The term “God” is derived from the concept of a “Creator” or “Maker.” By that logic, if a person creates a car, that person becomes the “god” of that car—its designer and origin.
Likewise, if a human being creates a car, then there must be a higher Being who created that human. That supreme Being is what we call “God of all gods.” He is the ultimate source, beyond human origin or understanding.
Just as a car cannot comprehend the life, origin, or essence of its creator, neither can we, as human beings, fully comprehend the One who created us. The car cannot know when or where its maker was born, or how they live—no matter how advanced the car might be. In the same way, human beings cannot fully analyze or define God. Trying to do so would only lead us to confusion, distance from the truth, or even spiritual loss—because God’s existence transcends our comprehension.
He is not a man, though He created man in His image. He exists in a higher, spiritual realm called Heaven. While He possesses attributes similar to ours—eyes, ears, a voice—He does not depend on anything to exist. Unlike us:
He has a nose but does not need to breathe.
He has eyes but doesn’t need light to see.
He lives but does not need food or water to survive. Everything that sustains us was created by Him—but He Himself is sustained by nothing. He is the source of all life, intelligence, and existence.
This is why we cannot reduce God to human terms. He is not a product of our logic or science. Just as a robot cannot understand the full nature of its maker, we, too, cannot define or explain God in His fullness.
Yet despite this divine superiority…
God did not create us to function mechanically or blindly. He created us as His children—beings with choice, emotion, purpose, and the capacity to love and be loved. He longs for a relationship with us, one built on love, trust, and obedience.
He gave us principles—His divine laws—to guide us through life and lead us to peace, success, and eternal life. But knowing that human effort alone would not be enough, He made the greatest act of love:
He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to the world—so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Jesus is not just a prophet, teacher, or moral figure—He is the Son of God, given all authority in heaven and on earth. He is the bridge between humanity and divinity. Without Him, there is no access to the Father.
John 14:6 – “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
No religious system, good works, or moral efforts can substitute the redemptive power of Jesus. He paid the price for our sins with His own blood, offering salvation freely to anyone who believes, repents, and follows Him.
It is not enough to just “know about” Jesus. One must:
Believe in Him wholeheartedly.
Repent of all known sins.
Be washed clean through His blood.
Live in holiness and obedience.
Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
Do you desire to see the Father in Heaven one day?
If yes—have you made the decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your life, confessed your sins, and begun a journey of holiness?
If you have, then you carry the living hope of meeting God face to face. But if you reject or ignore this gift, the Bible clearly states that you will not see God.
May the Lord bless you and give you the wisdom to seek Him while He may be found.
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When God gives you promises of glorious blessings in the future, you must also understand that trials often precede those blessings. If the Lord promises to cover you, protect you, and deliver you, it usually means you may first go through deep valleys, painful losses, or seasons where it feels like He is absent.
We all love comfort—especially the comfort that comes from God—but the reality is this: you cannot be comforted unless you first go through discouragement, sorrow, or affliction. This is why true comfort is powerful. As Paul writes:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
The Pattern of Trials Before Blessing When God says, “I will be with you, I will bless you, I will lift you up, and I will deliver you,” those promises are precious—but they also imply a journey through hardship. Before the lifting up comes the humbling. Before the deliverance comes the imprisonment. Before the joy comes the sorrow. Otherwise, salvation would not be salvation—because salvation presupposes something lost.
There is no deliverance without being trapped first, no comfort without sorrow, no exaltation without first being brought low.
Abraham: The Cost of Obedience Abraham was told, “I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2). But before he received that promise, he had to lose his homeland, his relatives, and all that was familiar.
The book of Hebrews says:
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country…” (Hebrews 11:8–9)
To gain a heavenly citizenship, he had to surrender his earthly one. The blessing was real, but the cost was heavy.
Joseph: Glory Through Shame Joseph was shown a vision that his brothers would one day bow before him (Genesis 37:5–9). He might have thought the fulfillment would come easily. Instead, he was betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused of sexual immorality, and imprisoned in Egypt.
Only after being “brought low” did God lift him to Pharaoh’s right hand. His story reminds us: “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Moses: From Palace to Wilderness Before Moses became “as God to Pharaoh” (Exodus 7:1), he had to abandon the riches of Egypt.
“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11:24–25)
For forty years he lived in the desert, being humbled, before God entrusted him with the leadership of Israel.
Following Christ: The Ultimate Cost Jesus Himself warned that discipleship comes at a price:
“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them… everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:27–29)
To follow Christ is to deny yourself (Luke 9:23)—leaving behind sin, ungodly relationships, dishonest business, or any lifestyle that displeases Him. These sacrifices may bring short-term hardship, but the promise of Christ is eternal: a hundredfold reward and eternal life.
Theological Reflection God’s priority is not to make us wealthy but to make us holy. His aim is first to save our souls from eternal death before granting temporal blessings. As Paul reminds us:
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Some blessings may come quickly; others may take years, even decades. But the timing belongs to God, who knows what will shape us best.
Conclusion If you desire the blessing of Christ, be ready to embrace the cost. Surrender sin, endure trials, and trust in His refining process. The Lord who humbled Abraham, Joseph, and Moses is the same God who will lift you up in due time—if you remain faithful.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon.
When a person dies suddenly, the moment they pass is followed by the arrival of angels sent by God to escort them to their eternal destination. If someone has lived a life of righteousness, trusting in Jesus Christ, and walking in obedience to His commands, angels will joyfully carry them to Heaven, often referred to as Paradise (Luke 23:43). Paradise, as described in Scripture, is a temporary resting place for the redeemed, where they await the final resurrection and reunion with their glorified bodies.
Jesus used the story of Lazarus and the rich man to give us insight into what happens after death:
Luke 16:22-23 – “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.”
Abraham’s side, or Abraham’s bosom, is another term used to describe Paradise. It’s a place of peace, comfort, and rest for those who have trusted in God’s salvation. Though not the final Heaven itself, it is a temporary resting place for believers, where they await the ultimate resurrection and glorification of their bodies.
On the day of the resurrection, all the righteous, both those who have died and those who are alive, will be transformed into glorified bodies. They will be united with Jesus Christ and ascend to Heaven, where they will partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb and spend eternity in the presence of God. This is the promise of eternal life—where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, and believers will see God face to face (Revelation 21:4).
For those who reject Christ or live in unrepentant sin, the story is different. The moment of their death marks the beginning of eternal separation from God. As we see in Matthew 13:49-50:
Matthew 13:49-50 – “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, after the rich man died, he was taken to Hell (also known as Hades), a place of torment and separation from God. Hell is not the final destination for the wicked but a temporary holding place until the final judgment, when the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire, the second death (Revelation 20:14).
Luke 16:24-26 – “So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’”
The rich man’s story illustrates the torment and despair of Hell. While the righteous are comforted, the wicked experience an eternity of suffering. There is a great chasm between them that cannot be crossed, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the eternal separation that follows death.
After the wicked have spent time in Hell, they will be resurrected to stand before God’s Great White Throne for the final judgment. Here, they will be judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-15). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, a place of unending torment. This is the ultimate destination for all who reject God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
The Bible is clear: there is no second chance after death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” When we die, we will face God’s judgment immediately. There is no purgatory, no second opportunity to repent after death. Our eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death, and it is based on whether we have trusted in Jesus Christ during our lifetime.
In the moments leading up to death, some people experience peace and comfort. Many report seeing angels or sensing their presence, while others experience distress and fear. These responses can be a reflection of the state of their souls. Those at peace may be comforted by the presence of angels, knowing they are about to meet their Lord. Those in distress, however, may be facing the agony of eternal separation from God.
The Bible offers a clear message: choose Christ now. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Your eternal destiny depends on whether you place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior. The choice is yours, and the decision you make today will determine where you will spend eternity—either in the presence of God or in eternal separation from Him.
John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Before it’s too late, make the decision to surrender your life to Christ and secure your place in Heaven. The Bible teaches that through Jesus, we have forgiveness, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.
Choose Christ today, and secure your eternal destiny in Heaven. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Shalom! May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be forever blessed!
Welcome as we study the Word of God, by the grace of the Lord who has given it to us.
The Bible clearly warns in Galatians 1:7–9:
“…but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be accursed.”
These are words spoken by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself set this warning as a seal for all generations, alerting us to the grave danger of distorting the gospel. It may be hard to believe that such strong words exist in the New Testament, but they are indeed there.
The Danger of Distorting the GospelThere is great danger in intentionally altering the Gospel of Jesus Christ for personal popularity, to gain followers, or to become well-known. Teaching a gospel different from that preached by the apostles is what the Bible refers to when it warns against “adding to the Word of God.”
Revelation 22:18 says:
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”
When the Bible clearly states that fornicators, idolaters, drunkards, and other sinners will not inherit the kingdom of God, but someone says, “Do not judge” or “God does not mind alcohol consumption,” this is a distortion of the true gospel, and therefore, cursed.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10:
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Similarly, the Bible instructs women to dress modestly, not as a matter of hair styling or jewelry, but with good works and a respectful heart.
1 Timothy 2:9–10:
“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
When someone says, “God looks at the heart, not clothes,” without biblical basis, they are preaching a false gospel. The Bible itself judges this distortion, declaring it accursed.
On Baptism and SalvationMark 16:16:
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Ignoring or downplaying baptism is another form of preaching a cursed gospel, contrary to what the apostles taught.
A Call to RepentancePerhaps unknowingly, some have preached these distorted gospels. Today, the Lord calls for repentance. Turn away from the worldly adornments, provocative clothing, or false teachings you may have embraced. Restore yourself to God’s original design and follow the instructions of Scripture.
Revelation 22:10–13:
“Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy; let the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.12 Behold, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay everyone according to what he has done.13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
If you accept these warnings and turn back to God, your soul will be saved. But even if you refuse, the gospel remains unchangeable—truth cannot be forced.
Romans 8:26–28 (ESV) – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
No matter how skilled we are in speaking, how gifted we are in expressing words, or how much we know the Scriptures, before God, none of us truly know how to pray as we should. Even if we feel we are praying perfectly, without the Holy Spirit, our prayers are limited in their effectiveness.
Even pastors, prophets, teachers, or bishops with decades of spiritual experience cannot fully pray as they ought without the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 reminds us: “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” The Holy Spirit is essential; without Him, our prayers fall short.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer The Holy Spirit is our Helper (Paraclete). When we pray, our petitions may be weak or incomplete, but the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf directly to God. Our spoken words may be few or imperfect, yet the Spirit communicates them perfectly in the heart of God. This divine intercession transforms ordinary prayer into a powerful encounter with God.
John 16:7–8 – “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”
Without the Holy Spirit, our words—even if well-prepared and eloquent—may not reach the hearts of those we seek to impact spiritually. But with the Spirit’s power, a simple message can touch hearts deeply, convicting of sin and drawing people to Christ.
The Spirit Empowers Evangelism A preacher filled with the Holy Spirit may appear hesitant or unskilled in speech, yet the Spirit works through them to reach the hearts of those outside Christ. The Spirit amplifies the message, moving people to repentance even when human effort alone would fail. This is the same principle by which the Spirit aids us in prayer: He takes our weak petitions and presents them powerfully before God.
Receiving the Holy Spirit To receive the Holy Spirit, the Bible provides a clear path: repentance, baptism, and faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:37–39 – “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.’”
Repentance involves turning away from a life of sin—such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, hatred, witchcraft, or other sinful behaviors. Genuine repentance and faith in Christ lead to forgiveness, baptism, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who then becomes our Helper and guide.
The Incomparable Comfort of the Holy Spirit There is no true comfort, guidance, or intercession comparable to the Holy Spirit. In prayer, evangelism, or daily living, He is our advocate, counselor, and empowerer. Without Him, even the most well-structured prayers are ineffective.
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Biblical and Theological Reflection Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)
Introduction A genuine sign that a person is filled with the Holy Spirit is not only the display of spiritual gifts, but more importantly, the transformation of their character. According to Scripture, holiness is the visible evidence of the Spirit’s indwelling presence. While gifts such as prophecy, healing, or speaking in tongues are valuable (1 Corinthians 12), they are secondary to the inward fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in a believer’s life.
Paul, writing to the Galatians, identifies this character transformation as the fruit of the Spirit—a singular “fruit” made up of nine distinct yet interconnected qualities. These are not optional traits, nor can they be selectively displayed. Together, they form a unified expression of the Holy Spirit’s work in sanctifying a believer.
Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Theological Insight The term “fruit” (Greek: karpos) in this passage is singular, indicating that these virtues are not separate “fruits” to be picked individually but rather a single cluster that grows together as a result of the Spirit’s presence. This is vital: true Christian maturity involves growing in all of these areas—not excelling in one while ignoring others.
The fruit of the Spirit is essentially the character of Christ being formed in the life of a believer (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). It reflects a life submitted to God’s will and shaped by His grace.
The Nine-Fold Fruit of the Spirit
Conclusion The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a life truly transformed by God. It is not something we can produce on our own, but the natural result of abiding in Christ (John 15:5). The more we walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), the more these traits will be evident in our lives.
May every believer strive not just for spiritual gifts, but for a Spirit-shaped character that reflects Christ to the world.
Be blessed as you grow in the fullness of the Spirit’s fruit.
(Luke 10:18, NIV)
After Jesus commissioned seventy (or seventy-two) of His disciples to go ahead of Him into towns He planned to visit (Luke 10:1), He empowered them to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons in His name. They returned with joy, reporting that even demons submitted to them.
Yet what they saw on the ground was only part of the story. Jesus pulled back the curtain and revealed what had been happening in the spiritual realm:
Luke 10:17–19 (NIV)“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’”
The phrase “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” in verse 18 has deep eschatological and theological significance. The fall of Satan is multifaceted in Scripture:
Original Fall (Pride and Rebellion)Satan, once a high-ranking angel (Lucifer), was cast out of heaven due to pride and the desire to exalt himself above God:
Isaiah 14:13–15 (NIV)“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.'”
Fall During Jesus’ MinistryIn Luke 10, Jesus describes a contemporary fall—a fall that coincided with the disciples’ ministry. As they spread the gospel and exercised authority in Christ’s name, demonic strongholds were being dismantled. This was a real-time defeat of Satan’s influence.
Ultimate Defeat (Future Fall)Satan will one day be completely cast down during the end times:
Revelation 12:9 (NIV)“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
And ultimately, he will be judged and thrown into the lake of fire:
Revelation 20:10 (NIV)“And the devil…was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur… and will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
So when Jesus said He saw Satan fall like lightning, He was declaring a spiritual victory—the direct result of the gospel being preached with authority.
Many believers think prayer alone is enough to push back the darkness—and while prayer is crucial, it must be paired with obedience to Christ’s mission.
In Luke 10, Jesus didn’t say, “I saw Satan fall like lightning” after a prayer session. He said it after the disciples had gone out to preach. Their action triggered spiritual collapse in Satan’s dominion.
Romans 10:14–15 (NIV)“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? … As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
The devil fears the preaching of the gospel more than anything else, because the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NIV).
Ephesians 6:13–15 (NIV)“Therefore put on the full armor of God…with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
The readiness to preach the gospel is listed as part of the armor of God. Sharing the gospel is not optional; it’s an offensive weapon against Satan’s kingdom.
Each time you share Christ, you push back darkness. Every soul saved is a territory reclaimed for the Kingdom of God.
Jesus said:
John 15:2 (NIV)“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit…”
If you have received salvation but refuse to share it—whether through fear, apathy, or selfishness—you are burying the gift of God (see Matthew 25:24–30).
God expects the gospel to multiply through you. If you remain silent while others perish, you hinder the advancement of the Kingdom and allow Satan to keep his grip on people.
You don’t need a pulpit. Wherever you are—
At work
At school
In your neighborhood
At home
Online
On the road
Use the gifts God has given you and the platforms He has opened to bring others to Christ.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season…”
We are living in a time of intense spiritual warfare. But the gospel remains the greatest weapon.
When we preach Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and coming again:
Satan falls.
Souls are saved.
Territories are transformed.
God is glorified.
Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV)“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
May the fire of evangelism be rekindled in you.May you rise up and declare the gospel without fear or shame.May God use you to bring many from darkness into His marvelous light.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
— May the Lord bless you richly.
25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
This passage is one of the clearest and most demanding statements Jesus made about what it means to follow Him. Contrary to modern “easy-believism,” Jesus makes it unmistakably clear: being His disciple requires full surrender.
The Greek word translated “hate” (μισέω – miseō) here is not literal hatred as we know it. In Semitic idiom, “hate” often meant to “love less” (cf. Genesis 29:30–31, Matthew 10:37). Jesus is not promoting emotional bitterness but emphasizing prioritization of allegiance.
Matthew 10:37 (ESV) “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
Jesus demands that our loyalty to Him surpasses even the most cherished earthly relationships. Following Him may bring conflict even within one’s household (see Luke 12:51–53).
Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
The imagery of carrying one’s cross refers to willingly accepting suffering, shame, and sacrifice for Christ’s sake. It’s not mere hardship, but a conscious, daily decision to crucify the flesh (cf. Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1).
Galatians 5:24 (ESV) “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Jesus compares discipleship to building a tower or preparing for war. Both require planning, evaluation, and commitment. A person must assess what they are willing to give up.
In verse 33, Jesus says:
Luke 14:33 (ESV) “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”
This isn’t just about external possessions. The Greek term used here (ἀποτάσσεται – apotassetai) implies a decisive break—a complete surrender of rights, desires, and attachments.
Following Jesus may mean disobeying sinful family traditions, rejecting immoral societal expectations, or refusing to conform to worldly success standards.
1 Corinthians 7:15 (ESV) “But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.”
Choosing Christ may result in division, not peace—just as He warned.
Luke 12:51–53 (ESV) “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division…”
Even our economic status must not determine our devotion:
Job 31:25 (ESV) “If I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much…”
Matthew 6:33 (ESV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Choosing Christ often leads to mockery, marginalization, and suffering—even from those closest to you. Jesus warned us not to be surprised.
John 15:18–19 (ESV) “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you… because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Jesus urges us to count the cost upfront, so we are not caught off guard when trials come. You may be misunderstood for years—5, 10, even 15 years. But that suffering is temporary, and the reward is eternal.
Romans 8:18 (ESV) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Peter once asked Jesus what reward there would be for those who left everything to follow Him. Jesus answered:
Matthew 19:29 (ESV) “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
True discipleship may cost everything now, but results in glory, authority, and eternal fellowship with Christ later.
Revelation 3:21 (ESV) “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Jesus is not looking for fans—He’s calling for disciples. And discipleship comes at a price.
But it’s worth it.
Yes, following Jesus costs everything. But it also gives you everything that truly matters. You may lose comfort, approval, and ease—but you gain Christ. And if you gain Christ, you gain eternal life, true peace, and unshakable joy.
Philippians 3:8 (ESV) “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”
On August 28, 2018, a historic event occurred in Israel—the birth of a red heifer. According to Jewish Temple authorities, such an occurrence had not happened in over 2,000 years, since the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Historically, only nine red heifers were ever sacrificed from the time of Moses until the destruction of the Temple, and these sacrifices were essential for ritual purification (Numbers 19:2-10, ESV).
God gave Moses a very specific command concerning the red heifer. It had to be a female cow, entirely red, without any blemish or defect, and crucially, it must never have been yoked or used for labor (Numbers 19:2, ESV):
“This is the ordinance of the law that the Lord has commanded: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which a yoke has never come.”
The red heifer was to be slaughtered outside the camp, and its ashes mixed with pure water. This mixture was then sprinkled on those who had become ceremonially unclean, particularly through contact with the dead (Numbers 19:11-19). The ritual cleansing allowed the Israelites to re-enter the sanctuary, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God. Disobedience to this command carried the death penalty.
This purification process symbolized the removal of sin and uncleanness, and it was unique because the red heifer itself became unclean in the process—foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice who takes on the sins of others.
In Christian theology, the red heifer is a profound type of Jesus Christ—the ultimate, perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 9:13-14 (ESV) draws this connection explicitly:
“For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Jesus Christ is the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, ESV). Unlike the red heifer, which was a temporary purification for the flesh, Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses our consciences and grants eternal purification. He was without spot or blemish, both physically and spiritually, fulfilling the perfect standard (1 Peter 1:19, ESV).
The red color of the heifer foreshadows the blood of Christ, which established the New Covenant through His sacrificial death (Matthew 26:28, ESV). Revelation 19:11-13 (ESV) describes His triumphant return:
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war… He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.”
The recent birth of a red heifer in Israel has stirred significant interest because the Jewish people are actively preparing for the rebuilding of the Third Temple. According to Jewish tradition, the Temple cannot be rebuilt until a perfect red heifer is found to perform the necessary purification rites.
For Christians, this event is also a powerful sign of the times—reminding us of God’s faithfulness and the nearness of Christ’s return. The Apostle Paul warned that before Jesus returns, a great tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist will occur (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, ESV). Many interpret the appearance of the red heifer as a step toward these prophetic events.
This moment calls for personal reflection. While the Jewish people await their Messiah, Christians recognize that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of these ancient symbols—the perfect sacrifice who cleanses us from sin.
The time is short. Scripture urges us to repent and accept Jesus Christ now (Acts 3:19, ESV):
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out…”
If you have not yet been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, as Acts 2:38 (ESV) commands, now is the time:
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in truth and prepares us for the coming Kingdom (John 14:26, ESV).
Without the Holy Spirit, there is no true understanding or readiness for the coming Kingdom and the rapture.
What are you waiting for?
May the Lord bless.
One of the most transformative works of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life—especially after surrendering fully to follow Jesus Christ—is delivering them from the fear of life, particularly the fear of the future. Many believers, especially in the early stages of their faith, find themselves overwhelmed by uncertainty: “What will happen tomorrow? Will I have enough? How will I survive next month?”
This anxiety is common to human experience. As we mature, a natural concern for survival, provision, and success emerges. But when this concern becomes consuming fear, it enslaves us. The fear of tomorrow robs us of joy today and places us under mental and spiritual bondage.
However, God never intended His children to live in fear. That’s why the Holy Spirit leads believers through a process of inner renewal—teaching us to trust God completely, not just with eternity but also with our daily lives.
The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Fear does not originate from God. While caution and planning are part of wisdom, paralyzing anxiety about the future is contrary to the Spirit-led life. Fear diminishes faith and keeps us from fully depending on God as our Provider (Jehovah Jireh – Genesis 22:14).
In Matthew 16:5–12, the disciples forgot to bring bread. When Jesus warned them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” they assumed He was speaking about literal bread. They began to worry. But Jesus rebuked them:
“O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?” (vv. 8–9)
Jesus reminded them of His miraculous provision. If He had fed thousands with a few loaves before, why wouldn’t He provide again? The point wasn’t the bread—it was their lack of trust. Jesus wanted them focused not on scarcity but on the abundance of God’s faithfulness.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed these same fears head-on:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”— Matthew 6:25
Jesus used simple illustrations: the birds of the air, the lilies of the field. They do not toil, yet God feeds and clothes them.
“Are you not of more value than they?” (v. 26)
He concluded with this powerful directive:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”— Matthew 6:33–34
This is not a call to recklessness but to trust. We are to prioritize God’s kingdom, trusting Him to meet our needs in His timing and in His way.
One reason we fall back into fear is that we forget what God has already done for us. In the Old Testament, God frequently reminded Israel to remember His mighty acts—especially after deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 8:2). Similarly, Jesus reminded the disciples about the loaves and fishes.
Likewise, when we face lack or uncertainty today, we must recall our testimonies: the times God provided, healed, or opened doors in ways we never imagined. That memory is a weapon against fear.
Sometimes, we expect God to hand us a five-year plan the moment we accept Christ. We want full security—how much we’ll earn, where we’ll live, what we’ll have. But often, God doesn’t reveal everything at once. Instead, He leads us one step at a time to build our faith.
He may allow a dry season—not to punish us, but to prepare us, humble us, and deepen our trust in Him. As Paul says:
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 4:19
That promise doesn’t always mean immediate surplus—but it does mean provision in due time.
God isn’t a stepfather or an indifferent ruler. He is Abba, Father (Romans 8:15), a loving and faithful provider. He does not delight in your suffering. He sees, He knows, and He cares.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”— Hebrews 13:5
Even when we feel forgotten, we are never abandoned.
In Lamentations 3:36, the prophet writes:
“To subvert a man in his cause—The Lord does not approve.”
This means God is not indifferent to injustice, need, or human suffering. He is a God of justice, mercy, and restoration.
So if you find yourself in a difficult place—where resources are low, and tomorrow seems uncertain—don’t lose heart. Remember what God has done. Rehearse His faithfulness. Lean into His Word. And when doubt whispers, hear the voice of Jesus asking:
“Do you still not understand?” — Matthew 16:9, paraphrased
Let faith rise again. Walk forward, not in fear, but in the confidence that your Heavenly Father holds your tomorrow.
The Lord bless you and keep you.