Title 2019

Shalom!

In Luke 23:27–29, the Bible says:

And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!

(Luke 23:27–29, NKJV)

Understanding the Context:

These were prophetic words Jesus spoke on His way to be crucified. A group of women followed Him, weeping in sorrow over the pain and injustice He was enduring. But Jesus, in His compassion and divine foresight, told them not to weep for Him — but for themselves and their children.

Why? Because Jesus foresaw the impending judgment and destruction that would soon fall upon Jerusalem. His words were not just emotional, but deeply prophetic.

The Prophecy Fulfilled in 70 A.D.:

Just 37 years later, in A.D. 70, the Roman army under General Titus besieged Jerusalem. The result was catastrophic: the city was starved, burned, and completely destroyed. Over 1.1 million Jews were slaughtered, including countless women and children. Josephus, a Jewish historian, described horrifying scenes of famine, cannibalism, and mass executions. In that chaos, mothers who had children witnessed unspeakable horrors. In such conditions, it truly seemed a blessing to have never given birth.

Jesus had earlier prophesied this destruction:

For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.

(Luke 19:43–44, NKJV)

This devastation was divine judgment because the nation of Israel rejected their Messiah. They did not recognize the time when God came to them in the person of Jesus Christ.

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

(John 1:11, NKJV)

But they cried out, ‘Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!

(John 19:15, NKJV)

Theological Insight: Judgment for Rejecting the Messiah

The destruction of Jerusalem was more than a historical tragedy — it was a judicial act of God upon a nation that had rejected its Savior. Jesus had longed to save them:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!

(Luke 13:34, NKJV)

Because of their stubbornness and rebellion, their house — the Temple and the city — was left desolate (Matthew 23:38). This is a sobering reminder that rejecting God’s grace has eternal consequences.

A Foreshadowing of the Great Tribulation:

Even more sobering is the fact that this judgment was a type or shadow of a much greater judgment to come upon the entire world — the Great Tribulation, spoken of by Jesus and the prophets.

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

(Matthew 24:21, NKJV)

This coming tribulation will be God’s final outpouring of wrath on an unbelieving world — a time of intense suffering, famine, war, plagues, and divine judgment (see Revelation 6–18). It will be a time so dreadful that people will cry out for mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:15–17).

Just as the Jews of Jesus’ time rejected the Messiah, many today continue to harden their hearts against Christ. The result will be far worse than what happened in Jerusalem.

The Only Escape — Jesus Christ:

The only way to escape both the coming judgment and the eternal wrath of God is by turning to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Jesus is not only the Judge — He is also the Savior who laid down His life for sinners.

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

(Acts 4:12, NKJV)

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, NKJV)

Before the Great Tribulation begins, Christ will return to rapture His Church — those who truly belong to Him:

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, NKJV)

This is why Jesus’ warning remains urgent today. Now is not the time to delay or ignore your eternal destiny. The door of grace is still open — but it won’t remain open forever.

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

(2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV)

Conclusion:

When Jesus said, “Blessed are the barren…”, He was not encouraging barrenness, but expressing the sheer terror of what was about to come. In times of divine judgment, the natural blessings of life — like having children — would turn into sorrow. That statement was both a historical warning and a spiritual wake-up call.

Let His words stir us to repentance and readiness. Will you be among those who meet the Lord in the air? Or among those who will face the wrath to come?

May the Lord bless you and give you wisdom to prepare your heart.

Shalom.

Print this post

QUESTION:

How can I know if the decision I’m about to make is truly God’s will?

I deeply desire to study medicine, but I’m unsure whether this is God’s will for me. These doubts keep me from making a clear decision. What should I do to know what field of study God has purposed for my life?

ANSWER:

Your question touches on one of the most important aspects of the Christian walk—discerning the will of God. It’s a question many believers ask, whether about marriage, career, ministry, or life direction.

Many people expect God to reveal His will through dreams, visions, audible voices, or prophetic words. While God may sometimes use these ways (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17), they are not the primary means He has chosen to guide His people. The Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit remain the clearest and most trustworthy sources for understanding His will.

1. God is a Counselor, not a Dictator

Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor”, not a dictator or commander of personal choices. He guides us with wisdom, not compulsion. God created us with the ability to think, choose, and desire. He doesn’t override our will; instead, He shapes it through counsel, conviction, and the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 Romans 12:2, ESV

God’s desire is not just to tell us what to do, but to transform our thinking so we can wisely choose according to His will.

2. How Does God Counsel Us? Through His Word

God has already given us His foundational guidance through Scripture. The Bible is not just a religious book—it is the very counsel of God. It corrects, teaches, rebukes, and trains us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

 Psalm 119:105, ESV

When you desire to make a major life decision, such as choosing a career path, start by:

Praying sincerely and regularly over the matter (Philippians 4:6–7)

Comparing your desire with biblical principles

Checking for any conflicts with your faith or God’s commands

For example, if you’re drawn to a business involving things clearly condemned in Scripture (e.g., alcohol sales, pornography, dishonest profit), then regardless of the appeal or profit, God’s Word gives a firm “no.” Our desires must always be filtered through truth (Psalm 1:1–3).

3. God’s Will Is Not Always Mystical—Sometimes It’s Moral and Missional

There are two dimensions of God’s will in Scripture:

God’s moral will – revealed in the Bible (e.g., sexual purity, honesty, loving others, avoiding evil).

God’s sovereign or specific will – details about life that are not explicitly found in Scripture (e.g., where to study, whom to marry, which career to pursue).

As long as your decision does not violate God’s moral will, and you’re walking in fellowship with Him, then you are free to choose within that boundary. God gives us wisdom to decide.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

 Proverbs 16:9, ESV

So if, after prayer and reflection, you find no biblical reason against studying medicine, and it’s something you’re passionate about, and it would glorify God, then you can confidently pursue it, trusting that He is guiding your steps.

4. Peace Is a Confirmation, Not a Replacement for Scripture

Colossians 3:15 says:

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

If your decision brings a sense of lasting peace, and that peace aligns with Scripture, then it’s often a sign that God is leading you. However, peace should never contradict God’s Word. We must not confuse emotional comfort with divine approval—always let Scripture be your highest authority.

5. God Doesn’t Play Games with Our Destiny

God is not a trickster who hides His will from sincere seekers. If you truly desire to honor Him, He will ensure you’re not misled.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

 Proverbs 16:3, ESV

Even if the decision you make turns out not to be God’s perfect will, as long as you invited Him in from the beginning, He can redirect your path (Proverbs 3:5–6). He is sovereign over every step and can use even our detours for His glory (Romans 8:28).

So what should you do?

1. Pray deeply and consistently about your decision. If possible, fast and spend focused time in God’s presence. Show Him that you’re serious about seeking His will (James 1:5).

2. Study the Word. Make sure your desire does not conflict with Scripture.

3. Seek godly counsel. Mature believers can help confirm what God may be saying.

4. Observe your heart. Is there peace? Joy? Clarity? Or fear and confusion? (1 Corinthians 14:33)

5. Step out in faith. If everything aligns, move forward with confidence.

And don’t wait for a dream, vision, or an angelic visitation. Those are rare and not essential. God’s Word and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit are sufficient.

Final Encouragement:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

 Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV

As long as you walk in humility, seeking God first and obeying His Word, He will faithfully guide you. Choosing to study medicine can be a wonderful and God-honoring path, especially if your motive is to serve others and glorify Christ.

God bless you richly as you pursue His purpose for your life.

Print this post

Answer:

Let’s start with a simple but important question:
Why do most boarding schools prohibit students from having phones, watching movies, playing video games, or even playing cards?

The answer is straightforward: these activities tend to distract students from their main purpose—studying. Instead of focusing on schoolwork, a student may spend hours thinking about a movie they watched or the card game they played. Over time, their grades suffer, and they fail to meet their goals. That failure becomes a loss not only for the student, but also for their family, school, and even the nation.

Now if people—teachers, parents, and leaders—can use such wisdom to guide children away from time-wasting things, how much more does God, who is infinitely wise, know what is good and bad for His children?

Loving the World Is Spiritual Danger

The Bible warns us clearly about loving the world in a way that draws our hearts away from God:

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
—1 John 2:15–17

This passage doesn’t mean that playing games, enjoying entertainment, or resting are evil in themselves. God created us with emotions, minds, and bodies that need joy and rest. In fact, the Bible celebrates rest (Genesis 2:2–3), music (Psalm 150), and joy (Nehemiah 8:10). However, the danger comes when these things take over and replace our spiritual priorities.

Just as students are in school for a short season, we are here on earth for a brief time compared to eternity. If we allow temporary pleasures to distract us from eternal priorities, we risk missing what matters most—our relationship with God and our eternal future.

Our Identity: We Are Pilgrims and Strangers

The Bible describes believers as foreigners and strangers in this world:

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
—1 Peter 2:11

We are not here to live for worldly entertainment. We are here to grow spiritually, serve God, and prepare for eternity. There will be plenty of joy and fulfillment in the life to come—in the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–4).

There, we will no longer need to fast, fight temptation, or preach the gospel. It will be a place of perfect rest, eternal joy, and glorious worship.

“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
—Psalm 16:11

Practical Discernment: Not All Things Are Beneficial

Some might argue, “But isn’t it too extreme to avoid fun games like cards?”
But the apostle Paul helps us here:

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
—1 Corinthians 6:12

The point is this: not every activity is sinful, but if something masters your attention, wastes your time, or hinders your spiritual life, then it becomes spiritually dangerous. Card games and similar entertainment can easily become addictive or lead to further forms of gambling, competition, or laziness. Worse still, they can slowly drain your hunger for God.

Ask yourself: Can I spend two hours playing cards, but struggle to read my Bible for 10 minutes?
Can I binge-watch a series for eight hours, but feel too tired to pray or attend fellowship?

That’s a sign that your spiritual priorities are being undermined.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
—Hebrews 12:1

Conclusion: Be Wise With Your Time and Purpose

Life is short. Eternity is long. We must learn to prioritize what truly matters. It’s not foolish to avoid worldly distractions—it’s wisdom. Just like a serious student avoids unnecessary entertainment to focus on their studies, so must a serious Christian avoid anything that weakens their faith.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
—Ephesians 5:15–16

So, is it right for a Christian to play cards?

Theologically and practically, it is unwise. While not sinful in itself, it often leads to distraction, time-wasting, and even spiritual coldness. The devil doesn’t always use sin to destroy us—sometimes, he simply uses distractions.

Let us stay alert, focused, and rooted in the things of God. There is a crown of life awaiting those who endure and overcome.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
—Colossians 3:2

Be wise. Be watchful. Be blessed.

Print this post

QUESTION:

Shalom servant of God, please help me understand something. In the book of Acts, three different passages—Acts 9:3–7, Acts 22:6–9, and Acts 26:12–14—describe Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. But when I read them, they seem to say different things, especially about whether the people with Paul heard the voice or not. How can that be?

ANSWER:

This is an excellent question and one that many Bible readers have struggled with. At first glance, the accounts seem contradictory—but once we look deeper, we find they are not conflicting but complementary.

1. The Apparent Contradiction

The main confusion comes from these two verses:

Acts 9:7 

“And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.”

Acts 22:9 

“And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.”

So, one says they heard the voice, and the other says they did not. Which one is true?

2. The Key: Hearing vs. Understanding

The resolution lies in understanding how Scripture uses the word “hear.” In Greek, the word akouō (ἀκούω) can mean to hear a sound or to understand what is being said, depending on the context.

• In Acts 9:7, the men heard a sound—they were aware that something supernatural was happening.
• In Acts 22:9, Paul clarifies that they did not understand the voice that spoke to him.

It’s the difference between audible hearing and comprehending the message. This is a biblical concept seen throughout Scripture.

3. God’s Voice as Thunder

Compare Paul’s experience with the account in John 12:28–30 

“Then a voice came from heaven: ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not mine.’”

Here, God audibly speaks from heaven. Some people recognized it as a voice, but others only heard thunder. They all heard something, but not all understood what was said.

The same is true of Paul’s companions—they heard the sound, but did not understand the words Jesus spoke to Paul.

4. Jesus’ Teaching on Hearing

Jesus often emphasized that true hearing involves understanding. He said:

Matthew 11:15 

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Luke 8:18 

“Take care then how you hear…”

These verses teach us that spiritual hearing is more than just sound—it’s about discernment and reception of God’s truth.

5. Why Only Paul Understood

According to Acts 26:14 Paul heard Jesus speak to him in Hebrew:

“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’”

It’s likely that the others:

• Heard the sound, but
• Did not understand the language, or
• Were spiritually unprepared to comprehend the divine message.

Jesus was speaking directly and personally to Saul. The others were not the intended audience.

6. No Contradiction—Just Different Emphases

There’s no contradiction—just different angles of the same miraculous event.

7. Application: Be Careful How You Hear

Paul urged Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:13 

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”

This wasn’t just about casual reading. It meant deep, prayerful study, guided by the Holy Spirit. Without this, we might misread or misunderstand the Bible.

Jesus warned about this in Matthew 13:14–15 

“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull… lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”

CONCLUSION:

The people traveling with Saul on the road to Damascus heard a supernatural sound but didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. Only Paul, who was the intended recipient, understood the message.

This story reminds us that hearing God is not just about listening with the ears, but receiving His Word with a heart that is ready and open.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

May God open our spiritual ears to truly hear and understand His voice.

• Be blessed.

Print this post

❓Understanding the Question

Before Jesus rose from the dead, some of the saints who had died were also raised back to life (Matthew 27:52–53). But where exactly were they before their resurrection? Had they already gone to Paradise, or were they somewhere else?

Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the condition and place of the dead before Christ’s resurrection, and what changed after He rose.

⚰️ Where Did the Dead Go Before Jesus Came?

Before the atoning work of Christ on the cross, everyone who died went to the realm of the dead, referred to in Hebrew as Sheol and in Greek as Hades. This was not yet “Heaven” or “Hell” in the full eternal sense but a temporary holding place for souls—both the righteous and the wicked—awaiting redemption or final judgment.

David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, spoke prophetically:

“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”
(Psalm 16:10)

While David said these words, they were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, not David himself. Peter explained this clearly at Pentecost:

“For David did not ascend into the heavens… his tomb is with us to this day.”
(Acts 2:29–31)

This means David died and remained in the grave, like others before Christ. His words were prophetic of the Messiah, whose soul would not remain in Hades, and whose body would not decay.

👁️‍🗨️ Was Sheol/Hades a Peaceful Place?

The realm of the dead had two compartments, as implied in Jesus’ teaching about Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19–31):

1. Abraham’s Bosom / Paradise – a place of comfort for the righteous.
2. A Place of Torment – where the wicked were held.

Between these two, a great chasm prevented crossing from one side to the other (Luke 16:26).

However, even this arrangement was not perfect peace. Due to Adam’s fall (Genesis 3:17–19), humanity came under the dominion of death and darkness. Satan had limited authority over death:

“…through death He [Jesus] might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.”
(Hebrews 2:14)

That is why, before Jesus’ resurrection, even the righteous were held in Sheol, not yet brought into God’s full presence in Heaven.

🔑 What Changed When Jesus Died and Rose Again?

When Jesus died on the cross, He descended into Hades (the realm of the dead) and proclaimed victory over death:

“…by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison…”
(1 Peter 3:19)

These “spirits” were those who had died long ago, including those in Noah’s time (1 Peter 3:20). Jesus did not go to offer salvation again, but to proclaim His victory—and to separate the righteous from the wicked.

Jesus declared:

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
(Revelation 1:18)

He took authority over death, defeating Satan’s dominion.

From then on, Satan no longer has access to or control over the souls of the righteous dead. No one—not demons, not spirits, not Satan himself—can communicate with the dead anymore. Any spiritual encounters people claim to have with their deceased relatives are deceptive demonic manifestations (2 Corinthians 11:14).

📈 The Saints Who Rose with Jesus

After Jesus rose, many saints also rose from the dead:

“…and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”
(Matthew 27:52–53)

This showed that Christ had opened the way out of Sheol for the righteous, bringing them into the presence of God—what Jesus called Paradise (Luke 23:43).

Since that moment, when a righteous person dies:

“…to be absent from the body [is] to be present with the Lord.”
(2 Corinthians 5:8)

They now go directly to Paradise, awaiting the resurrection of their bodies at the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

🔥 What About the Wicked Dead?

Those who died in sin remain in a place of torment within Hades, as shown in Jesus’ parable:

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

They are awaiting the Final Judgment:

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it… And the dead were judged…”
(Revelation 20:11–15)

After judgment, the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire, which is the second death.

🕊️ What Does This Mean for Us Today?

This teaching gives us a powerful reminder: life is short, and eternity is real.

Jesus warned:

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
(Matthew 16:26)

The story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) reminds us that once we die, our eternal destiny is sealed. There is no second chance. If we are not right with God before death, we will face eternal regret and separation.

Now is the time to make peace with God. Salvation is still freely offered to anyone who will believe:

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
(2 Corinthians 6:2)

✝️ Your Invitation to Eternal Life

If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, today is the day. He loves you, He is gentle and full of mercy, and He has promised to receive anyone who comes to Him:

“The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
(John 6:37)

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you miss salvation today, you may seek it tomorrow with tears and not find it (Luke 13:24–28).

Make the decision now—surrender your life to Jesus, and you will have the hope of eternal life with Him in Paradise.

God bless you.
May this message lead you into truth, repentance, and eternal hope in Christ Jesus.

Print this post

ANSWER:

In Acts 19:13 we read:

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.’”

These men were traveling Jewish exorcists—religious individuals who went from place to place attempting to cast out evil spirits using various methods. Although they tried to use the name of Jesus, they had no personal relationship with Him, and no spiritual authority from God. Their actions were based on imitation, not faith.

What Does“exorcists”Mean?

“Exorcists”means “to drive out demons.” It’s a general term used for exorcism. However, just because someone appears to cast out demons doesn’t mean they are doing it by the Spirit of God.

There are two sources of spiritual power at work in the world:

1. God’s power through Jesus Christ, and
2. Satan’s deceptive power through sorcery, witchcraft, or occult practices.

True Deliverance Comes Through Jesus Christ

According to the Bible, true believers have been given authority to cast out demons in the name of Jesus:

Mark 16:17
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons…”

This authority is not based on rituals, oils, or charms—but solely through faith in the finished work of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers:

Luke 10:19 
“Behold, I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

When a Christian casts out a demon in the name of Jesus, the person is completely delivered. If the demon caused physical illness (e.g., stomach pain or seizures), both the spirit and its effects leave. Healing, peace, and freedom follow.

False Deliverance: A Deeper Bondage

But not all “deliverance” is true deliverance.

Witch doctors, spirit mediums, and occult healers—though they may claim to remove demons—do not operate by the Spirit of God. Their methods are based on demonic manipulation. They don’t remove demons; they simply replace weaker spirits with stronger ones.

For example:
If a person is tormented by a demon that causes stomach problems, and they visit a traditional healer, the healer might summon a stronger spirit—such as a demon of infertility or mental torment—to suppress the weaker one. The result? Temporary relief from stomach pain, but the person eventually experiences a more severe problem, like barrenness or insanity.

This is not true healing—it is deception. The kingdom of darkness simply rearranges its forces.

Biblical Evidence: Satan Doesn’t Fight Himself

Jesus exposed this deception when He said:

Matthew 12:26 
“And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?”

Satan doesn’t defeat himself. He only shifts strategy. That’s why witch doctors and occult exorcists are powerless to bring true freedom—because they are still under Satan’s dominion.

A Real-Life Analogy

Imagine trying to solve a rat problem by releasing a snake into your house. The snake might kill a few rats, but eventually, the snake itself becomes a greater danger than the rats were. That’s exactly what happens in false deliverance—one demon is replaced by another, often worse than the first.

The Danger of Pretending to Know Jesus

In Acts 19:14–16, the Jewish exorcists tried to copy Paul’s use of Jesus’ name, saying:

“I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.”
But the demon replied:
“Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
And the possessed man attacked them violently, leaving them wounded and naked.

They used the right name—but without a real relationship with Jesus or authority from God. This shows us that spiritual power cannot be borrowed or imitated. Only those who are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit have the authority to confront demons.

True Deliverance Requires a New Birth

To walk in spiritual authority, one must first be born again through faith in Jesus Christ:

John 1:12 
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

John 8:36 
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Only Jesus can truly set people free from demonic bondage—not religious titles, not rituals, and certainly not witchcraft.

Final Encouragement

If you’re seeking freedom from demonic oppression, do not turn to traditional healers or false prophets. Run to Jesus Christ, the only One with power to save, heal, and deliver completely.

Colossians 1:13 
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

Be blessed in the truth of Christ.

Print this post

There is a man I know who has been experiencing some unusual things. He once told me, “I hear people talking about coming to arrest me.” Then he asked me, “Do you hear them too?” I said, “No, I don’t hear anything.” It was clear that only he could hear those voices.

Another time, he held my hand and said, “Can you hear them singing my song?” Again, I couldn’t hear anything. He seemed deeply afraid.

Just a few nights ago, I found him outside our house holding a machete. He asked me, “Do you hear that old woman across the street saying I raped her granddaughter?” (Note: that woman lives far away from us.) I replied, “No, I don’t hear anything.” He then returned home with his machete, speaking seriously and calmly. Sometimes, he even says he sees people standing at his door.

I once tried talking to him about giving his life to Jesus, but he replied, “I’ll fight in a military way,” which I understood to mean through witchdoctors or spiritualists. But now, I see that he cannot “fight” as he claimed—his condition is worsening, and I fear that if nothing is done, he might completely lose his mind.

So my question is: what exactly is happening to him? What spirit is behind this?

ANSWER:

Shalom.
The spiritual world is very real. Both the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness are active. While the Holy Spirit empowers and transforms people into the likeness of Christ, Satan also deceives and enslaves people through fear, lies, and counterfeit experiences.

In this man’s case—hearing voices, sensing conversations from far away, and claiming to see people who aren’t there—it is clear that a spirit is at work within him. However, it is not the Holy Spirit of God, but an unclean spirit, likely invited through direct or indirect contact with the occult or demonic knowledge.

Why is this not from God?

Because the fruit of this spirit in his life is fear, torment, confusion, and aggression—which are not characteristics of God’s Spirit. The Bible clearly says:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
—2 Timothy 1:7

And again:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
—Galatians 5:22–23

If the Holy Spirit was in him, we would see evidence of peace, joy, gentleness, and self-control. Instead, this man lives in fear, hears tormenting voices, and is filled with suspicion. These are the opposite fruits—evidence that he is being influenced by an evil spirit.

Just as the Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:7–10), such as prophecy, healing, tongues, and teaching, evil spirits also counterfeit gifts. People under demonic influence may hear distant voices, have psychic-like insights, perform signs, or possess a persuasive ability that leads others into error or destruction.

Jesus warned us about this:

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
—John 10:10

This man has likely been ensnared by the enemy, either knowingly or unknowingly. Because he doesn’t know Christ, he might wrongly believe these experiences are supernatural gifts from God. But Scripture warns us:

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”
—2 Corinthians 11:14

What should be done?

The most important thing is that he hears and believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
—Romans 10:17

Take time to explain the Good News to him—that Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and through His death and resurrection, He offers complete freedom and new life to anyone who believes in Him.

If he responds in faith:

1. Pray for him in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Lay hands on him and command the evil spirits to leave.
3. Encourage him to repent from sin and be baptized.

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children…’”
—Acts 2:38–39

Once he receives the Holy Spirit, he will experience a radical change. The torment will be replaced by divine peace, his fears by joy, his confusion by clarity, and his restlessness by the gentleness and self-control of Christ.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
—John 8:36

Final Encouragement:

Don’t give up on him. Keep praying. Keep sharing the truth. The power of the cross is greater than any demonic influence, and Jesus came for people exactly like him—those bound, broken, and lost.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
—Luke 4:18

May the Lord give you wisdom, courage, and grace as you minister to him.

Print this post

ANSWER:

In 1 Chronicles 21:7, we read:

“This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He punished Israel.”

King David ordered a national census to determine how many fighting men Israel had. On the surface, this may seem like a practical decision for military planning. However, the Bible says this act displeased God greatly. The consequence? A severe plague broke out, and 70,000 Israelites died.

So the big question is: What made this census such a serious sin? And why did so many innocent people suffer for one man’s mistake?

1. Misplaced Trust and Pride

While counting people is not inherently sinful, the motive behind the act is what matters to God. According to Exodus 30:11–12, when a census was taken, each person had to offer a ransom to the Lord “so that there may be no plague among them when you number them.” David failed to do this.

More importantly, David’s decision reflected a shift in trust—from reliance on God to confidence in military strength. He wanted to see the numbers instead of walking by faith.

Joab, David’s military commander, immediately recognized the danger and warned him:

“Why should my lord bring guilt on Israel?”
—1 Chronicles 21:3 

Despite the warning, David insisted.

Later, David repented:

“I have sinned greatly by doing this… I have done a very foolish thing.”
—1 Chronicles 21:8

This shows that the sin was rooted in pride and self-reliance—which are condemned throughout Scripture (see Proverbs 16:18, Jeremiah 17:5).

2. Why Did Others Suffer for David’s Sin?

David himself asked this very question:

“Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned… These are but sheep. What have they done?”
—1 Chronicles 21:17 

It seems unfair—until we understand a deeper biblical truth.

Look at 2 Samuel 24:1 

“Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, ‘Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.’”

This verse shows that God was already angry with the nation of Israel before David acted. The census was not the root cause of the judgment—it was the occasion God used to execute a punishment the people already deserved. Though the Bible doesn’t list their exact sins here, Israel had a long history of rebellion—idolatry, injustice, ritual corruption, and shedding innocent blood (see Isaiah 1:2–4, Micah 6:8–13, Hosea 4:1–6).

In that sense, God allowed David’s failure to serve as a doorway for His righteous judgment. God’s sovereignty over human actions is seen here, where even human mistakes can fulfill divine purposes—without God being the author of evil (see Romans 9:17–22, Genesis 50:20).

3. The Role of Satan and Human Responsibility

Another passage gives even more detail:

“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”
—1 Chronicles 21:1 

So, was it God or Satan who caused David to act?

Theologically, both are true—God permitted it; Satan executed it. Just like in the case of Job (Job 1–2), Satan acts within limits set by God. In David’s case, God allowed the temptation to accomplish a greater purpose—to bring judgment on a rebellious nation.

This mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is echoed in James 1:13

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one.”

Yet, God may permit temptation for purposes of discipline, correction, or judgment.

4. Modern Application: When Leaders Are Instruments of Judgment

This story teaches us that God may sometimes use leaders—even flawed ones—to bring about His discipline on a people.

We see this with King Nebuchadnezzar, a cruel and powerful ruler. Yet God called him:

“My servant Nebuchadnezzar”
—Jeremiah 27:6

God used him to punish nations—including Israel—for their disobedience. Nebuchadnezzar did not know he was being used, but God’s purpose still prevailed.

The same principle may apply today. When leaders become corrupt, harsh, or irrational, we should ask: Is this simply bad leadership, or is God allowing this as a form of correction to turn us back to Him?

God’s Word reminds us:

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
—Proverbs 29:2

This is not to say all suffering is punishment—but sometimes, national or personal hardship is a wake-up call to return to God’s ways.

Conclusion 

David’s census was wrong not because counting was sinful, but because it came from pride, misplaced trust, and disobedience to God’s clear instructions. Yet the resulting plague was more than just a punishment for David—it was a divine judgment on a rebellious nation.

God, in His justice and sovereignty, allowed the census to become the means through which He held Israel accountable for their hidden sins. The story reminds us to walk humbly, depend on God, and intercede for our leaders and nations—lest we find ourselves under judgment as well.

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
—2 Chronicles 7:14

May we walk in wisdom, humility, and repentance before the Lord.

Be blessed.

Print this post

Answer:

To understand this well, it’s important to recognize that the Bible speaks about different kinds of oaths, and not all oaths are sinful or forbidden.

For instance, the Apostle Paul calls God as a witness to confirm his words:

“But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:23

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son…”
— Romans 1:9

From this, we see there are two main categories of oaths:

1. Oaths of Commitment and Faithfulness

These oaths are solemn promises made before God, often called vows or covenants. They bind a person spiritually and morally. For example, if someone vows to God to do or not do something until a certain purpose is fulfilled, this is serious. Failing to keep such a vow is considered sin (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5):

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools; pay what you vow.”
— Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

Marriage is another example of a sacred covenant. When two people marry according to God’s design, they are bound by a holy oath to remain faithful until death:

“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
— Mark 10:9

Whether the couple publicly declares their vows or not, the marriage covenant is established before God.

2. Oaths in Legal and Formal Contexts

In courts or official agreements, people are often asked to swear or affirm the truth of their statements or their commitment to uphold contracts. These oaths serve a practical purpose—they confirm honesty and build trust. They are not about proving moral perfection or superiority but about affirming truthfulness and accountability.

What About the Oaths God Forbids?

God forbids rash, arrogant, or prideful oaths—those made carelessly or out of pressure. For example:

• “I swear by God’s justice!”
• “I swear on my grandfather’s grave!”
• “I swear on my own head!”
• “I swear by the throne of God!”

Such oaths are often spoken in anger or pride and are meaningless because humans do not have authority over these things. Jesus warned against this:

“But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God…”
— Matthew 5:34

Instead, Jesus taught that we should speak simply and truthfully:

“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
— Matthew 5:37

Therefore, Christians are encouraged to speak honestly and straightforwardly, letting their “yes” mean yes, and their “no” mean no (James 5:12):

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
— James 5:12

May God bless you as you seek to live with integrity and truth.

Print this post