UNDERSTANDING HOW GOD AND SATAN SPEAK TO PEOPLE
Have you ever truly reflected on the words of the Lord Jesus?
John 8:38 – “I speak what I have seen with my Father; and you do what you have heard from your father.”
Jesus said this to the Jews (the Pharisees and scribes) at the time they were plotting to kill Him. But pause and think—when exactly did they sit down and hear Satan whisper in their ears, giving them instructions to kill Jesus?
We shouldn’t imagine Satan literally sitting next to them saying, “Now it’s time to kill Jesus, go!” That didn’t happen. But Jesus never lies. He must have seen that they were listening to Satan, following his voice, and carrying out everything he prompted them to do. That’s why Jesus says:
John 8:44 – “You belong to your father, the Devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has never lived in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks naturally, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Dear friend, the voice of Satan isn’t usually heard in visions, dreams, or through spirits. Likewise, we don’t hear God’s voice in that way either. We perceive God’s voice by observing what He does. Similarly, we can understand Satan’s voice by observing the works he inspires.
For example, the Jews became jealous of Jesus because God was sending Him to bring everyone into the light. They were filled with the thought of wanting to kill Him—a thought they had seen bear fruit in others before, so they followed it. That thought itself was the voice of Satan giving them direction.
Even today, when you feel the urge to return to sin, that’s already Satan’s voice. You obey it when you look at sexual content online, indulge in masturbation, go to clubs, or watch romantic movies constantly. In the spiritual realm, Jesus sees you sitting at the same table with Satan, listening carefully to his voice.
The same principle applies to God’s children. They hear God by observing what He does. As Jesus said, “I speak what I have seen with my Father.” Not through visions—Jesus observed God’s work on Earth, imitated it, and acted accordingly.
One example of what Jesus observed and imitated is showing COMPASSION, FORGIVENESS, LOVING YOUR ENEMIES, and KINDNESS even to the ungrateful.
Luke 6:35-36 – “But love your enemies, do good, and lend without expecting anything in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
You see, when you show these qualities—being kind to those who cannot repay you—you are spiritually seated at the same table with God, listening to Him as He guides your actions. This goes beyond voices, dreams, or visions—you perceive it through actions.
Matthew 5:46-48 – “For if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing? Even the pagans do that. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
So let us learn to recognize the voice of God by observing His works. Likewise, we must learn to discern the voice of our enemy, Satan, so we can avoid him. Satan will never just whisper in your ear, “Go sin”—that doesn’t happen.
Have you been saved? Do you understand that we are living in a time of grace, and Christ could return at any moment? What are you waiting for? How will you feel if the rapture happens and you are left behind? What will you tell Jesus? Repent of your sins today and return fully to God. The gospel is not something to delay with; it is a call for immediate action. Time is short.
May the Lord bless you abundantly.
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HOW CAN WE ACCESS THE PURE WORD OF GOD?
Many people read the Bible, but not everyone truly reaches the Pure Word of God. What most of us don’t realize is that reading the Bible once doesn’t automatically mean we have grasped the words that have the power to transform our lives completely.
It’s important to understand that the Bible is not as straightforward as it may seem. It contains the Pure Word of God, which cannot be accessed through casual reading alone. Those who are able to reach it experience profound spiritual transformation because of the Word’s power.
Today, by God’s grace, we’ll explore how someone can access this Word:
The Bible compares God’s Word to silver in some places and to gold in others.
For example, Psalm 12:6 says:
“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”
This verse tells us that, just like refining silver or gold, accessing the Pure Word of God involves a process.
When silver or gold is first mined, it doesn’t shine like the jewelry we see in stores. Instead, it is mixed with rocks, dirt, and impurities. To make it pure, the metal must be melted in intense heat. The impurities rise to the surface, while the pure silver or gold remains at the bottom. The impurities are then removed, and the metal solidifies again. This process is often repeated multiple times until the metal is completely refined, shining brilliantly.
God uses this as a metaphor for His Word. The Pure Word of God is like silver refined seven times. In other words, there are seven steps—or levels of refinement—to truly access God’s Word, which is meant to bring powerful transformation into our lives.
So how do we reach this “sevenfold refinement”?
If you read the Bible once and think you’ve understood everything, you haven’t yet reached the Pure Word of God. Reaching it requires patience, reflection, and repeated meditation—not just casual reading like a newspaper.
For instance, you may read the story of how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. The first time, you might understand it simply as a story. If you stop there, thinking you’ve understood it all, the Bible will feel no different from any other historical book.
But if you decide to reflect on it again, pray for God’s guidance, and read it slowly with an open heart, you’ll begin to see deeper truths you missed the first time.
If you keep asking the Holy Spirit for understanding and return to the same passage repeatedly, you will be amazed at the new insights you discover—things you never noticed before.
The more you repeat this process, the more God’s Word is refined in your heart. Its power penetrates your spirit, leading to real transformation in your life.
The problem comes when we assume we’ve “finished” the Bible. When we read a story or a lesson and think, “I already know this,” we skim over the text or even skip important details.
Sometimes in church, a lesson is taught that you’ve heard before, and instead of listening carefully, you dismiss it: “I already understand this.”
Remember, the Pure Word of God is refined through seven stages of understanding.
I hope that from now on, we all commit to truly meditating on Scripture. Our goal is to experience the real power of God’s Word in our lives. Let’s dedicate ourselves to studying the Bible diligently.
A Theological Reflection with Biblical Foundations
The Lord says:
Psalm 34:8 (LUT)
„Schmecket und sehet, wie freundlich der HERR ist; wohl dem, der auf ihn trauet!“(Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who trusts in Him.)
The invitation to “taste and see that the LORD is good” is not merely poetic language — the Hebrew words טָעַם (taʿam — to taste/experience) and רָאָה (raʾah — to see/perceive) point to active, experiential knowledge of God. This is not intellectual assent or abstract belief, but a personal encounter with God’s goodness that transforms the soul.
In Scripture, tasting God does not mean literal eating but rather experiencing God’s goodness personally and intimately. Just as tasting food gives sensory confirmation of its sweetness, so experiencing God’s presence and providence confirms His character to the believer.
A careful theological reading shows:
Taste implies participation and experience — a real encounter with God’s character and presence.
See implies spiritual perception and discernment — seeing beyond the surface into the reality of God’s goodness.
Both together form a biblical pattern of knowing God experientially before fully understanding Him.
In Christian theology, this aligns with the concept of experiential knowledge (gnosis) — where faith becomes relational and transformative, not just informational.
As your original message explains, God often tests people to reveal the depth of their trust. The example of the Israelites in the desert shows this clearly. After crossing the Red Sea God led them into the wilderness where there was no water for three days. This was not arbitrary — it was a test to reveal whether their faith was rooted in the comfort of provision or in God Himself (the ultimate Provider).
In Exodus 15:22–25 (EÜ) we read:
„…und sie gingen drei Tage in die Wüste und fanden kein Wasser… Da murrte das Volk gegen Mose… Mose rief zum HERRN; da zeigte der HERR ihm einen Baum, den er hineinwarf ins Wasser, und das Wasser wurde süß… Dort prüfte er sie.“(…and they went three days in the desert and found no water… The people complained… Moses cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree… There He tested them.)
This testing is not punitive — it is formative, designed so that genuine faith may arise where there was only conditional trust.
In biblical theology, God’s blessings often come after testing. This theme appears repeatedly:
„Du sollst dir merken alle Wege, die der HERR, dein Gott, dich geführt hat… und erprüft hat dich, um zu wissen, was in deinem Herzen ist, ob du halten würdest sein Gebot oder nicht…“(…He tested you to know what was in your heart… to humble you and let you know your dependence on Him.)
This passage shows that God allows testing to shape true dependence on Him rather than mere reliance on blessings or comfort.
Psalm 34’s invitation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ:
Johannes 6:35 (LUT)
„…Ich bin das Brot des Lebens. Wer zu mir kommt, wird nicht hungern…“
Jesus invites us to partake of Him — to taste and see the goodness of God through relationship with Him. This aligns with the Old Testament invitation: tasting God’s goodness becomes partaking in the life of Christ.
Christian theologians distinguish between:
Docetic faith — belief based on doctrine only
Relational faith — belief grounded in personal experience of God’s presence
Psalm 34:8 calls believers to the second: faith that is tested, proven, real — involving heart, mind, emotion, and obedience.
Testing Reveals True Faith — trials are not signs of abandonment but opportunities to discover whether our trust is in God Himself or merely in His gifts.
Taste Before Full Sight — in the biblical order, experience comes before full understanding, not vice versa. Spiritual knowledge grows as we encounter God.
Christ as the True Goodness — Jesus is the ultimate answer to the invitation to “taste and see” — not just a symbol, but the incarnate presence of God’s goodness.
The call to Taste and see that the LORD is good is both an invitation and a challenge. It invites us into deeper communion with God through personal experience and spiritual perception. It challenges us through seasons of testing so that faith can be proven genuine.
May this understanding deepen both your relationship with God and your theological reflection on what it means to trust Him.
Shalom.
What Does the Word “Fasting” Mean in the Bible?
The word fasting originates from the Aramaic and Hebrew languages. In Hebrew, the term “tsom” (צוֹם) is used, which means “to abstain from food and drink.” In biblical practice, fasting was primarily a spiritual discipline meant to express humility, repentance, and a deep desire to seek God.
Fasting is not just a physical act of denying oneself food—it is a spiritual practice meant to align the heart with God’s will.
Zechariah 8:19 (NIV):“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’”
This verse shows that fasting was practiced regularly in Israel as a spiritual tradition, often tied to national events like mourning or remembrance. But God desires that these fasts be transformed into times of joy, truth, and peace when done with the right heart.
Joel 1:14 (NIV):“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.”
Here, fasting is connected with national repentance. The people are called to turn back to God through prayer and mourning for their sins.
Also see:
Joel 2:15 (NIV):“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.”
Again, fasting is linked with a collective call to repentance and revival. Fasting that pleases God is more than skipping meals—it’s about transformation of the heart and actions. The prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful message from God, rebuking religious fasting that lacks love, justice, and mercy.
Isaiah 58:3-8 (NIV): [3 ]Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. [4] Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. [5]Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? [6]“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter ,when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? [8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.”
Isaiah 58:3-8 (NIV):
[3 ]Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
[4] Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
[5]Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
[6]“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
[7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter ,when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
[8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.”
God rebukes superficial religion. He desires worship that reflects His own character: justice, mercy, and compassion. Fasting is empty when it’s disconnected from righteous living. Jesus affirms this heart-centered view of fasting in Matthew 6:16–18, where He teaches that fasting should be sincere, not for show.
Fasting is meant to be a way of humbling ourselves before God and creating space to hear Him more clearly. In Scripture, people fasted:
To seek guidance (Acts 13:2–3)In repentance (Daniel 9:3–5)In mourning (2 Samuel 1:12)For deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:3)To grow spiritually (Matthew 4:2 – Jesus fasted in the wilderness)
Yet even long fasts—like Moses’ 40-day fast (Exodus 34:28)—are meaningless if they are not accompanied by repentance and spiritual renewal. As Paul writes in
1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV):“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
When you fast, ask yourself: Is my heart turning away from sin? Am I growing in love and righteousness? If not, the fast may have little eternal value. Fasting should not just be a ritual—it must be an act of surrender, a cry for holiness, and a commitment to justice.
Otherwise, as Isaiah warns, you might be working hard in vain—even fasting 40 days and nights won’t please God without genuine transformation.
Please, share this message of truth and hope with others.
The End of the Harvest is the End of the World
Not every person you preach to will immediately show signs of change. It’s natural to desire instant transformation in everyone we witness to, and as a preacher or believer, it can be discouraging when you spend months—or even years—faithfully sharing the gospel, only to see little or no lasting fruit.
Sometimes, even when you do see results, they seem minimal compared to the effort you’ve invested.
However, in these moments, remember this profound truth: the end of the harvest is not today. The final harvest is not the moment you’re preaching; it is not today. The harvest will come at the end of time, when God sends His angels to separate the wheat from the weeds, and the wheat will be gathered into the barn. That moment is not now.
Matthew 13:39 (New King James Version): “The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.”
In this passage, Jesus explains that the harvest symbolizes the final judgment at the end of the world. The reapers (angels) will gather the righteous (the wheat) into God’s eternal kingdom, and the wicked (the weeds) will be cast away. This passage reminds us that the results of our efforts in spreading the gospel may not be fully revealed in this lifetime, but God will take care of the final separation.
Matthew 13:49-50 (New International Version): “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
At the end of the age, when Christ returns, there will be a final separation: the righteous will inherit eternal life, while the wicked will face judgment. The immediate results of our evangelistic efforts are not always apparent, but we are assured that God’s justice will prevail.
So, if the person you’re witnessing to today doesn’t show immediate signs of change, don’t be discouraged. Keep preaching, because the final harvest has not yet come. Perhaps today you are planting the seeds, and someone else will water them tomorrow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Or, you might be the one watering, while someone else will pull the weeds, or another will reap the harvest. All of these parts are essential before the final gathering of souls at the end of the world.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (New International Version): “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
This passage emphasizes that our work in spreading the gospel is part of a larger process. We each play our role, but it is God who causes the growth. Even if we don’t see the fruits of our labor now, we trust in His timing and His plan.
Therefore, don’t lose heart. The end of the world is indeed approaching, but it’s not yet here. Keep shining the light of Christ in this short time we have left, even if you don’t see the fruit of your labor right away. Leave the outcome in God’s hands. As
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (New Living Translation) says: “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”
God calls us to be faithful in our work, regardless of the immediate results.
Keep moving forward. Continue proclaiming the message of Christ, knowing that your labor is not in vain. Even if you don’t see the results now, trust that God is working, and one day, all will be revealed.
Shalom. Please share this Good News with others.
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THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF GIVING TO THE LORD Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let us take a moment to explore a spiritual principle that is often misunderstood and sometimes overlooked—the importance of giving in the life of a believer. This is not just about money; it’s about understanding the heart of God, the mission of Christ, and our calling as disciples.
One of the areas the enemy fiercely attacks is the spirit of generosity. Satan understands that giving is both a spiritual weapon and a blessing channel. He does not want anyone—believers or non-believers—to develop a generous heart.
Even non-believers, when they give, can experience God’s principles in action.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says,
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Satan resists this truth by promoting selfishness, materialism, and fear of lack—he wants people to be closed-hearted, always thinking they don’t have enough to give.
God is the ultimate Giver. The foundation of the Gospel is giving. John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God is the ultimate Giver. The foundation of the Gospel is giving. John 3:16 (NIV) says,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
When we give, we reflect the very nature of God. It becomes an act of worship, an expression of love, and a tangible sign that we trust God as our provider.
Jesus made it clear that what we do (or don’t do) for others, we do (or don’t do) for Him. In Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV), Jesus says:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… I was a stranger and you invited me in… I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Notice that Jesus refers to the “least of these brothers and sisters of mine.” He is speaking about fellow believers, especially those who suffer for their faith or are in difficult circumstances. These are not just anyone in need, but those in whom Christ dwells by His Spirit.
This is a theological mystery but a biblical reality: although Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), He still experiences suffering through His body—the Church.
Acts 9:4-5 (NIV) recounts Saul’s encounter with Christ:
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Even though Saul was persecuting Christians, Jesus took it personally. In the same way, when we ignore or help a suffering believer, Jesus sees it as done to Him.
There’s a popular teaching today that says if you are saved, you will never be poor, sick, or suffer. But this contradicts the life of Jesus and His apostles. 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 (NIV) says:
“…as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.”
God allows seasons of need not because He is unjust, but to test faith, refine character, and provide opportunities for others to bless and be blessed.
Helping those in need—especially fellow believers—is a direct investment in God’s kingdom. Jesus said in Mark 9:41 (NIV):
“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”
Even the smallest act of kindness done in Christ’s name carries eternal significance. God records and rewards every act of generosity done with the right heart.
Generosity isn’t reserved for the rich, the clergy, or church elders. It is a calling for all believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This includes financial help, hospitality, encouragement, prayer, and practical support.
God doesn’t need our money—He owns everything. But He allows us to partner with Him through giving so that our hearts can grow in love, and so that His people can be supported and strengthened.
When we give to fellow believers in need, we are giving to Christ Himself.
So don’t withhold your hand. Don’t ignore the prompting to help. Whether it’s a financial offering, a visit to someone in prison, food for the hungry, or even just a word of encouragement—do it as unto the Lord.
And remember Jesus’ words:
Acts 20:35 (NIV)
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Maranatha – The Lord is coming soon. Let us be found faithful, loving, and generous.
Please share this message with others—it might be the encouragement they need today.
AVOID SPYING AND INVESTIGATING EVERYTHING GOD HAS PROMISED.
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I welcome you to reflect on the words of life from our God. Welcome.
One thing we must be careful about is examining, scrutinizing, or spying on the promises God has made to us in our lives. It’s not that investigating is inherently wrong—no—but the result of doing so may be that what we encounter will turn out differently from our expectations, and at the end of the day, we may become disheartened, even leading us to offend God, or even reject what He promised us.
To understand this, let’s look at an example of the children of Israel. We know that when they left Egypt, God led them in the wilderness for a very short time. Now, as they were about to enter the Promised Land—a land God had promised them as a land flowing with milk and honey—they were not content to follow God patiently; instead, they wanted to rush things.
What they did was approach Moses and say, “Send men to spy out the land for us, to see if what God promised us is really there or not.” Remember, God did not command this; it was their own idea. Later, God allowed it through Moses, but He did not command it.
As most of us know, it’s true that they saw the beauty of the land and acknowledged that it was indeed a very attractive land. But the beauty was not all there was; there were also many threats in that land. The beauty became overshadowed by these dangers. Instead of rejoicing in the good they saw, the children of Israel mourned the hardships, disasters, and deaths they witnessed there—the strength, size, and advanced technology and weapons of the people who lived there.
This greatly angered God, so much so that He swore that all those who left Egypt would die without seeing the land, except for Joshua and Caleb.
They also angered Moses, who was himself rebuked by God and told that he would not enter the land either.
Numbers 13:22-27, 34-37 (paraphrased in English):22 “Then they went up and explored the land, coming to the Valley of Eshcol, and they spied it out.23 They brought back some of its fruit to us and reported, ‘The land that the Lord our God is giving us is a good land.’26 But you did not trust the Lord your God; you grumbled in your tents, saying, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.’ 34 The Lord heard your words, and His anger burned. He swore, saying,35 ‘Not one of the men of this evil generation will see the land I swore to give their ancestors, except Caleb son of Jephunneh; he will see it, and I will give him and his children the land he explored, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’37 The Lord was angry with me because of you and said, ‘You will not enter it either.’”
Numbers 13:22-27, 34-37 (paraphrased in English):22 “Then they went up and explored the land, coming to the Valley of Eshcol, and they spied it out.23 They brought back some of its fruit to us and reported, ‘The land that the Lord our God is giving us is a good land.’26 But you did not trust the Lord your God; you grumbled in your tents, saying, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.’
34 The Lord heard your words, and His anger burned. He swore, saying,35 ‘Not one of the men of this evil generation will see the land I swore to give their ancestors, except Caleb son of Jephunneh; he will see it, and I will give him and his children the land he explored, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’37 The Lord was angry with me because of you and said, ‘You will not enter it either.’”
All this teaches us that it’s not that God is displeased with us for inspecting His promises, but the danger lies in the potential for destruction. God often hides His blessings in surprising circumstances—sometimes in affliction, trials, illness, hardship, or suffering. That is why He wants His people always to live by faith, trusting only in Him.
Look at Joseph. He was shown that his brothers would betray him. If he had lived assuming that everything would always be easy, suddenly, without challenge… there would have been no betrayal by his brothers, no imprisonment in the king’s prison for many years, no long period of being a servant to another person. God would have been forgotten for a long time.
Likewise, for you, the saved one, all the promises and blessings that God promised to all His faithful chosen ones will come at the right time. Perhaps God will first use you in other levels of service, or provide blessings in the physical realm such as money, a house, or possessions. Do not scrutinize when; just think positively all the time, remain neutral, and trust God in every situation. You might face setbacks today and think God is not with you, but that is the path toward achieving your vision.
May the Lord help us to walk in His spiritual principles.
God bless you abundantly.
(Romans 1:14)
“I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.” — Romans 1:14–15 (NIV)
When Paul says he is “obligated,” the original Greek word used is opheilētēs, which means “a debtor” or someone who owes a debt. Paul isn’t speaking about financial debt, but a spiritual one. He felt deeply responsible for sharing the Gospel with everyone because of the grace he had received from Christ.
In Paul’s cultural context:
The same applies to the wise and the foolish—categories that reflect levels of intellectual receptiveness.
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” — 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NIV)
Paul knew that regardless of their education or background, all people needed the Gospel.
The Gospel transcends human boundaries—ethnic, intellectual, or social. Paul’s theology affirms:
Paul saw himself as a vessel through which this message should be delivered—urgently and inclusively.
Paul often encountered two types of responses:
“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” — 1 Corinthians 1:22–23 (NIV)
Jews tended to require miraculous signs, while Greeks preferred rational argument and intellectual reasoning. Paul tailored his approach accordingly:
This principle is seen clearly in Acts 17.
In Acts 17:16–34, Paul addressed the philosophers of Athens:
This shows Paul’s missional adaptability—he neither compromised the truth nor ignored the context.
“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” — 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)
Like Paul, we are also debtors to all people. We have a responsibility to:
Sometimes, the reason people don’t respond is not their resistance—but our failure to approach them wisely.
We must pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to speak in ways that touch each person’s heart and mind.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5 (NIV)
Paul’s approach teaches us:
May we, like Paul, be eager to share the Gospel with all kinds of people, being all things to all people, so that some might be saved.
Maranatha – The Lord is coming soon!
In Philippians 3:1–3 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul writes:
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
In this passage, Paul is warning the believers in Philippi primarily Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians about a group known as the Judaizers. These were Jews who taught that in order to be truly saved, Gentile Christians needed to obey the Law of Moses, including physical circumcision. Paul refers to their insistence on circumcision as “mutilation” (Greek: katatomē) a sharp rebuke implying that this ritual had become nothing more than meaningless cutting of the flesh when separated from genuine faith.
Under the Old Covenant, circumcision was commanded by God as a physical sign of His covenant with Abraham and his descendants:
Genesis 17:10–11 (NKJV)“This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.”
This practice became a cornerstone of Jewish identity and religious life. However, even in the Old Testament, God hinted that true circumcision was spiritual:
Deuteronomy 10:16 (NKJV)“Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”
Jeremiah 4:4 (NKJV)“Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your hearts…”
With the coming of Christ, the requirement for physical circumcision was fulfilled and replaced by spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that those who are truly God’s people are not marked by external rituals but by inward change:
Romans 2:28–29 (NKJV)“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter…”
This inner transformation is what the Bible calls being “born again” a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:3,5 (NKJV)“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Titus 3:5 (NKJV)“…according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
Paul continually warned that relying on the flesh including rituals like circumcision undermines the gospel of grace. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ, not by works of the law:
Galatians 5:2–4 (NKJV)“Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing… You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”
Galatians 6:15 (NKJV)“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.”
In other words, what matters is not whether someone is circumcised in the body, but whether they have been made new by the Holy Spirit.
Those who belong to Christ are recognized not by outward signs, but by the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives:
Romans 8:9 (NKJV)“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
Therefore, spiritual circumcision the cutting away of sin and the old nature is done by the Holy Spirit, not by human hands:
Colossians 2:11–12 (NKJV)“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh… buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith…”
Jesus taught that unless a person is born again, they cannot enter the Kingdom of God. This involves:
Believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Repenting of sin.
Being baptized in water (by immersion) in Jesus’ name.
Receiving the Holy Spirit, who renews the heart and seals the believer as God’s child.
This is the spiritual circumcision that God accepts.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Maranatha!(Our Lord comes!)
Feel free to share this message of truth with others so they too may understand the power of the new birth through Christ.
What does it mean to “pray in the spirit, and also pray with the understanding”?
Question: What did Paul mean when he said, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding”?
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NKJV): 14 – “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NKJV):
14 – “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul addresses confusion in the early Christian church regarding the use of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of speaking in tongues. This confusion has persisted in many church communities to this day, particularly surrounding the nature and purpose of tongues and prophecy.
To understand what Paul meant, it’s important to first grasp the basic function of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts, including tongues, are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7). The gift of tongues, in particular, serves multiple purposes, such as:
The gift of tongues is divided into two categories:
The primary purpose of speaking in tongues is to communicate with God in the spirit. This is a personal prayer language that is not meant to be understood by others unless it is interpreted.
1 Corinthians 14:2 says, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
However, tongues can also serve as a sign to the unbelievers.
In 1 Corinthians 14:22, Paul writes: “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.” The use of tongues in this way is meant to demonstrate the power of God to those who do not yet believe, pointing them toward salvation.
Paul’s statement, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding,” speaks to the balance between the two types of prayer:
Paul’s approach is not to downplay the importance of tongues but to emphasize that understanding should not be neglected. In a corporate setting, tongues should always be accompanied by interpretation, so that the church can be edified.
In 1 Corinthians 14:6-12, Paul addresses the confusion caused by speaking in tongues without interpretation. He explains that if a person speaks in tongues without offering an interpretation, they are only speaking to themselves and God, not edifying others. He likens it to speaking a foreign language in a place where no one understands it— it would be unhelpful to the listeners (1 Corinthians 14:11).
Paul then urges those who speak in tongues to pray that they may also interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13). Without interpretation, the tongues are only beneficial for the speaker, not the congregation.
The gift of tongues is complemented by the gift of interpretation of tongues, which allows the message spoken in tongues to be understood by others. 1 Corinthians 12:10 lists the gift of interpretation as a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages believers to desire the gift of prophecy and interpretation, as prophecy edifies the church in a way that tongues alone cannot (1 Corinthians 14:5).
Paul’s conclusion in
1 Corinthians 14:19 is clear: “Yet in the church, I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
Here, Paul highlights the importance of speaking in a way that benefits the body of Christ as a whole, particularly through understanding, teaching, and prophecy.
Paul’s teaching is that both forms of prayer (in the spirit and with understanding) should be used appropriately. In private, praying in the spirit (in tongues) is a powerful means of personal edification, as the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). But in public worship, praying with understanding (in a known language) is essential for the edification of others, so they can join in prayer and worship.
As we see from 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, spiritual gifts are meant to be used in an orderly and edifying manner within the church. 1 Corinthians 14:33 states, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” Therefore, when we speak in tongues, we must be mindful of how it affects others, ensuring that it builds up the body of Christ and does not cause disorder.
God bless you.