Title February 2021

Let’s read the passage in context:

2 Peter 2:12–13 (NKJV)
“But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you.”

In this passage, the apostle Peter is warning about corrupt individuals—false teachers and immoral people—whose behavior resembles that of the wicked inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:6–10). He compares them to irrational animals, driven by instinct rather than reason, who will ultimately be destroyed. One of the most telling signs of their moral decay is this: they consider it pleasurable to indulge in drunkenness and wild partying even in broad daylight.

What’s the significance of this phrase?

Typically, indulgence in debauchery—such as drunkenness, lust, and reckless partying—occurs under the cover of night. It’s in darkness that sin often seeks to hide, as even sinners feel some sense of shame. The apostle Paul alludes to this in:

1 Thessalonians 5:7 (NKJV)
“For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.”

But Peter points out that these individuals have become so morally perverse that they no longer feel the need to hide their sin. They openly flaunt it, drinking and partying during the day as if there’s nothing shameful about it. This kind of behavior represents a complete loss of restraint—a hardened conscience that delights in evil without fear or shame.

This is echoed in the account of Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit descended and filled the apostles, some bystanders mocked them, accusing them of being drunk. Peter responded:

Acts 2:15 (NKJV)
“For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day [about 9 a.m.].”

Peter’s point was that no one in their right mind gets drunk so early in the day. It was culturally and morally unacceptable. Therefore, when someone does choose to live this way, it shows they have abandoned all moral sensitivity.

Modern Parallel:
This kind of moral collapse is increasingly evident today. What once was done in darkness is now publicly celebrated. Perversion, violence, and sin are broadcast on television, spread through social media, normalized in music and movies, and even celebrated in public events. Just like in Sodom, people today flaunt sin without shame.

Jesus warned about the days of Noah and Lot as being reflective of the days just before His return:

Luke 17:28–30 (NKJV)
“Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”

A Call to Holiness and Watchfulness:
This is not the time to compromise our faith or become numb to the immorality around us. Just as Lot was tormented in his soul by the lawless deeds he saw in Sodom (2 Peter 2:7–8), we too must remain spiritually alert and separate ourselves from the corruption of the world.

The apostle Peter continues in:

2 Peter 3:10–12 (NKJV)
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…”

Conclusion:
The phrase “they count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime” is a sobering warning. It reveals the depth of depravity humanity can fall into when God is removed from the picture. But it is also a call for believers to live differently—to shine as lights in a dark world, to walk in holiness, and to eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ.

Are you ready for His return?
If the trumpet sounded today, would you be found in Him? Salvation is freely offered, but the time is short. Let us watch, pray, and walk in righteousness.

Maranatha — The Lord is coming!

This question refers to a verse in Matthew 18:6, where Jesus says,

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (NIV).

This verse can seem difficult when we compare it with Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:43-45, where He teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

In Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44, NIV).

This teaching highlights that Christians should respond to wrongdoings with love and forgiveness, mirroring God’s grace. When we are wronged, we are not to take revenge but rather to show the same compassion that God shows to us.

However, Matthew 18:6 presents a stark contrast. Jesus is talking about causing a “little one” (a believer or a spiritually immature person) to stumble in their faith. He warns that anyone who leads such a person into sin or misguides them away from the path of righteousness faces severe consequences. The expression of a millstone being tied around someone’s neck and them being thrown into the sea symbolizes the gravity of this offense. It is a metaphor to show that the judgment for causing someone to fall into sin, especially those who are vulnerable in their faith, is extremely serious.

In this context, “little ones” refers not just to children but to anyone who is new in the faith or spiritually weak—those who are innocent and easily influenced. Leading such a person astray or hindering their spiritual growth is a serious offense in God’s eyes. The punishment described by Jesus in Matthew 18:6 signifies how severe the consequences are for anyone who becomes a stumbling block to others in their walk with God.

This warning aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the importance of protecting the faith of others, particularly those who are spiritually vulnerable. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul warns about causing others to stumble:

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (NIV).

Similarly, James 3:1 speaks to those who teach, emphasizing the responsibility and the greater judgment teachers will face for leading others astray:

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1, NIV).

Jesus’ teaching also reflects the seriousness of leading someone away from God’s truth, as seen in the story of Balaam in the Old Testament. In Numbers 25, Balaam deliberately sought to lead the Israelites into sin by advising the Moabite king to entice them into idolatry and immorality, knowing it would provoke God’s judgment. This caused Israel to fall into sin, and as a result, many were punished. This account shows how significant the impact of leading others astray can be and the serious consequences it carries in God’s economy (see Revelation 2:14 for reference).

However, the key difference in this situation is that Jesus, throughout His ministry, also calls us to forgive and show mercy to those who wrong us. As in the case of Moses interceding for the Israelites (Exodus 32:9-14), we are called to intercede for others, even when they fall short, rather than seeking vengeance. In the same way, we are encouraged to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and ask God for mercy upon those who sin against us.

God’s judgment and mercy both coexist in His nature—He is just, and He is merciful. Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6 are a serious warning about the consequences of causing others to sin, particularly when their faith is fragile. However, this should not lead us to take matters into our own hands or seek personal vengeance. Instead, we are called to be intercessors and to pray for those who may stumble in their faith.

In conclusion, while Matthew 5 emphasizes forgiveness and love for enemies, Matthew 18:6 warns of the severe consequences for leading others away from God’s truth, particularly those who are spiritually vulnerable. We must be careful not to harm the faith of others and should strive to protect and nurture their spiritual growth. This teaching calls us to take responsibility for how our actions influence others, ensuring we build up, rather than tear down, the faith of those around us.

This revised explanation combines the different scriptural teachings while maintaining the theological depth of the original answer. It provides a logical flow of ideas and ensures clarity for readers.

The term “to grant” in the Bible means to provide sustenance or to supply what is necessary for life. When you give someone the resources they need to survive, you are said to “ruzuku” them. In the Bible, we often see God “kuruzuku” His people by providing for their physical and spiritual needs.

In the book of Nehemiah, we find an example of how God provided for the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness:

Nehemiah 9:21 (NIV):
“For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.”

This verse highlights God’s miraculous provision for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, a place where there was no farming, no water, and no natural resources to support life. Yet, God sustained them, providing them with food, water, and clothing that did not wear out. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness and care, ensuring that His people lacked nothing, even in the most challenging circumstances.

We also find the concept of provision in Psalm 65:9, where the psalmist praises God for His abundant care over the land and His people:

Psalm 65:9 (NIV):
“You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it.”

This verse speaks of God’s role as the provider of all things. He not only provides for the land by watering it, but He also ensures that it yields an abundant harvest, supplying the people with food. The “streams of God” symbolize the abundant and life-giving resources that flow from God’s hand, sustaining the earth and His people. This reinforces the idea that God is the ultimate source of provision, both for the physical world and for His people.

The term “kuruzuku” is also mentioned in Psalm 68:10, where God is recognized for His provision for the poor and oppressed:

Psalm 68:10 (NIV):
“Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.”

Here, we see that God’s provision is not limited to those who are self-sufficient or prosperous but extends to the poor and those in need. God’s generosity and kindness are shown through His care for those who have no resources of their own. This illustrates God’s heart for the marginalized and His desire to ensure that no one is forgotten or left without provision.

In the New Testament, we see the ultimate provision of God through Jesus Christ. Just as God provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, Jesus offers Himself as the ultimate provision for the believer’s spiritual needs:

John 6:35 (NIV):
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'”

In this verse, Jesus identifies Himself as the “bread of life,” the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance. Just as the Israelites were sustained in the wilderness through manna from heaven, believers today are sustained spiritually through Jesus Christ. He is the provision that satisfies our deepest hunger and thirst, offering eternal life to all who come to Him.

In conclusion, the biblical concept of “kuruzuku” shows that God is a faithful provider who cares for His people in both physical and spiritual ways. Whether in the wilderness or in our everyday lives, God provides what we need. And through Jesus Christ, He has provided the ultimate sustenance for our souls. As we trust in Him, we can be assured that God will continue to provide for us, just as He has always done.

Amen.

In 1 Peter 2:1-2, the apostle Peter urges believers to “lay aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” and, in verse 2, to “desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (NKJV). The phrase “pure milk” or “unadulterated milk” is an important metaphor that Peter uses to describe the Word of God.

Understanding “Unadulterated Milk”

The term “adulterated” refers to something that has been altered, diluted, or corrupted in some way. In the context of milk, “adulterated milk” would refer to milk that has been tampered with or mixed with other substances, such as chemicals or additives, in an effort to make it look or taste like the original but without its genuine nutritional value. For example, we often hear the phrase “counterfeit money” to refer to money that looks like real currency but is worthless because it lacks the proper value.

When Peter talks about “pure milk,” he’s referring to the Word of God as it is, untainted by false teachings or human manipulation. Just as a newborn requires unadulterated, pure milk from its mother for healthy growth, believers need the pure and unaltered Word of God for spiritual nourishment. This idea is echoed in the Old Testament in passages like Psalm 119:105, which says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (NKJV). It shows that God’s Word provides clear guidance and nourishment without being compromised.

The Metaphor of Milk in Spiritual Growth

Peter’s use of milk as a metaphor is also significant in the context of spiritual maturity. Babies require milk for growth and development. Similarly, new Christians are compared to spiritual infants who need the pure “milk” of the Word to grow in their faith. The apostle Paul also uses a similar metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2, where he says, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able” (NKJV).

Just as a baby gradually matures to solid food as it grows, a believer’s spiritual diet should shift from basic teachings to deeper, more complex truths of the faith as they mature. However, Peter emphasizes that this “pure milk” should always remain foundational to our growth. No believer can neglect the Word of God, no matter how mature they become in their faith.

The Danger of Adulterated Teaching

Peter’s warning is also a caution against the dangers of corrupted teachings. Just as a baby would be harmed by “adulterated” milk that is not pure, a Christian will be spiritually harmed by false teachings. In the context of the first century, the early church faced many heresies and false teachers who distorted the Gospel. 2 Peter 2:1 warns, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…” (NKJV).

In today’s world, many so-called “gospels” are preached that emphasize prosperity, success, or self-fulfillment over the true message of salvation, repentance, and the coming kingdom of God. These “adulterated” messages may look and sound similar to the truth but do not provide the nourishment necessary for genuine spiritual growth. They may promise quick fixes or shallow happiness but lack the depth of God’s Word that produces lasting transformation.

The Importance of the True Gospel

Peter emphasizes the importance of desiring “the pure milk of the word” so that believers can grow in their salvation. This is not just about intellectual knowledge but about spiritual nourishment that leads to maturity in faith. The apostle Paul also emphasizes the same in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (NKJV). The Word of God is the foundation upon which faith is built, and it is necessary for growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.

The true Gospel, as revealed in Scripture, helps believers to stand firm in their faith. As Hebrews 5:12-14 suggests, we are meant to move from “milk” to “solid food,” indicating a deeper understanding of Scripture and a more mature relationship with God. If we are not grounded in the pure Word of God, we may be easily led astray by false teachings and become spiritually weak, unable to withstand the temptations and trials of life.

Conclusion: Longing for the True Gospel

In conclusion, Peter’s exhortation to desire the “pure milk of the word” is a call for believers to earnestly seek God’s Word in its unaltered form and to reject the corrupted teachings that abound in the world. The genuine Gospel, found in Scripture, is the source of spiritual growth and the strength needed to live a victorious Christian life. In these “last days,” as false teachings proliferate, it is crucial to be discerning and to hold fast to the truth of God’s Word.

As we reflect on this, let us remember the words of Jesus in Luke 8:18, “Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” (NKJV). We must be vigilant in how we receive the teachings we hear and ensure they align with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Shalom.

If you’ve ever preached the gospel of salvation to people, I believe you’ve encountered some who might say the following: “It doesn’t matter what religion you follow, or what you believe, your faith is what will save you. Just believing that God exists is enough; the other details are not that important.”

They might even say that someone who worships through a tree or an animal, or uses a rosary, God listens to them too, as long as they have faith. In their view, the key is faith, not anything else.

There is some truth in this; faith is indeed the bridge to God, as the Scriptures state:

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV): “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

However, what they fail to understand is that faith, if it is not founded on the right foundation, cannot lead anywhere. What I mean by this is that faith with no clear basis or proper foundation cannot lead to salvation. Simply believing that God exists is not enough. Even demons believe that, and if you ask them, they will tell you, “Yes, we believe in God, and He helps us.” The demons themselves will admit they believe in God and even tremble at His name:

James 2:19 (NIV): “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

So, if you say, “I believe in God, and I fear Him,” know that you’re no different from demons. If you think that such a faith will get you to heaven, you should know that demons will get there first and you’ll follow after them.

Jesus clearly stated in John 14:6:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

This means that no faith can save you, except the faith that believes in Jesus Christ. Without faith in Jesus Christ, salvation is impossible. It’s like saying, “I have a phone with good service and enough credit to call you whenever I need to,” yet if you don’t have my phone number, you will never be able to contact me. It doesn’t matter how good your phone is or how many numbers you have in your contacts; without my number, you will never reach me.

Today, people try to reach God in various ways of their own invention. Some use their religion, others their denomination, some try to connect through animals, trees, idols, the sun, the moon, etc., claiming they are seeking the same God. When you tell them that their religion or denomination won’t save them, they argue, “Don’t mislead us. It’s our faith that will save us.”

Brother, sister, if you don’t believe in Jesus Christ, you will not reach anywhere. Believing in Jesus is not merely saying, “I’m a Christian,” or “I believe in Jesus,” but rather it involves sincere repentance of your sins and a commitment to turn away from them. Secondly, it requires being baptized by immersion in water in His name, as commanded in 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.'”

Then, after baptism, you must receive the Holy Spirit and begin living a holy life that aligns with His Word (the Bible). Only through this process does your faith become complete. At that point, you can be sure that you are truly worshiping God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

But merely saying, “I believe in God; my faith will save me,” while not knowing what God expects of you through His Word, or not doing what He asks, means that you are lost. If you die today, you will go to hell. Likewise, if you take pride in your denomination and refuse to seek Christ, the only way, then hell will also be your destiny. There are no invented ways to reach God. It’s mandatory to believe in Jesus and have your sins washed away by Him.

Maranatha.