Title 2022

The term Messiah comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach, meaning “Anointed One.” In ancient Israel, anointing someone with oil was a sign that they were being set apart by God for a special role—such as a king, priest, or prophet. This practice symbolized the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for a divine mission.

In Greek, Messiah translates to Christos, or Christ in English. While the Bible speaks of several individuals who were anointed—like King David or the prophet Elisha—there was always the expectation of one ultimate Messiah who would fulfill all of God’s promises: a Savior, a perfect King, and a righteous Judge.

The Messianic Prophecies

Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies pointed to a coming Redeemer:

• Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us).”
• Micah 5:2 – The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
• Isaiah 53 – Describes the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many.
• Daniel 9:25-26 – Foretells the timing of the Messiah’s coming and His being “cut off,” a reference to His crucifixion.

Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every one of these Messianic prophecies. He was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:22-23), in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7), lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22), died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8), and rose again in power (1 Corinthians 15:4).

The Imperfect “Messiahs” of the Old Testament

Figures like Saul and David were called the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13), but they were human and flawed. David committed adultery and murder; Saul disobeyed God and eventually turned away from Him. Although these men were chosen by God, they were types or shadows pointing toward the true and perfect Anointed One—Jesus Christ.

David himself, in Psalm 110:1, wrote, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” Jesus later used this verse to show that the Messiah would be greater than even King David (Matthew 22:41–46).

Jesus: The True and Perfect Messiah

Unlike the anointed kings and prophets of the Old Testament, Jesus is the sinless Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father (John 1:1–14). He is not just anointed by God—He is God in the flesh, the second Person of the Trinity, sent to accomplish the ultimate work of redemption.

Hebrews 1:8-9

“Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever… Therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

Jesus taught the law of God perfectly, healed the sick, cast out demons, and forgave sins—something only God can do. He was crucified, died, and rose again, proving His identity as the Christ and confirming our hope of salvation.

Salvation Through the Messiah

Jesus didn’t come just to be a teacher or a prophet—He came to save sinners and reconcile humanity to God.

Acts 4:12 

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Believing in Jesus as the Messiah isn’t just an intellectual agreement—it requires faith, repentance, and obedience. That means turning from sin, being baptized in His name (Acts 2:38), and receiving the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in righteousness.

The Messiah Is Returning

Jesus’ first coming was for salvation. His second coming will be for judgment.

John 5:22

“The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”

Revelation 19:11-16

So the question is:
Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Messiah?
Have you repented of your sins?
Have you been baptized in His name and received His Holy Spirit?

If not, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Don’t delay. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and let Him transform your life.

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Good Friday marks the final Friday of Jesus Christ’s life on earth. It is the day He endured immense suffering, was crucified, died, and was buried. Christians around the world observe this day annually to remember the suffering and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection on the weight of the cross, but it is also a day of immense hope for the believer.

Why Is It Called “Good Friday”?

A common question arises: Why is this day called “Good Friday” and not “Suffering Friday” or “Sad Friday”? After all, this was a day filled with darkness, grief, and deep suffering, as Jesus, our Savior, was rejected, tortured, and killed.

From a human perspective, the events of Good Friday appear sorrowful and filled with suffering. However, from a spiritual perspective, Good Friday is a day of immense joy for humanity. On this day, Jesus’ sacrifice led to the forgiveness of our sins, something that had been impossible since humanity lost its innocence in the Garden of Eden. If Jesus had not died for our sins, we would not have the opportunity for salvation. His death brought about our redemption, and as a result, we should rejoice. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus’ sacrifice set us free from the bondage of sin and death. So, it is truly appropriate to call it “Good Friday,” as it marked the beginning of our salvation.

The Importance of the Cross in Christian Faith

The significance of Good Friday lies in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His death was not just an act of suffering, but the means by which humanity was reconciled to God. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:8 (NIV): “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Through Jesus’ death, God provided a way for forgiveness, cleansing, and a restored relationship with Him.

Think of it this way: It’s similar to a fish being caught. The fish experiences suffering as it dies, but the fisherman rejoices in the catch. In the same way, Jesus’ death was painful for Him, but it brought great joy and freedom to us as His followers. His sacrifice is our salvation, and without it, we would still be trapped in our sins. The shedding of His blood was the only way for our sins to be forgiven, as stated in Hebrews 9:22 (NIV): “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” This is why Good Friday is rightly called “Good.”

Is There a Commandment to Abstain from Meat on Good Friday?

The answer is no. The practice of abstaining from meat on Good Friday is a tradition observed by many Christians, particularly in the Catholic Church, but it is not commanded in the Bible. Catholics abstain from eating meat on this day as a form of reverence for Christ’s sacrifice. Since meat is considered a luxury food, they choose not to indulge in it to honor the sacrificial death of Christ. This practice is also observed on Ash Wednesday and other Fridays during Lent.

However, it is important to note that there is no biblical command to abstain from meat on Good Friday. If you choose to eat meat on Good Friday, you are not sinning, and if you choose to abstain, you are not sinning either. This is a matter of personal conviction and tradition, not a requirement set by Scripture.

Is It a Sin to Celebrate Good Friday?

The answer is no. The Bible does not command or forbid the celebration of any specific day in honor of the Lord. It is a personal decision based on each individual’s conviction.

In Romans 14:5-6 (NIV), Paul writes:

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.”

This passage emphasizes that the observance of certain days or practices, like Good Friday, is a personal choice and should be done according to individual belief. If you do not feel the need to observe Good Friday, you are free to make that choice, and you should not judge others who choose to observe it. Likewise, if you do choose to observe Good Friday, you should not judge those who do not.

In the same way, fasting during this period of Easter is not mandatory for Christians. If you do not feel led to fast, that is okay. But if you choose to fast as an expression of devotion to Christ, you should not be judged for it. The key is that each person should be fully convinced in their own heart, as Paul writes.

Shalom.

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Many believers are shocked to discover that the word “Easter” is not found anywhere in the Bible—at least not in its original meaning. In fact, the only word consistently used throughout Scripture is “Passover” (Hebrew: Pesach, Greek: Pascha)—a solemn and sacred feast established by God Himself.

So where did the term “Easter” come from, and should Christians observe it?

The Origins of the Word “Easter”

The term “Easter” does not come from the Bible—it has pagan roots. According to several historical sources, the name traces back to a Saxon fertility goddess named Ēostre (or Ostara), who was worshipped in ancient northern Europe. She was associated with springtime, fertility, and the sunrise—symbols of new life and rebirth.

The word “east”—from which “Easter” is derived—refers to the direction where the sun rises, which was considered sacred in pagan worship. Temples and altars were often built facing the east, as worshippers believed this direction was the source of blessing and new beginnings.

Pagans honored this goddess during the spring equinox, around March–April, offering sacrifices, engaging in fertility rituals, and celebrating with feasts and dancing. This period often overlapped with Jewish Passover—which is deeply biblical and sacred in origin.

How Paganism Mixed with Christianity

As Christianity spread through Europe, early church leaders were faced with pagan cultures that had deeply rooted traditions. Instead of removing those traditions completely, some chose to merge them with Christian truths in hopes of easier conversion.

One of the results of this compromise was the blending of the resurrection of Jesus with the fertility celebrations of Easter. Over time, the resurrection Sunday began to be called “Easter,” and customs such as Easter eggs and bunnies—symbols of fertility—crept into Christian observance, despite having no biblical foundation whatsoever.

The Biblical Foundation: The Resurrection, Not Easter

As Christians, our focus is not on seasonal festivals, eggs, or rabbits, but on the historical, powerful event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This event is the foundation of our faith. Paul writes:

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:17

The resurrection is what proved Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4), and what gives us hope for eternal life.

The early Church didn’t call it “Easter.” They referred to it simply as “the Lord’s Day”, particularly the Sunday after Passover, and they gathered to worship, break bread, and remember the risen Savior (Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10).

What’s the Problem with Celebrating “Easter”?

It’s not wrong to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus—in fact, it’s vital. The danger lies in:

1. Using pagan traditions to honor a holy event

2. Misrepresenting the resurrection with worldly behavior

3. Turning a spiritual remembrance into a cultural holiday

When Christians celebrate the resurrection like the world celebrates Easter—with drunkenness, sensual dancing, feasting for pleasure, or Easter bunnies—we risk dishonoring Christ and aligning with a spirit that contradicts the gospel.

Paul warns us:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2

How Should Christians Celebrate the Resurrection?

We must separate biblical truth from cultural noise. Whether or not the world calls it “Easter,” we must reclaim it as Resurrection Sunday—a day to:

• Worship with reverence and joy

• Reflect on the power of the resurrection in our lives

• Renew our walk with Christ

• Share the hope of the gospel with others

• Live in the power of the risen Savior every day

The celebration should be spiritual, holy, and centered on Christ—not on ancient rituals or cultural trends.

Names Don’t Define Us—Truth Does

Some may argue, “It’s just a name—we’re celebrating Jesus.” And that’s partly true. We don’t worship the name “Easter”—we worship the risen Christ.

Even if the world has corrupted the meaning, Christians can still gather on Resurrection Sunday, as long as the focus is on Jesus and not on the customs that come from paganism.

Think of it this way: even your birthday might fall on a date that pagans once celebrated something evil. That doesn’t mean your birthday is evil. What matters is what you do with that day.

Final Thoughts: A Holy Day, Not a Holiday

Let’s not be careless with the most sacred moment in Christian history. If we’re going to celebrate the resurrection, let us do so with purity, purpose, and passion.

If we feast, let it be on the Word of God.
If we gather, let it be around the presence of Christ.
If we rejoice, let it be because death has been defeated!

Reject the pagan “Easter” spirit. Embrace the Resurrected Christ.

Summary

• The word “Easter” has pagan origins and is not found in the Bible.

• The biblical celebration is Passover, which points to Jesus, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

• The resurrection should be honored, not with worldly customs, but with holy worship.

• Christians may observe the day, but not in the spirit of the world—only in the Spirit of Christ.

“Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us—let us keep the feast… with sincerity and truth.”
— 1 Corinthians 5:7–8

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Question: According to Numbers 9:11, does the Bible mention two Passover celebrations in a single year?

Numbers 9:11 (NIV)
“They are to celebrate it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.”

Answer:
Yes, God commanded the Israelites to celebrate Passover every year on the 14th day of the first month of their calendar. This feast commemorated the night God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). It was a sacred and mandatory celebration for all Israelites.

However, in Numbers 9, we see God giving instructions for a second Passover, to be observed exactly one month later—on the 14th day of the second month. Why was this second date permitted?

It was intended only for those who were unable to participate in the first Passover due to:

• Being ceremonially unclean (especially from touching a dead body – Numbers 19:11),
• Or being on a long journey far from the assembly.

According to the law, anyone who was ritually unclean could not join the congregation in worship until they were cleansed, which often took at least seven days. As a result, some Israelites missed the first Passover.

God, in His mercy and justice, provided a way for them to still observe this important feast. Let’s read:

Numbers 9:10–12 (NIV)
[10] “Tell the Israelites: ‘When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they may still celebrate the Lord’s Passover.
[11] They are to celebrate it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
[12] They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations.’”

This second Passover was a gracious exception—a chance for those who missed the original date not to be left out of the Lord’s appointed feast.

Should We Still Celebrate the Passover Today?

Under the New Covenant, we no longer observe Passover in a physical or ceremonial way as the Israelites did. That was a shadow of what was to come.

1 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Jesus is our true Passover Lamb. His death fulfilled everything the original Passover symbolized: deliverance, protection through the blood, and freedom from slavery—this time from sin, not Egypt.

Therefore, we now live in a continuous state of spiritual Passover, walking daily in the freedom Christ purchased for us.

What About Valentine’s Day? Is It Similar to the Second Passover?

Some have tried to compare the February 14 celebration of Valentine’s Day to the second Passover found in Numbers 9, since both fall on the 14th day of the second month (according to the Gregorian calendar). However, this comparison is completely misguided.

1. The Hebrew calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar.
   The second month in the Hebrew calendar is not February.
2. The purpose and spirit of Valentine’s Day have no connection to God or biblical holiness.
   Valentine’s Day is rooted in pagan traditions and emphasizes romantic love and sensual pleasures—things that often lead people away from God, not toward Him.
3. The love portrayed on Valentine’s Day is not the agape love of God.
   The love God calls us to walk in is sacrificial, pure, and holy—totally different from the world’s portrayal of love.

Conclusion:

The second Passover was a special provision by God to allow His people to remain connected to Him, even when they missed the original feast. It was holy, set apart, and full of spiritual meaning.

Valentine’s Day, on the other hand, is not a biblical feast, nor is it inspired by God’s love. It is a worldly celebration, often leading to impurity, materialism, and carnal desires.

As believers, we are not called to blend heavenly truths with worldly customs. Let us reject pagan festivals and instead honor the Lord by living daily in the power of Christ’s Passover.

Romans 13:14 (NIV)
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Let us celebrate Christ’s sacrifice daily in spirit and in truth—not just on a date, but in the way we live.

Kindly share this truth with others who may be confused about these matters. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

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Baptism is a fundamental command in Christianity and should not be taken lightly. Since Satan understands its significance, he tries to prevent people from being baptized altogether or misleads them into receiving baptism improperly while making them believe it was done correctly.

There are many benefits of baptism, but today, we will focus on one key aspect: baptism delivers us from God’s judgment upon our enemies and the enemies of the Lord.

Baptism as a Symbol of Salvation

When God decided to save Noah, He used water to destroy the sinful world while keeping Noah and his family safe in the ark. The same water that brought judgment upon the wicked also ensured Noah’s safety. The Bible compares this event to baptism:

1 Peter 3:20-21

“…In the days of Noah, while the ark was being built, only a few people—eight in all—were saved through water. And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Similarly, when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He used water once again. Instead of sending plagues or fire to destroy Pharaoh’s army, He led the Israelites through the Red Sea and drowned their enemies behind them. This event is also compared to baptism:

1 Corinthians 10:1-2

“For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.”

In both cases, water separated God’s people from their enemies. Likewise, baptism symbolizes our transition from a sinful past to a new life in Christ. It signifies the defeat of our spiritual enemies—sin, oppression, and demonic influences—while we emerge victorious in Christ.

Why Baptism Must Be in the Name of Jesus

The Bible states that the Israelites were “baptized into Moses” when they passed through the Red Sea. Moses was their leader, bringing them out of Egypt into the Promised Land. Today, Jesus is our Moses—the one who leads us out of spiritual bondage into eternal life.

For this reason, baptism must be done in the name of Jesus, as shown in:

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

Acts 8:16 – “…They had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 10:48 – “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Acts 19:5 – “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

If you were baptized by sprinkling or in a different name, consider correcting it by following the biblical example of believers in Acts 19:1-5, who were re-baptized in the name of Jesus.

Take the Step of Baptism Today

Baptism is essential, and there is no reason to delay. You do not need to go through special classes to qualify—faith is the only requirement. The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 was baptized immediately after believing in Christ, without attending any preparatory lessons.

If you haven’t been baptized yet, find a church that baptizes by full immersion in the name of Jesus and take this important step. Baptism is free and an essential part of your spiritual journey.

Conclusion

Baptism is not just a religious ritual; it is a powerful act of obedience that marks a believer’s separation from their past life and entrance into a new life in Christ. It signifies salvation, deliverance, and a fresh start.

Take time to understand all the benefits of baptism and share this truth with others.

May the Lord bless you.

Maranatha!

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In the Bible, the term “New Moon” or “Crescent Moon” refers to the first day of the month in the Hebrew calendar. This day was considered sacred and was meant for worship, reflection, and offering sacrifices to God. The observance of the New Moon was closely linked to the Sabbath, the seventh day of rest, and was treated with equal reverence in ancient Israel.

The New Moon was celebrated every month, and it signified the beginning of a new cycle, a time of renewal and consecration. This day had specific rituals that the Israelites were required to observe as part of their covenant relationship with God.

Biblical Observances of the New Moon

The New Moon observance is primarily outlined in the Book of Numbers, where we see specific sacrifices prescribed for this occasion. It was a day to consecrate the new month by offering burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings to God.

• Numbers 28:11-15:
  • “At the beginnings of your months you shall offer a burnt offering to the Lord: two young bulls, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year, without blemish, and their grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil…”
  • The burnt offerings were accompanied by drink offerings, which were poured out in worship to God, symbolizing the people’s complete devotion to Him.
• Numbers 10:10:
  • “Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the Lord your God.”

The New Moon was not just about sacrifices; it was a time to call the people together, offering a chance for communal worship and reflection. The Israelites would also blow trumpets, a symbolic act to announce the sacred day.

Prophetic Significance and Decline of True Worship

While the New Moon was instituted as a holy day of worship, there were times when the Israelites fell into a pattern of mere ritual observance without true spiritual devotion. They began treating the New Moon festivals like empty rituals, and God warned them about the insincerity of their worship.

• Isaiah 1:13-14:
  • “Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them.”
  • The warning here is that God does not delight in rituals that are performed without true reverence or a right heart. The rituals became burdensome because the people’s hearts were far from God, and their actions were not in line with His desires for their worship.

In Ezekiel 46:1-3, the New Moon was still a time for temple worship and offerings, yet the people often failed to engage in these practices in a meaningful way. God desires that His people worship Him with sincerity and devotion, not just out of obligation.

Is the New Moon Commandment Still Binding on Christians Today?

The New Moon observance, like other ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, is not binding on Christians today. Just as Sabbath observance is not required for salvation or daily practice, the New Moon observance was a part of the Old Covenant with Israel and was fulfilled in Christ.

• Colossians 2:16-17:
  • “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come; but the substance is of Christ.”
  • Paul explains that these observances, including the New Moon, were shadows or symbols pointing forward to Christ, who fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. As Christians, our focus is now on Christ, who is the substance of these symbolic practices.

What Can Christians Learn from the New Moon Observance?

Although the New Moon observance is no longer required, there are timeless principles we can learn from it:

1. Honor New Beginnings: The New Moon symbolizes new beginnings, and it’s a reminder for Christians to consecrate every new month, week, and day to God. It’s a call to pause, reflect, and dedicate time to worship and thanksgiving as we enter a new season in life.
2. Give God Priority: Just as the Israelites were commanded to offer sacrifices and worship on the New Moon, Christians are encouraged to give God the first fruits of every new cycle—whether it’s the beginning of a new week, month, or year. This could be done through prayer, worship, and reflection on God’s goodness and guidance.
3. Beware of Ritualism: One of the dangers the Israelites faced was the temptation to turn sacred rituals into empty traditions. The New Moon was meant to be a time of genuine devotion, but when done without sincerity, it became a burden. As Christians, we must ensure that our worship and spiritual practices are done with the right heart, not out of routine or obligation.
4. Celebrate God’s Faithfulness: The New Moon was also a time to celebrate God’s provision and faithfulness. For Christians, every new day, week, and month is an opportunity to remember God’s faithfulness and the blessings He has provided in our lives.

Conclusion: The Significance of New Beginnings

While we no longer observe the New Moon in the same way as the ancient Israelites, the principle remains valuable. Every new cycle—whether a day, week, month, or year—is an opportunity to renew our commitment to God, thank Him for His goodness, and reflect on His role in our lives. We are called to make God a priority in every new beginning, ensuring that our worship is sincere, and our hearts are aligned with His will.

Let us take time each day to honor and worship God, not just as a ritual, but as a heartfelt response to His love and grace.

God bless you.

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