What is the difference between witnessing and preaching?
Answer:
Witnessing comes from the idea of giving a testimony—sharing what you have personally seen or experienced. For example, if someone witnesses a car accident and then tells others exactly what happened, they are giving a testimony or bearing witness to that event.
In Christian, witnessing (or bearing witness) is sharing firsthand experience of Jesus Christ—His character, His works, and His impact in one’s life. This is a vital part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples.” Sharing your testimony about Jesus’ love and power is a powerful way to introduce others to Him.
Preaching, however, is a broader ministry that includes witnessing but also involves teaching, exhorting, warning, and explaining God’s Word. It is a more comprehensive proclamation of the Gospel message.
For instance, if the person who saw the car accident not only describes what happened but also teaches how to prevent such accidents and warns others about the dangers, they are preaching. In the same way, when a Christian moves from simply sharing personal experiences about Jesus to explaining the significance of His death and resurrection, calling people to respond in faith and repentance, they are preaching.
Preaching involves not just telling what Jesus has done but also calling for a response, emphasizing salvation, repentance, and obedience (2 Timothy 4:2,
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”).
As believers, we are called both to witness—to share personal testimonies—and to preach, to proclaim the full Gospel message.
2 Timothy 4:5 reminds us:
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Is it Right for a Christian to Receive Money from Someone Involved in Illegal Activities?
This is a serious and relevant question in today’s world, especially for believers in ministry, church leadership, or even just in everyday Christian living. Can a Christian accept money from someone whose income is derived from illegal activities like drug trafficking, robbery, or fraud?
Biblically answer is no.
1. Participation in Sin by Association
Accepting money from someone involved in sinful or illegal work makes you a participant, even if indirectly. The Bible is clear that believers are called to be holy and separate from wickedness:
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
When a believer receives money from an unlawful source, they are no longer exposing evil—they’re benefiting from it.
2. You Can’t Separate the Fruit from the Tree
You cannot claim to disapprove of someone’s sinful lifestyle and at the same time receive the benefits of that lifestyle. Jesus used the imagery of trees and fruit to show that what comes from a corrupt source is also corrupt:
Luke 6:43–44
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.”
If the “tree” (the person’s source of income) is bad, then the “fruit” (the money they earn) is also bad. You can’t accept one without endorsing the other.
3. God Rejects Sacrifices from the Wicked
Scripture makes it clear that God is not interested in offerings or sacrifices that come from unclean hands. No matter how big the amount, if it’s gained through evil, God detests it.
Proverbs 15:8
“The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”
Proverbs 21:27
“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent!”
Deuteronomy 23:18
“You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.”
This shows that God is not only concerned with the act of giving but also with the source and the heart behind the giving.
4. Repentance Comes Before Giving
If someone involved in illegal work wants to support the church or give to a believer, the right step is to first repent—to turn away from that lifestyle and receive Christ fully.
Only after their heart and life have changed can their resources be considered clean. As Jesus said, when the tree is made good, the fruit will also be good.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This means their source of income should reflect their new life in Christ. Honesty, integrity, and righteousness are marks of a true believer.
5. Spiritual Consequences of Accepting Unclean Money
Many people who accept money from criminal or sinful sources often find that it brings more harm than good. That’s because the money comes not only with physical value but also with spiritual baggage—often tied to greed, deceit, oppression, and even demonic influence.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This verse doesn’t just speak of the love of money—it highlights how chasing or benefiting from unrighteous wealth can lead people into spiritual ruin.
As Christians, we are called to live in holiness—not just in our words and actions, but also in the sources of our resources. Whether you are in ministry or not, it is never right to accept money earned through illegal or sinful means. That includes tithes, offerings, or donations.
Instead, call the giver to repentance and encourage them to seek lawful, honest work that reflects their new identity in Christ. Only then will their giving be a blessing, both to them and to others.
May the Lord give us discernment and integrity in all areas of life—including the money we receive.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Was Jesus Crucified on a Cross or a Tree?
Question: Galatians 3:13 says Jesus was “hung on a tree,” yet John 19:19 states that He was crucified on a cross. So which is it? Was it a literal tree, a vertical stake, or a traditional cross made of two beams? And does it even matter?
Answer: Let’s start by examining the Scriptures.
Galatians 3:13 (ESV) “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’”
Paul here is quoting Deuteronomy 21:22–23, where it was written in the Law of Moses:
Deuteronomy 21:22–23 (ESV): “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God.”
By referencing this passage, Paul is emphasizing the theological truth that Jesus bore the curse of sin in our place. The phrase “hung on a tree” (Greek: xylon) doesn’t necessarily mean a literal tree; rather, it refers to anything made of wood. The term was used in Greek literature to describe wooden instruments of execution, including crosses and stakes.
John 19:19 (ESV) “Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’”
Here the Greek word for cross is stauros, which historically referred to an upright stake, but by the Roman period, it commonly denoted the two-beamed structure known as a crucifix. Roman crucifixions were widespread and well-documented, and they typically used a crux immissa a cross formed by two beams intersecting like a “+” or “t.”
Historical Context of Crucifixion
The Roman Empire, which ruled Judea during Jesus’ earthly life, practiced crucifixion as a public, torturous, and shameful method of execution reserved for slaves, revolutionaries, and the most despised criminals. According to Roman historian Tacitus, crucifixion was designed to maximize suffering and humiliation.
Most historical evidence shows that the Romans used a two-beam cross: a vertical post (stipes) permanently fixed in the ground, and a horizontal beam (patibulum) which the condemned would carry to the site of execution. Once there, they would be affixed to the patibulum, which was then hoisted onto the stipes to form the cross.
Matthew 27:32 (ESV) “As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.”
This likely refers to the patibulum, the horizontal beam, which Jesus was too weak to carry after being scourged.
Theologically, the shape or design of the cross is not what carries weight what matters is who was crucified and why.
- Isaiah 53:5 (ESV) “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
- 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV) “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
The phrase “on the tree” in Peter’s epistle echoes Deuteronomy and Galatians, reinforcing that Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilled the curse of the Law so that sinners might be redeemed.
Does the Shape of the Cross Matter?
Some groups, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, argue that Jesus died on a single upright stake. However, the shape of the wood is not a requirement for salvation. The central tenets of the Gospel are:
- Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3),
- He was buried,
- He rose again on the third day,
- And He will come again in glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 22:12).
Whether one envisions a single vertical post or a traditional cross does not impact salvation. What is essential is faith in the redemptive work of Christ, repentance from sin, and new life through Him.
Secondary Matters vs. Essential Doctrine
Knowing the type of wood used, the size, or the exact appearance of the cross doesn’t affect our standing before God. Just as knowing what Jesus looked like physically adds nothing to our salvation, neither does knowing the precise design of the instrument on which He died.
As Paul writes:
1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV) “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
The message of the cross is what matters not its shape.
Jesus was most likely crucified on a two-beamed wooden cross, consistent with Roman practices. Yet, theologically, what matters is that He was crucified not the shape of the wood. Believers should focus not on the external instrument, but on the internal reality of the atonement, resurrection, and return of Christ.
Let us continue in repentance, walk in holiness, and wait in hope.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Fathers, Do Not Provoke Your Children
A parent’s responsibility is to raise their child in the right way, because God’s wisdom teaches that a child trained according to His ways will not depart from them, even into old age.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This verse highlights the principle of early spiritual formation and the lasting impact of godly instruction. Training a child in the “way they should go” involves instilling moral values, faith, and character based on Scripture.
However, while nurturing children in a godly manner, Scripture also warns parents especially fathers not to provoke or discourage their children. Provoking here means causing unnecessary anger, resentment, or discouragement that can hinder their spiritual and emotional growth.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
The Greek word translated “exasperate” or “provoke” (παροργίζω, parorgizō) implies stirring up wrath or irritation. Paul instructs fathers to avoid harshness that leads to anger, and instead to nurture children through patient teaching and loving discipline grounded in God’s Word.
Colossians 3:21 (NIV)
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Here, “embitter” similarly carries the idea of causing resentment or despair. A child’s heart can be deeply wounded by unfair treatment or harshness, which can quench their spirit and damage their desire to obey and grow.
What Does It Mean to Provoke Your Children?
To provoke your children means causing them to become angry or discouraged without just cause. This can manifest in several harmful ways:
- Excessive Harshness
Parents who frequently lose their temper or react with anger over minor issues risk alienating their children. Such behavior teaches children fear rather than love, undermining the biblical principle of nurturing in gentleness (Galatians 6:1). According to Scripture, provoking a child in this way is harmful to their emotional and spiritual development. - Unfair or Frequent Punishment
Discipline is important, but it must be just and purposeful. Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” However, discipline should not be excessive or inconsistent. Over-punishing for small faults can lead to bitterness and discouragement, which Scripture warns against. - Humiliating the Child
Shaming or humiliating a child publicly damages their dignity and self-worth, contrary to the biblical call to honor and respect one another (Romans 12:10). Encouragement and affirmation build a child’s confidence and help them develop a healthy identity in Christ.
God’s design for parenting balances discipline and grace. As a reflection of God’s own character, parents are called to be both just and merciful. Discipline without love can provoke; love without discipline can lead to neglect. Therefore, the biblical model is one of loving guidance, firm yet gentle, always aiming to reflect God’s patience and kindness (2 Timothy 1:7).
Ultimately, the goal is to raise children who love God, respect others, and live responsibly in the world. This requires parents to be mindful of their words and actions, seeking the Spirit’s wisdom in every interaction.
May God bless you as you lovingly raise and guide your children according to His Word.
DO NOT BE BITTER TOWARD HER
(Special Teaching for Married Couples The Husband’s Role)
Colossians 3:19 (NKJV)
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.”
This short yet profound verse provides two divine imperatives to every Christian husband:
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Love your wife.
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Do not be bitter toward her.
These are not mere suggestions; they are commands from God, rooted in His design for marriage and reflective of the covenant between Christ and His Church.
1. Love Your Wife as Christ Loved the Church
Biblical love is not simply emotional affection; it is a deliberate, self-sacrificing, covenantal commitment. God’s Word calls husbands to mirror the love of Christ Himself.
Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
This means loving your wife unconditionally, sacrificially, and consistently from the day you say “I do” until death separates you. Christ’s love for the Church was not dependent on her merit but was rooted in grace. Likewise, a husband’s love must not fluctuate with moods or circumstances.
When love seems to wane, it is a call to spiritual action: seek God in prayer, repent of apathy, and actively rekindle that love. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) includes love, patience, kindness, and self control all crucial for a thriving marriage.
2. Do Not Be Bitter Toward Her
Bitterness is a spiritual toxin. The Greek word used for “bitter” in Colossians 3:19 (pikrainō) implies a deep seated resentment or sharpness of spirit. Scripture warns that unchecked bitterness can defile relationships and hinder fellowship with God.
Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV)
“Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”
Why might a husband become bitter? Scripture acknowledges that women like all human beings have flaws. Mismanagement of finances, indiscretion with private matters, emotional responses, or recurring mistakes may test a husband’s patience. However, bitterness is never the solution. It is sin, and it grieves the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV)
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
Understanding the Weaker vessel
God calls men to lead with understanding and compassion, not dominance or emotional detachment.
1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV)
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
The phrase “weaker vessel” does not imply inferiority but rather delicacy and vulnerability. Just as fine china is more delicate than a cooking pot, both serve essential but different purposes. Husbands are called to recognize this distinction and respond with honor, gentleness, and support not frustration or control.
Failing to treat your wife with understanding and honor, Scripture warns, may hinder your prayers. That is a serious spiritual consequence one that no godly man should take lightly.
A Call to Christlike Leadership
Marriage is a covenant, not a contract. It reflects Christ’s relationship with His Bride, the Church. As such, the husband’s role is one of sacrificial leadership, spiritual covering, and emotional strength.
Let every husband ask himself:
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Am I loving my wife as Christ loved the Church?
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Have I allowed bitterness to take root in my heart?
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Do I honor her as a fellow heir of God’s grace?
Let us repent where we’ve fallen short, and pursue God’s perfect design for marriage.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming.
Live Joyfully with the One You Love. Ecclesiastes 9:7–10
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 (ESV)
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 (ESV)
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
The Book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, is one of the most philosophically rich books in the Old Testament. It reflects on the fleeting nature of life (“vanity of vanities” – Ecclesiastes 1:2) and the pursuit of meaning in a world that often seems unpredictable and unjust.
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 urges us to enjoy life’s simple blessings not from a place of indulgence or escapism, but from a position of godly contentment. The Preacher (Qoheleth) acknowledges that much in life is mysterious and out of our control, but there are things we can embrace joyfully, especially when we know our lives are aligned with God’s will.
1. God Has Already Approved Your Works
“…for God has already approved what you do.”
This phrase points to the grace of God. The Preacher encourages believers to live freely and joyfully, knowing that God has accepted their lives and labor. This is echoed in the New Testament through justification by faith (Romans 5:1), where believers are made right with God, not by works, but by trusting in Christ. When you walk with God, your life is already pleasing to Him.
2. White Garments and Anointed Head
“Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.”
In biblical symbolism, white garments represent purity and joy (Revelation 3:5; Isaiah 1:18). Oil often signifies blessing, joy, and the presence of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 61:3). This verse reminds us to live in a state of spiritual readiness and celebration, marked by holiness and God’s anointing.
3. Enjoy Life with the One You Love
“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love…”
Here, we see God’s design for marriage as a source of joy and companionship (Genesis 2:18, Proverbs 5:18-19). Life is short and sometimes difficult, so God’s gift of a loving spouse should be treasured and celebrated.
4. Do Your Best with What You Have Now
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…”
This is a call to diligence and purpose. Since life is temporary and death certain, we are encouraged to make the most of our time. The apostle Paul echoes this in Colossians 3:23 (ESV):
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Balancing Joy and Reverence
While Ecclesiastes calls us to enjoy life, it also warns against living without God. Life apart from God leads to vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:14), but life with God at the center brings meaningful joy (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
This is echoed in Ecclesiastes 8:15 (ESV):
“And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful…”
And Ecclesiastes 4:6 (ESV) reminds us of balance:
“Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.”
These passages teach contentment, gratitude, and a healthy detachment from worldly striving.
Live Wisely, Live Joyfully
God has given us life, love, and work as gifts. When we live in reverence of Him, we are free to enjoy these gifts fully with thankfulness, humility, and balance. Joy is not the opposite of holiness; it is often the fruit of walking closely with God (Galatians 5:22).
So let us eat with joy, love deeply, work faithfully, and live meaningfully all under the watchful care of our Creator.
Shalom.
Understanding the Life of Jesus Before His Ministry
Praise be to our Savior Jesus Christ forever.
I invite you to explore the foundational truths about Jesus’ life before His public ministry a period that holds deep spiritual significance and lessons for us.
1) Jesus Lived a Life Pleasing to God and Man
Key Verse:
Luke 2:52 (NIV) “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
This verse shows Jesus’ full humanity, He grew physically (stature), intellectually (wisdom), and relationally (favor with others). , This highlights the doctrine of the Incarnation: Jesus was fully God and fully man (John 1:14). His life pleased God not because of supernatural works at this stage, but through faithful obedience, humility, and godly character, fulfilling God’s will perfectly in ordinary life.
God’s approval of Jesus here models the idea that holiness and pleasing God are not just about public ministry or miracles but consistent faithfulness in everyday life.
2) Jesus Was Obedient to His Parents
Key Verse:
Luke 2:51 (ESV) “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.”
Obedience is a key virtue, reflecting the order God established in creation (Ephesians 6:1-3). Jesus’ obedience even as the Son of God shows His perfect submission to God’s ordained authorities, modeling the ideal human response to authority. This obedience also prefigures His ultimate submission to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:8).
3) Jesus Loved Being in His Father’s House
Key Passage:
Luke 2:41-49 (NIV) Jesus stays behind in the temple at age 12, showing His devotion and understanding that God’s will is central to His life.
Jesus’ statement, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (v. 49) reveals His unique identity as God’s Son and His early awareness of His divine mission. It highlights the importance of spiritual formation and growth in the knowledge of God. This moment emphasizes the integral role of worship and study of Scripture in Jesus’ human development.
4) Jesus Was a Man of Prayer and Worship
Key Verse:
Hebrews 5:7 (NIV) “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death…”
Despite His divinity, Jesus fully experienced human weakness and dependence on the Father. His earnest prayer life shows His reliance on the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1) and demonstrates the model of intimate communion with God that believers are called to follow (John 15:5).
5) Jesus Worked as a Carpenter
Key Verse:
Mark 6:3 (NIV) “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon?”
Jesus’ work as a carpenter emphasizes His identification with ordinary human labor and the dignity of work. This counters any notion that holiness is separate from daily life and shows that God’s kingdom includes faithful work in everyday contexts (Colossians 3:23-24). His honest work and integrity foreshadow the righteousness that pleases God.
6) Jesus’ Teachings Reflect His Life
Examples:
- Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44 NIV) Jesus models radical love and forgiveness, highlighting the ethical demands of the Kingdom of God.
- Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39 NIV) Reflects humility and non retaliation.
- Purity of heart (Matthew 5:28 NIV) Emphasizes inward holiness.
- Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22
NIV) Shows mercy as central to God’s kingdom.
- Humility and gentleness (Matthew 11:29 NIV) Jesus invites us to learn from Him as the humble servant King.
These teachings illustrate Jesus’ role as the perfect fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17) and the embodiment of God’s kingdom ethics lived out in practical ways.
Why Did God Delight in Jesus Before His Ministry?
Jesus’ life before His public ministry was characterized by:
- Obedience
- Humility
- Prayerful dependence on God
- Honest work
- Loving and respectful relationships
This holy lifestyle fulfilled the righteousness God required and prepared Him for the mission ahead.
Hebrews 1:9 (NIV) says:
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
If we want to experience God’s power and blessing, we must imitate Jesus’ pre ministry life prioritizing holiness, faithfulness, and devotion to God in every part of life.
How to Pray Warfare Prayers
Psalm 144:1 (NKJV) – “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we focus on understanding and praying effective warfare prayers. Warfare prayers are those that help believers engage in spiritual battle, breaking chains, destroying the enemy’s strongholds, and overcoming the powers of darkness. These prayers are vital in resisting the devil and walking in victory.
Types of Prayers
There are various types of prayers, such as prayers of thanksgiving, supplication, intercession, and spiritual warfare. Warfare prayers are specifically designed to combat and overcome evil forces in the spiritual realm. It is important to remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).
The Power of Prayer
Some believers might think that saying a few words repeatedly can defeat the devil. However, true spiritual victory comes from understanding the Word of God and applying it in prayer. We do not overcome the devil by simply repeating phrases but by relying on the spiritual weapons God has given us. As it is written in Ephesians 6:10-18, we are equipped with the armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God as our sword.
Knowing how to pray is crucial, and it is the Lord who teaches us to fight spiritual battles. Without understanding God’s Word and the weapons He provides, our prayers would lack spiritual authority.
Spiritual Weapons in Warfare Prayers
God has given us specific weapons for spiritual warfare. Let’s look at a few of these weapons from Scripture:
1. Hailstorm:
In the Bible, God used a hailstorm to defeat the enemies of Israel. In Joshua 10:11 (NKJV), we see that as the enemies fled before Israel, God sent large hailstones from heaven, killing more enemies than the Israelites did with the sword.
Joshua 10:11 (NKJV) –
“And it happened, as they fled before Israel and were on the descent of Beth Horon, that the Lord cast down large hailstones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died from the hailstones than the children of Israel killed with the sword.”
How to pray:
“Lord, send Your hailstones to destroy every stronghold of the enemy. Let Your hailstorm break every witchcraft circle and demonic power opposing my life. Just as You gave victory to Joshua, grant me victory over the enemy in Jesus’ name.”
2. Whip:
When Jesus cleansed the temple, He made a whip of cords to drive out the money changers and those selling goods in the temple. This act symbolized His authority to cleanse and restore the house of God.
John 2:15 (NKJV) –
“When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.”
How to pray:
“Lord, with Your authority, I create Your whip and use it to drive out every evil altar in my life. I overturn every demonic table of idolatry and rebellion against You. Cleanse my heart, home, and mind with Your whip of righteousness and holiness.”
3. The Noise of War:
In 2 Kings 7:6 (NKJV), God used the sound of war to cause the Syrian army to flee in fear, leaving their camp full of food, weapons, and treasures. God can use His voice to disarm and scatter the enemy.
2 Kings 7:6 (NKJV) –
“For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses, the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, ‘Look, the king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!’”
How to pray:
“Lord, let Your voice be heard in the enemy’s camp. Send forth the noise of war to scatter and confuse every demonic power that is working against me. Let the enemy flee and leave behind what they have stolen from me, in the mighty name of Jesus.”
4. Blindness:
In Genesis 19:10-11 (NKJV), the men of Sodom were struck with blindness by the angels of God as they tried to harm Lot. Similarly, in the New Testament, Acts 13:11 (NKJV) records Paul striking the sorcerer Elymas with blindness because of his opposition to the gospel.
Genesis 19:10-11 (NKJV) –
“But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.”
Acts 13:11 (NKJV) – “And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”
How to pray:
“Lord, strike every evil force and demonic spirit that has come to harm me with blindness. Cause them to stumble and lose their way, unable to see or find their target. I hide my life in You, and let the enemy be confused and blind to my destiny in Jesus’ name.”
5. The Stone of God:
In Daniel 2:34-35 (NKJV), the stone that struck the statue in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream symbolizes God’s kingdom, which will crush every earthly kingdom and reign forever. Jesus is also called the “rock” in Scripture, and His power is capable of defeating all enemies.
Daniel 2:34-35 (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. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”
Matthew 21:44 (NKJV) – “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
How to pray:
“Jesus, You are the rock that crushes every enemy. I stand on You, my firm foundation. Let Your power crush the plans of the enemy in my life, shattering every demonic structure and causing it to be ground into dust. I claim victory through the power of Your Name.”
Conclusion
Warfare prayers are an essential part of a believer’s spiritual life. They are rooted in the power of God’s Word and the authority of Jesus Christ. By using the spiritual weapons God has provided, such as the hailstorm, the whip, the noise of war, blindness, and the stone of God, we can overcome the enemy and walk in the victory Jesus has won for us. Remember, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV) tells us,
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.”
Equip yourself with God’s Word, pray with faith, and stand firm in the authority that Jesus has given you.
Destroyed and Separated from His People
Welcome! Let’s study the Bible together.
In Acts 3:22-23 (NKJV), Moses prophesied about the coming Messiah:
“For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’”
This prophecy points directly to Jesus Christ. The question we face is: When will people who reject Jesus be destroyed and separated from His people?
Today, many ignore or disobey Jesus, but we don’t yet see them destroyed or socially isolated in a final sense.
The passage reveals two things that will happen simultaneously to those who reject Christ:
- Destruction (Judgment and eternal punishment)
- Separation (from God, His people, and His creation)
When will this take place? The New Testament clarifies this moment:
In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (ESV), Paul describes the return of Christ and the judgment of the disobedient:
“When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”
This passage teaches us that rejection of the gospel results in eternal separation from God’s presence and His glorious power. Theologically, this is the “second death” or eternal condemnation (Revelation 20:14-15), where God’s justice is executed on those who refuse salvation through Christ.
Moreover, this separation is both relational and cosmic. They will be separated from fellow believers (illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25:31-46) and from God’s created order, as the wicked are removed from the land:
Proverbs 2:21-22 (NIV) says:
“For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.”
This confirms that the destiny of the wicked is to be cut off, which speaks to both spiritual and physical removal from God’s blessing.
This separation from God is the most severe consequence because God is the source of life and blessing. To be cut off from God is to face eternal destruction a sobering reality.
Many today reject Jesus and His Gospel, falsely thinking there is another way to heaven. But Jesus clearly 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.”
This exclusive claim highlights the central Christian doctrine of salvation through Christ alone.
Practical implications:
The end of the age is approaching, and Jesus calls us to repent and follow Him. The Gospel commands holiness living in truth and love. This includes avoiding sin like theft, adultery, and disrespecting God’s design (e.g., dressing modestly, honoring one’s body), reflecting God’s holiness.
- Rejecting Christ leads to eternal destruction and separation from God’s presence and glory.
- This will be fully realized at Christ’s return and final judgment.
- Jesus is the only way to salvation.
- We must respond now by accepting Him and living according to His teachings.
Why Did God Forbid Taking a Millstone as Collateral?
(Deuteronomy 24:6)
Scripture Reference:
“Do not take a pair of millstones not even the upper one as security for a debt, because that would be taking a person’s livelihood as security.”
Deuteronomy 24:6, NIV
“It is wrong to take a set of millstones, or even just the upper millstone, as security for a loan, for the owner uses it to make a living.” Deuteronomy 24:6, NLT
Historical and Cultural Context
In biblical times, the millstone was a vital household tool used for grinding grain to make flour an essential part of daily life. It was composed of two stones: a lower (stationary) stone and an upper (rotating) one. This tool was not a luxury it was as essential as a cooking pot or a stove is today.
Because it was central to survival, particularly for poor families who ground their own grain for daily meals, God strictly prohibited it from being taken as collateral for a loan.
God’s law in Deuteronomy 24:6 reveals His heart for justice and compassion especially for the poor and vulnerable. Taking a millstone as a pledge wasn’t just seizing a piece of property it was equivalent to taking someone’s very life, because it deprived them of their ability to feed themselves and their family.
This aligns with other laws found in the Torah that protect human dignity, even in economic transactions:
Exodus 22:26-27 (NIV)
“If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, because that cloak is the only covering your ne
ighbor has… When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.”
Leviticus 25:35-37 (NIV)
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves… do not take int
erest or any profit from them, but fear your God…”
These laws collectively point to a key biblical principle: economics must never override mercy.
Practical and Spiritual Lessons
- God Prioritizes Human Life Over Financial Gain
The law protects the poor by ensuring that their basic tools for survival aren’t confiscated. This shows that God values life more than material repayment. - Lending Should Be Anchored in Compassion
As Christians, we are encouraged to lend generously without expecting anything in return, especially when helping those in dire need.
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42 (NIV)
- Faith That Reflects God’s Justice and Mercy
Believers are called to mirror God’s character not just in worship, but in daily interactions, including business and finance.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
God’s command not to take a millstone as a pledge isn’t just about ancient lending practices it reveals a divine standard of mercy, justice, and compassion. We are reminded that helping the poor should come from a heart of love, not from a desire for profit. When we reflect this grace, we honor God and make our faith attractive to others.
May the Lord bless you as you walk in His wisdom and love.
