Many people today think of corruption as stealing money, abusing public funds, or ruining an organization. But in the biblical context, corruption primarily refers to extreme sexual immorality—fornication, adultery, and other sexual sins that violate God’s moral standards. It includes acts that are shameless and morally corrupt, regardless of age, gender, or societal norms.
Corruption is not just a moral failure but a rebellion against God’s holiness. Sexual sin reflects humanity’s fallen nature (Romans 3:23), and unrepented sin distances us from God.
Ephesians 4:19 (NIV) “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.”
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV) “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Titus 1:6–7 (NIV) “An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.”
Galatians 5:19–21 (NIV) “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
2 Corinthians 12:21 (NIV) “I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.”
6. 1 Peter 4:3–4 (NIV) “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprisedthat you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.“
6. 1 Peter 4:3–4 (NIV)
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprisedthat you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.“
7. 2 Peter 2:6–7 (NIV) “If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless.”
7. 2 Peter 2:6–7 (NIV)
“If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless.”
Other references: Mark 7:22, Romans 13:13, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 1:4.
No. Galatians 5:19–21 is clear: those who live in sexual immorality and related sins “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Sin, when unrepented, separates humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2). Alcohol or worldly methods cannot cleanse sin; only God’s Spirit can transform the heart.
Receiving the Holy Spirit is the key to victory over sin. Acts 2:37–41 (NIV) explains the biblical process:
“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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Steps to overcome corruption:
True holiness is not self-achieved; it is Spirit-enabled (Romans 8:13). The Holy Spirit transforms desires, renews the mind, and produces the fruit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22–23).
May the Lord bless you richly as you pursue holiness in Christ.
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What is death? Does every soul have to experience it?
Death is not a person or a thing—it is a state. It is the absence of life. When life leaves a being, that being is considered dead.
For example, consider a cell phone. When the battery dies, the phone shuts down. We say, “the battery is dead.” Without electricity, the phone cannot function—it cannot light up, make sounds, or perform any task until it is recharged.
Similarly, God’s life within us is like electricity. When God’s life leaves a person, that person is spiritually and physically dead. They cannot move, see, hear, feel, or respond—their body becomes lifeless.
Death is the separation of God’s life from the created being. Genesis 2:7 (NIV) explains that God breathed the breath of life into Adam:
“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
When God’s breath leaves, life ceases—the person dies.
Humans were created with two main components:
This distinction explains why death is not the end of existence. Romans 8:10–11 (NIV) says:
“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Those who die in faith in Jesus Christ have the hope of resurrection, receiving glorified bodies, and eternal life in heaven with the Lord (John 11:25–26). Conversely, those who die in sin have no hope except judgment in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14–15).
The answer is no. Not every soul will experience death. Some believers have been taken directly into eternity without dying, such as Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11).
The Bible also speaks of the rapture of the church, when believers still alive at Christ’s return will be transformed and meet the Lord in the air.
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (NIV): “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 (NIV): “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
This shows that some will not taste death at all. Signs indicate that the rapture could occur in our generation, as many prophetic signs are already appearing.
Will you be among those taken in the rapture? The Bible warns that the immoral, idolaters, drunkards, and those who love the world more than God will not inherit eternal life (1 Corinthians 6:9–10 NIV).
Practical application: Be spiritually prepared. Live in holiness, faith, and obedience to God. Seek Christ daily, for only those who belong to Him will partake in the resurrection and the rapture.
May the Lord guide and strengthen us to remain faithful and ready.
Dreams can be mysterious and powerful, often leaving us with questions or concerns especially when they are frightening or repeat frequently. For example, dreaming that you’ve fallen into a pit, are being chased by snakes, drowning in water, or engaging in sexual activity with a stranger may feel overwhelming. Some people will try to exploit these feelings, offering you so-called “spiritual solutions” like special oils, herbs, or prayers for a price.
Be careful. Many of these people are either spiritual manipulators, scammers, or involved in occult practices. True spiritual issues can’t be fixed by physical means. Just as you wouldn’t treat grief with painkillers, you can’t fix a spiritual problem with external remedies.
According to biblical understanding, dreams can come from three main sources:
From God as divine messages or guidance.
Numbers 12:6 (NIV) – “When there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams.”
From Satan deceptive or tormenting dreams meant to cause fear or confusion.
John 10:10 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”
From Ourselves resulting from our own thoughts, fears, and desires.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NIV) “A dream comes when there are many cares…”
Most dreams come from our inner experiences, but when a dream feels spiritually heavy or repetitive especially ones about danger it may be a warning from God.
Dreams about pits often symbolize spiritual danger, entrapment, sin, or judgment. In the Bible, the “pit” is frequently used to describe destruction or separation from God.
Psalm 40:2 (ESV) “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”
Jeremiah 38:6 (NIV) – “So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern… It had no water in it, only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.”
Whether you’re on the edge of a pit, inside trying to climb out, or sinking deeper these dreams are often spiritual metaphors. They indicate that your life may be heading toward trouble or stagnation unless you take a different path.
If you are saved meaning your life is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3) and you have such a dream repeatedly or with intensity, God could be warning you about a spiritual attack, a temptation, or a wrong direction you’re heading in. It’s time to:
Examine your heart and habits.
Increase your prayer life and study of the Word.
Ask God to reveal anything that might be pulling you away from Him.
Lamentations 3:52–57 (NIV) speaks of being trapped and crying out to God:“I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ‘Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.’”
This shows that God is near to those who call on Him in humility and repentance.
If you are living in sin, the dream may be a wake-up call from God. Scripture uses the imagery of pits to describe the outcome of sinful living:
Proverbs 22:14 (NIV) “The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.”
Proverbs 23:27 (NIV) “For an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.”
Proverbs 26:27 (NIV) “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.”
Psalm 7:14–16 (NIV) “Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment… the trouble they cause recoils on them.”
These scriptures make it clear that sin traps us and eventually leads to destruction unless we repent.
If you feel convicted by this message, the next step is repentance turning from sin and turning to Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 (ESV) “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
You can start by sincerely praying for forgiveness. If you are ready, say this prayer with faith:
PRAYER OF REPENTANCE AND SALVATION:
“Heavenly Father, I come before You knowing I am a sinner and have done many wrongs. I deserve judgment, but I believe in Your mercy. You said in Your Word that You are full of compassion and ready to forgive all who come to You. Today, I repent of all my sins with all my heart. I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He died and rose again to save me. Please cleanse me by His blood and make me a new creation. From today, I surrender my life to You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer sincerely:
Turn away from all sinful practices and live in obedience to God’s Word.
Find a Bible-believing church where you can grow in your faith.
Begin reading the Bible daily to understand God’s will.
Seek baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) as a public declaration of your faith and for the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 2:38 (NIV) “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.’”
God is faithful. He doesn’t just pull us out of the pit He sets us on solid ground.
Psalm 103:4 (NIV) “Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
Conclusion:
God may have allowed you to read this message today for a reason. Don’t ignore His voice. He loves you and wants to deliver you from the spiritual pit whether you’re already in it or heading toward it. Respond to Him today.
1. What is Defilement?
Defilement is anything that destroys or pollutes our purity before God. It does not have to be something big—even small sins can stain a holy life.
Think of a white garment. Just one small drop of ink makes the whole garment look unclean. In the same way, one small sinful thought or action can corrupt the holiness of a believer. Scripture says:
“Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.” (Habakkuk 1:13, NIV)
God is holy, and He calls His people to be holy (Leviticus 19:2).
In the Law, God gave Israel specific instructions about what made someone unclean:
During those times, even if the person had washed, they were not allowed into the assembly of God. This shows us how serious God considered purity.
“Anyone who touches them will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening.” (Leviticus 15:27, NIV)
Disobedience to these laws could result in death. This points us to the holiness of God and the need for cleansing before approaching Him.
When Jesus came, He revealed that the real issue was not ceremonial uncleanness but the uncleanness of the heart. He taught:
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person.” (Matthew 15:18–20, NIV)
So in Christ, the greatest danger is not touching an unclean thing but allowing sinful thoughts, words, or actions to corrupt our hearts.
The Apostle Paul also reminds us:
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1, NIV)
Defilement breaks fellowship with God. Just as in the Old Testament, where a defiled person had to wait before entering God’s presence, so in the New Testament, sin separates us from enjoying intimacy with Him.
Isaiah says:
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2, NIV)
That’s why when we entertain sinful thoughts, gossip, lust, or filthy words, we suddenly feel spiritually dry. Prayer becomes difficult, and the sense of God’s presence fades.
The Bible gives us clear instructions:
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26, NIV)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)
The key is to fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word and His promises. Only then can we resist the pollution of sin.
Defilement is not something small. It can cost us intimacy with God, weaken our prayer life, and even lead to spiritual death if ignored. But thanks be to God, through Christ we have forgiveness and cleansing:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
Therefore, let us walk in holiness, keeping ourselves from anything that defiles, so that our journey with God may remain unhindered.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NIV)
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Is it right for Christians to celebrate Valentine’s Day—the so-called “day of love”?
According to historical records, Valentine (or Valentinus) was a Catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. This emperor, a pagan, enacted strict laws that prohibited Christians from practicing their faith freely. At one point, Claudius declared that all Roman soldiers should remain unmarried, believing that single men made better warriors—more focused and loyal to their duties.
Valentine, however, defied this imperial decree. Moved by compassion and conviction, he secretly performed Christian wedding ceremonies for soldiers. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested and sentenced to death.
While in prison, it is said that Valentine developed a close relationship with the blind daughter of the prison warden. According to legend, he prayed for her, and she miraculously regained her sight. On the day of his execution—February 14, 270 A.D.—he supposedly wrote her a farewell letter signed, “From your Valentine.”
Years later, this story inspired a cultural tradition where people exchange romantic cards and gifts on February 14th in the spirit of “Valentine’s love.” But what does this narrative have to do with Christianity or biblical faith? Very little, if anything.
There is no spiritual value in celebrating a man merely for sending a romantic note before his death. The narrative—while emotionally appealing—is not grounded in Scripture and has no eternal relevance. It is one of many man-made traditions that divert attention from true, godly love and feed worldly passions and immoral festivities.
True love is not reserved for a single day. For Christians, love is a lifestyle—expressed daily, unconditionally, and sacrificially. Genuine love is not driven by emotion or sensuality but by the Spirit of Christ who laid down His life for us. (1 John 4:7-10; John 15:13)
Valentine’s Day, on the other hand, has become a day globally associated with parties, drunkenness, immorality, and sensuality—things that the Bible clearly warns us against.
1 Peter 4:3 (NIV) “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”
This so-called “day of love” is now one of the most popular days for fornication, adultery, and ungodly entertainment. It’s not a day that people typically use to worship God or attend church—it’s a day the world celebrates pleasure and romantic infatuation.
The answer is no. Valentine’s Day is not a Christian holiday. It is rooted in secular tradition and increasingly promotes worldly values, not Christ-like love. It exalts emotional and physical desire over spiritual discipline and divine love.
Valentine did not die for the Church. He did not bear the sins of the world. He is not our Savior. So why would believers honor his memory with flowers, gifts, or emotional celebrations that resemble pagan rituals?
Instead of promoting “Valentine’s love,” we are called to proclaim the love of Christ—a love that saves, purifies, restores, and gives eternal life.
Biblical love doesn’t require a calendar reminder. It flows every day from a heart renewed by Christ. We must reject the idea that love needs a date to be special.
Let us raise a standard of purity, especially for the younger generation. As believers, we must teach that love is not lust. Real love protects, honors, and waits—guided by the Spirit and rooted in truth.
Instead of following worldly trends, believers can use February 14 as an opportunity to:
Beloved, let us not be swept away by emotional trends or cultural waves. Let us stand firm in truth, discerning every celebration through the lens of Scripture. The love we are called to walk in is not a romantic story from Rome—it is the rugged, sacrificial, holy love of Christ at the cross.
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Let us fix our eyes not on Valentine, but on Jesus, the true author of love.
May the Lord help us live in His love daily. Amen.
For generations, men and women have asked one of life’s most important questions: Why am I here? What is the purpose of my existence?
Before I came to know Jesus Christ, this question troubled me deeply. Many people today are also searching for meaning, wondering why we were born without choosing it, and why death comes suddenly without warning. These mysteries press us to ask: What is the meaning of life? Who designed it?
Every person naturally begins to search for answers. Some seek it in knowledge—believing education and wisdom will unlock life’s purpose. Others chase pleasure, success, relationships, or wealth. But Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest king in history, tested all of these paths for us.
The Bible says:
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29, ESV)
With this wisdom and unmatched resources, Solomon explored every possible avenue to discover life’s meaning. He studied creation, sought human wisdom, accumulated riches, indulged in pleasure, built grand projects, and surrounded himself with countless wives and concubines. Yet after it all, his conclusion was shocking:
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2, ESV)
He even confessed:
“For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” (Ecclesiastes 1:18, ESV)
This shows us a deep theological truth: apart from God, everything in this world is temporary and ultimately meaningless.
In his final reflection, Solomon summarized life’s true purpose:
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV)
This conclusion is profoundly theological. Humanity was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27), designed to reflect His glory and live in fellowship with Him. When sin entered the world through Adam (Romans 5:12), humanity lost this fellowship and began to seek purpose in created things rather than in the Creator (Romans 1:25). That is why human beings, apart from God, are restless, always chasing but never satisfied.
As St. Augustine famously said: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
The New Testament reveals the full answer: our purpose is restored through Jesus Christ.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)
Eternal life is not simply endless existence, but knowing God personally. Jesus explained:
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3, ESV)
This means the purpose of life is to know God, love Him, and live in relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
Without Christ, our lives remain in the cycle Solomon described—empty pursuits that cannot satisfy. With Christ, our lives gain eternal significance, because we are united with the One who made us.
When we receive Christ, He changes our lives. Paul writes:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
This new life has three key marks:
Solomon saw that humans are weighed down by uncertainty:
“For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?” (Ecclesiastes 8:7, ESV)
But Christ sets us free from this uncertainty. Because of Him, we can say with confidence:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21, ESV)
So if you are searching for life’s purpose, the answer is clear: it is found only in Jesus Christ. He is the meaning of life, the source of eternal joy, and the fulfillment of our existence.
Today, you can make that choice. If you confess your sins, believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and receive Him into your heart, He will forgive you and give you eternal life (Romans 10:9–10).
From there, live out your faith: turn away from sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38), and join a Bible-believing church where you can grow in His Word and fellowship.
This is the true purpose of life: to glorify God, to enjoy Him forever, and to find eternal hope in His Son, Jesus Christ.
What is the purpose of God?
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Welcome as we study the words of life.
Many of us assume that unless God speaks directly—saying, “Do this or that”—then we cannot be sure we are fulfilling His purpose. But the truth is deeper. Every thought or intention, whether good or evil, still works within the framework of God’s divine plan.
For example, when Satan was filled with pride and desired to be like God (Isaiah 14:13–14), leading rebellion in heaven and later being cast down to earth, even in that rebellion he was still serving a role within God’s eternal purpose. God did not destroy him immediately, because Satan still had a role to play until the appointed time when he will finally be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
Similarly, when Judas Iscariot conceived the idea of betraying Jesus, it was undoubtedly a wicked thought. Yet within it lay the perfect will of God—Christ had to be betrayed and crucified so that salvation could come to humanity (John 13:27, Matthew 26:24). The same principle is seen with Pharaoh’s hardened heart (Exodus 9:12), and even with Samson’s controversial choice to marry a Philistine woman, which ultimately furthered God’s plan against Israel’s enemies (Judges 14:4).
Assyria: God’s Instrument of JudgmentLet us consider another biblical example—Assyria.
Isaiah 10:5–6 (ESV) says:
“Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger; the staff in their hands is my fury! Against a godless nation I send him, and against the people of my wrath I command him, to take spoil and seize plunder, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.”
Historically, Assyria was one of the three world superpowers of its time, alongside Egypt and Babylon—just as today we might think of America, Russia, and China. God raised Assyria to power so that He could use them to discipline Israel (the ten northern tribes), as well as many surrounding nations that worshiped idols.
Yet Isaiah 10:7 tells us:
“But he does not so intend, and his heart does not so think; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few.”
In other words, Assyria thought they were conquering nations for their own glory, wealth, and empire. But without realizing it, they were actually fulfilling God’s purpose. The same principle applied to Judas—when Jesus told him, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:27), it was because Judas’ evil intent would speed up the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
How God Uses Ordinary People to Fulfill His PurposesGod still works this way today. Sometimes He uses even unbelievers to accomplish His plans. For example, if God intends to save a drunkard who seems beyond hope, He might first stir up a believer’s heart with a simple idea—“Go hand out gospel tracts at the bus station.”
The believer obeys, perhaps giving out only five tracts. One of those tracts ends up in the hands of an unbeliever, who reads it and discards it on a bus seat. Later, another person finds it, takes it home, and forgets it in a cupboard. Two years later, her alcoholic husband, weary of his sinful life, cries out, “God, if You love me, show me what to do!” At that very moment, he opens the cupboard, finds the tract, and through its message surrenders his life to Christ.
In heaven, it is recorded that the believer who handed out that tract fulfilled the purpose of God—even though he had no idea what God was doing behind the scenes.
This is why Scripture says:Ecclesiastes 11:5–6 (NIV):
“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
The Call to Faithful ServiceOur duty is to be faithful. If you are called to preach, then preach with diligence. If you are called to serve, then serve wholeheartedly. Do not worry about immediate results—how many people believed today, or how many souls were visibly saved. Just continue sowing faithfully, and God will fulfill His purposes through your obedience (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).
But take warning: if you live in wickedness—oppressing others, cheating, spreading disease intentionally, or living in rebellion—you may also unknowingly be used to fulfill God’s judgment against others. Yet just like Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Judas, and even Satan, your end will be destruction unless you repent. Jesus said in Matthew 25:41 that the unrepentant will be cast into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Therefore, it is far better to repent now, to align your will with God’s will, and to consciously walk in obedience.
ConclusionThe lesson is simple: God’s purposes will always stand (Isaiah 46:10). Whether through willing vessels or unwilling ones, God fulfills His plan. The wise choice is to yield ourselves to Him, to think pure thoughts, and to live in a way that pleases Him, so that when our lives are weighed, we will be found as faithful servants rather than instruments of judgment.
Maranatha—Our Lord is coming soon!
One of the greatest promises in Scripture is that everything we suffer in this present world will not last forever. God has appointed a time when He will remove every trace of sorrow, pain, and death, and replace it with eternal joy in His presence.
Revelation 21:3–4 (NIV) says: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and himself will be with them and be their God. 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.’”
This means heaven is not just about escaping suffering—it is about being with God forever.
John lists the things that will no longer exist: death, mourning, crying, and pain. These belong to the “old order of things.”
Romans 8:18 (NIV): “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Heaven is therefore not an escape but the consummation of redemption—the full restoration of God’s creation.
The glory of heaven will be so overwhelming that it will erase the memory of suffering.
Isaiah 65:17 (NIV): “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
The Bible warns us to be ready, for Christ’s return will come suddenly.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NIV): “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
Jesus Himself asked:
Mark 8:36 (NIV): “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
The message is both hopeful and sobering.
Revelation 21:6–7 (NIV): “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”
Revelation 21:8 (NIV): “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
God’s gift of eternal life is free, but we must repent and overcome through faith in Christ (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9).
Salvation is available now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed (James 4:14).
The former things will soon pass away. A new creation is coming where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). The joy, peace, and glory of God’s kingdom await all who overcome by faith in Jesus Christ.
Let us therefore live not for this passing world, but for the eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:21 (NIV)
✨ May we all be found ready when Christ returns. Amen.
Question:
Psalm 84:10 says:
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” (NIV)
What does this mean?
Answer: This verse highlights the surpassing value of being in God’s presence compared to anything the world can offer. The psalmist is saying that even one day spent walking closely with the Lord—in worship, prayer, or service—is of greater worth than a thousand days (nearly three years) spent outside His presence.
David is not speaking about ordinary time but about the eternal value of life lived in communion with God. Jesus Himself emphasized this principle when He taught, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). Time with God never goes to waste; it produces fruit both for this life and for eternity.
That is why David continues: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (Psalm 84:10b, NIV). A doorkeeper’s role was considered lowly and unglamorous, yet David declares he would gladly take that humble place in God’s house rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures and comforts of the wicked. This truth echoes Moses’ choice in Hebrews 11:25 (NIV): “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
This verse shows us two important truths:
Application for Believers Today: When we truly understand this, we stop seeing prayer meetings, worship services, or hours spent in Scripture as burdensome. Instead, we recognize them as opportunities that hold eternal rewards. Every moment in God’s presence is an investment that outweighs thousands of days spent chasing temporary success or pleasure.
In Summary: Psalm 84:10 reminds us that life with God, even in humble service, is worth infinitely more than life without Him—no matter how comfortable or prestigious it may seem.
May the Lord bless you as you choose His presence daily.
Luke 17:26-30 (ESV):
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed.”
Jesus clearly links the moral and social behavior of humanity in the days of Noah and Lot to what will occur just before His second coming. These passages reveal patterns of sin that provoke God’s judgment. There are four key activities mentioned, which were prevalent before God’s judgment in those times—and which will reappear shortly before Christ’s return:
Let’s examine each of these, with theological insights and practical application.
Eating and drinking are natural and good when done with thanksgiving to God (1 Timothy 4:4-5). But in Noah’s and Lot’s days, these activities symbolized gluttony, indulgence, and moral corruption.
Application: Christians are called to self-control and sobriety (Galatians 5:22-23), avoiding anything that leads to sin or harms the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Marriage is ordained by God between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). However, Jesus highlights sinful and corrupt unions in Noah’s and Lot’s days:
These were sinful practices that provoked God’s judgment in the past and are increasingly seen today, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy that “people will marry and be given in marriage” in ways contrary to His will.
Commerce itself is neutral. Even Noah and Lot lived in societies where trade existed. The problem arises when buying and selling promotes sin or exploits others.
Scripture: Jesus warned that even ordinary activities, like buying and selling, can reflect a sinful heart if misused (Matthew 6:24). In the last days, commerce will be so corrupt that the Antichrist will control all buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-17).
Planting crops or building structures are inherently good (Genesis 1:28; Proverbs 24:27). But in Noah’s and Lot’s days, these actions were misused for selfish and sinful purposes:
Jesus’ point: even ordinary human activity can hide a corrupt heart. God judges not the activity itself, but the intent behind it (Proverbs 21:2).
Jesus said: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man.”
Looking at today’s world, we see gluttony, sinful marriages, corrupt commerce, and selfish building projects becoming commonplace. These are signs that we are living in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Practical takeaway: Believers must pursue holiness, exercise self-control, honor God in marriage, business, and work, and avoid participation in the sin that provokes God’s judgment.
Maranatha!