Title September 2019

QUESTION:

Shalom servant of God, please help me understand something. In the book of Acts, three different passages—Acts 9:3–7, Acts 22:6–9, and Acts 26:12–14—describe Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. But when I read them, they seem to say different things, especially about whether the people with Paul heard the voice or not. How can that be?

ANSWER:

This is an excellent question and one that many Bible readers have struggled with. At first glance, the accounts seem contradictory—but once we look deeper, we find they are not conflicting but complementary.

1. The Apparent Contradiction

The main confusion comes from these two verses:

Acts 9:7 

“And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.”

Acts 22:9 

“And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.”

So, one says they heard the voice, and the other says they did not. Which one is true?

2. The Key: Hearing vs. Understanding

The resolution lies in understanding how Scripture uses the word “hear.” In Greek, the word akouō (ἀκούω) can mean to hear a sound or to understand what is being said, depending on the context.

• In Acts 9:7, the men heard a sound—they were aware that something supernatural was happening.
• In Acts 22:9, Paul clarifies that they did not understand the voice that spoke to him.

It’s the difference between audible hearing and comprehending the message. This is a biblical concept seen throughout Scripture.

3. God’s Voice as Thunder

Compare Paul’s experience with the account in John 12:28–30 

“Then a voice came from heaven: ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not mine.’”

Here, God audibly speaks from heaven. Some people recognized it as a voice, but others only heard thunder. They all heard something, but not all understood what was said.

The same is true of Paul’s companions—they heard the sound, but did not understand the words Jesus spoke to Paul.

4. Jesus’ Teaching on Hearing

Jesus often emphasized that true hearing involves understanding. He said:

Matthew 11:15 

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Luke 8:18 

“Take care then how you hear…”

These verses teach us that spiritual hearing is more than just sound—it’s about discernment and reception of God’s truth.

5. Why Only Paul Understood

According to Acts 26:14 Paul heard Jesus speak to him in Hebrew:

“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’”

It’s likely that the others:

• Heard the sound, but
• Did not understand the language, or
• Were spiritually unprepared to comprehend the divine message.

Jesus was speaking directly and personally to Saul. The others were not the intended audience.

6. No Contradiction—Just Different Emphases

There’s no contradiction—just different angles of the same miraculous event.

7. Application: Be Careful How You Hear

Paul urged Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:13 

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”

This wasn’t just about casual reading. It meant deep, prayerful study, guided by the Holy Spirit. Without this, we might misread or misunderstand the Bible.

Jesus warned about this in Matthew 13:14–15 

“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull… lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”

CONCLUSION:

The people traveling with Saul on the road to Damascus heard a supernatural sound but didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. Only Paul, who was the intended recipient, understood the message.

This story reminds us that hearing God is not just about listening with the ears, but receiving His Word with a heart that is ready and open.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

May God open our spiritual ears to truly hear and understand His voice.

• Be blessed.

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❓Understanding the Question

Before Jesus rose from the dead, some of the saints who had died were also raised back to life (Matthew 27:52–53). But where exactly were they before their resurrection? Had they already gone to Paradise, or were they somewhere else?

Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the condition and place of the dead before Christ’s resurrection, and what changed after He rose.

⚰️ Where Did the Dead Go Before Jesus Came?

Before the atoning work of Christ on the cross, everyone who died went to the realm of the dead, referred to in Hebrew as Sheol and in Greek as Hades. This was not yet “Heaven” or “Hell” in the full eternal sense but a temporary holding place for souls—both the righteous and the wicked—awaiting redemption or final judgment.

David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, spoke prophetically:

“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”
(Psalm 16:10)

While David said these words, they were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, not David himself. Peter explained this clearly at Pentecost:

“For David did not ascend into the heavens… his tomb is with us to this day.”
(Acts 2:29–31)

This means David died and remained in the grave, like others before Christ. His words were prophetic of the Messiah, whose soul would not remain in Hades, and whose body would not decay.

👁️‍🗨️ Was Sheol/Hades a Peaceful Place?

The realm of the dead had two compartments, as implied in Jesus’ teaching about Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19–31):

1. Abraham’s Bosom / Paradise – a place of comfort for the righteous.
2. A Place of Torment – where the wicked were held.

Between these two, a great chasm prevented crossing from one side to the other (Luke 16:26).

However, even this arrangement was not perfect peace. Due to Adam’s fall (Genesis 3:17–19), humanity came under the dominion of death and darkness. Satan had limited authority over death:

“…through death He [Jesus] might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.”
(Hebrews 2:14)

That is why, before Jesus’ resurrection, even the righteous were held in Sheol, not yet brought into God’s full presence in Heaven.

🔑 What Changed When Jesus Died and Rose Again?

When Jesus died on the cross, He descended into Hades (the realm of the dead) and proclaimed victory over death:

“…by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison…”
(1 Peter 3:19)

These “spirits” were those who had died long ago, including those in Noah’s time (1 Peter 3:20). Jesus did not go to offer salvation again, but to proclaim His victory—and to separate the righteous from the wicked.

Jesus declared:

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
(Revelation 1:18)

He took authority over death, defeating Satan’s dominion.

From then on, Satan no longer has access to or control over the souls of the righteous dead. No one—not demons, not spirits, not Satan himself—can communicate with the dead anymore. Any spiritual encounters people claim to have with their deceased relatives are deceptive demonic manifestations (2 Corinthians 11:14).

📈 The Saints Who Rose with Jesus

After Jesus rose, many saints also rose from the dead:

“…and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”
(Matthew 27:52–53)

This showed that Christ had opened the way out of Sheol for the righteous, bringing them into the presence of God—what Jesus called Paradise (Luke 23:43).

Since that moment, when a righteous person dies:

“…to be absent from the body [is] to be present with the Lord.”
(2 Corinthians 5:8)

They now go directly to Paradise, awaiting the resurrection of their bodies at the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

🔥 What About the Wicked Dead?

Those who died in sin remain in a place of torment within Hades, as shown in Jesus’ parable:

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

They are awaiting the Final Judgment:

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it… And the dead were judged…”
(Revelation 20:11–15)

After judgment, the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire, which is the second death.

🕊️ What Does This Mean for Us Today?

This teaching gives us a powerful reminder: life is short, and eternity is real.

Jesus warned:

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

The story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) reminds us that once we die, our eternal destiny is sealed. There is no second chance. If we are not right with God before death, we will face eternal regret and separation.

Now is the time to make peace with God. Salvation is still freely offered to anyone who will believe:

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
(2 Corinthians 6:2)

✝️ Your Invitation to Eternal Life

If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, today is the day. He loves you, He is gentle and full of mercy, and He has promised to receive anyone who comes to Him:

“The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
(John 6:37)

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you miss salvation today, you may seek it tomorrow with tears and not find it (Luke 13:24–28).

Make the decision now—surrender your life to Jesus, and you will have the hope of eternal life with Him in Paradise.

God bless you.
May this message lead you into truth, repentance, and eternal hope in Christ Jesus.

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ANSWER:

In Acts 19:13 we read:

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.’”

These men were traveling Jewish exorcists—religious individuals who went from place to place attempting to cast out evil spirits using various methods. Although they tried to use the name of Jesus, they had no personal relationship with Him, and no spiritual authority from God. Their actions were based on imitation, not faith.

What Does“exorcists”Mean?

“Exorcists”means “to drive out demons.” It’s a general term used for exorcism. However, just because someone appears to cast out demons doesn’t mean they are doing it by the Spirit of God.

There are two sources of spiritual power at work in the world:

1. God’s power through Jesus Christ, and
2. Satan’s deceptive power through sorcery, witchcraft, or occult practices.

True Deliverance Comes Through Jesus Christ

According to the Bible, true believers have been given authority to cast out demons in the name of Jesus:

Mark 16:17
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons…”

This authority is not based on rituals, oils, or charms—but solely through faith in the finished work of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers:

Luke 10:19 
“Behold, I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

When a Christian casts out a demon in the name of Jesus, the person is completely delivered. If the demon caused physical illness (e.g., stomach pain or seizures), both the spirit and its effects leave. Healing, peace, and freedom follow.

False Deliverance: A Deeper Bondage

But not all “deliverance” is true deliverance.

Witch doctors, spirit mediums, and occult healers—though they may claim to remove demons—do not operate by the Spirit of God. Their methods are based on demonic manipulation. They don’t remove demons; they simply replace weaker spirits with stronger ones.

For example:
If a person is tormented by a demon that causes stomach problems, and they visit a traditional healer, the healer might summon a stronger spirit—such as a demon of infertility or mental torment—to suppress the weaker one. The result? Temporary relief from stomach pain, but the person eventually experiences a more severe problem, like barrenness or insanity.

This is not true healing—it is deception. The kingdom of darkness simply rearranges its forces.

Biblical Evidence: Satan Doesn’t Fight Himself

Jesus exposed this deception when He said:

Matthew 12:26 
“And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?”

Satan doesn’t defeat himself. He only shifts strategy. That’s why witch doctors and occult exorcists are powerless to bring true freedom—because they are still under Satan’s dominion.

A Real-Life Analogy

Imagine trying to solve a rat problem by releasing a snake into your house. The snake might kill a few rats, but eventually, the snake itself becomes a greater danger than the rats were. That’s exactly what happens in false deliverance—one demon is replaced by another, often worse than the first.

The Danger of Pretending to Know Jesus

In Acts 19:14–16, the Jewish exorcists tried to copy Paul’s use of Jesus’ name, saying:

“I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.”
But the demon replied:
“Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
And the possessed man attacked them violently, leaving them wounded and naked.

They used the right name—but without a real relationship with Jesus or authority from God. This shows us that spiritual power cannot be borrowed or imitated. Only those who are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit have the authority to confront demons.

True Deliverance Requires a New Birth

To walk in spiritual authority, one must first be born again through faith in Jesus Christ:

John 1:12 
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

John 8:36 
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Only Jesus can truly set people free from demonic bondage—not religious titles, not rituals, and certainly not witchcraft.

Final Encouragement

If you’re seeking freedom from demonic oppression, do not turn to traditional healers or false prophets. Run to Jesus Christ, the only One with power to save, heal, and deliver completely.

Colossians 1:13 
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

Be blessed in the truth of Christ.

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There is a man I know who has been experiencing some unusual things. He once told me, “I hear people talking about coming to arrest me.” Then he asked me, “Do you hear them too?” I said, “No, I don’t hear anything.” It was clear that only he could hear those voices.

Another time, he held my hand and said, “Can you hear them singing my song?” Again, I couldn’t hear anything. He seemed deeply afraid.

Just a few nights ago, I found him outside our house holding a machete. He asked me, “Do you hear that old woman across the street saying I raped her granddaughter?” (Note: that woman lives far away from us.) I replied, “No, I don’t hear anything.” He then returned home with his machete, speaking seriously and calmly. Sometimes, he even says he sees people standing at his door.

I once tried talking to him about giving his life to Jesus, but he replied, “I’ll fight in a military way,” which I understood to mean through witchdoctors or spiritualists. But now, I see that he cannot “fight” as he claimed—his condition is worsening, and I fear that if nothing is done, he might completely lose his mind.

So my question is: what exactly is happening to him? What spirit is behind this?

ANSWER:

Shalom.
The spiritual world is very real. Both the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness are active. While the Holy Spirit empowers and transforms people into the likeness of Christ, Satan also deceives and enslaves people through fear, lies, and counterfeit experiences.

In this man’s case—hearing voices, sensing conversations from far away, and claiming to see people who aren’t there—it is clear that a spirit is at work within him. However, it is not the Holy Spirit of God, but an unclean spirit, likely invited through direct or indirect contact with the occult or demonic knowledge.

Why is this not from God?

Because the fruit of this spirit in his life is fear, torment, confusion, and aggression—which are not characteristics of God’s Spirit. The Bible clearly says:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
—2 Timothy 1:7

And again:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
—Galatians 5:22–23

If the Holy Spirit was in him, we would see evidence of peace, joy, gentleness, and self-control. Instead, this man lives in fear, hears tormenting voices, and is filled with suspicion. These are the opposite fruits—evidence that he is being influenced by an evil spirit.

Just as the Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:7–10), such as prophecy, healing, tongues, and teaching, evil spirits also counterfeit gifts. People under demonic influence may hear distant voices, have psychic-like insights, perform signs, or possess a persuasive ability that leads others into error or destruction.

Jesus warned us about this:

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
—John 10:10

This man has likely been ensnared by the enemy, either knowingly or unknowingly. Because he doesn’t know Christ, he might wrongly believe these experiences are supernatural gifts from God. But Scripture warns us:

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”
—2 Corinthians 11:14

What should be done?

The most important thing is that he hears and believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
—Romans 10:17

Take time to explain the Good News to him—that Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and through His death and resurrection, He offers complete freedom and new life to anyone who believes in Him.

If he responds in faith:

1. Pray for him in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Lay hands on him and command the evil spirits to leave.
3. Encourage him to repent from sin and be baptized.

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children…’”
—Acts 2:38–39

Once he receives the Holy Spirit, he will experience a radical change. The torment will be replaced by divine peace, his fears by joy, his confusion by clarity, and his restlessness by the gentleness and self-control of Christ.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
—John 8:36

Final Encouragement:

Don’t give up on him. Keep praying. Keep sharing the truth. The power of the cross is greater than any demonic influence, and Jesus came for people exactly like him—those bound, broken, and lost.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
—Luke 4:18

May the Lord give you wisdom, courage, and grace as you minister to him.

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ANSWER:

In 1 Chronicles 21:7, we read:

“This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He punished Israel.”

King David ordered a national census to determine how many fighting men Israel had. On the surface, this may seem like a practical decision for military planning. However, the Bible says this act displeased God greatly. The consequence? A severe plague broke out, and 70,000 Israelites died.

So the big question is: What made this census such a serious sin? And why did so many innocent people suffer for one man’s mistake?

1. Misplaced Trust and Pride

While counting people is not inherently sinful, the motive behind the act is what matters to God. According to Exodus 30:11–12, when a census was taken, each person had to offer a ransom to the Lord “so that there may be no plague among them when you number them.” David failed to do this.

More importantly, David’s decision reflected a shift in trust—from reliance on God to confidence in military strength. He wanted to see the numbers instead of walking by faith.

Joab, David’s military commander, immediately recognized the danger and warned him:

“Why should my lord bring guilt on Israel?”
—1 Chronicles 21:3 

Despite the warning, David insisted.

Later, David repented:

“I have sinned greatly by doing this… I have done a very foolish thing.”
—1 Chronicles 21:8

This shows that the sin was rooted in pride and self-reliance—which are condemned throughout Scripture (see Proverbs 16:18, Jeremiah 17:5).

2. Why Did Others Suffer for David’s Sin?

David himself asked this very question:

“Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned… These are but sheep. What have they done?”
—1 Chronicles 21:17 

It seems unfair—until we understand a deeper biblical truth.

Look at 2 Samuel 24:1 

“Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, ‘Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.’”

This verse shows that God was already angry with the nation of Israel before David acted. The census was not the root cause of the judgment—it was the occasion God used to execute a punishment the people already deserved. Though the Bible doesn’t list their exact sins here, Israel had a long history of rebellion—idolatry, injustice, ritual corruption, and shedding innocent blood (see Isaiah 1:2–4, Micah 6:8–13, Hosea 4:1–6).

In that sense, God allowed David’s failure to serve as a doorway for His righteous judgment. God’s sovereignty over human actions is seen here, where even human mistakes can fulfill divine purposes—without God being the author of evil (see Romans 9:17–22, Genesis 50:20).

3. The Role of Satan and Human Responsibility

Another passage gives even more detail:

“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”
—1 Chronicles 21:1 

So, was it God or Satan who caused David to act?

Theologically, both are true—God permitted it; Satan executed it. Just like in the case of Job (Job 1–2), Satan acts within limits set by God. In David’s case, God allowed the temptation to accomplish a greater purpose—to bring judgment on a rebellious nation.

This mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is echoed in James 1:13

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one.”

Yet, God may permit temptation for purposes of discipline, correction, or judgment.

4. Modern Application: When Leaders Are Instruments of Judgment

This story teaches us that God may sometimes use leaders—even flawed ones—to bring about His discipline on a people.

We see this with King Nebuchadnezzar, a cruel and powerful ruler. Yet God called him:

“My servant Nebuchadnezzar”
—Jeremiah 27:6

God used him to punish nations—including Israel—for their disobedience. Nebuchadnezzar did not know he was being used, but God’s purpose still prevailed.

The same principle may apply today. When leaders become corrupt, harsh, or irrational, we should ask: Is this simply bad leadership, or is God allowing this as a form of correction to turn us back to Him?

God’s Word reminds us:

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
—Proverbs 29:2

This is not to say all suffering is punishment—but sometimes, national or personal hardship is a wake-up call to return to God’s ways.

Conclusion 

David’s census was wrong not because counting was sinful, but because it came from pride, misplaced trust, and disobedience to God’s clear instructions. Yet the resulting plague was more than just a punishment for David—it was a divine judgment on a rebellious nation.

God, in His justice and sovereignty, allowed the census to become the means through which He held Israel accountable for their hidden sins. The story reminds us to walk humbly, depend on God, and intercede for our leaders and nations—lest we find ourselves under judgment as well.

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
—2 Chronicles 7:14

May we walk in wisdom, humility, and repentance before the Lord.

Be blessed.

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Answer:

To understand this well, it’s important to recognize that the Bible speaks about different kinds of oaths, and not all oaths are sinful or forbidden.

For instance, the Apostle Paul calls God as a witness to confirm his words:

“But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:23

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son…”
— Romans 1:9

From this, we see there are two main categories of oaths:

1. Oaths of Commitment and Faithfulness

These oaths are solemn promises made before God, often called vows or covenants. They bind a person spiritually and morally. For example, if someone vows to God to do or not do something until a certain purpose is fulfilled, this is serious. Failing to keep such a vow is considered sin (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5):

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools; pay what you vow.”
— Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

Marriage is another example of a sacred covenant. When two people marry according to God’s design, they are bound by a holy oath to remain faithful until death:

“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
— Mark 10:9

Whether the couple publicly declares their vows or not, the marriage covenant is established before God.

2. Oaths in Legal and Formal Contexts

In courts or official agreements, people are often asked to swear or affirm the truth of their statements or their commitment to uphold contracts. These oaths serve a practical purpose—they confirm honesty and build trust. They are not about proving moral perfection or superiority but about affirming truthfulness and accountability.

What About the Oaths God Forbids?

God forbids rash, arrogant, or prideful oaths—those made carelessly or out of pressure. For example:

• “I swear by God’s justice!”
• “I swear on my grandfather’s grave!”
• “I swear on my own head!”
• “I swear by the throne of God!”

Such oaths are often spoken in anger or pride and are meaningless because humans do not have authority over these things. Jesus warned against this:

“But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God…”
— Matthew 5:34

Instead, Jesus taught that we should speak simply and truthfully:

“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
— Matthew 5:37

Therefore, Christians are encouraged to speak honestly and straightforwardly, letting their “yes” mean yes, and their “no” mean no (James 5:12):

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
— James 5:12

May God bless you as you seek to live with integrity and truth.

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REAL-LIFE STORY:

My grandmother told me about her brother who once married a woman, but he mistreated her. Eventually, he abandoned her, even after they had a child together. As the woman returned to her family in Arusha, hurt and rejected, she said:
“This man will marry twelve wives, and the twelfth will be like a hyena who will finish him off.”
Now, years later, the man has already married six women and continues to remarry.

So the question is: Were her words being fulfilled through God, or are they being fulfilled through Satan? Or something else?

ANSWER:

Human beings have God-given creative power in their words—especially when spoken with faith. But faith operates in three distinct ways, and each has different spiritual roots and implications.

🔹 1. Faith that Comes from God

This is the kind of faith that is built upon trust in God’s Word.
It aligns with God’s will and operates through the Holy Spirit.
For example, someone may rebuke a sickness in the name of Jesus, and healing occurs. Or speak life to a dead body, and it comes back to life (e.g., John 11:43-44 – Lazarus’ resurrection).

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart… he will have whatever he says.’”
— Mark 11:22–23

This is God-centered faith, and it brings about divine results that glorify Him.

🔹 2. Faith that Comes from Satan

Satan also imitates spiritual power.
Some people (e.g., witches, sorcerers, or spirit mediums) speak words or make declarations powered by demonic forces.
In such cases, evil spirits work behind the scenes to fulfill those spoken curses or predictions.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age…”
— Ephesians 6:12

That’s why some words spoken in rituals, spells, or curses do manifest—but not by the power of God.

🔹 3. Faith from the Human Soul (Self-Willed Faith)

This is often overlooked, but it’s real.
It’s the type of faith or determination that comes from the human spirit—not directly from God or Satan.
For example, when you decide to raise your hand, it moves. When people dreamed of flying or reaching the moon, they achieved it through inner willpower—not divine intervention.

This inner faith can even affect circumstances.
Someone may speak something out of strong emotion and inner belief, and if God does not intervene, that word may come to pass.

“…if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
— Matthew 17:20

Many parental blessings or curses fall under this category.
Even unbelieving parents can speak powerful words over their children. Their authority and strong emotion can make those words effective—even without knowing God.

🔹 Back to the Woman’s Declaration:

If the woman in the story wasn’t a Christian and wasn’t using dark powers,
she may have spoken those words from a place of deep emotional pain and inner conviction.
That kind of word, spoken with soul-level belief, can still come true—especially if God does not override it in His mercy.

That’s why the Bible warns us to be very careful with our words:

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
— Romans 12:1

We may not fully understand how deeply our words can affect others.

⚠️ Key Takeaway

• Words have power, especially when backed by faith—whether it is godly, demonic, or human.
• God created us with spiritual authority in our speech (see Proverbs 18:21)
  

  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”

• Only God has the power to cancel or override harmful words spoken in anger or ignorance.
• That’s why forgiveness, blessings, and prayer are so important in breaking curses or reversing wrongful declarations.

✅ Conclusion:

Yes, a person can speak something—good or bad—and it comes to pass, even if it’s not from God.
But whether that word is being fulfilled through divine faith, demonic influence, or human will depends on its source and spiritual backing.

Let us choose our words carefully and follow the example of Jesus, who said:

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you…”
— Matthew 5:44

May the Lord guide your speech and protect you from every careless or harmful word.
God bless you.

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Answer:

The Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s life happens gradually. When God chooses to draw a sinner toward Himself, He sends the Holy Spirit to convict that person of sin (John 16:8). This conviction makes the person aware of their need to repent and turn to God. At this stage, the Holy Spirit is like a guide walking alongside them — encouraging and drawing them closer, but not yet fully dwelling inside (John 14:16-17).

A helpful analogy is that of courtship. Imagine a man courting a woman: he shows kindness, gives gifts, speaks lovingly, and tries to win her heart. But until she accepts his marriage proposal, they are not united. Similarly, the Holy Spirit can reveal things to a person and guide them, but the full indwelling of the Spirit comes only after genuine repentance and baptism.

Why baptism?

Baptism is the public and spiritual act that symbolizes a person’s death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It is the moment the Holy Spirit takes full residence in the believer’s heart, sealing them as God’s own (Ephesians 1:13-14).

The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is essential for receiving the Holy Spirit:

Ephesians 4:30 
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
This “sealing” is a spiritual mark of ownership and protection.

2 Corinthians 1:22 
“He has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
The Holy Spirit is described as a “deposit,” confirming our relationship with God.

Romans 8:9 
“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”

This verse highlights that without the indwelling Spirit, a person is not truly part of Christ’s body.

When a person genuinely repents — turning from sin and accepting Christ’s sacrifice — and then receives baptism according to Scripture, the Holy Spirit comes to live within them fully. This is like a spiritual “marriage,” a permanent union sealed by baptism.

What about those who are baptized but still sin?

Some may argue, “I know people who were baptized properly but still live in sin.” The answer lies in understanding human free will and spiritual maturity. Baptism does not guarantee perfect behavior immediately but marks the beginning of a transformed life (Philippians 1:6). Some may have been baptized superficially or for social reasons, not truly repenting. The effectiveness of baptism depends on a sincere heart.

May God bless you as you seek His truth.

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