Is Masturbation a Sin?Is masturbation a sin? And is marriage the solution for controlling sexual desire, as suggested in 1 Corinthians 7:9?
Answer:Jesus said:“Matthew 5:28, ESV
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This teaches a critical principle: sin begins in the heart, not just in outward actions. Sexual immorality, including adultery and lustful thoughts, begins internally. Masturbation, pornography, and lustful fantasies are all external expressions of sinful desires already present in the heart. They are symptoms of a deeper spiritual problem: unchecked lust.
Yes, masturbation is sinful because it involves deliberate indulgence in lustful thoughts and desires. The solution is not simply trying to suppress behavior—it is surrendering your life fully to Christ.
Romans 6:12-14 (ESV) reminds us:“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
This passage highlights that overcoming sin requires an active choice to submit to God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. Waiting for a “miracle” without commitment will not remove sinful desires; transformation begins with deliberate surrender and action.
Marriage as a SolutionThe Bible addresses sexual desire and marriage in
1 Corinthians 7:1-2 (ESV):“Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: ‘It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.’ But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.”
Notice the focus: marriage is a solution because of sexual immorality, not simply to avoid desire. Adultery is sexual activity outside of marriage, and while marriage provides a God-given outlet for sexual desire, it does not automatically remove lustful tendencies. Without heart transformation, even married individuals can struggle with sexual temptation.
James 1:14-15 (ESV) explains this process:“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.”
This shows that the root problem is internal desire. Marriage alone does not solve it; transformation in Christ does.
Practical Steps for Overcoming Lust
Surrender fully to Christ: Make a conscious decision to give your life to Him (Romans 12:1).
Commit to abandoning sin: God empowers those who genuinely choose to turn from sin (Philippians 2:12-13).
Remove triggers: Avoid pornography, lustful entertainment, inappropriate jokes, and anything that stirs sexual desire.
Depend on the Holy Spirit: He transforms your desires and strengthens you to resist temptation (Galatians 5:16-17).
It is important to note that wishing to quit without action is insufficient. Transformation requires both intention and effort, as faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Over time, the Holy Spirit renews the mind (Romans 12:2), and what once controlled you no longer has power.
Conclusion:Masturbation and lust are sins because they arise from deliberate indulgence in desires that the Bible defines as sinful. Marriage can provide a proper context for sexual expression, but it does not remove lust from the heart. True victory comes from surrendering to Christ, committing to holiness, and allowing the Spirit to transform desires.
Blessings!
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The Pharisees and Sadducees were two prominent Jewish sects during the Second Temple period (516 BC – 70 AD). Though both adhered to the Torah (the first five books of Moses), they held divergent theological beliefs, especially regarding the resurrection, the afterlife, and spiritual beings.
Beliefs:
Affirmed the resurrection of the dead, judgment, and life after death (Daniel 12:2).
Believed in angels, spirits, and the existence of a spiritual realm.
Accepted not only the Torah but also the Oral Law (later codified in the Talmud) as authoritative.
Anticipated the coming of a Messiah who would establish God’s kingdom.
Scripture Support:
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”Daniel 12:2, ESV
“…the Pharisees acknowledge them all.”Acts 23:8, ESV
Beliefs:Denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits.
Rejected the Oral Law and only adhered strictly to the written Torah.
Did not believe in an afterlife or divine judgment beyond this life.
Jesus’ Rebuke (Matthew 22:23–33):Jesus directly addressed the Sadducees’ denial of resurrection. He reminded them that God is “the God of the living,” referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob indicating they are still alive in God’s presence.
“I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”Matthew 22:32, ESV
Paul’s Use of Their Division (Acts 23:6–10):The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, used the doctrinal divide between the two groups to protect himself from unjust trial:
“…‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.’”Acts 23:6, ESV
This statement caused conflict between the Pharisees and Sadducees, essentially diverting attention away from Paul.
The term “Greek” in the New Testament refers to different groups depending on context. It’s crucial to understand these distinctions to interpret Scripture accurately.
These were ethnically Jewish people who lived in Greek-speaking regions of the Roman Empire. They often adopted Greek customs and language while still practicing Judaism.
Example: John 12:20–21
“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip… and asked him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’”John 12:20–21, ESV
These “Greeks” were likely Hellenistic Jews or proselytes (Gentile converts to Judaism) who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover.
Example: Pentecost (Acts 2:5–11)On Pentecost, Jews from all over the Roman world, including Greek-speaking areas, were present:
“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.”Acts 2:5, ESV
These were non-Jewish people from Greek or Hellenistic backgrounds. In the New Testament, many of them were considered “God-fearers” Gentiles who were attracted to Jewish monotheism but not fully converted.
Example: The Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:26)
“Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.”Mark 7:26, ESV
Though she was a Gentile, Jesus honored her faith, showing that salvation would also be extended to the nations.
Titus and Timothy
Pharisees were strict interpreters of the Law who also believed in resurrection, angels, and the spiritual world.
Sadducees were more aristocratic and skeptical, denying the resurrection and spiritual beings, accepting only the Torah.
Greeks in the New Testament may refer to either Hellenistic Jews or Gentiles from the Greek world.
Be blessed!
Shalom! To answer this question properly, we must begin with a foundational truth: God is omnipresent He exists everywhere and nothing is hidden from Him, not even the realm of darkness.
In Psalm 139:7–12 (ESV), David declares:
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!… Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” (vv. 7–12)
This psalm reveals God’s unlimited reach and knowledge even the darkest, most hidden places are fully exposed to Him. This truth establishes that God can intervene or speak in any context, including situations involving darkness or rebellion.
Scripture reveals three main “realms” or “kingdoms” active in creation:
The Kingdom of God – The highest authority; holy, eternal, and sovereign (Luke 1:33, Matthew 6:10).
The kingdom of darkness – Governed by Satan, active in deception, witchcraft, rebellion, and sin (Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 6:12).
The kingdom of man – The physical realm we inhabit, influenced by the above two (Genesis 1:28, Romans 5:12).
Each of these realms has its own jurisdiction and influence, but only God’s Kingdom is supreme. He alone has full authority over all creation (Psalm 103:19).
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19 (ESV)
Even Satan acknowledged a form of temporal control over the earthly kingdoms when tempting Jesus:
“All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:9 (ESV)
This was not an empty boast. While God is sovereign, He allows limited authority to Satan within boundaries He controls (Job 1:12, Luke 22:31–32).
In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul, having lost favor with God and no longer hearing from Him through prophets, dreams, or the Urim, sought out a medium the so-called “Witch of Endor.” This was a direct violation of God’s Law:
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31 (ESV)
“There shall not be found among you anyone who… practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens… For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV)
Despite this rebellion, something unusual happened Samuel appeared and spoke to Saul.
Now, theologians differ on whether this was truly the spirit of Samuel or a demon impersonating him. But the text itself (1 Samuel 28:12–20) strongly suggests God allowed Samuel to appear, not as a sign of approval, but as an act of judgment:
“Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?” 1 Samuel 28:16 (ESV)
This was not divine endorsement of witchcraft. Rather, it was God using even a forbidden situation to declare judgment on Saul. Saul was already condemned for his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23), and consulting a medium sealed his fate.
Theologically, yes God can speak through or in any circumstance, even in places or through means that are not godly. Why? Because He is sovereign (Romans 8:28, Daniel 4:35). But that does not mean He approves of the method or that the person is right with God.
In Numbers 22, Balaam, a pagan prophet skilled in divination, hears directly from God. God even uses Balaam’s donkey to speak a message! But Balaam’s intentions were corrupt, and he later led Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16). Despite hearing God’s voice, Balaam was ultimately killed in judgment (Joshua 13:22).
Lesson: Hearing from God is not the same as being right with God.
People who turn to witchcraft, fortune-telling, or other occult practices are not genuinely seeking God they’re usually looking for quick fixes to life’s problems. But Scripture warns:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
Saul didn’t go to the medium to seek God he went to get answers that God had withheld. This is a warning: trying to reach God through forbidden means invites judgment, not blessing.
God’s true method of communication and reconciliation with man is through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 (ESV)
Any attempt to approach God through idols, the occult, or alternative spiritual paths is rebellion and leads to destruction even if “answers” seem to come. Those answers are often deceptive or come with spiritual consequences (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12).
Yes, God is able to speak in any situation—even through darkness—because He is omnipresent and sovereign. However, that does not mean He endorses or approves of the methods used.
When He does choose to speak in such contexts, it is often a warning or a final word of judgment, not favor or guidance.
Key truth: God’s answers will never contradict His Word.
To seek God properly, we must come through faith in Jesus Christ, with a humble heart, and in obedience to His Word. Any other way is dangerous and leads away from truth.
Scripture References Used:
Psalm 139:7–12 – God’s Omnipresence (ESV)
1 Samuel 28:6–20 – Saul and the Medium of Endor (ESV)
Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10–12 – Prohibition of Witchcraft (ESV)
Numbers 22–24, 31:16, Joshua 13:22 – The story of Balaam
John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5 – Christ as the only way to God (ESV/NKJV)
Proverbs 14:12 – Deceptive paths (ESV)
2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 – Deceptive spiritual experiences (NIV
Water represents life; everywhere there is no water, there is no life. This truth is universally recognized. Even the planets above lack water, which is one of the reasons they are lifeless. Similarly, the earth we inhabit was created from water.
2 Peter 3:5-6 – “For they deliberately overlook this fact: that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God; and by these waters, the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.”
Genesis 1:1-2 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
Thus, any place without water is a dwelling of death. Spiritually, there are waters of the spirit, and anyone who does not possess them has a dry heart—a barren land, a dwelling of death. The Holy Spirit cannot descend where there is spiritual dryness. He descends where there is water, just as He did during the creation of the first world, resting upon the surface of the waters before creation began. Water and the Spirit go together.
1 John 5:9 – “This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (Here, the reference to the Spirit, water, and life are interconnected.)
This is why baptism by immersion in water is essential for the Spirit to dwell within a person. Just as in creation, the Holy Spirit rests upon waters, not merely on a trickle, but upon the vastness, signifying the fullness necessary for creation.
A person who fully surrenders to Christ, renouncing sin, and is baptized in accordance with Scripture in water in the name of Jesus Christ, fills their heart with living water. Their inner “wells of life” are awakened, and the Holy Spirit descends, creating a new being—born again. The Spirit begins to bring light, order, and spiritual renewal, just as during creation, forming streams, springs, and nurturing growth within the person.
John 7:38-39 – “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this, Jesus referred to the Spirit, whom believers would receive later, as He had not yet been glorified.
We see that the Spirit of a person born again appears as a place full of water—full of life and a dwelling for the Holy Spirit. Without proper baptism, the heart remains dry, and the Holy Spirit cannot dwell there. In such cases, unclean spirits may take residence instead.
Matthew 12:43-45 – “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
Here, the Bible shows that a person without Christ, water baptism, or the Holy Spirit is a “dry land,” a dwelling place for unclean spirits.
Satan is not confined to hell; he is active in the world, with many of his spirits waiting for the final judgment (2 Peter 2:4). These spirits avoid water because it represents life and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, preferring dry, lifeless hearts.
Those who have not given their lives to Christ may host varying numbers of evil spirits. Some are subtle, some obvious, but all are harmful. When a person surrenders fully to Christ and is baptized, these spirits leave. The change may not be immediately visible, but over time, the person becomes spiritually renewed, and rivers of living water flow from them.
Animals and unconverted people cannot receive the Holy Spirit, and the spirits that remain in unconverted hearts only worsen over time. Daily, sin and spiritual dryness accumulate, allowing demonic forces to increase their hold on the person. This is why it is urgent to surrender to Christ and receive water baptism, so that the Holy Spirit can flow within, filling the heart with life and preventing the dwelling of unclean spirits.
Call to Action:If you have not yet given your life to Jesus, seek Him, repent, and receive baptism in His name. Let the Holy Spirit enter you, and let the living waters flow, renewing your spirit, mind, and body. Guard against spiritual dryness and the works of the enemy, and embrace the power of Christ’s blood.
Related Topics:
Living Water
Proper Baptism
Effects of Lacking Living Water After Death
The Prince of Darkness
ANSWER:First, we must understand that it is not God’s will for us to experience suffering or evil. However, there are challenges and hardships that God allows for a purpose. These may be to teach us, show us His glory, or warn us. Ultimately, these hardships can lead to a good outcome, which is why the Apostle Paul wrote in
2 Corinthians 12:9:“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
There are also troubles caused by humans themselves. These are choices we make, and God cannot prevent all of them because He has given us free will. Just like a wise parent may give advice to a child who is about to make a wrong decision, but cannot force them to listen, God allows us to make our own choices. Even though He sees the consequences, He does not force us to obey. If we choose wrongly, He may warn us, but He respects our freedom to choose.
This is the same with God. He sees the harm that could come to us and wishes to prevent it, but the decision to follow or not is ours. God will warn us and show us the potential outcomes of our choices, but the decision to listen or ignore that advice is ultimately up to us.
God has given us the ability to choose. If a person chooses to continue in sin despite God’s warnings, He cannot force them to stop. For example, if someone continues in sinful behavior like adultery, even though God has clearly said that such people will not inherit the kingdom of God, He allows them to make that choice. While God knows the end result of their actions, He does not force them to change.
Even when Satan turned away from God, God warned him but did not force him to repent. Satan’s decision to rebel was his own choice. And similarly, we have the freedom to choose whether to follow God’s guidance or not. God does not force us.
God created us with the ability to make decisions. He gives us the option to accept or reject His advice. He is always there to warn us, guide us, and help us avoid the consequences of evil, but He will not force us to follow Him.
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QUESTION: After Cain killed his brother Abel, he fled to the land of Nod. I would like to understand, where did he find a wife and have children with her? (Genesis 4:16).
ANSWER: If you read Genesis 5:1-5 (NIV), it says:
“1 This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God.2 He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them ‘Mankind’ when they were created.3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.4 After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.5 Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.”
If you carefully examine verse 4, you will see that, in addition to Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters. This means that Cain likely married one of his sisters or possibly a niece, as the Bible does not mention any other people being created by God at this point. The assumption that Cain married a wild animal or a non-human being is not supported by Scripture. Instead, it appears Cain took a wife from his own family.
In the early days of human history, there were no prohibitions against such marriages. The idea that one should not marry close relatives, such as siblings, came much later in the history of humanity. This leads to another important question: Was it lawful for Cain to marry a close relative, such as his sister?
ANSWER: Remember, Adam himself did not take a wife from another family, but from his own side. The Bible records that Eve was taken from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-23). In terms of kinship, Adam and Eve’s relationship was more akin to a deep unity than the relationship between a brother and sister. Early on, God allowed such unions for the purpose of procreation, as humanity was still in its infancy and needed to multiply and fill the earth. The first humans were created to populate the earth, and there were no other people available at the time for marriage.
However, as humanity grew, the need for such unions decreased, and God later issued commandments forbidding incestuous relationships. This is seen in the Levitical laws given to the Israelites much later, after the human population had expanded significantly.
Leviticus 18:6 (NIV) says: “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord.”
Additionally, Leviticus 18:9 (NIV) states: “Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.”
These laws were given to protect human health, moral integrity, and to establish a clear social structure for the growing human population. In the beginning, though, God allowed for such unions to ensure the survival and expansion of mankind.
To clarify, marrying a close relative was not uncommon in the early days of humanity, as there were no other options. But with the passage of time and the growth of the human race, God’s laws evolved to prohibit incest and ensure the well-being of future generations.
In summary: Cain most likely married one of his sisters or a close relative, as Adam and Eve had many other children. This practice was permissible early on, but later, God gave explicit commandments forbidding marriage between close relatives, which are still relevant today.
Blessings to you.
Answer: Shalom! Normally, we know that a chest or a box is used to keep certain things — money, jewelry, clothes, treasures, even bodies. For example, the Bible says when Joseph died, his body was placed in a coffin (Genesis 50:26). Likewise, there were chests for offerings, sometimes called treasury boxes, used specifically for storing offerings (Mark 12:41).
In the same way, there were other chests for different valuables. Now, when we turn to the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament, its very name reveals that it contained something related to a covenant. The Bible tells us that inside the Ark, which Moses was instructed to make, there were three sacred items:
The tablets of the Ten Commandments – written by the very hand of God (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1–5).
The golden jar of manna – heavenly bread that sustained Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32–34).
Aaron’s rod that budded – a symbol of God’s chosen priesthood and miraculous power (Numbers 17:8–10).
“Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover.” (Hebrews 9:3–5, NIV)
Each of these items carried profound meaning for Israel:
Aaron’s Rod reminded Israel of God’s power of deliverance. By a rod, God struck Egypt with plagues until Pharaoh released His people (Exodus 7:10–12). The budding of the rod also confirmed God’s chosen authority (Numbers 17:10). In the New Testament, this foreshadows the Cross, through which Christ struck Satan and set us free from slavery to sin (Colossians 2:14–15).
The Ten Commandments represented God’s holy law, the covenant requirements Israel was to obey. In the New Covenant, God writes His law not on tablets of stone but on our hearts:
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” (Hebrews 10:16, cf. Jeremiah 31:33).
The Manna symbolized God’s spiritual provision. Jesus Himself explained its deeper meaning:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:51).
Just as Israel survived on manna in the wilderness, so believers are sustained by Christ, the Bread of Life.
The Ark in the New CovenantEverything in the Old Testament was a shadow pointing to a greater spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:17). The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence among His people. In the New Covenant, that presence is not confined to a golden box but revealed through Christ Himself and preserved in God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures.
The Rod → The Cross of Christ (victory over sin and Satan).
The Commandments → God’s Word and instructions for holy living.
The Manna → Spiritual nourishment through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
All three are preserved for us in one ark today — the Holy Bible.
Just as the Ark went with Israel wherever they traveled, so the Word of God must remain with every believer. A Christian who lives apart from Scripture shows that they have not truly entered into the covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16).
ConclusionThe Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament foreshadowed the New Covenant realities in Christ. Today, through the Bible, the Cross, God’s commandments, and the Bread of Life, we carry God’s covenant within us. Without the Word, there can be no true covenant fellowship with God.
Be blessed.
Answer: Some Christians wonder whether seeking medical treatment or using herbal remedies shows a lack of faith. But when we look at Scripture, we see that taking care of our physical health is not only acceptable it is also consistent with God’s provision and wisdom.
In Mark 2:17 (NIV), Jesus said: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
In Mark 2:17 (NIV), Jesus said:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus used the role of a physician to explain His mission, implying that it is natural and right for sick people to seek help from doctors. By doing so, He affirmed the value of medical care. Going to the hospital does not mean a Christian lacks faith it simply means they are making use of the resources God has provided.
Many modern medicines are derived from plants that God created. In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to use natural elements in healing. For example:
Ezekiel 47:12 (NIV): Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
Ezekiel 47:12 (NIV):
Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
Revelation 22:2 (NIV): And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
Revelation 22:2 (NIV):
And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
This shows that God has placed healing properties in creation. Using herbal remedies like neem (mwarobaini) or aloe vera is not unspiritual; it is using God-given wisdom as long as it is done with the right motives and without involving ungodly rituals.
What God strictly forbids is associating healing with unbiblical spiritual practices. When someone is told to sacrifice an animal, chant incantations, or place herbs under the bed as a ritual, they are entering the realm of idolatry. These practices violate the first commandment:
Exodus 20:3 (NIV): “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Exodus 20:3 (NIV):
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV): Let no one be found among you who…practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft…Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV):
Let no one be found among you who…practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft…Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
A Christian must not rely on or mix their faith with superstitions or occult practices. However, preparing and using herbs at home while praying in the name of Jesus is entirely acceptable.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV): And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17 (NIV):
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
There are believers who trust God for healing without any physical means choosing not to go to a doctor or use medicine. Their faith rests entirely in God’s supernatural power.
Matthew 8:17 (NIV): He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
Matthew 8:17 (NIV):
He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
Psalm 103:2–3 (NIV): Praise the Lord, my soul…who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
Psalm 103:2–3 (NIV):
Praise the Lord, my soul…who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
This too is acceptable, because God can heal both through natural means and by His divine power. The key is that each believer should act in faith, according to their conviction, not out of fear or superstition.
Romans 14:23 (NIV): “everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
Romans 14:23 (NIV):
“everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
Conclusion:
Whether through hospitals, herbal remedies, or supernatural healing, God is the ultimate source of all healing. What matters is that we trust Him, act in faith, and avoid anything that dishonors Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV): “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV):
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Question:
For example, we know that some alcoholic drinks are made from sorghum. So, is it right for a true Christian to grow sorghum, sell it, and even use that money to give offerings?
Answer:
There is nothing inherently evil about any crop that God created. A crop only becomes associated with wrongdoing when it is used for the wrong purpose.
For instance, sorghum is naturally a food crop some people use it to make porridge but others take advantage of it to brew alcohol. Therefore, anyone who intentionally grows it for that purpose or supports its misuse is guilty before God.
However, the crop itself, when grown for its intended and natural use, is not sinful in any way. There are many similar examples:
But the Bible gives a strong warning against those who corrupt what God made for good.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Do you see that?
The Bible clearly warns those who twist what God created for pure and good purposes. To grow sorghum for brewing alcohol is to bring bitterness into society instead of sweetness.
Likewise, producing millet or bananas with the intent to sell them to breweries is the same as spreading bitterness instead of goodness.
The same principle applies to all forms of distortion when people take what God designed for natural, righteous use and pervert it.
For instance, when men turn to men and women to women, that too is like exchanging light for darkness.
And the Lord has already said:
“Woe to those who do such things.”
Luke 14:26 (NKJV): “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”
Luke 14:26 (NKJV):
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”
Understanding the Meaning: Jesus’ use of the word “hate” in this passage is not a call to animosity or hostility, which would contradict His command to love others — including one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). Instead, He uses hyperbolic language (a common Jewish teaching method) to emphasize the cost of discipleship and the priority of loyalty to Him over all other relationships.
This idea is supported
in Matthew 10:37 (NKJV): “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
Here, Jesus clarifies His meaning: our love for Him must surpass our love for family — not eliminate it. This means that if there’s ever a conflict between God’s will and our family’s expectations, our obedience to Christ must come first.
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NKJV): “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer… For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”
Even if family or cultural traditions demand participation in sinful practices like divination, ancestral rituals, or drunkenness, a true disciple must stand firm in God’s truth. Seeking to please family at the cost of disobeying God is idolatry — putting others before Him.
Galatians 1:10 (NKJV): “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
Some resist biblical baptism — by full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ — due to pressure from family or religious traditions. Yet Scripture clearly teaches:
Acts 2:38 (NKJV): “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.'” John 3:5 (NKJV): “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Acts 2:38 (NKJV): “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.'”
John 3:5 (NKJV): “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Obeying Christ must take precedence over denominational loyalty or family expectations. Jesus warned about those who reject the will of God because of fear of others:
John 12:42–43 (NKJV): “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
Following Christ requires sacrifice. Jesus never promised that discipleship would be easy or socially accepted. In fact, He made it clear:
Luke 14:27 (NKJV): “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”
This means dying to self, enduring rejection, and being willing to lose everything — even relationships — for the sake of the Gospel.
Philippians 3:8 (NKJV): “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
Discipleship demands full surrender. We must not let the fear of family, culture, or human opinion prevent us from obeying the commands of Jesus. He alone is Lord, and His Word is final.
Colossians 3:23–24 (NKJV): “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
May the Lord grant us grace and courage to obey Him fully — even when it costs us dearly.
Amen.