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What is Cedar Wood?

Cedar wood refers to a type of tree that was commonly found in the region of Lebanon, located north of Israel. While cedar trees grew in various parts of the ancient world, they thrived most abundantly in Lebanon. This tree was renowned for its superior quality and durability compared to other types of timber. Cedar wood was hard and resistant to decay, making it highly valuable for many uses, especially construction.

Lebanon became wealthy through the trade of cedar wood, as many powerful nations such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Israel imported this timber for various purposes, particularly building.

King David famously used cedar from Lebanon to build his palace:

2 Samuel 5:11 (ESV)
“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters and masons, who built David a house.”

David also mentioned his own humble dwelling made of cedar wood contrasted with the Ark of the Covenant:

2 Samuel 7:2 (ESV)
“You shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling.’”

(Note: David’s house was of cedar, while God’s presence was still in the tent.)

Later, Solomon, David’s son, built the temple of the Lord using large amounts of cedar from Lebanon:

1 Kings 5:5-6 (ESV)
“Behold, I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to my father David, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’ So now command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will be with your servants, and to you will I give whatever wages you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”

Even after Solomon’s temple was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar, the second temple rebuilt by Zerubbabel also used cedar wood imported from Lebanon:

Ezra 3:6-7 (ESV)
“From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, but the foundation of the house of the Lord was not yet laid. So they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the Sidonians and Tyrians to bring cedar logs from Lebanon by sea to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia.”

Cedar Wood as a Symbol of Prosperity and Righteousness

In biblical symbolism, cedar wood represents wealth, strength, and endurance, much like gold. Two valuable materials frequently mentioned in the construction of the temple are cedar wood and gold — both signifying divine beauty, glory, and preciousness.

Just as cedar trees stand tall and flourish in Lebanon, the righteous are promised to prosper and endure before God:

Psalm 92:12-15 (ESV)
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”

This passage beautifully connects the flourishing life of the righteous to the strength and longevity of the cedar tree. The cedar’s durability and grandeur metaphorically illustrate the spiritual vitality and lasting honor given to those who walk in righteousness.

Who Are the Righteous?

Being “righteous” in Scripture does not simply mean claiming to do good works or moral deeds outside of a relationship with Christ. True righteousness is positional and relational, granted by faith in Jesus Christ. It means having been justified by grace through faith, receiving the Holy Spirit, and living in obedience empowered by God.

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”
— Romans 3:21-22 (ESV)

Anyone who trusts in their own efforts apart from Christ is not truly righteous before God. Only those who have received Jesus by faith, who have been baptized into Him, and who walk by the Spirit can be counted as righteous.

Final Blessing

Just as cedar trees were highly esteemed for their strength and beauty, so too will those who are righteous in God’s eyes flourish and be honored. May God bless us all to be firmly rooted in Him, growing strong and flourishing like the majestic cedar.

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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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What Is the “Wages of a Dog” in Deuteronomy 23:18? A Biblical and Theological Explanation

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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Today salvation has come to this house…”

 

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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WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE HONORABLE THEOPHILUS?

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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What Does the Word “Fasting” Mean in the Bible?

 

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.”

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.

 

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