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The Three Levels of Faith

There are three observable types of faith among those who followed Jesus for healing.

The First Group
This group consists of people who ensure they see Jesus face-to-face, speak directly with Him, and personally ask Him for healing. If the sick person cannot approach Jesus, they make sure He comes to their home to pray for them. This group demonstrates a faith that surrenders entirely to Jesus, allowing Him to act fully without interference.

This first group is the largest and most visible, even today. These are the believers who, to receive healing or fulfill a need, will seek out God’s servants anywhere—be it Nigeria, China, or elsewhere—regardless of cost, just to have their request prayed over. Their faith is strong but often dependent on a mediator.

The Second Group
The second group goes beyond the need for Jesus to physically come to them. They have received a revelation of Jesus’ authority and understand that His power transcends physical presence. A biblical example is the centurion in Capernaum:

“When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading, ‘Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.’ Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority…’” (Matthew 8:5-9, ESV)

The centurion realized that Jesus, as the Commander of heaven, could command healing even at a distance. He did not need Jesus’ physical presence; a simple word from Him would suffice. Jesus marveled at this faith, noting that even in Israel, He had not found such great faith (Matthew 8:10).

Believers like this today are rare. They carry Jesus in their hearts and pray directly to Him without relying on human intercessors. Their faith is simple, immediate, and powerful—they approach Jesus personally and receive miracles directly.

The Third Group
The third group requires no permission, invitation, or word from Jesus. They act in faith, quietly yet powerfully, and the results manifest immediately. An example is the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years:

“And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and who had spent all she had on physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus said, ‘Who touched Me?’… Then the woman, seeing she was not hidden, came trembling and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’” (Luke 8:43-48, ESV)

Here, the woman acted in full faith without needing a formal audience with Jesus. This represents the highest level of faith, sometimes called “perfect faith” (1 Corinthians 13:2). A person with this faith can speak commands in the name of Jesus, and even mountains or challenges obey. They operate in authority granted by Christ Himself, not relying on intermediaries but on the power of His name.

The Path to Perfect Faith
To reach this level, believers must deepen their knowledge and intimacy with Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:3 reminds us:

“In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

By meditating on Jesus’ character and power, faith grows until it becomes spontaneous and authoritative, capable of working miracles by simply invoking His name.

May God grant us this revelation of Jesus Christ, that our faith may be alive, dynamic, and powerful.

 

 

 

 

 

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DO NOT DIE IN YOUR SINS!

Blessed be the name of our Sovereign King, Jesus Christ. Welcome as we learn His words, which are the light of our path and a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105).

Today, we will briefly reflect on the importance of repentance before the end of our lives. Many teachings circulate today that suggest there is a “second chance” after death, often linked to purgatory. These teachings promise that even if one dies in sin, they might still be saved from eternal punishment through the prayers of the saints or other intercessions.

These are deceptive doctrines of Satan, designed to give people false hope and comfort. Satan knows that humans are drawn to comfort, which is why his first lie in Eden was a lie of comfort. He told Eve, “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4), even after God had warned, “for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). The same deceptive tactics are used today to lead people astray.

The teaching of purgatory or “second chances” after death is dangerous. Many will regret it when they face the reality of judgment and discover that there is no second chance. As Jesus Himself warned:

John 8:24 – “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

Reflect deeply on this verse. Jesus links sin and death: if one dies in sin without faith in Him, there is no remedy afterward. The consequences of sin continue beyond physical death, because while our bodies decay, our sins and their accountability do not vanish. Repentance must occur while we are still alive on this earth. After death, there is no more opportunity for salvation.

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes this truth:

Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

If you believed there is a “second chance” after death, as some false teachings propose, you have been deceived—just as Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden. Jesus repeatedly urged repentance before death, because after death comes judgment.

This is why it is urgent to turn to Jesus today. Whether someone struggles with alcoholism, sexual sin, profanity, idolatry, or any other sin, without repentance and faith in Christ, death leads directly to judgment and eternal separation from God—hell. There is no second chance after death.

What should you do?
Respond to the Holy Spirit’s call today. Decide firmly to turn from sin and follow Christ. Break ties with worldly sins—whether addictions, impure relationships, or harmful behaviors—and take up your cross to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). The Holy Spirit will empower you to overcome sinful desires, bringing peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

If you resist and continue in sin, death will claim you in your sins, and there will be no second chance. Choose life today!

May the Lord bless you abundantly. Share this message to warn others about the urgent need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

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IF GOD IMPROVES HIS WORK, WHY NOT IMPROVE YOURS?

Shalom, children of God. The Bible reminds us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Therefore, when we genuinely study God’s Word, we are spiritually nourished, and our lives are enriched and extended here on earth (1 Kings 3:14).

GOD’S CREATION
In Genesis 1, we see how God completed His work of creating the universe in six days. On the seventh day, He rested and blessed it, signifying the completion and perfection of His creation. In Genesis 2, we observe God giving Adam instructions for living in the Garden of Eden and assigning names to all the animals. Life proceeded in harmony.

Yet, after some time, God observed Adam and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18).

Think about the weight of the phrase “It is not good.” It indicates that God identified a deficiency and chose to make adjustments. Although the woman had already been in God’s plan from the beginning (Genesis 1:27-28), He delayed her creation so that His statement “It is not good” could teach us an important spiritual principle: God values correction and improvement.

GOD MAKES ADJUSTMENTS
Why did God do this? To teach us that He is pleased with adjustments and improvements. Imagine a world without women—life would lack the nurturing love of mothers, the companionship of sisters, or the partnership of wives. God’s correction brought immense blessing to humanity. Similarly, He desires us to continually improve in our Christian walk, our service in the Kingdom, and our spiritual growth.

If God declared “It is not good,” why should we settle for spiritual stagnation? Why cling to the same level of faith we had ten years ago while recognizing areas in our life that need refinement? God calls us to grow from faith to faith, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM
God’s work continues, and the structure of the Church needs constant nurturing. He wants us to contribute our time, resources, wisdom, and effort to improve and build His Kingdom. Just as the creation of woman brought immeasurable benefit to humanity, our improvements can impact thousands of lives and souls for Christ.

If you see no growth in your prayer life, evangelism, or fasting, you may be outside God’s intended purpose for your life. God wants us to acknowledge what is “not good” and take deliberate steps to improve our spiritual life and ministry.

It is my prayer that you and I begin to recognize the areas that are “not good” and, with God’s help, improve our spiritual life and our service to the Gospel.

Amen.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU DREAM THAT YOU ARE LOST?

Dreams about being lost whether in a city, school, forest, at a crossroads, in a race, or in an unfamiliar place are more than just random nighttime thoughts. They can be deeply spiritual messages, often used by God to reveal something important about your current condition in life and your walk with Him.

These types of dreams can happen to anyone, whether you are a Christian or not. But they typically serve as a wake-up call—especially for those who are drifting away from God or have never truly known Him.

1. For Those Who Are Not Saved: A Call to Salvation

If you’re not yet born again, God may be showing you that you’re spiritually lost. In your dream, you may be wandering, confused, and unable to find your way. That reflects your current relationship with God—you are separated from Him, without direction or peace.

The Bible says:

Psalm 37:18-20 (NIV)

“The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.
In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.”

This shows the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. To be spiritually lost means to be outside of God’s protection and destined for destruction unless something changes.

Psalm 1:6 (ESV)

“For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

If God is showing you a dream like this, it’s a gracious warning. He wants to guide you to safety before it’s too late.

2. Jesus is the Only Way

You may think you’re doing well maybe you have a good job, a nice home, a happy family, and good health but none of those things can save your soul. Being lost spiritually is far more serious than any physical loss. That’s why Jesus said:

John 14:6 (NIV)

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

There is only one path that leads to God and that path is Jesus Christ. He came to rescue those who are lost.

Luke 19:10 (NIV)

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

This means your dream may be a divine invitation. God wants to rescue you from your current path and bring you into a relationship with Him.

3. How to Respond: Repent and Believe

If you’ve realized you are spiritually lost, the Bible calls you to repent to turn away from sin and turn toward God.

Acts 3:19 (NIV)

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Take a moment, wherever you are, to talk to God in prayer. Confess your sins. Ask for forgiveness. Invite Jesus into your life. Be honest He already knows everything about you, but He wants you to come willingly.

If your prayer is genuine, God will forgive you:

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

4. Next Step: Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus

After repentance, the Bible teaches that baptism is the next step. This isn’t just a ritual it’s a public and spiritual act of obedience that identifies you with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Acts 2:38 (NIV)

“Peter replied, ‘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.’”

True baptism is by full immersion in water and done in the name of Jesus Christ. If you’re not sure where to be baptized correctly, contact a local Bible-believing church or reach out to someone who can guide you.

5. For Believers: A Warning to Stay on the Path

If you’re already a Christian and you keep dreaming that you’re lost, God may be warning you. It could mean:

  • You’re straying from your spiritual path.

  • You’re about to make a decision that could pull you away from God’s will.

  • There’s a sin or habit in your life that’s grieving the Holy Spirit.

These dreams may be God’s way of saying: “Come back before it’s too late.”

Revelation 3:11 (NIV)

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”

Stay faithful. Reexamine your life. Let go of anything pulling you away from God. The enemy often uses distractions, pride, or sin to cause believers to drift. But God, in His love, sends dreams like these to get your attention.

Ezekiel 44:10 (ESV)

“But the Levites who went far from me, going astray from me after their idols when Israel went astray, shall bear their punishment.”

This is a warning: Don’t go back to the things God delivered you from. His grace saved you for a purpose. Remain in His presence, obey His Word, and stay connected in fellowship with other believers.

In Summary:

  • Dreaming that you are lost is a spiritual alert from God.

  • If you’re not saved, it’s a call to repent and believe in Jesus.

  • If you are saved, it’s a call to examine your walk and return to faithfulness.

  • Don’t ignore these warnings God speaks in many ways, including dreams (Job 33:14-18).

  • Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Need Help?

If you’d like to know where you can be baptized properly or need spiritual guidance, feel free to reach out to trusted Christian ministries or local churches. 

May God bless you and guide you back to His perfect path.

 

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Do Not Neglect the Work of God’s Word

Luke 12:47b – “…To whom much is given, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will demand even more.”

The Gospel is a Debt
Every time we hear the Word of God, we are accountable before Him. The Bible reminds us that God’s Word is alive and powerful:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

This means that when God’s Word enters our lives, it is expected to bear fruit—first in our own transformation, and secondly, in influencing others through us.

Yet, many hear the Word repeatedly without action. They treat it like ordinary news: listen today, forget tomorrow, continue with daily life as if nothing happened. Preaching, teachings, and sermons may pass by, but if no change occurs in the heart, it is as though nothing has been gained.

God counts every Word that reaches our ears, because as He promises:

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

To Whom Much is Given, Much Will Be Required
God expects that what we receive in revelation, guidance, or spiritual gifts be shared. Holding back is like giving someone food while others starve. For instance:

A mother trapped in idol worship might have been transformed had someone shared the truth of Jesus with her.

A young man clinging to religion as his ticket to heaven might face eternal separation without someone to witness to him.

Those struggling with despair or addiction could be saved by even a few words about Jesus.

Yet if we neglect to act on what we hear daily, we are guilty of withholding the life-giving Word from others.

Jesus warned about accountability:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” – Matthew 25:21

Those who fail will hear:

“The unfaithful servant…throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 25:26–30

We cannot afford to treat God’s Word lightly. If we do not bear fruit when He looks, there will be no second chance.

Daily Examination and Action
Paul reminds us that God works within us:

“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13

Every day, we must examine ourselves and take at least one step forward in obedience.

Maranatha!
May the Lord bless you abundantly.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Spiritual Meaning of Dreaming About Being Late

Have you ever dreamed that you were late for an important event—an exam, a job interview, a flight, or even a court session? If such dreams occur frequently, they are not mere coincidences. They may be a divine warning, urging you to reflect on your life and make necessary changes before it is too late.

God Speaks Through Dreams

The Bible teaches that God often communicates with people through dreams to guide and warn them:

Job 33:14-18
“For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds, He opens their ears and warns them, to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride, to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword.”

If you repeatedly dream of being late, it could mean that God is trying to get your attention. It may be a sign that you are delaying an important decision regarding your spiritual life.

The Spiritual Message Behind Being Late

Dreaming about being late symbolizes procrastination or negligence in spiritual matters. It may indicate hesitation in committing to God or a failure to prioritize what truly matters.

Jesus illustrated this through the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. Ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and carried extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all fell asleep. At midnight, a cry was heard announcing his arrival. The wise virgins quickly lit their lamps and went to meet him, but the foolish ones realized their lamps were going out. They rushed to buy more oil, but by the time they returned, the door was shut, and they were left outside.

This parable directly relates to dreams of being late. It warns against spiritual complacency. Those who delay preparing for eternity may find themselves left behind when it matters most.

A Wake-Up Call for Action

If you often dream of being late, take it as a sign to examine your priorities. Are you postponing repentance? Are you distracted by worldly pursuits? Are you neglecting your spiritual growth?

The Bible reminds us:
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Waiting for the “right time” may cost you everything. Whatever is holding you back—whether career, relationships, or personal struggles—should not take precedence over your relationship with God.

Steps to Take Now

  1. Repent and Seek God – If you have been distant from God, turn back to Him with sincerity. Confess your sins and seek His guidance.

  2. Commit to Spiritual Growth – Start reading the Bible regularly, praying, and surrounding yourself with people who encourage your faith.

  3. Take Bold Steps of Faith – If you have never been baptized, consider doing so as an act of obedience to Christ (Acts 2:38). If you have been lukewarm, renew your commitment today.

  4. Let Go of Distractions – Identify what is pulling you away from God and make adjustments to ensure He remains your priority.

Final Encouragement

Dreams of being late are not meant to scare you but to awaken you. They are reminders that time is limited and opportunities do not last forever. God, in His mercy, is giving you a chance to align your life with His will. Don’t wait until it’s too late—act now and secure your place in His kingdom.

May God guide and strengthen you

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Who is God according to the Bible?

The term “God” is derived from the concept of a “Creator” or “Maker.” By that logic, if a person creates a car, that person becomes the “god” of that car—its designer and origin.

Likewise, if a human being creates a car, then there must be a higher Being who created that human. That supreme Being is what we call “God of all gods.” He is the ultimate source, beyond human origin or understanding.

Just as a car cannot comprehend the life, origin, or essence of its creator, neither can we, as human beings, fully comprehend the One who created us. The car cannot know when or where its maker was born, or how they live—no matter how advanced the car might be. In the same way, human beings cannot fully analyze or define God. Trying to do so would only lead us to confusion, distance from the truth, or even spiritual loss—because God’s existence transcends our comprehension.

Who, Then, Is This God?

He is not a man, though He created man in His image. He exists in a higher, spiritual realm called Heaven. While He possesses attributes similar to ours—eyes, ears, a voice—He does not depend on anything to exist. Unlike us:

  • He has a nose but does not need to breathe.

  • He has eyes but doesn’t need light to see.

  • He lives but does not need food or water to survive. Everything that sustains us was created by Him—but He Himself is sustained by nothing. He is the source of all life, intelligence, and existence.

This is why we cannot reduce God to human terms. He is not a product of our logic or science. Just as a robot cannot understand the full nature of its maker, we, too, cannot define or explain God in His fullness.

Yet despite this divine superiority…

God Did Not Create Us as Robots

God did not create us to function mechanically or blindly. He created us as His children—beings with choice, emotion, purpose, and the capacity to love and be loved. He longs for a relationship with us, one built on love, trust, and obedience.

He gave us principles—His divine laws—to guide us through life and lead us to peace, success, and eternal life. But knowing that human effort alone would not be enough, He made the greatest act of love:

He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to the world—so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus Christ—The Only Way to God

Jesus is not just a prophet, teacher, or moral figure—He is the Son of God, given all authority in heaven and on earth. He is the bridge between humanity and divinity. Without Him, there is no access to the Father.

John 14:6 – “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

No religious system, good works, or moral efforts can substitute the redemptive power of Jesus. He paid the price for our sins with His own blood, offering salvation freely to anyone who believes, repents, and follows Him.

The Condition: Faith, Repentance, and Holiness

It is not enough to just “know about” Jesus. One must:

  • Believe in Him wholeheartedly.

  • Repent of all known sins.

  • Be washed clean through His blood.

  • Live in holiness and obedience.

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

The Choice Is Yours

Do you desire to see the Father in Heaven one day?

If yes—have you made the decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your life, confessed your sins, and begun a journey of holiness?

If you have, then you carry the living hope of meeting God face to face. But if you reject or ignore this gift, the Bible clearly states that you will not see God.

May the Lord bless you and give you the wisdom to seek Him while He may be found.

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DO YOU WANT TO BE BLESSED? THEN DON’T AVOID THE COST.

When God gives you promises of glorious blessings in the future, you must also understand that trials often precede those blessings. If the Lord promises to cover you, protect you, and deliver you, it usually means you may first go through deep valleys, painful losses, or seasons where it feels like He is absent.

We all love comfort—especially the comfort that comes from God—but the reality is this: you cannot be comforted unless you first go through discouragement, sorrow, or affliction. This is why true comfort is powerful. As Paul writes:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
(2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

The Pattern of Trials Before Blessing
When God says, “I will be with you, I will bless you, I will lift you up, and I will deliver you,” those promises are precious—but they also imply a journey through hardship. Before the lifting up comes the humbling. Before the deliverance comes the imprisonment. Before the joy comes the sorrow. Otherwise, salvation would not be salvation—because salvation presupposes something lost.

There is no deliverance without being trapped first, no comfort without sorrow, no exaltation without first being brought low.

Abraham: The Cost of Obedience
Abraham was told, “I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2). But before he received that promise, he had to lose his homeland, his relatives, and all that was familiar.

The book of Hebrews says:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country…”
(Hebrews 11:8–9)

To gain a heavenly citizenship, he had to surrender his earthly one. The blessing was real, but the cost was heavy.

Joseph: Glory Through Shame
Joseph was shown a vision that his brothers would one day bow before him (Genesis 37:5–9). He might have thought the fulfillment would come easily. Instead, he was betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused of sexual immorality, and imprisoned in Egypt.

Only after being “brought low” did God lift him to Pharaoh’s right hand. His story reminds us: “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

Moses: From Palace to Wilderness
Before Moses became “as God to Pharaoh” (Exodus 7:1), he had to abandon the riches of Egypt.

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.”
(Hebrews 11:24–25)

For forty years he lived in the desert, being humbled, before God entrusted him with the leadership of Israel.

Following Christ: The Ultimate Cost
Jesus Himself warned that discipleship comes at a price:

“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them… everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.”
(Matthew 19:27–29)

To follow Christ is to deny yourself (Luke 9:23)—leaving behind sin, ungodly relationships, dishonest business, or any lifestyle that displeases Him. These sacrifices may bring short-term hardship, but the promise of Christ is eternal: a hundredfold reward and eternal life.

Theological Reflection
God’s priority is not to make us wealthy but to make us holy. His aim is first to save our souls from eternal death before granting temporal blessings. As Paul reminds us:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
(2 Corinthians 4:17)

Some blessings may come quickly; others may take years, even decades. But the timing belongs to God, who knows what will shape us best.

Conclusion
If you desire the blessing of Christ, be ready to embrace the cost. Surrender sin, endure trials, and trust in His refining process. The Lord who humbled Abraham, Joseph, and Moses is the same God who will lift you up in due time—if you remain faithful.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
(Romans 8:18)

Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon.

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What Happens After Death?

When a person dies suddenly, the moment they pass is followed by the arrival of angels sent by God to escort them to their eternal destination. If someone has lived a life of righteousness, trusting in Jesus Christ, and walking in obedience to His commands, angels will joyfully carry them to Heaven, often referred to as Paradise (Luke 23:43). Paradise, as described in Scripture, is a temporary resting place for the redeemed, where they await the final resurrection and reunion with their glorified bodies.

Jesus used the story of Lazarus and the rich man to give us insight into what happens after death:

Luke 16:22-23 – “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.”

Abraham’s side, or Abraham’s bosom, is another term used to describe Paradise. It’s a place of peace, comfort, and rest for those who have trusted in God’s salvation. Though not the final Heaven itself, it is a temporary resting place for believers, where they await the ultimate resurrection and glorification of their bodies.

The Resurrection of the Dead

On the day of the resurrection, all the righteous, both those who have died and those who are alive, will be transformed into glorified bodies. They will be united with Jesus Christ and ascend to Heaven, where they will partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb and spend eternity in the presence of God. This is the promise of eternal life—where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, and believers will see God face to face (Revelation 21:4).

What Happens to the Wicked After Death?

For those who reject Christ or live in unrepentant sin, the story is different. The moment of their death marks the beginning of eternal separation from God. As we see in Matthew 13:49-50:

Matthew 13:49-50 – “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, after the rich man died, he was taken to Hell (also known as Hades), a place of torment and separation from God. Hell is not the final destination for the wicked but a temporary holding place until the final judgment, when the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire, the second death (Revelation 20:14).

Luke 16:24-26 – “So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’”

The rich man’s story illustrates the torment and despair of Hell. While the righteous are comforted, the wicked experience an eternity of suffering. There is a great chasm between them that cannot be crossed, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the eternal separation that follows death.

The Final Judgment and the Lake of Fire

After the wicked have spent time in Hell, they will be resurrected to stand before God’s Great White Throne for the final judgment. Here, they will be judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-15). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, a place of unending torment. This is the ultimate destination for all who reject God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The Uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of Judgment

The Bible is clear: there is no second chance after death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” When we die, we will face God’s judgment immediately. There is no purgatory, no second opportunity to repent after death. Our eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death, and it is based on whether we have trusted in Jesus Christ during our lifetime.

What Happens to Us Before Death?

In the moments leading up to death, some people experience peace and comfort. Many report seeing angels or sensing their presence, while others experience distress and fear. These responses can be a reflection of the state of their souls. Those at peace may be comforted by the presence of angels, knowing they are about to meet their Lord. Those in distress, however, may be facing the agony of eternal separation from God.

Your Eternal Destiny

The Bible offers a clear message: choose Christ now. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Your eternal destiny depends on whether you place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior. The choice is yours, and the decision you make today will determine where you will spend eternity—either in the presence of God or in eternal separation from Him.

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

Before it’s too late, make the decision to surrender your life to Christ and secure your place in Heaven. The Bible teaches that through Jesus, we have forgiveness, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.

Choose Christ today, and secure your eternal destiny in Heaven. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

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The Danger of Preaching a Gospel Different from What is Written in the Bible

Shalom! May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be forever blessed!

Welcome as we study the Word of God, by the grace of the Lord who has given it to us.

The Bible clearly warns in Galatians 1:7–9:

“…but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be accursed.”

These are words spoken by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself set this warning as a seal for all generations, alerting us to the grave danger of distorting the gospel. It may be hard to believe that such strong words exist in the New Testament, but they are indeed there.

The Danger of Distorting the Gospel
There is great danger in intentionally altering the Gospel of Jesus Christ for personal popularity, to gain followers, or to become well-known. Teaching a gospel different from that preached by the apostles is what the Bible refers to when it warns against “adding to the Word of God.”

Revelation 22:18 says:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”

When the Bible clearly states that fornicators, idolaters, drunkards, and other sinners will not inherit the kingdom of God, but someone says, “Do not judge” or “God does not mind alcohol consumption,” this is a distortion of the true gospel, and therefore, cursed.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Similarly, the Bible instructs women to dress modestly, not as a matter of hair styling or jewelry, but with good works and a respectful heart.

1 Timothy 2:9–10:

“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

When someone says, “God looks at the heart, not clothes,” without biblical basis, they are preaching a false gospel. The Bible itself judges this distortion, declaring it accursed.

On Baptism and Salvation
Mark 16:16:

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Ignoring or downplaying baptism is another form of preaching a cursed gospel, contrary to what the apostles taught.

A Call to Repentance
Perhaps unknowingly, some have preached these distorted gospels. Today, the Lord calls for repentance. Turn away from the worldly adornments, provocative clothing, or false teachings you may have embraced. Restore yourself to God’s original design and follow the instructions of Scripture.

Revelation 22:10–13:

“Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.
11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy; let the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.
12 Behold, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay everyone according to what he has done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

If you accept these warnings and turn back to God, your soul will be saved. But even if you refuse, the gospel remains unchangeable—truth cannot be forced.

 

 

 

 

 

 



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