Every day that passes brings us one step closer to the greatest event the world will ever witness—the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. It will be the day when the trumpet of God sounds, calling His saints home. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone will hear it. Only the righteous—those truly in Christ—will hear and respond to the sound of that heavenly call. The wicked and unbelieving will remain oblivious.
Jesus Himself described this moment in John 5:28-29 (NKJV):
Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
This moment could happen at any time—morning, evening, or even in the dead of night. If you are a born-again believer walking in holiness, you will hear a joyful, powerful voice, joined with the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will hear it too. From the graves, they will rise, clothed in incorruption and immortality (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). And you will see them.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:52, NKJV
Suddenly, the skies will open, revealing a great multitude of angels coming with the Lord Jesus in glory. At that same moment, believers who are alive will be transformed—our mortal, weak, corruptible bodies will be changed into glorious, eternal bodies, fit for heaven.
Then, we will be caught up (Greek: harpazo, meaning “to snatch away quickly”) to meet the Lord in the air. This is what Scripture calls the Rapture, described beautifully in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NKJV):
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
This will be the beginning of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, foretold in Revelation 19:7-9, where Jesus receives His Bride—the Church—for whom He laid down His life.
Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready… Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!
Revelation 19:7, 9
THE TIME IS SHORT — THE SIGNS ARE CLEAR
You might think the return of Christ is far off. But Jesus rebuked people in His day for not discerning the signs of the times (Matthew 16:3). And today, all the signs He gave are unfolding before our eyes.
Consider:
Plagues and pandemics: Jesus said,
And there will be… pestilences…
Luke 21:11
We saw this vividly with COVID-19.
Increased lawlessness and moral decline:
Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:12
The rebirth of Israel, the “fig tree” budding (see Matthew 24:32-34)—this occurred in 1948 and marks a key prophetic timeline for the last generation.
The global spread of the Gospel:
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:14
These are not random events. They are prophetic mile markers. We are in the last of the last days.
GOD SAVES THE FEW, NOT THE MAJORITY
Many Christians today wrongly assume that because the world is full of sin, God will not bring judgment. But Scripture shows that God has always saved a remnant, not the majority.
Jesus warned us:
But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:37, NKJV
In Noah’s time, only eight souls were saved from judgment while the rest of the world perished (2 Peter 2:5). In Lot’s time, only three people escaped Sodom before fire rained down from heaven (Genesis 19:24-26).
Before the flood, Enoch was the only man raptured because he pleased God (Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5). If that pattern holds, only those who truly walk with God will hear the trumpet. Even if it’s a small group, they alone will be caught up. The rest of the world will be confused, shocked, and left behind.
Some will assume people were kidnapped. Others will think they fled or disappeared under strange circumstances. But they won’t realize that these people are now with Christ, enjoying eternal joy in heaven. Those left behind will face the Great Tribulation—a time of suffering and deception under the Antichrist, described in Matthew 24:21-22 and Revelation 13.
ARE YOU READY?
Dear reader, ask yourself honestly: if Jesus returned today, would you be ready? After all the gospel messages you’ve heard and all the signs you’ve seen, what excuse will you offer?
God is loving and full of mercy (Psalm 103:8), but He is also holy and just (Hebrews 12:29). He has made a way of salvation through His Son—but it must be received by faith and with repentance.
THE WAY TO SALVATION
If you are not yet born again, now is your time. Jesus said:
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3, NKJV
Salvation is a free gift, but it must be accepted. You must:
1. Repent — Turn from sin completely (Acts 3:19).
2. Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 14:6, Romans 10:9–10).
3. Be baptized in water in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
4. Live a new life, led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).
A PRAYER OF SALVATION
If you’re ready to begin your walk with Jesus, pray this prayer sincerely:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner. I have broken Your laws and lived my own way. I deserve judgment, but I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again for my salvation.
Today, I repent of all my sins. I turn away from my old life and I surrender to You.
I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.
Wash me with the blood of Jesus. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Make me a new creation from this day forward.
Thank You for saving me and accepting me as Your child.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17,
Jesus is coming soon. Be ready.
Who Is a True Friend?
At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced friendship. Some friends come into our lives because we share similar personalities or interests. Others become close to us through specific situations—school, work, business, or shared spiritual experiences.
Some friendships last through time and distance. Even when circumstances change—whether financially or socially—true friends remain. But others fade quickly, breaking off when life takes a different direction. These are situational friends—seasonal companions.
But regardless of the type of friendship, the question remains:
How can you recognize a true friend
A True Friend Is Willing to Die for You
Imagine you’re in critical condition—both kidneys have failed, and your only chance to survive is to receive a kidney transplant. Suddenly, a friend—someone not even related to you—comes forward and offers both of their kidneys, knowing it will cost them their life. You hesitate, but they insist, and they go through with it. You live; they die.
That’s not just friendship—that’s sacrificial love.
But the reality is, in this world, no one would willingly give their life in that way, especially for someone who doesn’t deserve it.
Yet, someone already has.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13 (NKJV)
That someone is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He didn’t just die for good people or those who loved Him. He died for sinners—His enemies.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
Unlike human friendships, which are often conditional, Jesus’ love is unconditional and redemptive. He saw our helpless, sinful state and chose to give His life so we could live eternally. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of love, mercy, and justice—He took our place under the wrath of God.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
Jesus is not just a true friend—He is the only friend who could save your soul.
The Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother
The Bible acknowledges that not all friendships are equal. Some friends may abandon you in difficult times, but Jesus never will.
A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)
This “friend who sticks closer than a brother” is Jesus Christ—Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He not only walks with us in this life but also secures our eternity with Him in glory.
How Do You Become a Friend of Jesus?
Jesus said:
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:14 (NKJV)
Friendship with Jesus begins with obedience. This is not legalism—it’s relational obedience flowing from love and trust. You must respond to His call:
1. Repent – Turn away from your sins and turn to God.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…
Acts 3:19 (NKJV)
2. Believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior – Confess Him with your mouth and believe in your heart.
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.
Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
3. Be Baptized by Immersion – As an act of faith and obedience.
Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
4. Receive the Holy Spirit – Who empowers you to live a new life.
Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
Romans 8:9 (NKJV)
When you do this, you enter into a covenant friendship with Christ—not based on religion, but on transformation. You are adopted as a child of God.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 1:12 (NKJV)
A Prayer of Sincere Repentance
If you’re ready to become a friend of Jesus and receive eternal life, you can pray this prayer sincerely and from your heart:
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today, fully aware that I am a sinner. I have broken Your commandments, and I deserve Your judgment. But I also believe that You are a merciful and loving God. I believe that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins, and that He rose from the dead.
Today, I repent of all my sins. I turn away from the life I’ve lived and surrender to You completely. Wash me with the blood of Jesus. Make me a new creation.
I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live a life that pleases You. From today forward, I belong to You.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for receiving me, forgiving me, and calling me Your friend.
Amen.
Next Steps in Your New Life
Remember, salvation is not the end—it’s the beginning of a beautiful, eternal friendship with the Lord.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you, guide you, and keep you in His grace. Welcome to the family of God!
The salvation we’ve received as a free gift came at a tremendous cost. It’s easy to take it lightly when we didn’t have to pay for it, but let’s not forget: the One who gave it paid the highest price imaginable. Salvation wasn’t accomplished by Christ simply staying in heaven and saying, “Believe in Me.” That would have violated divine justice. God is holy, and the penalty for sin had to be paid fully.
Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.
(Hebrews 9:22, ESV)
For God to remain just and still justify sinners, someone had to stand in our place—a substitute who was both fully human to represent us, and fully divine to be sinless and satisfy God’s justice.
So Jesus, the eternal Son of God, emptied Himself of His divine privileges (Philippians 2:6–8), clothed Himself in human flesh, and entered the world through the womb of a woman. He was not born in a palace but in a stable. He did not live in comfort but in poverty. He faced rejection, hunger, fatigue, temptation, sorrow, and betrayal.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
(Hebrews 4:15, NKJV)
And yet, He lived 33 sinless years—a spotless Lamb, fulfilling the Law completely, which we could never do. This qualified Him to become the perfect atoning sacrifice for mankind.
But it didn’t stop with His life—it had to culminate in His death. The full wrath of God against sin had to be poured out. He had to go to the cross. And there, the sin of the whole world—past, present, and future—was laid upon Him.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
(2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV)
His suffering wasn’t only spiritual, but also physical. Many people imagine the cross as just another Roman execution. But Scripture makes it clear: what Jesus endured was far beyond anything ever seen before. His body was so brutally beaten that He was hardly recognizable as human.
Just as many were astonished at you,
So His visage was marred more than any man,
And His form more than the sons of men.
(Isaiah 52:14, NKJV)
Can you imagine what that means? Take a moment—10 or 15 minutes—and reflect on this: How could someone’s appearance be more disfigured than any human who has ever lived? It means the beatings, scourging, the crown of thorns, and the crucifixion tore His body to such an extent that He resembled a slaughtered animal more than a man.
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
(Isaiah 53:4–5, NKJV)
These weren’t ordinary wounds. These were substitutionary wounds. He was not suffering for His own sins—He had none. He was suffering for yours and mine.
Without this suffering, there would be no healing of our souls, no access to the Father, and no eternal life. His broken body and spilled blood became the bridge between sinful man and a holy God.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.
(1 Peter 3:18, NKJV)
So now, what will you say if you ignore this great salvation? If you die in your sins—despite this free gift placed before you—how will you escape judgment?
How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?
(Hebrews 2:3, NKJV)
Today, salvation is available to you without cost—but don’t be mistaken: it is not cheap. It cost Jesus His life. That’s why Scripture warns us not to wait.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
(2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV)
Don’t wait until the door of grace is shut. That day will come. And when it does, the only thing left for the unrepentant sinner is judgment and eternal separation from God (Hebrews 10:26–27). But if you repent today and surrender your life to Christ, you will not only receive the promise of heaven, but His blood—so precious—will begin to speak mercy, healing, and favor over your life right now.
The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
(1 John 1:7, NKJV)
So if you haven’t yet turned to Christ, don’t delay. Repent today. Believe in Him as your Savior and Lord. He is not only the Judge of all the earth—He is the dearest Friend you could ever have. The One who laid down His life for you.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
(John 15:13, NKJV)
May His name be blessed forever. Amen.
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In Scripture, Jesus is given three remarkable titles:
Each of these titles holds deep significance and reveals important aspects of who Jesus is, what He came to accomplish, and His place in God’s redemptive plan. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
The title “Son of God” is more than a name; it signifies inheritance—specifically, Jesus inherits all authority, power, and glory from the Father. In biblical times, the title “son” referred to the heir, the one who would take over the father’s estate. Jesus, as the Son of God, is the heir to everything that belongs to the Father. This inheritance includes God’s majesty, His kingdom, His rule, and ultimately, the power to redeem and restore humanity.
Hebrews 1:2-3 tells us: “But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”
Because Jesus is the Son of God, He is the rightful heir to all creation. Everything that belongs to God has been given to Him. This is why, in Matthew 28:18, Jesus boldly declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Jesus is not merely a messenger of God—He is the full revelation of God Himself, the one through whom the entire universe was made and the one who sustains it.
The second title, “Son of David,” connects Jesus to David, Israel’s greatest king, and to the covenant God made with him. God promised David that his descendants would rule forever, and through this promise, He established an everlasting throne for the Messiah, who would come from David’s lineage.
Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. The Son of David isn’t just a descendant of David; He is the long-awaited King who will reign eternally. Jesus doesn’t just claim the title as a mere heir; He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic promise, the King who will rule with justice and peace over all nations.
In Matthew 1:1-17, the genealogy of Jesus shows that He is the direct descendant of David, confirming that He has the right to sit on David’s throne. But His kingship is not limited to Israel; it is a universal reign that will extend to the entire world, ultimately establishing a new Jerusalem (Revelation 21), the eternal dwelling place of God and His people.
Jesus’ royal heritage isn’t just a connection to the past—it’s a promise for the future. He is the King of Kings, and His kingdom will never end.
The third title, “Son of Adam,” is deeply tied to Jesus’ role as the Redeemer of mankind. Adam, the first human, was given dominion over the earth and entrusted with the responsibility to rule and multiply. However, when Adam sinned, he lost his inheritance—his dominion over the earth—and subjected all of humanity to sin, death, and separation from God.
For humanity to reclaim what was lost, a second Adam was needed—someone who would restore the authority that Adam forfeited. Jesus, as the second Adam, came to redeem that lost inheritance and take back the dominion over the earth that Adam had surrendered.
1 Corinthians 15:45 highlights this: “So it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.’”
Jesus, the last Adam, not only came to fulfill God’s original intention for humanity but also to restore what was lost in the fall. He is the perfect man, fully human, who perfectly obeyed God where Adam failed.
As the Son of Adam, Jesus didn’t just represent humanity—He redeemed humanity, offering the chance for all who believe in Him to be restored to their original purpose: to rule with God in His eternal kingdom. Jesus is the one who reverses the curse of the fall and brings us back into fellowship with God.
In Matthew 11:27, Jesus says, “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
Through Jesus, we see God’s original plan for humanity restored. As the Son of Adam, Jesus reclaims the dominion and authority that Adam lost, offering new life to all who are in Him.
Jesus is the beginning and the end—the Alpha and the Omega. He is the perfect image of God and the perfect man. As the Son of God, He is the heir of all that belongs to God. As the Son of David, He is the promised King who will reign forever. And as the Son of Adam, He is the Redeemer who restores humanity’s lost inheritance.
Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the center of all things—the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of the universe. If you have not yet believed in Him, now is the time to come to Him. He is the only way to the Father and the only hope for eternal life.
As Revelation 22:13 reminds us, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
May the Lord bless you as you continue to discover more of who Jesus is and the incredible work He has done for us.
ANSWER:
God communicates with people in various ways. He can speak directly to individuals, send angels to deliver His messages, or use human beings as messengers. In rare instances, He may even use animals (Numbers 22:30) or elements of nature (Job 12:7-9) as a means of communication.
Theological Insight:
From a theological perspective, God speaks in diverse ways, but His messages are always consistent and true. When God speaks directly, He does so to communicate His will, to guide, and to reveal Himself to His creation. The use of angels and humans as intermediaries reflects God’s sovereign will to use created beings to carry His message. This understanding is important because it shows that God’s mode of communication may vary, but His intent and message remain unchanged.
Humans and animals are physical beings, and God does not use their spirits to communicate with us. For example, God does not use my spirit or someone else’s spirit to speak to another person’s spirit. Instead, when God wants to speak to someone, He communicates to a servant in the spirit, and that servant then delivers the message. It is only the Holy Spirit and holy angels who have the spiritual nature to speak to us in this way because they are spiritual beings. The Bible affirms this spiritual distinction in Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV): “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Angels, as spiritual beings, are sent to serve God’s purposes, including speaking to His people.
Angels and the Holy Spirit:
Angels, while powerful and important servants of God, always act in obedience to His will and speak His messages, never their own. They can appear in human form, give a message directly, or communicate through a person’s spirit. However, when angels speak, it is essentially the voice of God speaking through them, as the angels are merely His messengers.
Genesis 22:10-16 (NKJV):
In this passage, when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, the Angel of the Lord speaks to him directly. The message the angel delivers is clearly divine, and the tone suggests that it’s not just any angel but a representative of God Himself. The angel’s voice in this passage reflects God’s will, and this is why the angel’s words carry such authority, even though it’s technically an angel speaking.
“But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’… and He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” (Genesis 22:11-12 NKJV)
This passage makes it clear that the message delivered by the angel is as authoritative as God’s direct command. The angel is simply conveying God’s message, highlighting that the distinction between the angel’s voice and God’s voice is not always easy to discern.
Exodus 3:1-6 (NKJV):
Moses’ encounter with the Angel of the Lord in the burning bush is another key passage that helps us understand the role of angels in delivering God’s messages. In this passage, although God Himself is speaking through the angel, the narrative presents the angel’s words as if they are directly from God.
“The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush… when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses! Moses!’” (Exodus 3:2-4 NKJV)
Here, the angel is delivering God’s message to Moses, and the angel’s words are clearly God’s. The distinction between the angel and God becomes blurred because the message is the same. This shows that angels, though separate beings, carry God’s voice and speak His words without modification.
Judges 2:1 (NKJV):
In this passage, the Angel of the Lord speaks to the Israelites, declaring that God is the one who led them out of Egypt and fulfilled His promises. Although the angel uses the first-person pronoun “I,” it’s important to understand that it is God who made the covenant, not the angel.
“Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: ‘I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, I will never break My covenant with you.’” (Judges 2:1 NKJV)
The angel here is acting as a spokesperson, delivering a message that God Himself had given. This passage reinforces the idea that angels do not speak their own words but relay God’s instructions and promises to His people.
Theological Implications:
Angels are, in essence, servants who relay God’s will. They do not speak independently of God. When they speak, they are essentially God’s voice in the world. This understanding helps us comprehend why it is difficult to differentiate between the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of an angel. Both deliver God’s message, though one is a direct spiritual presence (the Holy Spirit) and the other is a messenger (the angel).
Differentiating the Voice of God and His Messengers:
It is difficult to distinguish the voice of the Holy Spirit from the voice of an angel, especially when both speak with the authority of God. For instance, an angel may say, “I the Lord have said…” and you might assume it’s God speaking directly, when in fact, it’s His angel delivering the message.
The Key Lesson:
Rather than trying to differentiate between the voices of the Holy Spirit and angels, the focus should be on obedience. The important thing is not which voice we hear, but that we listen and obey, knowing that God is speaking to us through His messengers, whether directly or through an angel. In John 14:26 (NKJV), Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
The message, whether delivered by the Holy Spirit directly or by an angel, remains the same: we must listen and obey. The key takeaway is that obedience to God’s will is what matters most, regardless of whether the message comes directly from God or through His angels.
Conclusion:
Theologically speaking, the distinction between the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of angels is blurred because both are speaking the same divine message. What is most important is not to differentiate between these voices but to obey what we hear, knowing it comes from God. Let us be attentive and obedient to His messages, whether they come through His Holy Spirit or His angels.
May God bless us as we heed His Word and share it with others.
“In speaking of the angels he says, ‘
He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire.’” – Hebrews 1:7 (NIV)
Question:
Does this verse mean that God turns His angels into demons or spirits of some sort?
Answer:
No, this verse does not mean that God turns angels into demons. It is a symbolic description of the nature and role of angels, not a statement about their fall or transformation into evil beings.
While the Bible does teach that some angels rebelled against God and became demons (see Revelation 12:7–9, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6), Hebrews 1:7 is not referring to those fallen angels. Instead, it quotes Psalm 104:4, where God’s faithful angels are described in poetic, metaphorical terms:
“He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.” – Psalm 104:4 (NIV)
This poetic language is rich with theological meaning. Angels are compared to wind and fire—natural forces that are powerful, swift, and awe-inspiring. The comparison highlights several truths:
Wind is invisible yet active, often sudden and forceful—qualities that resemble the operation of angels. In the Bible, angels often appear suddenly, act quickly, and then disappear (e.g., Luke 1:26–38, Acts 12:7–10). Their swiftness reflects their readiness to serve God.
Fire in Scripture is often associated with God’s holiness, judgment, and presence (Exodus 3:2, Hebrews 12:29). Calling angels “flames of fire” emphasizes their role in executing God’s will, sometimes with great power and judgment (Genesis 19:1,13, 2 Kings 19:35).
God is not saying angels are wind or fire, but that they function like wind and fire. This is similar to how Psalm 104 uses metaphorical language to describe God’s majesty:
“The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent…” – Psalm 104:2 (NIV)
Just as light isn’t literally clothing, the angels aren’t literally wind or fire. This is a way to communicate their spiritual nature and divine mission.
The context of Hebrews 1 is crucial. The writer is contrasting angels with Jesus to show His absolute superiority. While angels are servants—swift and powerful—Jesus is the Son, seated on the throne:
“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.’” – Hebrews 1:8 (NIV)
Christ is not merely another spiritual messenger—He is the exact representation of God’s being and heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2–3). Angels worship Him (Hebrews 1:6), and His position is far above theirs.
The chapter concludes with this important statement:
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” – Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
Angels are ministering spirits, meaning they are sent by God to help and protect believers. Their mission is to support God’s redemptive plan, especially for those in Christ.
So when God says He makes His angels “winds” and His servants “flames of fire,” He is using figurative language to express their divine purpose and power. They are mighty and active in fulfilling God’s commands—but still only servants. In contrast, Jesus is the Son, enthroned and eternal. And those who believe in Him will also share in His glory (Romans 8:17), served by angels according to God’s purpose.
Praise God for His Son and His heavenly hosts that serve His will.
In John 21:15–23, we encounter one of the most personal and instructive conversations between Jesus and the Apostle Peter. After His resurrection, Jesus restores Peter and gives him a glimpse of his future. But what follows is a revealing moment that exposes a common human weakness: comparison. When Peter asks about another disciple’s destiny, Jesus replies with a simple yet powerful truth: “What is that to you? You follow me.”
This passage invites us to reflect on our individual callings, the danger of comparison, and the necessity of faithfully following Christ—regardless of others’ paths.
After Peter had denied Jesus three times (John 18:15–27), Jesus graciously restores him with a threefold question:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:15–17)
Peter affirms his love each time, and Jesus responds with:
This is not only personal restoration—it is Peter’s apostolic recommissioning. Jesus affirms Peter’s leadership role in the early church (cf. 1 Peter 5:1–3). It shows that failure does not disqualify a believer from future service when there is repentance and love for Christ.
Jesus follows the restoration with a sobering prophecy:
“When you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands…” (John 21:18)
This expression, “stretch out your hands,” was a common idiom for crucifixion. John explains in verse 19:
“(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.)”
Peter would glorify God not just in life but also in death. According to early church tradition (e.g. Origen, Eusebius), Peter was crucified in Rome, upside down, by his own request—deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.
This reminds us that discipleship involves sacrifice, and that true love for Christ includes a willingness to suffer for His name (cf. Philippians 1:29, Luke 9:23).
As soon as Peter hears about his own destiny, he turns and sees John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” and asks:
“Lord, what about this man?” (v. 21)
Peter is essentially saying, “If I must suffer and die, what will happen to him?” This is a deeply human moment—comparing our journey to another’s is a temptation we all face.
Jesus replies:
“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22)
In other words: “Even if I choose a completely different path for John, that is not your concern. Your responsibility is to follow me.”
Theologically, this response affirms two important truths:
Jesus’ sharp response also corrects the false assumption that God’s favor is measured by ease or suffering. John might live a long life (as he did), while Peter would face martyrdom—but both lives glorify God in their own ways.
Comparison can lead to jealousy, insecurity, and even spiritual burnout. Many believers today struggle with thoughts like:
But Scripture warns us not to compare:
“Let each one test his own work… For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:4–5)
“Not all are apostles, not all are prophets…” (1 Corinthians 12:29–30)
Instead of imitation, we are called to faithfulness. As in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), God rewards not based on how much we were given but how faithfully we used what we had.
John, the author of this Gospel, clarifies:
“So the saying spread among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die…” (v. 23)
Misinterpretation of Jesus’ words led to rumors about John’s immortality. John himself corrects this. This highlights the importance of careful theological interpretation—taking Jesus’ words at face value without reading in assumptions.
John lived a long life, exiled on Patmos, where he received the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:9). His path was different, but not less significant than Peter’s.
The message is clear: God’s calling is personal. Whether you lead a large congregation or minister quietly in a village, God values your obedience more than your comparison.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
“It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Peter’s question—“Lord, what about this man?”—is the same question we often ask. But Jesus’ answer is timeless:
“What is that to you? You follow me.” (John 21:22)
You are not called to walk another’s path. You are called to follow Jesus where He leads you. Do not measure your value by someone else’s journey. The measure of a life is not comparison, but faithful obedience.
May the Lord give you grace to walk confidently in your calling, faithfully in your assignment, and joyfully in your purpose
In John 1:19–21 (NIV), a group of Jewish priests and Levites were sent from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist. The passage says:
“Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’”
(John 1:19–21, NIV)
They asked him three important questions:
John denies all three titles. The first two are clear: he is not the Messiah (Christ), nor Elijah (who was expected to return according to Malachi 4:5–6). But the third question—“Are you the Prophet?”—raises the key issue: Who is “the Prophet” being referred to?
To understand this term, we need to go back to Deuteronomy 18:15–18 (NIV), where Moses said:
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”
(Deut. 18:15, NIV)
This was a Messianic prophecy—God promised to raise a prophet “like Moses”, someone who would speak God’s words with divine authority. The Jewish people took this prophecy seriously and were expecting this prophet to come. Over time, some came to believe this “Prophet” might be a separate figure from the Messiah or Elijah. That’s why they asked John three separate questions.
The New Testament confirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy. In Acts 3:22–23 (NIV), the apostle Peter says:
“For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’”
(Acts 3:22–23, NIV)
Peter makes it crystal clear: Jesus is the prophet Moses spoke about. He is not one of many—He is the Prophet, the Messiah, and the Son of God all in one.
So, when John the Baptist was asked, “Are you that prophet?” he rightly said “No,” because Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy, not him.
Some claim that the phrase “that prophet” in John 1:21 refers to Muhammad. This interpretation is not biblically supported.
The passage clearly distinguishes “that prophet” from John the Baptist and from Elijah, but it also ties to Moses’ prophecy in Deuteronomy. As already shown, the New Testament declares Jesus, not Muhammad, as the fulfillment.
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…”
(Hebrews 1:1–2, NIV)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
(Revelation 22:13, NIV)
There is no room for a future prophet with new revelation. Any prophet or teacher after Christ must point back to Jesus, not claim new divine authority apart from Him.
During the first century, there was a lot of confusion and speculation among the Jews due to the 400-year prophetic silence following the prophet Malachi. Many were expecting the return of:
Some even expected the resurrection or return of Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah or Isaiah. This is evident in passages such as:
“Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But when Herod heard this, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!’ Some were saying Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.”
This confusion explains why the Jewish leaders asked John the Baptist if he was the Messiah, Elijah, or “the Prophet.”
John the Baptist was not “that prophet.” He was the forerunner of the Lord, the voice in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:3), preparing the way for Jesus Christ.
The Prophet that Moses spoke about is Jesus, not Muhammad or anyone else. Jesus is:
Therefore, we are not waiting for another prophet or revelation. All truth and salvation are found in Jesus Christ alone.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12, NIV)
May the Lord bless you with deeper understanding and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ — the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Have you ever had a dream where you were walking on water? You might have woken up wondering what it means. In Scripture, this act is most famously associated with our Lord Jesus Christ and later briefly with Peter. So, what is God trying to tell you through such a dream?
Let’s explore the biblical context and spiritual meaning behind it.
The story is found in Matthew 14:22–33, and it’s more than a supernatural displayit’s a powerful spiritual lesson.
“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’”
– Matthew 14:25–27 (NKJV)
Peter, full of faith, asked to join Him:
“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”
– Matthew 14:28–29 (NKJV)
But Peter’s focus wavered:
“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”
– Matthew 14:30–31 (NKJV)
This passage is more than history it’s a spiritual principle. Walking on water is humanly impossible, but through Christ, Peter did it until fear and doubt crept in.
Theologically, this reflects how faith in Jesus enables believers to do the impossible, as long as their focus remains on Him. Doubt, however, interrupts divine possibilities.
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’”
– Mark 9:23 (NKJV)
So, if you dream of walking on water, God might be reminding you: Your faith has power, but only when it is grounded in Him. It’s not about personal strength or ability it’s about divine dependence.
Later in Matthew, Jesus explains how to deal with spiritual challenges and grow stronger in faith:
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
– Matthew 17:21 (NKJV)
Before Jesus walked on water, He spent hours in prayer (Matthew 14:23). This shows us that walking in divine authority requires intimacy with God. In dreams, walking on water could symbolize a spiritual calling that needs deep devotion, prayer, and spiritual discipline.
If you are living in sin or far from God, such dreams may be a call to repentance. The impossible becomes possible only when Christ lives in you.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
– Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
But if you are saved and still feel spiritually dry or powerless, the dream could be a call to deeper fellowship. Set aside time for prayer, study the Word, fast, and seek the Holy Spirit’s power. Only then will your spiritual walk reflect the kind of supernatural faith God desires.
The first step is surrender:
“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.”
– Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
Turn away from sin, ask for forgiveness, and begin a new life in Christ. Baptism and a consistent walk with God through His Word and Spirit will guide your steps.
So, what does dreaming of walking on water mean? It’s likely a divine reminder that:
All things are possible with God.
Faith must overcome fear and doubt.
A deeper relationship with God through prayer and fasting is necessary to access spiritual authority.
If you’re not saved, it’s an invitation to come to Christ.
Never forget what Jesus said:
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
– Matthew 17:21 (NKJV)
Amen
QUESTION:
Shalom. I’ve been experiencing a strange issue at night. I sometimes feel frozen—as if I can’t move my hands, legs, or even speak. My mind remains alert, but I can’t do anything physically. I usually try to call on the name of Jesus, and although it takes some time, eventually I’m released. What could this mean? Please help me understand.
ANSWER:
What you’re experiencing is commonly described by many people, and it can have both a natural explanation (like sleep paralysis) and a spiritual dimension—especially in the context of your experience with prayer and the name of Jesus.
From a spiritual and biblical perspective, such experiences often represent spiritual warfare or battles that take place in dreams or in the spiritual realm. The key detail is that when you call on the name of Jesus, the oppressive state eventually breaks. This suggests that God may be revealing to you the power and authority that lies in Jesus’ name especially in moments of weakness or spiritual attack.
The Bible confirms that God communicates through dreams.
“For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.”
Job 33:14–15
So, a dream or experience where you are being attacked, frozen, or overwhelmed but find deliverance through Jesus can be a message from God meant to teach or prepare you for deeper spiritual truths.
In all the examples you’ve described whether it’s battling demonic forces, feeling voiceless, or paralyzed victory comes when the name of Jesus is invoked. This is consistent with Scripture.
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
Philippians 2:9–10 (NIV)
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.”
Mark 16:17 (NIV)
The fact that victory comes as you persist in calling on Jesus shows that God is reminding you of your spiritual weapon—the authority found in Christ’s name. But this power is most effective when it’s grounded in a personal relationship with Him.
Simply mentioning Jesus’ name without understanding or living in Him is not enough. Spiritual authority comes through deep connection to Jesus and His Word.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7 (NIV)
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’”
Luke 10:17–19 (NIV)
So your experience is a reminder that real spiritual power comes not just from saying the right words but from knowing Jesus deeply and walking in obedience to His Word.
Some dreams like the one you described, where you feel frozen or unable to move, are also similar to real physical phenomena like sleep paralysis. However, in some spiritual cases, this can serve as a revelation.
It may also be God showing you what it feels like at the moment of death or spiritual separation from the body.
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7 (ESV)
Many who’ve had near-death experiences report being conscious and aware while their body was lifeless. If your dream felt real, it could be God’s way of showing you that life continues after death, and the spiritual realm is very real. This raises a deeper question for every believer: Are we prepared for where our soul will go when we leave our body?
The main message from your experience is this:
God is teaching you that victory over spiritual darkness comes through the power of Jesus’ name and that name becomes most powerful in your life when you’re rooted in Him and His Word.
Use this dream as a wake-up call to grow deeper in your faith, study Scripture, and walk closely with Christ.
May you be strengthened and encouraged in your walk with the Lord.