Title October 2019

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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.

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BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHO DIE IN THE LORD

Revelation 14:13 (ESV):
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!'”

The Bible doesn’t simply say, “Blessed are the dead.” It specifies: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
This distinction is crucial. Not every death is a blessing. To die in the Lord means to die in a living relationship with Jesus Christ—having received His salvation, being found in His grace, and remaining faithful to Him until the end.

To die outside of Christ is to face the opposite reality. The blessing turns into a curse, the rest becomes torment, and the hope of eternal life becomes the fear of eternal judgment. As Jesus said in

John 5:29:
“…those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.”

This passage in Revelation reminds us that there is something beyond death—something more than a peaceful sleep. It is judgment and eternal destiny.
For the believer, death is not the end—it is the beginning of eternal rest in the presence of God. That’s why the Spirit declares them blessed.
If death were the final stop, Scripture would have said, “Blessed are the living,” not “Blessed are the dead.”

So let me ask you plainly:
Is your life in order before God?
Are you certain that, should you die today, you would be counted among the blessed—those who die in the Lord?

How do we prepare for that moment? Through our faith in Christ, which is expressed through a life of righteousness and obedience.
Because, as Revelation 14:13 clearly says: “…their deeds follow them.”

Houses, cars, and wealth will all be left behind when we die.
But your actions—your obedience, your love, your faithfulness, your witness—they follow you.
They don’t save you (only Christ does), but they testify to the genuineness of your faith.


as James 2:17 reminds us:

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

This is not something to take lightly.
There will be no second chance after death.

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV):
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,”

Now is the time to repent. Now is the time to surrender your life fully to Jesus. He is our only refuge and our eternal hope.

Acts 4:12:
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Maranatha – The Lord is coming!

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Where Do Blessings Come From?

The ultimate source of all blessings is God. He is the fountain of every good and perfect gift, as the apostle James affirms:

James 1:17 (ESV)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

God, in His sovereignty, may bless an individual directly, or He may choose to bless someone through another person. Throughout Scripture, we see both of these patterns revealed.

1. God Blesses Directly

One of the clearest examples is Abraham. God personally spoke to him and entered into a covenant of blessing, not only for him but for generations after him:

Genesis 22:15–18 (NKJV)

Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven,

and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—

blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.

This blessing was both personal and prophetic—it pointed forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised “seed” through whom all nations would be blessed (see Galatians 3:16).

2. God Blesses Through People

God can also use human agents to pass on His blessings. One of the most powerful illustrations is the patriarch Jacob, who, near the end of his life, blessed each of his twelve sons. These blessings were not mere well-wishes; they were prophetic declarations with long-term spiritual and historical consequences:

 Genesis 49:28 (ESV)

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him.

Similarly, parental blessings carry weight in the spiritual realm. Proverbs highlights the importance of honoring one’s parents:

Proverbs 20:20 (ESV)

If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

 

Ephesians 6:2–3 (NKJV)

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.

3. How to Position Yourself for God’s Blessing

To walk in God’s blessing, one must align their life with His will. Obedience to His Word is foundational. In the Old Testament, God set before Israel a clear choice between blessing and curse:

Deuteronomy 28:1–2 (ESV)

And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the ultimate way to enter into the blessing of God. The Bible says that in Christ, we are already blessed with every spiritual blessing:

 Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

4. Blessing vs. Curse

It is important to recognize that the opposite of blessing is curse—and disobedience leads to it. When people reject God’s ways and harden their hearts, they remove themselves from His favor:

 Jeremiah 17:5 (ESV)

Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.

But the good news is that Christ became a curse for us, so that we might inherit God’s blessing:

 Galatians 3:13–14 (ESV)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Conclusion

All true blessings come from God, either directly or through others whom He uses as vessels of His grace. As believers, we must walk in obedience, faith, humility, and honor—toward God and toward others. This is how we position ourselves to receive and enjoy God’s rich and lasting blessings.

 Proverbs 10:22 (ESV)l

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Where Is Heaven?

Answer:In the Bible, the term “heaven” is used in multiple ways to describe different realms of reality. To understand its full meaning, we must consider the three distinct “heavens” revealed in Scripture. Each one carries spiritual and theological significance, and together they offer a complete picture of God’s plan for His creation.

1. The First Heaven – The Physical Sky (Natural Realm)

This is the visible heaven—the sky that surrounds the earth. It includes the clouds, the atmosphere, the sun, moon, stars, and planets. It is the realm of weather, birds, and all things visible above the earth. The Bible often uses the word “heaven” to refer to this physical expanse.

Isaiah 55:10 (ESV)

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout…

This is also the realm referred to in the days of Noah when the “windows of heaven” were opened (Genesis 7:11), and in the Psalms when the heavens declare the glory of God:

Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2. The Second Heaven – The Invisible Spiritual Realm (God’s Dwelling Place)

This is the supernatural realm where God dwells in glory, surrounded by angels and heavenly beings. It is not visible to the natural eye and is unreachable by human means. This is the heaven that Jesus referred to when He spoke of His Father in heaven (Matthew 6:9).

The Apostle Paul referred to this realm as the “third heaven”, also known as Paradise, where he was caught up in a vision:

2 Corinthians 12:2–4 (ESV)

I know a man in Christ… was caught up to the third heaven… caught up into paradise… he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.

This heavenly realm includes:

  • The Paradise where righteous souls dwell after death (Luke 23:43),
  • The New Jerusalem, the eternal city of God (Revelation 21:1–4),
  • The throne of God, where Christ is seated in glory (Hebrews 12:22–24).

It is the true and eternal home for all who are in Christ. Nothing unclean will ever enter it.

Revelation 21:27 (ESV)

But nothing unclean will ever enter it… but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Access to this heaven is possible only through faith in Jesus Christ—He is the way, the truth, and the life.

John 14:6 (ESV)

Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

God’s dwelling is described as infinitely majestic, far beyond any physical structure or place on earth.

1 Kings 8:27 (ESV)

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you…

 

1 Timothy 6:16 (ESV)

[God] alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see.

3. The Symbolic Use of Heaven – Exaltation, Authority, and Spiritual Position

At times, the word “heaven” is used metaphorically to represent great height, authority, or spiritual status.

a) Believers Spiritually Seated with Christ

All who are born again in Christ are already, spiritually speaking, seated with Him in heavenly places, even while still living on earth. This speaks of our new identity and authority in Christ.

Ephesians 2:5–6 (ESV)

Even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ… and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

b) Earthly Power Symbolized as Reaching Heaven

Kings and nations that become powerful or prideful are sometimes described as reaching heaven. For example, in Daniel’s vision, Nebuchadnezzar’s greatness was likened to a tree reaching the sky.

Daniel 4:22 (ESV)

It is you, O king… your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven…

Likewise, Jesus warned that exalting oneself leads to downfall:

Matthew 11:23 (ESV)

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades…

Lucifer (Satan) also desired to ascend into heaven to take God’s throne, but was cast down in judgment:

Isaiah 14:13–15 (ESV)

You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven… I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol…

Heaven: Our Eternal Hope and Home

The Bible promises that heaven is not just a concept—it is a real place prepared for a prepared people. Jesus promised His disciples:

John 14:2–3 (ESV)

In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Heaven is the believer’s true citizenship (Philippians 3:20). It is where we will be fully united with God, free from sin, suffering, and death.

Revelation 21:4 (ESV)

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…

And the blessings of heaven are beyond human comprehension:

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.

Conclusion:

Heaven is not one simple concept, but a multi-layered reality described throughout Scripture:

1. The First Heaven – the sky, stars, and visible universe.

2. The Second/Third Heaven – the spiritual realm of God’s glory and dwelling.

3. Heaven as a Symbol – used to describe greatness, power, or spiritual elevation.

Ultimately, heaven is our eternal destination—but not by human achievement. We get there only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who alone has made the way by His death and resurrection.

Acts 4:12 (ESV)

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Let us set our hearts on things above (Colossians 3:1–2), and strive by grace to live lives that are worthy of our heavenly calling.

May the Lord bless you and give you a longing for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Amen.

 

 

 

 

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Did the Virgin Mary Have Other Children?

A common question among Christians and Bible readers is whether Mary, the mother of Jesus, remained a virgin for her entire life, or if she had other children after giving birth to Christ. While some church traditions, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox theology, uphold the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity, Scripture provides compelling evidence that Mary had other children—both sons and daughters—after Jesus was born.

Biblical Evidence from Matthew 13:53–57 (NKJV)

Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there.

When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?’

‘Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?’

‘And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?’

So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.

 Matthew 13:53–57, NKJV

This passage reveals several important truths:

Jesus had named brothers: James, Joses (Joseph), Simon, and Judas.

He also had sisters, though they are unnamed.

The phrase “His sisters, are they not all with us?” (v.56) suggests that these were known members of the local community—not distant relatives.

The Greek word used here for “brothers” is adelphoi (ἀδελφοί), which most naturally refers to biological siblings—children born of the same mother. Similarly, the Greek term for “sisters” (adelphai) is used in the same plain sense.

Other Supporting Passages

Another key text is found in Mark 6:3 (NKJV):

Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?

 Mark 6:3

Again, the same list of names appears, affirming that Jesus was part of a larger earthly family.

Additionally, in John 7:5, we read:

For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

This shows that Jesus had brothers who initially did not accept His divine mission, a detail that makes the idea of them being merely spiritual “brothers” or cousins less likely.

Clarifying the Word “Brother”

Some traditions argue that “brothers” may refer to cousins or close relatives, especially due to the broader use of familial terms in Semitic cultures. However:

The New Testament was written in Greek, which has specific words for cousin (anepsios), as used in Colossians 4:10 when referring to Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.

The Gospel writers deliberately chose the word adelphoi for Jesus’ brothers, reinforcing the idea that these were Mary’s other biological children.

Did Joseph and Mary Have Marital Relations After Jesus?

Yes. Scripture also suggests that Joseph and Mary had a normal marital relationship after Jesus’ birth.

In Matthew 1:24–25 (NKJV), it says:

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

The phrase “did not know her till…” strongly implies that after the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary had normal conjugal relations. The use of the word “firstborn” also implies that there were later children.

Conclusion

While certain traditions maintain that Mary remained a perpetual virgin, a plain and faithful reading of Scripture—especially in passages like Matthew 13:55–56, Mark 6:3, and John 7:5—suggests that Mary had other children after Jesus. She gave birth to both sons and daughters, making Jesus the firstborn, but not the only child.

Thus, based on the clear language of the Bible and its consistent use of familial terms, we can conclude that Mary was the virgin mother of Jesus, but she did not remain a virgin for the rest of her life.

✦ “Your word is truth.” — John 17:17, NKJV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

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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)

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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:

  1. Hell is Real and Eternal – Not merely symbolic. Jesus spoke about it frequently, emphasizing its permanence (Matthew 25:46).
  2. 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.”
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

 

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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.

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DO YOU HAVE A PLACE IN HEAVEN?

Have you ever asked yourself why Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, NKJV)? Why did He use the imagery of a banquet or wedding feast to describe heaven (Matthew 22:2)? It’s not a coincidence. The preparations involved in entering the Kingdom of Heaven mirror those of a great celebration. Understanding the nature of a banquet gives us valuable insight into how God receives His people into eternity.

1. Understanding the Banquet of Heaven

Every banquet requires intentional planning. The venue, the guest list, the decorations, the food and drink, and the schedule are all carefully arranged. But above all, there must be invited guests. A celebration without people isn’t a celebration at all.

In the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1–14), Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent invitations—but not everyone responded. Some made excuses, others rejected the invitation, and a few even mistreated the messengers. Eventually, the king extended the invitation to anyone willing to come, but even then, someone showed up without the proper wedding garment—and was cast out.

Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And he was speechless… ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness.

Matthew 22:12–13 (NKJV)

This shows us that heaven is not for the casual or unprepared—it’s a sacred invitation, and entry requires not only being invited, but also being dressed appropriately, symbolizing righteousness through Christ (Revelation 19:7–8).

2. The Cost of the Invitation

Why isn’t everyone automatically allowed into the banquet? The answer is sacrifice. A feast is expensive. Those who contribute—financially or otherwise—are usually the ones who receive invitations. Similarly, in the Kingdom of Heaven, your life on earth is your contribution. Jesus paid the ultimate price through His death and resurrection (1 Peter 1:18–19), but each believer is called to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19–20 (NKJV)

Many people expect to enter heaven but have never invested in God’s Kingdom. They’ve never laid down their lives, shared the Gospel, or lived for His glory. The reality is that heaven is not accidental—it is intentional. Jesus said.

 The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

Matthew 11:12 (NKJV)

This doesn’t mean physical violence, but spiritual intensity—earnest faith, fervent prayer, self-sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of righteousness.

3. What Does It Mean to Contribute?

In Luke 10:25–28, a lawyer asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus pointed him back to the Law:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

Luke 10:27 (NKJV)

Jesus affirmed this answer: “Do this and you will live.” These are the five pillars of eternal readiness. Let’s explore them:

A. Love God with All Your Strength

This refers to physical action. Use your energy, time, and talents for God’s purposes. Instead of spending your youth on fleeting pleasures, invest it in worship, service, evangelism, and prayer.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)

 

Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

Your strength is not just for career building or personal gain—it’s for building the eternal Kingdom.

B. Love God with All Your Heart

This is about sincerity and affection. God desires wholehearted devotion—not a divided or reluctant heart. Love Him with purity and without hidden motives.

These people draw near to Me with their mouth… But their heart is far from Me.

Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)

True love for God leads to obedience (John 14:15) and a life free from hypocrisy.

C. Love God with All Your Mind

Loving God with your mind means using wisdom and discernment. Make decisions that glorify Him. Think biblically. Prioritize eternal things over temporary pleasures.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

For example, choosing a new smartphone over having a Bible shows misplaced priorities. Failing to seek God because a preacher didn’t come to your doorstep ignores the wealth of biblical knowledge available online, in print, and in communities of faith.

D. Love God with All Your Soul

This reflects deep spiritual devotion and worship. The soul represents your innermost being—your will, emotions, and eternal identity. To love God with your soul is to live in a state of worship, longing for His presence, even to the point of being ready to suffer or die for His sake.

My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord.

Psalm 84:2 (NKJV)

 

To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)

E. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

This is the fruit of loving God. You can’t claim to love God and hate your brother (1 John 4:20). Loving others means extending the same care, forgiveness, and dignity you desire for yourself.

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)

 

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

4. These Are Your Kingdom Credentials

These five commands are not optional—they are the true credentials for heaven. Your title—pastor, prophet, singer, or usher—will not matter. If these five principles are not evident in your life, you will not be admitted.

The wedding feast is still being prepared. Every generation sees people fighting their way in. There is no room in heaven for the idle or indifferent.

Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

Luke 16:16 (NKJV)

5. Are You Holding an Invitation?

Do you have your invitation in hand? Are you living in the light or still walking in darkness? Are you actively pursuing God’s Kingdom, or simply waiting for the Rapture with no oil in your lamp (see Matthew 25:1–13)?

Remember:

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)

Hell, too, is a destination—and just like heaven, people are preparing their place there right now through their choices.

6. The Door Is Still Open

If you haven’t given your life to Christ, the door of grace is still open—but not for much longer. The banquet is about to begin. Now is the time to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38), and begin walking in love, righteousness, and obedience.

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)

May the Lord bless you as you prepare for eternity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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