In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Life, be blessed. Welcome as we continue our study of God’s Word. Today, we focus on holy marriage—how it is solemnized according to biblical principles and divine order.
First, it is essential to understand that there are two distinct types of marriage:
Marriage is a divine institution rooted deeply in Scripture, designed perfectly by God. Satan opposes holy marriage because it limits his influence over individuals and society (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:22-33). This opposition is seen in the increasing rise of false teachings, including those discouraging marriage, as foretold in the last days (1 Timothy 4:1-3).
God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:40). The first marriage in Genesis 2:18-24 (ESV) illustrates this divine order:
This order establishes that before a man marries, he should prepare the physical and spiritual environment for his wife and family.
After the first marriage, God instituted that human procreation would happen through the natural order—birth through the womb (Genesis 3:16). This meant future marriages must follow social and familial processes, reflecting God’s order and community involvement.
Contrary to popular belief, the Old Testament had clear procedures for marriage. It was not a free-for-all:
Step 1: Betrothal (KUPOSA) This legally binding step involved the groom presenting a bride price (mohar) and exchanging vows with the bride (Deuteronomy 22:23-27). During betrothal, the couple was considered legally married but did not cohabit or have sexual relations (Matthew 1:18-20). This period allowed the groom to prepare a home.
This is when Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit after betrothal to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25, ESV).
Step 2: Wedding Ceremony (Harusi) The groom, accompanied by friends and family, would go to the bride’s home and bring her to his home with great celebration (John 3:29). The marriage was finalized by repeating vows, supported by Scripture readings from the Torah.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom would separate privately for seven days before beginning married life fully.
The spiritual marriage between Christ and the Church parallels this earthly process but on a heavenly level:
Like the earthly betrothed woman, the Church must remain holy and faithful as we await His return (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Marriage vows are sacred promises before God, known as nadhiri—binding pledges that must not be broken (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; Matthew 5:33-37). They require faithfulness “until death do us part” (Romans 7:2-3). Breaking these vows carries spiritual consequences (Hebrews 10:26-31).
If you are living in a relationship outside of God’s order, repentance is always possible. God is merciful and will bless your obedience (1 John 1:9). Begin by involving families and the Church to solemnize your union properly.
If you have not accepted Christ, I urge you to enter into the spiritual marriage with Him today. Accept the bride price of His shed blood at Calvary (Romans 5:8). Live holy and prepared, avoiding spiritual adultery like idolatry and immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Reflect on Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV):
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise… Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
This parable reminds us to live prepared and faithful lives, ready to meet the Bridegroom at any moment.
Marriage, when conducted in divine order, is God’s perfect plan, reflecting the sacred union between Christ and His Church.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to honor Him in your relationships.
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IntroductionWhile 1 John addresses the general body of believers, 2 John and 3 John are more personal epistles written to individuals. Despite their brevity (each being one chapter), they are densely packed with theological truths, pastoral concern, and ethical instruction.
In 3 John, the Apostle John writes to Gaius, commending his hospitality and generosity towards traveling ministers:
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” — 3 John 1:2 (ESV)
This verse is widely quoted today, often without understanding its context. It is not a blanket promise to all believers, but rather a personal prayer to a man known for his faithfulness, generosity, and commitment to the truth (3 John 1:3-6). His prosperous soul was evident in his spiritual maturity and tangible service to the Church.
John’s blessing on Gaius invites us to examine whether we too live in such a way that would elicit this kind of apostolic commendation.
The Epistle of 2 John: Who Is the “Elect Lady”?2 John opens as follows:
“The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth.” — 2 John 1:1 (ESV)
There is some debate among scholars whether “the elect lady” refers to an actual Christian woman and her literal children, or metaphorically to a local church and its members. Given the personal tone and closing remarks (v. 13: “The children of your elect sister greet you”), a strong case can be made that this is a letter to a godly woman, known to John, who raised her children in the truth.
This passage provides a framework to examine what it means to be an “elect” woman of God—chosen by grace (Ephesians 1:4-5), living in truth, love, and discernment.
“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” — 2 John 1:4 (ESV)
The word truth here (Greek: alētheia) refers to the revealed reality of God through Christ and Scripture (John 14:6; John 17:17). The Apostle John rejoices not over achievements or status, but that this woman’s children are living according to divine truth.
This reflects the principle in Proverbs 22:6:
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — ESV
And in Ephesians 6:4, Paul commands:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
This responsibility also extends to mothers (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5), as Timothy’s faith was first nurtured by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois.
Today, many Christian parents prioritize academic success over spiritual formation. Yet, from God’s perspective, walking in truth is the highest success.
“And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.” — 2 John 1:5 (ESV)
Biblical love (agapē) is not merely emotional affection but a self-sacrificing, God-centered, covenantal commitment. This command echoes Jesus’ teaching:
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12 (ESV)
True love flows from abiding in Christ (John 15:9-10). It’s patient, kind, and free of envy or pride (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). An elect woman is one whose love is rooted in God’s truth—not sentimentalism, gossip, or emotional manipulation.
John warns against mere lip-service Christianity and emphasizes practical obedience:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” — 1 John 5:3 (ESV)
This means a woman walking in love will be prayerful, Spirit-led, forgiving, and Christlike in speech and conduct (Galatians 5:22-23).
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” — 2 John 1:7 (ESV)
In the first-century context, John was addressing early forms of Gnosticism, which denied the incarnation—that Christ came in the flesh. This is not a minor error, but a denial of the core of the Gospel (John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 2:14).
Today, deception takes many forms—prosperity gospel, hyper-grace teachings, motivational sermons void of repentance, and watered-down theology. John urges believers:
“Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” — 2 John 1:8 (ESV)
Discernment is not optional. Paul also warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4:
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
The Apostle gives a stern command:
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting.” — 2 John 1:10 (ESV)
This implies a line must be drawn between hospitality and endorsing false doctrine. Spiritual women are called to protect their homes and hearts from theological pollution.
Conclusion: The Call to Confirm Your Election
The term “elect” reminds us that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), yet the New Testament repeatedly urges believers to confirm their election through holy living:
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” — 2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)
For the modern woman who desires to be counted among God’s elect, the call is clear:
Raise children grounded in the truth of Scripture.
Walk in sacrificial, Spirit-led love.
Remain vigilant against doctrinal error and compromise.
May you be found among those who “abide in the teaching of Christ” and have “both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9). And may your life, like that of the elect lady, inspire the joy of faithful apostles—and more importantly, the approval of our heavenly Father.
Amen.
“For who has despised the day of small things?” — Zechariah 4:10a (NKJV)
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, by the grace of God, we’re going to explore an important biblical principle: how to stand firm during the “day of small things” — a season many of us experience when our progress appears slow, insignificant, or invisible to the natural eye.
This phrase comes from Zechariah 4:10, a prophetic encouragement from God to His people who had returned from exile. It refers to the season of small beginnings — when God’s promises have not yet been fully realized, and when visible results seem too small to be meaningful.
But God warns: Do not despise these moments. Why? Because God often begins great works in small, humble, and obscure ways — both in Scripture and in our lives.
To understand this more deeply, we must look at the post-exilic context of Israel’s history.
After years of rebellion, idolatry, and injustice, both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) were conquered — Israel by Assyria (2 Kings 17:6) and Judah by Babylon (2 Kings 25:8–11). God’s judgment was severe, yet not final. He promised through the prophet Jeremiah:
“For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.” — Jeremiah 29:10 (NKJV)
This return began under King Cyrus of Persia, who issued a decree allowing the Jews to go back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1–4). But upon returning, the Israelites faced fierce opposition from those living in the land (Ezra 4), which stalled the rebuilding of the Temple of God — also known as Zerubbabel’s Temple.
At this point, God raised up two prophets: Haggai and Zechariah, to reignite hope and courage in the people.
“Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?” — Haggai 2:3 (NKJV)
God acknowledged the apparent insignificance of the present effort compared to Solomon’s grand temple, but He assured them:
“Be strong… and work; for I am with you,” says the Lord of hosts. “…My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!” — Haggai 2:4–5 (NKJV)
Then came a messianic promise—one of the most beautiful in the Old Testament:
“The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former… and in this place I will give peace.” — Haggai 2:9 (NKJV)
Though Zerubbabel’s Temple was physically less impressive, its spiritual glory would surpass Solomon’s Temple, because Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace—would one day walk in it (cf. Luke 2:27, John 2:13–22). This is a picture of God’s redemptive pattern: beginning in weakness but ending in glory, just as the Cross led to Resurrection.
Two months after Haggai’s prophecy, Zechariah received a powerful vision:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)
And then, a remarkable declaration:
“Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!” — Zechariah 4:7 (NKJV)
God promises that every obstacle standing in the way of the Temple’s rebuilding would be flattened — not by human strength, but by divine power.
Finally, God delivers the sobering question:
The day of small things is any season in life where God’s promises seem distant, and your efforts feel too minor to matter. It may be a new ministry, a fledgling business, spiritual growth, or your walk with God.
But here’s what we learn:
Maybe you’re just beginning your journey with God or your calling feels insignificant. Don’t despise that! Moses spent 40 years in the desert before leading Israel. David was a shepherd before becoming king.
You might feel small, under-resourced, or unnoticed. But God says: “Silver is Mine, and gold is Mine” — Haggai 2:8 (NKJV) He will supply what you need when you walk in righteousness.
Are you struggling with consistency, prayer, or holiness? Don’t give up. Continue sowing. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) reminds us:
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Just as Israel’s 70-year exile was followed by restoration, God often allows times of brokenness to bring about humility, repentance, and ultimately revival.
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” — 1 Peter 5:6 (NKJV)
The most important “small beginning” you can make is giving your life to Jesus. Maybe you feel unworthy, too broken, or not ready. But Jesus doesn’t need your perfection—He needs your surrender.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Don’t despise your season of obscurity. Don’t look down on your small beginnings. You may feel like you’re building with ashes—but God sees a temple in your hands.
God doesn’t despise your small beginning—so why should you?
The same God who empowered Zerubbabel to finish the temple will empower you to finish your race.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
May God richly bless you.
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One of the most foundational yet deeply misunderstood themes in Scripture is faith. The Bible addresses faith in many dimensions — saving faith, healing faith, persevering faith, and the gift of faith among others (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11:1). Like education, faith is not one-dimensional nor ever complete. It grows, matures, and deepens over time (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
Too often, believers treat all faith the same, expecting every kind of faith to yield the same results — miracles, salvation, blessings, etc. But Scripture shows us that not every expression of faith produces the same outcomes, nor is every kind of faith pleasing to God.
Two individuals may both be educated, holding degrees and accolades. Yet their knowledge is domain-specific. A pilot cannot perform brain surgery, and a surgeon cannot fly a commercial aircraft. Both are competent in their fields, but outside of their area of expertise, they would be completely ineffective — perhaps even dangerous.
The same applies to faith. One may have strong faith for healing but lack faith for salvation. Another may believe God for provision but struggle to trust Him in trials. Faith functions within spiritual maturity and revelation. It must be cultivated, directed, and built on the right foundation — Jesus Christ.
Scripture describes several kinds of faith. Let’s explore them briefly:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
This is the foundational faith every believer must possess — faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is the faith that leads to justification (Romans 5:1), and without it, no one can be saved (Acts 16:31).
“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.’” – Luke 8:48 (NKJV)
This kind of faith receives physical or emotional healing and is often activated through trust in God’s power and goodness. It can exist even in non-believers, as we will see.
“…to another faith by the same Spirit…” – 1 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
This supernatural kind of faith is given by the Holy Spirit and is not tied to salvation. It is a temporary, powerful endowment for a specific purpose — usually involving miracles or divine interventions.
Text: Luke 7:1–10 (NKJV)
In this passage, we meet a Gentile centurion — a Roman military officer stationed in Capernaum — who exhibits one of the greatest expressions of faith in the entire New Testament.
Key Verses:
“For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” – Luke 7:8 (NKJV)
Jesus responds in awe:
“I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” – Luke 7:9b (NKJV)
This man was not a Jew, nor did he know the Torah intimately. He had no formal training in the Scriptures. Yet, he recognized authority — and believed Jesus only had to speak a word for his servant to be healed.
This was not saving faith, but it was faith rooted in revelation through life experience. He understood that Jesus operated with divine authority, and he appropriated that understanding into faith.
Text: Mark 7:24–30; Matthew 15:21–28
Another striking example is the Syrophoenician woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon (modern-day Lebanon). She was a Gentile — and when she came to Jesus, He initially refused her request:
“It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” – Matthew 15:26 (NKJV)
But her reply demonstrated deep humility and persistence:
“Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” – Matthew 15:27 (NKJV)
Jesus responded:
“O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” – Matthew 15:28 (NKJV)
Again, we see a non-Jewish person demonstrating great faith through spiritual insight — despite having no formal access to the covenants of Israel.
Many people, including non-believers, can exhibit great faith based on life experience, logic, or desperation. But the highest form of faith — “Mother Faith” — is not based on experience. It is based on revelation, specifically, the revelation of Jesus Christ.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
The Greek term for “word” here is ῥῆμα (rhema) — the spoken, revealed word. In context, this refers to the message of Christ (i.e., the Gospel), not just general Bible verses.
“Mother Faith” is the foundational faith that comes not by miracles, not by experience, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. It is:
This faith leads to:
Satan doesn’t mind people having faith for miracles, money, or marriage. What terrifies him is a believer whose faith is rooted in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His resurrection power.
“…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings…” – Philippians 3:10 (NKJV)
Many today pursue prophetic words, prosperity, and healing — but neglect the centrality of the cross. That’s why despite being “Christians,” many believers:
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.” – Colossians 1:19 (NKJV)
“…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man…” – Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV)
When your faith is built on who Christ is, not just what He can do, you become immovable. You walk in power, love, sound doctrine, and endurance. Your prayers align with His will, and your life bears eternal fruit.
If you’ve been walking in a shallow version of faith — based on experiences, feelings, or teachings that only emphasize blessings — it’s time to return to the true foundation: Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16).
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NKJV)
Repent. Reset your spiritual priorities. Build your faith not just on miracles, but on the Word of Christ — the crucified, risen, and reigning Savior.
Lord Jesus, open the eyes of our hearts to truly know You. Strip away superficial faith and build in us a faith rooted in revelation — the kind that saves, sanctifies, and glorifies You. Teach us to know You more deeply, and let our lives be living testimonies of Your power and grace. Amen.
If this message blessed you, share it with others. Help build faith that is unshakable — faith rooted in Christ.
Be richly blessed.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray this message finds you well. Today, we examine a subject that is both urgent and often misunderstood: the Antichrist—his work, his identity, and how Scripture warns us to be alert to his influence even now.
The world is unknowingly awaiting two figures:
While both are expected, many Christians fail to properly discern how the Antichrist operates before his physical manifestation. Jesus warned that deception would be a hallmark of the last days:
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” — Matthew 24:4–5 (NKJV)
You cannot recognize Satan or the Antichrist through secular research, conspiracy theories, or fear-driven speculation. True spiritual discernment only comes from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him…because they are spiritually discerned.” — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
Many today associate the Antichrist solely with dark symbolism, secret societies, or visible evil acts. While Satan certainly uses such tools, this superficial understanding misses the deeper biblical truth: the Antichrist’s primary strategy is spiritual deception through false religion, apostasy, and a counterfeit gospel.
“Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” — 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV)
The danger is not only in demonic symbols but in false doctrines, lukewarm faith, and resistance to the true gospel.
Scripture teaches that the Antichrist is not only a future individual but also a present spirit of rebellion against Christ:
“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” — 1 John 2:18 (NKJV)
This is echoed in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians:
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NKJV)
The Antichrist spirit is manifest wherever Christ is denied, the gospel is diluted, or the Holy Spirit is resisted.
Many believers are fixated on the physical mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–17). While a physical mark may come, the spiritual mark already exists. Those who reject the gospel and resist the Holy Spirit are spiritually marked against Christ.
In contrast, those who belong to Christ are sealed by the Holy Spirit:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” — Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)
“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’…” — 2 Timothy 2:19 (NKJV)
The second coming of Christ is not an idle event postponed indefinitely. Jesus is already at work, gathering and sanctifying His people. The rapture is both a present reality and a future fulfillment.
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NKJV)
This is only for those sealed by the Spirit, whether living or dead:
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” — Romans 8:9b (NKJV)
The Antichrist will not come with obvious evil. He will appear religious, even messianic. His weapon is not violence, but false teaching.
“He will exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods…” — Daniel 11:36 (NKJV)
“…He sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJV)
His base of power will come from Rome, the final kingdom in Daniel’s vision. The Vatican and the Papal system are widely interpreted by historic Christian scholars (e.g., Protestant Reformers) as prophetic symbols connected to the Antichrist system.
“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition.” — Revelation 17:8 (NKJV)
This passage speaks to the cyclical manifestation of Satan’s rule through empires and false religion — always opposing Christ in different forms through history.
The time for decision is now. The spirit of the Antichrist is active. Christ is calling. The Holy Spirit is still sealing. Grace is still available.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” — Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV)
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)
If you die in sin today, whose guest will you be in eternity? This is not a matter of curiosity — it is a matter of destiny. Don’t wait for signs and wonders. The spiritual battle is already raging, and the mark is already being received in hearts.
Grace is free, but the time is short.
“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still.” — Revelation 22:11 (NKJV)
Turn to Christ today.