“Bad, bad,” says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts.”
There is a spiritual lesson hidden even in the simplest aspects of everyday life like buying and selling. In one way or another, we are either sellers or buyers in this world, and God has allowed this reality to reflect deeper truths about what happens in the spiritual realm.
In business, sellers often inflate the perceived value of their goods, knowing buyers will try to bargain for a lower price. Buyers, on the other hand, usually aim to downplay the value of the product to get a cheaper deal.
This back and forth is expected it’s how markets function. A seller tries to set a higher price. The buyer pretends it’s worth less. Finally, they agree on a price somewhere in the middle, usually close to the real value the seller had in mind from the start.
This isn’t just economics it mirrors what often happens in spiritual matters, particularly in ministry.
As preachers of the Gospel, we are, in a sense, offering a spiritual product salvation through Christ. But here’s the problem: if we present salvation cheaply, we shouldn’t be surprised when people treat it as cheap.
If you preach a weak or diluted Gospel, don’t expect the people you draw to Christ to value salvation any more than what you presented. A buyer never expects to pay more than the value he’s been shown.
You cannot preach a casual version of Christianity and expect people to grow into deep holiness. People won’t suddenly become spiritually mature, holy, and disciplined if you never challenged them to grow in Christ from the beginning.
If your message avoids the hard truths if you tell people:
…then what kind of faith are you expecting them to build?
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV): “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Many are being taught only motivational messages:
“Receive your miracle in Jesus’ name!” “Your enemies will fall!” “No weapon formed against you shall prosper!”
Yet they don’t even know the basic truths of salvation:
You may have attracted them to Jesus but what kind of Jesus did they receive?
A diluted Gospel will only produce worldly, untransformed Christians. You’ll find people who:
And yet, they say, “I’m saved. I gave my life to Jesus.”
Yes, you may have preached to them, but what kind of salvation did you present? Was it the true, costly, holy, transformational salvation of Jesus Christ?
Remember what Scripture says:
1 Corinthians 3:11–15 (ESV):
11 “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”
Don’t just celebrate large crowds or full churches. What kind of spiritual “product” are they buying from you? Is it cheap, weak, and short lived like fake Chinese goods? Or is it like refined gold, costly and rare but enduring?
Preach repentance. Preach holiness. Preach the fear of the Lord.
Don’t hide the reality of judgment. Don’t pretend that the narrow road is wide.
Matthew 7:13–14 (ESV):
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Don’t be afraid to tell people the hard truths:
Let those who come to Christ through your message know what it truly means to be saved. The person who buys salvation knowing it is costly, will treat it as precious. And heaven rejoices over even one soul who repents fully.
Don’t give people what they want to hear. Give them what Christ wants them to hear.
Let us not waste our labor. Let us preach a Gospel of truth, of repentance, of transformation a Gospel that saves not just superficially, but eternally.
May the Lord give us grace to be faithful preachers of the full Gospel. May we not cheapen the cross, but uphold its full worth. May our lives and our message be tested and found pure like gold.
Amen.
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Shalom, servant of God! It is another day granted to us by grace a gift of life so let us come together to reflect on the words of life, which are the very foundation of our existence here on earth.
When we read the Bible, we see how God raised up many judges in different periods after the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt. Each judge came with a unique anointing and divine purpose: to bring God’s people back to the right path to the place where they truly belonged.
God would anoint an individual with a special oil (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) to rise and confront Israel’s enemies, who had taken them captive. Through that anointed deliverer, the people would find temporary rescue, though their freedom was often short lived.
God anointed Moses with power for signs, wonders, and plagues. Through him, Pharaoh’s pride was brought low, and Egypt was humbled (Exodus 7–12). As a result, the Israelites were released and began their journey to the Promised Land to worship God.
Yet even though mighty signs and miracles were performed, the people did not receive full and lasting deliverance their hearts remained enslaved to sin. True spiritual freedom had not yet come.
Later, in the days of Gideon, when Israel was again under oppression due to their sins, God raised Gideon with the Spirit of might and bravery (Judges 6). He defeated the Midianites with the sword. Though this brought temporary peace, soon after, the people returned to rebellion.
Samson was anointed with supernatural physical strength to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Though powerful, his victories were also short term. The root problemnthe sin within the hearts of the people remained unresolved.
Throughout the book of Judges, we see over 12 judges come and go. Each brought temporary relief, but none could provide lasting redemption.
Later, when Israel desired a ruler, God raised up Solomon, a man of divine wisdom. Though he started well, when he turned away from God, the kingdom fell into turmoil (1 Kings 11).
Prophets like Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Jehu, and even John the Baptist were anointed by God to call the people back to righteousness. Yet none of them were able to provide permanent salvation from sin. As Jesus said of John the Baptist:
“He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. John 5:35 (ESV)
They were mighty, but their ministries were only partial and temporary.
When the fullness of time came, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ not with military slogans or earthly power like Samson, but with a mission to heal the root of humanity’s problem: sin.
Jesus came to expose and heal the hidden infection that had plagued the people of God for generations. Sin was the disease, and Satan was the source. The judges of old only handed out “spiritual painkillers”temporary solutions but Jesus came to perform full surgery, removing sin from the root leaving not even a scar.
Unlike in the Old Testament where Satan is mentioned only sparingly in the New Testament, we clearly see him unmasked. That’s because Jesus came to defeat him openly, and to give true and lasting freedom.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)
The freedom Jesus gives is not partial it is full and eternal. He doesn’t just save us from our enemies He saves us from ourselves. He gives us power over sin, which is the root of:
Sin is Satan’s control tower, the master switch. Until sin is broken, the devil remains in charge of a person’s life even if they appear outwardly religious.
Unlike the judges of old, who passed away and whose influence ended with their death, Jesus lives forever. When He was on earth, He prayed for His followers. And even now, He intercedes for us in heaven as our High Priest.
“I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours… Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name… My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”John 17:9–15 (selected, ESV)
This is what sets Jesus apart as the Perfect and Eternal Judge.
If you are truly in Christ not one foot in the world and one foot in the church, but fully committed then no demon, no temptation, no accusation can overcome you. The devil knows he has lost you forever because your Judge and Defender stands before God 24/7 to guard you, fight for you, and speak on your behalf.
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died… is also interceding for us.”Romans 8:33–34 (NIV)
Yes. People will wonder: How is it possible to live without fornication? How can someone stay away from pornography, alcohol, or filthy language? How can someone remain joyful without money? How can a woman reject worldly fashion in a Sodom like generation?
They don’t understand that the strength is not ours it is Christ’s.
Without Him, we couldn’t do it. But because He lives in us, we can overcome:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
If you’re still enslaved to sin, despite your efforts, it may mean Christ has not yet taken full residence in you. If you’re lukewarm today with God, tomorrow in the world you will never overcome sin.
The Bible is clear:
“For the wages of sin is death…”Romans 6:23 (NIV)
If sin rules your life, and you die in it, hell awaits. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Christ offers complete healing for your soul now.
Let us turn our eyes to this Eternal Judge, the Healer of our souls and bodies. In Him is peace, hope, rest, and life.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)
May the Lord bless you richly as you consider these things. Let Christ be your Judge, Redeemer, and Defender now and forever. Amen.
In Matthew 5:20–22, Jesus delivers a powerful message that shifts the focus from mere outward actions to the inward condition of the heart:
Matthew 5:20–22 (NIV)“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
This teaching radically redefines sin—not just as a physical act like murder, but as something rooted in the attitudes and motives of the heart.
I once experienced deep frustration toward someone who offended me. I didn’t shout or confront them directly, but I let my emotions show. Later, while venting to someone else, I referred to the person as “very foolish” and explained what they had done to me.
At first, I felt justified in how I expressed my anger. But later, I began to feel convicted and uneasy in my spirit. I knew something was off. So I prayed, asking God to reveal the root of the issue.
When I opened my Bible, the first verse I read was Matthew 5:22. It was as if God was directly confronting my heart. I had read the verse before but never truly grasped its meaning—especially the word “Raca.”
The term “Raca” comes from the Aramaic language and was used as an insult meaning “empty-headed” or “worthless.” According to Bible dictionaries and scholarly sources, it’s equivalent to calling someone “brainless,” “idiot,” or “good-for-nothing.”
In modern language, words like “stupid,” “fool,” “dumb,” and “loser” carry similar weight. Though they might seem minor or harmless in casual conversation, Jesus warns that such words carry serious moral and spiritual consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
James 3:9–10 (NIV)“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Words reveal what’s truly in our hearts. Jesus made it clear that using contemptuous language—especially toward fellow believers—is spiritually dangerous and worthy of judgment.
Jesus’ message in Matthew 5 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where He consistently deepens the Old Testament commandments, showing that the law’s true fulfillment involves inward transformation—not just outward behavior.
For example:
These teachings fulfill, not abolish, the law:
Matthew 5:17 (NIV)“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Even revered Old Testament figures like David, Moses, or Solomon operated with partial understanding (1 Corinthians 13:9–10). While David wrote many psalms condemning fools and evildoers, and Moses permitted practices like polygamy, Jesus brought a perfect revelation of God’s heart and intention.
John 1:17 (NIV)“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV)“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…”
So as Christians, we follow Jesus’ standard, not just the Old Covenant examples. As John the Baptist declared:
John 3:30 (NIV)“He must become greater; I must become less.”
From this experience and Scripture, I’ve learned that calling someone “fool,” “idiot,” or any word that devalues them is not just a slip of the tongue—it reflects a heart issue. Jesus challenges us not only to avoid sin, but to uproot the conditions that lead to it—like anger, pride, and contempt.
1 John 3:15 (NIV)“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
This doesn’t mean we can’t correct others. But correction must be rooted in love, not frustration or judgment. For example, saying “That was an unwise decision” is different from calling someone “stupid.” One seeks restoration; the other wounds.
To my fellow believer reading this:Do not use Scripture—especially from the Old Testament—as a justification to curse others, condemn them, or expose their weaknesses. Jesus calls us to a higher standard of mercy, humility, and heart-level holiness.
You don’t have to commit murder to be guilty—harboring hate or speaking with contempt is enough to separate us from God. But through repentance and the grace of Christ, we can be renewed.
Let us grow daily from glory to glory, being transformed into His image, and learning from our mistakes:
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)“And we all… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
May God help us all to live in a way that honors Him, not just in our actions, but in our words and in our hearts.
God bless you richly.
(Matthew 21:2–7)
When we read the Gospel of Matthew 21:2–7, we see Jesus giving a specific and somewhat curious instruction to His disciples:
“Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.”(Matthew 21:2, ESV)
Jesus asked for two animals:
This was not without reason. Matthew even tells us it was a fulfillment of prophecy:
“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (Matthew 21:5, ESV quoting Zechariah 9:9)
So Jesus rode on the colt, while the mother donkey walked beside them.
In Mark 11:2 and Luke 19:30, only one animal is mentioned:
“Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.”(Luke 19:30, NIV)
Some may assume this is a contradiction. But in truth, it is not.
Imagine two eyewitnesses to a car accident:
Both are telling the truth they are simply emphasizing different parts of the same event.
Similarly, Matthew gives us the full picture, while Mark and Luke focus only on the colt because that is the animal Jesus actually rode. But the presence of the mother donkey is important, too and it carries a deeper meaning.
The Colt and Its Mother
Why did Jesus ask for both the colt and its mother?
Because the colt was young and untrained Scripture says no one had ever ridden it before (Luke 19:30). It had likely never been separated from its mother, and would have been anxious or incapable of walking alone.
In His mercy, Jesus did not isolate the colt. He allowed the mother to come alongside, to offer comfort, stability, and presence.
This is a powerful image of discipleship and spiritual growth.
Some of us feel too immature, too inexperienced, or too weak to serve the Lord. We see ourselves as colts never having been “ridden” or used before. We think: “Surely God would rather use someone stronger, wiser, or more mature.”
But Jesus chooses the untrained. He calls the one no one else would have chosen.
We may wonder: “Why didn’t Jesus just ride the older, stronger donkey?”
Because the focus of that moment was the young one just like you might be the focus now. The mother stood by, not in use, but in support.
Jesus had already made His choice.
The colt represents new vessels, young believers, or even those who feel spiritually unqualified. The donkey (the mother) represents mentors, pastors, or spiritual leaders who walk beside them in support.
The Lord is showing us something:
He doesn’t need us to be “ready” in the world’s standards. He just wants us available.
The message is clear:
You may be young in age or in faith. You may feel inexperienced, untrained, and even unworthy.
But God is not limited by your ability.
Jesus said:
“At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.’”(Matthew 11:25, ESV)
And again:
“God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. “1Corinthians 1:27, ESV)”
Don’t Wait Until You Feel “Qualified”
Many believers are waiting to reach a level of “spiritual maturity” before they serve:
But Jesus is calling you now just as you are. He says:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”(Matthew 11:29–30, ESV)
On this very date April 14th, Christians around the world commemorate Palm Sunday the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding that young colt. (Matthew 21, Mark 11)
The crowd laid down their cloaks and waved palm branches shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9, ESV)
That colt, once unknown and untrained, was suddenly walking on a red carpet of praise.
Let that be you.
Tell the Lord:
“Here I am, Lord. Use me. I may be young, weak, or unsure but I surrender myself to You.”
You will never regret being used by God.
There are only two kinds of riders in this life:
If Jesus doesn’t ride you, the enemy will.
So today, make your choice.
Let the Lord put His gentle yoke on your life and carry His glory wherever He leads you.
“They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it.” (Mark 11:7, ESV)
May you be that colt.
Humble. Chosen. Available. Useful.
May the name of the Lord Jesus Christ be praised forever.
May His Spirit empower you to say “Yes, Lord!” Even in your weakness He is strong.
Hosanna in the Highest!
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Romans 6:23 (KJV)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Shalom, beloved of God! Welcome to this study of the Word of our Lord. As many of us already know, there is no true life outside of Jesus Christ. He alone is the reason we are alive today. We live because of Him, and even when we die, we die for Him.
The Bible tells us:
Romans 14:7-9 (KJV)
“For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”
Jesus Christ alone has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. While the Bible does refer to Satan as “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), it is important to understand that this authority is temporary and permitted granted under the sovereignty of God. His rule is not independent; it is allowed for a limited time, and one day his license to operate will expire.
Satan rules by permission, not by right. Like in the story of Job, he cannot do anything without divine consent (Job 1:6–12). A time will come when Satan will be bound for a thousand years to make way for the peaceful reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1–3). After that, he will be released briefly, then cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10).
This shows us the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all creation every being, seen and unseen, is under His dominion. Nothing is outside His control.
Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
One day, I walked past a grain milling area and noticed some corn kernels that had fallen near a drainage ditch. Surprisingly, some of them had started sprouting. That sparked a deep thought in my heart: Why are they growing even though no one intentionally planted them?
Then I realized: Whatever a person sows, they will surely reap whether planted knowingly or unknowingly. This is a divine law.
We often think a farmer is only the one who sows deliberately. But even a person who accidentally drops a seed becomes a sower. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, that seed will grow, and in time, there will be a harvest.
In the same way, we also “plant seeds” in our lives through our actions, our thoughts, our words whether we know it or not.
Galatians 6:7–8 (KJV)
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Whether you are aware or not, every act produces a harvest. Good seeds bring blessings. Bad seeds bring destruction.
If you engage in sin whether knowingly or unknowingly the outcome is the same. The wages of sin is death. Not because God is unfair, but because sin, by its very nature, leads to destruction. Like two people who both planted corn one on purpose and one by accident they will both see the harvest come.
Think about how earthly law works. If someone rapes a student, the government doesn’t ask if the person knew it was a crime. Justice is blind to ignorance. You are punished based on what you did, not on what you knew.
The same applies in the spiritual realm. God does not mock. You will reap what you sow, whether you knew it or not.
“For the wages of sin is death…”
Notice the Bible does not say “the punishment for sin is death” it says wages.
Wages are not punishments; they are payments.
If you work for sin, your salary is death.
In the same way, Jesus also says:
Revelation 22:12 (KJV)
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
Judgment Day is not about simply announcing punishments it’s about issuing rewards. Whether you worked for sin or for righteousness, you will receive what you earned.
So, my dear brother or sister reading this if you are living in sin, whether intentionally or unknowingly you must understand: life outside of Jesus Christ is like scattering seeds on the roadside and walking away. But those seeds will still grow. And one day, they will yield a harvest whether of death or life.
But there is hope!
The second half of Romans 6:23 says:
“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This means you can trade your “wages” for a gift. You don’t have to earn death you can receive life, not by works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus died and rose again so that you wouldn’t have to die eternally.
The Bible says:
Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJV)
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not…”
Don’t wait for a time when you can no longer seek Him. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Repent of your sins. Trust in His finished work on the cross. He alone can give you eternal life.
It is my prayer that the Lord grants you the grace to understand this truth, to turn from sin, and to pursue righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
May God bless you richly as you choose the path of eternal life.
In Acts 17, we read about the Apostle Paul’s missionary journey to Athens, the intellectual and philosophical hub of the ancient Greek world. This was not just any city it was the birthplace of many of the world’s greatest thinkers and philosophers, including Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Pythagoras, Xenophon, and Ptolemy. These were men of deep thought, rigorous reasoning, and passionate inquiry.
The Athenians were not easily swayed by myths or hearsay. They were seekers of truth, always eager to understand the deeper meaning of things. The Bible says:
“Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.”Acts 17:21, ESV
It is in this context that Paul arrives and begins observing the city, noting its religious landscape. Amidst his explorations, he comes across a remarkable altar an altar inscribed with the words: “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” (Acts 17:23)
This deeply impacted Paul.
Unlike other pagan cultures, the Greeks were not content with blind worship. They were thinkers. Their inscription, “To the Unknown God,” was not mere superstition it was the humble admission that amidst all their idols, philosophies, and scientific pursuits, there remained a supreme being beyond their comprehension.
They had come to a conclusion many modern thinkers also reach: that there must be a transcendent cause behind the order of the universe one not made by human hands, nor confined to temples or religious rituals.
Paul seizes this moment to speak truth into their spiritual curiosity.
“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”Acts 17:22–23, ESV
Paul boldly declared that this “Unknown God” was none other than the Creator of the heavens and the earth:
“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man.”Acts 17:24, ESV
He goes further to say this God is not served by human hands, nor is He distant or detached:
“…He is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In Him we live and move and have our being’… For we are indeed His offspring.”Acts 17:27–28, ESV
Paul then points them toward Jesus Christ, the only way to truly know this unknowable God:
“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent.”Acts 17:30, ESV
“…Because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.”Acts 17:31, ESV
Just like in Athens, our generation is filled with seekers, scientists, and skeptics. Many believe in a Supreme Power, but they call it by other names “Nature,” “the Universe,” or “Energy.”
Famous physicist Albert Einstein once said:
“I believe in God, but not in a personal God who is concerned with the fates and actions of human beings… I believe in the God of Spinoza, who reveals Himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns Himself with the fates and actions of human beings.”
Similarly, many Muslims believe in Allah as utterly transcendent not a father, not a man, not to be called “Father” or to have any relationship with human beings.
All these beliefs like the Athenian altar reflect a limited knowledge of the one true God. They recognize His greatness, but not His accessibility through Jesus Christ.
“They worship what they do not know…” (cf. John 4:22)
The mystery of the “Unknown God” was fully revealed in Jesus Christ.
“For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”Colossians 2:9, ESV
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”Colossians 1:15, ESV
“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”John 14:9, ESV
God made Himself knowable in Christ. Without Him, no one can understand or relate to God. Jesus is the “interface” through whom finite man can engage with an infinite God.
Let’s use a modern analogy.
Imagine your smartphone. The internal components (motherboard, processor, circuits) make it work, but you can’t communicate through it unless there’s a screen.
That screen translates the complex technology into simple icons, apps, and touch commands that you can interact with. Jesus is that interface.
Without Jesus, trying to reach God is like opening the phone and touching the chips and wires directly you won’t make a call. Jesus bridges the infinite and the finite.
“No one comes to the Father except through me.”John 14:6, ESV
Worshipping a God you do not know has consequences.
But through Jesus, everything changes:
“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”John 1:12, ESV
“Since then we have a great high priest… let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace…”Hebrews 4:14–16, ESV
Are you still outside of Christ? Perhaps you’re religious, spiritual, or just curious. Or maybe you’re Muslim, atheist, or nominally Christian. Whatever your background the time is now.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”Hebrews 3:15, ESV
Repent, believe in the Gospel, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Then you will no longer worship an unknown God, but will walk in fellowship with the living God.
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” Hebrews 1:1–2, ESV
Jesus is the final Word. He is the full revelation of the God whom the world is still searching for. Don’t live your life worshiping what you do not know.
“…For eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”John 17:3, ESV
Let’s explore one of the powerful secrets that caused the message of our Lord Jesus Christ to spread so effectively in such a short period. Many people assume that self promotion or showing off our good deeds before others will make us more known or successful. For example, someone might help a person with something small and immediately broadcast it to everyone so they can receive praise and recognition.
But let’s examine the approach Jesus used. There is a profound lesson here by one that can shape our ministries, our daily work, and every aspect of our lives.
Mark 1:40–45 (ESV) “And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.’ But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.”
We see here that Jesus healed the man, but instructed him not to tell anyone. This wasn’t an isolated case Jesus often gave the same instruction after performing miracles. Why? It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t want His name known. Rather, He understood a divine principle: when you refrain from self promotion, you give others a reason to speak for you and that often has a more powerful impact.
Mark 7:34–36 (ESV) “And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.”
This counterintuitive method doing great things quietly and humbly made Jesus even more famous. It is a spiritual law:
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
If you want to be recognized or honored whether in ministry, business, or personal life first do excellent work, then stay humble and quiet. Don’t glorify yourself or seek the applause of men. In time, the very people you served will speak on your behalf far more convincingly than you ever could.
This was Jesus’ principle. He humbled Himself He didn’t seek praise and for that reason, God exalted Him.
Philippians 2:8–9 (KJV) “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
Sometimes we pray for something big from God and expect the answer to arrive in the same measure. But God often begins with something small. If we don’t understand this divine principle, we might miss His answers.
Think of Elijah: he prayed for rain over Israel after years of drought. He expected a great cloud, but what came instead?
1 Kings 18:44 (KJV) “And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.”
It was just a small cloud, like the size of a man’s hand. But Elijah didn’t despise it he received it by faith. Soon after, the sky grew dark and heavy rain poured over the land. That’s the power of believing even in small beginnings.
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV) “For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice…”
Don’t despise small answers. You may have asked for a house, and instead received a bicycle. Receive it with gratitude and faith it may be the very thing God uses to bring you the house and more.
But above all, remember: this world is not our home. We are pilgrims on a journey. God may bless us with possessions, but they are temporary. We are not called to pursue houses, cars, or land as our final goal. These are tools, not destinations.
2 Peter 3:13 (KJV) “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
We must fix our eyes on eternity, not temporary things. Jesus taught that a person’s life is not defined by the abundance of their possessions:
Luke 12:15 (ESV) “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Mark 8:36 (KJV) “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Let us walk in the humility of Christ. Let us do our best quietly, trusting that God Himself will lift us up. Let us believe in small beginnings and have an eternal mindset. For our greatest reward is not in this world but in the life to come.
May the Lord bless you abundantly.
Peace (Shalom) to you, beloved. Welcome as we reflect on the Words of Life.
When we carefully meditate on the events that took place shortly after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, we begin to uncover deep spiritual truths hidden within them. Let us focus particularly on the early morning of the first day of the week Sunday as described in John 20.
Mary Magdalene rose very early, even before the others, and went to the tomb of Jesus. This alone testifies to the depth of her love and devotion for the Lord surpassing even that of the disciples at that moment.
Upon arriving, she discovered something unexpected: the stone had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty. Out of fear and confusion, she ran to inform Peter and the other disciple (believed to be John), who both hurried to the tomb.
John 20:6–9 (ESV)“Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.”
Although they had been told that Jesus would rise again, the disciples still did not fully understand the Scriptures. After seeing the empty tomb, they returned home in sorrow, unsure of what to make of it all.
But Mary Stayed…
Mary, on the other hand, remained at the tomb. Her heart was broken. She lingered, weeping, overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty. It was there while weeping beside the tomb that heaven began to reveal itself to her.
She looked again into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been one at the head and the other at the feet.
John 20:12–13 (ESV)“And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.'”
This is a powerful spiritual lesson:
Do not be quick to leave the presence of God, especially when things seem hopeless. Sometimes, what appears to be emptiness is actually the place of divine encounter. Where others leave in sorrow, God may be preparing to reveal Himself to you.
The Turning Point: A Personal Encounter
Even after seeing angels, Mary was still weeping. Then she heard a voice someone behind her. She turned and saw a man, whom she assumed was the gardener. He asked her:
John 20:15–16 (ESV)“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”
At that moment when Jesus called her by name her eyes were opened, and she recognized Him. She didn’t call Him “Jesus” or even “Lord”, but “Rabboni” a deeply personal and reverent title meaning “My Teacher” or “Master”.
John 20:17 (ESV)“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”
Why did Jesus say, “Do not cling to me”?
The Greek verb here translated “cling” (ἅπτομαι haptomai) can mean to hold onto, to grasp, or to cling with the intent of keeping someone physically near. But the deeper meaning is spiritual.
Jesus was saying:
“Do not try to relate to me only as your earthly Rabbi anymore. Something new is happening I am ascending to the Father. The relationship we had before has changed. Soon, through the Holy Spirit, you will know Me more deeply not just as your Teacher but as your Risen Lord, enthroned in heaven.”
Jesus’ ascension was necessary for His followers to fully understand who He truly is and to experience intimate fellowship with Him through the Holy Spirit.
John 16:7 (ESV)“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:13 (ESV)“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…”
Without the Holy Spirit, even though the disciples had walked with Jesus for three years, they still could not fully comprehend His mission, His identity, or the Kingdom of God.
That is why after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out the disciples suddenly understood. They preached with power, clarity, and boldness. Jesus was no longer just “Rabbi” to them; He was Lord, Messiah, and King.
Even today, you can love Jesus, follow Him, and even see dreams or visions of Him but unless you have received the Holy Spirit, you will never fully know Him as Rabboni, your Teacher and Lord in truth.
The true evidence that the Holy Spirit lives in you is not just speaking in tongues or working miracles. These are gifts of the Spirit, and not everyone has the same gifts.
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law.”
The ultimate proof of the Holy Spirit in your life is not gifts but fruit, especially a life of holiness.
The same invitation Peter gave on the day of Pentecost is extended to you today:
Acts 2:37–39 (ESV)“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘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. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'”
Repent Turn away from all sin. Make a decision to forsake things like drunkenness, sexual immorality, gossip, addiction, and impurity.
Be baptized Seek a proper, Biblical baptism: immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).
Live a holy life Holiness is the evidence that Christ, by His Spirit, lives in you.
If you take these steps sincerely, God will fill you with His Holy Spirit, and you will begin to know Jesus not only as Savior, but as Rabboni your personal Lord and Teacher. You will no longer just visit the “empty tomb” in search of hope, but you will walk in the power of the resurrection daily.
Beloved, don’t stop at religion or emotional encounters. Cry out for the Holy Spirit, and ask the Lord to make Jesus your Rabboni in truth and Spirit. Let Him guide you into all truth, just as He promised.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”Matthew 11:15
May the Lord bless you and lead you into fullness of life in Christ.
Shalom! Welcome to this Bible teaching session. Today, we will reflect on the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the profound meaning of His body and His blood. As the Scriptures instruct us:
“…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13, ESV
In simpler terms, we are called to truly know and understand Jesus Christ, not just in word, but in the fullness of who He is to the degree that He desires to reveal Himself to us. This is not a suggestion; it is the central assignment of every believer. Without this understanding, we become vulnerable to every wind of doctrine and religious confusion that abounds today.
If you do not truly understand someone, it is impossible to walk with them in unity. You will likely miscommunicate, misinterpret their actions, or even walk in opposition without realizing it. The same is true with Jesus Christ without understanding His person, His words, and His mission, we risk misrepresenting Him entirely.
Jesus often said things that seemed offensive, confusing, or controversial. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, one can easily misunderstand His teachings and arrive at false conclusions.
Let us explore a few of His difficult sayings and discover their deeper meaning.
“And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”Luke 13:32, ESV
Some accuse Jesus of insulting Herod. But was He actually using a slur?
No. In ancient Jewish culture, calling someone a “fox” was not simply name calling it implied cunning, slyness, and destructive behavior. Jesus was exposing Herod’s spiritual character. In Scripture, metaphors are often used this way. Jesus is called the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29) because of His gentle and sacrificial nature, not because He is literally a lamb.
Calling Herod a “fox” revealed his spiritual condition, not an insult. In fact, Jesus using animal imagery (Lamb, Lion, Dove, etc.) is consistent with how God communicates spiritual truths through physical metaphors.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”Luke 14:26, ESV
At first glance, this seems to contradict Jesus’ other teachings on love. After all, didn’t He command us to love even our enemies? (Matthew 5:44).
So how do we interpret this?
The word “hate” here (Greek: miseo) is used comparatively. Jesus is saying: “If anyone loves their family or even their own life more than Me, they cannot be My disciple.”
He is not commanding literal hatred, but rather complete surrender and loyalty to Him above all else, even above family, relationships, or self-interest.
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”Matthew 10:37, ESV
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”John 6:53, ESV
This statement caused much offense. Some even stopped following Jesus after hearing it (John 6:66). It sounded like cannibalism, especially to the Jewish audience who were forbidden from consuming blood (Leviticus 17:10-14).
But Jesus was not speaking literally. He explained later that:
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”John 6:63, ESV
To “eat His flesh” and “drink His blood” means to fully receive, believe, and internalize His Word and His redemptive sacrifice. It is about abiding in Him through faith.
The Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) is a symbolic act of this spiritual reality:
“And he took bread… and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”1 Corinthians 11:23-25, ESV
The bread represents His body, and the wine (or juice) His blood. They are outward signs of the inward truth: that Christ lives in us, and we in Him (John 15:4).
You shared a powerful dream where you were eating meat from your own legs, symbolizing how you were relying on your own understanding, not the Word of God. This dream is deeply biblical.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5, ESV
Self made doctrines, human philosophies, and personal opinions when consumed as truth lead to spiritual death. You realized you were spiritually feeding on your own flesh (your own ideas), and the Lord mercifully corrected you.
Just as people can eat the “flesh” of Christ by consuming His words, they can also eat the “flesh” of:
False teachings are spiritual “meat” that poison the soul. Here are some examples:
If you’ve been “feeding” on false teachings or relying on your own thoughts, there’s hope. Jesus offers His body and blood the true food of eternal life freely.
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters… without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1, ESV
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”Mark 16:16, ESV
Do not feast on the lies of the enemy. Do not consume the empty philosophies of the world. Instead, feast daily on the Word of Christ, which gives eternal life.
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega…”Revelation 22:12–13, ESV
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ Let the one who is thirsty come…”Revelation 22:17, ESV
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”John 6:35, ESV
Choose today to feast on Christ. Abide in Him, feed on His Word, and walk in His Spirit. Reject every teaching that exalts man, the flesh, or demonic wisdom. The body and blood of Jesus are not just doctrines they are life.
May the Lord bless you richly and lead you deeper into His truth.
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.”
The Apostle Paul gave Timothy a clear and direct instruction: reject “old wives’ tales” and instead, discipline yourself in godliness. These tales also called myths or superstitions may sound innocent or even wise, but they are dangerous distractions from the truth of the gospel.
These are sayings, beliefs, or customs passed down through generations that seem to carry truth on the surface but are, in fact, baseless and unbiblical. Almost every culture has them. Examples include:
And the list goes on: albino superstitions, cooking while singing, crying into cooking pots, etc.
While some of these may seem humorous or harmless, others create deep fear and even cause people including Christians to act irrationally. Unfortunately, these beliefs have infiltrated the Church. Some pastors and so called “apostles” now promote similar ideas as spiritual truth.
One popular example is a teaching that claims planting a certain tree called the umbrella tree in your yard invites curses, including the death of the father, poverty, sickness, and family division. A so called “apostle” widely circulated this teaching on social media.
Sadly, many believed it. A woman I knew listened to this message with great fear, and soon after, she cut down the tree from her home. Others did the same including my own family motivated by fear, not faith.
But what does the Bible say?
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared.”
Paul called these superstitions demonic teachings not just harmless stories. When people begin to attribute spiritual power to trees, animals, or objects, they slowly drift away from the living God and toward idolatry. They no longer seek God’s power or wisdom; instead, they try to fix their problems through natural things plants, rituals, objects which eventually opens the door to false worship.
“Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”1 Timothy 4:4 (ESV)
No tree or plant is inherently cursed. To say that a particular tree causes death or poverty is to ignore the root cause of human suffering SIN and to assign spiritual power to something God created good.
If trees cause economic hardship, then why are families all over the world suffering without those trees present? Why do both rich and poor have them? The problem isn’t the tree it’s the heart.
Today, even Christians fear minor accidents, animals, or dreams saying they’re “under witchcraft” every time something goes wrong.
This mindset keeps believers in bondage. And fear is not from God.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.”
Satan wants people consumed with fear so that their focus is no longer on Christ but on his lies. This results in spiritual weakness, bondage, and idol worship even unknowingly.
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… they will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Timothy was told to reject such myths, and rebuke them in the Church. Today, we must do the same.
Not stories of witchcraft. Not suspicious animals. Not cursed trees.
But rather:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Colossians 3:16
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord…” 2 Peter 3:18
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” Matthew 6:33
Sadly, some preachers now spend more time teaching on demons, witchcraft, and fear than they do on Christ, grace, and love. This gives believers a deep fear of Satan but shallow knowledge of God. They avoid black cats but don’t fear sin.
“You shall not plant any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the Lord your God.”
This speaks of idolatry, not landscaping. When people start treating certain trees or places as spiritually powerful (for good or evil), they begin slipping into pagan practices.
Even pagans didn’t begin by worshiping trees. They first believed trees had some mysterious power. Then they began making requests to those trees. Eventually, they bowed to them in reverence.
That is how idol worship begins little by little.
Paul also warned that false teachers would prey especially on women who are burdened and emotionally vulnerable:
“… having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”
False teachings bring:
But the Holy Spirit brings:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control…”
When your heart is filled with God’s Word, you become peaceful, hopeful, and confident not fearful and superstitious.
Many are being led astray, not by Satan appearing in frightening forms, but by false teachings that sound spiritual. Even if you are born again, you will be vulnerable to deception if you are not grounded in God’s Word.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6
Jesus never taught us to fear plants, animals, or circumstances. He didn’t call us to memorize superstitions. He called us to walk with the Father, to abide in Him, and to seek first His Kingdom.
Even now, the same demonic spirit that led ancient pagans into tree worship is trying to enter the Church through fear and myth. Be watchful.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If you belong to Christ, no tree, no lizard, no flower, and no sneeze has power over your destiny.
Not by knowing the devil, but by knowing Christ.
God bless you.