corruption of this generation and from the spirits roaming the earth seeking to devour the young (1 Peter 5:8):
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Dear parent, guardian, or elder brother or sister — the devil’s plan is to steal the hearts of children early, but God’s plan is to save them early. Do not hand your children to the world in the name of comfort or convenience.Stand firm as a spiritual guardian, and raise them under the light of God’s Word.
Proverbs 29:17 — “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.”
Train them, pray for them, and bless them — for the future of the Church and the Kingdom depends on the children we raise today.
May God bless every parent and guardian with wisdom, courage, and discernment to raise holy children ..
The Word of God is compared to a seed (Luke 8:11). A seed always has life, and when it is planted in a person, that life begins to manifest within them according to the growth of that seed. As the seed continues to grow, the character of that person gradually begins to change.
It is important to understand that this transformation does not come from human effort. Rather, it is the seed planted within that brings change from one stage to another according to its growth.
Our Lord Jesus Christ illustrated this truth:
“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”(Mark 4:26–29, NIV)
This parable reflects how the Word of God grows within a person. It begins as a seed when someone allows the Word to enter their heart. This happens through a genuine desire to learn the Word daily, to know God, and to study the Scriptures.
As the seed is given the right environment through meditation, obedience, and spiritual hunger it begins to grow slowly and often unnoticed. A person then starts to experience transformation in behavior and lifestyle. They begin to lose interest in worldly things they once loved.
This change does not come by self-effort. Instead, the person finds that desires for things such as smoking, alcohol, sexual immorality, and indecent living begin to fade away naturally. They may think they decided to stop, not realizing it is the Word (the seed) working within them.
As the Word continues to grow, it becomes like a leaf. At this stage, a person’s understanding of God expands. Spiritual awareness increases, and they begin to understand Scriptures they previously could not comprehend.
This aligns with the work of the Holy Spirit:
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness… but the person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things.”(1 Corinthians 2:14–15, NIV)
The next stage is the ear (head of grain). Here, the believer matures and is no longer spiritually unstable.
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching… Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”(Ephesians 4:14–15, NIV)
At this level:
This reflects spiritual discernment given by the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 5:14, NIV).
At this stage, the seed becomes fully mature grain. The Word within now empowers the believer to bear fruit and minister to others.
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”(John 15:8, NIV)
Here:
Just like childbirth, this fruit-bearing cannot be forced it flows naturally when the time comes.
The final stage is the harvest, when God will reward each person according to their work.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us…”(2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV)
So, dear brother/sister:
If you still struggle to overcome sin such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, smoking, gossip, or adultery it may indicate that the seed has not been properly nurtured.
The Word of God must be cultivated.
“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them…”(1 John 3:9, NIV)
This does not mean believers never sin, but that they no longer live under the dominion of sin, because the life of God is at work within them (Romans 6:14, NIV).
It is my prayer that we all come to understand the power of the Word of God. Rejecting the Word is separating ourselves from life itself.
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4:4, NIV)
Therefore, do not grow weary in studying the Word of God daily. Continue reading, meditating, and obeying it.
Even if you do not see immediate change, understand this:The Word is working within you in ways you do not yet see.
With time, you will look back and notice the transformation your today will be different from your yesterday.
May God bless you.