“Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Welcome again as we study the Word of God.
Every believer, no matter how spiritually mature, will experience different seasons in life and in faith. Scripture makes this very clear:
Ecclesiastes 3:1–4 (ESV) “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to be born, and a time to die;a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to be born, and a time to die;a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
This means that even the strongest Christian will not always live on the mountain top. There are seasons of joy and peace—but also seasons of tears, uncertainty, silence, and spiritual dryness.
In theology this is often called “Divine Hiddenness.” God does not abandon His people, but He may withdraw the sense of His presence so that our faith matures.
Even Jesus experienced this mystery:
Matthew 27:46 (ESV) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus was not truly forsaken—He was fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 22). Yet emotionally He felt the weight of separation.Likewise, God sometimes allows believers to feel alone so that they learn to walk by faith, not by feelings.
Paul echoes this:
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Jesus illustrates this principle beautifully in Luke 15:
Luke 15:3–7 (ESV) “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost…?And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost…?And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
Notice carefully:He leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness—not in a fenced pen.This represents a season when believers feel exposed, vulnerable, and seemingly unattended… yet they are still in God’s will.
Throughout Scripture, the wilderness is a place of testing and strengthening:
Israel was tested in the wilderness for 40 years (Deut. 8:2).
John the Baptist grew strong in the wilderness (Luke 1:80).
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested (Matt. 4:1).
The wilderness teaches obedience, endurance, and dependence.
God matures believers by allowing them to continue trusting Him even when the feelings fade.
Peter describes this as “tested faith”:
1 Peter 1:6–7 (ESV) “…you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold… may be found to result in praise and glory…”
“…you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold… may be found to result in praise and glory…”
Just as in Luke 15, God is often working to rescue someone else.Your temporary wilderness is not abandonment—it is assignment.
During such times the enemy whispers,“God has left you.”But scripture says:
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God’s apparent absence is never His true absence.
The wilderness has no fence. This is not the time to wander spiritually.The safest place is the spot where God last instructed you.
Paul encourages stability:
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…”
“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…”
When feelings fade, the Word becomes your anchor.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
The wilderness is where the enemy tempts (Matthew 4).Focus, stay rooted, and avoid anything that would pull you away from the path of salvation.
Even in dryness, God calls you to serve.Paul commands believers in tough seasons to continue encouraging one another:
Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) “…encouraging one another… as you see the Day drawing near.”
“…encouraging one another… as you see the Day drawing near.”
When you first came to Christ, you were like the lost sheep placed on the Shepherd’s shoulders—you felt His presence everywhere, prayers were answered quickly, and spiritual experiences were strong.
This corresponds with spiritual infancy:
1 Peter 2:2 (ESV) “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk…”
“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk…”
But as you grow, God gently sets you down among the other sheep.Not to leave you—but to mature you.
Jesus spoke of those who “believe for a while” but fall away during testing:
Luke 8:13 (ESV) “…when testing comes, they fall away.”
“…when testing comes, they fall away.”
Understanding God’s purpose in the wilderness prevents spiritual collapse.Faith must be carefully guarded.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) “Keep your heart with all vigilance…”
“Keep your heart with all vigilance…”
The wilderness is not punishment.It is not abandonment.It is not a sign of weak faith.
It is a sign that God trusts you enough to strengthen you.
If you are in that season—remain still, remain faithful, and remain obedient.Your Shepherd knows exactly where He left you, and He will return in His timing.
Psalm 23:4 (ESV) “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”
May the Lord bless you, strengthen your faith, and carry you through every season.Amen.
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There are some words that a person simply cannot say unless they fully understand what they’re saying. Otherwise, they might trap themselves in their own words and end up in serious trouble.
At one point, Jesus said something profound to the people who were constantly opposing Him:
“Can any of you prove Me guilty of sin?”— John 8:46a (NIV)
That is not a small statement. Just a few verses earlier in the same chapter, Jesus had posed a similar challenge when a group of people brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. But instead of condemning her, they ended up walking away in silence, ashamed, unable to stand under the weight of the test Jesus gave them.
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”— John 8:7b (NIV)
After He said that, the Bible says:
“At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.”— John 8:9 (NIV)
Do you see what happened? Now, in verse 46, Jesus puts Himself in a similar situation facing a hostile crowd and asks them, essentially:“Who here can prove that I have ever sinned?”
Now imagine putting yourself in that moment. You’re 33 years old. You’ve lived a full life faced temptations, dealt with people, made relationships, worked, traveled. Then you stand before a crowd of people who know you well your siblings, your friends, classmates, neighbors, coworkers and you ask them:
“Which one of you can say you’ve seen me sin?”
Could you ask that? (I know I couldn’t.)
Could you confidently say:“Who here has ever heard me gossip? Who has caught me in a lie or seen me cheat? Who has seen me act out of jealousy, hatred, pride, or hypocrisy? Where have I ever disrespected someone, cursed someone out, or acted selfishly?”
If someone had anything to say, they’d step forward. But in Jesus’ case not a single person could accuse Him of anything.
That’s not something we should take lightly. That’s why Scripture also tells us:
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”— 1 Peter 2:22 (NIV)
Jesus is the only one in the history of the world across every generation who lived a sinless life from birth to death. And He didn’t live a sheltered life either. He went through far greater temptations than we face. Yet, He never gave in.
That’s why, personally, I have anchored my life in Jesus.What about you?
There is no one like Him. He is the only one truly worthy of our trust. He’s the only one who can give us victory over this world because He overcame it Himself. He alone can save us, if we place our faith in Him.
When we make Jesus the center of our lives, the first and most beautiful thing He does is forgive all our sins. Then, He declares us righteous not because of anything we’ve done, but purely by His grace. So much so that in God’s eyes, we are seen as completely justified.
And it doesn’t stop there. He then gives us His Holy Spirit who empowers us to overcome sin just like He did, and who leads us into the truth of God.
So if you haven’t yet accepted Christ, the time for salvation is now. Don’t wait. Invite Jesus into your life. If you’re tired of living in sin, if you’re concerned about where your soul is headed, then run to Jesus while there’s still time.
But if we reject His words, then He will also turn away from us and we’ll show ourselves not to be among those chosen by His Father. As Jesus said:
“Can any of you prove Me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe Me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”— John 8:46–47 (NIV)
I hope today, you will hear His voice.May the Lord bless
This is a question many people—including some Christians—ask:
If Jesus is truly God, how could He die?
To answer this, we must understand what the Bible teaches about who Jesus is and why He came to earth.
Yes, Jesus is fully God. The Bible affirms that God took on human nature and appeared in the world in the person of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:16 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.”
Jesus didn’t stop being God when He came to earth—He added humanity to His divine nature. He became both fully God and fully man (theological term: hypostatic union). But while on earth, He did not come to demand worship or display heavenly glory. Instead, He came to fulfill a mission of redemption.
Jesus came to earth not to seek His own glory but to redeem sinful humanity. He humbled Himself so that we could be saved.
Philippians 2:6–8 “…who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Here, the phrase “made Himself of no reputation” means that Jesus voluntarily laid aside His heavenly privileges. He didn’t cease to be God; He simply chose not to use His divine powers for His own benefit while on earth.
This is known in theology as kenosis—the self-emptying of Jesus’ divine privileges (from the Greek word in Philippians 2:7: ekenōsen).
Think of a traffic officer. In uniform, he has authority to control traffic. But if he changes into civilian clothes and goes to the market, he still is a police officer, but now he blends in. He doesn’t use his official powers because he’s not acting in that role at that moment.
Jesus did the same: He didn’t stop being God—He just chose to live among us as one of us.
Because He became truly human, Jesus experienced hunger, tiredness, sorrow—and eventually death. But His death was not a defeat. It was part of the mission: to save us by taking our place.
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
His death wasn’t forced. He gave up His life willingly:
John 10:17–18 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…”
At the cross, He committed His spirit into the Father’s hands:
Luke 23:46 “And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ Having said this, He breathed His last.”
Even Pilate was surprised that Jesus died so quickly (see Mark 15:44), because death didn’t conquer Jesus—He chose the moment to surrender His spirit.
The most powerful miracle is not avoiding death, but having the authority to die and then rise again. Jesus did just that—He took back His life by His own divine power.
John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”
No other prophet or religious figure in history has ever made such a claim and proven it.
This proves not only His divinity but also His victory over sin and death.
Yes. His death doesn’t make Him less divine—it reveals His love, humility, and saving power. Only the true God could die for the sins of the world and then rise again.
Colossians 2:9 “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
Unlike powerless idols or pagan gods, Jesus Christ has real authority. He forgave sins, calmed storms, raised the dead, and Himself rose from the dead. No other prophet in history did these things.
Jesus is not done. One day He will return—and everyone will recognize Him.
Revelation 1:7 “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him…”
Philippians 2:10–11 “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…”
Some will be surprised, because they were misled into thinking He wasn’t coming back. But the Bible says:
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Jesus is patient—giving us time to turn to Him and be saved.
Jesus is both God and Savior. He became human, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again in power. His death was not weakness—it was the greatest act of love and power ever shown.
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
He gave His life for you—and invites you to believe in Him, follow Him, and be saved.
(The Lord is coming!) May God help us to know Him more and prepare for His return.
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“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NKJV)
In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses confusion among the Thessalonians who believed the Day of the Lord (the end-time judgment) had already come (2 Thess. 2:1–2). Paul corrects them by explaining that two major events must occur first:
Paul assures the believers that this man cannot be revealed yet because someone or something is currently restraining him (2 Thess. 2:6–7). The “mystery of lawlessness” — the spirit of rebellion against God — is already active, but it’s being held back until God’s appointed time.
There have been several interpretations throughout church history, but the most theologically consistent view — especially among evangelical and Pentecostal traditions — is that the Restrainer is the Holy Spirit, working through the Church.
Here’s why:
Only a divine being like the Holy Spirit can restrain the rise of the Antichrist and the full outbreak of evil. Job 1:12; 2:6 shows us that even Satan must operate within boundaries God sets.
Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the One who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). The Spirit, dwelling within believers (1 Cor. 3:16; Rom. 8:11), also holds back moral decay and judgment (Matt. 5:13–14, the Church as salt and light).
Many scholars believe the Holy Spirit will not be entirely removed from the Earth but will cease restraining evil in the same way, as His role in the Church changes once believers are taken up (1 Thess. 4:16–17). The Church — indwelt by the Spirit — is God’s agent of restraint on Earth. When the Church is raptured, the Antichrist will be revealed (2 Thess. 2:8).
Once the Restrainer is “taken out of the way,” the man of lawlessness will be revealed:
This period is known as the Great Tribulation — described in Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:21–22, and Revelation 6–19. It will last approximately seven years, divided into two 3.5-year periods, culminating in Christ’s Second Coming (Rev. 19:11–21).
This passage is not just prophetic—it’s pastoral. Paul’s message serves as a wake-up call. The restraining work of the Holy Spirit is evidence of God’s mercy, but a time is coming when that restraint will be lifted.
Hebrews 2:3 warns: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”
If the Rapture were to happen today, where would you be?
Now is the time to:
The one restraining evil is the Holy Spirit, working through the Church. When the Church is raptured, the Spirit’s restraining influence will be removed, allowing the Antichrist to rise and global lawlessness to unfold.
These are serious times. God’s grace is available now. Accept His invitation while the door is still open.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” — Revelation 3:22 (NKJV)
1. Understanding the Old Covenant
When we talk about the New Covenant, it’s important to first understand the Old Covenant, because the New came to fulfill and surpass the Old (Hebrews 8:6–13). The Bible itself is divided into two major sections:
The Old Covenant began when God made a covenant with Abraham—not just a casual promise, but a divine agreement involving obedience, blessing, and descendants.
Genesis 17:1–2 “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
God then changed Abram’s name to Abraham (“father of many”), gave him the land of Canaan, and required circumcision as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:4–11). This covenant was both relational (God would be their God) and territorial (the promised land).
Later, Abraham’s descendants (Israel) became a great nation but didn’t fully know God. So in the wilderness, God gave them the Law through Moses—not to save them, but to teach them how to live as God’s holy people.
Galatians 3:19 “What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made…”
These laws were written in the first five books of the Bible (the Torah):
This became known as the Mosaic Covenant, which defined Israel’s national identity and relationship with God. But it was still temporary and incomplete.
The Old Covenant, though holy, could not save anyone. It exposed sin but could not remove it.
Hebrews 10:1 “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices… make those who approach perfect.”
Israel frequently broke the covenant. Their hearts remained hard. God, through the prophets, promised a New Covenant that would transform people from the inside out.
Jeremiah 31:31–33 “Behold, the days are coming… when I will make a new covenant… I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
Just like the Old Covenant began with one man (Abraham), the New Covenant also begins with one Man—Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 8:6 “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”
Jesus is the Mediator of this New Covenant, which offers:
This covenant is not based on blood sacrifices of animals, but on the shed blood of Jesus.
Luke 22:20 “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”
Unlike the Old Covenant, which was limited to Abraham’s physical descendants (Israel), the New Covenant is open to all nations—Jew and Gentile alike.
To be part of the New Covenant:
John 3:3 “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
In the Old Covenant, circumcision was the outward sign. In the New Covenant, it is baptism—a sign of spiritual circumcision and dying to the old life.
Colossians 2:11–12 “In Him you were also circumcised… by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism…”
Baptism is not just a ritual—it is a declaration that we belong to Jesus, having died to sin and been raised to new life.
Just like Israel had to learn and follow God’s laws in the Old Covenant, believers in Christ must also learn and obey the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
This is why we have the 27 books of the New Testament:
Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”
The New Covenant is the covenant God made through Jesus Christ for the salvation of all who believe. It replaces the Old Covenant and brings:
Romans 8:1–2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus… For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
This is a question every person must answer. Are you still living outside of this covenant, or have you been born again in Christ?
1 Peter 2:9–10 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood… who once were not a people but are now the people of God…”
If not, don’t delay. Invite Jesus into your life today. Be born again. Be baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit. Join the royal family of God.
This is a gift of grace. As Gentiles, we never deserved this covenant, but by Christ’s mercy, we are now included. Don’t take it for granted.
If you are in Christ, you are now:
Live in this grace. Grow in it. Teach others. And never turn back.
Amen. Hallelujah!
What is God’s love, and why is it so important?
Before we can understand God’s love, it helps to understand the different kinds of love that exist in Scripture and in life. The Bible and human experience show three main types of love: Eros, Phileo, and Agape.
Eros is the love that comes from emotion and physical attraction, usually between a husband and wife. It is natural, beautiful, and celebrated in Scripture. For example, Solomon describes the love between him and his bride in the Song of Solomon:
Song of Solomon 1:13–17 (NIV)
“My beloved is like a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts. My beloved is like a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En Gedi. Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved; your eyes are doves. Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, and pleasant; our couch is green. The beams of our house are cedar; our rafters are fir.”
Eros is God-ordained within marriage (Genesis 2:24), reflecting His creative design. However, it is limited—it depends on mutual attraction and intimacy.
Phileo is the love that develops from friendship, family, or shared experiences. It is the love you feel for siblings, friends, coworkers, fellow students, or fellow believers.
While positive, this love is conditional. It often relies on connection, benefit, or familiarity. If the circumstances change, this love can fade.
Jesus pointed out the limitation of Phileo-type love:
Matthew 5:46–48 (NIV)
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? If you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Human love, even among believers, is imperfect. It cannot meet God’s standard because it is conditional. Only God’s love is perfect.
Agape is the highest and most important love. It is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. God’s love does not depend on feelings, circumstances, or whether the other person deserves it. You love even when it is difficult, even when the other person hates you, ignores you, or treats you wrongly.
Jesus exemplified this love: He died for sinners while we were still enemies (Romans 5:8).
The Bible describes the characteristics of God’s love:
1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (NIV)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Agape is the love that originates from God Himself (1 John 4:8). It is eternal and perfect, unlike human love which is limited and conditional.
God’s love for humanity is the ultimate example of Agape. John 3:16 (NIV) captures this truth:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Even sinners are loved by God. He desires to save us from sin and eternal separation from Him. No matter how far we have strayed, His love is ready to forgive and restore us.
Application: Do not harden your heart. Receive God’s love today and accept His forgiveness. These are the last days, and without repentance, dying in sin leads to eternal separation from God (Luke 13:3; Revelation 21:8).
Shalom.
God’s love is unique, unconditional, and eternal. It is not dependent on who we are or what we do—it is freely given and transformative.
“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee…” — These are words from one of the most beloved Christian hymns. But behind this hymn lies a powerful real-life testimony that many have never heard.
This song was written by Augustus Montague Toplady, a Protestant preacher from England. In the year 1763, while journeying to preach in a village called Blagdon, he was suddenly caught in a fierce and frightening storm. There was nowhere to shelter from the downpour. But nearby, he saw a large rock formation with a small cleft—just big enough for one person to hide in.
As the wind howled and rain poured, he stepped into that crack in the rock and remained there until the storm passed. While standing there, cold and trembling, he began to reflect on how this physical rock was sheltering him—and how, in the same way, Jesus Christ is our spiritual Rock, our place of refuge and safety in the storms of life.
Right there, the words of the hymn began to form in his heart: “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee…”
This experience birthed one of the greatest hymns of the Christian faith, which has blessed believers around the world for over two centuries.
In Scripture, the “Rock” is a common metaphor for God’s strength, stability, and protection.
“He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” — Psalm 62:6
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reveals that this “spiritual rock” was not just a metaphor, but a reference to Christ Himself:
“And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 10:4
Just like the rock that provided water and shelter to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6), Christ gives us spiritual life, protection, and refreshment. He is the unchanging foundation we can trust when life becomes uncertain.
Life will bring storms — emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial. You might feel stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless. But just like Toplady found shelter in that cleft of the rock, you too can find your hiding place in Christ.
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge…” — Psalm 18:2
Jesus is not only a shelter in the storm; He is also the source of living water in dry seasons and the shade in times of intense heat:
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them…” — Isaiah 41:17 “…a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat…” — Isaiah 25:4
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them…” — Isaiah 41:17
“…a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat…” — Isaiah 25:4
Ask yourself honestly:
If you haven’t yet given your life to Jesus, this is the moment. Don’t wait for the storm to arrive. Come to Him now—He is ready to receive you, forgive you, and become your eternal refuge.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24
But if you already belong to Christ, and you’re going through hardship—don’t be discouraged. Storms may come, but the Rock remains. His love doesn’t fade. His promises stand.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
So remember the cross, reflect on your Savior, and draw near to Him in worship. You may be going through a hard season, but your Redeemer is near, and He will carry you through.
Sing or meditate on this hymn not just as poetry, but as a prayer and declaration of faith:
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure; Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I rise to worlds unknown And behold Thee on Thy throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.
Jesus Christ is the Rock of Ages—unchanging, unshakable, and eternally faithful. Whether you’re facing a storm or walking through a dry wilderness, He is your hiding place, your strength, your Savior.
Run to Him today—and you will never be forsaken.
“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” — Psalm 61:3
The Bible teaches that the world will face a definite end, and signs show we are living in the last days (Matthew 24:3–14; 2 Timothy 3:1–5). However, many people are spiritually blind, unable to see the truth because Satan has deceived them (2 Corinthians 4:4). Instead, they live for worldly pleasures, unaware that sudden judgment is coming, just as it happened in the days of Noah and Sodom (Luke 17:26–30).
The first major event is the Rapture—when Jesus will come to take all true believers to heaven. This is a secret catching away of the Church before the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; John 14:2–3).
The Rapture shows God’s mercy, removing His people before His judgment falls on the earth (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).
If the Rapture happened today, the earth would only have about 7 more years left, as prophesied in Daniel 9:24–27. Daniel’s seventy weeks prophecy is often understood to outline this period of tribulation.
After the Rapture, the Antichrist will appear and rule the world temporarily, bringing a period of severe suffering known as the Great Tribulation (Revelation 13; Matthew 24:15–21). The Antichrist will commit the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15), a blasphemous act that defiles the holy place and signals the start of God’s wrath.
This period tests the faith of those left on earth and shows the severity of rebellion against God.
During the tribulation, God will pour out His wrath through a series of judgments called the seven bowls of wrath (Revelation 16). These punish those who refuse to repent and acknowledge God’s sovereignty.
This reveals God’s justice and holiness, demonstrating that sin cannot go unpunished (Romans 1:18).
At the end of the tribulation, Jesus will return visibly to judge the nations, separating people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31–46). The “sheep” are those who have shown faith and righteousness; the “goats” are those who have rejected God.
This judgment emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience and compassion (James 2:14–26).
Jesus will then establish His kingdom on earth, reigning for 1,000 years in peace and righteousness (Revelation 20:1–6). During this time, Satan will be bound, preventing him from deceiving the nations.
This period fulfills God’s promise to restore creation and bring peace (Isaiah 11:6–9; Psalm 72).
At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released briefly to deceive the nations once more but will be finally defeated and thrown into the lake of fire—eternal punishment (Revelation 20:7–10).
This shows the final victory of God over evil and the permanent removal of sin.
Then the last judgment takes place: all the dead are raised and judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11–15). Those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.
This final judgment affirms God’s righteousness and the eternal consequences of rejecting Him.
Finally, God creates a new heaven and new earth, where He dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–4). The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven as God’s eternal home with humanity.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.” (Revelation 21:4)
There will be no more pain, suffering, or death. Eternal life with God is the ultimate hope and destiny for believers (John 3:16; Romans 8:18–25).
Because these things could happen at any time, it is our responsibility to live ready and faithful lives.
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)
Let us walk in holiness, love, and obedience, so we will be part of God’s eternal kingdom (2 Peter 3:11–14).
The Bible occasionally mentions a mysterious creature called Leviathan, particularly in poetic and prophetic books. The name itself evokes awe, mystery, and even fear—but what does it really represent? Was Leviathan a real creature, a symbol, or both? And what can believers learn from its mention in scripture?
In Psalm 104:25–26, Leviathan is described as one of God’s sea creatures:
“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.” (Psalm 104:25–26, NIV)
This passage presents Leviathan as part of the natural world—something God created to inhabit and enjoy the sea. This suggests it could have been a real animal, possibly now extinct. Some scholars and theologians suggest it may refer to a large marine reptile (like a plesiosaur), a crocodile, or another sea creature that ancient people observed and described in poetic language.
This view aligns with the reality that many species on Earth remain undiscovered, and many others have gone extinct. Scientific estimates indicate that 200–2,000 species disappear each year. Some creatures once feared or revered in ancient times may have vanished before the modern age could study them.
While Leviathan might have been a real creature, scripture also uses it symbolically, especially in prophetic and apocalyptic texts. In Isaiah 27:1, Leviathan is portrayed as a force of evil to be defeated by God:
“In that day the Lord will punish with his sword—his fierce, great and powerful sword—Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.” (Isaiah 27:1, NIV)
Here, Leviathan symbolizes chaotic, evil forces—possibly representing Satan or empires opposed to God. The “sea” in biblical imagery often represents chaos, danger, or nations in rebellion (cf. Revelation 13:1; Daniel 7:3). Leviathan, as a “monster of the sea,” becomes a picture of spiritual and political forces hostile to God’s kingdom.
Leviathan is also described in detail in Job 41, where God uses the creature to demonstrate His unmatched power:
“Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook or tie down its tongue with a rope? … Nothing on earth is its equal— a creature without fear. It looks down on all that are haughty; it is king over all that are proud.” (Job 41:1, 33–34, NIV)
Here, Leviathan is a symbol of something beyond human control, meant to humble Job. God emphasizes that if Job cannot contend with Leviathan, how can he question the Creator? The passage underscores the greatness of God compared to human beings and serves as a poetic climax to God’s response to Job’s questioning.
The New Testament speaks of a “man of lawlessness” or Antichrist—an ultimate adversary of Christ—who will be revealed in the last days. This figure is aligned with Satan and mirrors Leviathan’s destructive nature:
“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8, NIV)
This parallels Isaiah’s image of the Lord destroying Leviathan with His sword. In this way, Leviathan becomes a symbolic forerunner or image of the Antichrist, or any demonic force resisting God’s rule. Just as Leviathan is too powerful for humans to subdue, so too is the Antichrist beyond human resistance—but both will be destroyed by God’s power.
Even though Leviathan is presented as mighty, the Bible teaches that God gave humans dominion over all living things:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image… so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky…’” (Genesis 1:26, NIV)
This means no creature, no matter how mighty, is greater than mankind in authority. Creatures like Leviathan, even if real, are part of creation and under God’s command—and ultimately, under the stewardship of humanity.
The true message behind Leviathan is not to invoke fear, but to remind us of God’s sovereignty and the ongoing spiritual battle. The same forces Leviathan represents—pride, rebellion, chaos—still exist spiritually in the world. Paul warns that the “mystery of lawlessness” is already at work (2 Thessalonians 2:7), and believers must remain alert.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)
Thus, our focus should not be on physical monsters, but on resisting spiritual deception, standing in truth, and trusting in God’s ultimate victory.
Leviathan may have been a real sea creature or a poetic symbol—or both. But its role in Scripture goes beyond biology or myth. It challenges us to recognize the greatness of God, to trust in His sovereignty, and to prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles of today and the last days.
God will destroy all evil—including the Leviathan-like forces at work in the world. Let us stay faithful, alert, and grounded in truth.
Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!
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There is significant meaning behind Joseph being a carpenter, and likewise, why our Lord Jesus Christ worked as a carpenter before beginning His public ministry.
This is shown in Scripture:
Mark 6:3 says,
“Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.
Similarly,
Matthew 13:55 says, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?”
From these passages, we understand that Jesus and His earthly father, Joseph, were well known in their community because of their work as carpenters. Carpentry in biblical times was skilled labor, requiring precision and patience. It was not simply manual labor but an art of creating useful, beautiful items (cf. Proverbs 22:29, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings…”).
Jesus’ work as a carpenter was more than a job—it was a preparation and demonstration of His submission to God the Father’s will. His earthly vocation models humility and the value of honest labor (cf. Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”).
God used this aspect of Jesus’ life to teach us about spiritual building. Just as a carpenter must carefully measure, saw, hammer nails, and follow a plan, Jesus was preparing to build the Church, the spiritual “house” of God (cf. Ephesians 2:19-22). This work required obedience, skill, and patience, reflecting His obedience to the Father’s will.
In John 5:19-20, Jesus explains this divine relationship:
“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. Yes, and He will show Him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.”
This passage emphasizes Jesus’ complete submission to the Father’s authority and perfect unity with Him (cf. John 10:30).
When Jesus called His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), He was illustrating the spiritual “building” work of God’s kingdom that requires sacrifice and obedience—not self-will.
Similarly, the call to believe and be baptized for salvation (Mark 16:16) is grounded in the Father’s plan for redemption, highlighting the necessity of faith and obedience in the new covenant (cf. Romans 6:3-4).
Jesus’ promise that His followers will face trials (John 16:33) is a reminder that sanctification is a process involving suffering and endurance, just as He experienced on earth. Philippians 1:29 states,
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.”
This suffering produces spiritual maturity and completes God’s work in us (James 1:2-4).
Therefore, as followers of Christ—the Master Carpenter and faithful Lord—we must allow Him to shape our lives according to God’s perfect plan. Like metal refined by fire (Malachi 3:3) or wood carefully measured and nailed, we must endure trials patiently, trusting God’s refining work.
One day, when we reach our eternal home, we will fully comprehend the value of this process. Jesus reassures us in John 14:1-4
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
This passage points to the hope of eternal life and the ultimate “building” God is doing—the preparation of a place for His people in heaven.
May the Lord bless you.