Title August 2019

Why Did Jesus Forgive the Paralyzed Man’s Sins Before Healing Him? (Mark 2)

 

ANSWER:
God bless you, dear sister. To understand this moment clearly, let’s first read the passage:

Mark 2:1–12 (NKJV)
“And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’
And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’
But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, ‘Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Arise, take up your bed and walk”?
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’
Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’”

Why Did Jesus Begin with Forgiveness?

The first thing Jesus noticed was their faith—not just a desire for healing, but a deeper faith that recognized who Jesus truly is (v. 5). These men didn’t just believe Jesus could heal—they believed He had authority, and that’s what opened the door for both forgiveness and healing.

Jesus’ response, “Son, your sins are forgiven you,” shocked the religious leaders (v. 7), because in their view, only God could forgive sins. They were correct theologically—but what they missed is that Jesus is God in the flesh, fully divine and fully human (see John 1:1,14).

By forgiving sins first, Jesus was addressing the man’s greatest need—the condition of his soul. Physical healing, as wonderful as it is, only affects this present life. But forgiveness of sin determines eternal destiny.

Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Jesus came primarily to save us from sin—not just from sickness or suffering. He declared this again in:

Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

A Spiritual Priority: Forgiveness Before Healing

When Jesus asked in Mark 2:9, “Which is easier…?”, He was pointing out a spiritual truth: anyone can say “You are healed,” but only one with true divine authority can say “You are forgiven”—and it be real.

And He proved that He had that authority by performing the visible miracle after declaring the invisible one: forgiveness.

This echoes what Jesus said in:

John 8:24 (NKJV)
“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

Forgiveness through faith is essential. Without it, even a healed body is still condemned if the soul remains under sin.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

As Christians today, we often emphasize miracles, breakthroughs, and healing—and these are biblical and powerful. But we must never let the pursuit of the miraculous overshadow the message of the gospel, which is about repentance, salvation, and eternal life.

Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Yes, Jesus heals, blesses, and delivers—but above all, He forgives. And without forgiveness, no miracle can truly save us.

Matthew 16:26 (NKJV)
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

It’s better to be forgiven and not healed, than to be healed and remain lost in sin. Of course, God’s desire is often to do both—to restore the soul and the body. But we must keep our priorities clear.

Conclusion: Which Is Greater?

When Jesus healed the paralyzed man after forgiving him, it wasn’t just to help the man walk—it was to reveal to everyone that He is the only one with power to forgive sins. And that same Jesus is still forgiving and saving today.

So, which is greater: physical healing or forgiveness of sins?

Forgiveness is eternal. Healing is temporary. Let us never exchange what is eternal for what only lasts for a season.

Let’s be believers who preach Christ crucified, who share repentance and the forgiveness of sins, and who believe in His power to save and heal.

Acts 3:19 (NKJV)
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

Be blessed and stay rooted in the truth of the gospel.

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QUESTION:

The prophets often said, “The Word of the Lord came to me.” What does that mean?

 

ANSWER:

When a prophet says, “The Word of the Lord came to me,” it means that God Himself has communicated a specific message to that person. This phrase occurs repeatedly throughout the Old Testament, especially in books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Minor Prophets (e.g., Jonah, Hosea, Amos).

This communication can take different forms — such as visions (Numbers 12:6), dreams (Joel 2:28), audible voices (1 Samuel 3:4–10), angelic visitations (Luke 1:11–13), or direct inspiration by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Regardless of the method, the key point is this: God is the source of the message, and the prophet is simply the messenger.

2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV):
“…no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Biblical Context

When you read a phrase like “The Word of the Lord came to Isaiah” (Isaiah 38:4), or “…to Jeremiah” (Jeremiah 1:4), or “…to Jonah” (Jonah 1:1), it signifies a moment when God initiated communication with the prophet. These moments were not casual experiences. They were sacred appointments where divine instruction was given, often for the benefit of others, not just the prophet himself.

This still happens today, although not necessarily in the exact prophetic form as in the Old Testament. According to Hebrews 1:1–2, God primarily speaks to us today through His Son Jesus Christ and His written Word.

Hebrews 1:1–2 (NKJV):
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…”

So, when someone today says “God spoke to me,” it must always be tested against Scripture (1 John 4:1), because God’s Word never contradicts the Bible. Also, when someone is moved by a strong conviction to evangelize, preach, or minister to others — especially when it aligns with Scripture — that can also be understood as the Word of God “coming” to them.

Mark 16:15 (NKJV):
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

When this verse speaks to your heart in a deep, personal way, that is one example of how God’s Word comes to you with purpose and mission.

Theological Implication

Receiving the Word of the Lord comes with responsibility and accountability. The prophet Ezekiel was given a powerful warning: if God gives you a message to deliver and you fail to deliver it, you become responsible for the consequences.

Ezekiel 3:17–20 (NKJV):
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me…”

This shows that when God entrusts someone with His Word, obedience is not optional. Whether it is a direct revelation, or a deep prompting based on Scripture, God expects His people to act on His instructions.

This principle also appears in the New Testament:

James 1:22 (NIV):
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Just like Jonah was disciplined for trying to flee from God’s call (Jonah 1:3–4), believers today must take seriously any calling, leading, or burden the Lord places on their hearts. Disobedience doesn’t just hinder our spiritual walk — it can also affect the lives of those God intended to reach through us.

Conclusion

In summary, when the Bible says “The Word of the Lord came to…”, it means God revealed a message that required faithfulness and action. Today, God still speaks through His written Word, through His Spirit, and through circumstances aligned with His truth. When His Word comes to you — whether by Scripture, calling, or conviction — respond with obedience, faith, and reverence.

Luke 11:28 (ESV):
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

May the Lord bless you as you listen for His voice and faithfully respond to His Word.

 

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Question:

Is it right for a Christian to marry someone of a different faith?

 

Answer:

Generally speaking, it is not advisable for a Christian to marry someone who does not share their faith. The primary reason is to protect your heart and faith from being led astray.

Biblical Background

God gave the Israelites a clear warning against intermarriage with people from other nations before they entered the Promised Land. This was not because those people were necessarily evil or unattractive, but because such unions often led God’s people away from Him to worship foreign gods. God is described as a jealous God who desires exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 6:15).

Nehemiah 13:25–27 (NKJV):
“Then I contended with them and cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, ‘You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves.
Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel; nevertheless, foreign women caused even him to sin.
Shall we then listen to you and do all this great evil, transgressing against our God by marrying foreign women?’”

Solomon’s story (1 Kings 11:1–10) shows how his many foreign wives led his heart away from God to idolatry. This isn’t just ancient history — the principle is timeless. When two people who don’t share the same faith marry, it often leads to conflict in values, worship, and spiritual life.

Even great biblical figures like King Ahab were influenced negatively by foreign wives like Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31–33), and Samson was brought down by Delilah (Judges 16). These examples warn believers about the spiritual dangers of marrying outside the faith.

What Should a Christian Do?

If you are a Christian seeking marriage, you should marry someone who shares your faith in Christ. This spiritual unity is vital for a strong, godly marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14–15):

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV):
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

If your partner is not a believer, the Bible encourages them to come to faith before marriage, to avoid spiritual division (1 Corinthians 7:39).

What If You’re Already Married to a Non-Believer?

If you were married before coming to faith, and your spouse remains unwilling to believe, Scripture advises you not to divorce if the spouse is willing to live with you peacefully. Your godly example might lead to their salvation.

1 Corinthians 7:12–16 (NIV):
“To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he should not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she should not divorce him.
For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances. God has called us to live in peace.
How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”

This passage shows God’s grace in complicated situations, but also underscores the hope that your faithfulness might bring your spouse to Christ.

Conclusion

Marrying someone of a different faith is biblically discouraged because it can endanger your relationship with God. However, God’s grace is sufficient for those already in such marriages. The key is to remain faithful, pray, and trust God to work in your spouse’s life.

May God bless you as you seek His will in your relationships.

 

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Beloved, what does it mean when the Bible says, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”? (Revelation 19:10, NKJV)

Answer:

This powerful verse—“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10, NKJV)—reveals a foundational truth about genuine prophetic ministry: all true prophecy ultimately points to, glorifies, and centers upon Jesus Christ.

The Greek word translated “testimony” is martyria, meaning witness or declaration. “Spirit of prophecy” suggests the very essence, breath, or driving force of prophecy. Therefore, the essence of all true prophetic revelation is to bear witness about Jesus—His identity, His work, and His eternal kingdom.

1. True Prophets Testify of Jesus, Not Themselves

No matter how dramatic the visions or how astonishing the miracles, if a prophet does not exalt the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, that prophecy is not from the Holy Spirit. It is counterfeit. A genuine prophetic voice always directs hearts to the cross, to repentance, and to the Lordship of Christ—not to materialism or man-centered messages.

As Jesus Himself said in John 15:26 (NKJV):

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”

Likewise, the Holy Spirit does not promote men, movements, or miracles as ends in themselves, but magnifies Christ crucified, risen, and coming again.

2. God’s Testimony About His Son Is the Highest Authority

1 John 5:9–11 (NKJV) gives us more clarity:

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.
He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”

Thus, the measure of a true prophet is not signs, wonders, or popular appeal—but whether the message aligns with God’s own testimony about His Son: that salvation and eternal life are found in Christ alone.

3. Biblical Example: John the Baptist—A Prophet with No Miracles

Jesus Himself called John the Baptist the greatest prophet ever born (Luke 7:28), yet John never performed a single miracle (John 10:41). Why was he considered so great?

Because his mission was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. His entire ministry was a prophetic testimony pointing to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, NKJV). That is the spirit of prophecy.

4. Modern Deception: Signs Without Substance

Today, many people are drawn to so-called prophets who claim divine revelations, yet their messages revolve around earthly success, material gain, and self-exaltation. Paul warned about such people:

Philippians 3:18–19 (NKJV)

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”

Any prophetic voice that avoids the cross, diminishes the need for repentance, or preaches prosperity without holiness, is not operating in the spirit of prophecy—but in a deceptive spirit masquerading as divine.

5. The Goal of Prophecy: To Lead to Christ

True prophecy reveals Jesus. It reveals His character (holy and merciful), His mission (to save sinners), and His kingdom (righteous and everlasting). The prophetic ministry must echo Paul’s own resolve:

1 Corinthians 2:2 (NKJV)

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

And again in:

Colossians 1:28 (NKJV)

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Conclusion: The Mark of True Prophecy

If someone claims to be a prophet but does not testify of Jesus Christ—His cross, His resurrection, His return, and His call to repentance—they are not speaking by the Spirit of God. Even if they prophesy accurately about events or perform signs, without the gospel of Jesus at the center, their ministry is spiritually bankrupt.

As Jesus warned in Matthew 7:22–23 (NKJV):

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name… and done many wonders in Your name?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

So, let us discern prophets not by power, but by testimony—and if they bear witness to Jesus Christ according to the gospel, then they speak by the Spirit of God. That is what it means when the Bible says, “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Be richly blessed, and may the Holy Spirit guide you in all truth.

 

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What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, “I Did Not Come to Abolish the Law but to Fulfill It”?(Matthew 5:17-18)

“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.
For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Jesus’ statement here is foundational for understanding how the Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets) relates to His mission. He is affirming that He did not come to cancel the teachings of the Old Testament, but to bring them to their intended fulfillment—to complete what they pointed forward to.

1. He Fulfilled the Law Morally
Jesus fulfilled the moral law (example the Ten Commandments) by living a sinless, obedient life. He was the only one who ever kept the Law perfectly.
Hebrews 4:15 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

When He deepened commands like “Do not murder” and “Do not commit adultery” in Matthew 5:21–30, He wasn’t replacing the Law but showing its true spiritual intent—that God desires purity of heart, not just outward compliance.

2. He Fulfilled the Law Ceremonially
Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial aspects of the Law (like sacrifices, festivals, temple rituals) by becoming the true sacrifice and High Priest.
Hebrews 10:1 

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities…”

Colossians 2:16–17 

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”

Everything in the sacrificial system pointed forward to Jesus. The lambs, the offerings, the priesthood—all of it was fulfilled in Him.

3. He Fulfilled the Law Prophetically
Many Old Testament laws and prophetic writings anticipated the Messiah. Jesus is the one to whom they all pointed.
Luke 24:44

Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’”

From the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15 to the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophetic expectation.

4. He Enables Us to Fulfill the Law Through the Spirit
While believers are not under the Old Testament Law as a system of salvation (Romans 6:14), the righteous requirements of the Law are fulfilled in us as we live by the Spirit.
Romans 8:3–4 

“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son… he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Through Christ, we are empowered to live out the heart of God’s law—not out of obligation, but out of transformed hearts.

In  Summary

Jesus did not abolish the Law; He fulfilled it:

By living it out perfectly (moral fulfillment)

By being the reality behind its symbols (ceremonial fulfillment)

By accomplishing what the prophets foretold (prophetic fulfillment)

And by making it possible for us to live in alignment with God’s will through the Holy Spirit.

The Law was never the way to salvation, but it pointed to the One who is. In Christ, we find both the end and the goal of the Law in Romans 10:4

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

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Unless You Repent…” – The Galileans, Pilate, and the Tower of Siloam (Luke 13:1–5)

 

Let’s take a moment to examine a powerful and sobering teaching from our Lord Jesus Christ, found in Luke 13:1–5 (NKJV):

“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’”

🔍 What Was This All About?

In Jesus’ day, this story was headline news. Pilate — the Roman governor — had ordered the slaughter of certain Galilean Jews while they were offering sacrifices at the temple. Their own blood was mixed with the blood of the animals they were offering to God. That would have been seen as not just a political atrocity, but a spiritual desecration.

Why did Pilate do this? Scripture doesn’t tell us his exact motives, but historically, Pilate was known to be a cruel and politically paranoid leader (see Luke 3:1; also supported by external Roman historians like Josephus). Perhaps he feared an uprising or suspected the Galileans of sedition. Galilee was often seen as a hotspot for revolutionaries.

Regardless of the reason, the act was brutal, and the people who witnessed or heard about it naturally began to speculate: “Maybe those people were especially sinful… Maybe God was punishing them.”

But Jesus flipped their assumption on its head.

🧠 The Theology Behind Jesus’ Response

The crowd assumed that tragedy = divine punishment, a common Jewish belief based on Deuteronomy 28–29, where blessings followed obedience and curses followed disobedience. Even Job’s friends thought this way: if you’re suffering, you must have sinned (Job 4:7–8). But Jesus makes it crystal clear:

“Do you suppose they were worse sinners?”
“I tell you, NO.”

He then gives another example — 18 people killed when a tower collapsed in Siloam (possibly part of a Roman aqueduct). Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? Again, no.

Jesus corrects a dangerous theological misunderstanding: not every tragedy is a direct punishment for personal sin. Sometimes people suffer simply because we live in a fallen, broken world (Romans 8:20–22).

But here’s the striking part: Jesus doesn’t explain why bad things happen. Instead, He gives a warning:

“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3, 5)

⚖️ What Does “Likewise Perish” Mean?

The Greek word used here for “perish” (apollymi) means to be utterly destroyed — not just physically, but spiritually and eternally. Jesus is not only talking about physical death — He is pointing to eternal separation from God (see Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:5).

In other words, the question is not, “Why did they die that way?”
The question is, “Are you ready if your life ends suddenly?”

Jesus was making a call to personal repentance — not to satisfy curiosity about someone else’s judgment, but to provoke self-examination.

Romans 3:23 (NKJV): “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So Jesus is saying: “Don’t look at their tragedy and assume they deserved it. Look at your life, because if you don’t repent — you too will face judgment.”

🧭 Modern-Day Application

Let’s bring this closer to home.

When disasters strike — earthquakes, floods, fatal accidents, pandemics — we sometimes think, “Those people must have done something wrong. Maybe God was judging them.” But Jesus says, “No.” Instead, ask yourself: Have I repented? Am I right with God?

Think of:

  • The Kagera earthquake

  • The hailstorm in Geita that killed many

  • The MV Bukoba tragedy

  • The 2020 pandemic

  • Or even the tsunami of 2004 that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives

Do we really believe that all those who died were worse sinners than us? No.
But unless we repent, we too may perish — not just physically, but eternally.

🙏 God’s Patience is Not Permission — It’s an Invitation

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV):
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

The fact that you are still alive is not because you’re better than the one who died yesterday. It’s because God is giving you time to repent — time to turn to Him, receive forgiveness, and bear fruit worthy of salvation (Matthew 3:8).

❓ Have You Repented?

If you were to die today — suddenly, without warning — would you be ready to stand before God?
Are you born again? Are you trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross?

John 3:3: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

This is not a call to fear — it’s a call to faith. God is calling you today:

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” (Isaiah 1:18)

Conclusion:
Jesus used a tragic news story to preach repentance — not because those victims were worse than others, but because their death was a warning to the living.
The message is timeless and clear:

“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Come to Christ while there is still time.
Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Don’t wait for another tragedy to ask the right questions — make the right decision now.Be blessed

 

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What is the meaning of “ELOHIM”?

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What Does the Story About Pilate Mixing the Blood of the Galileans with Their Sacrifices (Luke 13) Mean?

) ilihusu nini? Tukisoma Luka 13:1 “Na wakati uo huo walikuwapo watu waliompasha habari ya Wagalilaya wale ambao Pilato alichanganya DAMU YAO NA DHABIHU ZAO. 2 Akawajibu akawaambia, Je! Mwadhani ya kwamba Wagalilaya hao walikuwa wenye dhambi kuliko Wagalilaya wote, hata wakapatwa na mambo hayo? 3 Nawaambia, Sivyo; lakini msipotubu, ninyi nyote mtaangamia vivyo hivyo. 4 Au wale kumi na wanane, walioangukiwa na mnara huko Siloamu, ukawaua, mwadhani ya kwamba wao walikuwa wakosaji kuliko watu wote waliokaa Yerusalemu? 5 Nawaambia, Sivyo; lakini msipotubu, ninyi nyote mtaangamia vivyo hivyo.” JIBU: Kama ukiitazama kwa ukaribu habari hiyo picha utakayokujia 

 

Luke 13:1-5 (NIV)
1 At that time, some people came to Jesus and told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
2 Jesus asked, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the others from Galilee just because this happened to them?
3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else living in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Theological Reflection

This passage touches deeply on the relationship between suffering, sin, and God’s justice—a theme that has puzzled many believers throughout history.

1. The Assumption About Suffering and Sin
The people who came to Jesus assumed that those who suffered tragic deaths, like the Galileans killed by Pilate or those crushed by the falling tower, must have been guilty of greater sin. This idea echoes a common Jewish belief at the time: suffering and calamity were often seen as direct consequences of personal sin (cf. John 9:1-3, where Jesus refutes that a man’s blindness was due to sin).

2. Jesus’ Correction: The Call to Repentance
Jesus rejects this simplistic view, emphasizing that suffering is not always a punishment for sin. Instead, He warns that all people need repentance (metanoia)—a heartfelt turning away from sin and turning to God. The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind and heart, not just regret. Without this, spiritual death and judgment are certain (cf. Romans 6:23).

3. The Sovereignty of God and Human Free Will
While God is sovereign over life and death (cf. Job 1:21), He permits suffering and tragedies in a fallen world affected by sin (Genesis 3). This passage reminds us that tragic events can happen for reasons beyond human understanding, including the consequences of living in a broken world under sin’s curse. Yet, God’s ultimate desire is for people to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

4. Pilate’s Brutality as a Human and Political Evil
Pilate’s act of mixing human blood with sacrificial blood was a desecration of what was sacred to the Jews, showing the cruelty of human sin and the political oppression of Roman rule. It symbolizes rebellion against God’s holiness and foreshadows the greater injustice of Christ’s crucifixion (cf. John 19:1-16).

5. The Urgency of Repentance
Jesus’ repeated warning, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish,” highlights the urgent need for self-examination and turning to God before it’s too late. This aligns with other biblical teachings (e.g., Acts 17:30-31) about the necessity of repentance for salvation.

Application Today

Just as in Jesus’ day, people today often try to explain tragedies by blaming victims’ sins or divine punishment. But Scripture teaches otherwise: we live in a fallen world where suffering can come suddenly and unexpectedly to anyone.

This passage challenges us to focus less on judging others and more on our own spiritual condition. The call is universal: repent, turn to God, and trust in His mercy through Jesus Christ (cf. 1 John 1:9).

In summary:
The story about Pilate mixing the Galileans’ blood with their sacrifices is a stark reminder that suffering is not always a direct punishment for sin. Instead, it calls everyone to repentance and a right relationship with God, for none are exempt from the reality of sin and death without Christ.

May God bless you richly

 

 

 

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Is it okay to baptize young children?

ANSWER: No, it is not biblically permissible to baptize young children. Baptism in Christian theology is a sacrament that follows genuine repentance and faith. In the Bible, repentance involves a personal decision to turn away from sin and dedicate one’s life to God. This is clearly outlined in

Acts 2:38, where Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Notice the order: repentance first, followed by baptism.

In

Mark 1:15, Jesus also preached, “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”

Again, repentance and faith precede baptism. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in

Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Thus, baptism is a conscious act that follows personal faith and repentance, and this cannot be applied to infants or young children who are not yet capable of making such decisions.

Why aren’t infants baptized? The primary reason is that infants do not have the ability to make a conscious decision to repent of their sins or to place faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that individuals must recognize their need for salvation and choose to follow Christ for baptism to be meaningful. In

Romans 10:9, it is stated, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Infants are not able to declare their faith or make this confession.

The Bible also speaks about the necessity of personal responsibility in salvation, as seen in

Acts 17:30, which says, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

Children, being unaware of their sin or the gospel, cannot meet this requirement.

Instead of baptizing infants, we see in

Mark 10:16 that Jesus blessed children, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

This shows that while children are precious in God’s sight, they are not yet at an age to make personal decisions about repentance and faith.

Baptism and Personal Decision: To baptize an infant is similar to baptizing someone who has not personally repented and confessed faith in Christ. True baptism, as shown in

Acts 8:36-37, is linked to an individual’s personal confession of faith. When Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch says, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And Philip replies, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

Baptism without personal faith and repentance is not consistent with the biblical model.

In summary, baptism is a deeply personal step that follows an individual’s decision to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Infants, who are not yet capable of making this decision, cannot be biblically baptized. Instead, they can be prayed for and blessed, just as Jesus did with the children in Mark 10:16.

Shalom. 

 

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Why Would God Throw People into the Lake of Fire If He’s the One Who Created Them?

🟨 A Biblical Perspective

This is a deep question that many people struggle with: If God is the Creator of all human beings, why would He destroy some of them in the lake of fire?

To answer this, we need to understand several key biblical truths:

1. The Lake of Fire Was Not Made for Humans

The Bible clearly states that the lake of fire was originally prepared for the devil and his angels, not for mankind.

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”
— Matthew 25:41 

Before humans were ever created, Satan and some angels rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12–15; Revelation 12:7–9). Even after warnings, Satan refused to repent. Because of this rebellion, God prepared a place of final judgment—the lake of fire.

2. Humans Share Satan’s Fate When They Choose Rebellion

God created humans in His image and gave them free will (Genesis 1:26–27). When people consciously reject God’s truth and persist in evil, they align themselves with Satan’s rebellion—and so they share his judgment.

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”
— Matthew 12:30 

God does not desire anyone to perish. His desire is that all come to repentance.

“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 

3. God Does Not Cast People into Fire Out of Hatred or Revenge

Many wrongly imagine God as angrily throwing people into fire because they made Him angry. But Scripture shows that God is love (1 John 4:8), full of mercy, and slow to anger (Psalm 103:8). His judgment is not out of bitterness, but because He is holy and cannot dwell with sin.

Think of it like this: Imagine a clean person who cannot tolerate filth in their home. If garbage piles up near them and gives off a horrible stench, the only option is to remove and destroy it—not because they hate it, but because it doesn’t belong in a clean environment. Likewise, God must separate sin from His eternal presence.

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”
— 1 Peter 1:15–16 

God cannot allow sin, rebellion, and corruption to live eternally with Him. Therefore, final judgment is a necessary act of purification—not an act of revenge.

4. Judgment Will Be Just—Not All Will Suffer Equally

Not everyone will be judged the same. God’s justice is measured and perfectly fair. The more knowledge and opportunity a person had, the more responsible they are.

“That servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.
For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
— Luke 12:47–48 

This shows us that punishment will vary. For example:

  • Satan, the chief rebel, will receive the greatest punishment.
  • A person who killed 100 people will not face the same penalty as one who stole a small amount.
  • Those who had the truth but rejected it will be judged more severely than those who never heard it clearly.

5. The Final Destruction Is Called the Second Death

In the end, both Satan and all those who follow him in rebellion will be cast into the lake of fire. This is not eternal life in torment—it is eternal separation from God, called the second death.

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
— Revelation 20:14 

“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
— Revelation 2:11 

This means the souls who are cast into the lake of fire will ultimately perish—they do not continue to live forever in pain, because eternal life is only given to the righteous in Christ (Romans 6:23).

🔚 So, Why Does God Allow This?

Because He is holy and just. He cannot coexist with sin. If God allowed sin into His eternal kingdom, it would no longer be a place of peace, righteousness, or holiness. Judgment is necessary to remove evil and protect the purity of His presence.

✅ What Should We Do Now?

Since judgment is real and coming, we must respond to God’s grace now by:

  • Repenting from sin
  • Believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
  • Living in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
— Hebrews 12:14 

🙏 Conclusion:

God doesn’t delight in destroying the wicked. He calls everyone to repentance. But if people refuse and persist in sin, they will be separated from Him forever—not because He hates them, but because they rejected His holy nature and saving grace.

Let us choose holiness now, and walk with Christ who offers eternal life to all who believe.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 6:23 

May the Lord bless you and help you live a life pleasing to Him.

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