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DO NOT QUENCH THE SPIRIT

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18-19

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” (NIV)

The Holy Spirit as Fire

The Holy Spirit is often symbolized by fire in Scripture. On the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit descended, He did not appear just as tongues—but as tongues of fire:

Acts 2:1-4

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

The appearance of fire signifies the purifying, empowering, and penetrating nature of the Holy Spirit. Just like fire refines and burns away impurities, the Spirit ignites our hearts, empowers our words, and burns through the works of the enemy.

What Are Tongues of Fire?

These were not literal flames but symbolic manifestations. The “tongues” resting on them were visible signs of the spiritual utterance that would come from their mouths. These were words empowered by the Spirit—words that pierced hearts.

Immediately after receiving the Spirit, Peter preached—and 3,000 people were cut to the heart and repented:

Acts 2:37-38, 41

“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’… Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

This heart-piercing was not by human eloquence, but by the fire of the Spirit. Before Pentecost, Peter’s words had no such power. But after being filled, his words became like burning fire, igniting conviction and repentance in others.

Spirit-Filled Speech and Prayer

The same tongues of fire that burned through Peter’s words are the same tongues we use when we pray in the Spirit. Whether we pray in tongues or with understanding, the words empowered by the Holy Spirit become fire before God—they penetrate the heart of the Father.

Romans 8:26

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Spirit-led prayer goes beyond human words, reaching into the depths of God’s heart. It is intimate, urgent, and effective.

Even in preaching, a Spirit-filled person doesn’t rely on clever speech or human wisdom:

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”

Do Not Quench the Spirit

Paul warns us not to quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). This means suppressing, resisting, or grieving the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. When we do this, the fire dies out.

Just like a physical flame, the fire of the Spirit can be smothered—especially by:

  1. Despising the Word

  2. Living in willful sin

  3. Rejecting the Spirit’s promptings

  4. Opposing God’s truth with human reasoning

What Puts Out the Fire?

1. Despising the Cross and Disregarding the Spirit’s Conviction

If the Spirit convicts you of sin, and you deliberately disobey, you are scorning His grace. This is spiritual arrogance.

Hebrews 10:29

“How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant… and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

2. Opposing the Spirit through Ungodly Living

Rejecting clear instructions from God’s Word is resisting the Spirit. For example:

  • On sobriety:
    Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine… instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

  • On modesty and purity:
    1 Timothy 2:9-10 – “I also want the women to dress modestly… with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

If we reinterpret or ignore these clear teachings to suit our desires, we are grieving and quenching the Spirit.

Acts 7:51

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

Why We Need the Holy Spirit

Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot:

  • Pray effectively

  • Preach with power

  • Live a holy life

  • Walk in victory

  • Impact others for Christ

He is the fire in our hearts. If that fire goes out, all that remains is dead religion, empty words, and fruitless effort.

How to Rekindle the Fire

If you’ve quenched the Spirit, there is hope. The fire can be rekindled through:

  1. Genuine repentance

  2. Submitting again to God’s Word

  3. Asking to be filled afresh

Have You Received the Spirit?

If you haven’t yet given your life to Jesus Christ, begin there. Repent from sin, believe the gospel, and be baptized in His name.

Acts 2:38

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Final Encouragement

Let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn brightly in your heart. Speak the Word with boldness, pray with passion, and walk in obedience. Do not quench what God has kindled in you.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
— Romans 12:11

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IS YOUR HEART UPRIGHT BEFORE GOD?

(Based on Acts 8:9–23)

Shalom! What is your reason for following Jesus or attending church? Is your heart truly upright before God?

Motivation Matters to God

In the New Testament, we read about a man named Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced witchcraft and deceived many people in Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, and the people believed him, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great” (Acts 8:10). He amazed them with his sorcery for a long time.

However, when he heard the Gospel preached by Philip, he believed and was baptized. But here’s the problem: his inward motive wasn’t repentance or salvation—he wanted more power. He believed in Jesus not for the forgiveness of sins, but so he could perform greater miracles. He saw Christianity as a means to enhance his influence and sorcery.

Outward Acts Don’t Equal True Faith

Dear reader, confessing Jesus or getting baptized does not automatically mean you are accepted by the Lord. There must be an inward transformation—a genuine change of heart.

Simon had simply exchanged his “witchcraft cloak” for a “religious robe,” continuing his pursuit of power under a new disguise.

Let’s read what the Bible says:

Acts 8:9–23 (ESV)

9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.
10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.”
11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,
15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,
19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”

Today’s “Simons” in the Church

Many people today are like Simon:

  • Some are traditional healers or spiritualists who join churches and even get baptized—but not because they want Christ. They want more spiritual influence or to mask their true identity.

  • Some are politicians who join churches to gain public favor, not because they want to surrender their lives to Christ.

  • Others attend church because:

    • They’re looking for a spouse.

    • They think it’ll help them get jobs or wealth.

    • They want to show off their new clothes.

    • They’re lonely and seek crowds or entertainment.

    • They want prophecies or deliverance—but have no intention of repenting from sin.

A Litmus Test: Is Your Heart Right?

Just like Simon, these people may do religious activities—praying, giving, attending church, even getting baptized—but God sees the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 says:

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

You may deceive people, but you cannot deceive God. Jesus warned us that false Christs and false prophets would arise (Matthew 24:24), and they aren’t just those in the pulpit. Anyone who fakes faith or uses Christianity for personal gain is among those false prophets.

What About You?

  • Are you living in fornication or cohabiting outside marriage?

  • Are you still using profanity or lying?

  • Are you involved in corruption, gossip, or fraud?

  • Are you still holding onto secret sins?

If yes, then why do you call yourself a Christian?
2 Timothy 2:19 says:

“Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

 Giving Money Doesn’t Justify Sin

Giving large offerings while you continue in sin doesn’t impress God. You’re no different from Simon who tried to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit with money.

Peter rebuked him sternly:

“May your silver perish with you… for your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:20-21).

There’s Still Hope – Repentance

If you’ve done these things ignorantly, there is still hope. Jesus loves you and is calling you to repentance. Repentance isn’t only for unbelievers—it’s for everyone, including pastors, prophets, and teachers.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

What Should You Do?

  1. Repent from all known sin.

  2. Turn away completely from those sins.

  3. Seek baptism in water (immersion) in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

As written in Acts 2:38:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

And John 3:23 shows that baptism requires plenty of water.

Once you do this with a sincere heart, God will forgive you, and you will become a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide you in the rest of your journey.

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Final Word:

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
—2 Corinthians 13:5

Is your heart upright before God?
Now is the time to make it right.

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PRAYER: THE TOOL THAT CONCEALS YOUR REQUEST

Prayer is the most powerful tool to bring someone into God’s presence quickly. As we know, anyone who comes before the Lord Jehovah has a high chance of having their needs met. The devil, aware of this, does not want anyone to reach that place. So, what he does is bombard people with distracting, demonic thoughts to prevent them from praying.

Some of these thoughts include:

1. “I’m Too Tired to Pray”

Before even considering prayer, the first thought that comes to mind is often “I’m too tired.” People start thinking, “I’ve been working all day, I haven’t had a chance to rest. I’m feeling feverish and sleepy, so I’ll skip praying today and rest instead. I’ll pray tomorrow.”

Others might say, “I’ve been serving God all day, from morning until evening. People are still depending on me for teaching. I have numerous meeting invitations, so I’m too tired to pray today.”

But our Lord Jesus Christ was even more exhausted than we can imagine, having served tirelessly, traveling from place to place. There were times when, after preaching all day, instead of resting, He made His disciples go ahead while He stayed behind to pray on the mountain. He spent hours in prayer not because He wasn’t tired, but because He understood the importance of prayer.

In Matthew 14:22-23 (NIV), we see Jesus’ intentional withdrawal for prayer:

Matthew 14:22-23

“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.”

Jesus’ commitment to prayer, even in the midst of fatigue, demonstrates His recognition of its power. Prayer was a priority for Him, even more than physical rest. The Bible teaches us that “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NIV). Jesus knew that spiritual nourishment was as important as physical rest.

So, why should we allow the thought “I’m too tired” to replace our prayer time? Never let fatigue become an excuse to skip prayer.

2. “I Don’t Have Time to Pray”

Another lie the devil often plants in people’s minds is, “I don’t have time to pray.” People say they’re overwhelmed with so many tasks, too busy… I’ve heard many people tell me they can’t go to church or pray because they don’t have time. Even ministers of the gospel say, “I’m too busy with ministry to pray for myself. I have so many invitations for seminars in different places.”

But let me remind you of Jesus, who was busier than any of us. At times, crowds would press around Him, wanting to hear His teachings. But the Bible tells us He would withdraw to a quiet place to pray.

In Luke 5:15-16 (NIV), we read:

Luke 5:15-16

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Even when Jesus was surrounded by great need and activity, He still made time for prayer. The disciples’ experience with Jesus was one of constant interaction with the crowds, but even they had to learn the importance of personal time with God in prayer. Jesus taught that we must prioritize our relationship with God over ministry activity. Mark 1:35 also reveals that Jesus rose early to pray, making prayer an essential part of His day, no matter how busy He was.

He did this because He understood that even the work He was doing needed prayer in order to succeed. It’s surprising to say we are servants of God, but don’t have time for personal prayer. We, too, need to withdraw and make time for prayer.

3. “Why Can’t I Live Without Prayer?”

Another lie the devil whispers is, “Why do I need prayer? I can manage my life without it.” While it’s true you can manage worldly things without prayer, you cannot manage your salvation without it.

You might be able to go to clubs, continue drinking, steal, live immorally, stay busy with work all without needing prayer. But if you claim to be saved and you don’t pray, you won’t be able to resist trials. Jesus Himself said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41, NIV). Do you think He was joking? Do you think the devil will let you rest just because you’re saved? He will pursue you, and if you don’t pray, you won’t escape.

James 4:1-3 (NIV) teaches that the battles we face often come from unsubmitted desires within us:

James 4:1-3

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

Prayer is like fuel for salvation. Just as a car can’t run without fuel, your salvation cannot make progress without prayer. It is through prayer that we align our desires with God’s will, and in doing so, we find strength to overcome the desires of the flesh and the temptations of the enemy.

4. “I’m Not Sure My Prayers Will Be Answered”

Another demonic thought is believing that your prayers won’t be answered. You might think you’re wasting your time praying. But I want to tell you that all prayers are heard if you pray according to God’s will. It’s not about praying once and forgetting it; prayer is an ongoing part of the Christian life. Some prayers require repeated petitions—today, tomorrow, the next day, and so on. But Jesus assured us that any prayer offered in His name will eventually be answered.

Luke 18:1 (NIV) encourages us to persist in prayer:

Luke 18:1

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) further emphasizes the need for persistence in prayer:

Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Finally, there are people who believe they can find another way to communicate with God or get solutions to their problems other than through prayer. But let me tell you: Jesus has already given us the blueprint. There is no other way, no other method. Jesus Himself sinless and holy did not overlook the importance of prayer. He made prayer a central part of His life.

Sometimes He prayed with sweat, tears, and even blood, pleading until He was heard.

Luke 22:44 (NIV) shows us how fervent Jesus’ prayer was in the Garden of Gethsemane:

Luke 22:44

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

Otherwise, He would not have received anything. So how can we, who are imperfect, think we can live without prayer and still call ourselves Christians?

Hebrews 5:7 (NIV) reminds us of the power of earnest prayer:

Hebrews 5:7

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”

Let’s not seek shortcuts. If we want to see God moving closely in our lives, now is the time to renew our commitment to prayer. The Lord told us to pray at least one hour a day. Let’s make an effort, fight through the distractions, and not allow the devil’s lies to rob us of our prayer life. Let’s not let a lack of time ruin our schedules, and let’s not rely on our own strength and wisdom to hinder our prayer life.

May the Lord bless you.

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USE YOUR INHERITANCE

The inheritance promised to us as human beings is ETERNAL LIFE. This is the promise that God made to us, and we receive it when we place our trust in Jesus Christ. The person who believes in JESUS CHRIST becomes an heir to all of God’s promises, including the ultimate promise of eternal life. However, the full realization of this inheritance has not yet arrived. In the spiritual sense, however, we have already been chosen as heirs. This is similar to how a child might be designated as an heir before the time to inherit arrives. The Apostle Paul, writing in Romans 8:17 (NIV), explains this idea:

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

When the time comes, after this earthly life has ended, everything will be handed over to us. Jesus Himself received all authority from the Father after completing His work on the cross.

As Matthew 28:18 (NIV) states: “

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”

But here’s the reality: this inheritance can be bought, and it can also be sold.

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation and eternal life come at a cost though that cost is not something we can pay with money. It is, rather, a matter of willingness to follow Christ, as seen in Mark 10:17-21 (NIV):

Mark 10:17:

“As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him. ‘Good Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’”

18: “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good except God alone.”

19:

“You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

20: “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21: Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

In this passage, we see that in order to inherit eternal life, a person must be willing to give up their worldly attachments. The act of “selling” means to release your heart from things that you once held dear whether it’s wealth, status, education, or sinful pleasures. Jesus isn’t condemning these things per se; rather, He’s asking, “Where does your heart truly lie?” As Matthew 6:21 (NIV) states:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

When you release your heart from these things, you experience a new life life in Christ. This is precisely what the Apostle Paul experienced. He wrote in Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV):

Philippians 3:7:

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

8: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

This highlights a powerful theological truth: In Christ, we find something far more precious than anything this world has to offer. The call to follow Jesus comes with the cost of laying down everything our past, our ambitions, our sins. Jesus calls us to “sell” what we’ve placed above Him to gain something infinitely more valuable: a relationship with God and eternal life.

The kingdom of heaven, however, can be sold and sometimes for a very small price. This happens when a person who was once given the grace to know Christ rejects that grace, turns away from it, and chooses the world. In Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV), Jesus tells two parables about the value of the kingdom of heaven:

Matthew 13:44:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

45: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Here, Jesus illustrates the immense value of the kingdom, but He also warns that it requires everything. On the flip side, the kingdom can be abandoned, just as Judas Iscariot sold his place among the apostles for thirty pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:14-16). Judas chose temporary riches over eternal life, and his place was taken by Matthias (see Acts 1:26).

Similarly, Esau sold his birthright for a single meal, a momentary pleasure, and this act is condemned in Hebrews 12:16-17 (NIV):

Hebrews 12:16:

“See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.”

17:

“Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.”

Esau’s choice represents those who forgo their inheritance for the fleeting pleasures of the world. Later, when he regretted his decision, it was too late. The inheritance could not be reclaimed, just as Judas and Esau could not undo their choices.

There is a powerful lesson in these stories: Do not sell your inheritance for the temporary pleasures of this world. As 1 John 2:17 (NIV) warns:

 “the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

Instead, let us seek the kingdom of God, and be willing to give up everything for the sake of Christ. As Matthew 13:44 and Luke 14:33 teach us, the kingdom of God is worth everything we have. May we hold on to the eternal, and not be swayed by the temporary.

When we make this choice, our joy will be complete. Revelation 21:4 (NIV) promises:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

May God help us.

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WHY YOU NEED TO BE READY NOW, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

Do you know what happened just before Noah entered the ark? God instructed Noah: “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation” (Genesis 7:1, NIV). Then Noah, his wife, his sons, their wives, and the animals entered the ark.

As soon as Noah entered, God shut the door. This was not just a physical act, but a symbolic act of God’s sovereignty. God was in control of the timing of the flood, and it was His will to shut the door (Genesis 7:16, ESV). “The LORD shut him in” (Genesis 7:16, NIV) Noah didn’t have the power to open it again. Once God shut the door, no one else could get in.

However, here’s something surprising: the rain didn’t start right away. It didn’t flood the earth immediately. “The rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights” (Genesis 7:12, NIV), but this occurred seven days after God shut the door. This delay serves as a powerful warning: even after the door was shut, the flood didn’t come immediately. There was still time for repentance, but that opportunity eventually passed.

The Door of Salvation Was Closed

This is where the theological significance lies. The door to salvation was shut by God, and it was only God who could open it again. When the door was shut, those outside realized too late that the opportunity for salvation had passed. Just as the ark was a place of divine safety, the door to salvation today is Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9, NKJV).

Yet, once the opportunity is lost, it is lost forever. The judgment of God was inevitable, and once it began, there was no turning back. “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, ESV). Many people who were once indifferent or mocking Noah probably came to their senses and sought entry once they saw the storm clouds gathering. But their pleas were unanswered.

As the Bible states: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8, NKJV). Jesus warned us that, like the days of Noah, people would be caught off guard by His return. “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37, NIV).

The Narrow Door

In Luke 13:24-28, Jesus says:

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then He will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’” (Luke 13:24-25, ESV)

Here, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of salvation. “Strive” (Greek: agonizomai) means to exert every effort. The narrow door symbolizes the way of salvation through Christ alone (John 14:6). Just as Noah’s ark was the only place of refuge from the coming flood, Jesus Christ is the only refuge from the judgment to come. The door will eventually be closed, and no one can force their way in once that door is shut.

In verse 25, when Jesus says, “I do not know where you come from”, He is referring to the fact that those who were not truly His followers those who didn’t truly repent and believe will be shut out of His kingdom. Knowing Christ is more than just superficial acknowledgment. It means having a personal, transformative relationship with Him (Matthew 7:21-23).

The Foolish Virgins and the Closing of the Door

In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise and five foolish. The foolish virgins, who did not prepare for the coming of the bridegroom, found the door shut when they returned with oil for their lamps.

The bridegroom represents Christ, and the wedding feast represents the eternal fellowship with Christ in heaven (Revelation 19:7-9). The door that was shut symbolizes the final opportunity for salvation. The wise virgins were ready, but the foolish ones were left behind. Jesus ends the parable with the warning:

“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13, NIV).

This teaches us that the time to prepare for Christ’s return is now. There is no second chance once the door is shut. Repentance and faith in Christ must happen before that door is closed.

The Rapture and the Imminence of Christ’s Return

The theological concept of the rapture is deeply connected to the parables of the door being shut. Just as the flood came suddenly, and people were swept away, so too will be the sudden return of Christ. The Bible says,

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the 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” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, NKJV).

The rapture (the event where believers are caught up to meet Christ in the air) will occur suddenly and without warning. As Jesus said in Matthew 24:42-44:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matthew 24:42-44, NIV).

The rapture will be a time of separation: those who are ready will be taken, while those who are unprepared will be left behind. This is why we must be ready now, because we don’t know when Christ will return.

“Blessed is that servant whom the master finds so doing when he comes” (Matthew 24:46, NKJV).

Be Ready: The Urgency of Salvation

In the days of Noah, the opportunity for salvation came to an end when God shut the door of the ark. Similarly, today, the opportunity to receive eternal life through Jesus Christ will one day come to an end when the door to salvation is closed. When that day comes, it will be too late to repent.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV). The message is clear: now is the time to be ready. The door of grace is open today, but it won’t remain open forever. Just as in Noah’s day, the flood of judgment will come suddenly and unexpectedly.

Maranatha.

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The Meaning of Dreaming About Falling

Dreams of falling can take different forms—some people see themselves falling from a tall building, others from a high tree, an endless pit, or even from the sky. Some may dream of falling into water or another unknown place. No matter the setting, the central theme remains the same—falling.

A Divine Warning

From a biblical perspective, such dreams can be a spiritual warning from God. The Bible says:

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

This passage reveals that God sometimes speaks through dreams to guide and warn people, preventing them from destruction. If you often dream of falling, it may be a divine message urging you to examine your spiritual state.

The Biblical Symbolism of Falling

In the Bible, falling is often linked to rebellion and separation from God. Jesus Himself said:

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)

Satan was once in God’s presence but fell because of pride and rebellion. Similarly, when a person turns away from God, they begin to fall spiritually. A dream about falling—especially when there is no end to the fall—can symbolize spiritual decline, disconnection from God’s grace, or straying from His path.

What Should You Do?

If you have had such dreams, take time to reflect on your life. Are there areas where you have drifted away from God? Have you compromised your faith? This could be a call to return to God before it is too late.

God’s love and mercy are still available to you. He desires your restoration, not your downfall. If you sense that this message speaks to you, take a moment to turn back to Him.

A Prayer of Surrender

If you want to reconnect with God and receive His guidance, pray this prayer sincerely:

“Heavenly Father, I come before You today, recognizing that I have strayed from Your path. I acknowledge my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and the only Savior. Wash me clean with His precious blood and restore me into Your grace. From this day forward, I choose to follow You with all my heart. Thank You for Your mercy and love. Amen.”

Taking the Next Steps

If you have prayed this prayer with sincerity, the journey does not end here. True repentance is shown through action. Let go of anything that keeps you away from God, seek Him through prayer and His Word, and find a Bible-believing church where you can grow in faith. If you have not yet been baptized, consider taking this step as a public declaration of your commitment to Christ.

God has given you a second chance—embrace it fully. May He bless and guide you on your journey

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WHO WARNED YOU TO FLEE THE WRATH TO COME?

Shalom. May the great name of our Savior Jesus Christ be blessed.

Welcome, let’s study the Bible together.

Matthew 3:5-10 (ESV)
“Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father,” for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’”

Look closely at verse 7: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” John the Baptist calls the Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of vipers,” a strong rebuke indicating their hypocrisy and evil nature. Despite coming for baptism, they lacked true repentance and a heart change.

This question is critical: Who warned you to escape the judgment coming your way? They thought baptism alone was enough to avoid God’s coming wrath, but John exposes their self-deception. Baptism without true repentance—turning away from sin—is meaningless.

Repentance Means Change of Life, Not Just Ritual

John commands: “Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” This means true repentance is evidenced by actions—leaving behind sinful lifestyles:

  • If you were involved in immorality, stop it.

  • If pride ruled your heart, humble yourself.

  • If you lived in drunkenness, turn away from it.

Simply going through the motions of baptism without a heart surrender to God is futile. This is the message John the Baptist wanted the Pharisees and Sadducees to hear.

The Danger of Hypocrisy

The Pharisees wanted to use baptism as a religious ritual, hoping it would grant them salvation without a true heart change. This is a trap many fall into today: thinking baptism is a ticket to heaven regardless of ongoing sin.

However, the Bible clearly teaches:

  • “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).

  • “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

But repentance requires a genuine turning from sin, not just lip service.

Examples from Scripture

The people of Nineveh repented with their whole heart, and God spared them from judgment:

Jonah 3:10 — “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”

God does not forgive empty words but genuine deeds of repentance.

Call to True Discipleship

If you decide to follow Jesus, be ready to take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23). This means:

  • Leaving the world behind.

  • Resisting sin seriously.

  • Living a life fully committed to God.

Only then will you experience God’s power and blessing.

Final Encouragement

Do not be deceived—true baptism and salvation come with a changed heart and lifestyle. Otherwise, you risk bringing judgment on yourself instead of blessing.

May the Lord bless you richly.

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IF YOU DO NOT RECOGNIZE THOSE LIKE JANE AND JAMBRES IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOST

If you read the second letter that Paul wrote to Timothy, starting from chapter 3, verses 1–9, you will notice how Paul begins by explaining to Timothy the events that would occur in the last days. He starts by saying:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1, ESV).

Ask yourself: why did he say this? Paul said it because he foresaw a wave of people who would appear godly outwardly—those who seem like servants of God—but internally deny His power, leading many astray.

These people will only appear in the last days. They seem like servants of God and may even lead people in what appears to be truth, but behind the scenes, they reject the power of God.

So, what is this “power of God”?

The Bible tells us:

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV).

Elsewhere, Paul calls the Gospel the “power of God” (Romans 1:16). The Gospel that focuses on the redemption through the cross, bringing people to repentance, forgiveness of sins, and salvation—that is where God’s power truly lies.

Nowhere does the Bible say that God’s power resides in wealth, business, or magnificent buildings. Those things cannot grant eternal life. People of this nature will rise within the church, pretending to preach the Gospel, but they focus on their own agendas, ignoring repentance and the true power of salvation.

Some may even encourage religious rituals, such as reading rosaries or performing prayers for the dead, but when asked if they themselves are saved, they confess ignorance. Imagine a person like that—how will they enter heaven? They follow leaders who appear godly but deny God’s power.

Paul likens such people to Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses in the wilderness:

“Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and reprobate concerning the faith. But they will not make further progress, for their folly will be evident to all, as theirs also was” (2 Timothy 3:8–9, NKJV).

Jannes and Jambres were Pharaoh’s magicians, performing signs to oppose God’s messenger. The difference between them and Moses was not miracles—they could perform signs too—but the difference was the message. Moses came with the message of liberation:

“Thus says the Lord, let my people go, that they may serve Me.”

The magicians, however, had no message except to oppose and entertain Pharaoh’s court. Similarly, today, someone might perform miracles or signs but have no message of deliverance from sin—they are modern-day Jannes and Jambres, servants of Satan.

Paul warns that these are the very people appearing in perilous times. Examine your own spiritual life: have you grown closer to God? Are your relationships with Him deepening? If not, you may be under the influence of these modern Jannes and Jambres.

Moreover, these deceivers prevent people from turning to Christ and seeking holiness. They create distraction through signs and wonders, yet neglect teaching the truth of repentance.

Remember:

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13, ESV).

Your wealth, religious leader, or worldly success will not accompany you—only your works matter. If your leader has guided you towards worldly pursuits instead of heavenly treasures, you alone will face your works at judgment.

Paul encourages us to test ourselves:

“Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NKJV).

Do not wait until death to realize the wrong path. Awake from spiritual sleep and correct your life:

“Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 5:14, NKJV).

Maranatha!

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“Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, Be Patient Until the Lord Comes”

James 5:7-8

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

Why the Apostle Compares Waiting for the Lord to a Farmer
James compares waiting for the Lord to the patience of a farmer who waits for the crops to mature until the land has received both the early and late rains.

Early rain (spring rain) starts the sowing season.

Late rain (autumn rain) completes the growth and ensures the harvest.

Israel, unlike tropical countries where water is available almost anywhere, is a desert land. There, crops cannot grow without the seasonal rains. Rivers are not always sufficient for irrigation, and the soil is hard and dry until rain falls. Farmers had no choice but to wait patiently for the right seasons. When the rains came, they worked tirelessly, knowing that outside the proper season, no work would produce fruit.

Historically, in Israel, the early rain began around the 10th–11th month, and the late rain around the 3rd–4th month. This is the opposite of tropical climates like ours, where rain may fall throughout the year.

The early rains marked the start of agricultural activity: planting, preparing the fields, sowing seeds, and tending them. Later, the smaller rains of the late season nurtured the crops and kept the soil fertile until the end of the rainy period.

James uses this analogy to teach us that our waiting for the Lord is like the farmer waiting for both rains. When the rains have done their work, the farmer harvests and stores the crops. Likewise, the Lord’s return will complete our labor, and our struggles will come to an end.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Early and Late Rains
Spiritually, believers received the early rain on the day of Pentecost, about 2,000 years ago, when the Holy Spirit was poured out and God’s work began in the Church. This marked the initial planting of the Kingdom of God on earth.

However, God promised another outpouring, the late rain, which would complete the spiritual harvest. This period began in 1906, when God once again poured out spiritual gifts similar to those seen at Pentecost: gifts of the Spirit, miracles, and divine empowerment. Leaders such as William Seymour, William Branham, Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, T.L. Osborn, and others were raised to confirm this revival and announce that the final season of spiritual rain had begun.

The Message of the Last Rain and the Harvest
The preaching of the late-rain revival carried a clear message:

“The time of harvest has come! The Lord is coming to take His Church.”

Those who preached this understood that the Church was entering the season of the final spiritual rain. We are now at the edge of this outpouring. Once the rain has fallen and the harvest is gathered, there will be no further outpouring.

Beloved, the grace and miracles you see today are not random. They are signs of this final season. God has granted us the privilege to live in the time of the late spiritual rain, which is soon to end. If we neglect this season, there may come a time when the door of grace is closed (Matthew 25:10).

This period is short. The Church will be gathered, and judgment will follow. The signs are evident: deadly diseases, wars, earthquakes, false prophets, greed, immorality, and societal decay—just as scripture foretold (Luke 21:25-28; Matthew 24:37-39).

Those who have received Christ are warned and prepared. Let us lift our heads in hope, because our redemption is near.

Final Call
The late spiritual rain is at the edge. Invite the Lord into your heart before this season ends. We are not called to wait patiently as the general Church, because we are in the final harvest season of Laodicea.

Shalom.

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it.” —Amos 8:11-12

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The Coming of the Lord Jesus

Let us take a moment to reflect on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and what it will be like.

The Lord Jesus first came about 2,000 years ago. He was born of the Virgin Mary, crucified by the Jews, buried, resurrected on the third day, and ascended into heaven to the Father. Even today, He remains in the heavens, having received the crown and all authority over heaven and earth (1 Timothy 6:16). Yet, He went there to prepare a place for us, a dwelling for His followers (John 14:2).

Soon, He will return to take us to be with Him, so that wherever He is, we may also be (John 14:3).

The Rapture: The Day We Will Be Taken Up
When the day comes for Him to take us, it will be the Day of the Rapture. He will not descend to the earth, but will remain in the heavens, calling us to ascend to Him. At that moment, we will hear the sound of the trumpet, and a supernatural power will descend upon us, transforming our weak earthly bodies to become like the glorious body of our Lord Jesus. We will rise and leave this earth for the first time, ascending into the heavens (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Those who have rejected Christ will not see Him when we are taken. Just as when He first resurrected, only His disciples witnessed Him—while the Pharisees, Sadducees, and even Pilate remained unaware—so will it be on that day. Only Christians who have held firmly to their faith will see the Lord in the heavens and hear the trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Those who have died in Christ will also rise first and will witness the events unfold. Afterwards, the living believers will join them, and all of us together will be clothed with glorified bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

The world, however, will not recognize or understand this event. They might sense an unusual phenomenon, perhaps like an earthquake, but they will not see anyone. Only the raptured believers will see the resurrected saints ascend to meet the Lord.

The Heavenly Feast and the Tribulation on Earth
In heaven, there will be a joyous feast for seven years—a time of incomparable happiness. Meanwhile, the earth will go through the Great Tribulation, when the Antichrist will rise and deceive those left behind. Many will refuse to believe that Christ has returned and will be misled into receiving the mark of the Beast. They will eventually face the Day of the Lord’s wrath, when God pours out His judgment in the form of the seven bowls of wrath (Revelation 16).

After these events, the Lord will return to execute judgment on the wicked, along with His saints who were in the heavenly feast. This marks the start of the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth, lasting a thousand years. During this time, only a remnant of people who survived the tribulation will witness His glorious return on earth (Revelation 19:11-16, Matthew 24:30).

The Thousand-Year Reign and New Creation
The Millennial Kingdom will be followed by the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no death, aging, trials, or suffering. All things will be made new, and the saints will live with the Lord forever in eternal glory (Revelation 21:1-4).

The Lord will ensure that we are among those invited to the heavenly marriage feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

The Fate of the Unrighteous and the Mark of the Beast
Those who died in sin without Christ will remain in hell until the final judgment, when each will be judged according to their deeds and then cast into the lake of fire, which is the ultimate eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15).

Those left alive who accept the mark of the Beast will not escape either. They will experience severe plagues, thirst, famine, and calamities as God pours out His wrath through the seven bowls of judgment. Water will turn to blood, the sun will scorch the earth, and unusual phenomena will fall from the sky (Revelation 16:1-9).

Even without the rapture, these people will face immense suffering similar to those in hell, making it clear that the rapture is not optional—it is a blessed escape from God’s wrath.

The Importance of Readiness
Jesus warned that no one knows the exact day or hour of these events, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Mark 13:32-37). He urges vigilance and prayer, likening His coming to a master leaving his house and instructing his servants. We must stay spiritually awake, avoiding sin, laziness, and spiritual sleep, so we are ready for His return.

Sin in any form—drunkenness, sexual immorality, theft, pride, envy, lies, murder, or malice—leads to spiritual unpreparedness. True readiness means living a holy and faithful life.

Conclusion
May the Lord help us to be among those called to the heavenly feast and raptured into His presence. Share this good news with others, and continue in faith, for the day of the Lord’s coming is near.

Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon.

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