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DO NOT PRAY PRAYERS THAT LACK FAITH—AND NEVER BLASPHEME GOD

Luke 23:42–43 (ESV)

“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome to this time of Bible study.

As we know from Scripture, Jesus was not crucified alone at Golgotha. Two criminals were crucified alongside Him—one on His left, the other on His right. Their presence beside Jesus reveals something profound: that even in His suffering, Christ was among sinners, identifying with the brokenness of humanity.

What shocked many observers, then and now, was the idea that someone claiming to be the Savior of the world would Himself be hanging on a cross, enduring shame and agony. To the natural mind, it seemed contradictory and confusing. And indeed, each of the two criminals had something to say to Jesus.

THE FIRST CRIMINAL: PRIDEFUL AND MOCKING

Luke 23:39 (KJV)
“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, ‘If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.’”

The first criminal mocked Jesus. His words—“If you are the Christ…”—were not a humble plea but a taunt. That very phrase was a form of blasphemy. He doubted and dishonored Christ, demanding a miracle not out of faith, but out of arrogance.

This mirrors many people today who are in the depths of hardship and suffering but confront God with blame rather than humility. They say things like:

  • “If God is real, why am I suffering?”

  • “If God loves people, why doesn’t He help His own followers first?”

These statements, though they may sound like cries of desperation, often come from hearts hardened by pride and unbelief. Without reverence or repentance, such people cannot expect a response from the Lord. As with the first thief, Jesus gave him no answer.

Isaiah 66:2b (ESV)
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

THE SECOND CRIMINAL: HUMBLE AND REPENTANT

In contrast, the second criminal had the same circumstances—nailed to a cross, in pain, facing death—but a completely different heart posture. He recognized the justice of his punishment and the innocence of Christ.

Luke 23:40–41 (ESV)
“But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’”

This man showed humility, reverence, and a deep awareness of his sin. Rather than asking to be saved from the cross or from temporary suffering, he asked for eternal life.

Luke 23:42–43 (ESV)
“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

He did not ask Jesus for deliverance from his earthly pain. He didn’t beg to be returned to his family, his business, or his former life. He simply asked to be remembered in Christ’s kingdom. That’s true faith—trusting Jesus not just with this life, but with the life to come.

A MODEL OF TRUE PRAYER

This second thief teaches us that what matters most is not whether our earthly situation changes, but whether our soul is right with God. His prayer was focused on eternal things, and that’s why Jesus responded.

So many today pray only for material things—money, healing, jobs, relationships. But the most important prayer is for salvation. When that is settled, everything else follows in God’s perfect timing.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

If you are struggling, suffering, or confused, do not let your hardship turn into complaint or blasphemy against God. Recognize that your suffering may be the result of sin, brokenness, or even a test of faith. But whatever the reason, come to Jesus humbly, asking for eternal life and a new heart.

WHAT TO DO NOW

If this message has touched you, it’s not by accident. Christ still loves you. You may be suffering today, hanging metaphorically on your own “cross,” but God is giving you the chance to respond like the second thief.

Pray with humility:
“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I accept the consequences of my sins, but I ask for your mercy. I believe you died for me. Even if my life does not improve outwardly, I ask you to give me eternal life. Save my soul. I surrender my life to you today.”

If you pray this sincerely, the Holy Spirit will fill you with peace and new life. Your desires will change, your mind will be renewed, and you will begin to experience joy that is not dependent on your circumstances.

NEXT STEPS: REPENT, BE BAPTIZED

If you have repented, now seek baptism—the Biblical kind:

  • By full immersion (John 3:23)

  • In the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)

This is the completion of your public confession of faith.

Feel free to share this message with others. Do not remove the contact information or website below:

www.wingulamashahidi.org
Phone: +255 789 001 312

May the Lord richly bless you.

 

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How Many Books Are in the Bible?

The Holy Bible contains a total of 66 books, according to the canon accepted by most Protestant denominations. These books are divided into two main sections:

  • The Old Testament – 39 books

  • The New Testament – 27 books

List of the Old Testament Books:

  1. Genesis

  2. Exodus

  3. Leviticus

  4. Numbers

  5. Deuteronomy

  6. Joshua

  7. Judges

  8. Ruth

  9. 1 Samuel

  10. 2 Samuel

  11. 1 Kings

  12. 2 Kings

  13. 1 Chronicles

  14. 2 Chronicles

  15. Ezra

  16. Nehemiah

  17. Esther

  18. Job

  19. Psalms

  20. Proverbs

  21. Ecclesiastes

  22. Song of Solomon

  23. Isaiah

  24. Jeremiah

  25. Lamentations

  26. Ezekiel

  27. Daniel

  28. Hosea

  29. Joel

  30. Amos

  31. Obadiah

  32. Jonah

  33. Micah

  34. Nahum

  35. Habakkuk

  36. Zephaniah

  37. Haggai

  38. Zechariah

  39. Malachi

List of the New Testament Books:

  1. Matthew

  2. Mark

  3. Luke

  4. John

  5. Acts

  6. Romans

  7. 1 Corinthians

  8. 2 Corinthians

  9. Galatians

  10. Ephesians

  11. Philippians

  12. Colossians

  13. 1 Thessalonians

  14. 2 Thessalonians

  15. 1 Timothy

  16. 2 Timothy

  17. Titus

  18. Philemon

  19. Hebrews

  20. James

  21. 1 Peter

  22. 2 Peter

  23. 1 John

  24. 2 John

  25. 3 John

  26. Jude

  27. Revelation

Other Christian Bibles

Some Christian traditions include additional books not found in the Protestant Bible. For example:

  • The Roman Catholic Bible includes 73 books. It contains all 66 books of the Protestant Bible plus 7 additional books (known as the Deuterocanonical books) such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 & 2 Maccabees, as well as additions to Daniel and Esther.

  • Eastern Orthodox Bibles include even more books depending on the branch, sometimes totaling 76 or more. These include other writings like 3 Maccabees, Psalm 151, and 1 Esdras.

These additional books are referred to by Protestants as the Apocrypha, meaning “hidden” or “non-canonical.” Protestants generally do not consider them divinely inspired or authoritative for establishing doctrine.

Why Do Protestants Use Only 66 Books?

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century emphasized returning to the Hebrew Scriptures for the Old Testament, which did not include the Deuterocanonical books. Reformers like Martin Luther questioned the authority and divine inspiration of the Apocryphal writings, resulting in their exclusion from the Protestant canon.

The 66 books used by Protestants are widely recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV):

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Final Note

While different Christian traditions have differing biblical canons, the 66-book canon used by Protestants remains central to their faith and practice. Believers are encouraged to read, study, and live by these Scriptures, trusting that they are the inspired Word of God.

Shalom (Peace to you).

 

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Who Were the Chaldeans?

The Chaldeans were the ancient inhabitants of the city of Babylon, a prominent city in the region of present-day Iraq. The term “Chaldeans” is often used in the Bible to refer to the people of Babylon. These people are historically significant because they were the ones who captured the Israelites and took them into captivity in Babylon, as mentioned in various biblical passages.

For instance, in Jeremiah 21:8-10 (NKJV), it says:

“And you shall say to this people, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes out and defects to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be as a prize to him. For I have set My face against this city for adversity and not for good,” says the Lord. “It shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.”‘”

This passage refers to the judgment that was coming upon the city of Jerusalem, and how those who fled to the Chaldeans (Babylonians) could survive.

Similarly, Ezra 5:12 (NKJV) recounts the story of the Israelites’ captivity under Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon:

“But because our fathers provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and carried the people away to Babylon.”

Before the Israelites were taken into captivity, the city of Babylon was already well-established. Interestingly, Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, originally came from Ur of the Chaldeans, as described in Genesis 11:31 (NKJV):

“Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there.”

Thus, the Chaldeans were not only the people of Babylon but also the ancestors of important biblical figures like Abraham.

Chaldeans as Symbolic of Spiritual Babylon

The Chaldeans in the Bible were a significant historical group, but there is also a spiritual aspect to their mention. In Revelation 17, the Apostle John speaks of “Babylon the Great,” a city that represents a powerful spiritual and moral force that leads people into error. Revelation 14:8 (NKJV) says:

“And another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.'”

This “Babylon” is not just a physical city but represents a system of false worship, idolatry, and corruption that leads people away from God. This is referred to as spiritual Babylon.

Spiritual Babylon is a metaphor for any religious or societal system that distorts the truth of God’s Word and leads people into spiritual bondage. It seduces nations into moral decay and rebellion against God’s truth, much like the literal Babylonian empire seduced Israel into idolatry and captivity. The Bible warns that this system will ultimately fall, just as ancient Babylon did.

In Revelation 18:2 (NKJV), the fall of this spiritual Babylon is further emphasized:

“And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!'”

This symbolic “Babylon” represents not just ancient pagan practices but also modern systems of false religion and worldliness that oppose the truth of Christ. Today, this spiritual Babylon still exists in various forms, especially through false teachings, idolatry, materialism, and religious systems that stray from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Is Spiritual Babylon Active Today?

Yes, spiritual Babylon is very much active today. The influence of this “Babylon” can be seen in many aspects of modern society, particularly in false religions and even distorted forms of Christianity that do not adhere to the true gospel of Christ. Many people are still being taken captive by this system unknowingly, deceived by doctrines and practices that pull them further away from the true teachings of Scripture.

As Revelation 18:4 (NKJV) warns:

“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.'”

This call to “come out” of Babylon is a call to reject falsehoods and seek the truth in Jesus Christ, embracing the true freedom found in Him.

The Urgency of Salvation

The Bible also reminds us of the urgent need for salvation, as the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. In Hebrews 10:37 (NKJV), we read:

“For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.”

This verse emphasizes that the return of Christ is near, and we should not wait to make things right with God. The Bible teaches that salvation is available now and that we must take hold of it immediately.

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) clearly explains how to be saved:

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

If you have not yet accepted Christ, it is important to do so today, without delay. Repent of your sins and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who call upon His name.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chaldeans were the ancient inhabitants of Babylon, and while their historical role was significant, they also serve as a symbol in the Bible for systems of falsehood and spiritual bondage, which continue to impact the world today. The Bible warns against being entangled in the spiritual “Babylon” that leads to destruction. Therefore, it is crucial to respond to God’s call to salvation through Jesus Christ, as His return is near, and the time to be reconciled with God is now.

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Who Are the Hyraxes? (Proverbs 30:26)

QUESTION: Who are the hyraxes, and why are they mentioned as one of the four creatures known for their wisdom in Proverbs 30:26?

ANSWER: The hyrax, also known as the rock hyrax, dassie, or cony, is a small animal that closely resembles a rabbit. It is mentioned several times in the Bible, notably for its wisdom and the way it lives despite its physical weakness.

For example:

Leviticus 11:4 (NIV): “There are some that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, but you must not eat them: the camel, though it chews the cud, but does not have a divided hoof, is unclean for you. 5 The hyrax, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.”

In this passage, the hyrax is listed among animals that are considered unclean under the Mosaic Law due to its physical characteristics—chewing cud but not having a divided hoof. The importance of this distinction is that it shows the law’s guidelines for cleanliness and spiritual symbolism. The clean and unclean animals often represented purity and impurity in the Old Testament, emphasizing God’s holiness and the need for His people to be set apart.

Psalm 104:18 (NIV): “The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats, and the crags are a refuge for the hyraxes.”

This verse reflects the natural habitat of the hyrax—high, rocky places. The “crags” or “rocks” are where the hyraxes find shelter and protection, a metaphor for safety and refuge. The psalmist uses this reference to express God’s creation, where even the smallest creatures have a place to live in God’s designed order of the world.

Proverbs 30:24-26 (NIV): “There are four things that are small on the earth, yet they are exceedingly wise:
25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 The hyraxes are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the rocks.”

Here, the hyrax is part of a list of creatures with great wisdom, even though they are small and weak. The wisdom of the hyrax is not in physical strength or speed but in its knowledge of where to find safety. In this passage, the hyrax’s wisdom is in its ability to build its home in the rocks, which is a natural defense mechanism against predators. Theologically, this demonstrates how God, in His wisdom, created animals with instincts that teach us valuable lessons about reliance on strong foundations.

Theological Significance of the Hyrax’s Wisdom

The reason the hyrax is considered wise is due to its behavior in the face of weakness. Hyraxes are small, timid creatures that cannot outrun predators or fight back. Despite their vulnerabilities, they instinctively build their homes in rocky places, where they find protection. This can be seen as a symbol of wisdom in the Bible, where wisdom is often depicted as seeking refuge in God, the ultimate Rock (Psalm 18:2).

Psalm 18:2 (NIV): “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”

Theologically, this passage points us to God as the Rock of our salvation, the place where we can find safety and security, just as the hyrax finds refuge in the rocks. The hyrax’s instinct to seek shelter in the rocks serves as a powerful reminder for believers to seek refuge in God, who is our Rock and our place of safety. In a world full of dangers and uncertainties, the wisdom of the hyrax invites us to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV): “For they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.”

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul references Christ as the spiritual rock, linking the Old Testament understanding of God as the Rock to the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our ultimate place of refuge. Just as the hyrax finds safety in the rock, we, as believers, are called to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of Christ.

The Lesson for Us

Now, the question is: what about us? Will we fail to learn from the wisdom of the hyrax?

Where is our safety? Have we built our lives on a strong foundation, or are we building on shifting sand? In the Bible, Jesus tells a parable about wise and foolish builders.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV):
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

In this passage, Jesus compares those who build their lives on His teachings to wise builders who establish their homes on solid rock. Those who ignore His teachings and build their lives on unstable foundations are likened to foolish builders whose houses collapse when troubles come. Theologically, Jesus is teaching us that our lives must be rooted in Him—He is the Rock. When we rely on His Word and foundation, we are secure. But without Him, we are vulnerable.

Conclusion

It would be strange indeed if we, as humans, fail to learn from the wisdom of a small, timid animal like the hyrax. Despite its physical weaknesses, it shows incredible wisdom by seeking safety in the rocks. Likewise, we are called to seek refuge in God, our true Rock, who offers us protection, stability, and eternal security.

Shalom.

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In which country is the Garden of Eden located at?

The Garden of Eden, according to the Bible, was a unique place created by God where the first human, Adam, was placed to live. The details about the Garden can be found primarily in Genesis 2. It describes how God planted a garden in the east of Eden and placed Adam there to tend it. The garden was also home to two important trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:8-9). Additionally, a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and it divided into four rivers: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris (Hidekel), and Euphrates (Genesis 2:10-14).

Where Was the Garden of Eden Located?

The exact location of the Garden of Eden has been a topic of much debate throughout history. Based on the descriptions in Genesis, some scholars believe that the Garden was located in the region of the ancient Near East, particularly around the area of Mesopotamia, which is present-day Iraq. This is mainly due to the references to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which still exist today.

  • Tigris (Hidekel) and Euphrates are well-known rivers that flow through modern-day Iraq.

  • The other two rivers, Pishon and Gihon, remain a mystery, and their locations are not definitively known.

Many people speculate that the Pishon may have flowed through the area of ancient Arabia, while Gihon may have been related to the Nile River or another river in the region. However, because these rivers are not identified with certainty, the exact location of Eden remains a matter of speculation.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Garden of Eden was more than just a physical location. It was a place of perfect communion between God and humanity. Adam and Eve, the first humans, were created in God’s image and placed in this paradise to live in harmony with God’s will. The Garden was meant to be a place of perfect peace and beauty, a reflection of God’s original intention for the world.

However, as the Bible tells us in Genesis 3, everything changed when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This act of disobedience resulted in their expulsion from the Garden and the introduction of sin into the world (Genesis 3:23-24). Since that moment, humanity has been separated from the direct presence of God, and the physical location of Eden was lost to history.

Symbolic and Future Fulfillment:

Theologically, the Garden of Eden serves as a type of the ultimate restoration that will come with the new heaven and new earth described in the book of Revelation. The Bible speaks of a “new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:1-4), a holy city where God will dwell with His people. This city is often described as a place of ultimate peace and joy, a “paradise” restored in a way far beyond Eden.

In Revelation 22, we read that the Tree of Life—which was present in Eden—will be found in the new Jerusalem, providing healing for the nations (Revelation 22:1-2). The new heaven and new earth will be a place of perfect communion between God and His people, much like what was originally intended in Eden before the fall of humanity.

Should We Focus on the Physical Location of Eden?

While the exact geographical location of the Garden of Eden remains uncertain, the Bible teaches that the real focus should not be on finding its physical location but on understanding its theological significance. The Garden of Eden represents the ideal state of human existence—living in perfect harmony with God. The ultimate fulfillment of this will come when Christ returns to establish the new heaven and new earth, where His people will dwell with Him forever.

The Bible encourages believers to set their hope on this future “Eden,” which is the New Jerusalem, rather than dwelling on the lost location of the original Garden. As Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.”

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the exact location of the Garden of Eden is uncertain, its theological meaning is clear. It was the place where humanity first lived in communion with God. Today, the Bible directs us to look forward to the new Jerusalem, where God will restore His perfect paradise for all believers. As we live in this fallen world, we are called to anticipate the coming of God’s Kingdom and remain faithful to Him, knowing that the best is yet to come.

Reflection:

  • Have you placed your hope in the eternal “Eden” that God promises to those who are in Christ?

  • Do you understand that, through Christ, you can have a relationship with God today, despite the brokenness of the world around us?

  • Will you be part of the new Jerusalem, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s paradise?

These are the questions each believer must ask as they look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise.

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