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What is the meaning of “ELOHIM”?

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What Does the Story About Pilate Mixing the Blood of the Galileans with Their Sacrifices (Luke 13) Mean?

) ilihusu nini? Tukisoma Luka 13:1 “Na wakati uo huo walikuwapo watu waliompasha habari ya Wagalilaya wale ambao Pilato alichanganya DAMU YAO NA DHABIHU ZAO. 2 Akawajibu akawaambia, Je! Mwadhani ya kwamba Wagalilaya hao walikuwa wenye dhambi kuliko Wagalilaya wote, hata wakapatwa na mambo hayo? 3 Nawaambia, Sivyo; lakini msipotubu, ninyi nyote mtaangamia vivyo hivyo. 4 Au wale kumi na wanane, walioangukiwa na mnara huko Siloamu, ukawaua, mwadhani ya kwamba wao walikuwa wakosaji kuliko watu wote waliokaa Yerusalemu? 5 Nawaambia, Sivyo; lakini msipotubu, ninyi nyote mtaangamia vivyo hivyo.” JIBU: Kama ukiitazama kwa ukaribu habari hiyo picha utakayokujia 

 

Luke 13:1-5 (NIV)
1 At that time, some people came to Jesus and told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
2 Jesus asked, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the others from Galilee just because this happened to them?
3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else living in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Theological Reflection

This passage touches deeply on the relationship between suffering, sin, and God’s justice—a theme that has puzzled many believers throughout history.

1. The Assumption About Suffering and Sin
The people who came to Jesus assumed that those who suffered tragic deaths, like the Galileans killed by Pilate or those crushed by the falling tower, must have been guilty of greater sin. This idea echoes a common Jewish belief at the time: suffering and calamity were often seen as direct consequences of personal sin (cf. John 9:1-3, where Jesus refutes that a man’s blindness was due to sin).

2. Jesus’ Correction: The Call to Repentance
Jesus rejects this simplistic view, emphasizing that suffering is not always a punishment for sin. Instead, He warns that all people need repentance (metanoia)—a heartfelt turning away from sin and turning to God. The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind and heart, not just regret. Without this, spiritual death and judgment are certain (cf. Romans 6:23).

3. The Sovereignty of God and Human Free Will
While God is sovereign over life and death (cf. Job 1:21), He permits suffering and tragedies in a fallen world affected by sin (Genesis 3). This passage reminds us that tragic events can happen for reasons beyond human understanding, including the consequences of living in a broken world under sin’s curse. Yet, God’s ultimate desire is for people to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

4. Pilate’s Brutality as a Human and Political Evil
Pilate’s act of mixing human blood with sacrificial blood was a desecration of what was sacred to the Jews, showing the cruelty of human sin and the political oppression of Roman rule. It symbolizes rebellion against God’s holiness and foreshadows the greater injustice of Christ’s crucifixion (cf. John 19:1-16).

5. The Urgency of Repentance
Jesus’ repeated warning, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish,” highlights the urgent need for self-examination and turning to God before it’s too late. This aligns with other biblical teachings (e.g., Acts 17:30-31) about the necessity of repentance for salvation.

Application Today

Just as in Jesus’ day, people today often try to explain tragedies by blaming victims’ sins or divine punishment. But Scripture teaches otherwise: we live in a fallen world where suffering can come suddenly and unexpectedly to anyone.

This passage challenges us to focus less on judging others and more on our own spiritual condition. The call is universal: repent, turn to God, and trust in His mercy through Jesus Christ (cf. 1 John 1:9).

In summary:
The story about Pilate mixing the Galileans’ blood with their sacrifices is a stark reminder that suffering is not always a direct punishment for sin. Instead, it calls everyone to repentance and a right relationship with God, for none are exempt from the reality of sin and death without Christ.

May God bless you richly

 

 

 

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Is it okay to baptize young children?

ANSWER: No, it is not biblically permissible to baptize young children. Baptism in Christian theology is a sacrament that follows genuine repentance and faith. In the Bible, repentance involves a personal decision to turn away from sin and dedicate one’s life to God. This is clearly outlined in

Acts 2:38, where Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Notice the order: repentance first, followed by baptism.

In

Mark 1:15, Jesus also preached, “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”

Again, repentance and faith precede baptism. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in

Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Thus, baptism is a conscious act that follows personal faith and repentance, and this cannot be applied to infants or young children who are not yet capable of making such decisions.

Why aren’t infants baptized? The primary reason is that infants do not have the ability to make a conscious decision to repent of their sins or to place faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that individuals must recognize their need for salvation and choose to follow Christ for baptism to be meaningful. In

Romans 10:9, it is stated, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Infants are not able to declare their faith or make this confession.

The Bible also speaks about the necessity of personal responsibility in salvation, as seen in

Acts 17:30, which says, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

Children, being unaware of their sin or the gospel, cannot meet this requirement.

Instead of baptizing infants, we see in

Mark 10:16 that Jesus blessed children, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

This shows that while children are precious in God’s sight, they are not yet at an age to make personal decisions about repentance and faith.

Baptism and Personal Decision: To baptize an infant is similar to baptizing someone who has not personally repented and confessed faith in Christ. True baptism, as shown in

Acts 8:36-37, is linked to an individual’s personal confession of faith. When Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch says, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And Philip replies, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

Baptism without personal faith and repentance is not consistent with the biblical model.

In summary, baptism is a deeply personal step that follows an individual’s decision to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Infants, who are not yet capable of making this decision, cannot be biblically baptized. Instead, they can be prayed for and blessed, just as Jesus did with the children in Mark 10:16.

Shalom. 

 

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Why Would God Throw People into the Lake of Fire If He’s the One Who Created Them?

🟨 A Biblical Perspective

This is a deep question that many people struggle with: If God is the Creator of all human beings, why would He destroy some of them in the lake of fire?

To answer this, we need to understand several key biblical truths:

1. The Lake of Fire Was Not Made for Humans

The Bible clearly states that the lake of fire was originally prepared for the devil and his angels, not for mankind.

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”
— Matthew 25:41 

Before humans were ever created, Satan and some angels rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12–15; Revelation 12:7–9). Even after warnings, Satan refused to repent. Because of this rebellion, God prepared a place of final judgment—the lake of fire.

2. Humans Share Satan’s Fate When They Choose Rebellion

God created humans in His image and gave them free will (Genesis 1:26–27). When people consciously reject God’s truth and persist in evil, they align themselves with Satan’s rebellion—and so they share his judgment.

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”
— Matthew 12:30 

God does not desire anyone to perish. His desire is that all come to repentance.

“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 

3. God Does Not Cast People into Fire Out of Hatred or Revenge

Many wrongly imagine God as angrily throwing people into fire because they made Him angry. But Scripture shows that God is love (1 John 4:8), full of mercy, and slow to anger (Psalm 103:8). His judgment is not out of bitterness, but because He is holy and cannot dwell with sin.

Think of it like this: Imagine a clean person who cannot tolerate filth in their home. If garbage piles up near them and gives off a horrible stench, the only option is to remove and destroy it—not because they hate it, but because it doesn’t belong in a clean environment. Likewise, God must separate sin from His eternal presence.

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”
— 1 Peter 1:15–16 

God cannot allow sin, rebellion, and corruption to live eternally with Him. Therefore, final judgment is a necessary act of purification—not an act of revenge.

4. Judgment Will Be Just—Not All Will Suffer Equally

Not everyone will be judged the same. God’s justice is measured and perfectly fair. The more knowledge and opportunity a person had, the more responsible they are.

“That servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.
For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
— Luke 12:47–48 

This shows us that punishment will vary. For example:

  • Satan, the chief rebel, will receive the greatest punishment.
  • A person who killed 100 people will not face the same penalty as one who stole a small amount.
  • Those who had the truth but rejected it will be judged more severely than those who never heard it clearly.

5. The Final Destruction Is Called the Second Death

In the end, both Satan and all those who follow him in rebellion will be cast into the lake of fire. This is not eternal life in torment—it is eternal separation from God, called the second death.

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
— Revelation 20:14 

“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
— Revelation 2:11 

This means the souls who are cast into the lake of fire will ultimately perish—they do not continue to live forever in pain, because eternal life is only given to the righteous in Christ (Romans 6:23).

🔚 So, Why Does God Allow This?

Because He is holy and just. He cannot coexist with sin. If God allowed sin into His eternal kingdom, it would no longer be a place of peace, righteousness, or holiness. Judgment is necessary to remove evil and protect the purity of His presence.

✅ What Should We Do Now?

Since judgment is real and coming, we must respond to God’s grace now by:

  • Repenting from sin
  • Believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
  • Living in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
— Hebrews 12:14 

🙏 Conclusion:

God doesn’t delight in destroying the wicked. He calls everyone to repentance. But if people refuse and persist in sin, they will be separated from Him forever—not because He hates them, but because they rejected His holy nature and saving grace.

Let us choose holiness now, and walk with Christ who offers eternal life to all who believe.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 6:23 

May the Lord bless you and help you live a life pleasing to Him.

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Is Mary the Queen of Heaven?

Answer:

Many people have been taught that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the Queen of Heaven. But when we examine the Bible closely, we discover that the phrase “Queen of Heaven” does appear—but not in a positive context, and certainly not in reference to Mary. Instead, it refers to a pagan goddess whom the people of Israel wrongly worshiped—something God strictly forbade.

1. The Bible Mentions “Queen of Heaven” Only in Condemnation of Idolatry

Jeremiah 7:18–20 

“The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger.
But am I the one they are provoking?” declares the Lord. “Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?
Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place…”

In this passage, the entire family participates in idol worship to honor the Queen of Heaven, a false deity. God expresses that this provokes His anger, and brings destruction. This Queen was part of pagan worship, not Christian belief.

Jeremiah 44:17–23 elaborates further:

“We will certainly do everything we said we would: we will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her…”
“Ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven… we have had nothing and have been perishing by sword and famine.”

“When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions… your land became a curse… because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord.”
— (verses 17–23, summarized)

Here, the people stubbornly defend their idol worship, believing it brought them prosperity. But Jeremiah clarifies: their suffering was not from neglecting the queen—they were judged because of their rebellion against God’s commandments.

2. Mary Was Honored, but She Was Not Exalted to Divinity

Mary was a godly woman, highly favored by God. She is to be respected, but the Bible never teaches that she should be worshipped, prayed to, or given the title Queen of Heaven.

Luke 1:28 

“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

Yes, Mary was blessed among women, but she herself recognized God as her Savior:

Luke 1:46–47 

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

If Mary needed a Savior, then she, like us, was a human in need of salvation—not a goddess or queen to be worshipped.

3. Worship Belongs to God Alone—Jesus Christ is the Only Mediator

The Bible consistently teaches that God alone is worthy of worship, and that Jesus Christ alone is our Mediator and King.

1 Timothy 2:5 

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Nowhere does Scripture say that Mary is a co-mediator or a spiritual intercessor. That belief has no biblical foundation and contradicts the core of the gospel.

Matthew 4:10 

“Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

4. Where Did the Idea of “Mary, Queen of Heaven” Come From?

The concept of a heavenly queen existed long before Christianity—in ancient pagan religions. Goddesses like Ashtoreth, Semiramis, and Artemis were worshipped as mother deities and were often given the title Queen of Heaven.

In 1 Kings 11:5 we read:
“He [Solomon] followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians…”

Later, during the rise of tradition-based Christianity, some of these pagan practices were adopted into religious rituals—especially in the Roman Catholic Church—where Mary began to be venerated like a goddess. Over time, she was wrongly honored as Queen of Heaven—a direct contradiction to the Bible’s teaching.

5. Who Is the True King of Heaven?

The Bible clearly declares that Jesus Christ alone holds the heavenly title of King:

Revelation 19:16 

“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

He alone sits on the throne of heaven, and no queen is ever mentioned beside Him.

Conclusion:

  • The title Queen of Heaven in Scripture refers to a false, pagan goddess—not to Mary.
  • The Bible never tells us to worship Mary or pray to her.
  • Jesus Christ alone is the King of Heaven, Savior, and only Mediator between God and humanity.
  • As believers, we are called to worship God alone, not follow traditions rooted in ancient idolatry.

Let us honor Mary for her obedience and faith, but let us never give her the worship that belongs to God alone.

Isaiah 42:8 
“I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.”

If you are a Christian, stay faithful to what the Bible teaches. Test every belief and practice by the Word of God—not tradition or emotion. Let Jesus Christ remain the center of your worship, your faith, and your salvation.

Be blessed, and stand firm in the truth.

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Question:Is it possible for someone to die, yet their spirit be controlled or used somewhere else by another person?

Answer:

The Bible teaches a fundamental truth about death in Hebrews 9:27

“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”

This means that physical death happens once for every person, and after death, the soul faces God’s judgment. There is no return to this life after death in the ordinary sense.

When people talk about a spirit of a dead person being controlled or used somewhere else, this is not about the actual soul of someone who has died and gone to heaven or hell. Scripture is clear that once a person’s spirit departs, they do not come back to this world (Ecclesiastes 12:7 “the spirit returns to God who gave it”).

In many cases where it seems like a dead person’s spirit is active elsewhere, it often means the person is not truly dead yet, or there is some kind of demonic deception or witchcraft involved. The Bible warns us about spiritual deception and the work of Satan, who can masquerade as an “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). These manifestations are often the result of occult practices or rejection of God, which give the enemy legal access to oppress or deceive individuals.

To discern such spiritual matters requires spiritual insight or “spiritual eyes” (1 Corinthians 2:14). But more importantly, believers are encouraged to pray in faith in the powerful name of Jesus Christ because “all things are possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23). Jesus’ name has authority over all spirits, and through faith, people can be delivered from such bondage.

It’s important not to live in fear of these things, knowing that God’s power is greater than any demonic force;

(James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”).

Most people caught in these situations have either distanced themselves from God or been involved in occultism, which opens doors for the enemy. This is not a universal experience for every believer or person.

Additionally, some deaths occur to glorify God and reveal His power, as seen in the story of Lazarus (John 11). Jesus called Lazarus back to life after he had been dead and buried, demonstrating His authority over death itself;

(John 11:25–26 “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”).

In such cases, the person was “asleep” (a biblical metaphor for death) but not permanently gone. God alone has power over life and death.

In summary, while the Bible teaches that death is final for the soul’s earthly journey, God’s power through Jesus Christ can restore life or deliver from spiritual deception. Believers are called to trust Jesus’ authority and pray in His name for protection and deliverance.

May God richly bless you.

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Where will those deceived after the 1000 years come from?

This question arises because we know that during the 1000-year reign (often called the Millennium), only the saints — those faithful to Christ — will reign with Him. So, who are the people Satan will deceive after this time?

The Bible answers this in Revelation 20:7-9

“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. Their number is like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.”

 Explanation:
During the Millennium, Christ will reign physically on earth as King (Revelation 20:4). Though sin and sinners will still exist, sin will not have dominion because Jesus—the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)—will rule with perfect justice and authority, unlike now when Satan is called the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31).

The presence of sinners during this reign does not mean sin triumphs, but that people will be born naturally and have the free will to choose obedience or rebellion. The righteous saints will rule with Christ, exercising authority symbolized by the “iron scepter,” as described in Revelation 2:26-27

“To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. They will rule them with an iron scepter and dash them to pieces like pottery, just as I have received authority from my Father.”

This “iron scepter” represents firm, sovereign authority with no tolerance for rebellion. The Millennium will be a time of peace and order under Christ’s just reign, but those who persist in sin will face consequences.

Isaiah 65:17-20 further clarifies the nature of life in this renewed era:

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth… No more will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.”

This passage shows that people will live longer and more joyful lives, but sin and death still exist for those born during this period. Hence, the Millennium will have a mixed population — believers reigning with Christ and others still capable of sin.

At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be released to test the nations born during this reign. Many will be deceived to rebel against God’s people (Revelation 20:7-9). But God’s judgment will be swift and decisive — fire will come down from heaven to destroy the rebels.

Following this is the final judgment, known as the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), where all the wicked—along with Satan and his followers—are cast into the lake of fire, ending sin and evil forever.

Those who have remained faithful enter eternity with God, where there is no more death or sorrow (Revelation 21:1-4).

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Why Didn’t God Kill the Serpent and Prevent Eve from Being Tempted in Eden?

Answer:

This is a question many people ask: If God is all-powerful and good, why didn’t He just destroy the serpent (Satan) and stop him from tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden?

To understand this, we must look at God’s purpose in allowing human beings to face trials and temptations. Theologically, God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3), but He also gives humans free will to choose. In His wisdom, He allows testing—not to make us fall, but to reveal His nature, shape our character, and draw us closer to Him.

1. God uses trials to reveal who He is

If humanity had never fallen, we wouldn’t know God as a Savior.
If we were never weak or sick, we wouldn’t know Him as a Healer (Exodus 15:26).
If we never sinned, we wouldn’t experience His mercy, grace, or forgiveness (Ephesians 2:4–5, 8–9).
Trials allow us to personally know God, not just as the Creator, but as Redeemer, Helper, and Loving Father.

2. God allows testing to refine our faith

Just as gold is refined in fire, so God allows believers to be tested to strengthen their faith and character.

1 Peter 1:6–7 
“…you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold… may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

In Eden, God didn’t stop the serpent because He wanted Adam and Eve to choose Him willingly. Love without choice isn’t true love. God gave them freedom, but they chose to disobey. Still, He had already prepared a plan of redemption (Revelation 13:8).

3. God has good plans even through our failures

Even though Eve was tempted and fell, God’s purpose didn’t end there. He works through our failures to accomplish His greater plans.

Jeremiah 29:11 
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

From the fall, God revealed His mercy and pointed to the coming of Christ—the Seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). This is the first prophecy of Jesus’ victory over Satan.

4. God is patient and compassionate toward us

Though humanity fell, God did not abandon us. He understands our weaknesses and shows us mercy.

Psalm 103:12–14 
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”

This shows that God’s goal isn’t just to prevent sin—but to redeem sinners and give them a future in eternal life. That’s why He didn’t destroy the serpent immediately—He had a redemptive plan that would unfold through Christ.

God didn’t kill the serpent in Eden because:

  • He allows choice and free will.
  • Trials help us know Him and build our faith.
  • His plan included revealing His mercy and salvation.
  • His ultimate goal is eternal life with us—not just temporary perfection.

Romans 8:28 
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

May you be blessed and grow in your understanding of God’s wisdom and love.

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QUESTION: Is it right for a born-again Christian to own a lodge that contains a bar?

And is it acceptable to give tithes and offerings from such an income? For instance, I have a friend who works for a company like TBL (Tanzania Breweries Limited), which manufactures and sells alcoholic beverages. He is a saved Christian, faithfully gives his tithes and offerings, and even holds a position in his church. Is there anything wrong with this?

ANSWER:

The core issue here isn’t just about owning a bar or working for an alcohol company—it’s about whether our source of income honors God and aligns with the life of holiness we are called to live as believers.

1. God is Holy—So Should Be Our Work (1 Peter 1:15–16)

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”

Holiness extends beyond our spiritual acts; it includes how we live, how we earn, and what we support. Owning or profiting from a business that promotes drunkenness—like a bar—works directly against that calling.

2. Profiting from Sinful Enterprises is Forbidden (Deuteronomy 23:18)

“You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the house of the Lord your God… for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.”

This verse teaches a profound truth: not all income is clean in God’s sight. Even when brought as an offering or tithe, money gained through morally corrupt means is an offense to God. The term “price of a dog” is understood by many scholars to refer to earnings from immoral or shameful activities—anything that contradicts God’s character.

That includes modern examples like:

  • Profiting from alcohol sales

  • Drug dealing

  • Corruption and bribery

  • Gambling

  • Selling cigarettes or pornography

Offering tithes from such income doesn’t sanctify it—it only multiplies the offense before God.

3. Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”

God would rather have our obedient hearts than large offerings from unholy work. No matter how generous we are in giving, it is meaningless if we are disobedient in how we live and earn.

4. Jesus Warns Us to Cut Off What Causes Us to Sin (Matthew 5:29–30)

“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out… For it is more profitable… than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

Jesus uses strong language to show how seriously we should treat anything that causes us—or others—to stumble. If our business or job compromises our witness or leads others into sin (like drunkenness), we must be willing to walk away from it.

5. Trust God’s Provision When You Walk in Righteousness (Matthew 6:31–33)

“Therefore do not worry… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The fear of lacking basic needs is real—but Jesus reassures us that when we put God and His righteousness first, He will take care of everything else. If someone leaves an unholy job for the sake of Christ, God is faithful to provide something better and more fulfilling.

Conclusion:

Owning a bar or profiting from any business that promotes sin is not consistent with a holy Christian life. Even if such a person tithes and serves in church, the source of their income matters to God.

Encourage your friend to prayerfully seek a new line of work—one that honors God and gives a good testimony of their faith. God’s desire is not just for our gifts, but for our hearts and obedience.

Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”

A righteous income brings joy and blessing, not spiritual conflict or guilt.

May the Lord give you wisdom and courage as you pursue His will. Be greatly blessed.

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QUESTION: What kind of place is Hell? Do people go there after death to suffer, or is it something different?

ANSWER:

Hell (Hades )in the Bible—is a real, spiritual place where the souls of the unsaved go after death. It is not a myth or just a symbol, but a literal place of conscious torment.

The Bible teaches that humans are created with an eternal soul (Genesis 2:7) that continues after physical death. Where the soul goes depends on whether a person has been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 9:27).

Hell (Hades) as a Place of Temporary Punishment

In Luke 16:19–31 Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. After death:

  • The rich man, who lived selfishly and without faith, went to Hades, a place of torment.
  • Lazarus, a poor but faithful man, was taken to Abraham’s bosom—a place of comfort.

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

This parable shows:

  • The reality of conscious existence after death.
  • The separation between the saved and unsaved immediately after death.
  • The suffering of the lost in Hades is real, not symbolic.

The Final Judgment and the Lake of Fire

The suffering in Hades is temporary. After the Millennium reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4–6), the dead will be resurrected and judged before God.

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God… The dead were judged according to their works.”
(Revelation 20:12–13)

Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the Lake of Fire, described as the “second death” (Revelation 20:14–15). This is eternal punishment, a place of everlasting separation from God. 

Note on Judgment:

God’s judgment is just and perfect (Psalm 9:7–8). Everyone will be judged according to their deeds and their response to the gospel (Romans 2:6–8). The Lake of Fire is the ultimate consequence of rejecting God’s grace.

Resurrection of the Righteous and the Place of Peace (Paradise)

Those who trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior do not go to Hades after death. Instead, they enter Paradise, a place of rest and peace (Luke 23:43), awaiting the resurrection.

“Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)

At Jesus’ second coming, the righteous dead will be resurrected, receive glorified bodies, and join the living believers to be with the Lord forever.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

 Significance of Resurrection and Eternal Life

The resurrection of the righteous is the “first resurrection” (Revelation 20:5–6), which guarantees eternal life with God. This resurrection confirms victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).

Summary

  • Hell (Hades) is a real, conscious place of temporary punishment after death for the unsaved (Luke 16:23–24).
  • Final Judgment will determine eternal destiny based on faith and works (Revelation 20:12–15).
  • The Lake of Fire is eternal punishment for those not written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15).
  • The righteous go immediately to Paradise after death, a place of rest until resurrection (Luke 23:43; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
  • Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to escape Hell and receive eternal life (John 3:36).

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
(John 3:36)

In conclusion: Hell exists as a real place of judgment and torment, but God’s mercy offers us salvation through Jesus Christ. We are invited to accept this gift so that we may escape eternal punishment and live forever with Him.

May God bless you and guide you in truth.

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