Title 2022

1. Context and Meaning of Luke 12:50

In Luke 12:49–50, Jesus says:

“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!”

Jesus is not referring to water baptism here — that had already taken place at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3:13–17). Instead, He is speaking figuratively about a coming baptism of suffering — the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

This “baptism” refers to His submersion into suffering and death for the sake of the world. The term “baptism” (Greek: baptizō) literally means to immerse or to submerge, and Jesus was soon to be fully immersed in the suffering required to fulfill His redemptive mission.

2. The Baptism of the Cross: Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Jesus’ death was not merely a martyrdom but a substitutionary atonement — He died in our place, bearing our sins (Isaiah 53:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Through His burial, our sin was buried with Him, and through His resurrection, we are offered new life.

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
— Romans 6:4

“Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
— Colossians 2:12

This explains why Jesus was deeply “distressed” (Luke 12:50). The cross meant physical agony, but also the spiritual weight of carrying the world’s sin.

3. Our Identification Through Water Baptism

Water baptism is not just a religious ritual; it’s a spiritual act of identifying with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When a believer is baptized, it symbolizes:

• Dying to the old sinful self (Romans 6:6)
• Being buried with Christ (Colossians 2:12)
• Rising to new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
— Acts 2:38

Through water baptism, our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16), and we are spiritually united with Christ.

4. The Spiritual Reality After Baptism

After rising from baptism, the believer enters a new spiritual status:

“Even when we were dead in trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ… and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
— Ephesians 2:5–6

This passage reveals that in the spiritual realm, we are already seated with Christ, sharing in His victory and authority.

5. The Necessity of Being Born of Water and Spirit

Jesus emphasized the essential nature of baptism in John 3:5:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Being “born of water” refers to baptism, and being “born of the Spirit” refers to receiving the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5; Acts 10:44–48). Both are necessary for true regeneration and entry into eternal life.

So when Jesus said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with”, He was pointing ahead to His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection — the core of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This was the ultimate baptism, and He was under great pressure until it was fulfilled.

“The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
— Luke 9:22

Therefore, water baptism today is more than symbolic — it’s a participation in the Gospel, a public act of faith, and a spiritual transformation reflecting the death of the old self and resurrection into new life in Christ.

(“Come, O Lord!” – 1 Corinthians 16:22)

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There are two types of witches mentioned in spiritual teachings:

1. Ordinary witches

These are the well known practitioners of witchcraft who engage in physical acts of sorcery casting spells, flying on broomsticks or other mystical objects, invoking spirits, and causing harm primarily to a person’s physical body or circumstances. Their influence is generally limited to physical afflictions or misfortunes.

2. False Prophets

This second group is far more dangerous and spiritually destructive. Unlike ordinary witches who affect the body, false prophets work spiritually to deceive and lead people away from faith in Jesus Christ, ultimately causing them to forfeit eternal life.

This aligns with the Apostle Paul’s warning in the Book of Galatians, where he describes those who have been “bewitched” away from the gospel of grace.

Galatians 3:1-3 (NIV):
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

Here, Paul condemns false teachers who tried to bring believers back under the law after they had embraced the freedom of faith in Christ. The spiritual “witchcraft” is the deceit that leads believers away from grace back into bondage to legalism or other false teachings.

Jesus also warns us explicitly about false prophets:
Matthew 7:15 (KJV):
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

False prophets appear harmless or even holy but inwardly are destructive. They are like wolves disguised as sheep, aiming to devour the flock.

The Nature of False Prophets as Spiritual Witches

False prophets can appear very spiritual, often using Christian terminology and practices anointing, preaching, casting out demons but their purpose is to lead people away from the true gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. They do not envy your earthly success or blessings; rather, their chief aim is to keep your soul from inheriting eternal life.

This is the core of their “witchcraft”: spiritual deception that kills the soul.

Biblical Example: Elymas the Sorcerer

In Acts 13:6-8 (NIV), we see a prime example of a false prophet described as a sorcerer and false prophet:
“When they arrived at Paphos on the island, they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. The proconsul called for Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.”

Elymas represents those who use spiritual deception to block people from coming to faith, working against God’s kingdom from within religious contexts.

The Deceptive Comfort of False Teachers

Beware of any preacher or teacher who encourages complacency in sin by telling you that you are loved and accepted by God while you continue living in ongoing unrepentant sin.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV) warns:
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

False teachers often distort God’s grace to excuse sin rather than calling for genuine repentance and transformation by the Holy Spirit.

The Works of the Flesh

The Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV) lists the “works of the flesh,” which are evident sinful behaviors that prevent inheriting God’s kingdom:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

False prophets either live in these sins themselves or tolerate them in their followers, denying the call to holiness.

Call to Discernment and Faithfulness

We are called to study God’s Word deeply, test every spirit (1 John 4:1), and remain faithful to the gospel of grace. False prophets exploit ignorance and spiritual immaturity to mislead many.

Jesus Christ is coming again, and these are the last days. We must be vigilant, rooted in the truth of Scripture, and live holy lives in obedience to God.

Maranatha!

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Answer:

To understand whether shaving one’s hair or beard is a sin, we must first reflect on a related question: Is it sinful to shape or trim your eyebrows?

If shaping eyebrows is considered inappropriate because it alters one’s God given appearance for the sake of vanity or conformity to worldly trends, then it follows that shaving the hair on one’s head or beard might also fall under similar concerns. All of these involve the removal or reshaping of hair that naturally grows on the head a part of our body created by God. To condemn one and excuse the other may reveal a form of hypocrisy.

This may be difficult to accept, but Scripture calls us to live according to God’s truth, not according to cultural trends. I, too, once followed these practices, but as I grew in the Word and understood God’s standards more clearly, I changed and I will continue to change as the Holy Spirit reveals more to me.

What Does the Bible Say?

Leviticus 19:27 (ESV) says:

“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”

In this passage, God is giving laws to the Israelites to separate them from the idolatrous nations surrounding them. Pagans in Canaan often shaved or marked their hair and beards in ritualistic patterns as acts of worship to false gods. God’s people were to be set apart holy in appearance, conduct, and worship.

The Hebrew word used here for “mar” (shachath) means to ruin, destroy, or corrupt. The implication is that shaping one’s beard or temples (sides of the head) in specific ways can be seen as tampering with God’s design for our appearance, especially when done to imitate worldly or pagan styles.

Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (NKJV) says:

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

This passage teaches that our physical bodies are sacred because the Holy Spirit lives within us. Therefore, how we present ourselves physically matters. While the passage primarily refers to spiritual and moral purity, the principle of honoring God with our bodies extends to how we treat and represent ourselves externally.

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) reinforces this:

“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.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

Conformity to worldly standards in grooming especially when driven by vanity, pride, or imitation of ungodly trends can conflict with our call to be distinct as followers of Christ.

Should Christians Avoid All Grooming?

This does not mean believers should be unkempt or careless in appearance. Scripture values cleanliness and order. For instance, 2 Samuel 12:20 shows King David grooming himself after a time of mourning. The key is not in grooming but in intent. Are we doing it to honor God and present ourselves well or are we driven by vanity and a desire to fit into worldly molds?

Christians can be neat, clean, and presentable without altering their God given identity or imitating patterns associated with worldliness or rebellion against God’s order.

A Call to Authentic Holiness

Our external appearance communicates something about our internal convictions. If we appear no different from the world, how will unbelievers see the distinctiveness of the gospel? Jesus said in Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV):

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Let us not present a lukewarm faith neither hot nor cold one that Jesus sternly warns against:

Revelation 3:16 (ESV):

“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

As believers, we are called to pursue holiness in every area of life including how we care for and present our bodies. Shaving or reshaping hair or beards becomes problematic when it’s done in imitation of worldly styles, as an act of vanity, or in contradiction to the set-apart identity we are called to uphold.

We are temples of the Holy Spirit. Let’s honor that temple in a way that glorifies God and reflects the holiness to which we’ve been called.

Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus!

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Understanding the Term to cool
In english, the word to cool is a synonym for heal, which both mean “to heal”. These words are used interchangeably to refer to physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. In biblical context, healing (to cool) is not merely the alleviation of physical symptoms but often a sign of the in breaking of God’s Kingdom a divine act that points to the redemptive power of Christ.

1. Jesus’ Commission to Heal

Jesus Christ gave His disciples clear authority to heal the sick as part of their mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Healing was not an optional addition but central to the Gospel message.

Matthew 10:7–8 (NIV):

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Healing in this passage is part of the tangible demonstration that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. The authority was not based on personal power, but on the delegated authority of Christ Himself (see Matthew 28:18–20).

2. Healing in the Ministry of the Apostles

After receiving authority from Jesus, the apostles actively healed the sick, demonstrating that the same Spirit that was in Christ was now working through them.

Mark 6:12–13 (ESV):

“So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.
And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”

The use of oil, as noted here, became a symbol of consecration and the Holy Spirit (cf. James 5:14). Healing confirmed the truth of their preaching and the presence of God’s power.

3. Healing Beyond the Twelve Apostles

Healing wasn’t restricted to the original twelve apostles. It extended to other believers filled with the Holy Spirit, such as Paul, Stephen, and Barnabas.

Acts 28:8–9 (NIV):

“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.”

This passage confirms that healing continued as a work of the Holy Spirit through the broader Church, not just the twelve apostles. Paul’s healing ministry was also evident in Acts 19:11–12, where “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul.”

4. Healing as a Continuing Sign for Believers

Jesus Himself said that miraculous signs, including healing, would accompany those who believe not just leaders or apostles.

Mark 16:17–18 (NIV):

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

This shows that divine healing is still part of the believer’s spiritual inheritance and calling. Healing is one of the signs of faith-filled ministry in the Church Age.

5. Theological Implication of Healing Today

Healing is more than physical restoration it is a foretaste of the ultimate healing and redemption that will come in the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:4). Yet, even now, believers are called to minister healing as part of proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. This aligns with the apostolic pattern and the early Church’s experience.

James 5:14–15 (NIV):

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”

This affirms that healing through prayer, faith, and community is a normative practice in the Church.

Jesus Still Heals Today

The healing ministry is not a thing of the past. Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NIV). The power to heal, to cool, is still available to the Church today through the Holy Spirit. As we preach the Gospel and pray in faith, we can expect the Lord to confirm His Word with signs, including healing.

Maranatha! (Come, O Lord!)

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Divination is a practice rooted in the kingdom of darkness, often associated with witch doctors, sorcerers, and those influenced by familiar spirits who claim to predict future events. In biblical terms, divination involves seeking knowledge or guidance from sources other than God, which is strictly forbidden.

People historically engaged in divination through various means such as palm reading, casting lots, or examining animal organs (haruspicy).

Biblical Prohibition of Divination

In the Old Testament, God explicitly forbade the Israelites from practicing divination and sorcery. This prohibition was part of God’s covenant law, designed to keep His people separate from pagan customs and reliant solely on Him.

2 Kings 17:16-20 (NIV):
“They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves… They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens… and aroused the Lord’s anger. So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence… Only the tribe of Judah was left. Even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God but followed the practices Israel had introduced.”

This passage highlights the spiritual downfall that came with engaging in divination disobedience to God led to exile and judgment.

Does Divination Actually Work?

A common question is whether divination truly reveals the future. The biblical answer is a clear no.

• Satan’s Limitations: Satan does not have omniscience. He cannot predict the future, just as humans cannot. Only God possesses perfect knowledge of past, present, and future.

God’s Sovereignty: According to Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV), God declares:
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning…”
This confirms that foreknowledge of future events belongs to God alone.

• Satan’s Deception: Satan may arrange circumstances to give the illusion of prophecy or prediction. For instance, a witch doctor might name visitors who then unexpectedly arrive, but this is orchestrated through demonic influence rather than genuine foreknowledge.

How Divination Works Spiritually

When a person seeks divination, they open themselves to demonic manipulation. Witch doctors and mediums do not truly see the future; they communicate with spirits who create scenarios to deceive people into thinking their predictions are accurate.

This is why Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) condemns divination and related practices:

“Let no one be found among you who… practices divination or sorcery… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

• Idolatry and False Worship: Divination often involves worshiping false gods or spirits, violating the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3).
• Separation from God: Seeking knowledge from occult sources breaks the believer’s fellowship with God and invites spiritual bondage.
• False Security: Any blessings or prophecies obtained through divination are counterfeit and ultimately lead to curses, as Satan’s goal is to destroy (John 10:10).

The True Source of Prophecy

For those seeking to understand their future, the Bible is the authoritative source. God reveals His plans through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to trust God’s Word for guidance rather than turn to occult practices.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Divination is a deceptive practice condemned by God, originating from Satan’s lies. It does not reveal the future but creates falsehoods that lead people away from God. Only God knows the future perfectly, and His Word offers the true hope and guidance we need.

If you want to know what tomorrow holds, immerse yourself in God’s Word and trust in His promises.

Maranatha!

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1 Timothy 3:8 (NIV)
“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”

This verse is often misunderstood. Some interpret it to mean that a moderate amount of alcohol is permissible for Christians, as long as they avoid excess. But this raises a critical question: Is a little wine acceptable for believers today? What is the scriptural and theological foundation for Paul’s instruction?

1. Context Matters: A Word on Spiritual Discernment

2 Corinthians 3:6 (ESV)
“Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Without the illumination of the Holy Spirit, one can misuse Scripture to justify sin. Satan himself quoted Scripture to tempt Jesus (see Matthew 4:6–7), twisting its context. Jesus responded with discernment, rightly dividing the Word (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15).

So, Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 3:8 must be read in full context and with Spirit-led understanding. Let’s examine Paul’s advice to Timothy more closely.

2. Medicinal Use vs. Recreational Use

1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV)
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”

Here, Paul advises Timothy to take a little wine for medicinal purposes. The Greek word used here for “wine” is oinos, which refers to fermented wine, not just grape juice. However, Paul limits the quantity to “a little” (oligon, Greek: ὀλίγον), clearly indicating moderation and purpose not indulgence or recreation.

This instruction is pastoral and practical. Timothy likely avoided wine entirely to uphold his reputation as a church leader, but Paul, knowing his health challenges, recommends a medicinal allowance. It is not a blanket endorsement of social drinking.

3. Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient world, water quality was poor, and small amounts of wine were sometimes mixed with water to purify it or treat stomach issues. Moreover, wine had topical uses as a disinfectant for wounds.

Luke 10:34 (KJV)
“And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine…”

The Good Samaritan uses wine as an antiseptic. This aligns with the broader Greco-Roman medicinal practices of the time.

Therefore, when Paul permits “a little wine” for Timothy, he is not encouraging social drinking, but recognizing a common medical treatment of the day.

4. Drunkenness Is a Sin

Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

Paul directly contrasts being “filled” with wine and being “filled” with the Holy Spirit. One leads to loss of control and moral compromise; the other to godly living and spiritual empowerment.

Galatians 5:21 (NIV)
“Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Drunkenness is listed alongside other works of the flesh that disqualify one from the kingdom of God. The Bible makes no allowance for casual intoxication.

5. The Modern Application: Do We Still Need Wine Medicinally?

In today’s world, we have access to clean water, pharmaceuticals, and advanced medicine. There is no longer a need for wine to serve as a treatment for illness. The argument for medicinal use of alcohol has little practical relevance today outside of rare cases or remote locations.

Thus, to use 1 Timothy 5:23 as justification for casual drinking is to misuse the text.

6. Summary

• Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 3:8 and 5:23 are not contradictory. One prohibits excess, the other permits medicinal moderation.
• The purpose of wine in Scripture, where permitted, was functional, cultural, or symbolic, not recreational.
• Drunkenness is explicitly condemned in both Old and New Testaments (see also Proverbs 20:1, Isaiah 5:11, Romans 13:13).
• In the New Covenant, believers are called to holiness and self-control (cf. Titus 2:11–12), filled not with wine but with the Spirit of God.

A Final Call: Repentance and Salvation

Galatians 5:19–21 (NIV) clearly warns that habitual sin, including drunkenness, excludes one from God’s kingdom. If you are caught in addiction or compromise, turn to Christ.

Acts 3:19 (NIV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Do not delay. Receive Jesus, be cleansed, and walk in the newness of life.

Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus!

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Key Verse:

“None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.”
Acts 5:13 (ESV)

1. Context: The Power and Purity of the Early Church

In Acts 5:12–16, the early church is experiencing explosive growth, accompanied by dramatic signs and wonders. The apostles are not only preaching boldly but healing the sick and casting out demons. These events follow the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11), whose deceit before God led to their immediate death. The fear of God falls on the entire community (v.11), and the standard of holiness is unmistakably high.

“Many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.”  Acts 5:12 (ESV)

2. The Fear of God and the Cost of Discipleship

The statement, “no one else dared join them,” reflects the awe and fear with which outsiders viewed the apostolic community. Though the people respected and admired them, they were hesitant to associate too closely due to the cost of such discipleship. The fear was both spiritual (from God’s judgment, as seen in Ananias and Sapphira) and social (persecution from Jewish authorities).

“No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.”  Acts 5:13 (NIV)

This kind of hesitation is rooted in what Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously called “the cost of discipleship.” Following Jesus was not a casual choice; it required full surrender even unto death. The apostles were fearless in the face of persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom (see Acts 5:40-42, Acts 7:54-60).

3. The Apostolic Model: Boldness in the Face of Opposition

The apostles didn’t retreat or compromise. They continued ministering openly in Jerusalem even in the same temple courts where Jesus had confronted the religious establishment and where they themselves had been arrested.

“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’”
Acts 5:19–20 (ESV)

Despite the very real threats, they obeyed God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Their lives embodied radical obedience, a theme repeated throughout Acts (e.g., Acts 4:19–20).

4. True Faith Often Stays Quiet Under Pressure

We also see a parallel in John 12:42, where some religious leaders believed in Jesus but kept silent for fear of losing their status:

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.”  John 12:42 (NIV)

This contrast helps explain Acts 5:13: even among those who admired the apostles, many were not willing to risk public association.

5. Apostles Remain While Others Scatter

When persecution broke out in Jerusalem, believers scattered for safety but not the apostles. They remained at the center of the conflict, standing firm in their mission.

“A great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.”  Acts 8:1 (NIV)

Their unwavering commitment reveals a depth of faith and calling that went beyond admiration. This is discipleship at its highest cost.

6. Implications for Modern Servants of God

Theologically, Acts 5:13 is a powerful call to holiness, courage, and deep devotion. Those called to ministry must be willing to live lives of uncompromising obedience, even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. People may admire bold faith from a distance but very few are ready to walk that narrow path (cf. Matthew 7:13–14).

True ministry demands a higher standard of self-denial and dedication:

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” n Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

A Call to Courage and Commitment

God uses those who are willing to go deeper those who are willing to stay when others run, to speak when others are silent, and to endure when others fall away. That’s what set the apostles apart, and that’s what will set apart every faithful servant of God today.

May we be counted among those who not only admire but follow at any cost.

Shalom.

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