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What Is Shiloh?

In the Bible, Shiloh was a holy city. Before God chose Jerusalem as the city where He would put His name forever, the Israelites used to gather in Shiloh as the sacred place for worship and sacrifices.

After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the Ark of the Covenant was placed in Shiloh. The Ark remained there for many years until the Philistines took it away because of the sins of the Israelites (1 Samuel 4:10–11).

It was also in Shiloh where the prophet Samuel was raised and lived all his life (1 Samuel 1:24).

Geographically, the city of Shiloh was located north of Bethel, near Samaria.

You can read more about Shiloh in the following passages: Joshua 18:8–10; Joshua 19:51; Joshua 21:2; Judges 18:31; Judges 21:19; 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalm 78:60.

But the question is: Is Shiloh still a holy place today?

The answer is No!

Shiloh today is no longer in Israel it is found in the Word of God.

In the truth of God’s Word and in the Holy Spirit, we worship the Father, just as the Lord Jesus said:

John 4:21–23 (ESV)

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.’”

So, have you received the Holy Spirit? Are you living according to the Word?

May the Lord bless you.

Maranatha.

Please share this good news with others!

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Is It True No One Has Ever Seen The Face Of God Except The Lord Jesus?

Question: Moses had direct communication with God almost face to face and even saw His glory. Yet in John 1:18, John seems to say that no one has ever seen God, except Christ alone.

Answer:

The “seeing” of God mentioned here does not mean looking upon His physical face as if to describe His appearance, what He looks like, or the shape of His features. No, that is not the meaning. Rather, it refers to knowing and understanding Him.

For example, when we say, “We have seen the hand of the Lord,” it does not mean we literally saw His physical hand in heaven, or that it came down and we observed its color and number of fingers! No. What we mean is that we have seen His mighty power at work.

In the same way, when we say we have “seen the Lord” in our lives, it does not mean He appeared before us physically, but that we have experienced His presence and recognized His reality.

Therefore, when Scripture says no one has ever seen God, it does not mean no one has ever seen His physical form it means no one has ever fully known or understood Him in His power, authority, and nature except Christ alone. Others may have had partial knowledge of Him, but not to the extent that God intended. In that sense, it is as if they had not truly seen Him. Only the Lord Jesus fully knew and revealed the Father to us.

Luke 10:22

“All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Do you see? Only Christ truly knew the Father as He should be known. Moses did not fully know God that is why the Law of Moses could not make anyone perfect. Christ alone came to reveal God to us as He truly is, and to show us His perfect will.

John 1:17

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

For example, the disciples of Jesus saw Him every day, but they still did not truly know Him the eyes of their hearts were closed. That is why, when He asked them who He was, they could not answer correctly until Peter by revelation from the Father confessed that He was the Son of God. This fulfilled the Scripture: “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Therefore, the Lord Jesus the Son of God is everything. There is no other person, no other prophet we can follow and reach heaven. The law of Moses could not bring anyone into the presence of the Father, nor could the teachings of any other prophet. Only Jesus opened the way for us to reach the Father in heaven, because He alone knows the Father. And the way to the Father is Christ Himself His life and His Word.

John 14:5–6

“Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Do you want to go to the Father in heaven?

If yes, then know this: The Way is Jesus. No other knowledge, religion, or wisdom can take you there only Jesus! He is the One who has seen the Father, and the Father Himself confirmed Him. There is no shortcut to eternal life.

Therefore, if you have not yet received Him, receive Him today. Repent, be baptized, and let Him enter your life to guide you in the way of eternal life.

Maranatha!

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WOMAN, DAUGHTER, MOTHER  Part 2

WOMAN, DAUGHTER, MOTHER  Part 2

A message for women from a biblical and spiritual perspective

This is the second part of a teaching series for women. In the first part, we explored why Jesus, when He encountered the sinful woman, referred to her simply as “woman” not based on her appearance, age, or physical traits, but based on her gender and divine identity as a woman. The term “woman” carried spiritual weight, highlighting that her encounter with Christ carried a message for all women.

If you missed that first teaching, feel free to message me and I’ll send it to you.

Today’s Focus DAUGHTER

At other times in Scripture, Jesus refers to women not just as “women,” but tenderly and intimately as His “daughters.” Remarkably, some of these women may have been older than Jesus in age, yet He still called them “daughter” revealing that His perspective was spiritual, not physical.

Let us consider one key story to understand the divine message Jesus was communicating to the world through this woman:

Matthew 9:20–22 (ESV)

20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment,
21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”
22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.

Why did Jesus call her “daughter”?

He could have called her “woman,” “mother,” or “lady,” yet He deliberately called her “daughter.” Why?

Because of the unique and unwavering faith she demonstrated. Despite suffering for 12 years and spending all she had on physicians with no solution (Mark 5:25–26), she did not approach Jesus with skepticism or doubt. She didn’t compare Him to the charlatans of her past. Instead, she believed completely in His power without demanding signs, words, or attention.

She said not, “I hope I’ll be healed,” or “Maybe He can help.”
She said: “I will be made well.”
a declaration of total, confident faith.

She didn’t ask for prayers or a personal visit. She believed that simply touching the edge of His garment was enough.

That kind of faith is what moved Jesus to call her “My daughter.”

It was not a term of biological relation, but of spiritual intimacy and inheritance. By calling her “daughter,” Jesus was declaring:

“You are no longer just a suffering woman you are My own child, a rightful heir of My Father’s Kingdom.”

Who Are the Daughters of Jesus Today?

Let us reflect honestly: How many women today would Jesus confidently call “My daughter”?

Jesus does not call you His daughter because of your age, beauty, social standing, or how religious you look on the outside. He sees the heart, not the flesh (1 Samuel 16:7). A true daughter of God is one who approaches Jesus with unshakable faith not as a last resort, not as an experiment, but with deep conviction that He alone is the source of life, healing, and purpose.

If you come to Jesus just to “try and see” if He’ll work for you like a spiritual gamble you have misunderstood His identity. He is not like the witch doctors or manipulators of your past.

True daughters of God know who they have believed in (2 Timothy 1:12).

They are not hopping from church to church, chasing after every prophet or trend.
They are not living double lives church on Sunday, the club on Friday.
They are rooted in Christ, consistent in character, confident in His Word, and firm in their identity.

Daughters of God Are Also Heirs

The benefit of being called a daughter of Jesus is far more than a title it is about inheritance.

Romans 8:17 (ESV): “And if children, then heirs ,heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…”

Many assume that everyone will inherit the blessings of heaven. But Scripture is clear only those who truly belong to Him, those who have become sons and daughters through faith and obedience, will receive the Kingdom.

So, Sister… Woman… Daughter…

Jesus is not impressed by appearances, youth, or charm. He is searching for faithful daughters who will leave behind the world and cleave to Him completely.

2 Corinthians 6:17–18 (ESV):
“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

These are the last days. Christ is returning soon. Are you still wavering, still playing with the world? The gospel today is not a soft call it is a wake up call. Now is the time to fully surrender.

Maranatha  Come, Lord Jesus!

Don’t miss the final part of this teaching series, where we will explore why Jesus also referred to some women as “Mother.”

Until then, may the Lord bless you and awaken in you the full identity of a true daughter of the King.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.
(See Revelation 22:20)

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WOMAN, DAUGHTER, MOTHER  Part 1

A Teaching Series for Women
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the first part of a new series focused on women in the Bible.

There have been other teachings on women shared previously. If you missed any and would like to receive them, feel free to send me a message.

Today’s Focus: How Jesus Recognized Women During His Earthly Ministry

As we examine the earthly ministry of Jesus, we discover that He addressed different women in unique ways  each with divine intention and profound meaning.

Sometimes, He called a woman “Daughter.”
Other times, He called her “Mother.”
And in some instances, simply “Woman.”

These aren’t just casual or interchangeable terms. Each title carries theological and prophetic significance, directed at a specific identity or role. To understand this deeply enhances your Bible study and spiritual growth.

1) Today’s Lesson “WOMAN”  A Divine Acknowledgment of Gender

When Jesus addressed someone as “Woman,” He was not referring to her status, age, or social class  but to her God given gender.

To call someone “woman” is to acknowledge something foundational and sacred: she is a bearer of the image of God in her femininity. This is not a lesser title; it is a call to purpose and identity.

Let us consider a remarkable example from Scripture  the woman in Luke 7, known throughout her city as a sinner. Yet Jesus addressed her as “Woman,” not by her past or her reputation.

The Anointing Woman: Luke 7:37–48 (ESV)

Luke 7:37-38
“And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.”

This woman, unnamed yet unforgettable, offered an extravagant and humble act of devotion. She never spoke a word  but her actions became her prayer.

Luke 7:44-47
“Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.’”

Luke 7:48
“And he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’”

What Do We Learn from This “Woman”?

  • She was known for her sin, but Jesus recognized her devotion.
  • Her repentance was not in words, but in costly, sacrificial action.
  • She brought expensive ointment, poured it out for Jesus.
  • She used her hair  a symbol of glory for a woman (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:15)  to wipe Jesus’ feet.

This was no ordinary act. Most women would protect their appearance, especially their hair. But she humbled herself, breaking through shame, status, and decorum  just to honor Christ.

As a result, Jesus did not call her by her sin, nor by her past. He simply said: “Woman, your sins are forgiven.”

A Call to Every Woman

Before you study the life of apostles like Peter or Paul, pause and learn from women like this one.
She had no title. No position. No name recorded. But she received Jesus’ full attention and complete forgiveness.

Even the Pharisee (Simon), who hosted Jesus at his house, failed to show Him the honor that this “sinful woman” did. She saw His worth  and acted on it.

If you’re a woman who desires:

  • Forgiveness,
  • Favor,
  • Healing,
  • Restoration,

…then do what this woman did: serve Christ with all you are and all you have.
Don’t just pray with words  let your life itself be an offering.

And what does it mean to “anoint the body of Christ” today?
It means: Serve His Church.

  • Give.
  • Clean.
  • Volunteer.
  • Pray.
  • Encourage.
  • Build His Kingdom.

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Women Were Key Supporters of Jesus’ Ministry

Luke 8:2-3 (ESV)
“…and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”

These women weren’t just bystanders. They were pillars of support, using their resources, time, and devotion to uphold the work of Jesus.

Your Role as a Woman is Sacred

Jesus sees the value of women  not by worldly status, but by heart posture and sacrificial love.

So rise up, Woman of God.
You are not defined by your past.
You are not limited by your gender.
You are called to serve Christ, just as faithfully and powerfully as any man or leader.

Serve the Lord with all your heart.
Let your actions be worship.
Let your love be your message.
And let heaven say of you  like it did for that woman:

“Woman, your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48)

Maranatha  The Lord is Coming.
May the Lord bless you richly.

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FOLLOW GOD’S WEEKLY SCHEDULE AND BE BLESSED

Greetings in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ! You are welcome as we learn together the words of life.

When we read Genesis chapter one, many of us only notice the act of creation. But what we often miss are the strategies and schedule that God Himself set in place to complete His entire work of creation.

People in the world say, “A wise person learns from those who have succeeded.” Now, among us humans, no one has ever succeeded more than our God, right? When we look at the heavens and the earth, what we see is a masterpiece perfectly designed with no flaws or weaknesses. So, if we too desire to be successful, we must study God’s schedule and how He ordered His work until we see the creation that stands before us today.

In the seven days of creation, God divided His work into three main categories:

  1. Separation
  2. Creation
  3. Rest

1.SEPARATION

In the beginning, God first focused on separating.

In the first day, He separated light from darkness.

Genesis 1:3 4

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

On the second day, He separated the waters above from the waters below by creating the sky in between.

Genesis 1:7–8

7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.

8 God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morningthe second day.

On the third day, He separated the waters from the dry ground, so that land appeared.

Genesis 1:9–10

9 And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so.

10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

On the fourth day, He separated day from night, seasons from seasons, years from years by creating the sun, moon, and stars.

Genesis 1:16–19 

16 God made two great lights the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.

17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth,

18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.

19 And there was evening, and there was morning the fourth day.

Notice that by the fourth day, God had not yet created any animals. His work so far had been separation (apart from plants which appeared on day three).

What does this teach us?

It teaches us not to rush into doing anything before separation has taken place in our own lives. We must first separate light from darkness in our spiritual “week.” Don’t begin your week without dedicating it to the Lord. Start with prayer, attend worship, and deliberately set aside what is evil. If you have wronged someone, make it right. If you are in debt, pay it back. If you have sinned, confess before the Lord. This is what God was demonstrating in the first days.

2. CREATION

After separation came creation.

Only after order was established did God create fish, birds, livestock, wild animals, and finally humankind on the sixth day.

Genesis 1:31 

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning the sixth day.

Lesson: Once we have separated ourselves from what is unclean or disorderly, then whatever we put our hands to do will also be “very good.” Like God’s creation, our works will be free from flaws and weaknesses.

3. REST

Finally, after completing His work in six days, God rested on the seventh.

Genesis 2:2

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

This teaches us that we are not to act as though we are busier than God. If He rested, who are we not to rest? If you work nonstop day and night, week after week, year after year without ever pausing, then whatever you are doing will lose its quality. But when you align your week to God’s schedule, you will surely see positive results whether you are a servant of God, a student, a worker, or a leader.

However, if worship is not important to you, if you never separate yourself from sin, harmful friends, or ungodly conversations; if you never spend time praying, studying God’s Word, or correcting your ways, but only think about money then your week will be wasted. You will be creating in darkness, and your efforts will amount to nothing.

When we speak of following God’s weekly schedule, we don’t mean you must literally do the same thing on day one, two, three, or four. Rather, within the span of your week, make sure each principle is present: separate yourself from sin, build what is good, and set aside time to rest.

Even if you cannot take 24 consecutive hours of rest, ensure you dedicate at least one full day’s worth of time across the week to recharge, as God did.

May the Lord bless you.

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Who Were the Samaritans?

An Exploration of Their Origins, Beliefs, and Jesus’ Redemptive Message

After the Israelites were taken into exile by the Assyrian Empire (around 722 BC), the king of Assyria repopulated the land with people from other nations—such as Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim. This was a common Assyrian practice to break national identities and religious loyalties. These people settled in Samaria, which had been the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

2 Kings 17:24 (NIV)
“The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.”

These settlers were pagans who brought their own gods and religious practices. They did not know the God of Israel, Yahweh, nor how to worship Him. As a result, Scripture says that God allowed lions to attack them—a sign of divine judgment and warning.

2 Kings 17:25 (NIV)
“When they first lived there, they did not worship the Lord; so he sent lions among them and they killed some of the people.”

Recognizing something was wrong, the king of Assyria ordered that a Jewish priest be sent back to the land to teach these people how to worship the God of Israel.

2 Kings 17:27–28 (NIV)
“Then the king of Assyria gave this order: ‘Have one of the priests you took captive from Samaria go back to live there and teach the people what the god of the land requires.’ So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came to live in Bethel and taught them how to worship the Lord.”

However, this resulted in a syncretistic religion. The people continued worshiping their native gods while also trying to incorporate worship of Yahweh. This is evident in the biblical critique:

2 Kings 17:33 (NIV)
“They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.”

Theological Reflection:

This religious compromise made the Samaritans deeply suspect in the eyes of the Jews. While they lived in the land and followed some elements of the Law (especially the Pentateuch—the first five books of Moses), they rejected the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures, including the prophets. As a result, they were viewed as heretical and unclean by orthodox Jews.

This historical and theological divide persisted for centuries. By the time of Jesus, Jews still avoided any close contact with Samaritans.

John 4:9 (NIV)
“The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)”

Jesus Breaks the Barrier:

Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman in John 4 is revolutionary. He not only speaks to her, a Samaritan and a woman (both cultural taboos), but also reveals profound theological truth: that worship of God is no longer tied to physical locations like Mount Gerizim (Samaritan holy site) or Jerusalem, but is spiritual and universal.

John 4:21–23 (NIV)
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

This message underlines the gospel truth: salvation is no longer defined by ethnicity, temple, or tradition, but by faith in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in truth.

A Call to Worship in Spirit and Truth:

True worship, as Jesus teaches, must be in Spirit (empowered by the Holy Spirit) and in Truth (according to the Word of God). It is not about rituals or geography, but relationship.

John 14:6 (NIV)
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Invitation:

Are you worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth today?

If not, you can make that decision now. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Be baptized by immersion in His name, as practiced by the early Church, for the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 2:38 (NIV)
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

Maranatha—The Lord is coming!
Let this truth transform your life—and share it with others.

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TAKE HEART

Jesus turned and saw her, and said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And from that hour, the woman was healed.
— Matthew 9:20-22 (ESV)

Reflect for a moment on the woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years. She dared to touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment, believing that this simple act of faith would heal her. Imagine what must have been going through her mind—and what others thought as they followed Jesus. The answer is yes, she discovered something profoundly significant.

Normally, for a woman in her condition, approaching Jesus publicly was unthinkable—her illness made her ceremonially unclean (see Leviticus 15:25-27). To reach out and touch even the hem of His garment was bold to the point of recklessness. That’s why she did it secretly, without telling anyone, even when Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” she feared to admit it, because she knew the possible consequences: rejection or rebuke.

But Jesus’ response was remarkably different. Instead of condemning or driving her away, He said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” Notice the tender affirmation—He honors even the faintest thoughts and hopes that are sincerely directed toward Him. This reveals a deep truth: faith, even small and vulnerable, is powerful and precious to Christ.

Today, many people wrestle with doubts and discouragement, often silenced by their own conscience or by the opinions of others. Good ideas for serving God can wither inside because people think they must be clergy or have special titles to make a difference. But the truth is, God values every faithful thought and effort, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

You may not be a pastor, prophet, evangelist, or teacher—but that does not diminish the importance of what you can do for God. If you have a vision to share God’s Word, write encouraging messages, or even display Scripture in your community, don’t lose heart. The same God who healed the bleeding woman values your willingness to serve with a sincere heart.

Perhaps you feel called to create a garden for your church, to start a recording studio for testimonies, or to give generously of your resources for the sake of the gospel. Do it—regardless of how others may respond. Jesus notices and blesses those acts of faith and love.

Remember, “At the hem of Jesus’ garment is healing and ministry.” Don’t ignore those “small” ideas or gentle promptings that come to your mind for His sake. Carry them out with a pure heart, and God will delight in your service.

As the book of Revelation reminds us:

Revelation 22:12 (ESV):
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”

So, take heart. Your faith matters. Your service matters. God sees, rewards, and honors every step you take toward Him.

Shalom.

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BUY THE LIVING WATER

The “living water” we read about in the Bible is not just ordinary water from a spring, a well, a river like the Jordan in Israel, nor is it some kind of anointing oil sold around today.

Living water is a spiritual reality that I want us to reflect on deeply today.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus gently introduces the concept of this living water—water that truly satisfies the deepest thirst of the human soul. It’s not water from a physical well.

John 4:5–15 (NIV) recounts this encounter:

“So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
Jesus, tired from the journey, sat down by the well about noon.
Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’
His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.
The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’
‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?
Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’
Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’
‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’”

Have you noticed how Jesus clearly distinguishes the water of the well from the living water? The water from the well satisfies physical thirst temporarily, but the living water Jesus offers satisfies the soul forever.

What exactly is this living water?

Jesus Himself explains it further in John 7:37-39 (ESV):

“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out,
‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’’
Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Here the “living water” is the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of God given to every believer. When we receive the Holy Spirit, our spiritual thirst for sin, for worldly pleasures, and for temporary satisfaction is quenched.

The Holy Spirit fills us with a joy, peace, and righteousness that surpass all earthly desires. Our cravings for sin, such as addiction, immorality, or evil, lose their power because the Spirit satisfies our deepest longings.

This is why receiving the Holy Spirit is so vital for every believer’s life.

However, it’s important to understand that the Bible says this living water is something we buy—not with money or material wealth, but with our lives. When we surrender our lives to Jesus and receive Him as Lord, we pay the cost of owning this living water.

Isaiah 55:1-2 (NIV) invites us:

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”

Notice it says, “Come, buy without money.” The cost is not financial, but the surrender of ourselves to Christ—a spiritual investment.

So here is the question for you: Have you received Jesus? Have you been baptized properly in water in the name of Jesus, signifying your new life in Him? This is the only way to receive the living water.

Jesus invites in Revelation 22:17 (ESV):

“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’
Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

Do you desire the living water today?

Believe in Jesus, repent of your sins genuinely by turning away from them, and if you haven’t yet, be baptized in His name. This is the path to eternal satisfaction.

Maranatha!

Mada Nyinginezo:

YESU ANA KIU NA WEWE.
BIRIKA LA SILOAMU.
USIPOTEZWE NA MANENO YA MANABII WA UONGO.
UFUNUO: Mlango wa 22
WAKO WATATU WASHUHUDIAO MBINGUNI NA DUNIANI.

Rudi nyumbani

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When the Bible Says “All Have Sinned,” Does That Mean There Are No Saints on Earth?

The Bible states, “All have sinned,” but does this mean there are no saints anywhere? Let’s explore this carefully.

Romans 3:22-23 (ESV) says:
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Notice the text says “all have sinned” (past tense), not “all are sinning.” This means there was a point in the past when sin entered humanity, affecting everyone, not that every person continuously sins without exception.

The root cause of this universal sinfulness is the original sin committed by Adam and Eve. Scripture teaches that through one man’s disobedience, sin and its consequences entered the world, affecting all his descendants:

Romans 5:19 (NIV):
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

In other words, because we are all “in Adam” by birth, we inherit a sinful nature. This is what theologians call original sin—a state of moral corruption and separation from God that we are born into, without having chosen it ourselves.

This is why even children can display sinful traits such as anger, selfishness, or pride. It is not just behavior learned, but a condition of the human heart inherited from Adam’s fall.

However, the good news is that this condition can be reversed through Jesus Christ. Jesus is often called the “Second Adam” or “Last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45), who restores what was lost by Adam’s sin:

Romans 5:18-19 (NIV):
“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

When we repent of our sins and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are spiritually born again—made new creations through the Holy Spirit. This new birth cleanses us from original sin and empowers us to live holy lives.

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV):
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 3:9 (NIV) further affirms this new reality:
“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning because they have been born of God.”

This doesn’t mean believers never struggle with sin, but that sin no longer masters them. They have been set free from the dominion of sin and live empowered by God’s grace.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

So yes, there are truly saints on earth—people who have been made holy through faith in Christ, living lives that please God.

Psalm 16:3 (NIV) says:
“As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.”

Final Reflection:
Are you a saint? Have you repented, accepted Jesus, and been baptized? Jesus stands at the door of your heart, ready to come in and transform your life. Those who receive Him are born again and will one day be taken to heaven to live eternally with God. Those who reject Him remain separated and face eternal judgment.

Maranatha! — The Lord is coming!

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Three Who Bear Witness in Heaven and on Earth

A Devotional Study from 1 John 5:6–9
By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

Introduction

Praise be to the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we explore one of the profound truths in Scripture: the testimony affirming that Jesus Christ is the Son of God—a testimony borne not just by men but by God Himself through three witnesses in heaven and three on earth.

“This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.”
—1 John 5:6–8, ESV

I. Understanding the Witnesses in Heaven: The Trinity Testifies

“For there are three that testify in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one.”
(Note: This portion appears in some manuscript traditions but is absent in earliest Greek texts.)

Though 1 John 5:7 in some translations includes “in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit,” modern critical editions (including the ESV, NIV, NASB) omit this clause due to manuscript evidence. However, the theological truth of the Trinitarian witness remains strongly supported throughout Scripture.

1. The Father

  • At Jesus’ baptism, the Father speaks from heaven confirming Jesus’ divine sonship:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” —Matthew 3:17, ESV

2. The Word (Logos)

  • Jesus is identified as the eternal Word of God:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” —John 1:1, ESV
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” —John 1:14, ESV

3. The Holy Spirit

  • The Spirit descends visibly upon Jesus at His baptism:

“…he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.” —Matthew 3:16, ESV

These three—the Father, the Word (Son), and the Holy Spirit—unite in affirming Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, co-equal in the Godhead (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

II. The Earthly Witnesses: Spirit, Water, and Blood

“And there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.” —1 John 5:8, ESV

John now shifts from heaven to earthly witnesses, still confirming Jesus’ divine identity and redemptive mission.

1. Water – Baptism of Jesus

  • Jesus’ baptism was not a formality, but a divine confirmation of His calling and mission.

“It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” —Matthew 3:15, ESV
His baptism inaugurated His public ministry and was affirmed by the Father’s voice and the Spirit’s descent.

2. Blood – Death of Jesus

  • At the crucifixion, Jesus’ shed blood became the means of atonement for sin.

“…the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” —1 John 1:7, ESV
When Jesus died, the Roman centurion exclaimed:
“Truly this man was the Son of God!” —Mark 15:39, ESV

This Roman soldier, having witnessed Jesus’ unique death and the events surrounding it (darkness, earthquake), was so convicted that he made a declaration of divine identity—an earthly testimony from a Gentile.

3. The Spirit – Divine Conviction and Presence

  • The Holy Spirit not only descended at baptism but continues to testify of Jesus through inner conviction, miracles, and regeneration of believers:

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” —Romans 8:16, ESV

III. Theological Significance: Why This Matters

These three earthly witnesses point to vital truths about salvation and Christian identity.

“Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.” —1 John 5:10, ESV

To be true children of God, we also need these three to testify in our lives:

1. Water – Baptism (Obedience to the Gospel)

  • Jesus commanded water baptism as an outward sign of inward faith.

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” —Acts 2:38, ESV

2. Spirit – Regeneration and Indwelling

  • The Holy Spirit must regenerate and seal us.

“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” —John 3:5, ESV
“You…were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” —Ephesians 1:13, ESV

3. Blood – Atonement and Justification

  • Faith in Jesus’ shed blood is central to salvation.

“We have now been justified by his blood…” —Romans 5:9, ESV

IV. Baptism: A Sacred Testimony

Sadly, many today neglect or misunderstand baptism, reducing it to a ritual rather than recognizing it as a public confession of faith and obedience. Christ Himself, though sinless, was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.

Moreover, baptism must be a conscious decision made by those who believe—not infants who cannot confess faith. Nowhere in Scripture is infant baptism commanded or practiced.

Correct Mode and Name in Baptism

  • In the New Testament, baptism is consistently performed in the name of Jesus Christ:

“They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” —Acts 8:16, ESV
“Be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” —Acts 2:38, ESV

This affirms the identity of Jesus as Lord and unites believers into His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).

Conclusion: Do You Bear the Testimony?

Just as heaven and earth bore witness to Jesus’ identity, so we too must receive the Spirit, the water, and the blood in our lives to have God’s testimony within us.

“Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.” —1 John 5:10, ESV

May we not neglect these foundational truths. Let us walk in obedience, faith, and the witness of the Spirit, so that we too may be counted as sons and daughters of the Most High God.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus.

 

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