What Season of Grace Are You In?
In our Christian journey, we experience different seasons of grace. Early in our walk with God, He often carries us through challenges. Like a child learning to walk, we are helped, guided, and sometimes even carried. But just as a child eventually must learn to walk on their own, there comes a time in spiritual growth when God expects us to make decisions—wise, faithful decisions—on our own. This is a sign of maturity.
The Season of Being Carried vs. The Season of Responsibility
In Genesis 19, Lot and his family are rescued from Sodom. At first, they are physically taken by the hand and led out of danger by angels—an act of sheer grace and divine compassion.
“When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.”
—Genesis 19:16
But then, a shift happens. Once they are outside the city, they are given clear instructions:
“Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”
—Genesis 19:17
At this stage, the responsibility shifts to them. The grace that carried them is now calling them to act. Lot’s wife, however, looks back—an act of disobedience and longing for what God had condemned—and she turns into a pillar of salt.
This story illustrates that grace is not just about being saved; it’s also about obeying and growing. It moves from external help to internal responsibility.
Laodicean Danger: Knowing Much, Changing Little
In Revelation 3:14–22, Jesus rebukes the church of Laodicea for being lukewarm—not hot or cold. This is symbolic of many Christians today: we know the truth, we’ve heard the sermons, seen the miracles, and read the Word, but real inward transformation is lacking.
“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
—Revelation 3:16
The danger is in thinking that spiritual knowledge is the same as spiritual growth. But grace in this season requires movement, not just memory. It’s not about how much you’ve heard, but how much you’ve obeyed.
Even Jesus stopped “pulling” people after a point. In John 6:67, when many disciples left, He turned to the Twelve and asked:
“You do not want to leave too, do you?”
—John 6:67
In other words: You know enough now. What will you choose?
Don’t Take Grace for Granted
Hebrews 6 gives one of the strongest warnings in the New Testament:
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit… and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”
—Hebrews 6:4–6
This passage is controversial but theologically clear: it warns against apostasy—not just making mistakes, but a complete turning away after fully knowing the truth. Such people aren’t ignorant; they’ve experienced the depth of God’s grace and still choose rebellion.
The writer uses an agricultural metaphor to explain:
“Land that drinks in the rain… and produces a crop… receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless… and in the end it will be burned.”
—Hebrews 6:7–8
The message? God’s grace is real—but so is His judgment.
It’s Time to Grow Up Spiritually
Many of us are still waiting to be “pushed” into prayer, reminded to go to church, urged to fast, or begged to avoid sin. But if you’ve already been led out of spiritual darkness—if you’ve tasted God’s goodness—it’s time to walk intentionally with Christ.
The New Testament urges us to “make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). This means taking responsibility for your spiritual growth. Lukewarm Christianity doesn’t work in these last days. Jesus is returning—and the time to be serious is now.
“Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”
—Revelation 22:11
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
—Revelation 22:12
Run Forward. Don’t Look Back.
If you’ve already been saved, don’t long for the things God rescued you from. Don’t assume grace will always “pull” you along. This is the season of action.
- Stop entertaining sin.
- Stop delaying repentance.
- Stop expecting to be carried.
- Start walking. Start running.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
—Hebrews 12:1
You’re outside the city now. Run. Don’t look back.
Shalom.
What Does “Impurity” Mean in Galatians 5:19?
Galatians 5:19–21
“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.”
Understanding “Impurity”
In the New Testament, the Greek word translated as “impurity” is akatharsia, which literally means “uncleanness” or “filthiness.” It refers to moral corruption, especially of a sexual nature. It goes beyond physical actions and includes impure thoughts, desires, and attitudes (see Matthew 5:28).
While all sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23), Scripture makes it clear that certain behaviors are especially defiling, described as “perversion” or “abomination” due to their deeply corrupt nature.
Examples of Severe Impurity in the Old Testament
To better understand what kinds of behaviors qualify as this deep impurity, we can look at the Old Testament, where God provides clear examples:
Leviticus 18:23
“Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion.”
Leviticus 20:12
“If a man has sexual relations with his daughter-in-law, both of them are to be put to death. What they have done is a perversion; their blood will be on their own heads.”
These verses deal with bestiality and incest, which God labels not just as sin but as “perversion” (Hebrew: tebel – meaning confusion or corruption of divine order). These acts violate both moral law and natural order, and thus are called “impurity” of the highest level.
Why This Matters for Believers
Paul’s warning in Galatians is clear: “Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). This is not just about individual acts, but about a lifestyle of unrepentant sin.
Jesus came to cleanse us from all impurity (1 John 1:9), but continued willful sin—especially of this severe kind—shows a heart that is not submitted to God (Hebrews 10:26-27). Impurity affects both our relationship with God and our eternal destiny.
The Hope of Redemption
The good news of the Gospel is that no sin is beyond God’s forgiveness. Paul himself reminds the church in Corinth:
1 Corinthians 6:9–11
“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.
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.“
Impurity, as mentioned in Galatians 5:19, includes all forms of moral and sexual corruption, especially those that pervert God’s design for human relationships. These sins not only defile the body but also grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). However, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, anyone can be cleansed, forgiven, and restored.
May the Lord help us to pursue purity of heart, mind, and body, and to walk by the Spirit rather than the flesh..
Who was the Tyrannus mentioned in Acts 19:9, and what was his lecture hall?
Answer:
To understand the significance of Tyrannus and his lecture hall, let’s read the key passage in context, using the **New King James Version (NKJV):
“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul…”
— Acts 19:8–11, NKJV
Background and Context
After arriving in Ephesus, Paul began his ministry by preaching in a local Jewish synagogue. His central message was about “the kingdom of God” (v. 8), which refers to the reign of God established through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. Luke 4:43; Matthew 6:33). Paul remained there for three months, teaching and reasoning from the Scriptures (cf. Acts 17:2), trying to show that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
However, despite his efforts, many of the Jews hardened their hearts and began publicly maligning “the Way” — an early name for the Christian faith (cf. Acts 9:2; 22:4). As a result, Paul withdrew the disciples (i.e., the believers) and relocated his teaching ministry to the school (or lecture hall) of Tyrannus.
Who Was Tyrannus?
The Bible does not offer extensive detail about Tyrannus. His name is of Greek origin, and it is possible he was a Gentile teacher or philosopher, possibly a former rhetorician or professor. Many scholars believe that Paul used the lecture hall during the off-hours, perhaps in the heat of the day, when Greek philosophers typically paused their public teachings.
According to some early manuscripts (such as the Western Text), Paul taught from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., hours typically reserved for rest in Greco-Roman culture. This implies Paul was both strategic and tireless, possibly supporting himself through tentmaking in the mornings (cf. Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9), then teaching the gospel in the afternoon.
Tyrannus himself may have been a believer who allowed Paul to use his hall, much like Simon the tanner who hosted Peter in Acts 9:43. Whether he was a convert or simply sympathetic to Paul’s mission, his facility became a central hub for gospel expansion.
Significance of the Move
Paul’s transition from the synagogue to the hall of Tyrannus marks an important theological and missional shift. The Jewish synagogue, meant to be a place of learning and revelation, became a place of resistance. Their rejection of truth echoes Jesus’ own experience among His people (cf. John 1:11; Matthew 23:37).
By contrast, the lecture hall of a Gentile becomes the site of revival and massive gospel outreach. Over the next two years, Paul’s consistent teaching led to all who lived in Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey) hearing the word of the Lord — both Jews and Greeks. The gospel was no longer limited to ethnic or religious boundaries. This is a powerful example of the universal scope of Christ’s mission (cf. Romans 1:16; Galatians 3:28).
Theological Insight
This passage highlights a few key theological principles:
- God can use unexpected places and people to advance His kingdom. A Gentile lecture hall becomes a more fruitful ground than the Jewish synagogue.
- Persistent rejection of truth grieves the Spirit and blocks spiritual growth (cf. Acts 7:51; Hebrews 3:7–8).
- True ministry requires flexibility and discernment. Paul did not remain where he was not welcomed but instead shifted strategy while remaining faithful to the mission.
- Revival comes through the Word. The two years of daily teaching bore significant fruit, and verse 11 tells us that God accompanied Paul’s teaching with “unusual miracles,” showing the connection between Word and power.
Application for Today
Even in modern churches or religious systems, tradition and pride can sometimes hinder the move of the Holy Spirit. People may resist the truth even when it is clearly presented. Leaders might uphold human customs over Scripture. Just like in Paul’s time, the gospel often bears more fruit outside the traditional walls—in homes, workplaces, universities, or online spaces.
Therefore, we are called to:
- Be open to new venues for ministry,
- Stay faithful in teaching God’s Word, even if the audience is small or informal,
- And above all, not resist the Spirit when He speaks through Scripture.
May God help us walk humbly in His truth and be vessels for the spread of His Word.
Maran atha—Come, Lord Jesus!
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR UNDERSTANDING HAS BEEN TAKEN CAPTIVE?
Question: How can you tell if your understanding has been taken captive by the enemy? What are the signs?
Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Before evaluating whether our understanding has been taken or influenced by spiritual darkness, we need to first understand what the Bible defines as true understanding.
1. What Is “Understanding” According to the Bible?
Let’s look at Job 28:28
“And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
Biblically, true understanding is not just intellectual knowledge or common sense—it is moral and spiritual discernment. It’s the ability to recognize evil and to turn away from it. According to this verse, someone who does not or cannot separate themselves from evil lacks understanding. In a spiritual sense, their mind has been taken captive.
This echoes Romans 1:21
“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
When a person continues in sin and refuses to separate from evil, their thinking becomes futile and darkened—this is evidence of a captive or corrupted mind.
2. What Does It Look Like When Someone’s Understanding Is Taken Captive?
To “shun evil” (as Job 28:28 says) means more than resisting temptation in the moment—it means actively distancing yourself from sin and anything that leads to it.
Here are a few examples:
- Drunkenness: A person with understanding avoids places, conversations, and friendships that encourage it. (See Proverbs 20:1; Ephesians 5:18)
- Sexual immorality: They avoid flirtatious behavior, inappropriate dress, unguarded communication, and any digital content that fuels lust. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:22)
- Gossip and slander: They stay away from conversations and social groups that spread rumors. (See Proverbs 16:28; James 3:5-6)
- Anger, foul language, theft, and corruption: They step away from all environments that normalize or justify such behavior. (See Ephesians 4:29-32; Colossians 3:5-10)
But if someone continually participates in or is comfortable around these things, it reveals that their spiritual discernment is either weak or taken over. They are no longer led by the Spirit of God but are operating under the influence of the ruler of darkness—Satan.
As Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 4:4
“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.”
This kind of spiritual blindness or confusion can affect anyone—regardless of position or title. Whether you’re a pastor, bishop, prophet, choir member, president, or a highly respected public figure—if you cannot depart from sin, your understanding has been taken captive.
As Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
3. Can Understanding Be Restored?
Yes—but not by human effort alone. Restoration is only possible through God’s grace, beginning with genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 3:19– “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
When we turn to Christ with sincere repentance, God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews our minds and restores our ability to discern right from wrong.
Romans 12:2– “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.”
The Holy Spirit enables us not just to resist sin but to hate and avoid it—to shun it as Job 28:28 describes. This is how we know our understanding is being restored.
4. The Results of Restored Understanding
- Eternal Life: Through restored understanding, we walk in holiness and are reconciled with God. (John 17:3)
- Freedom in This Life: We live with purpose, clarity, and the ability to overcome destructive habits. (John 8:32)
- Spiritual Maturity: We grow in wisdom and make choices that reflect God’s will. (Hebrews 5:14)
If you find that you are unable—or unwilling—to distance yourself from sin, it may be a sign that your spiritual understanding has been compromised. But there is hope. Through repentance and surrender to Jesus Christ, your mind can be renewed, and your understanding restored.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “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.”
May the Lord bless you, open your eyes, and restore your understanding.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A TRUE SCHOLAR—ACCORDING TO GOD?
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We live in a world that values knowledge. From academic degrees to endless online information, we are constantly pushed to know more, learn more, and accomplish more. But here’s a deep and sobering question: What does God consider true wisdom or scholarship?
King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 4:29-34), addressed this question after a lifetime of study and reflection. In the book of Ecclesiastes, written toward the end of his life, Solomon evaluates human pursuits—including the pursuit of knowledge—and comes to a powerful conclusion:
Ecclesiastes 12:12–13
“Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to [God’s words]. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
This is not a rejection of learning or study—after all, Scripture calls us to grow in knowledge (Proverbs 4:7; 2 Peter 1:5–6). But Solomon’s point is that true wisdom is not just about accumulating information; it is rooted in a relationship with God. The Hebrew phrase translated “fear God” (yirat Elohim) refers to reverence, awe, submission, and worship. It’s an attitude of the heart that leads to obedience.
The Apostle Paul echoes this when he says:
1 Corinthians 8:1
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
In other words, knowledge without love and humility can become dangerous. It can inflate the ego but fail to transform the soul. That’s why Solomon concludes: the ultimate goal is not intellectual mastery but spiritual surrender.
What Does It Mean to Keep God’s Commandments?
As Christians, we understand that the law and the prophets point to Christ (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:27). Therefore, to “keep God’s commandments” in the New Covenant means to follow Jesus—obeying His teachings and walking in His love.
John 13:34–35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This is not just a suggestion—it is the central command of the Christian life. Jesus is clear that love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10). To walk in love is to walk in obedience. And this love is not mere emotion—it’s sacrificial, selfless, Christlike love (agape).
Therefore, you may have read a thousand books, but if you haven’t learned how to love like Jesus, you’ve missed the most important lesson.
True Wisdom vs. Worldly Knowledge
Today, many pursue education thinking it will lead to fulfillment, success, or even a deeper understanding of God. But Solomon warns that endless study can become wearisome, especially when it lacks a God-centered foundation. The New Testament affirms this:
2 Timothy 3:7
“…always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
True knowledge isn’t just mental—it’s relational. It involves knowing God personally through Jesus Christ (John 17:3). And this knowledge transforms our hearts and leads to practical obedience.
Even the apostle John, reflecting on the overwhelming richness of Jesus’ ministry, says:
John 21:25
“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
That verse reminds us that the message of Christ is vast, yet accessible to all. Though the world couldn’t contain all the books about Him, His essential message is simple: believe, follow, and love.
So, Who Is a Scholar in God’s Eyes?
A scholar, in the biblical sense, is not simply someone who knows much but someone who lives out God’s truth. Someone who doesn’t just study the Word but obeys it (James 1:22).
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
God measures scholarship not by academic titles, but by a heart that fears Him and a life that reflects His character.
Don’t misunderstand—there is value in education and learning. Scripture encourages growth in wisdom and understanding. But never let your pursuit of knowledge replace your pursuit of Christ. As the saying goes, “You can be educated and still be lost.”
So here’s the challenge: Let’s not just be readers of the Word—let’s be doers. Let’s not just seek information—let’s seek transformation.
Put your greatest effort into living out the truths of the Bible, especially the command to love. That is the mark of a true disciple and, in God’s eyes, a true scholar.
James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
May God bless you as you grow not just in knowledge, but in obedience, love, and Christlike wisdom.
Shalom.
Is the Story of the Withered Fig Tree Confusing?
Question:
Matthew 21:19 says the fig tree withered immediately after Jesus cursed it:
“Immediately the fig tree withered away.”
But Mark 11:20 says the fig tree had withered the next day, not the same day it was cursed:
“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.”
Which account is correct?
Understanding the Text: No Contradiction in Scripture
The Bible is internally consistent. Apparent contradictions often come from misunderstandings or reading the text without context (2 Timothy 3:16). Both Matthew and Mark present truthful accounts, just from different angles.
Matthew’s Account (Matthew 21:18-21)
Jesus, hungry in the morning, sees a fig tree with leaves but no fruit. He curses it, saying no fruit will ever grow on it again. Then the tree immediately withers. The disciples marvel at how fast it happened.
This miracle illustrates Jesus’ authority over nature and symbolizes judgment against unfruitfulness (cf. John 15:2). The immediate withering signifies God’s swift judgment on those who appear outwardly righteous (like the leafy but fruitless fig tree) but are spiritually barren.
Mark’s Account (Mark 11:12-14, 19-23)
Mark records that Jesus approached the tree but it was not the season for figs. After Jesus curses it, the disciples see it the next morning completely dried up.
Mark emphasizes the visible result of the curse appearing the following day, showing a natural progression—yet still miraculous because trees don’t usually wither overnight.
Reconciling the Two Accounts: The Meaning of “Immediately”
The Greek word translated as “immediately” (εὐθέως, euthéōs) can mean “soon after” or “without delay,” but not necessarily “within seconds.”
Consider Mark 1:28
“Immediately His fame spread throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.”
It’s clear this took time, yet it’s described as “immediately” to express rapid spread, not instantaneous.
Similarly, the fig tree began to wither at Jesus’ spoken word (immediate spiritual effect), but the visible withering took until the next morning (natural timeline accelerated supernaturally).
- Divine Judgment: The fig tree represents Israel, which had the appearance of spiritual fruitfulness (leaves) but was barren. Jesus’ curse is a symbolic judgment (cf. Hosea 9:10; Jeremiah 8:13).
- Faith and Authority: Jesus teaches His disciples that faith in God allows them to command impossible things (Mark 11:22-23), underscoring the power of belief and God’s sovereignty.
- Miracle and Natural Order: The miracle respects natural processes but accelerates them supernaturally, demonstrating God’s control over creation without violating it abruptly.
Both Matthew and Mark give accurate accounts from different perspectives. The fig tree’s withering began immediately at Jesus’ word (spiritually and supernaturally), with the visible effects appearing the next day. There is no contradiction.
Do you accept Jesus’ authority in your life? The fig tree warns us about bearing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus is coming soon (Revelation 22:20). Now is the time to believe and bear fruit that lasts.
Shalom.
Does the Bible contradict itself in the story of Jairus’ daughter?
Question:
Some people claim the Bible contradicts itself in the story of Jairus’ daughter. In Mark 5:23 and Luke 8:42, it says the daughter was at the point of death, but in Matthew 9:18, it says she was already dead. Which account is correct?
Answer:
The Bible does not contradict itself. The difference is due to where each Gospel writer begins the narrative. Understanding the context and the inspired nature of Scripture helps clarify this.
What the texts say:
Mark 5:23
“My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.”
Jairus approaches Jesus while his daughter is still alive but critically ill.
Mark 5:35-36
“Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Here, the daughter’s death is reported after Jairus seeks Jesus’ help.
Matthew 9:18
“Your daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”
Matthew begins his account after the news of her death.
The Gospels are inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16) and therefore do not contradict each other. Each writer emphasizes different aspects of the story for their audience.
- Chronological order (Mark’s account):
Mark gives a full timeline: the daughter is dying, then dies, then Jesus raises her. This shows Jesus’ power over death itself, fulfilling the promise in John 11:25-26
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
- Focus on faith (Matthew’s account):
Matthew starts the story when the daughter has already died to emphasize the faith Jairus shows despite the hopeless news, highlighting Jesus’ authority over death and the importance of trusting Him in seemingly impossible situations (Hebrews 11:1).
Why no contradiction?
- Jairus initially approaches Jesus while his daughter is still alive but near death (Mark 5:23).
- Before Jesus arrives, news comes that the daughter has died (Mark 5:35, Matthew 9:18).
- Jairus continues to believe Jesus can heal her despite the news of death, showing great faith (Mark 5:36).
Thus, both accounts describe the same event but focus on different moments within the story.
This passage powerfully reveals Jesus’ divine authority over life and death and calls us to faith in Him, even when situations seem hopeless.
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Savior, know that He invites you to receive Him today (Revelation 3:20). Baptism in His name (Acts 2:38) is the next step to receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit.
WOMAN, IF YOU WANT FAVOR—DON’T BE MATERIALISTIC
This message is especially for women who desire favor—whether in marriage, relationships, or fulfilling their God-given purpose.
If you’re a woman hoping to be chosen by the right person or to step into divine destiny, there’s a powerful example in Esther. She stood out not because of outward beauty or wealth—but because of her inner character. Esther teaches us an important principle: favor is more about your heart than your appearance or possessions.
1. Favor Is Not Earned by Outward Appearance Alone
Many assume that being a virgin or having external beauty guarantees favor, especially in romantic relationships or marriage. But the book of Esther challenges that assumption.
“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
— Esther 2:17
There were many virgins brought before King Ahasuerus, but only Esther was chosen. This shows us that purity alone, while important, was not the only factor. Something deeper made Esther stand out.
2. She Showed Wisdom, Humility, and Contentment
When it was her turn to meet the king, Esther didn’t demand fancy items or elaborate adornments. Instead, she trusted the guidance of Hegai, the king’s attendant.
“When the turn came for Esther… she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch… suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.”
— Esther 2:15
This reveals a heart posture of humility and teachability. In 1 Peter 3:3–4, we are reminded of what God values in women:
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
— 1 Peter 3:3–4
Esther exemplified this “unfading beauty” that wins both human and divine favor.
3. Favor Follows Authenticity and Inner Strength
Esther didn’t try to become someone else to win the king’s approval. She didn’t imitate others or exaggerate her appearance. She simply showed up as herself—with dignity, wisdom, and grace. She trusted that what God had placed within her was enough.
In today’s world, where many are pressured to change their looks, enhance their bodies, or constantly chase material things, Esther’s story reminds us: you don’t need to pretend or perform to be favored by God or others.
This is echoed in Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
True favor comes from walking in your God-given identity and cultivating a heart that honors Him.
Be Yourself and Trust God
If you’re a young woman or wife longing for favor—don’t chase trends, attention, or possessions. Don’t let materialism define your worth. Instead, focus on growing in character, humility, and faith. Be content. Be teachable. Be real.
Favor follows those who are authentic, humble, and God-fearing.
Just like Esther, let your light shine from within—and trust God to place you where you belong.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
— Psalm 37:4
May the Lord bless you with favor and grace, as you walk in the fullness of who He created you to be.
Understanding the Difference Between Sodomy and Anal Intercourse
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…”
— 1 Corinthians 6:9 (NKJV)
1. Clarifying Terms in Scripture
In the above passage, the Apostle Paul lists behaviors that are inconsistent with the kingdom of God. Two terms of interest here are:
- “Homosexuals” (malakoi in Greek) – This term refers to those who take a passive role in same-sex acts, often translated as “effeminate” or “soft.”
- “Sodomites” (arsenokoitai in Greek) – Literally meaning “men who sleep with men,” this term refers to those who engage in same-sex intercourse, particularly in an active role.
Together, these words describe both participants in male-to-male sexual acts. This reflects a clear biblical stance that such behavior is sinful and contrary to God’s created order (see also Romans 1:26–27 and Leviticus 18:22).
2. Defining the Acts
- Sodomy (biblically speaking): This refers to sexual acts between men, particularly anal intercourse. It is named after the city of Sodom, which was judged by God for, among other things, rampant sexual perversion (Genesis 19:1–13). The sin of Sodom is confirmed in Jude 1:7 as involving “sexual immorality and going after strange flesh.”
- Anal Intercourse (heterosexual context): Though often less discussed, anal intercourse between a man and a woman is also considered by many theologians to be unnatural and dishonoring to the marital covenant. While not named explicitly in Scripture, it is implied in passages that speak of honoring the marriage bed (Hebrews 13:4) and pursuing purity in body (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). It is also viewed as a distortion of God’s design for sex, which was created for union and procreation (Genesis 1:28; 2:24).
3. Theological Reflection
God’s design for sexual intimacy is clearly outlined in Scripture: it is to be between one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage, expressing love, unity, and fruitfulness. Any deviation from this—whether homosexual or unnatural heterosexual acts—is a distortion of His intention and a spiritual danger (Romans 1:24–27).
It’s also important to understand that the biblical warnings are not meant to shame, but to lead to repentance. Paul himself goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV):
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”
This shows that transformation is possible through Jesus Christ.
4. Pastoral Guidance
If you are married and your spouse pressures you into acts that violate your conscience or biblical values (such as anal intercourse), you are not obligated to comply. Mutual consent and honor are essential in marriage (1 Corinthians 7:3–5). If disagreement on such issues causes separation, Scripture allows for peace and even the freedom to remarry under specific conditions (1 Corinthians 7:15).
5. Final Exhortation
Sexual purity is not just about avoiding certain acts; it’s about honoring God with your body, which is His temple (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). Whether single or married, let every believer pursue holiness and walk in obedience to God’s Word.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
— Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!
Understanding Proverbs 30:33 — “Churning milk produces butter”
Question:
Can you help me understand the meaning of Proverbs 30:32-33 (NIV), which says:
Proverbs 30:32:
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth.”
Proverbs 30:33:
“For as churning milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”
Answer:
This passage, from the Book of Proverbs, teaches us that every action, whether good or bad, results in a specific outcome. The author uses simple examples to make this clear.
In Proverbs 30:33, we see an analogy with milk and butter. Milk naturally contains butter, but to extract the butter, the milk needs to be churned. This action of churning separates the butter from the milk. The same principle applies to our actions: what’s inside will eventually show, but it often requires a trigger or action to bring it out.
Similarly, blood is inside your nose, but it doesn’t come out unless the nose is disturbed. For example, if you’re punched in the nose, blood will come out. The point is that blood is there, but it needs an external force to make it flow.
The passage applies this idea to anger and conflict. Anger is something that can be inside of us, like butter in milk or blood in the nose. But for anger to turn into conflict, it needs to be stirred up, provoked, or triggered.
The wisdom in Proverbs 30:32 warns that when you feel anger rising, especially when you’re about to say something hurtful, you should immediately “put your hand over your mouth”—meaning, stop talking. If you continue to speak when you’re angry, the result will likely be an argument, fighting, or harm.
In fact, many negative outcomes—such as violence, revenge, or hatred—are often the result of anger that was stirred up and not controlled.
But here’s the good news: the ability to control our emotions, especially anger, comes through being in Christ. The Bible teaches that with God’s help, we can have the strength to control our reactions and choose peace instead of conflict.
If you haven’t trusted in Christ yet, and you’re ready to receive Him today, feel free to reach out to us using the contact information below.
May God bless you.
