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The cross is a wooden structure, made by placing one beam across another, designed as an instrument of execution through a slow and painful death.

Unlike today, where many countries use methods such as hanging, shooting, or the electric chair for capital punishment, in ancient kingdoms, those guilty of severe crimes—such as murderers or traitors—were sentenced to death by being hung or nailed to a cross until they died. It was a cruel form of torture, where the victim could suffer for many hours, sometimes even up to two days, before finally dying (John 19:31-33).

In simple terms, the cross was a tool of death and shame. As the Bible says: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'” (Galatians 3:13) NIV

However, for us who believe in Christ, the cross is no longer a symbol of shame but the greatest symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Through the cross, Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins, offering us salvation and eternal life. As written in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” NIV

The cross reminds us of the depth of God’s love. John 3:16 declares: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV

And through His death on the cross, Jesus gave us victory over sin and death. As 1 Peter 2:24 says: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Therefore, the cross stands as the ultimate symbol of our redemption and the foundation of our faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

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The Year of Jubilee (sometimes called Jubilee Year, Jubilee, or Yubilei) was a special, God-ordained year in the Jewish calendar that came every 50th year.

God commanded the Israelites to count seven cycles of seven years (7 x 7 = 49), and the year following—the 50th—was to be set apart as the Jubilee.

A Year of Rest, Release, and Restoration

During the Jubilee year, the people were commanded not to sow or reap. This meant they had to rest for two consecutive years:

• The 49th year, which was a Sabbath year (every seventh year was a sabbatical year),

• And the 50th year, which was the Year of Jubilee.

So how would they survive for two years without farming?

God promised to bless them abundantly in the 48th year, providing enough food to sustain them throughout both years of rest:

Leviticus 25:8–13 (NIV)
“Count off seven Sabbath years—seven times seven years—so that the seven Sabbath years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere… Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan.”

Key Features of the Jubilee Year

1. Rest from Labor
   No sowing, no harvesting, no pruning. The land itself was to rest—symbolizing trust in God’s provision.

2. Cancellation of Debts
   Debts were forgiven, and no one was to exploit another based on the remaining years until the next Jubilee.

3. Freedom for Slaves
   All Hebrew slaves were to be released and allowed to return to their families.

4. Restoration of Property
   Any land that had been sold due to poverty or hardship was to be returned to its original family owner.

Jubilee as a Picture of Christ

The Jubilee was a prophetic foreshadowing of the work of Christ on the cross. Jesus came to fulfill the spiritual meaning of Jubilee:

Luke 4:18–19
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus is our eternal Jubilee. Through Him:

• We are freed from slavery to sin

• Our spiritual debts are forgiven

• We are restored into fellowship with God, our rightful inheritance

• We are released from bondage to sickness, demons, and fear

Practical Lessons for Believers Today

Even though we may not celebrate the Jubilee in a literal, agricultural sense today, it still holds spiritual and practical lessons for every believer.

1. The Importance of Rest

We live in a busy, demanding world. Yet God values intentional rest—not just for the body, but for the soul.
Set aside extended periods of time, not just weekly Sabbaths, but longer seasons dedicated to seeking God. If you’re employed or self-employed, plan for spiritual retreats or breaks where you can be refreshed in God’s presence.

2. The Power of Forgiveness

Jubilee teaches us to release others from their debts—not just financial, but emotional and relational ones.
Jesus said, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
You never know when you might need the same grace extended to you.

3. Be a Generous and Just Employer

If you’re an employer, consider your workers’ well-being. Give them time off when needed—not as punishment or deduction, but as an act of grace. God notices how you treat others, and honoring rest and release in the lives of others is part of living the Jubilee principle.

What Jubilee Is Not

The term “Jubilee” has sometimes been misused today to refer to wedding anniversaries or birthday celebrations. While those may be joyful occasions, they are not the biblical Jubilee. The true meaning of Jubilee is rooted in God’s redemptive plan—a time of rest, restoration, and release for His people.

Have you entered your spiritual Jubilee in Christ?

Jesus is the only one who can give true freedom, cancel the debt of sin, and restore what was lost.
Today can be the day you receive your spiritual freedom, your new beginning.

2 Corinthians 6:2
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

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In Christian tradition, one of the most debated theological concepts is the nature of “God’s Divinity” or the “Doctrine of the Trinity.” Many divisions between Christian denominations today stem from differing interpretations of God’s nature.

Some Christians believe that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is known as the doctrine of the Trinity. Others believe that God is a singular entity, rejecting the idea of three persons, with some even denying the divinity of Jesus or the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, there are groups like Oneness Pentecostals who reject the traditional Trinity and see God as a single entity manifesting in different forms (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Meanwhile, some people do not recognize the Holy Spirit as a distinct person but rather as God’s power or influence. So, what is the truth? And where should we stand?

The Core Issue: Understanding God

The first step in understanding this debate is to look at the nature of God. If we misunderstand God’s essence, we create confusion and division. The core question is: How many gods are there? Interestingly, despite all the different views, everyone agrees that “God is one,” just as Scripture states.

Mark 12:29 (NIV):
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'”

This foundational truth is central to all Christians, and it echoes the ancient Jewish belief in the oneness of God, known as the Shema, which has been a core part of Jewish faith for thousands of years. Jesus, affirming this, pointed to the unity of God as the key to understanding all other theological questions.

Furthermore, despite the disagreements over the specific nature of God’s being, all these groups affirm the importance of Christ’s redemptive work and the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives.

For example, if one person calls sugarcane a “leaf” while another calls it a “fruit,” it doesn’t change the fact that it is still the same plant. The terminology may differ, but the nature remains unchanged. Likewise, while different terms or roles may be used to describe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they all share the same divine essence. God is one, and His nature doesn’t change, no matter how He reveals Himself to us or we perceive him.

God Is One: A Mystery of Three Persons

Ultimately, the truth is that God is one, but He has chosen to reveal Himself in three distinct persons to fulfill His work in our lives. It’s not that God is divided or that there are three separate gods; rather, He exists in three persons for our benefit.

The analogy of water is often used to illustrate this mystery: Water exists in three forms—liquid, steam, and ice—but it is all still water. In the same way, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, yet they are all the same God, working together in perfect unity.

If humanity had not fallen into sin, there would have been no need for God to reveal Himself in these three roles. He would have remained as He was—one God, the Father. But because of sin, God became incarnate in Jesus Christ to redeem us, and then, through the Holy Spirit, He dwells within us, restoring the relationship we lost with Him in Eden.

Therefore, God is not divided. He is one, and there is no place in Scripture that supports the idea of three separate gods. However, the division on this issue should not lead to unnecessary conflict. For those who believe in the Trinity, as long as they are worshiping the one true God, there is no need to divide over doctrinal differences. The important thing is to worship God in spirit and truth, and to recognize the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives.

Conclusion: Unity in Christ

If you are a Christian, and you have accepted Christ as your Savior, and your fellow believer also accepts Christ but doesn’t hold the same views on the Trinity, it’s okay. It’s not a matter of salvation as long as they worship the one true God, even if they may not fully understand the mystery of the Trinity. Just pray for them and trust that God will reveal the truth in His time.

Let’s focus on growing in love and understanding, avoiding unnecessary divisions that distract from the true message of Christ. As Paul reminds us, “Love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1b). Let’s seek to build each other up, not divide over things that are ultimately secondary in light of our shared faith in Christ.

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Question: Where does the word Calvary appear in the Bible, and how is it different from Golgotha?

Answer: In the Swahili Bible, the word Calvary does not appear. Instead, we find the word Golgotha, especially in John 19:17 (NIV):

“Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).”

John 19:18 (NIV) continues:

“There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”

What Does Golgotha Mean?

Golgotha is an Aramaic word that means “skull”. The Gospel writers refer to this place as “the place of the skull”, possibly because the hill had the shape of a human skull or was associated with death and execution.

The term appears in three Gospels:

• Matthew 27:33 (NIV): “They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’).”

• Mark 15:22 (NIV): “They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’).”

• John 19:17 (NIV): (as quoted above)

So, What Is Calvary?

Calvary is simply the Latin translation of Golgotha. It comes from the Latin word Calvaria, which also means “skull.” The word Calvary appears only once in some English Bible translations, such as the King James Version (KJV) in Luke 23:33:

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him…”
(Luke 23:33, KJV)

In modern translations like the NIV, the word used is “the place called the Skull”:

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there…”
(Luke 23:33, NIV)

Theological Significance

The place where Jesus was crucified—whether referred to as Golgotha or Calvary—is central to the Christian faith. It is here that:

• Jesus bore the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24).

• God’s justice and mercy met in the crucifixion of His Son (Romans 3:25-26).

• The New Covenant was sealed by the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:15-22).

The “Place of the Skull” may symbolize death, but for believers, it also represents victory over death through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. What was once a site of execution became the place of eternal hope.

Summary

• Golgotha is the Aramaic name meaning “Place of the Skull.”

• Calvary is the Latin translation of the same word (Calvaria).

• They refer to the same location—the hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified.

• The difference is simply linguistic, not theological.

Whether you say Golgotha or Calvary, both point to the same powerful truth: Jesus died for our sins and rose again to bring us life.

May the Lord bless you as you reflect on the meaning of the Cross.

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“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.”

— Matthew 23:2 (ESV)

Introduction: Understanding the Seat of Moses

The “Seat of Moses” is a metaphorical phrase referring to the position of authority in teaching and interpreting the Law of God given through Moses. Jesus uses this phrase to describe how the scribes and Pharisees assumed this role in Jewish society during His time.

In a similar way to saying someone “sits in the president’s seat,” it means they carry the authority and responsibility of that position.

1. Moses’ God-Given Roles in Israel

A. Moses as the Teacher of the Law

Moses was appointed by God to teach His statutes, commandments, and judgments to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 4:1 (ESV):
“And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live…”

Deuteronomy 4:14 (NKJV):
“And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that you might observe them in the land which you cross over to possess.”

Moses was not just a lawgiver—he was the spiritual educator, ensuring that Israel knew how to live according to God’s will.

B. Moses as the Leader and Judge

Moses also acted as Israel’s civil and spiritual leader, rendering judgments and leading them in their journey.

Exodus 18:13 (NKJV):
“And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening.”

Exodus 11:3 (NKJV):
“Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.”

Moses’ leadership was not just administrative—it was prophetic and deeply spiritual, serving as a mediator between God and His people (cf. Numbers 12:6–8).

2. The Pharisees and Scribes Sit in Moses’ Seat

In Matthew 23, Jesus acknowledges the Pharisees and scribes as occupying Moses’ role of teaching the law. However, He criticizes their hypocrisy and legalism.

Matthew 23:2–3 (ESV):
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.”

Their role was legitimate—but their character was not. Unlike Moses, who was humble and obedient (see Numbers 12:3), the Pharisees were known for outward religiosity but inward pride.

3. Jesus Condemns Hypocritical Leadership

Jesus strongly rebukes the religious leaders of His day for burdening the people with the law while not practicing it themselves.

Matthew 23:4–7 (ESV):
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger… They love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues.”

Their leadership was driven by pride, not servanthood. Everything they did was for public praise, not God’s glory.

4. A New Way: Servant Leadership in Christ

Jesus introduces a new standard of leadership for His followers—humility and service, not position or title.

Matthew 23:11–12 (ESV):
“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV):
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… who humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Jesus, the greater Moses (cf. Hebrews 3:1–6), not only fulfilled the Law but modeled perfect servant leadership.

5. Christ: The True Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus didn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.

Matthew 5:17 (NKJV):
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

He exposes the heart of the Law, which the Pharisees had obscured with man-made traditions and external practices (cf. Mark 7:6–9).

6. A Personal Challenge: Where Do You Sit?

Many today may claim to “sit in Moses’ seat”—as pastors, teachers, or spiritual leaders—but Jesus’ warning still applies: authentic leadership must be matched with authentic living.

James 1:22 (ESV):
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

God desires leaders who are like Moses: humble, faithful, and obedient, not those seeking status or recognition.

7. Call to Salvation

Are you living under the Law or under the grace of Christ?

Jesus invites every person—not just the religious elite—to enter the Kingdom by grace through faith.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV):
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

John 3:3 (ESV):
“Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Conclusion: Who Sits on the Throne of Your Life?

The Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat but missed the heart of God. You may know Scripture, attend church, or even lead others—but do you truly know Christ?

Let Christ be the true Teacher, Judge, and Lord of your life. Let His humility guide your walk and His truth set you free.

John 8:31–32 (NKJV):
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

May the Lord bless you as you pursue truth, humility, and grace through Jesus Christ—the perfect fulfillment of Moses’ role and the perfect Servant King.

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