Title 2019

You Will Be Repaid at the Resurrection of the Righteou

 

In Luke 14:12–14 (NIV), Jesus teaches about the heart behind generosity and the eternal nature of true giving:

“Then Jesus said to the host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Theological Insight: The Nature of True Generosity

Jesus contrasts reciprocal generosity (giving with the expectation of return) with selfless generosity (giving without expecting anything back). The former is transactional and temporal, while the latter reflects the character of God and carries eternal reward. This calls believers to imitate God’s grace—“for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).

The “resurrection of the righteous” (Greek: anastasis ton dikaiōn) referenced here points to the future bodily resurrection described in Scripture (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28–29), when believers will receive their final reward. This doctrine emphasizes that God’s justice and reward extend beyond this life, highlighting the eternal significance of earthly deeds.


Why Invite Those Who Cannot Repay?

The Pharisee’s banquet included only the socially prominent and wealthy, reflecting a worldly perspective of honor and repayment. Jesus challenges this by instructing to invite the marginalized—“the poor, crippled, lame, and blind”—who cannot reciprocate. This is a demonstration of kingdom values where loving the neighbor is not based on social status or expected gain (Matthew 22:39).

This teaching aligns with the Sermon on the Mount’s call to love enemies and give without expectation (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35), pointing to a life shaped by grace, not merit.


The Eternal Principle of Giving

The early church echoed this principle, emphasizing generosity as a reflection of faith and trust in God’s provision:

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

True giving is an expression of faith in God’s sovereignty and provision (Philippians 4:19). When believers give without expecting earthly repayment, they place their hope in God’s future reward, embracing the “treasures in heaven” that Jesus promised (Matthew 6:19–21).


God’s Justice and Reward

God’s promise of repayment at the resurrection underscores His perfect justice (Psalm 9:7–8; Revelation 20:12–13). While human reward systems are flawed and temporal, God’s judgment is perfect, eternal, and impartial.

This teaching also encourages believers to lay up rewards in heaven, reminding us that our earthly actions have eternal consequences (2 Corinthians 5:10).


Practical Application and Warning

Many believers struggle with the tension between giving to those who can repay versus those who cannot. This passage warns against a self-centered view of generosity and invites us to embrace the costly grace of Christ, who gave Himself for us (Romans 5:8).

Giving to those who cannot repay echoes the character of God’s mercy and points to a life of sacrificial love (John 15:13). It is also a test of our faith and trust in God’s provision and a witness of the gospel’s transformative power.


Conclusion

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14 calls believers to live by kingdom principles, putting aside worldly calculations for repayment and focusing on eternal reward and pleasing God.

As Paul exhorts:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

May this truth encourage you to give generously, with a heart aligned to God’s will and confident in His eternal justice.


May the Lord richly bless your generosity and faithfulness. Please share this message to inspire others.

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The Benefits of Prayer

 


 

Prayer can be broadly categorized into three main types:

  1. Thanksgiving

  2. Presenting Our Needs to God

  3. Declaration (Proclamation)


1) Thanksgiving Prayers

Thanksgiving prayers are foundational in Christian life. Scripture commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV). Gratitude acknowledges God as the source of all good gifts (James 1:17) and expresses humility and dependence on Him.

Thanksgiving involves praising God for life (Psalm 139:13-16), health (3 John 1:2), and protection—even unseen—from dangers and evil (Psalm 91). When we thank God for past deliverances, we affirm His faithfulness and sovereignty (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Such prayers build faith and foster contentment (Philippians 4:6-7), reminding us that God is intimately involved in every detail of our lives.


2) Presenting Our Needs to God

This is the heart of intercession—coming before God with humility and faith, believing that He hears and answers prayer (1 John 5:14-15). Jesus taught us to ask boldly, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), trusting God as Jehovah Jireh, our Provider (Genesis 22:14).

We ask for wisdom (James 1:5), health (Psalm 103:2-3), deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13), and spiritual fruit like love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). We seek strength to resist temptation and grow in obedience (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Jesus specifically warned His disciples to “pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40), showing the vital link between prayer and victory over sin. Like Peter’s failure when he neglected prayer (Matthew 26:41), believers must remain vigilant.


3) Declaration (Proclamation) Prayers

This form of prayer aligns with biblical principles of spiritual warfare. The Bible reveals that Christians are engaged in a battle “not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). Prayer is a key weapon in this warfare.

When someone is born again and walking in obedience, God places a hedge of protection around them (Job 1:10). However, because we still live in mortal bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-4), we experience “the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

Satan’s limited access to believers is often exercised through curses, spoken words, or declarations that carry spiritual power (Proverbs 18:21). Jesus spoke with authority over evil (Luke 4:36), and we, as His followers, are called to “take captive every thought to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and resist the enemy (James 4:7).


How Satan Uses Words and Declarations

God created the world by His Word (John 1:1-3), so words have creative power. This explains why blessings or curses spoken over a person can affect their lives (Numbers 23:8-10).

Satan exploits this by influencing words spoken over believers—through others or spiritual forces—to bring harm. Yet, God’s protection in Christ is greater than any curse (Romans 8:37-39).

Believers must therefore pray declaration prayers, canceling every evil plan in Jesus’ name, declaring God’s promises over their lives (Psalm 91; Isaiah 54:17). Such prayers reinforce God’s protection and exercise faith in His power.


Practical Steps: Prayers of Declaration

Daily declarations involve speaking aloud blessings, canceling curses, and covering every aspect of life in Jesus’ name (Mark 11:23-24). This includes health, family, work, and faith.

The power of the tongue is emphasized in Proverbs 18:21:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

By consistently declaring God’s Word, believers thwart the enemy’s plans and strengthen their spiritual defenses.


Personal Reflection and Encouragement

Many Christians experience breakthrough when they embrace persistent, biblically grounded prayer. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to “put on the full armor of God” and “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Ephesians 6:11-18). Prayer is not optional but essential in the Christian life.


Jesus’ Example and Teaching on Prayer

Jesus modeled fervent prayer, often spending entire nights in communion with the Father (Luke 6:12). He instructed His disciples to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and warned that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

His prayers sustained Him through temptation and suffering, showing believers the importance of perseverance.


Conclusion

Begin your day with thanksgiving, bring your requests to God with faith, and declare His promises over your life. Prayer is a continuous, powerful weapon given by God to overcome trials, resist temptation, and grow in intimacy with Him.

Remember to pray also for others, following the example of intercessory prayer seen throughout Scripture (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

May the Lord strengthen you in prayer and grant you victory in every area of your life!


 

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The Danger of Not Properly Meditating on the Bible

 

Shalom, Child of God! The Scriptures instruct us not to neglect encouraging one another daily, as long as “today” lasts (Hebrews 3:13, ESV). So today, I invite you to reflect on an important truth about the Bible.

While meditating on this verse:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV),
I asked myself: What does it mean for a path to seem right?

If a person is a thief, murderer, or corrupt, their conscience often convicts them that their path is wrong (Romans 2:14-15). But what about a path that appears right? Such a path is one confirmed by God’s Word. When Scripture affirms what a person is doing, it gives peace and assurance that they are on the right way (Psalm 119:105).


The Bible: Holy, Complete, and Sufficient

The Bible is holy and perfect, fully sufficient for all matters of faith and life. Nothing can be added or taken away from it (Revelation 22:18-19). Yet, the Bible is not only for the perfectly righteous but offers wisdom and guidance to all. Like a fruitful tree bearing many kinds of fruit (Psalm 1:3), the Bible speaks to various needs and spiritual conditions.

This is because the Bible is the very Word of God, the divine Logos who created all things (John 1:1-3). God created both good and evil (Isaiah 45:7) in the world, and the Bible can address every heart according to its desires (Jeremiah 17:9). Satan even tries to misuse Scripture to deceive and destroy, but God’s Word remains powerful and victorious (Matthew 4:1-11).


The Bible’s Many Uses — Both Good and Bad

  • Healing and medicine: The bronze serpent lifted by Moses (Numbers 21:8-9), a symbol of healing, is the emblem of the World Health Organization, showing the enduring power of God’s provision.

  • Military strategy: Battles in the Bible, such as those led by Joshua (Joshua 6), are studied for wisdom and leadership.

  • Politics: Leaders have used biblical principles of justice, leadership, and wisdom to shape nations (Romans 13:1-7).

  • Witchcraft and sorcery: Sadly, some misuse the Bible or mimic its symbols for occult purposes (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), misunderstanding the true power of sacrifice and atonement revealed in Scripture.

  • Business: Principles like diligence, sowing and reaping, and stewardship are found in Proverbs and applied to achieve success (Proverbs 10:4; 2 Corinthians 9:6).

  • False prophets: Many exploit Jesus’ name to perform false miracles and deceive (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2:1-3).


Above All, the Bible Gives Eternal Life

The Bible opens many doors—good and bad. Not every path it reveals leads to life. Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17, ESV)

Everything He taught was about the Kingdom of God. He warned that life is not measured by possessions:

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15, ESV)

Jesus came to give eternal life (John 10:10), and those who follow Him receive it (John 3:16). Those who reject Him may embrace parts of Scripture but miss salvation (John 3:18).


Examine Your Path Carefully

Don’t assume your way is right just because it feels right or because some Scriptures seem to support it. Ask yourself:
Where is this path leading — eternal life or death? Or uncertainty? (Matthew 7:13-14).

If it leads to death or uncertainty, turn away from it and seek what truly matters: Jesus Christ. As He said:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)

Embrace this truth for salvation. Don’t be distracted by secondary matters and miss the heart of the Gospel (2 Timothy 3:16-17).


Learn to Discern Scripture Rightly

Focus first on the Kingdom of God and righteousness, and God will bring understanding of other things (Matthew 6:33; Luke 16:10). We live in the last days, with Christ’s return near (Hebrews 10:25; Revelation 22:20). What state will you be in then? The saddest will not be sinners outside the church but believers who rejected the true Gospel (2 Timothy 3:13).


Beware of False Confidence in Worldly Success

You might say, “Didn’t I receive blessings in Jesus’ name? Didn’t my business prosper? Didn’t my prayers open doors?” Yes, but Jesus warned:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21, ESV)

On Judgment Day, some will hear:

“I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23, ESV)

Why? Because they never truly embraced salvation and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9).


Final Words

Be cautious of popular paths that seem right—even those with a biblical appearance—because many lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Remember, the way to hell is broad and easy; the way to life is narrow and hard (Matthew 7:13-14).

May God richly bless you! Please share this message.


 

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THE BLOOD OF ZACHARIAH SON OF BARACHIAH


Based on Matthew 23:29–36 (ESV/NIV)

In Matthew 23:29–36, Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites for honoring the prophets whom their ancestors had killed, while claiming they themselves would never have been guilty. Jesus reveals the truth: they are the spiritual descendants of those murderers.

“Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,
so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.”

Matthew 23:34-35 (ESV)


1. The Blood of Abel: The First Righteous Martyr

Abel was the first man recorded in Scripture to be murdered unjustly, slain by his brother Cain out of jealousy (Genesis 4:1–16). Abel’s offering pleased God, but Cain’s did not, leading to hatred and murder.

“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.”
Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)

Abel’s blood “speaking” is understood as God’s ongoing testimony against violence and injustice (Genesis 4:10). The innocent blood of the righteous demands divine justice.


2. Zechariah Son of Barachiah: The Priest Martyred in the Temple

The Zechariah mentioned here is identified as the son of Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 24), not the prophet Zechariah who authored the book bearing that name.

Jehoiada was a faithful priest who helped restore worship in Judah. After his death, the people rebelled, returning to idol worship. Zechariah courageously rebuked the people and the king for their disobedience:

“Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, ‘This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not succeed. Because you have abandoned the Lord, He has abandoned you.’”
2 Chronicles 24:20 (NIV)

For this, Zechariah was stoned to death in the temple courtyard (2 Chronicles 24:21). His death symbolizes the rejection and murder of God’s messengers, even within His own house.


3. The Ongoing Cry of the Righteous Blood

The shedding of innocent blood is not forgotten by God. The righteous blood of Abel, Zechariah, and countless others cries out for justice.

This is echoed in Revelation:

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”

Revelation 6:9–10 (NIV)


4. Historical and Present-Day Application

Throughout history, faithful believers have been persecuted and killed for their faith. The Holocaust saw millions of innocent Jews murdered because of their heritage. Christian martyrs throughout history—many at the hands of corrupt religious leaders—also bear witness to this ongoing reality.

Jesus’ warning applies to all who reject God’s truth and persecute His people: judgment will come.


5. The Call to Repentance and Salvation

Anyone outside Christ is under the domain of darkness and subject to judgment (Colossians 1:13; John 3:18). Salvation through Jesus Christ cleanses from sin and breaks the power of death:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7 (NIV)


6. God’s Final Judgment on Those Who Shed Innocent Blood

God’s righteous judgment on those who persecute His saints is certain:

“The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they turned to blood.
Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: ‘You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was, the Holy One, because you have judged these things.
For they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.’
And I heard the altar respond: ‘Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.’”

Revelation 16:4–7 (NIV)


May God bless you with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Please share this message to warn others and encourage a heart that honors God’s justice and mercy.


If you want, I can help you format this into a Bible study or sermon outline. Would you like me to do that?

 


THE BLOOD OF ZACHARIAH SON OF BARACHIAH
Based on Matthew 23:29–36 (ESV/NIV)

In Matthew 23:29–36, Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites for honoring the prophets whom their ancestors had killed, while claiming they themselves would never have been guilty. Jesus reveals the truth: they are the spiritual descendants of those murderers.

“Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,
so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.”

Matthew 23:34-35 (ESV)


1. The Blood of Abel: The First Righteous Martyr

Abel was the first man recorded in Scripture to be murdered unjustly, slain by his brother Cain out of jealousy (Genesis 4:1–16). Abel’s offering pleased God, but Cain’s did not, leading to hatred and murder.

“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.”
Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)

Abel’s blood “speaking” is understood as God’s ongoing testimony against violence and injustice (Genesis 4:10). The innocent blood of the righteous demands divine justice.


2. Zechariah Son of Barachiah: The Priest Martyred in the Temple

The Zechariah mentioned here is identified as the son of Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 24), not the prophet Zechariah who authored the book bearing that name.

Jehoiada was a faithful priest who helped restore worship in Judah. After his death, the people rebelled, returning to idol worship. Zechariah courageously rebuked the people and the king for their disobedience:

“Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, ‘This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not succeed. Because you have abandoned the Lord, He has abandoned you.’”
2 Chronicles 24:20 (NIV)

For this, Zechariah was stoned to death in the temple courtyard (2 Chronicles 24:21). His death symbolizes the rejection and murder of God’s messengers, even within His own house.


3. The Ongoing Cry of the Righteous Blood

The shedding of innocent blood is not forgotten by God. The righteous blood of Abel, Zechariah, and countless others cries out for justice.

This is echoed in Revelation:

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”

Revelation 6:9–10 (NIV)


4. Historical and Present-Day Application

Throughout history, faithful believers have been persecuted and killed for their faith. The Holocaust saw millions of innocent Jews murdered because of their heritage. Christian martyrs throughout history—many at the hands of corrupt religious leaders—also bear witness to this ongoing reality.

Jesus’ warning applies to all who reject God’s truth and persecute His people: judgment will come.


5. The Call to Repentance and Salvation

Anyone outside Christ is under the domain of darkness and subject to judgment (Colossians 1:13; John 3:18). Salvation through Jesus Christ cleanses from sin and breaks the power of death:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7 (NIV)


6. God’s Final Judgment on Those Who Shed Innocent Blood

God’s righteous judgment on those who persecute His saints is certain:

“The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they turned to blood.
Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: ‘You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was, the Holy One, because you have judged these things.
For they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.’
And I heard the altar respond: ‘Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.’”

Revelation 16:4–7 (NIV)


May God bless you with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Please share this message to warn others and encourage a heart that honors God’s justice and mercy.


 

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The Blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah

1. Jesus’ Rebuke to the Religious Elite

Matthew 23:35 (NKJV):
“That on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.”

In this verse, Jesus issues one of His strongest warnings to the scribes and Pharisees. By referencing Abel and Zechariah, He encapsulates the entire Old Testament history of violence against God’s messengers—from Genesis (Abel) to Chronicles (Zechariah), which was the last book in the Jewish Hebrew Bible at the time.

These men represent not only individual martyrs but also a pattern of systemic rejection of truth—a warning to every generation.


2. Abel: The First Martyr and the Voice of Innocent Blood

Genesis 4:8 (NKJV):
“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and… Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.”

Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV):
“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain… and through it he being dead still speaks.”

Abel’s blood cried out for justice (Genesis 4:10). Though he was the first martyr, his voice still symbolically speaks for all the righteous who suffer unjustly. Theologically, Abel’s death is the prototype of innocent bloodshed, and a foreshadow of Christ’s own death.


3. Zechariah son of Berechiah: Identity Clarification

While Jesus refers to “Zechariah son of Berechiah,” biblical scholars largely agree He was referring to Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, recorded in:

2 Chronicles 24:20–21 (NKJV):
“Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest… So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord.”

Why the different name?
In Jewish tradition, genealogical references often skip generations. “Son of Berechiah” could be an alternate family name or even refer to a grandfather or ancestor. What matters theologically is the act—Zechariah, a righteous priest, was murdered in the sanctuary, desecrating the very heart of Israel’s worship.


4. The Weight of National Guilt

Matthew 23:31–32 (NKJV):
“Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.”

Jesus identifies a generational pattern of rejecting God’s prophets. This isn’t merely historical—it reflects spiritual hardness that transcends time. Jesus declares that the blood of the martyrs will come upon that generation—fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.


5. The Cry for Justice in Heaven

Revelation 6:9–10 (NKJV):
“…I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God… and they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge…?’”

These martyrs are not forgotten. In God’s justice system, blood has a voice. The altar in heaven is a direct theological parallel to the altar in the temple—the very place where Zechariah was slain.


6. Divine Vengeance and Theological Justice

Revelation 16:5–6 (NKJV):
“You are righteous, O Lord… For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.”

The Bible teaches that God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4) and will avenge the righteous (Romans 12:19). When human courts fail, divine justice remains. God’s judgment is not vengeful in human terms; it is a response to unrepentant sin.


7. The Gospel Response: Jesus’ Blood Speaks Better Things

Hebrews 12:24 (NKJV):
“…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”

While Abel’s blood calls for justice, Jesus’ blood calls for mercy. The cross is the ultimate answer to the cries of righteous blood—it is God’s offer of forgiveness to even those who killed His prophets.


8. A Call to Repentance and Spiritual Awakening

Hebrews 2:3 (NKJV):
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?”

Today, many still reject God’s messengers, though not by stoning—but by indifference, false doctrine, or institutional compromise. Refusing salvation through Christ aligns one with those who resisted God in ages past.

Salvation demands that we:

  • Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31)
  • Repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38)
  • Walk in holiness and love (Romans 12:1–2)

Conclusion: Whose Blood Will Cover You?

All through Scripture, two types of blood cry out:

  1. The blood of the innocent, calling for justice.
  2. The blood of Jesus, offering mercy and redemption.

To escape divine judgment, one must be covered by the blood of Christ—the only blood that reconciles us to God (Colossians 1:20).

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV):
“…Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Let His shepherding rod lead you into truth—and away from judgment.


May the Lord bless you, give you discernment, and draw you fully into the covering of the blood that saves.

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REJECT SATAN AND HIS HUMAN-CENTERED THINKING

 

Based on Mark 8:31–33

“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He said this plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.’”
Mark 8:31–33, ESV

This moment in Jesus’ ministry marks a critical theological teaching on spiritual discernment and the nature of Satan’s deception. Christ reveals how Satan manipulates human thinking—even among His closest followers—by redirecting their focus from God’s eternal plan to temporary, worldly concerns.


1. Satan’s Deception Often Sounds Compassionate—but Contradicts Scripture

Peter thought he was offering support when he rebuked Jesus for speaking about His death. His intentions seemed good. But despite his loyalty, Peter had unknowingly become a mouthpiece for Satan.

This shows us that Satan doesn’t always come with horns and threats—he often comes disguised in well-meaning thoughts. The Apostle Paul warns us:

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
2 Corinthians 11:14, ESV

Jesus had just revealed the divine necessity of the cross—that the Son of Man must suffer, die, and rise again. This was not just a prediction but the fulfillment of prophecy and the redemptive plan of God (Isaiah 53:5–6). Peter’s reaction contradicted that plan, even though it sounded caring. That’s why Jesus sharply rebuked him.


2. Spiritual Warfare Begins in the Mind

When Jesus said, “You are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man,” He revealed that the battleground is our thoughts. Satan doesn’t need to possess us to influence us—he only needs to inject a deceptive idea.

The Bible teaches that every believer must guard their mind:

“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.”
Romans 12:2, ESV

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:4–5, ESV

Even Peter—who had just confessed that Jesus was the Christ (Mark 8:29)—failed to recognize when his thinking was out of alignment with God’s will. Why? Because, at that moment, he didn’t weigh his thoughts against God’s revealed Word.


3. Satan Promotes Earthly Thinking Over Eternal Truth

Jesus identifies Satan’s core strategy: to fix our minds on temporary, human concerns instead of eternal ones. The enemy wants us preoccupied with safety, success, comfort, and survival, rather than sacrifice, obedience, and eternity.

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

Satan doesn’t want you to think about death, judgment, or eternity. He wants you to plan for retirement—but never for what comes after. That’s why Jesus called out Peter’s rebuke—it wasn’t aligned with God’s redemptive mission.

This also explains why Satan resists funerals, suffering, or any situation that might prompt spiritual reflection. The wise, however, embrace these moments:

“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.”
Ecclesiastes 7:2, ESV

“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.”
Ecclesiastes 7:4, NKJV


4. Rejecting Satan’s Thoughts Requires Sound Doctrine and the Holy Spirit

Jesus did not rebuke Peter himself, but the influence behind him. And that’s key: we must learn to discern between the person and the spirit or idea motivating them. Scripture makes it clear:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12, ESV

So how do we fight back?

Step 1: True Repentance

Turning from sin in heart and action (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19).

Step 2: Biblical Baptism

Full immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38, ESV

Step 3: Receiving the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit becomes our daily guide and teacher:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
John 14:26, ESV

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”
John 16:13, ESV


5. The Word of God Is Your Weapon

Peter was rebuked because he failed to understand the Scriptures fully. If he had known Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22, he would’ve realized that the Messiah must suffer. This lack of scriptural knowledge left him vulnerable to Satan’s “compassionate” but dangerous suggestion.

That’s why Scripture is described as a sword:

“Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17, ESV

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…”
Hebrews 4:12, ESV

Knowing the Word gives you the power to identify and reject satanic ideas. Without it, you’ll mistake Satan’s lies for human empathy.


Conclusion: Fix Your Eyes on the Eternal

Don’t fall for Satan’s trap of living only for this world. His goal is to blind people from thinking about eternity (2 Corinthians 4:4). But God calls us to prepare not just for this life—but for the next.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV

Reject Satan’s thoughts. Reject temporary thinking. Embrace the mind of Christ. And keep your heart set on God’s eternal purpose.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:5, KJV


May the Lord bless you and give you discernment to reject every thought not aligned with His truth.
Stay rooted in Scripture. Be filled with the Spirit. And fix your eyes on.

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WHEN A TREE FALLS, IT STAYS WHERE IT LANDS

Ecclesiastes 11:3b (NKJV)
“…If a tree falls to the south or the north, in the place where it falls, there it will lie.” 

The Bible uses the image of a tree to represent the finality of our lives. When a tree falls—whether because it’s old or because someone cuts it down—it doesn’t get to decide where it lands. The direction it falls depends on how it’s been growing all along. Even a tree that appears straight may have been leaning slightly in one direction, and you only discover that lean when it falls. Once it’s down, it stays there. A fallen tree cannot get up or move. It’s final.

This is a powerful picture of our lives. If the return of Jesus (the Rapture) doesn’t happen in our lifetime, then each of us will face physical death

 (Hebrews 9:27:

“It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”).

And just like the tree, the way we lived determines where we end up for eternity. There’s no chance to change sides after death.

Many people believe they can live however they want and turn to God at the last minute. But that’s a dangerous mindset. The way you’re living now reveals the direction you’re spiritually leaning—either toward God or away from Him. And when your time on earth ends, you will “fall” in that direction.

If changing direction at the last moment were easy or guaranteed, God wouldn’t have called people to follow Him from childhood

 (Proverbs 22:6:

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”).

He wouldn’t have sent prophets, apostles, or even His Son to call people to repentance. He would have simply waited until people were dying. But that’s not how salvation works. Salvation is not a momentary decision at the point of death—it is a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, one that shapes every day of our lives

(Luke 9:23:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”).

Just as a tree lies where it falls, your eternal destiny is sealed at death—whether it’s toward eternal life or eternal separation from God. Jesus taught this clearly in Luke 16:19–31 through the story of the rich man and Lazarus. After death, each man went to a fixed place—one to comfort, the other to torment—with a great chasm between them that no one could cross. No second chances. No middle ground.

That’s why it’s vital to examine your life now. Which direction are you leaning? Toward God—or away from Him? The Bible tells us to “examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). If your life were to end today, would you fall into the hands of a loving Savior—or into eternal separation from God?

If you haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, the opportunity is still available now. The Bible says,

2 Corinthians 6:2

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

You can turn to Jesus today. Repent of your sins (Acts 3:19), believe in Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9–10), and receive His forgiveness.

Then, follow through in obedience by being baptized—just as the early church did—in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). And God promises to fill you with the Holy Spirit, who will guide, comfort, and strengthen you every day of your life (John 14:26, Romans 8:14).

God is offering you life today. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Be blessed.

For prayers, counseling, or worship service schedules, please contact:
📞 +225693036618 / +225789001312

 

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IT’S NOT THE DEVIL — IT’S YOU! (CHOOSE WHAT IS RIGHT)

 

One of Satan’s most effective deceptions is convincing people that they are never responsible for their own sins. He works tirelessly to shift the blame onto himself, making people believe that he alone is the cause of all human problems.
That’s why when someone commits adultery, they say, “It’s the devil!” When someone steals or kills, again—“The devil made me do it!” But the Bible shows that Satan himself fell without being tempted by anyone. His downfall came from his own heart:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?”Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV

In other words, just like Satan, many people are led astray not by external forces, but by the evil within their own hearts.
Even in Isaiah 14:12–14, we learn how Satan fell by saying in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven… I will be like the Most High.” Pride and rebellion originated within him.

🌿 Sin Is a Choice—Not a Force

Most people blame Satan when they sin, but in reality, they choose sin willingly. Satan didn’t create sin—he only promotes it. The possibility of evil was allowed by God to make free will meaningful. Without the option to disobey, there would be no true obedience.

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.”Deuteronomy 30:15

God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in Eden not as a trap, but as a symbol of choice. Even if Satan had not tempted Eve, she still had the free will to eat from it. Satan was just a tempter, not the creator of sin.

“Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”James 1:15

The source of sin is the desire in the human heart, not an outside force overpowering someone. Satan takes advantage of the desires that are already within us.

🛑 Personal Accountability on Judgment Day

When someone sins, they are not being forced by Satan. They are making a personal decision to obey the desires of the flesh.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”Galatians 6:7

“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”Romans 14:12

The Bible is clear that we will each stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and give an account of what we have done—not what Satan did through us:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”2 Corinthians 5:10

No one will be able to say, “It wasn’t me—it was Satan!” That excuse will not hold.

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”John 3:19

People don’t sin because Satan is powerful—they sin because they love darkness more than light.

⚖️ God Rewards and Punishes According to Your Choices

Just as God promises to bless those who choose good, He also warns of curses and judgment upon those who choose evil. This was true even in Eden:

“To the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children.’… Then to Adam He said… ‘Cursed is the ground for your sake.’”Genesis 3:16–17

Notice—it wasn’t Satan who cursed Adam and Eve—it was God. Why? Because they made the choice to sin.
In the same way today, when you choose sin, the consequences come from God, not Satan.

“He who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.”Colossians 3:25

🛍️ A Marketplace Analogy: You Choose What You Buy

Life is like walking into a market with two shops—one offers garments of righteousness (white robes), and the other offers garments of sin (darkness). Both shopkeepers invite you in, but only you can decide what to purchase.
If you choose sin and later suffer the consequences, you can’t blame the seller—the decision was yours.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life…”Deuteronomy 30:19

You are fully responsible for the choices you make.

🧠 People Claim Good Works for Themselves but Blame Evil on Satan

Have you noticed how people take credit when they do good, saying things like, “I just felt like helping that poor person”—yet when they sin, they quickly say, “It was the devil!”?
If we take credit for the good, we must also take responsibility for the bad.

“Be not wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.”Proverbs 3:7

“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.”Isaiah 1:19–20

God will not judge Satan for your actions—He will judge you. Yes, Satan tempts, but you choose.

🕊️ There Is Hope—Jesus Chose Righteousness

There is one Man who never gave in to sin. Jesus Christ lived in perfect obedience to God and chose good in every situation:

“Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.”Isaiah 7:15

He is the only one who can teach us how to walk in righteousness. He invites all who are weary from sin and burdened by guilt to come to Him:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:28

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”Matthew 11:29–30

Whatever sin you are bound in—whether it’s sexual immorality, pornography, addiction, gossip, corruption, abortion, fear, or spiritual oppression—Jesus is calling you today. Come to Him as you are, and He will receive you.

💧 Repent and Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus

Repent sincerely—not just in words, but with the commitment to turn away from sin completely. God promises to forgive you:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”1 John 1:9

But don’t stop at repentance. To complete your cleansing, you must obey the Gospel by being baptized—fully immersed in water in the name of Jesus Christ:

“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.”Acts 2:38

Through baptism, your past sins are washed away, and you are born again in Christ. Then the Holy Spirit will empower you to choose what is right and live a life that pleases God.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”2 Corinthians 5:17

🎺 The Last Days Are Here—Be Ready

We are living in the last days. The trumpet could sound at any moment. Those who belong to Christ will be caught up to meet Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Let’s strive to be among those who are found faithful and ready.

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”Revelation 19:7


🕊️ Will You Choose Light or Darkness?

The message is simple:
Don’t blame Satan. Take responsibility. Choose righteousness. Follow Jesus. Eternal life is in your hands—but only if you choose life.

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”Joshua 24:15


God bless you. Please share this message with others.


 

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THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE

Jeremiah 30:7 (KJV)

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

The Bible warns of a coming period so severe that no event in human history compares to it. This is the time the prophets called Jacob’s Trouble, a unique tribulation designed to refine and restore Israel, and to execute God’s final judgments upon the world

The Great Tribulation Foretold

The prophet Daniel was shown this dreadful time:

Daniel 12:1 (KJV)

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

This aligns perfectly with the words of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 24:21-22 (KJV)

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

The elect in this context refers primarily to the faithful remnant of Israel (see Isaiah 45:4) and secondarily to those Gentiles who come to faith during the tribulation period.

The Restoration of Israel and the Setting of the Stage

Jeremiah foretold that before this time of trouble, Israel would be regathered:

Jeremiah 30:1-3 (KJV)

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.

This was fulfilled in part in 1948 when, after nearly 2,500 years, Israel became a sovereign nation once more (Isaiah 66:8). Yet this physical restoration is only the beginning; spiritual restoration will come through tribulation (Ezekiel 36:24-27).

The Holocaust: A Foreshadow of Jacob’s Trouble

World War II and the Holocaust give us a chilling glimpse of what lies ahead. More than six million Jews were murdered, many in gas chambers under Adolf Hitler’s evil regime. Yet, as horrific as this was, it was merely “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8, KJV).

During the tribulation, Scripture indicates that the Antichrist will unleash unparalleled persecution:

Zechariah 13:8-9 (KJV)

And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

The Role of the Antichrist and God’s Sovereignty

The tribulation will be marked by the rise of the man of sin, the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, KJV), who will establish a covenant with Israel, only to break it and demand worship (Daniel 9:27, Revelation 13:4-7). His reign will bring death, destruction, and desecration of the rebuilt temple (Matthew 24:15).

But even in wrath, God remembers mercy (Habakkuk 3:2). The tribulation is both judgment and a means of bringing Israel to true repentance.

The Rapture of the Church

Before this dreadful time begins, the true Church—the Bride of Christ—will be caught up to meet the Lord:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Christ’s Bride is not destined for wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The rapture will occur before God pours out His judgments (Revelation 3:10).

The Fate of the Foolish Virgins

Those unprepared—like the foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable—will face this time of terror:

Matthew 25:10-12 (KJV)

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Those who reject God’s grace now will find it absent in that hour, as His focus returns to Israel (Romans 11:25-27).

A Call to Decision

These are the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The signs of the times—the moral decay, natural disasters, wars, and global unrest—all point to the nearness of the end. Jesus said:

Luke 21:28 (KJV)

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Do not gamble with your soul. This is no time for half-hearted faith. Repent sincerely. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). Be baptized (Acts 2:38). Receive the Holy Spirit, who seals you until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Final Exhortation

May the Lord bless you as you heed this message. Share it with others so they too may escape the coming wrath and be part of Christ’s glorious kingdom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IS BETTING/GAMBLING A SIN?

To determine whether betting is a sin, we must first understand God’s will. You cannot identify what displeases God unless you first know what pleases Him.

When God created human beings and all living creatures—including animals—He placed within us something called conscience. This conscience acts as an internal guide, helping us distinguish between right and wrong. It exists in all living beings (both humans and animals) and carries God’s moral laws within it.

The Role of Conscience in Morality

Even without God directly speaking to us about what is right or wrong, our conscience has the ability to recognize when something is not right.

For example, a lion may hunt and kill an antelope, but that same lion will never eat its own cub. Why? Because the conscience within it tells the lion that such an action is wrong. The lion has not been given a written law from God, yet it follows an internal moral law.

Similarly, you will never see a male dog mating with another male dog. Why? Because the conscience inside animals naturally guides them away from such behavior, even though they have physical urges.

Humans are the same way. We also have an inbuilt conscience that carries God’s moral laws. A person may have no knowledge of the Bible or any religious teachings, yet they will still recognize that certain actions—such as killing, mistreating children, or stealing—are wrong.

The conscience does not require written laws to distinguish right from wrong. That is why even animals, despite their instincts, still follow certain moral boundaries.

For example:

  • A person instinctively knows that abortion is wrong because they understand deep inside that it is taking a life.

  • A person who takes drugs knows that they are harming themselves.

  • Someone who engages in masturbation or pornography feels guilt deep inside, even though they may not find a specific Bible verse explicitly calling it a sin.

  • A person involved in gambling or betting often feels hesitant before starting, sensing that something is not right.

Betting and Gambling—A Deceptive Trap

Betting is a form of gambling, which is legalized in many countries but remains morally questionable.

Most people who start betting feel an inner resistance at first. They experience unease, hesitation, and doubt about whether the practice is right. They may even ask others if it is acceptable. These signs should not be ignored. They indicate that their conscience is warning them against something harmful.

Once a person silences that inner voice and proceeds with betting, they eventually lose that initial discomfort and start seeing gambling as “normal.” However, this is a dangerous deception.

The Dark Side of Betting

Many global betting companies operate under hidden, sinister agendas. These organizations, often run by secret societies such as Freemasons and other occult groups, use gambling profits to:

  • Fund LGBTQ+ campaigns to promote sexual immorality.

  • Support abortion rights and the killing of unborn children.

  • Finance terrorism and criminal activities to create global instability.

Satan uses betting and gambling as a tool to trap people into financial ruin while enriching his kingdom. The Bible warns against the love of money and the desire for quick riches, as these are common tricks the devil uses to lure people into destruction.

Biblical Warnings Against the Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV)

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Betting makes people obsessed with easy money, and this leads them into spiritual bondage. Many gamblers find themselves:

  • Addicted to gambling, always returning even after multiple losses.

  • Struggling financially due to money lost in bets.

  • Controlled by unseen spiritual forces that keep them in financial and moral ruin.

God’s Plan for Gaining Wealth

God does not want His people to seek quick, easy money through gambling. Instead, He teaches that wealth should be earned gradually, through honest work.

Proverbs 13:11 (NIV)

“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”

The Biblical principle is to work diligently and build wealth over time. Any method that promises instant riches, such as gambling or betting, is a trap of the devil.

Conclusion: Should Christians Bet?

The answer is NO. Betting is a deceptive scheme designed to enslave people financially and spiritually. It is controlled by satanic forces that use gambling profits to promote evil. Even if the Bible does not explicitly mention betting, the conscience within us warns that it is not right.

If you are involved in betting, the Bible calls you to repent and turn away from it. Instead of seeking quick money, trust in God’s provision and follow His principles for financial success.

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

“Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”

God bless you!

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