Understanding How to Pray
One of the first questions people often ask after giving their lives to Jesus Christ is:
“How do I pray?” or “What should I say so that God hears me?”
The good news is this: prayer is not about using perfect words or following a rigid formula. God is not like people who need long explanations to understand us. He is our loving Heavenly Father, and He knows us deeply.
“For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” — Matthew 6:8
This means that even before we speak, God already understands what we need. We don’t need special training to pray—we just need to come to Him sincerely.
Why Prayer Matters
- Prayer is a relationship, not a ritual.
It’s not about how long or elegant your words are, but about your connection to God as His child.“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:26
- Through prayer, we participate in God’s will on earth.
Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes.“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10
The Model Prayer Jesus Gave (Matthew 6:9–13)
Jesus didn’t leave us guessing. He gave us a pattern for prayer—commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer. Let’s break it down theologically and practically:
1. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”
We begin prayer by recognizing God’s holiness and majesty. He is not only powerful, but personal—a Father who loves us.
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” — John 4:24
2. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”
We submit to God’s will, not our own. We don’t just pray for what we want—we pray for what God wants, because His plans are perfect.
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4
“Not My will, but Yours, be done.” — Luke 22:42
3. “Give us this day our daily bread”
This is where we bring our personal needs to God—food, shelter, clothing, work, and opportunities. He cares for every detail of our lives.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
4. “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”
Prayer involves confession and forgiveness. We must ask God to forgive our sins, but also forgive others. Unforgiveness blocks our prayers.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” — 1 John 1:9
“But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” — Matthew 6:15
5. “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
We ask God to protect us from falling into sin and to shield us from Satan’s attacks. The enemy is real, and spiritual warfare is part of the Christian life.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8
6. “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen”
We end by acknowledging God’s sovereignty—He rules over all. Everything we have, everything we need, and all power belongs to Him.
“To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” — 1 Peter 5:11
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” — Revelation 22:13
Don’t focus on using perfect words or the “right” language. God sees your heart. Just make sure your prayer includes:
- Honor and praise to God
- A desire for His will
- Requests for daily needs
- A heart of forgiveness
- Protection from sin and evil
- Thanksgiving and surrender
That’s what real, powerful prayer looks like. Prayer is not performance—it’s a relationship with the living God.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” — James 5:16
Who is Jesus, according to the bible?
This is a question that not only confuses many today, but has perplexed generations for centuries even during Jesus’ own time here on Earth.
In fact, one day Jesus Himself asked His disciples the same question:
Matthew 16:13-15
- NKJV: When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
- NIV: When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They answered:
Verse 14
- Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
Then Jesus asked a more personal question:
Verse 15
- “But who do you say that I am?”
If Jesus were to ask you that question today, how would you answer?
You’d likely hear a variety of responses:
- “He is a prophet.”
- “A messenger of God.”
- “A good teacher.”
- “The Savior.”
- “God in the flesh.”
These answers reflect people’s perspectives but do they reflect God’s truth?
Knowing Jesus Based on Relationship
Imagine you’re standing with your boss in front of 1,000 people from different walks of life. You ask each one to describe your boss.
You might hear:
- “He’s my uncle.”
- “He’s my neighbor.”
- “He’s my chairman.”
- “He’s my brother-in-law.”
- “He’s my father.”
- “He’s a friend.”
None of them are necessarily wrong they’re simply describing your boss based on their relationship with him. But if you asked them to describe him in his official role, you’d expect them to say “He is the boss.”
Likewise, people can call Jesus many things: prophet, teacher, leader, Son of God. But what does God want us to know and declare about Jesus?
Peter’s Revelation
Matthew 16:16-18
- NKJV: Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
- NIV: Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus responded:
Verse 17
- “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”
Verse 18
- “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
The revelation Peter had.Jesus is the Christ was not from human reasoning but from God Himself. And this truth is the rock upon which Jesus builds His church.
What Does It Mean That Jesus Is “The Christ”?
The word “Christ” (Greek: Christos) means “The Anointed One” or “The Messiah.” It refers to the One specially chosen and anointed by God to redeem mankind.
So when we declare Jesus as “the Christ,” we are acknowledging:
- He is the Savior of the world.
- He is God’s Son, sent to rescue us from sin and death.
- He is the only way to the Father.
John 14:6
- NKJV: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
- NIV: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
So, Who Is Jesus to You?
Now that you’ve seen the truth from Scripture, the question returns to you:
Who is Jesus to you?
He is the Christ the Savior of the world. If you know Him this way, and receive Him personally, He will redeem your life and give you eternal hope.
No matter how many titles or descriptions people may give Him, the most powerful, heaven-backed confession is:
JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
And if you accept Him as such, Satan will hit a rock you will be firmly established, and your ticket to eternal life will be in your hands.
In conclusion
Do not struggle trying to define Jesus based on worldly opinions. Let the Word of God reveal Him to you.
Believe in Him, surrender to Him, and you will live not just for this life, but for eternity.
Be blessed.
Did the Virgin Mary Die?
The Bible does not record the death of Mary anywhere. Likewise, it does not provide details about the deaths of many important biblical figures such as the Apostle Peter, Joseph (Mary’s husband), Apostle Paul, Andrew, Thomas, Nathanael, and many other prophets and apostles. Their deaths simply aren’t mentioned in Scripture.
Why doesn’t Scripture record their deaths? Because such details are not essential for our faith or salvation. Knowing exactly when or how they died does not add to the core message of the Gospel. For example, knowing the precise time of Peter’s death doesn’t help us grow spiritually. What matters is that they lived faithfully, served God, and eventually died—Peter (2 Timothy 4:6-7), Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8), Joseph, and Mary included.
Mary was a human being like any other. Even Elijah, who was taken to heaven without dying, is described in the Bible as “a human being, even as we are” (James 5:17). This shows that while God can take some people to heaven without experiencing death (an exceptional case), this is not the usual order of life. Mary was not one of these exceptions.
Only Jesus Christ is unique—He died, rose again, and ascended into heaven (John 19:30; Luke 24:6-7; Acts 1:9). Salvation is found in Him alone (Acts 4:12). If Mary had a special role in granting salvation, then Christ’s sacrifice would have been unnecessary.
Mary died just like any other human being. This truth does not lessen her importance or role in God’s plan but reminds us that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone.
Will the Lord Jesus Come to Israel When He Returns?
Many believers are uncertain about how Jesus’ return will unfold. Understanding His coming involves recognizing three main stages, each with a distinct purpose in God’s redemptive plan.
1. The First Coming
Jesus’ first coming was His incarnation—being born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-35). During this time, He lived a sinless life, preached the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, died on the cross for our sins, and was resurrected on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Finally, He ascended back to heaven (Acts 1:9). This event fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and secured salvation for all who believe.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14)
2. The Second Coming (The Rapture)
The second coming, often understood as the rapture, is when Jesus will return to gather His Church. This event does not involve Him fully descending to earth but appearing in the clouds to take believers—both those alive and those who have died—up to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
After this, believers will be with Christ in heaven for a period, commonly understood as the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 6–18), where God’s judgment unfolds on earth.
3. The Third Coming (The Visible Return and Millennial Reign)
The third coming refers to Jesus’ visible return to earth with His saints (the raptured believers) to:
- Judge the nations (Matthew 25:31-32),
- Defeat the forces of evil in the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21),
- Establish His millennial kingdom, a thousand-year reign of peace centered in Israel (Revelation 20:1-6).
This is the coming that “every eye will see” (Revelation 1:7), and Jesus will set up His throne in Jerusalem, making Israel the capital of His earthly kingdom.
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him…” (Revelation 1:7)
What Is Hell (Gehenna)?
The word Hell in the New Testament is often translated from the Greek word Gehenna, which itself is derived from the Hebrew term Ge-Hinnom—meaning Valley of the Son of Hinnom. This was a real valley located south of ancient Jerusalem. Historically, it was a site of detestable pagan worship where people, including the Israelites at times, sacrificed their children in fire to false gods like Molech.
This horrific practice was so offensive to God that He declared judgment on the people of Judah and allowed their captivity by Babylon as a consequence (Jeremiah 7:30-34).
Hell in the Old Testament: Gehenna as a Symbol of Judgment
In the Old Testament, the Valley of Hinnom became a symbol of rebellion against God and divine punishment:
Jeremiah 7:30-31 (NIV):
“The people of Judah have done evil in my eyes, declares the Lord. They have set up their detestable idols in the house that bears my Name and have defiled it. They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind.”
This act was not only disobedience but spiritual treason. The valley, originally used for child sacrifice, was eventually desecrated by King Josiah, who turned it into a place no longer fit for religious rituals:
2 Kings 23:10 (NIV):
“He desecrated Topheth, which was in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so no one could use it to sacrifice their son or daughter in the fire to Molek.”
Eventually, the valley became a garbage dump where the city’s waste—including carcasses and even the bodies of criminals—was burned. Fires were kept continually burning, and unquenchable smoke and stench rose from it. This became a vivid image of God’s judgment in Jewish thought.
Hell in the New Testament: Gehenna as Eternal Punishment
In the New Testament, Jesus often referred to Gehenna when warning about final judgment and eternal separation from God. He used the physical characteristics of the Valley of Hinnom—fire, worms, filth, and destruction—as symbols of what awaits those who die in sin.
Mark 9:43-48 (NIV):
“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. […] where ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’”
This passage echoes Isaiah 66:24, which also describes divine judgment with undying worms and unquenchable fire. Jesus’ language is symbolic but not merely poetic—He is underscoring the eternal consequence of rejecting God’s grace.
Gehenna became a metaphor for the final destination of the wicked—a place of separation from God, suffering, and eternal regret.
Key Theological Points About Hell:
- Hell is Real and Eternal – Not merely symbolic. Jesus spoke about it frequently, emphasizing its permanence (Matthew 25:46).
- Hell Is Separation from God’s Presence – 2 Thessalonians 1:9 says, “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord.”
- Hell Was Not Made for Humans Originally – Matthew 25:41 tells us it was “prepared for the devil and his angels,” but those who reject Christ share in that judgment.
- God Does Not Delight in Punishment – God desires all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9), but He honors our freedom of choice.
Why Jesus Warned About Hell
Jesus warned about hell not to scare people into obedience, but to show the gravity of sin and the beauty of salvation. His desire is for people to turn to Him, receive forgiveness, and live in eternal fellowship with God.
Are You In Christ or Outside of Him?
If you’ve never made a decision to follow Christ, the invitation is open. Jesus died to save us from sin and its consequences—including hell.
John 3:16 (NIV):
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Repent, believe in the Gospel, and receive Christ. In Him, you’ll find eternal life, peace, and hope. Hell is real—but so is salvation, and it’s offered freely by grace through faith.
Be Blessed, and Share the Good News.
If this message has touched you, consider sharing it with others. You might be the reason someone escapes destruction and finds eternal life.
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
What is the church?.. What is the Church of God?
This is a question that confuses many people, with the common assumption being that the church is a building. However, that is not the true meaning of the church. The word “church” comes from the Greek word Ekklesia, meaning “the called out.” During the New Testament era, any gathering of Christians (i.e., those who were called) was referred to as a church. And such a gathering could consist of just two or more people, according to the words of Jesus Christ Himself, who said in:
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.”
So, it was understood that wherever believers in Christ gathered—whether in a home, in a temple, in a synagogue, or anywhere else in His name, regardless of the surrounding environment—then that was already a church.
Galatians 1:13
“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.”
Do you see? That sentence doesn’t refer to a church as a building, but rather “Christians.” Paul is the one who persecuted and harmed them. So, what is the church? It is a gathering of people who are called (or in simpler terms, Christians).
Therefore, in short, any non-Christian gathering—that is, one that does not acknowledge Christ as the head of that gathering—no matter how big it is, no matter how many crosses the building may have, no matter how orderly it is, it is not a biblical church. It is like a body without a head—it is dead. Likewise, any gathering without Christ cannot be a church.
Ephesians 1:20-23
“[God] exerted [his mighty strength] when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
AMEN.
Why Can’t We See God?
Many people ask why God doesn’t reveal Himself visibly like we see other people. Why don’t we hear His voice as clearly as human voices? Some find it easier to believe in God’s works than in God Himself, and others become skeptical, doubting God’s existence or even claiming “God is dead.”
Is God’s invisibility because of our unbelief? No. God remains God regardless of human perception (Psalm 115:3 ESV: “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.”). The question is: Why does God choose to remain unseen?
God’s promise to reveal Himself: The Bible assures us that one day we will see God face to face. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Paul taught, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). The book of Revelation describes a future reality:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people… and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:3)
Currently, God’s decision to remain unseen teaches us important spiritual truths.
God’s loving care and our growth: Imagine a parent who watches their child constantly—tracking what they eat, where they go, what they say, and even protecting them from harm. This love is protective but can restrict the child’s freedom.
Similarly, God loves us deeply (1 John 4:8 “God is love.”) and watches over us. Yet, He desires us to walk with Him freely, not out of compulsion or constant supervision.
Freedom in serving God: God’s Spirit brings freedom, not bondage. Paul says:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
If God were to constantly tell us every move to make, it would remove our freedom to choose and grow spiritually. God gives us the Bible, His Word, as a guide—a map for our journey of faith.
The Bible as our map: It shows us the way of life and warns against destruction:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
We are responsible for choosing which path to follow—the path of life or death (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Walking in responsibility and initiative: A wise wife doesn’t wait for her husband to tell her every task; she understands her role and acts accordingly. Likewise, Christians are called to live out their faith actively, using the guidance of Scripture.
Jesus said:
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)
Living by faith, not by sight: Our walk with God is by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”). We do not always receive audible instructions or visions. Instead, we rely on God’s revealed Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We live in the last days (Hebrews 1:2), awaiting Christ’s return. Let us continue to seek God earnestly, serve Him freely, and live by His Word.
May the Lord bless you richly!
