Title October 2021

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Let us begin with the scripture:

Deuteronomy 23:18 (ESV) – “You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.”

Understanding the Terms: “Prostitute” and “Dog”

In this verse, two forms of illicit income are mentioned:

• The fee of a prostitute, referring to money earned through female prostitution.

• The wages of a dog, a metaphor for a male prostitute. In ancient Hebrew context, the word “dog” (Hebrew: keleb) could be a derogatory term referring to male cult prostitutes, particularly those associated with pagan temple rituals (see also Strong’s Concordance H3611).

This usage reflects both moral corruption and ritual impurity. Male prostitution, often practiced in pagan temples, was directly tied to idolatry and sexual perversion, which God forbade for Israel (see Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Kings 14:24).

Leviticus 18:22 (ESV) – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”

1 Kings 14:24 (ESV) – “…there were also male cult prostitutes in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations that the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.”

These male prostitutes were often linked to Canaanite fertility worship and were considered detestable because their acts directly opposed God’s design for sexuality and worship.

Why God Forbids These Offerings

God is holy, and His house must be kept holy. Offerings to God were to be from clean hands and pure hearts (see Psalm 24:3–4). God rejected not only sinful acts but also any proceeds gained through sin, especially sexual immorality tied to idolatry.

Proverbs 15:8 (ESV) – “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.”

By forbidding the earnings of prostitution (both female and male), God emphasizes that the source of an offering matters. It is not enough to give to God—how we live and how we earn matters deeply to Him.

Holiness as the True Offering

Scripture teaches that holiness is the first and most important offering God seeks from us. Without repentance and sanctification, our gifts—even generous ones—are not pleasing to Him.

Romans 12:1 (ESV) – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Jesus also reaffirmed this principle in the New Testament:

Matthew 9:13 (ESV) – “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

In other words, God desires transformed lives more than outward religious acts.

The Heart Behind the Offering

Jesus instructed believers to reconcile with others and come before God with sincerity, not hypocrisy:

Matthew 5:23–24 (ESV) – “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

This shows that God values right relationships and internal purity above ritual sacrifice.

Final Judgment: Who Will Inherit Eternal Life?

Scripture warns that those who continue in willful sin, including sexual immorality and deceit, without repentance, will be excluded from the Kingdom of God:

Revelation 22:14–15 (ESV) – “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

The term “dogs” here again refers to those living in moral and spiritual corruption—those who have rejected God’s path of holiness.

Summary and Encouragement

• God forbids income from prostitution (male or female) from being used in offerings to Him.

• Holiness and sincere repentance are what God desires more than material gifts.

• We are called to live holy lives, offer ourselves to God, and repent from sin.

• Those who persist in sin and refuse to repent are in danger of being excluded from eternal life.

May we strive to live in holiness, offering ourselves fully to the Lord.

Maranatha! (The Lord is coming.)
Please share this message with others so that they too may be edified.

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Many people say they are saved—but what does it truly mean to be saved? Is it just a prayer you say once, or a transformed life that continues daily? Today, we’ll explore this through the story of Zacchaeus, a man whose encounter with Jesus shows what genuine salvation looks like.

1. Zacchaeus: A Life-Changing Encounter

Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) gives us the account:

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ … Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house.’”
– Luke 19:5, 8-9 (NIV)

Zacchaeus wasn’t just curious about Jesus—he was ready to change. When Jesus called him, he responded with joy, humility, and radical generosity. His response revealed a heart that had truly repented.

2. The Fruit of True Repentance

Notice what Jesus said after Zacchaeus committed to making things right:

“Today salvation has come to this house…” – Luke 19:9 (NIV)

Zacchaeus didn’t just say sorry. He corrected the wrongs he had done. This aligns with what John the Baptist preached:

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” – Matthew 3:8 (NIV)

In other words, true repentance is not just a feeling or a statement—it results in visible, tangible change. This kind of repentance involves both the heart and the hands: a change in attitude and behavior.

3. Restitution: A Biblical Principle

Zacchaeus restored four times what he had taken. This reflects the Old Testament principle of restitution for theft or fraud:

“If anyone sins… by deceiving a neighbor… he must return what he has stolen… and must add a fifth of the value to it.” – Leviticus 6:2-5 (NIV)

While the Mosaic Law required a 20% increase, Zacchaeus went far beyond—demonstrating a heart deeply convicted and eager to make things right. This is a key indicator of genuine conversion.

4. Salvation Is Evident

Salvation is not hidden; it produces evidence. Jesus said:

“By their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:16 (NIV)

If we claim to follow Christ, our lives should show it—not just in words, but in deeds. That includes:

• Letting go of wealth or possessions gained through sin

• Walking away from immoral relationships

• Changing how we dress, speak, and conduct ourselves

• Making amends with those we’ve wronged

5. Lip Service vs. Life Change

Jesus warned of people who honor Him with their lips but not with their lives:

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” – Matthew 15:8 (NIV)

Repentance that doesn’t lead to transformation is false. A changed heart leads to a changed life.

6. God Is Still Calling

Just like Zacchaeus, God is calling people today. He is ready to enter your “house”—your life—if you’re ready to respond in repentance and faith.

“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10 (NIV)

Conclusion: Has Salvation Reached Your House?

If your repentance hasn’t resulted in change, it’s time to begin again.
Let go of sinful habits, make things right, and live a life that reflects Jesus. The call is not to perfection, but to surrender and transformation.

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

May the Lord bless you and strengthen you as you walk in true repentance.
Please share this message—it may be the turning point for someone else.

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Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we study the Bible, the Word of God, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Today, we’ll be learning about a man named Theophilus. The Bible doesn’t provide a lot of details about him, but he played a significant role in the spread of the gospel.

Before we dive into Theophilus’ story, let’s first establish some background on certain letters found in the Bible.

In the New Testament, we come across several letters written to individuals. These letters, originally intended for specific people, have proven to be helpful even to us today. For example, we have the letters Paul wrote to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. These letters were meant to build them up in their faith and ministry, but God allowed them to be preserved and read by many, even up to this day.

Timothy, Titus, and Philemon probably never imagined that the letters they received from Paul would be read by countless generations to come. They, along with Paul, were unaware of the impact these letters would have.

It’s a bit like you writing a letter today to a distant relative, and many years from now, that letter ends up being read all over the world. You’d be amazed! That’s exactly what happened with Paul and these individuals. They exchanged letters to strengthen each other in their ministry, but God had much bigger plans for those letters.

We’re using these three as examples because they’re well-known, but there was another important person in the Bible who played a significant role in the writing of the scriptures—though he isn’t as famous as Timothy. This person is THE HONORABLE THEOPHILUS.

Just like Paul wrote First and Second Timothy, there were also letters written by Luke, which we could call First and Second Letters to Theophilus.

Many of us don’t realize that the books of Luke and Acts were originally written as personal letters to one individual, not to the general public or the whole church. These books were specifically addressed to one man Theophilus. In other words, the books of Luke and Acts could be referred to as The First Letter to Theophilus and The Second Letter to Theophilus.

So, who exactly was Theophilus?

In short, Theophilus was a high-ranking official, probably a Roman, and not a Jew. He was a man of status, and he had a particular interest in the story of Jesus and His Apostles, especially Paul. However, he wasn’t sure what to believe about what he was hearing. By the time he heard these stories, Jesus had already ascended to heaven, Paul was elderly, and the Apostles were scattered across the world.

Because of his position and wisdom, Theophilus sought out Luke who had traveled extensively with Paul on his missionary journeys and asked him to investigate and write an accurate account of all he had heard about Jesus and the Apostles. Theophilus wanted to get the truth and be certain about the stories he had heard.

We don’t know exactly how much support Theophilus gave Luke to complete this task, but we know he did it wholeheartedly.

Luke, being a well-educated man (he was a physician) and a devoted follower of Christ, diligently compiled an account of Jesus’ life from His birth to His ascensionand then continued to write about the Acts of the Apostles after Jesus’ ascension. He also chronicled Paul’s missionary journeys and how the gospel was spread to the Gentiles.

After gathering and writing all this information, Luke sent it to Theophilus. And these are the books we now read as the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

Without a doubt, when Theophilus received these two letters, he was greatly satisfied. His doubts were resolved, and he glorified God for the clarity he now had.

Let’s take a brief look at the introductions to these letters Luke wrote to Theophilus, and then we’ll consider what we can learn from him.

Luke 1:1-4 (NIV)

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning,
I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

Acts 1:1-3 (NIV)z
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach
until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.
After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.”

SO, WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THEOPHILUS?

First, consider how many valuable lessons and teachings we find in the books of Luke and Acts. If you’ve read them, you know how foundational and rich in faith they are.

Theophilus wasn’t satisfied with just hearing surface-level stories about Jesus. He wanted to know the full details how Jesus was born, the circumstances surrounding His birth, who His family was, what He preached, for how long, how He died, how He rose again, and where He is now. Perhaps Theophilus wanted to know all this for his own benefit, but also for his children and family.

Theologically, Theophilus exemplifies the believer’s desire for a deeper, more personal relationship with the truth of the gospel. His pursuit reflects a biblical model of discipleship that seeks to understand the fullness of God’s revelation. In Luke 1:3, we see Luke’s intentional effort to deliver a “carefully investigated” and “orderly” account. This underscores the importance of accuracy and depth in understanding the events of salvation history, which is foundational to the Christian faith.

His goal was to avoid being misled by false teachings or the confusion that was spreading at the time. He sought reliable, accurate information. So, he went to Luke, who he believed was the best person to provide him with a trustworthy account.

And Luke, in turn, investigated thoroughly and wrote everything in detail.

Theologically, this demonstrates the reliability of Scripture. Luke wasn’t merely recounting oral traditions or popular stories. He carefully investigated the events he described, ensuring that his writings were reliable. This speaks to the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, which asserts that Scripture, in its original manuscripts, is fully truthful and trustworthy in all that it affirms.

That’s why Luke says:

“…I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

As we’ve seen, Theophilus didn’t just want to hear about Jesus. He also wanted to know about the Acts of the Apostles what they did, how they spread the gospel, and especially about Paul. He wanted to know who Paul was, how he encountered Jesus, and what he went through on his journeys. Luke wrote everything down, leaving nothing out!

Now, think about how much we’ve learned from the book of Acts about Paul’s life and ministry. There’s so much we can take from it. We see that the journey of faith involves highs and lows, suffering, and challenges. This is consistent with the theology of the Christian life, which teaches that the believer’s walk will involve perseverance through trials (Romans 5:3-4) and that suffering produces spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4).

So, because Theophilus sought to know and pursued the truth with diligence, it has become a blessing to us as well.

Likewise, we should be like Theophilus when it comes to matters of the Kingdom of Heaven. When we diligently seek to understand God’s Word, the knowledge we gain not only benefits us, but it also helps others and future generations.

Theologically, this teaches us the importance of the pursuit of truth. The Bible encourages believers to “study to show [themselves] approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). Theophilus’ quest for certainty in the gospel challenges us to approach God’s Word with diligence, desiring a deeper understanding of God’s redemptive plan, just as he did.

Maybe today, you’re doing something smal—writing something down or teaching your children. It might seem insignificant, but you don’t know what God’s plan for it might be in the future. Perhaps Theophilus thought he wanted the letters for his own benefit and for his family. But God had a much greater plan for those letters, impacting millions of people in generations to come.

Ask yourself how great is the reward awaiting Theophilus? And he wasn’t even a Jew!

One day, he will stand before the Lord and realize that his quest for truth not only blessed his own family but also impacted billions of people across generations. Right now, Theophilus is asleep in the grave, but at the resurrection, he will see the vast reward for his effort. And perhaps, had he known, he would have asked for even more knowledge to be written down for an even greater crown.

Because of his diligence, we have the books of Luke and Acts.

Matthew 8:11 (NIV)

“I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”

May the Lord help us do something today that will benefit us and future generations.

Maranatha!

Notes on Theological Concepts:

1. Reliability of Scripture: Luke’s careful investigation (Luke 1:3) points to the reliability of the biblical text, which aligns with the doctrine of the inerrancy of Scripture.
2. Biblical Discipleship: Theophilus’ desire for a thorough understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry reflects the biblical model of discipleship—pursuing a deep and full knowledge of Christ.
3. Suffering and Spiritual Growth: The theological theme of enduring hardship for spiritual growth is reinforced by Paul’s missionary journeys and the challenges he faced (Romans 5:3-4).

I hope this expanded version is what you had in mind! Let me know if you need any additional details.

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