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What Does the Bible Mean by “Without Human Hands”?

Understanding the Phrase Theologically

The phrase “without human hands” appears in several key biblical passages and carries profound theological meaning. It signifies divine origin, supernatural action, and God’s sovereignty operating independently of human effort or influence. This concept is crucial in understanding God’s redemptive plan and His ultimate authority over history.

1. The Messianic Rock in Daniel’s Vision

Daniel 2:34 (NKJV)

You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.

This verse appears in the context of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, interpreted by the prophet Daniel. The dream described a large statue made of various materials, symbolizing successive world empires (Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, Roman). The stone “cut without hands” represents a kingdom not founded or sustained by human power—it is divinely initiated and eternal.

Theologically, this stone points to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He is the “stone the builders rejected” (Psalm 118:22; Luke 20:17), yet He becomes the chief cornerstone of God’s kingdom. His birth was supernatural (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18–23), and His rule will not rely on worldly systems. At His second coming, He will destroy all earthly powers and establish God’s everlasting kingdom.

Daniel 2:44 (NKJV)

And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed… it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

This affirms that Christ’s kingdom is not only spiritual but also will be physically manifest in the future millennial reign (Revelation 20:4–6) and ultimately in the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1–5).

2. Divine Judgment on Earthly Power: Antiochus Epiphanes

Daniel 8:25 (NKJV)

Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.

This prophecy refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Greek ruler who desecrated the Jewish temple (circa 167 B.C.). He foreshadows the coming Antichrist. His downfall—“broken without human means”—implies divine judgment. Historical records indicate he died of a mysterious and gruesome disease, not by human force.

Theologically, this shows God’s authority over rulers and reinforces that no power can stand against Him. It also points forward to how the final Antichrist will be destroyed by the breath of Christ’s mouth (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

3. Christ as the Better Temple

The idea of “without human hands” also applies to the spiritual temple—Christ Himself and His Body, the Church.

Mark 14:58 (NKJV)

We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

This refers to Jesus’ body as the true temple (John 2:19–21). His resurrection inaugurates a new spiritual order not built by human effort, but by the power of God.

Colossians 2:11 (NKJV)

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh…

This shows that salvation and transformation come not through ritual or human works, but by divine intervention through Christ.

4. The Impending Kingdom of Christ

The Bible teaches that Jesus will return, not just to spiritually rule, but to physically reign over the earth.

Revelation 19:11–16 (NKJV) describes Christ returning as a warrior King:

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True… Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations… And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

This return will be independent of human political systems or military alliances. He alone will bring judgment and establish righteousness (Isaiah 11:1–5).

5. A Call to Live for the Eternal Kingdom

John 7:7 (NKJV)

The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.

Jesus exposes the corruption of worldly systems. Believers are urged not to place hope in temporal institutions but in the unshakable Kingdom of God.

Hebrews 11:13–16 (NKJV) describes faithful believers as “strangers and pilgrims on the earth,” seeking a “better, that is, a heavenly country.”

 

2 Peter 3:10–13 (NKJV) reminds us that this world will be judged by fire, and we should live holy and godly lives, looking forward to the “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Conclusion: Prepare for the Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

The phrase “without human hands” is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are unstoppable and not dependent on human strength. His kingdom, His justice, His judgment, and His salvation come purely by His power.

So, reflect: Are the things you’re striving for eternal, or are they fleeting? Live as a pilgrim. Invest in the eternal. Let Christ be your cornerstone. His kingdom is near—perhaps even in our generation.

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus. 

 

 

 

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No One Can Come to Me Unless the Father Enables Them (john 6;65)

 

What Does It Mean  when Jesus say No one come to me unless the father enables them in (john 6:65)

In biblical terms, being “granted” or “enabled“ refers to receiving divine empowerment to do something that a person cannot accomplish through natural effort or intellect. The Greek word used in John 6:65 for “enabled” is “δίδωμι” (didōmi) which means “to give, grant, bestow.” It implies that spiritual capacity is a gift, not a human achievement.

1. Salvation Is a Gift, Not a Human Decision

John 6:65 (NIV):
“He went on to say, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.’”

Jesus spoke these words after many of His disciples walked away due to His challenging teachings (John 6:60–66). He clarified that faith in Him is not merely a personal choice, but something that the Father must initiate and empower.

This echoes:

John 6:44 (NIV):
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

The word “draws” (Greek: helkō) implies an active pulling or attracting. Human beings, by nature, are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1), and only God can awaken the heart to seek Him (see also 1 Corinthians 2:14).

Salvation, then, is by grace:

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV):
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

2. Spiritual Understanding Is Divinely Given

Matthew 13:11 (NIV):
“He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.’”

Jesus distinguishes between general hearing and spiritual understanding. While many heard the parables, only the disciples received insight into their true meanings. The word “given” again shows this is not natural comprehension, but divine revelation.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV):
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness…”

Spiritual truths require the illumination of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). That’s why theological education alone—without spiritual regeneration—can lead to head knowledge without transformation (Romans 12:2).

If you understand God’s Word correctly, this is cause for humility and gratitude, not pride.

3. Ministry Is Empowered by God’s Strength

1 Peter 4:11 (NIV):
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides…”

Here, the apostle Peter instructs all ministry to be spiritually sourced. No matter how gifted someone is, true ministry only bears fruit if it is done through God’s grace and power (see also Romans 12:6–8).

The apostle Paul reinforces this:

2 Corinthians 3:5–6 (NIV):
“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

4. Singleness for God’s Kingdom Is a Special Calling

Matthew 19:11 (NIV):
“Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.’”

Jesus was responding to the disciples’ reaction to His teaching on divorce. He affirmed that celibacy for God’s kingdom is not a command for all but a spiritual calling granted to some.

Paul echoes this in:

1 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV):
“I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God…”

Remaining unmarried for the sake of undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Cor. 7:32–35) is a special gift—not a superior status but a specific calling for some believers.

Final Reflection: Respond When God Speaks

When you feel God stirring your heart—whether it’s through conviction, understanding, or desire to seek Him—don’t ignore it. That moment may be evidence of God’s grace drawing you.

Hebrews 3:15 (NIV):
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Even people who witnessed miracles firsthand did not always respond:

  • Pharaoh saw plagues but hardened his heart (Exodus 9:12).

  • Judas Iscariot lived with Jesus for 3.5 years, yet betrayed Him (John 17:12).

It’s not enough to be near spiritual things—you must respond to God’s grace when it is given.

Call to Action: Obey the Gospel While You Can

If God’s voice is moving within you today, respond immediately:

  1. Repent – Turn from sin (Acts 3:19).

  2. Be Baptized – In full water immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).

  3. Receive the Holy Spirit – A promise for all who believe and obey (Acts 2:39).

Salvation is not something we can initiate, but when God opens the door, we must walk through it.

Prayer:

May the Lord grant you grace to hear, believe, and obey His voice. May He not pass you by. May you be found ready when He calls.

Shalom.


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Was Mose’s Wife Black?

Was Moses’ wife black? More specifically, was Zipporah, Moses’ wife, a Kushite—a dark-skinned woman—as indicated in Numbers 12:1? And why did Miriam and Aaron become upset with Moses for marrying a Kushite woman? If Zipporah was Kushite, why does the Bible say her father, Jethro, was a Midianite—a people from the Middle East generally identified with lighter skin? Or did Moses have another wife besides Zipporah?

Scriptural Clarity on Moses’ Wife

Answer: No. The Scriptures give no indication that Moses married anyone other than Zipporah.

To better understand Zipporah’s ethnicity, let’s examine the passage:

Numbers 12:1–3 (ESV):

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, ‘Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?’ And the LORD heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

Who Were the Kushites?

Kush is generally identified with the ancient kingdom located in what is now Ethiopia and parts of Sudan. It was known biblically for its dark-skinned people:

Jeremiah 13:23 (ESV):

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to doing evil.

This rhetorical question underscores the permanence of the Kushite’s skin color, implying that Zipporah’s skin was likely dark, consistent with Kushite ethnicity.

The Puzzle: Midianite or Kushite?

Why then does the Bible say Zipporah’s father, Jethro, was a Midianite? The Midianites were a nomadic people in the Arabian Peninsula, generally considered lighter-skinned.

The key to this apparent contradiction lies in understanding ethnicity versus nationality. Jethro was Midianite by nationality but Kushite by ethnicity. This is comparable to a person born and raised in a foreign land adopting its nationality but retaining ethnic roots:

For example, a person of Chinese descent born and raised in Tanzania is Tanzanian by nationality but ethnically Chinese.

Similarly, Jethro was a Kushite who settled in Midian, making him a Midianite by residence and citizenship, but Kushite by birth.

Moses’ Identity and the Egyptian Connection

When Moses fled Egypt, he ended up in Midian and met Jethro’s daughters. They described Moses as “an Egyptian” because of his upbringing and appearance, although ethnically he was Hebrew.

Exodus 2:15–22 (ESV):

When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. … The priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. … When they came to Reuel their father, he said, ‘Why have you come back so early today?’ They said, ‘An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and also drew water for us and watered the flock.’ … Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.

This passage clarifies that Moses married Zipporah in Midian and lived there before God called him to lead Israel.

Why Were Miriam and Aaron Angry?

Miriam and Aaron’s complaint in Numbers 12 was not about skin color per se but about Moses marrying a foreign woman—a woman outside Israel’s ethnic and religious community.

Jewish law and tradition strongly discouraged intermarriage with foreigners, especially pagans, because of the danger of idolatry and spiritual compromise. The opposition to Moses’ marriage reflected this concern.

Theological Insight: God’s Perspective

Interestingly, God rebuked Miriam and Aaron, affirming Moses’ unique prophetic role and indicating that their complaint was unjustified.

Numbers 12:6–8 (ESV):

Hear my words: When there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles.

This emphasizes Moses’ special relationship with God, and that personal circumstances like marriage should not detract from his divine calling.

The Law and Intermarriage

Later, the Law given through Moses forbade Israelites from marrying foreigners:

Deuteronomy 7:3–4 (ESV):

You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me to serve other gods.

However, Moses’ marriage to Zipporah predates this law. Thus, he was not violating the covenant because the law was not yet given.

What Does This Teach Us Today?

Biblical Consistency: The Bible does not contradict itself but requires careful interpretation of ethnicity, nationality, and culture.

Marriage and Faith: The New Testament teaches believers not to divorce unbelieving spouses who are willing to live with them, emphasizing the sanctifying power of a believing partner.

1 Corinthians 7:12–14 (ESV):

To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. … For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband.

Marriage Within the Faith: While believers are not to abandon unbelieving spouses, the Bible also encourages believers to marry “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39), meaning marriage between two Christians sharing faith, baptism, and spiritual unity.

Spiritual Unity:

2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV):

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

This warns believers against forming binding relationships that can lead to spiritual compromise.

Final Thoughts

Moses’ marriage to Zipporah, a Kushite woman, reflects God’s providence and grace beyond ethnic and national boundaries. It challenges believers today to look beyond superficial divisions and to prioritize faith and obedience to God.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, no matter how much knowledge or wisdom you possess, without salvation you will perish. Salvation through Jesus is essential for eternal life.

Maranatha!

 

 

 

 

 

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AVOID BEING LATE TO WORSHIP

Key Principles for Honoring God in the House of Worship – Part 2

(With theological insights and Scripture references in NKJV)

The Importance of Punctuality in Worship

Being late to a worship service may seem like a minor issue to some, but from a biblical and spiritual standpoint, it speaks volumes about our reverence for God. Scripture teaches us to honor God not only with our lips but with our actions, priorities, and time.

In Malachi 1:6 (NKJV), God says:

A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence?

Showing up late to worship is one way we unintentionally fail to give God the honor He is due.

A Sobering Example: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)

The account of Ananias and Sapphira provides a powerful example of how dishonesty and lack of spiritual attentiveness can lead to judgment:

Acts 5:1–5 (NKJV)

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it…

Peter confronts them for lying to the Holy Spirit, and both fall dead as a result of their deceit.

What’s especially striking is verse 7:

Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

This verse highlights that Sapphira was not present at the beginning of the church gathering. Had she been there, she would have known what happened to her husband. Her delayed arrival cost her the opportunity to repent. Timing in spiritual matters matters deeply.

Theological Insight: God’s Presence Is Timely and Holy

Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates that His presence and blessings often manifest at specific times:

Exodus 19:10–11 (NKJV): God told Moses to consecrate the people and prepare them in advance because He would descend on Mount Sinai on the third day.

Luke 1:8–11 (NKJV): Zechariah encountered the angel of the Lord while he was on time and in position performing priestly duties.

These examples underscore a pattern: God meets people who are prepared, punctual, and reverent.

Spiritual Consequences of Being Late

Being late may cause you to miss:

Corporate repentance or consecration prayers that open the service

Worship that invites the manifest presence of God

Spiritual impartation or prophetic words released early in the gathering

Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV) says:

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning…

If God is ready with new mercies each morning, we should be ready to receive them.

The Alpha and the Omega Principle

Revelation 22:13 (NKJV):

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.

If God identifies Himself as the beginning and the end, then our full participation in worship—from start to finish—reflects His nature. To miss the beginning of worship is to miss a portion of God’s intended encounter for us.

Just as 999.99 is not 1,000, partial worship is not complete worship.

Practical Wisdom for Worshipers

Set a spiritual standard: arrive at least 30 minutes early to prepare your heart. Jesus often withdrew early to pray (Mark 1:35). Arriving early allows time for:

Prayer and personal reflection

Aligning your heart and spirit with God

Becoming sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit

Final Exhortation

God is not our guest—we are His. He deserves our best, our first, and our full attention. If we are punctual and faithful in our workplaces, how much more should we honor the One who gives us life, breath, and all things?

Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NKJV):

Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

Let’s honor God with our time, presence, and punctuality. Doing so not only attracts His blessings, but it also reflects a heart truly devoted to Him.

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What Does It Mean to Observe Bad Omens?

An Exploration of Biblical Truth and Spiritual Discernment

Deuteronomy 18:10–11 (ESV)

There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortress or interprets omens, or a sorcerer

or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead.

In this passage, God issues a strong warning to the people of Israel not to participate in pagan practices common among surrounding nations. One such practice is “observing omens”, which means looking for signs in nature, events, or coincidences that supposedly reveal hidden knowledge or predict the future.

This includes superstitions like fearing black cats, owls, or bats, or believing that tripping, sneezing, or seeing certain animals is a bad sign. In many cultures today—including some Christian communities—people still fall into the trap of interpreting such occurrences as spiritual warnings. These beliefs are rooted not in Scripture, but in fear, folklore, and demonic deception.

The Heart of the Matter: Trust and Worship

Theologically, the issue at stake is trust and worship. When someone seeks meaning or guidance from omens, they are placing their trust in something other than God. The Bible says:

Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Observing omens subtly shifts trust away from God’s Word and providence and turns it toward the created world, which can lead to idolatry. In fact, Scripture warns that such practices are an abomination to God:

Deuteronomy 18:12 (ESV)

For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.

Christ’s Victory Over Superstition

For those who are in Christ, there is no place for fear of signs or superstitions. Jesus Christ has defeated all the powers of darkness.

Colossians 2:15 (ESV)

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

This means that, as believers, we don’t need to consult spiritualists, dream interpreters, or omens to know our future. God has already revealed all we need to know through His Word, and He guides us by His Spirit:

Romans 8:14 (ESV)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Animals and objects—such as owls, bats, black cats, and shooting stars—have no spiritual power in themselves. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to fear:

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

What Is the Real Sign of Judgment?

The true biblical “signs” that danger or judgment may be near are not found in nature, but in the moral and spiritual state of our hearts. Sin is the clear indicator of coming judgment.

Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV)

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery… envy, drunkenness… those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

If someone lives in unrepentant sin—whether it’s gossip, lust, drunkenness, or idolatry—that is a far greater danger than crossing paths with a black cat. But if we walk in righteousness and our conscience is clear before God, there is no need to fear.

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Final Warning and Encouragement

If you find yourself turning to diviners, dream interpreters, or signs to understand your future or explain your circumstances, the Bible says plainly: this is a sin that provokes God’s wrath. Instead, turn to Him in repentance, and He will lead you in peace.

Isaiah 8:19 (ESV)

And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God?

God’s will is not found in omens, but in His revealed Word. Let us turn away from all forms of occultism and trust in the Lord alone.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

May the Lord help us remain faithful, discerning, and free from every form of deception.

 

 

 

 

 

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What Does It Mean to “Consult a Board”?

 

 

Deuteronomy 18:10–12, 14 (NIV)


“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. Because of these detestable practices, the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you… The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or consult boards. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so.”

This passage highlights God’s clear prohibition against occult practices, including consulting “boards,” a term here understood as a means of contacting spirits or attempting to discern hidden knowledge through supernatural means. Theologically, this falls under divination and necromancy, both condemned because they seek knowledge apart from God’s revelation and rely on demonic deception.

In biblical theology, God alone is the sovereign source of wisdom and revelation. Practices such as consulting a board usurp His authority and open doors to spiritual deception (cf. Isaiah 8:19-20). The “boards” referred to are tools used by mediums or spiritists to communicate with the dead or spirits an abomination to God.

Historically, this practice persists in many cultures, where individuals known as witch doctors or mediums use inscribed wooden boards with letters, numbers, or symbols. Those seeking answers place their fingers on the board, believing they receive messages from spirits. The Ouija board, which gained popularity in the 19th century, is a modern example of this ancient practice.

In the New Testament context, Christians are warned to reject all forms of occultism and to rely solely on the Holy Spirit for guidance (Acts 16:16-18; Galatians 5:19-21).

The Example of King Manasseh

King Manasseh of Judah is a sobering example of someone who practiced such forbidden arts. According to 2 Kings 21:1–9 (NIV),


“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord… He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord…”

Manasseh’s consultation of a “board” (or equivalent occult practice) shows his deep rebellion against God’s covenant. Theologically, his sin represents a rejection of God’s authority and an embrace of demonic powers. His actions provoked God’s anger so profoundly that God allowed the Babylonian exile as judgment on Judah.

This illustrates the spiritual danger of seeking knowledge apart from God. The Bible teaches that all occult practices are under demonic influence (cf. 1 Samuel 28:7-20, the witch of Endor).

Why Consulting Boards Is Dangerous and Sinful

Theologically, consulting a board or engaging in necromancy and divination is a direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3), which calls for exclusive worship and dependence on God alone.

Satan masquerades as a deceiver, presenting these boards as a way to contact the dead or receive wisdom. But Scripture warns that these spirits are fallen angels or demons (cf. Revelation 16:14). Therefore, such practices open people to spiritual bondage and deception.

Today, many still visit witch doctors or spiritualists, placing their hands on objects or boards, unknowingly committing the same sin. Others may practice divination through betting or fortune-telling activities that are also condemned (Galatians 5:19-21).

The Only True Solution

Friend, if you want spiritual and physical restoration, there is only one true solution: Receive Jesus Christ into your life. Jesus said in John 14:6 (NIV),


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

Only through Christ can you find true wisdom, peace, and freedom from deception. He is the source of all true knowledge and revelation by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

Maranatha.

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He Will Receive a Hundredfold Now—Sisters” (Mark 10:30)

 

Question:
In Mark 10:30, Jesus says that whoever leaves things for His sake will receive “a hundredfold now.” Some argue this includes receiving many “wives,” suggesting polygamy is acceptable. Is that what Jesus meant?

Answer:
Let’s carefully examine the Scripture in question.

Mark 10:28–31 (NKJV):

28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,
30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Clarifying the Phrase “a Hundredfold Now”

First, note what Jesus actually lists as part of the reward: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands. He does not say, “wives.” While verse 29 acknowledges that some may leave their wives for the sake of the gospel, verse 30 does not say they will receive “wives” in return—let alone “a hundred wives.”

The Greek word used for “sisters” is ἀδελφὰς (adelphas), which specifically refers to female siblings or fellow believers. This is consistent with New Testament usage that views fellow Christians as part of a new spiritual family (see Matthew 12:49–50):

“And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’” (NKJV)

Does This Support Polygamy?

Absolutely not. Jesus consistently upheld God’s original design for marriage: one man and one woman. In Matthew 19:4–6 (NKJV), He says:

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Jesus refers to “the two” becoming one flesh—not three or four or a hundred. This aligns with God’s original intention for marriage in Genesis 2:24.

Therefore, Mark 10:30 cannot be used to justify polygamy. Jesus was not talking about receiving multiple spouses but rather about the new, expansive family one gains in the body of Christ.

What Then Does “a Hundredfold” Mean?

When Jesus says we’ll receive “a hundredfold now in this time,” He’s referring to the richness of Christian fellowship and support. If someone leaves behind family, they will gain spiritual brothers, sisters, mothers, and children within the Church—people who love, help, and walk with them in faith.

This doesn’t mean literal biological relationships, just as “brothers in Christ” aren’t our siblings by birth. Rather, it’s about a spiritual family formed through faith, community, and service.

Even the mention of “children” should be understood spiritually: many will become spiritual mentors or spiritual parents to others in the faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:15, where Paul calls himself a “father” to the Corinthians).

What About Leaving a Spouse for the Gospel?

If someone truly sacrifices a marriage for the sake of following Christ, God will provide support, comfort, and companionship in other ways—but not through multiple new marriages. Instead, He may raise up co-laborers in ministry, loving spiritual sisters, or fellow believers who provide the help and encouragement similar to what a spouse might offer. This reflects God’s faithful provision, not an invitation to polygamy.

As Genesis 2:18 says:

“It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

While that verse originally applied to Eve, the principle stands: God provides companionship and support in many ways, including through His people.

Why Does Jesus Promise These Rewards?

It’s to affirm the value of surrender. In Luke 9:24 (NKJV), Jesus says:

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”

Those who lay down their worldly security to follow Christ fully will never regret it. God repays in this life—with deeper relationships, purpose, and provision—and in the life to come, with eternal life.

Conclusion

Mark 10:30 is a powerful promise of spiritual community and divine provision, not a justification for polygamy. Jesus never endorsed multiple marriages. Instead, He affirmed the richness of life in the family of God for those who follow Him faithfully—even at great personal cost.

be blessed man of God 

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I Am the Alpha and the Omega

Throughout Scripture, Jesus Christ reveals Himself through powerful names and titles, each shedding light on who He is and what He means for humanity. One of the most profound declarations He makes is found in the Book of Revelation:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

This declaration appears again in:Revelation 21:6: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”Revelation 22:13: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

What Does “Alpha and Omega” Mean?

Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Symbolically, Jesus is saying that He is both the starting point and the ending point of all things. He is the origin and the consummation, the author and the finisher (cf. Hebrews 12:2, KJV). This expression emphasizes His eternal nature and sovereign authority over time, creation, and destiny.

It’s not just about being present at the beginning and end of history it’s about being the source of everything and the goal toward which everything is moving.

“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
John 1:3 (NIV)

Jesus is Also the Word of God

In Revelation 19:13, we read:

“He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”
Revelation 19:13 (NIV)

This is echoed in John 1:1–2:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”

Jesus is the living Word, the divine Logos. Wherever the Word of God is honored, read, and lived Christ is present and active.

Christ in the Prophets: Prince of Peace

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah with this powerful declaration:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

This reveals the multi-faceted identity of Christ. Where there is true, enduring peace peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) Christ is reigning, because He is the Prince and author of that peace.

What Does It Mean for Us Today?

Jesus being the Alpha and Omega has personal and practical implications. It means that in everything your days, your weeks, your years, your work, your family He must be both the foundation and the fulfillment.

1. Start and End Each Day with Christ

Before you check your phone or rush into the busyness of life, spend time with the Lord. Begin each day by acknowledging His presence and committing your plans to Him.

“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

Likewise, end your day in gratitude and reflection. Jesus is not just the start of your day  He desires to complete it with peace and purpose.

2. Commit Each Week to the Lord

Sunday, the first day of the week, is a biblical day of gathering and worship (Acts 20:7). It represents starting your week with God’s people and God’s Word. Regular worship and fellowship realign your focus and invite divine favor into your week.

3. Honor God at the Start and End of Each Month

The Israelites were commanded to hold sacred assemblies at the beginning of each month (cf. Numbers 10:10, Ezra 3:5). This was a way of dedicating time to the Lord and acknowledging His provision. Today, this principle still applies. Don’t move into a new month casually pause to thank God, and offer your resources with gratitude.

4. Dedicate Each Year to God

The beginning and end of each year are pivotal. Many churches hold watchnight services or New Year’s Eve vigils to seek God’s direction for the coming year. Prioritize being in God’s presence during these moments. It’s better to lose a worldly opportunity than to miss a divine one.

5. Let Christ Be First in Your Work and Finances

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…”
Proverbs 3:9–10 (NIV)

When starting a new job or business, give your first earnings to God not as a superstition, but as an act of worship and trust. Trusting God with your first allows Him to bless the rest.

6. Dedicate Your Children to the Lord

Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27–28), we are called to entrust our children to God’s purposes. Don’t merely “hope” your children will follow God lead them. Invest in their spiritual formation, just as you would their education or health.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
 Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Conclusion: Christ Must Be the Center of It All

In every area of your life, make Jesus the beginning and the end. Don’t insert Him in the middle and expect divine results. He is not just a helper He is the foundation and the goal.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:13 (NIV)

When you begin and end all things with Christ, you align yourself with His will, His timing, and His favor. This is the key to a life full of divine testimony, purpose, and peace.

Maranatha.

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Understanding Covenants in the Bible: A Theological Overview

What Is a Covenant?
A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between two parties. In biblical theology, covenants are central to God’s relationship with humanity. They can be conditional (based on human response) or unconditional (entirely upheld by God’s promise). The Bible reveals seven primary types of covenants, illustrating both divine initiative and human responsibility.

1. Covenant Between Person and Person

This type of covenant is a mutual agreement between individuals. It may involve promises, oaths, or obligations upheld by both sides, sometimes with God as a witness.

Example: Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:43–50, ESV)

“Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I. And let it be a witness between you and me.” So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar.” (v.44-45)

This covenant was a family agreement concerning marriage and property. Another key example is marriage, which biblically is a covenant before God (cf. Malachi 2:14).

Theological Insight:
Human to human covenants often mirror divine principles of commitment, faithfulness, and accountability. Breaking such covenants, especially marriage, is seen as sinful and can invite divine consequences (Matthew 19:6).

2. Covenant Between Person and Object

These are symbolic or personal commitments involving the human will. In such cases, a person binds themselves to a code of conduct or spiritual discipline.

Example: Job and His Eyes (Job 31:1, ESV)

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?”

Theological Insight:
This reflects personal sanctification a covenant of purity. It connects to New Testament calls to discipline the body (1 Corinthians 9:27) and to present one’s body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

3. Covenant Between Person and Satan

A spiritual covenant made knowingly or unknowingly with demonic powers. Such agreements are idolatrous and detestable before God.

Example: Pagan Worship Forbidden (Exodus 23:32–33, ESV)

“You shall make no covenant with them and their gods. They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me…”

Theological Insight:
Such covenants lead to spiritual bondage. They may stem from idolatry, occult practices, or generational traditions (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). Deliverance through Christ is necessary to break them (Colossians 1:13–14).

4. Covenant Between Person and God

This is a human-initiated covenant in response to God’s grace or command. It is often made through repentance, obedience, or dedication.

Example: Israel’s Renewal of the Covenant (Ezra 10:3, ESV)

“Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord…”

Theological Insight:
Though humanly initiated, these covenants must align with God’s will and Word. They reflect teshuvah genuine repentance and dedication to holiness (Romans 12:2).

5. Covenant Between God and Person

This is a divine covenant, initiated and upheld by God. Often unconditional, such covenants reflect God’s sovereign will and redemptive plan.

Example: The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:1–9, ESV)

“I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you… to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” (v.7)

Theological Insight:
This covenant is foundational to the biblical narrative. It introduces the concepts of election, inheritance, and justification by faith (Galatians 3:6–9). It prefigures the gospel.

6. Covenant Between God and Creation

God has made covenants with His creation, both living and non-living. These highlight His authority as Creator and His mercy toward all life.

Example: Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:9–17, ESV)

“I establish my covenant with you… never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood…”
“I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant.” (v.11–13)

Theological Insight:
This universal covenant demonstrates God’s common grace His kindness to all creation (Matthew 5:45). The rainbow is a sacramental sign of God’s mercy and faithfulness.

7. Covenant Between God and His Son (The New Covenant)

This is the most powerful and final covenant, made between God the Father and God the Son, and fulfilled through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. It is sealed in His blood.

Luke 22:20 (ESV)

“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Hebrews 12:24 (ESV)

“…to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

Theological Insight:
This covenant is eternal (Hebrews 13:20) and offers salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). It replaces the old Mosaic covenant, fulfilling the promise of a new heart and Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

It also has the power to break every demonic or sinful covenant and set people free (John 8:36, Colossians 2:14–15).

Conclusion: Have You Entered the New Covenant?

Through the blood of Jesus, God offers eternal life, forgiveness, and a restored relationship with Him. The door of grace is still open but not forever.

2 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

“But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment…”

Call to Action:
If you have not yet entered into the New Covenant through faith in Jesus Christ, do not delay. His blood speaks mercy, redemption, and victory.

May the Lord bless you.

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THE VOICE BEHIND EVERY SIGN FROM GOD

Shalom, and welcome as we explore the Scriptures together.

Every sign carries a message a voice behind it. For example, when dark clouds gather, we know rain is coming. The clouds themselves don’t speak, but their appearance serves as a natural sign communicating an impending event.

Similarly, God often speaks to us through signs. Sometimes, His voice is direct and unmistakable. At other times, His voice is veiled within signs, requiring discernment to perceive the message. This aligns with biblical teaching that God uses various means nature, circumstances, prophecy, even visions to communicate with His people (Hebrews 1:1-2, NIV: “In the past God spoke… through the prophets… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son”).

The purpose of God’s voice is always to teach, comfort, or warn us (John 10:27, NIV: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me”). Yet many fail to recognize His voice because they expect God to speak only in familiar ways.

Isaiah highlights this spiritual deafness:

Isaiah 50:2 (NIV)

“Why was there no one to answer when I called? Why was there no one to listen when I stretched out my hand? Was my hand too short to rescue you? Do I lack the strength to save you?”

This verse expresses God’s frustration with people’s failure to recognize His call even though He is reaching out.

A vivid example comes from the Apostle Peter, who was warned by Jesus through a sign. Jesus said:

Mark 14:29-30 (NIV)

29 Peter declared,

“Even if all fall away, I will not.”
30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today yes, tonight before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.”

Jesus combined verbal prophecy with a symbolic sign the crowing rooster to prepare Peter for the coming trial. This sign was not mere coincidence but a deliberate divine message.

When the moment came, Peter denied Jesus three times, just as predicted. The crowing rooster served as the audible sign, a wake-up call meant to remind Peter of his weakness and prompt repentance. But Peter initially ignored it. It was only after the second crow that Peter fully realized his sin and repented (Luke 22:61-62, NIV).

Theologically, this illustrates God’s patience and mercy. God often repeats His warnings, hoping His people will repent (2 Peter 3:9, NIV: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”). It also demonstrates that God’s communication can be layered both direct and symbolic and requires spiritual sensitivity to understand.

If God used a rooster to warn Peter, how often might He use people, animals, or circumstances to warn us today? Scripture teaches that God can use the whole of creation to communicate His will.

(Psalm 19:1, NIV:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”).

Ignoring these signs is dangerous. On the day of judgment, we won’t be able to claim ignorance of God’s voice if we have repeatedly heard His warnings in various forms (Hebrews 2:1, NIV:

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard…”).

God’s voice is often hidden in what seems insignificant or weak like the crowing rooster or even the talking donkey that God used to warn Balaam (Numbers 22:28-30). This reminds us not to dismiss small or unexpected signs but to seek God’s guidance continually.

Maranatha.

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