We live in a world where, the moment you stand up to preach against sin or call out wrongdoing, you are often accused of “judging others.” If you warn someone about the eternal consequences of sexual immorality — that their end is eternal separation from God — you will be challenged, “Who are you to judge me?” I once spoke to a group defending homosexuality and told them plainly that practicing such sin leads to hell. They attacked me and cited the story of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees brought her to Jesus, hoping He would allow her to be stoned (John 8:1–11, ESV). Instead, Jesus said,“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”One by one, the accusers left, and Jesus was left alone with the woman. They responded, “If they did not stone her, who are you to condemn us for what we do? Don’t you fear Jesus?” I said, “I will not throw stones at you, but Jesus Himself will judge you on the day of reckoning.” Many assume Christ will always remain a merciful Savior, endlessly patient and forgiving no matter what. They fail to understand that Jesus will one day stand as the righteous Judge, executing justice and punishing all unrighteousness (2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV). They wrongly think the Lord condones sin or is indifferent to it. But the truth is this: If that woman caught in adultery had persisted in her sin, she would have avoided the stones of men that day — but she would not escape the judgment of Christ on the final day (Hebrews 9:27). On Judgment Day, there will be no mercy shown to unrepentant sinners. It won’t matter if you are young, old, rich, or poor. If you die in your sins, you will stand before the Judge and be condemned (Revelation 20:11-15). Even before that day when Jesus returns to reign as King (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16), the entire world will mourn His coming because of the righteous wrath He will pour out on the rebellious (Revelation 1:7). Isaiah prophesied:“For the Lord will come with fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind; to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the Lord shall be many.” (Isaiah 66:15-16, ESV) On that day, the unrepentant—adulterers, homosexuals, idolaters, drunkards, and all sinners—will wish the mountains would fall on them to hide from God’s wrath, but there will be no escape (Revelation 6:15-17). Dear friend, you do not want to face this terrifying judgment. Even if you endure the fierce wrath of Christ, you will still have to give an account for every sinful deed before His throne (Romans 14:12). Then you will be cast into the lake of fire to perish forever (Matthew 25:41). Understanding this truth should awaken us to how deeply God hates sin. Today you may sin openly — commit abortion, watch pornography, steal, drink excessively, worship idols — and it may seem like God does nothing. But do not be deceived. His patience is not everlasting, even beyond this life. Hebrews warns:“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31, ESV) It is far better to surrender your life to Jesus now, while grace is still offered. The day is near when everything will change suddenly. The trumpet will sound, the saints will be caught up, and those left behind will face the terrifying wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Jesus said:“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, ESV) If you have not yet been saved, I urge you to begin your new life in Christ today. Repent sincerely by turning from sin, seek water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive forgiveness through His shed blood (Acts 2:38). After that, God will help you live a new life in Him. There is no time to waste. Jesus could return at any moment. If you want help accepting Jesus into your life, contact us at:+255789001312 / +255693036618 Shalom.
The term “Nicolaitan” comes from the Greek word meaning “to conquer” or “to take over the altar.” This doesn’t refer to physically stealing objects or people from the altar, but rather to seizing control over the spiritual leadership and authority that belongs to the Holy Spirit within the church. What Does “Taking Over the Altar” Mean? In the early church, the church was meant to be led by the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as: Evangelism, Pastoral care, Prophecy, Teaching, Speaking in tongues, Miracles, and Faith (1 Corinthians 12:4–11, ESV). These spiritual gifts were God’s way of guiding, edifying, and building up the body of Christ. However, the Nicolaitans arose as a small faction who rejected the Spirit-led leadership and instead sought to lead the church through human wisdom, power, and status. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to direct the church, they took control using: Their own philosophies, Intellectual wisdom, Social status and influence, Academic credentials, Public recognition, and Personal charisma. Biblical Context of the Nicolaitans Jesus clearly condemns the deeds of the Nicolaitans in the Book of Revelation: Revelation 2:6 (ESV): “But you have this in your favor, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” At first, “Nicolaitanism” was manifested in their actions—this faction was operating covertly, undermining Spirit-led authority. Later, it evolved into a teaching or doctrine: Revelation 2:15–16 (NIV): “Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” This shows that not only were they practicing these errors, but they were also spreading this harmful ideology, teaching others to reject the Spirit’s authority and submit to human leadership instead. The Danger of Nicolaitanism Today In many churches today, the influence of Nicolaitanism is evident: The Holy Spirit’s leadership is often sidelined in favor of pre-planned liturgies and rigid teaching calendars designed by human leaders. A person’s credibility as a pastor or minister is often measured by formal theological education or institutional approval rather than by the evidence of the Spirit’s gifting and calling. New prophetic or Spirit-led revelations may be ignored or suppressed if they don’t fit into the established “program.” This reflects the same spirit of Nicolaitanism, where human systems and hierarchies replace the dynamic, Spirit-led guidance of the early church. Theological Reflections Nicolaitanism is essentially a rejection of pneumatocracy—the rule and guidance of the Holy Spirit—and an assertion of anthropocracy—human-centered authority. It opposes the biblical teaching that the Church is led and empowered by the Spirit of God (John 16:13; Acts 1:8). Satan, knowing that a Spirit-led church is a threat to his kingdom, continually seeks to quench the Holy Spirit’s work (1 Thessalonians 5:19). This is why he inspires and empowers Nicolaitan-like movements to undermine the Spirit’s authority. However, God always preserves a faithful remnant who refuse to quench the Spirit and remain open to His leading (Zechariah 4:6; Acts 2:17). Final Encouragement Believers today are called to resist any form of Nicolaitanism by: Submitting to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Recognizing and honoring spiritual gifts, Being open to fresh revelation, and Prioritizing the Spirit’s leadership over human systems. As Paul exhorts: 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NIV): “Do not quench the Spirit.” May we be among those who keep the fire of the Holy Spirit alive in the church until Christ returns. Maranatha!