Unless a Grain of Wheat Falls and Dies…”
John 12:24 (NIV): “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Shalom!
May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be exalted forever. You’re welcome as we explore one of the profound teachings of Jesus that speaks to both His mission and our calling as His followers.
Context of John 12:
In John 12, Jesus had just entered Jerusalem triumphantly. His fame had spread, and not only Jews but also Gentiles (Greeks) came seeking Him (John 12:20–21). This marked a pivotal moment—the beginning of His final week before the crucifixion. Recognizing this, Jesus spoke not about His fame, but about His death. He responded with a parable about a grain of wheat, illustrating a divine principle: life through death.
1. The Principle of Fruitfulness Through Death
John 12:24 (NIV):
“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Jesus was referring to His impending death, which would result in a great spiritual harvest—the salvation of many. Just as a seed must be buried and die to bring forth life, so Jesus had to be crucified and buried to provide salvation to the world.
This principle also applies to us. Spiritual fruitfulness only comes after death to self—the surrender of our desires, pride, and worldly ambitions to Christ.
2. The Glory of Christ Came Through Humility and Suffering
Jesus’ path to glory was through the cross. He was not exalted because of fame or popularity, but because of His obedience to the Father—even unto death.
Philippians 2:8–9 (NIV):
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”
Even though the world despised Him, God honored Him above all.
Isaiah 53:3 (NIV):
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain… and we held him in low esteem.”
Despite this rejection, Jesus bore our sins, and through His death, life was made available to all who believe in Him.
3. The Call to Self-Denial
Jesus didn’t just talk about His death—He called His followers to the same path.
John 12:25–26 (NIV):
“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
Loving our lives in this world—clinging to comfort, fame, or pleasure—leads to spiritual stagnation. True life in Christ requires letting go of the old self.
Romans 6:6 (NIV):
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.”
Galatians 2:20 (NIV):
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
4. Why Many Believers Don’t Bear Spiritual Fruit
Many Christians struggle to grow because they resist dying to the world. Though they profess faith, they still cling to old habits, worldly appearances, and ungodly associations. They want salvation without sacrifice.
Jesus said in
Luke 9:23 (NIV):
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Until we truly surrender—dying to sin, worldly approval, and self-rule—we remain like an unplanted seed: whole, but fruitless.
5. Signs of True Spiritual Growth
True salvation brings change. It bears visible fruit—holiness, love, peace, and passion for God’s kingdom.
Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Questions to reflect on:
- Has the Holy Spirit confirmed within you that you are a child of God? (Romans 8:16)
- Is sin becoming less attractive and holiness more natural?
- Are you spiritually feeding others through your testimony?
- Do you feel God drawing you deeper day by day?
If not, maybe the seed hasn’t truly “died.” Real repentance includes dying to self and choosing Christ above all.
6. God Glorifies the Broken and Humble
Once you die to self, God begins to grow you spiritually. What seemed like loss becomes gain. He begins to restore, strengthen, and raise you step by step.
1 Peter 5:6 (NIV):
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Just as Jesus was glorified after His death, we too will share in His glory when we walk in humility and surrender.
Conclusion: Take Up Your Cross Today
Jesus isn’t calling us to shallow Christianity. He’s calling us to deep surrender—where we deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Him, no matter the cost.
Matthew 16:24–25 (NIV):
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
This is the way of true fruitfulness. The world may not understand it. You may be mocked, rejected, or misunderstood. But in heaven, you will be seen as one who gave up everything for Christ—and that’s where true honor lies.
So let us not remain spiritually stagnant. Let us choose to die to self, so that we may live and bear fruit to the glory of God.
Shalom.
What is Lent? Is it Biblical? Is it Required in christianity?
Lent is a tradition in many Christian denominations, primarily observed during the 40 days leading up to Easter. The term Lent comes from the Latin word Quadragesima, meaning “forty,” referring to the 40-day period that Christians traditionally observe in fasting, prayer, and repentance before Easter.
The purpose of this period is to spiritually prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. During Lent, Christians often engage in acts of fasting and penance, reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ.
What is the Purpose of Lent?
The tradition of Lent was designed to mirror the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1–2). By observing Lent, Christians aim to follow Christ’s example of self-denial, prayer, and spiritual discipline. It’s also a time of repentance and introspection, encouraging believers to grow spiritually and prepare their hearts for Easter.
However, while the fasting period traditionally lasts 40 days, it technically extends to 46 days because Sundays are excluded from the fast. Sundays during Lent are considered a day of rest, meaning that they are not counted as part of the fasting days.
Is Lent Biblical?
The simple answer is No. There is no command or biblical instruction that mandates the observance of Lent. It is a Christian tradition, not a divine requirement.
However, fasting itself is biblical, as we see numerous examples throughout Scripture where fasting is a spiritual practice (Matthew 6:16-18, Acts 13:2-3, Luke 5:35). But Lent, as it is currently observed, is not directly prescribed in the Bible.
Traditions like Lent can be beneficial if they help believers grow spiritually and draw closer to God, provided they do not overshadow the core message of the gospel. The key is that traditions must align with Scripture and not contradict it. When traditions become rituals or acts of mere religious observance, they can lead to legalism and self-righteousness.
Is it a Sin to Observe Lent?
No, observing Lent itself is not a sin. In fact, fasting is an essential practice for Christians. Jesus teaches that fasting should be part of a believer’s life (Matthew 6:16-18).
However, the attitude behind the fast matters greatly. If you observe Lent merely to fulfill a religious duty or tradition, without true repentance or seeking deeper fellowship with God, it becomes empty and ineffective. Fasting must be accompanied by prayer, humility, and a desire for spiritual growth.
It’s important to note that fasting is not about appeasing God or trying to earn favor. It’s a way to humble oneself before God and grow in dependence on Him. True fasting changes the heart, not just the body. The goal is spiritual growth, not mere religious observance.
Is it a Sin to Break Lent?
Fasting, particularly when committed to a specific period like 40 days, can be viewed as a vow or promise before God. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns us that it is better not to make a vow than to make one and break it. Similarly, Romans 14:23 teaches that “whatever is not from faith is sin.”
If you commit to fasting during Lent but break that commitment halfway, especially without a good reason, it can reflect a lack of faith or sincerity. However, the sin is not in breaking the fast, but in doing so without genuine commitment or repentance. If you realize that you are unable to keep your commitment, it’s better to stop than to continue without true faith.
Is It Necessary to Fast During Lent?
While it is not required to fast specifically during the Lent season, fasting is an essential discipline for every Christian. Lent offers an obvious opportunity because it is widely recognized, but you can choose any other time of the year to fast.
Fasting should not just be a cultural or religious habit; it should be a means of spiritual growth. The Bible emphasizes that fasting is not about the ritual but about the heart and faith behind it. Christians are called to fast in all seasons, not just during Lent.
If you do choose to fast during Lent, you can fast for the full 40 days or adapt it to your own spiritual needs. The key is to be intentional in your fasting. It’s not about the number of days, but the quality of the spiritual experience.
In conclusion
Lent is not a biblical command, but it can be a meaningful practice if observed with the right spirit. It is a Christian tradition, and like all traditions, it must be evaluated through the lens of Scripture. If you decide to observe Lent, do so with sincerity, focusing on spiritual growth rather than fulfilling a mere ritual.
Ultimately, whether you fast during Lent or at another time, what matters is your heart’s intention. Let your fasting be a tool for drawing closer to God and growing in holiness, not just a routine practice.
As Jesus said in Matthew 5:20, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Spirituality is not about outward acts but inward transformation.
May God bless your fasting and lead you into deeper communion with Him.
Ash Wednesday: Is It Scriptural?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season in the Catholic Church, leading up to Easter. On this day, palm branches, which were used to celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, are burned to create ashes. These ashes are then applied to the forehead of believers in the shape of a cross as a symbol of repentance and mortality. As the ashes are applied, the minister says, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” echoing the words from Genesis 3:19 where God tells Adam, “For dust you are and to dust you will return.” This is a reminder of human frailty and our need for repentance.
However, many Christians wonder: Is Ash Wednesday scriptural?
Is Ash Wednesday Scriptural?
The answer is no. Ash Wednesday, as a specific practice, is not found in Scripture. There is no mention in the Bible of the Church observing Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, or using ashes in this ritualistic manner. While fasting and repentance are certainly biblical practices, Ash Wednesday itself is a tradition that developed later in Church history. It is a human-established custom, not a direct commandment from Scripture.
This is important because many people mistakenly view Ash Wednesday as a biblical requirement, believing that the ashes hold some sort of special spiritual significance or that observing this day is essential for spiritual growth. In reality, there is no scriptural mandate for Christians to observe Ash Wednesday. It is not a sin if a Christian chooses not to partake in it. Furthermore, the ashes themselves do not carry divine power.
The Real Requirements for Christians
What is truly essential for Christians is what is clearly laid out in the Bible, particularly in Acts 2:42, where the early Church is described as doing four key things:
- Breaking Bread – Participating in the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing unity with Christ and one another.
- Gathering Together – Coming together in fellowship for worship, teaching, and support.
- Remaining in the Apostles’ Teaching – Committing to the study of God’s Word and following the teachings of the apostles.
- Praying – Prayer is central to the Christian life, and fasting is often incorporated with prayer.
These four elements—worship, fellowship, discipleship, and prayer—are the foundational practices Christians are instructed to engage in. Fasting is indeed a biblical practice, but it is not tied to any specific day, such as Ash Wednesday, and should be done according to personal conviction and as led by the Holy Spirit.
What About Fasting During Lent?
Fasting, as part of the Lenten season, is a valuable spiritual discipline when done with the right heart. However, there is no biblical requirement to fast for 40 days before Easter. Fasting should not be viewed as a ritual or religious obligation but rather as a means of drawing closer to God through humility, prayer, and repentance. The key is intentionality—fasting should be done with sincerity, not just for tradition’s sake.
Conclusion: Focus on Spiritual Growth, Not Rituals
Ash Wednesday and other religious traditions, like Good Friday or specific holiday observances, may carry significant cultural or historical value. But Christians must be cautious not to elevate these practices to the level of biblical commands. True spirituality is not about ritualistic observance but about maintaining a relationship with God, rooted in prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and love for others.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to remain faithful to what is explicitly commanded in Scripture and to allow our spiritual practices to draw us closer to God, rather than simply following customs that have no basis in the Word of God.
May God bless you.
Maranatha!
The Curse of Cain: Restlessness vs. True Rest
After Cain killed his brother Abel, God cursed him, saying:
“When you work the ground, it will no longer yield crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth” (Genesis 4:12, NIV).
The question arises: Why didn’t God punish Cain by returning the same fate he gave Abel? Instead, God told Cain that he would be a wanderer with no rest, which seems to be a deeper spiritual punishment.
In
Genesis 4:13-14 (NIV), Cain responds, saying: “My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”
At first glance, this curse might seem to imply that Cain would live in poverty, without a place to call home, always in need, and wandering aimlessly. But this interpretation misses the spiritual depth of God’s curse. If you closely examine the story, you’ll notice that despite the curse, Cain actually became very successful in worldly terms. He built a city and named it after his son, Enoch (Genesis 4:17, ESV). His descendants were skilled in metallurgy, making advancements in iron and bronze technology (Genesis 4:22). Cain’s line, in terms of physical accomplishments, seems to be more successful than even the descendants of Seth, who replaced Abel.
Yet, despite all his material success, the deeper curse—being a “restless wanderer”—remained. Cain, in a spiritual sense, would never find peace or rest for his soul.
What did God mean by “restless wanderer”?
A “restless wanderer” isn’t just someone without a home in a physical sense. It refers to a person who never finds peace, purpose, or fulfillment in life. Their soul is in constant turmoil, always seeking rest but never able to find it. This condition is described by Jesus in
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), where He invites all who are weary and burdened: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Unlike Cain’s descendants, who are spiritually restless, those who come to Jesus will find peace and rest for their souls.
Cain’s descendants, though materially prosperous, remained spiritually lost. They never found rest because they were far from God. Their search for peace manifested in a variety of ways, including the practice of polygamy. Genesis 4:19 (NIV) notes that Cain’s descendant, Lamech, took two wives, seeking fulfillment through relationships but never finding lasting peace. The restlessness of Cain’s line continued as they pursued worldly gains and human-made solutions to spiritual needs.
On the other hand, Seth’s line quickly found peace and rest in God.
Genesis 4:25-26 (NIV) says: “Adam made love to his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, ‘God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.’ Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.”
This marked the beginning of the recognition of God’s sovereignty and the turning to Him for true peace.
Seth’s descendants found the true rest that Cain’s descendants sought in vain. They understood that peace was found in a relationship with God, not in worldly achievements. This is a key theological principle that Jesus would later emphasize in
John 14:6 (NIV): “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
True rest, both spiritually and eternally, is found in Christ alone.
The Restlessness of Cain’s Line: A Reflection of the World Today
Even today, we see the descendants of Cain and Seth reflected in the world. Those who reject Christ and follow their own path continue the restlessness that Cain experienced. They search for peace in things like wealth, fame, and relationships but remain spiritually empty. Just as Cain’s descendants multiplied wives in search of fulfillment (Genesis 4:19), people today try to fill the emptiness in their hearts with everything except God.
This is a classic example of what the Bible refers to as the “world” system—a system based on human effort, materialism, and self-reliance, which ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness and unrest.
1 John 2:16 (NIV) warns: “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
The world’s way leads to emptiness and separation from God.
But those who, like Seth’s descendants, choose to turn to God in faith and call on His name, find peace. As Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) promises, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Trusting in God and seeking His presence brings the peace and rest that Cain’s line never found.
The Final Choice: Which Group Do You Belong To?
So, the question is: Which group do you belong to? If you hear the gospel but refuse to accept it, if you reject the freedom and peace offered in Jesus Christ, then God will not strike you down like Cain, but He will allow you to continue in your pursuit of worldly success. You may become wealthy, famous, or accomplish great things, but spiritually, you will remain a wanderer, restless and lost.
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) warns: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
You may be successful by the world’s standards, but without Christ, you will never find true rest.
The day you die, you will come face to face with the truth. Those who have trusted in Christ will be resurrected to eternal life and will live forever with Him, clothed in glorious bodies. But you, who have rejected Christ, will have no rest, and your end will be in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
The Call to Repentance
These are the last days. The time to choose where you will spend eternity is now. Will you spend eternity in hell, separated from God, or will you find eternal rest with Christ in heaven?
I urge you to repent of your sins today if you are still outside of Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
You’ve wandered enough. Now is the time to anchor your soul in Christ, for He is our true resting place.
Remember the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24, where the lost son returns to the Father and finds rest, forgiveness, and new life. Like him, you can return to the Father and find eternal peace in Christ.
God bless you.
Should Christians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Is it right for Christians to celebrate Valentine’s Day—the so-called “day of love”?
According to historical records, Valentine (or Valentinus) was a Catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. This emperor, a pagan, enacted strict laws that prohibited Christians from practicing their faith freely. At one point, Claudius declared that all Roman soldiers should remain unmarried, believing that single men made better warriors—more focused and loyal to their duties.
Valentine, however, defied this imperial decree. Moved by compassion and conviction, he secretly performed Christian wedding ceremonies for soldiers. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested and sentenced to death.
While in prison, it is said that Valentine developed a close relationship with the blind daughter of the prison warden. According to legend, he prayed for her, and she miraculously regained her sight. On the day of his execution—February 14, 270 A.D.—he supposedly wrote her a farewell letter signed, “From your Valentine.”
Years later, this story inspired a cultural tradition where people exchange romantic cards and gifts on February 14th in the spirit of “Valentine’s love.” But what does this narrative have to do with Christianity or biblical faith? Very little, if anything.
There is no spiritual value in celebrating a man merely for sending a romantic note before his death. The narrative—while emotionally appealing—is not grounded in Scripture and has no eternal relevance. It is one of many man-made traditions that divert attention from true, godly love and feed worldly passions and immoral festivities.
What Is the True Day of Love for Believers?
True love is not reserved for a single day. For Christians, love is a lifestyle—expressed daily, unconditionally, and sacrificially. Genuine love is not driven by emotion or sensuality but by the Spirit of Christ who laid down His life for us. (1 John 4:7-10; John 15:13)
Valentine’s Day, on the other hand, has become a day globally associated with parties, drunkenness, immorality, and sensuality—things that the Bible clearly warns us against.
1 Peter 4:3 (NIV)
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”
This so-called “day of love” is now one of the most popular days for fornication, adultery, and ungodly entertainment. It’s not a day that people typically use to worship God or attend church—it’s a day the world celebrates pleasure and romantic infatuation.
So Should Christians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
The answer is no. Valentine’s Day is not a Christian holiday. It is rooted in secular tradition and increasingly promotes worldly values, not Christ-like love. It exalts emotional and physical desire over spiritual discipline and divine love.
Valentine did not die for the Church. He did not bear the sins of the world. He is not our Savior. So why would believers honor his memory with flowers, gifts, or emotional celebrations that resemble pagan rituals?
Instead of promoting “Valentine’s love,” we are called to proclaim the love of Christ—a love that saves, purifies, restores, and gives eternal life.
What Can We Learn as Believers?
1. Love is Daily, Not Annual
Biblical love doesn’t require a calendar reminder. It flows every day from a heart renewed by Christ. We must reject the idea that love needs a date to be special.
2. Promote Godly Love, Not Worldly Lust
Let us raise a standard of purity, especially for the younger generation. As believers, we must teach that love is not lust. Real love protects, honors, and waits—guided by the Spirit and rooted in truth.
3. Turn Valentine’s into Ministry
Instead of following worldly trends, believers can use February 14 as an opportunity to:
- Visit the sick or the lonely and show the love of Christ.
- Donate to orphans or those in need.
- Hold youth seminars or prayer gatherings about godly relationships.
- Share the gospel through cards or messages that proclaim Christ’s love.
Beloved, let us not be swept away by emotional trends or cultural waves. Let us stand firm in truth, discerning every celebration through the lens of Scripture. The love we are called to walk in is not a romantic story from Rome—it is the rugged, sacrificial, holy love of Christ at the cross.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Let us fix our eyes not on Valentine, but on Jesus, the true author of love.
May the Lord help us live in His love daily. Amen.
