Title August 2019

Answer:

Many people have been taught that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the Queen of Heaven. But when we examine the Bible closely, we discover that the phrase “Queen of Heaven” does appear—but not in a positive context, and certainly not in reference to Mary. Instead, it refers to a pagan goddess whom the people of Israel wrongly worshiped—something God strictly forbade.

1. The Bible Mentions “Queen of Heaven” Only in Condemnation of Idolatry

Jeremiah 7:18–20 

“The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger.
But am I the one they are provoking?” declares the Lord. “Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?
Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place…”

In this passage, the entire family participates in idol worship to honor the Queen of Heaven, a false deity. God expresses that this provokes His anger, and brings destruction. This Queen was part of pagan worship, not Christian belief.

Jeremiah 44:17–23 elaborates further:

“We will certainly do everything we said we would: we will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her…”
“Ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven… we have had nothing and have been perishing by sword and famine.”

“When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions… your land became a curse… because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord.”
— (verses 17–23, summarized)

Here, the people stubbornly defend their idol worship, believing it brought them prosperity. But Jeremiah clarifies: their suffering was not from neglecting the queen—they were judged because of their rebellion against God’s commandments.

2. Mary Was Honored, but She Was Not Exalted to Divinity

Mary was a godly woman, highly favored by God. She is to be respected, but the Bible never teaches that she should be worshipped, prayed to, or given the title Queen of Heaven.

Luke 1:28 

“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

Yes, Mary was blessed among women, but she herself recognized God as her Savior:

Luke 1:46–47 

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

If Mary needed a Savior, then she, like us, was a human in need of salvation—not a goddess or queen to be worshipped.

3. Worship Belongs to God Alone—Jesus Christ is the Only Mediator

The Bible consistently teaches that God alone is worthy of worship, and that Jesus Christ alone is our Mediator and King.

1 Timothy 2:5 

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Nowhere does Scripture say that Mary is a co-mediator or a spiritual intercessor. That belief has no biblical foundation and contradicts the core of the gospel.

Matthew 4:10 

“Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

4. Where Did the Idea of “Mary, Queen of Heaven” Come From?

The concept of a heavenly queen existed long before Christianity—in ancient pagan religions. Goddesses like Ashtoreth, Semiramis, and Artemis were worshipped as mother deities and were often given the title Queen of Heaven.

In 1 Kings 11:5 we read:
“He [Solomon] followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians…”

Later, during the rise of tradition-based Christianity, some of these pagan practices were adopted into religious rituals—especially in the Roman Catholic Church—where Mary began to be venerated like a goddess. Over time, she was wrongly honored as Queen of Heaven—a direct contradiction to the Bible’s teaching.

5. Who Is the True King of Heaven?

The Bible clearly declares that Jesus Christ alone holds the heavenly title of King:

Revelation 19:16 

“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

He alone sits on the throne of heaven, and no queen is ever mentioned beside Him.

Conclusion:

• The title Queen of Heaven in Scripture refers to a false, pagan goddess—not to Mary.
• The Bible never tells us to worship Mary or pray to her.
• Jesus Christ alone is the King of Heaven, Savior, and only Mediator between God and humanity.
• As believers, we are called to worship God alone, not follow traditions rooted in ancient idolatry.

Let us honor Mary for her obedience and faith, but let us never give her the worship that belongs to God alone.

Isaiah 42:8 
“I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.”

If you are a Christian, stay faithful to what the Bible teaches. Test every belief and practice by the Word of God—not tradition or emotion. Let Jesus Christ remain the center of your worship, your faith, and your salvation.

Be blessed, and stand firm in the truth.

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This question arises because we know that during the 1000-year reign (often called the Millennium), only the saints — those faithful to Christ — will reign with Him. So, who are the people Satan will deceive after this time?

The Bible answers this in Revelation 20:7-9

“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. Their number is like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.”

 Explanation:
During the Millennium, Christ will reign physically on earth as King (Revelation 20:4). Though sin and sinners will still exist, sin will not have dominion because Jesus—the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)—will rule with perfect justice and authority, unlike now when Satan is called the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31).

The presence of sinners during this reign does not mean sin triumphs, but that people will be born naturally and have the free will to choose obedience or rebellion. The righteous saints will rule with Christ, exercising authority symbolized by the “iron scepter,” as described in Revelation 2:26-27

“To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. They will rule them with an iron scepter and dash them to pieces like pottery, just as I have received authority from my Father.”

This “iron scepter” represents firm, sovereign authority with no tolerance for rebellion. The Millennium will be a time of peace and order under Christ’s just reign, but those who persist in sin will face consequences.

Isaiah 65:17-20 further clarifies the nature of life in this renewed era:

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth… No more will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.”

This passage shows that people will live longer and more joyful lives, but sin and death still exist for those born during this period. Hence, the Millennium will have a mixed population — believers reigning with Christ and others still capable of sin.

At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be released to test the nations born during this reign. Many will be deceived to rebel against God’s people (Revelation 20:7-9). But God’s judgment will be swift and decisive — fire will come down from heaven to destroy the rebels.

Following this is the final judgment, known as the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), where all the wicked—along with Satan and his followers—are cast into the lake of fire, ending sin and evil forever.

Those who have remained faithful enter eternity with God, where there is no more death or sorrow (Revelation 21:1-4).

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Answer:

This is a question many people ask: If God is all-powerful and good, why didn’t He just destroy the serpent (Satan) and stop him from tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden?

To understand this, we must look at God’s purpose in allowing human beings to face trials and temptations. Theologically, God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3), but He also gives humans free will to choose. In His wisdom, He allows testing—not to make us fall, but to reveal His nature, shape our character, and draw us closer to Him.

1. God uses trials to reveal who He is

If humanity had never fallen, we wouldn’t know God as a Savior.
If we were never weak or sick, we wouldn’t know Him as a Healer (Exodus 15:26).
If we never sinned, we wouldn’t experience His mercy, grace, or forgiveness (Ephesians 2:4–5, 8–9).
Trials allow us to personally know God, not just as the Creator, but as Redeemer, Helper, and Loving Father.

2. God allows testing to refine our faith

Just as gold is refined in fire, so God allows believers to be tested to strengthen their faith and character.

1 Peter 1:6–7 
“…you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold… may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

In Eden, God didn’t stop the serpent because He wanted Adam and Eve to choose Him willingly. Love without choice isn’t true love. God gave them freedom, but they chose to disobey. Still, He had already prepared a plan of redemption (Revelation 13:8).

3. God has good plans even through our failures

Even though Eve was tempted and fell, God’s purpose didn’t end there. He works through our failures to accomplish His greater plans.

Jeremiah 29:11 
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

From the fall, God revealed His mercy and pointed to the coming of Christ—the Seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). This is the first prophecy of Jesus’ victory over Satan.

4. God is patient and compassionate toward us

Though humanity fell, God did not abandon us. He understands our weaknesses and shows us mercy.

Psalm 103:12–14 
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”

This shows that God’s goal isn’t just to prevent sin—but to redeem sinners and give them a future in eternal life. That’s why He didn’t destroy the serpent immediately—He had a redemptive plan that would unfold through Christ.

God didn’t kill the serpent in Eden because:

• He allows choice and free will.
• Trials help us know Him and build our faith.
• His plan included revealing His mercy and salvation.
• His ultimate goal is eternal life with us—not just temporary perfection.

Romans 8:28 
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

May you be blessed and grow in your understanding of God’s wisdom and love.

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And is it acceptable to give tithes and offerings from such an income? For instance, I have a friend who works for a company like TBL (Tanzania Breweries Limited), which manufactures and sells alcoholic beverages. He is a saved Christian, faithfully gives his tithes and offerings, and even holds a position in his church. Is there anything wrong with this?

ANSWER:

The core issue here isn’t just about owning a bar or working for an alcohol company—it’s about whether our source of income honors God and aligns with the life of holiness we are called to live as believers.

1. God is Holy—So Should Be Our Work (1 Peter 1:15–16)

“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.’”

Holiness extends beyond our spiritual acts; it includes how we live, how we earn, and what we support. Owning or profiting from a business that promotes drunkenness—like a bar—works directly against that calling.

2. Profiting from Sinful Enterprises is Forbidden (Deuteronomy 23:18)

“You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the house of the Lord your God… for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.”

This verse teaches a profound truth: not all income is clean in God’s sight. Even when brought as an offering or tithe, money gained through morally corrupt means is an offense to God. The term “price of a dog” is understood by many scholars to refer to earnings from immoral or shameful activities—anything that contradicts God’s character.

That includes modern examples like:

• Profiting from alcohol sales

• Drug dealing

• Corruption and bribery

• Gambling

• Selling cigarettes or pornography

Offering tithes from such income doesn’t sanctify it—it only multiplies the offense before God.

3. Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”

God would rather have our obedient hearts than large offerings from unholy work. No matter how generous we are in giving, it is meaningless if we are disobedient in how we live and earn.

4. Jesus Warns Us to Cut Off What Causes Us to Sin (Matthew 5:29–30)

“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out… For it is more profitable… than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

Jesus uses strong language to show how seriously we should treat anything that causes us—or others—to stumble. If our business or job compromises our witness or leads others into sin (like drunkenness), we must be willing to walk away from it.

5. Trust God’s Provision When You Walk in Righteousness (Matthew 6:31–33)

“Therefore do not worry… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The fear of lacking basic needs is real—but Jesus reassures us that when we put God and His righteousness first, He will take care of everything else. If someone leaves an unholy job for the sake of Christ, God is faithful to provide something better and more fulfilling.

Conclusion:

Owning a bar or profiting from any business that promotes sin is not consistent with a holy Christian life. Even if such a person tithes and serves in church, the source of their income matters to God.

Encourage your friend to prayerfully seek a new line of work—one that honors God and gives a good testimony of their faith. God’s desire is not just for our gifts, but for our hearts and obedience.

Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”

A righteous income brings joy and blessing, not spiritual conflict or guilt.

May the Lord give you wisdom and courage as you pursue His will. Be greatly blessed.

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ANSWER:

Hell (Hades )in the Bible—is a real, spiritual place where the souls of the unsaved go after death. It is not a myth or just a symbol, but a literal place of conscious torment.

The Bible teaches that humans are created with an eternal soul (Genesis 2:7) that continues after physical death. Where the soul goes depends on whether a person has been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 9:27).

Hell (Hades) as a Place of Temporary Punishment

In Luke 16:19–31 Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. After death:

• The rich man, who lived selfishly and without faith, went to Hades, a place of torment.
• Lazarus, a poor but faithful man, was taken to Abraham’s bosom—a place of comfort.

“And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off…” (Luke 16:23)

This parable shows:

• The reality of conscious existence after death.
• The separation between the saved and unsaved immediately after death.
• The suffering of the lost in Hades is real, not symbolic.

The Final Judgment and the Lake of Fire

The suffering in Hades is temporary. After the Millennium reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4–6), the dead will be resurrected and judged before God.

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God… The dead were judged according to their works.”
(Revelation 20:12–13)

Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the Lake of Fire, described as the “second death” (Revelation 20:14–15). This is eternal punishment, a place of everlasting separation from God. 

Note on Judgment:

God’s judgment is just and perfect (Psalm 9:7–8). Everyone will be judged according to their deeds and their response to the gospel (Romans 2:6–8). The Lake of Fire is the ultimate consequence of rejecting God’s grace.

Resurrection of the Righteous and the Place of Peace (Paradise)

Those who trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior do not go to Hades after death. Instead, they enter Paradise, a place of rest and peace (Luke 23:43), awaiting the resurrection.

“Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)

At Jesus’ second coming, the righteous dead will be resurrected, receive glorified bodies, and join the living believers to be with the Lord forever.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

 Significance of Resurrection and Eternal Life

The resurrection of the righteous is the “first resurrection” (Revelation 20:5–6), which guarantees eternal life with God. This resurrection confirms victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).

Summary

• Hell (Hades) is a real, conscious place of temporary punishment after death for the unsaved (Luke 16:23–24).
• Final Judgment will determine eternal destiny based on faith and works (Revelation 20:12–15).
• The Lake of Fire is eternal punishment for those not written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15).
• The righteous go immediately to Paradise after death, a place of rest until resurrection (Luke 23:43; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
• Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to escape Hell and receive eternal life (John 3:36).

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
(John 3:36)

In conclusion: Hell exists as a real place of judgment and torment, but God’s mercy offers us salvation through Jesus Christ. We are invited to accept this gift so that we may escape eternal punishment and live forever with Him.

May God bless you and guide you in truth.

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Question:

Between the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon, the 1000-year reign of Christ, the Gog and Magog war, and the White Throne Judgment—which event happens first and what follows?

Answer:

1. The Rapture of the Saints

The Rapture is the event where Jesus Christ will return secretly (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) to take His true followers—those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior—to heaven. This is distinct from His visible Second Coming.

The Bible teaches that only a “few” will be chosen (Matthew 22:14) because salvation requires faith and obedience through the narrow gate (Luke 13:24). This event marks the beginning of the end and is a source of hope for believers.

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

2. The Great Tribulation

The Great Tribulation is a period of intense suffering and judgment lasting seven years (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 7:14). During this time, the Antichrist will rise to power and demand allegiance, including the infamous “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13:16-17).

This period is a test for those left on earth, and many will be deceived by the apparent peace the Antichrist brings. However, the righteous will suffer persecution.

“For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.”
— Matthew 24:21

“Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! Why would you have the day of the Lord? It is darkness, and not light.”
— Amos 5:18

3. The Battle of Armageddon

This battle is the final confrontation between the forces of evil and Jesus Christ, who returns visibly and gloriously as King of kings (Revelation 19:11-16). Unlike human wars, Jesus defeats His enemies by the power of His word.

“Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.”
— Revelation 19:15

The armies gathered for this battle will be utterly destroyed.

4. The 1000-Year Reign (Millennium)

After the defeat of evil at Armageddon, Christ will establish His kingdom on earth and reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-6). During this time, Satan will be bound and unable to deceive the nations.

This reign will restore peace and righteousness, fulfilling God’s original plan for creation, akin to the Garden of Eden (Isaiah 11:6-9).

“They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
— Revelation 20:4

5. The Gog and Magog Rebellion

At the end of the millennium, Satan is released briefly and will deceive the nations—symbolically called Gog and Magog—to rebel against God (Revelation 20:7-8).

However, this rebellion will be swiftly crushed by divine fire from heaven, showing God’s final victory over evil.

“Fire came down from heaven and devoured them.”
— Revelation 20:9

6. The White Throne Judgment

This is the final judgment for all the dead who were not part of the first resurrection. Everyone is judged according to their deeds recorded in the books of heaven (Revelation 20:11-13).

It is a solemn reminder of God’s perfect justice and the eternal consequences of rejecting Him.

“The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”
— Revelation 20:12

7. The Lake of Fire and New Creation

Those found guilty will be cast into the lake of fire, the eternal place of separation from God (Revelation 20:14-15). This is the final destiny of Satan, his angels, and all the wicked.

After judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth—an eternal home for the redeemed where suffering, death, and sin no longer exist (Revelation 21:1-4).

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
— Revelation 21:4

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:9

May the Lord bless you.

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Answer:

This phrase appears in Deuteronomy 10:17, which says:

“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”
(Deuteronomy 10:17)

At first glance, it may seem like this verse is saying that God is above other “gods”—perhaps even idols. But when we read it carefully and in context with the rest of Scripture, we realize that it does not mean God is the God of idols. God consistently condemns idolatry (Exodus 20:3–5), and idols are repeatedly described in Scripture as powerless, man-made objects (Psalm 115:4–8).

So who are these “gods” that God is said to be above?

1. Biblical Definition of “gods” – Not Idols, but God’s Representatives

Jesus Himself gives us insight into this mystery in John 10:33–36, during a conversation with Jewish leaders who accused Him of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God:

“The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.’
Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, ‘You are gods’”?
If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, “You are blaspheming,” because I said, “I am the Son of God”?’”
(John 10:33–36)

Here, Jesus was quoting Psalm 82:6, where God says:

“I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.’”
(Psalm 82:6)

From this, we learn that the term “gods” was used figuratively in Scripture to describe human beings who were entrusted with the Word of God—such as judges, prophets, or spiritual leaders who acted as God’s representatives on earth. In a broader sense, it applies to all true believers, those who have been born of God’s Spirit and now reflect His image and nature (Romans 8:14–17).

2. God’s Image and Likeness in His Children

In Genesis 1:26–27, we learn that mankind was created in God’s image and likeness:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’”
(Genesis 1:26a)

This means that God designed us to mirror His nature and character. To be called “gods” in this biblical sense is not to be divine beings in ourselves, but to live as His image-bearers, empowered by His Word and Spirit.

That’s why Jesus said in John 14:12:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also.”
(John 14:12)

So, just as God created through His Word, He now works through us by His Spirit and Word. Those who live according to His Word are partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:3–4), and therefore can be called “gods” in the sense of being His authorized representatives on earth.

3. God of gods, King of kings, and Lord of lords

When the Bible calls God the “God of gods,” it’s the same way it calls Him the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16) and “Lord of lords.” This doesn’t mean He is king over idols or corrupt leaders. It means that all true kings, all true lords, and all who are called gods in the right sense, are under His supreme authority. He is the ultimate source of all authority, righteousness, and power.

4. Our Calling as God’s Children

To be called a “god” in this sense, you must be a child of God—born again, filled with His Spirit, and growing in His likeness. That means displaying His character:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
(Galatians 5:22–23)

If we don’t live like God, we cannot claim to be His true children. The name carries responsibility, not status. It’s not about pride, but about reflecting the nature of the One we belong to.

Final Encouragement:

Let us continue to grow in our knowledge of God, walk in His Spirit, and live out His Word, so that we may be worthy of the high calling to be called His children—and truly reflect His glory.

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”
(Ephesians 5:1)

God bless you richly.

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This is a deeply important question that people have asked for generations—even during the time of Jesus. And today, the same question remains:

Will the number of people who are saved be many or few?

1. Jesus Answers the Question: “Are There Few Who Are Saved?”

In Luke 13:23–24, someone asked Jesus:

“Lord, are there few who are saved?”
And He said to them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

Jesus didn’t answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” Instead, He gave a warning: entering the Kingdom of God is not automatic. It takes intentional effort and spiritual discipline. Many will want to enter, but only few will actually succeed, because the gate is narrow.

Later in the passage (Luke 13:25–27), Jesus described people who will try to enter after the door has been shut. Though they had some connection with Jesus—perhaps they heard His teachings or were part of religious activities—He will say to them:

“I do not know you… Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.”

This reveals a key theological truth: familiarity with Jesus is not enough. Salvation requires obedience, not just association.

2. The Narrow Way vs. the Broad Way

In Matthew 7:13–14, Jesus said:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

This points to two key realities:

• The broad way is popular, easy, and filled with worldly pleasures—but it leads to destruction.
• The narrow way is hard, unpopular, and requires self-denial—but it leads to eternal life.

Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), but true saving faith produces a changed life—marked by repentance, holiness, and obedience to God’s Word (James 2:17, Hebrews 12:14).

3. Why Is the Narrow Way So Difficult Today?

Jesus says few will find the way to life. Why? Because the path is crowded—not with people, but with worldly distractions and sinful lifestyles:

• Love of money and greed – 1 Timothy 6:10
• Sexual immorality and lust – Galatians 5:19–21
• Hatred, jealousy, pride – James 3:16
• Worldly entertainment – 1 John 2:15–17
• False teachings – 2 Peter 2:1–2, Matthew 24:11

False prophets have made it harder for people to recognize the true gospel because they blend truth with error. Many churches today emphasize prosperity and success instead of repentance and holiness.

2 Timothy 4:3–4
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine… they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

This explains why the narrow way is now harder to find and follow. Even Christianity is being reshaped into something that pleases people instead of glorifying God.

4. Jesus Warned: As in the Days of Noah and Lot

Jesus warned that the final days before His return would be just like the days of Noah and Lot.

Luke 17:26–30 
“As it was in the days of Noah… and in the days of Lot… even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”

How many were saved in those days?

• In Noah’s time, only 8 people entered the ark (1 Peter 3:20).
• In Lot’s time, only Lot and his two daughters escaped (Genesis 19:15–26).

This shows that even when God warns, very few people respond. The majority are distracted, deceived, or indifferent.

Jesus compared our generation to theirs. If only a few were saved then, we must not assume the situation is different now. His warnings were not symbolic—they were serious.

Matthew 24:37–39
“As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be…”

5. What Does This Mean for Us Today?

It means that salvation is available to all, but only a few will take it seriously enough to walk the narrow path.

It’s time to ask ourselves:

• Am I following the true gospel, or a comfortable, compromised version?
• Am I pursuing holiness and righteousness, or just religious appearance?
• Am I more concerned with pleasing God, or pleasing the world?

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

Mark 8:36
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

We are living in the final hours of this age. Jesus is at the door. The time to repent and follow Him is now.

6. A Call to Genuine Christianity

True Christianity is not about appearance, fashion, or wealth. It is about a life fully surrendered to Christ.

• A Christian woman should reflect modesty (1 Timothy 2:9–10).
• A Christian man should live in integrity and godliness (1 Timothy 6:11).
• All believers must forsake worldliness and sin (Romans 12:1–2).

Let’s return to the original gospel—the faith of the apostles, which focused on truth, repentance, and holiness, not modern popularity or comfort.

Revelation 3:20 
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”

Let us be among the few who respond. The world may mock the narrow way, but eternal life awaits those who walk in it.

Jesus clearly taught that few will be saved—not because salvation is limited, but because many reject the cost of following Him.

Let us not be deceived by the crowd or modern trends. Instead, let us:

• Walk in truth,
• Live in holiness,
• And watch for His coming.

Matthew 24:44
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

May God give us grace to walk the narrow road and be among the few who are saved. Amen.

Be blessed.

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1️⃣ Is it permissible for a true Christian to eat pork?

When we study the Scriptures carefully, we see that under the New Covenant, there is no prohibition against eating pork or any other kind of food, provided it is received with thanksgiving and eaten in faith. The distinction between clean and unclean animals in the Old Testament served as a teaching tool to point to deeper spiritual truths, but in Christ those ceremonial restrictions have been fulfilled.

Consider 1 Timothy 4:1-5 (KJV):

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

This passage clearly teaches that all foods, including pork, are made clean through the word of God and prayer.

In the vision given to Peter in Acts 10:9-16, God taught Peter not to call unclean what God had cleansed — referring ultimately to the Gentiles, but also symbolically to all creation:

What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common” (Acts 10:15, KJV).

Jesus Himself declared in Mark 7:18-19 (ESV):

Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?”(Thus he declared all foods clean.)

However, while all foods are lawful, the Bible also calls us to walk in love and wisdom, so that our freedom does not cause another to stumble.

Romans 14:14-15 (KJV) teaches:

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

And 1 Corinthians 8:9,13 (KJV):

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

🌿 Summary:

A true Christian is free to eat pork, but should always exercise love, consideration, and sensitivity toward others, so as not to cause unnecessary offense or lead others into sin.

2️⃣ Is a true Christian allowed to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes?

While Scripture does not outright forbid the consumption of alcohol, it strongly warns against drunkenness, addiction, and anything that defiles the body. Smoking and harmful substances fall into this category, as they harm the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 (KJV) commands.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Proverbs 20:1 (KJV) warns:

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Regarding the body, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV) teaches:

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

And 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (KJV):

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Since smoking and excessive drinking damage the body, they are inconsistent with honoring God with our bodies. Furthermore, they can enslave a person, and Galatians 5:1 (KJV) reminds us:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

3️⃣ What is the proper form of baptism for a true Christian?

Biblical baptism is by full immersion in water, symbolizing the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ (see Romans 6:3-4, KJV):

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

In the New Testament, baptism was consistently performed in the name of Jesus Christ:

✅ Acts 2:38 (KJV):

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

✅ Acts 10:48 (KJV):

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

✅ Acts 19:5 (KJV):

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Though Jesus commanded baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19), the apostles understood this as a reference to the name that embodies the fullness of God: Jesus Christ (see Colossians 2:9).

🌿 Summary:

✅ Baptism should be by immersion in water.

✅ It should be done in the name of Jesus Christ, as practiced by the apostles.

Conclusion

✅ A true Christian is free to eat any food, including pork, as long as it is received with thanksgiving and does not cause others to stumble.

✅ A true Christian should not drink to excess, smoke, or engage in practices that defile the body, which is God’s holy temple.

✅ A true Christian should be baptized by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ, following the pattern given in the New Testament.

May the Lord give you wisdom and grace to walk in His truth.

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