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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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WHO GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO DO THIS?

 

WHO GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO DO THIS?

Have you ever considered the devil’s strategy in accusing Jesus—the argument strong enough to lead to His crucifixion? Understanding this reveals how Satan sets traps for believers, particularly in the end times.

The Bible tells us that the Jewish leaders searched for reasons to condemn Jesus but found none that could legitimately stick. It wasn’t until the final moments that they resorted to an accusation that carried weight: the Temple.

Matthew 26:59-61 (ESV):
“Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last, two came forward and said, ‘This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”

At first glance, this may seem like a simple statement about the Temple. But theologically, it highlights several key points:

  1. Satan’s cunning: There were many statements Jesus made that could have justified His death in the minds of His accusers, such as when He called them children of the devil instead of Abraham (John 8:44 ESV). Yet the Temple statement had a specific weight—it touched on God’s dwelling place, the spiritual heart of Israel. Satan’s strategy was to use human pride and misunderstanding to bring Jesus to the cross.

  2. The Temple as a spiritual symbol: The Temple in Jerusalem represented God’s presence among His people. When Jesus spoke of destroying and raising it in three days, He was not referring to Herod’s stone structure but to His body, the true dwelling place of God (John 2:19-21 ESV). This reveals Christ’s ultimate purpose: the establishment of the new covenant through His death and resurrection, where believers become God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:19-22).

  3. Historical preparation by God and opposition by Satan: During Zerubbabel’s time, the rebuilding of the Second Temple was opposed by enemies, and the Spirit guided the Jewish leaders to refuse their help (Ezra 4:1-3 ESV). Centuries later, Herod the Great extensively renovated the Temple, spending 46 years and immense resources (John 2:20 ESV). While this made the Temple magnificent in appearance, Satan’s hand was at work: turning God’s house into a place of commerce and human control.

Herod’s Temple became a center of economic exploitation and human authority, where strict regulations meant anyone wishing to innovate or challenge the system needed Herod’s permission—or faced death. The priests and the people were silenced by fear, a spiritual warning that human authority can obscure God’s authority when corrupted.

When Christ entered this Temple, He disrupted all commercial activity, showing that true worship must be pure and holy, not corrupted by profit or human agendas (Matthew 21:12-13 ESV). This angered the Jewish leaders, who asked:

Luke 20:2 (ESV):
“‘Tell us by what authority you are doing these things. Who gave you this authority?’”

Their question reveals a human tendency to confuse earthly authority with divine authority. The ultimate authority belongs to God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, acts with divine authority—not human permission.

Theological lessons for believers today:

  • Satan understands the end times: he knows Christ will reclaim His church and will attempt to infiltrate it through deception (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ESV). This is why false doctrines and corrupt religious systems proliferate.

  • True salvation is not about religious affiliation or denominational loyalty. It comes through repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and living in holiness (Acts 2:38 ESV; 1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV).

  • Believers must discern between the appearance of godliness and the power of God (2 Timothy 3:5 ESV). Practices not rooted in Scripture—idol worship, praying to saints, or unscriptural rituals—are traps of deception.

Even today, Satan does not have full power to destroy humanity. But in the end times, he will have temporary authority to persecute believers who resist the great deception (Revelation 13:7 ESV). Only those who are truly in Christ, living under God’s guidance, will stand firm.

So, the question remains: have you truly been saved, or are you relying on your religion or denomination for security? Denominations cannot save; only a personal relationship with Christ can. Salvation requires repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and a life committed to holiness.

Repent today, for Christ could return at any moment.

Maranatha.

 

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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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Preaching The Gospel Out Of Envy And Rivalry What Does It Mean?

Question: What did the Apostle Paul mean when he said, “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill” (Philippians 1:15)? What does it mean to preach the Gospel out of envy?

Answer: To understand what Paul meant, it’s good to read the whole passage:

Philippians 1:12–18

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison. During his imprisonment, two groups of preachers emerged who began proclaiming the very same gospel he had preached.

  • The first group preached out of genuine love for Christ, with the same pure intentions Paul had to save souls and serve the Lord without expecting any gain in return.
  • The second group, however, preached with ulterior motives. They wanted to undermine Paul, compete with his authority, and draw attention to themselves. Their envy grew because Paul’s ministry had become so widely known and respected. They took advantage of his imprisonment to preach in a way that suggested Paul was no more special than they were. Some even spoke ill of him in hopes of worsening his situation with the authorities.

Surprisingly, Paul didn’t respond with bitterness. Instead, he rejoiced. Why? Because regardless of their motives, the Gospel of Christ was still being preached, and people were being saved.

What can we learn from Paul and these rival preachers?

This shows us that the Gospel can still bear fruit even when preached by people with wrong motives. Today, too, there are false teachers who draw people to Christ, but that doesn’t mean they themselves will be accepted by Him on the Day of Judgment.

Jesus made this clear in:

Matthew 7:21–23

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’

23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

So we must be careful about our motives in preaching. Are we truly serving the Lord? Or are we competing with a certain pastor, apostle, prophet, or minister?

Likewise, as preachers of the true Gospel, we shouldn’t retaliate when false teachers oppose us. If the message they proclaim is truly the Gospel of Christ, let us rejoice in the fruits, just as Paul did. The rest judgment of motives belongs to God alone on that day.

May the Lord bless you.

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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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UNDERSTANDING HOW GOD AND SATAN SPEAK TO PEOPLE.

 

UNDERSTANDING HOW GOD AND SATAN SPEAK TO PEOPLE

Have you ever truly reflected on the words of the Lord Jesus?

John 8:38 – “I speak what I have seen with my Father; and you do what you have heard from your father.”

Jesus said this to the Jews (the Pharisees and scribes) at the time they were plotting to kill Him. But pause and think—when exactly did they sit down and hear Satan whisper in their ears, giving them instructions to kill Jesus?

We shouldn’t imagine Satan literally sitting next to them saying, “Now it’s time to kill Jesus, go!” That didn’t happen. But Jesus never lies. He must have seen that they were listening to Satan, following his voice, and carrying out everything he prompted them to do. That’s why Jesus says:

John 8:44 – “You belong to your father, the Devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has never lived in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks naturally, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Dear friend, the voice of Satan isn’t usually heard in visions, dreams, or through spirits. Likewise, we don’t hear God’s voice in that way either. We perceive God’s voice by observing what He does. Similarly, we can understand Satan’s voice by observing the works he inspires.

For example, the Jews became jealous of Jesus because God was sending Him to bring everyone into the light. They were filled with the thought of wanting to kill Him—a thought they had seen bear fruit in others before, so they followed it. That thought itself was the voice of Satan giving them direction.

Even today, when you feel the urge to return to sin, that’s already Satan’s voice. You obey it when you look at sexual content online, indulge in masturbation, go to clubs, or watch romantic movies constantly. In the spiritual realm, Jesus sees you sitting at the same table with Satan, listening carefully to his voice.

The same principle applies to God’s children. They hear God by observing what He does. As Jesus said, “I speak what I have seen with my Father.” Not through visions—Jesus observed God’s work on Earth, imitated it, and acted accordingly.

One example of what Jesus observed and imitated is showing COMPASSION, FORGIVENESS, LOVING YOUR ENEMIES, and KINDNESS even to the ungrateful.

Luke 6:35-36 – “But love your enemies, do good, and lend without expecting anything in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

You see, when you show these qualities—being kind to those who cannot repay you—you are spiritually seated at the same table with God, listening to Him as He guides your actions. This goes beyond voices, dreams, or visions—you perceive it through actions.

Matthew 5:46-48 – “For if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing? Even the pagans do that. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

So let us learn to recognize the voice of God by observing His works. Likewise, we must learn to discern the voice of our enemy, Satan, so we can avoid him. Satan will never just whisper in your ear, “Go sin”—that doesn’t happen.

Have you been saved? Do you understand that we are living in a time of grace, and Christ could return at any moment? What are you waiting for? How will you feel if the rapture happens and you are left behind? What will you tell Jesus? Repent of your sins today and return fully to God. The gospel is not something to delay with; it is a call for immediate action. Time is short.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

 

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