“He who guarantees for a stranger will surely suffer; He who hates the surety is safe.”(Proverbs 11:15)
Understanding the Meaning of the Verse:
This verse from Proverbs 11:15 offers valuable wisdom on the concept of surety and guarantees. It warns against hastily guaranteeing the debts or responsibilities of someone we don’t know well. While the Bible does not outright prohibit providing guarantees, it provides wisdom for understanding the risks involved.
The Bible serves as a guide for our spiritual and physical lives. It teaches us how to live in alignment with God’s principles, both in our relationships with others and in our personal conduct. Proverbs, in particular, is a book filled with practical wisdom for everyday living, offering guidance to people of all walks of life—from the rich to the poor, leaders to servants, married couples to single individuals, and children to the elderly. It teaches that our decisions, especially regarding financial commitments, should not be made lightly.
Theological Significance of Surety:
The caution in Proverbs 11:15 speaks directly to the risks involved in becoming a surety for someone you do not know well. In ancient Israel, the act of guaranteeing someone’s debt or responsibility was taken seriously, often involving significant risk. When you guaranteed someone’s debt, you were taking on the potential consequences of their failure. This is why the Bible offers such warnings.
In theological terms, this verse highlights the wisdom of discernment and the importance of understanding the full consequences of our actions. Jesus spoke about the wisdom of counting the cost before making decisions in Luke 14:28-30, where He compares following Him to building a tower and needing to count the cost before embarking on the project. Similarly, before guaranteeing for someone, we should count the potential costs and risks.
The Wisdom in Proverbs: In Proverbs 22:26-27, we find further guidance on this issue:
Proverbs 22:26-27
“Do not be one of those who shakes hands in pledge, or of those who are surety for debts; 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?”
(NKJV)
These verses strongly advise against guaranteeing someone’s debt if you are unable to pay it back yourself. The Bible emphasizes the importance of financial prudence and the need to protect one’s own well-being.
The Greater Lesson of Christ’s Sacrifice:
While Proverbs teaches caution about financial surety, it also points us to a greater truth that is fully realized in the New Testament. The ultimate example of surety comes in the person of Jesus Christ, who, despite being under no obligation, chose to “guarantee” our debt in the most profound way. Our sin debt was something we could never repay, but Christ, out of His immeasurable love, took our place.
Romans 5:6-8 explains this incredible act of grace:
Romans 5:6-8
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(NKJV)
Christ’s willingness to guarantee our debt, even though we were undeserving, reflects the ultimate act of love and grace. He paid the price for our sins with His life, something we could never do on our own. Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of what Proverbs teaches: true love sometimes involves taking on the burden of another, but it is a choice made with wisdom and love, not out of rashness.
In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul explains this even further:
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
(NKJV)
Here, we see that Christ took on our sin as the ultimate “surety,” guaranteeing our forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Final Thoughts:
While Proverbs 11:15 and 22:26-27 offer practical wisdom for avoiding unnecessary risks in financial matters, they also point to a deeper theological truth: the act of guaranteeing is a serious responsibility. We should take care in whom we place our trust and financial well-being. But above all, we are reminded of Christ, who, out of His love, became the ultimate guarantor for us, paying our debts and offering us eternal security in Him.
Romans 8:1 reminds us of this assurance:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV)
Through Christ, we find true safety and peace—not only from the burdens of financial risk but from the consequences of sin. This is the ultimate example of the wisdom found in Proverbs: trusting in the one who has guaranteed our eternal salvation.
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What Does It Really Mean to Repent?
Many people believe repentance is simply asking for forgiveness. However, true repentance is much more—it means turning away from sin and changing your behavior. Asking for forgiveness comes after you have made this change.
Repentance literally means a change of mind or heart that leads to a change in action. It’s not just feeling sorry but actively turning from sin,
(Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish”).
When you recognize you have sinned, the first step is to stop doing the wrong thing. Only then should you ask God or others for forgiveness.
No one truly repents while continuing in sin. For example, if you steal from someone, you can’t ask for forgiveness while still stealing. First, you must stop stealing, then seek forgiveness.
Your actions demonstrate whether you have genuinely repented, not just your words;
Matthew 3:8
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”.
God looks beyond words or tears—He sees the change in your life
Psalm 51:16-17
“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise”.
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”) Repentance is about doing what’s right, not just saying the right words.
The Example of Nineveh
God sent Jonah to warn Nineveh of coming judgment. The people responded by believing God and turning from their evil ways (Jonah 3:5-10).
The key verse is 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.”
Notice it doesn’t say God was impressed by their fasting or tears, but by their actions—their decision to stop sinning.
Fasting and prayer are important but must come after a genuine change of heart and behavior.
When Should You Repent?
The Bible makes it clear: the right time to repent is now.
2 Corinthians 6:2 says:
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
True repentance means deciding today to turn away from sin and live differently. Once you make this choice, the Holy Spirit empowers you to live a new life (Romans 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live”).
The Holy Spirit is our helper (John 14:26), but He helps those who have started walking the path of righteousness. If you haven’t made the first step—stopping your sin—He cannot do the work for you.
Isaiah 40:29 says:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
If you’re struggling with sin, start by deciding to stop it, then ask God to strengthen you.
The Example of Zacchaeus
When Jesus met Zacchaeus, the tax collector repented by returning four times what he had stolen (Luke 19:8-9). Jesus declared salvation had come to his house—not because of words alone but because Zacchaeus’s actions showed real repentance.
How to Start True Repentance Today
- Stop living in sin (for example, leaving relationships that are wrong, returning what you have stolen or wrongfully taken, stopping habits like lying or adultery).
- After changing your behavior, ask God for forgiveness.
- You will then experience a deep peace, the sign that your repentance is accepted by God (Philippians 4:7, NIV).
Then God will empower you to overcome temptation. The desires that once controlled you will begin to fade.
Conclusion and Blessing
Repentance is not just a feeling or prayer; it is a real change in your life.
May God bless you and strengthen us all to live in His grace.
The Lord is coming!
What is a Sacrifice?
A sacrifice, sometimes called an “offering,” is an act of giving something valuable to God. Biblically, sacrifices are mainly divided into atoning sacrifices—those that make atonement for sin—and non-atoning offerings, which express devotion, thanksgiving, or commitment.
Old Testament Sacrifices
In the Old Testament (Old Covenant), atoning sacrifices involved animals like sheep, goats, and bulls. These sacrifices were commanded by God as a temporary means to deal with sin (Leviticus 1–7). The process involved bringing an animal before the Lord at the tabernacle, where a priest would slaughter the animal, collect its blood, and sprinkle it on the altar. This blood symbolized life and was necessary for atonement because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
These animal sacrifices served as a foreshadowing of the perfect, final sacrifice to come. They pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
There were also other offerings—such as grain, money, or firstfruits—which were acts of worship but did not involve bloodshed and were therefore not sacrifices in the strict sense.
Modern Misunderstanding
Today, many Christians say they are offering “sacrifices” when giving money or goods to the church. While these offerings are valuable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18), technically, they are not sacrifices as defined in the Bible, because they do not involve atonement through blood.
Are Animal Sacrifices Still Required?
No. Under the New Covenant, which was established by Jesus Christ, the need for animal sacrifices has ended. Hebrews 10:1-10 clearly teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all:
Hebrews 10:3-10
“But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins.
It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:
‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;
with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’
First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’—though they were offered in accordance with the law.
Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
This passage shows that the old system of sacrifices was never sufficient to remove sin completely—it was a shadow pointing to Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. Jesus, as the sinless Lamb, offered Himself once and for all, making animal sacrifices unnecessary.
Is Offering Animal Sacrifices Today Wrong?
Yes. Christians should not practice animal sacrifice, as this denies the once-for-all atonement made by Jesus. Unfortunately, some who identify as Christians still engage in such rituals without realizing that this is not God’s will and can be spiritually harmful (Galatians 5:1).
May we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), fully trusting in His perfect sacrifice.
Where Is the One Born King of the Jews?
The Christian life isn’t static—it’s a journey filled with seasons. From the moment you receive Christ, your relationship with Him will go through different phases. There are times when God’s presence is so evident that you feel like He’s walking right beside you. But there are also times when He feels distant, hidden, or silent. These seasons aren’t signs that God has abandoned you—they are invitations to seek Him more deeply.
The Principle of Seeking
God has established a spiritual principle: those who seek Him will find Him—but that seeking is often meant to stretch us and mature our faith.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13
Many believers don’t expect this. When they no longer “feel” God as they used to, they begin to doubt their salvation or even question their calling. Some turn back, believing maybe it wasn’t really God who saved them. But such seasons are not unusual—they’re part of the refining process.
The Wise Men’s Journey: A Pattern for Us
Let’s consider the story of the Magi, or wise men, in Matthew 2. These were likely scholars or astrologers from the East—possibly Babylon—who were deeply interested in spiritual matters. As they studied the heavens, God revealed something extraordinary: the birth of a divine King. They saw His star and began their journey toward it.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” — Matthew 2:1–2
They expected the star to guide them all the way. But when they reached Jerusalem, it disappeared. Imagine their confusion—they had followed this supernatural sign across a vast distance, and now it was gone.
This interruption didn’t cause them to turn back. Instead, they started asking questions. They inquired of King Herod—even though he was an enemy of Christ—and learned from the religious leaders that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2.
“But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” — Matthew 2:6
This shows us something important: God can use unlikely sources—even enemies—to lead His people closer to the truth. What matters is how you respond.
The Star Reappears—And So Does Joy
Once the Magi continued toward Bethlehem in obedience to the prophecy, the star reappeared.
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” — Matthew 2:9–10
They entered the house, saw Jesus with His mother Mary, and bowed in worship. They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts that symbolized Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and future sacrifice.
The Magi’s journey mirrors ours. There are moments of clarity (when the star shines), moments of silence (when it disappears), and moments of joy (when it reappears). The key is to keep moving forward in faith even when the path is unclear.
From Shallow Faith to Deep Discipleship
When we first come to Christ, it often feels like everything is fresh and alive. God speaks. Prayers are answered quickly. You see His hand in everything. But later on, He may seem hidden. That’s not abandonment—it’s an invitation to grow.
“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature…” — Hebrews 5:13–14
This is when we must go deeper. Study the Word. Ask questions. Pray and fast. Hunger for truth—not just feelings. Faith matures in silence, not just in signs.
The Bible is full of examples of people who sought God during dry seasons:
- David cried, “Why, Lord, do you stand far off?” (Psalm 10:1)
- Job said, “If I go to the east, He is not there… yet He knows the way that I take.” (Job 23:8–10)
- Even Jesus, on the cross, cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
And yet, in all of these, God was not absent—He was working behind the scenes.
Don’t Turn Back—Press On
If you’re in a season where it’s harder to feel God, don’t quit. Don’t assume something’s wrong. Instead, see it as a divine invitation to draw closer.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). No one who sincerely pursues Christ ends in failure. You will find Him again. You will rejoice again. Not just in heaven—but even here on earth.
If you’re in a moment where the “star” seems hidden—when God feels far away—don’t slow down. Press in. Intensify your pursuit. This may be the moment right before a new revelation, a fresh encounter, or a deeper experience of His presence.
You are not lost. You are on the path of transformation.
The Lord bless you as you continue to seek Him.
What Does It Mean That the Serpent Will Eat Dust?
The Verse in Question:
“So the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.’”
— Genesis 3:14
This verse raises an important question:
Does this mean the snake literally eats dust today?
1. Literal vs Symbolic Meaning
Biologically, snakes do not eat dust. They are carnivores that feed on small animals like rodents, birds, and insects. Dust is not, and has never been, a food source for them. So, what does this passage mean?
In biblical language, “eating dust” is symbolic, not literal. It’s an expression that represents humiliation, defeat, and lowliness.
Throughout Scripture, this phrase appears as a poetic image of being brought down:
“May desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust.”
— Psalm 72:9
“They will lick dust like a snake, like creatures that crawl on the ground…”
— Micah 7:17
In these verses, licking or eating dust is linked to being humbled, overthrown, or defeated.
2. The Significance of the Curse
The curse in Genesis 3:14 marks the serpent (which also symbolically represents Satan—see Revelation 12:9) as a defeated creature. Crawling on its belly and eating dust are both visual metaphors for disgrace and judgment.
Before the fall, some theologians suggest the serpent may have had a different posture or form—possibly upright or more elevated. After the curse, it was sentenced to crawl on its belly, with its face close to the ground, in constant contact with the dust—a daily reminder of its shame.
This lowly condition reflects a theological truth:
Sin brings us down. It degrades what God made good.
Romans 6:23 reminds us:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The serpent’s fall mirrors what happened to humanity as well—we were created for glory but fell into corruption through sin.
3. A Symbol of Spiritual Condition
Beyond physical imagery, the “eating of dust” serves as a picture of spiritual downfall. Just as the serpent now lives close to the ground, humans separated from God find themselves living beneath their created purpose—spiritually dry, low, and direction less.
This is not just the condition of the serpent, but of every person who lives apart from God.
Ephesians 2:1 says:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…”
To “eat dust” is to live under the consequences of sin—outside the presence and purposes of God.
4. But God Lifts the Humble
The good news is that even though sin brings us low, God does not leave us in the dust. He offers restoration through repentance and faith.
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.”
— 1 Samuel 2:8
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
— James 4:10
Through Jesus Christ, God takes what has been brought low and lifts it up. The work of the cross reverses the curse. The same God who judged the serpent is the God who offers mercy to humanity.
5. A Call to Respond
Maybe today, you feel like you’re “eating dust” in your life—spiritually exhausted, far from God, and stuck in cycles of shame or defeat.
The same God who cursed the serpent also made a promise just one verse later:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
— Genesis 3:15
This is the first prophecy of Jesus, who would crush the serpent—Satan—and offer us victory and restoration.
You Don’t Have to Stay in the Dust
The curse shows us the cost of sin, but the gospel shows us the power of grace. We were made for more than the dust. In Christ, we can be raised, restored, and seated in places of honor.
“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
— Ephesians 2:6
Turn to Christ today.
Let Him lift you from the dust—spiritually and physically—and give you the life you were meant to live.
The Lord is coming!
What did Jesus’ disciples mean when they said, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry”? (Matthew 19:10)
ANSWER:
This statement by Jesus’ disciples came after a challenging teaching He gave regarding divorce. The Pharisees approached Jesus, testing Him with a question:
Matthew 19:3
“Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?”
They were referring to a common debate of the time. According to Deuteronomy 24:1, Moses had permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce if he found “some indecency” in his wife. The school of Hillel (a Jewish rabbinic tradition) interpreted this loosely, allowing divorce for minor reasons—even if a wife spoiled a meal. On the other hand, the school of Shammai took a stricter view, saying only sexual immorality could justify divorce.
Jesus sided with the original intent of marriage as instituted by God in
Genesis 2:24:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
He replied in
Matthew 19:6:
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
When the Pharisees questioned why Moses allowed divorce, Jesus responded:
“Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” (Matthew 19:8)
Then He added in (Matthew 19:9)
“And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
This teaching was so strict and countercultural that the disciples said:
“If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10)
What did they mean by this?
They were essentially saying: “If marriage is that binding, and the only way out is through adultery, then maybe it’s safer to stay single.” This reveals how seriously Jesus viewed marriage: not as a temporary agreement, but a lifelong covenant before God.
It also reflects a core Christian truth: marriage requires endurance, grace, and faithfulness—not just romantic love. Divorce is not to be treated casually or selfishly.
Biblical Implications for Us Today:
Jesus acknowledges
in Matthew 19:11–12 that not everyone can accept this teaching:
“Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given… Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
This means that not everyone is called to marriage. Paul later echoes this in
1 Corinthians 7:7–9 where he says:
“I wish that all were as I myself am [single]. But each has his own gift from God… to the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single… But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry.”
Real-life Application:
- If your spouse is difficult, disrespectful, or emotionally cold – that’s not a biblical reason for divorce.
- If your husband or wife loses their job, becomes sick, infertile, or disabled – you’re still called to love and stay faithful.
- If you married an unbeliever or someone who drifts away from faith – you’re still called to honor that covenant (see 1 Corinthians 7:12–14).
- Divorce is only permitted “in the case of sexual immorality” (Greek: porneia)—which includes adultery, not just disagreements or disappointments.
So what does this teach us?
Marriage is not something to enter lightly. It is a covenant, not just a contract. It reflects Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25–27), which is based on self-giving love, sacrifice, and unbreakable commitment.
Therefore, before marrying, one should seriously consider the weight of that commitment. If you feel unprepared to love and endure in all seasons, it is wise—perhaps even godly—to remain single. As Jesus said, singleness can be a calling too, allowing one to serve God with greater focus.
Proverbs 21:9“It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.” “
Proverbs 21:19
It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.”
These verses remind us that a peaceful single life can be better than a conflicted marriage.
Final Word:
Think carefully. Marriage is beautiful, but also demanding. If God calls you to it, He will give you grace for it. But don’t rush in unprepared. Consider, pray, and choose wisely—for His glory.
God bless you.
We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
Corinthians 5:6–7
“So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.
For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
1. What Does It Mean to Walk by Faith?
To “walk by faith, not by sight” means to live our lives based on trust in God and His Word rather than relying on what we can physically see or experience. This is the foundation of the Christian life (Hebrews 11:1). Our spiritual journey is governed by unseen realities and eternal truths.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
— Hebrews 11:1
2. Human Sight Is Limited
Many people assume that seeing is the most reliable way of knowing the truth. But physical sight is flawed and limited. For example, your eyes can see food, but cannot tell if it’s salted—you need your taste to confirm that. Similarly, spiritual truths cannot be confirmed by natural eyes alone.
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:14
3. Why Doesn’t Jesus Appear to Everyone Physically Today?
Some Christians fast and pray to have a physical encounter with Jesus. While God is sovereign and such things can happen, it is not His normative way of revealing Himself today. Seeking visible signs can actually hinder spiritual growth.
Jesus corrected Thomas when he believed only after seeing:
“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
— John 20:29
Faith that is built solely on appearances is immature. Jesus Himself told the disciples that it was better for Him to go, so the Holy Spirit could come.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away;
for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
— John 16:7
4. The Holy Spirit: God’s Chosen Way to Reveal Christ Today
Instead of appearing physically, Jesus now reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all believers. The Holy Spirit teaches, guides, and glorifies Christ within us.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth;
for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak;
and He will tell you things to come.
He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”
— John 16:13–14
When we have the Holy Spirit, we have intimate fellowship with Christ—even without physical sight.
5. Rejecting the Holy Spirit Is Rejecting Christ’s Presence
Many say they want to see Jesus, yet they ignore or grieve the Holy Spirit through disobedience or unbelief (Ephesians 4:30). Without the Spirit, we cannot fully experience the presence of Christ in our lives.
“Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
— Romans 8:9
It is spiritually dangerous to pursue visible signs while neglecting the invisible Spirit who brings Christ to us fully.
6. How Do We Receive the Holy Spirit?
Receiving the Holy Spirit does not require money, special training, or long prayers. It simply requires sincere repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. This is the biblical pattern established from the very beginning.
“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.
For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off,
as many as the Lord our God will call.’”
— Acts 2:38–39
This promise is still available today—for you and for everyone who turns to the Lord.
7. Choose the Better Way
Let’s stop chasing physical signs and instead embrace the better way God has given us—walking by faith through the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t yet repented and been baptized in Jesus’ name, today is the perfect time.
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2
Let us walk by faith and not by sight—trusting in the Spirit who reveals Christ to our hearts.
The Lord is coming!
LET’S KEEP BEING STRONG IN THE LORD
Shalom, beloved in Christ!
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s reflect together on a vital truth from Scripture that speaks to the Christian life and the spiritual battles we face daily.
📖 Main Scripture
Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
The Apostle Paul wrote this while imprisoned, addressing believers in Ephesus. He concludes the letter by urging them to draw their strength from God—not from themselves—because the Christian life is a spiritual battle, not a casual walk. Paul emphasizes two essential aspects:
🔹 1. Being Strong in the Lord
This means anchoring your faith, love, and commitment entirely in God. Strength in the Lord is not emotional zeal or physical effort, but a deep dependence on God’s presence, grace, and truth.
Mark 12:30
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
This verse reminds us that to be strong in the Lord is to love Him completely—with our emotions (heart), our spirit (soul), our understanding (mind), and our effort (strength). This is not passive belief but active discipleship. It’s the foundation for growing in spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:14).
🔹 2. Being Strong in the Power of His Might
This speaks of God’s divine strength working through us as we engage in spiritual warfare. The Christian’s battle is not against people but against spiritual forces of darkness.
Ephesians 6:11–12
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Our fight is not physical, but spiritual. We are called to be spiritually alert, aware, and ready—using God’s resources, not our own.
🛡️ The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–17
Paul outlines six essential components of spiritual warfare:
- The Belt of Truth – Live by God’s truth, not feelings or opinions.
- The Breastplate of Righteousness – Walk in holiness through Christ’s righteousness.
- The Gospel of Peace (on your feet) – Be ready to share Christ’s peace.
- The Shield of Faith – Trust God completely, especially when facing attacks.
- The Helmet of Salvation – Guard your mind with assurance of salvation.
- The Sword of the Spirit – Know and rightly handle the Word of God.
These are not optional accessories. Without them, we are spiritually exposed. Being strong in the power of God means knowing how to use these weapons.
⚔️ Spiritual Readiness Requires Skill
Just as a soldier must be trained to use a sword, we must learn how to use the Word of God effectively. A believer without knowledge is like a soldier holding a sword but unable to fight.
Jesus demonstrated this when tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Every time, He responded with Scripture: “It is written…” (see Matthew 4:1–11). He used the Word accurately and with authority.
Similarly, Apollos is described as “mighty in the Scriptures”:
Acts 18:24
“Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.”
To become spiritually strong, we must study, understand, and apply God’s Word correctly.
🎓 Handling the Word with Wisdom
2 Timothy 2:15
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
This verse speaks of theological accuracy. As believers, we are called to rightly handle Scripture—not twisting it for convenience, but understanding it within context and truth. This is discipleship and sanctification—growing in grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
❓Are You Spiritually Equipped?
- Have you clothed yourself in God’s armor?
- Are you strong in your relationship with Christ?
- Are you prepared to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes?
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
This is a call to alertness, perseverance, courage, and strength. The Christian walk requires intentional growth, not spiritual passivity.
🙏 Final Encouragement
Let us not grow weary but continue to grow strong—both in our walk with the Lord and in how we apply His Word. True strength comes from being rooted in Christ and prepared for the spiritual battles ahead.
May the Lord bless and strengthen you.
Amen.
Have You Fulfilled All Righteousness?
Matthew 3:13–15 (NKJV):
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’
But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.”
In this short exchange, Jesus uses two crucial phrases we must reflect on deeply:
“It is fitting for us”
“To fulfill all righteousness”
1) “It is fitting for us”
Jesus did not say,
“It is fitting for me to fulfill all righteousness,” but rather, “It is fitting for us.”
This distinction matters. Jesus includes others in the act of fulfilling righteousness not only Himself. He is laying a foundation for His followers, showing that righteousness is something we must all walk in, not just admire from afar. It is a shared call.
As believers, we are united with Christ (Romans 6:5), and therefore we must walk as He walked (1 John 2:6). If He submitted to baptism to fulfill righteousness, so must we. He is our example in all things (1 Peter 2:21).
2) To Fulfill All Righteousness
There is a difference between practicing righteousness and fulfilling all righteousness.
You fulfill righteousness when:
You believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10)
You partake in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26)
You proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15)
You live a holy life (1 Peter 1:15–16)
But all righteousness includes an essential act many overlook: baptism in water.
Even though Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15), He still underwent water baptism not because He needed cleansing, but because it was the righteous thing to do in God’s redemptive plan. By doing so, He endorsed baptism as an act of obedience and alignment with God’s will (Luke 7:29–30). To refuse baptism is to reject the counsel of God.
So if Jesus, the sinless Son of God, chose baptism to fulfill all righteousness how much more should we?
Why Water Baptism Matters
In the New Testament, baptism is never presented as optional. It is commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19) and preached by the apostles as essential for salvation and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV):
“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.'”
Romans 6:3–4 (NKJV):
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Biblically, true baptism involves:
Full immersion in water, symbolizing burial and resurrection (Mark 1:9–10; John 3:23)
In the name of Jesus Christ, reflecting apostolic teaching (Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5)
Sprinkling or pouring does not reflect the biblical pattern. Jesus wasn’t sprinkled Scripture says, “He came up from the water.” John baptized in places where much water was available (John 3:23).
What If I Haven’t Been Baptized Properly?
This is a serious question. If you’ve never been baptized, or if your baptism doesn’t align with the biblical example (full immersion in the name of Jesus), and yet you have come to know the truth can you still be saved?
The sobering answer is: Not according to Scripture.
James 4:17 (NKJV):
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
God may show mercy to those who never had the chance to hear or understand the full truth (Acts 17:30). But once truth is revealed, we become accountable (Hebrews 10:26).
The Enemy’s Strategy
In these last days, Satan aims to keep believers from fulfilling all righteousness. He doesn’t mind if you do some things just as long as you don’t do everything. He wants people to settle for partial obedience because partial righteousness still leaves room for disobedience.
But Jesus is coming back for a blameless bride (Ephesians 5:27) a people who have embraced His full counsel, including repentance, faith, holiness, and baptism.
So now, the most important question remains:
Have You Fulfilled All Righteousness?
Not just believed.
Not just prayed.
Not just attended church.
Have you followed the Lord into the waters of baptism, as He did so that together, with Him, you fulfill all righteousness.
Maranatha.
What Is the Agony of Death, Biblically?
Acts 2:23–24 (NIV)
“This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
Understanding the Agony (or Pains) of Death
The phrase “agony of death” (or “pains of death” in other translations such as the KJV) refers to the torment and finality of death particularly a death without hope of resurrection or eternal life. In the biblical worldview, death is not merely physical cessation but spiritual separation from God. The Greek word used here, ōdinas (ὠδῖνας), can also be translated as “birth pains” or intense anguish, suggesting deep suffering associated with death (see Romans 8:22).
Before the resurrection of Jesus Christ, death was a terrifying reality for humanity. As Paul says in Romans 5:12 (NIV):
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Humanity was under the curse of death, both physically and spiritually. All who died before Christ were subject to corruption (decay) and separation from the presence of God. This included the righteous, who waited in the realm of the dead sometimes referred to as Sheol (Hebrew) or Hades (Greek) a holding place awaiting redemption (Luke 16:22–23).
Christ’s Victory Over Death
But Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, broke the power of death. Though He truly died, He did not remain in the grave or see corruption.
Acts 2:31 (ESV)
“He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.”
Unlike all others before Him, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). His resurrection marked the defeat of death’s finality.
Revelation 1:18 (NIV)
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
It was impossible for death to hold Jesus, because He is the Author of Life (Acts 3:15). His divine nature and perfect obedience rendered death powerless against Him.
What Does This Mean for Believers?
Christ’s resurrection is not just historical it’s personal. For all who place their faith in Him, the agony of death no longer holds power.
2 Timothy 1:10 (NIV)
“…but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
When believers die, their spirits do not descend into torment or unconsciousness. Instead, they are taken immediately into the presence of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV)
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
This is why Matthew 27:51–53 speaks of saints rising at Christ’s resurrectiona foretaste of what all believers will experience.
Furthermore, the resurrection of believers is guaranteed by Christ’s own resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:20–22 (NIV)
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
We await the redemption of our bodies at the Second Coming (Romans 8:23), when we will receive glorified bodies fit for eternity (Philippians 3:20–21).
A Solemn Warning for Those Outside of Christ
However, for those who die in sin outside of Christ the agony of death is just the beginning. Upon death, the soul enters a state of conscious torment, awaiting final judgment.
Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”
The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) offers a vivid picture of this reality: the rich man dies and finds himself in torment, separated from God, unable to cross the chasm between himself and paradise.
Eventually, both body and soul will be reunited at the final resurrection, but for judgment.
Revelation 20:14–15 (NIV)
“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
This is the full weight of what it means to be held by the agony of death eternal separation from God, under divine judgment.
A Call to Reflection
Are you still living in sin? Are you spiritually lukewarm? Scripture warns us that we do not know the day or hour of our departure from this life.
James 4:14 (NIV)
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
If today were your last day, whose presence would you find yourself in Christ’s or that of eternal separation?
The answer lies not just in your heart but in the truth of the Gospel. Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).
Shalom. Peace be upon you as you consider these eternal truths.
