Title July 2024

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do some people seem so lucky? Is there such a thing as a lucky star? And do I have one?”

In everyday language, people use the phrase “lucky star” to describe someone who seems to succeed easily or unexpectedly. For instance, one person may dig for gold and suddenly strike a rich deposit, while others search for years without success. Another may graduate from college and land a great job immediately, even ahead of others who have waited longer. Some seem to thrive in business with little effort, landing major deals while others struggle.

Naturally, we might think such people were “born under a lucky star.”

But is that really true?

What the Bible Says About Luck and Blessing

The truth is, the Bible does not teach that people are born with random luck or astrological fortune. Instead, it teaches that blessing comes from a relationship with God, and true success begins in the soul.

Worldly “luck” may seem appealing, but it is often unstable and fleeting. Even the enemy, Satan, can offer material gain to deceive and destroy (see Matthew 4:8–9). That kind of success cannot provide peace, salvation, or eternal security.

The True “Star” Worth Following — Jesus Christ

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read a powerful account of wise men from the East who were guided not by fate, but by a divine sign: the star of Jesus.

Matthew 2:1–2 
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”

This star wasn’t just any star—it represented the birth of the Savior of the world. The wise men understood what many still miss today: true blessing is found in finding and worshiping Christ.

Matthew 2:10–11
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.”

That is the joy of discovering Christ: it surpasses all worldly success. He is the “bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16), the one worth following above all else.

What Happens When You Follow Jesus

When you repent and believe in Jesus (Mark 1:15), you are forgiven of sin and set free from the eternal curse of death. Every person is born into sin (Romans 3:23), but through Christ, we are made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).

When Jesus becomes Lord of your life:

• You are no longer under judgment but are given eternal life (Romans 6:23).
• You receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14), who transforms your heart and character.
• You begin to experience inner peace, spiritual growth, and victory over sin (Galatians 5:22–24).

Jesus doesn’t just change your spiritual life; He also brings purpose, provision, and blessing in every area. His promises are not empty—they are grounded in eternal truth.

Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”

When you walk with Jesus, you don’t need to rely on superstitions, horoscopes, or witchdoctors. Those paths lead only to confusion and spiritual bondage.

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 
“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes… for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”

In contrast, Jesus offers life, truth, and lasting joy.

Proverbs 10:22 
“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”

Jesus Is the True Blessing

So, do you want to know what your true “lucky star” is?

It’s not a star in the sky. It’s the Morning Star—Jesus Christ.

When you put your faith in Him, you receive far more than temporary success. You receive:

• Peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7),
• A new heart and renewed mind (Romans 12:2),
• Purpose and identity in God (1 Peter 2:9),
• And the guarantee of eternal life (John 3:16).

That’s not luck—that’s divine grace.

So instead of chasing temporary fortune or seeking help from ungodly sources, turn to Jesus. He is the only one who can truly bless you, guide you, and give you a future that lasts forever.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

May the Lord bless you as you seek and follow the only star worth following—Jesus Christ. ✨

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Rebuking Demons and Battling the Powers of Darkness

As Christians, we are called to engage in spiritual warfare. There are three primary meanings when we find ourselves rebuking demons or battling the forces of darkness. These are:

1. Experiencing Spiritual Warfare: You may be going through a real spiritual battle.
2. God Revealing the Reality of Spiritual Warfare: God might be showing you the nature of spiritual warfare.
3. Revealing Your Spiritual Strength: God may be revealing the level of spiritual authority you currently have, or the level you need to attain.

1. Spiritual Warfare

The Bible makes it clear that Christians face a real and ongoing battle against spiritual forces.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) says:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

This verse emphasizes that the battle we face is not physical but spiritual. As believers, we are engaged in a fight against unseen spiritual forces, including demonic spirits that attempt to influence and control our lives.

Sometimes, these spiritual attacks manifest in dreams. For example, you might dream of being bitten by a snake, and upon waking up, you feel real pain in that area. If this pain persists, it can spread throughout your body, indicating a demonic attack. This aligns with

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV),where Paul writes:

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

If you encounter such attacks, you have the authority in Christ to rebuke them, as it is written in

Luke 10:19 (NIV):

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

2. God Revealing the Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Sometimes, you may dream about confronting or rebuking demons. In this case, you’re not necessarily under direct attack, but God may be showing you the reality of spiritual warfare. The enemy’s tactics are real, and while you may not be experiencing them now, they may manifest in the future.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)warns:

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering.”

This is a reminder that as believers, we are to be vigilant and resist the enemy’s attacks by standing firm in the faith.

3. Revealing Your Spiritual Strength

At other times, God may be showing you your current level of spiritual strength. For example, a believer might be saved but feels fear when it comes to casting out demons or praying for others who are oppressed. God might be showing you that He has given you the power and authority to overcome these dark forces.

Mark 16:17-18 (NIV) states:

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

This passage affirms that believers are called to exercise authority over demonic forces. If you feel overwhelmed by spiritual forces, it’s a sign to strengthen your spiritual walk through prayer, holiness, and immersing yourself in the Word of God.

In James 4:7 (NIV),

we are instructed:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This is a powerful reminder that our strength comes from God. We must draw near to Him, and through submission to His will, we can resist the devil and make him flee.

Conclusion: Stand Firm in the Lord

In any situation where you find yourself rebuking demons or confronting witches in the name of Jesus, it is a clear indication that it is time to stand firm in your faith. As

1 Corinthians 16:13(NIV) says:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Satan is your enemy and the enemy of your fellow believers. Therefore, you must resist him at all times by being steadfast in your faith.

However, if you are not saved, now is the time to invite Jesus into your heart.

John 14:6 (NIV) tells us:

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

Without Christ, you cannot overcome the enemy on your own. Only through the power of Jesus Christ can you find victory.

Romans 10:9 (NIV) reminds us:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Share this good news with others, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith and walk in the victory Christ has already won.

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At the heart of Christianity lies a profound truth: God is love. He doesn’t merely show love—He is love by nature. This means everything He does flows from that nature.

1 John 4:16
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

So when the Bible says, “God so loved the world,” it’s not a casual or superficial love. It’s a deep, sacrificial, redemptive love rooted in who He is.

What Does “World” Mean?

In John 3:16, when it says God loved the “world,” it doesn’t mean He loved everything about the world—not the sinful systems, values, or structures of society that oppose Him.

John 7:7
“The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.”

Rather, the word “world” here (Greek: kosmos) refers to humanity—flawed, broken people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. God’s love is for everyone, regardless of gender, race, background, or morality. That’s what makes His love both inclusive and amazing (cf. Romans 5:8).

Our Condition Without God

We weren’t lovable because of our goodness. In fact, the Bible says we were spiritually dead and enslaved by sin. We were separated from God, without hope, and under the influence of Satan.

Ephesians 2:1–3
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… gratifying the cravings of our flesh… Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”

Despite that, God didn’t abandon us. He was moved with compassion, and He acted.

The Ultimate Act of Love: Jesus Christ

God’s love cost Him something—it cost Him everything. He gave up His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, who came into the world, lived a perfect life, and died in our place as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (substitutionary atonement).

John 3:16
“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.”

This wasn’t just a rescue mission—it was God’s way of making reconciliation possible between us and Him. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the punishment for sin was paid, and eternal life became available to all who believe.

Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

But Not Everyone Accepts This Gift

Salvation is a free gift, but many still reject it. Why? Because people love darkness more than light—they don’t want to give up their sin or surrender control.

John 3:19
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”

Some think religion, morality, or good works will save them—but the Bible is clear: salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.

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

Your Response Matters

So let me ask you personally: Have you received this gift of eternal life?
It’s not enough to just believe about Jesus—you must trust in Him, surrender your life to Him, and follow Him as Lord and Savior.

Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This world is temporary, and no one is promised tomorrow. Don’t put off this decision.

Open your heart. Trust in Jesus. Receive eternal life.

Shalom (Peace to you).
May you come to know the love of God, not just in words, but in the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

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Salvation is a personal decision, but living the Christian life was never meant to be a solo journey. It’s not enough to say, “I am saved,” and then choose to worship God alone, isolated from the body of Christ. God designed us to live, grow, and thrive in community — within the Church. Ignoring this design puts our spiritual growth and stability at great risk.

To illustrate this, think of a student who says, “I don’t need school; I’ll just study by myself at home.” While it sounds ambitious, the truth is, they would miss out on essential things: teachers who clarify what they don’t understand, classmates who help in discussions, the discipline of structured learning, motivation from a shared journey, and many other growth opportunities. Alone, the chances of reaching their full potential are slim.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. Though salvation is individual — between a person and God — remaining strong in salvation, maturing in faith, and serving effectively requires community.
That is why the Bible commands us not to isolate ourselves. In Hebrews 10:24–25, it says:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)

Fellowship with other believers helps us stay accountable, strengthens us when we are weak, and stirs us up to continue in good works.

Additionally, Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 teaches about the strength found in unity:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (NIV)

Spiritual battles are real (Ephesians 6:12), and having fellow believers alongside you is crucial for encouragement, accountability, and strength.

The Early Church’s Example

The first Christians understood the importance of gathering together. After receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they immediately formed a community.
Acts 2:42, 46–47 says:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. […] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (NIV)

They not only worshiped together but also shared meals, supported each other, and learned the apostles’ doctrine.
Church was never just an event — it was a lifestyle of mutual love, encouragement, and service.

Benefits of Being in the Church

1. Mutual Encouragement
   Paul longed to encourage and be encouraged by the Roman believers. He wrote in Romans 1:11–12:

“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” (NIV)

2. Spiritual Accountability and Correction
   Christians are called to lovingly correct and serve one another.
   Galatians 5:13 says:

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (NIV)

3. Operation of Spiritual Gifts
   God gave spiritual gifts to build up the Church, not for personal use only.
   Ephesians 4:11–12 explains:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (NIV)

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of different gifts given by the Holy Spirit, all meant for the benefit of the body of Christ — not for isolated individuals.

Conclusion: You Cannot Separate Salvation from the Church

Salvation is personal, but spiritual growth happens in community. God’s design is for every believer to be planted firmly within a gathering of believers — the Church — where they can be taught, encouraged, corrected, and strengthened.

You were never meant to worship God alone, detached from the body of Christ.
Church is not a man-made tradition; it is God’s idea, for your good.

Amen.

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According to the King James Version (KJV), the Bible contains a total of 31,102 verses — with 23,145 verses in the Old Testament and 7,957 verses in the New Testament.

This sacred book, written over a span of about 1,500 years by more than 40 authors under divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16), covers God’s unfolding plan of redemption for humanity.

2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

When averaged out, the Bible has approximately 26 verses per chapter, providing a rich and consistent guide to God’s will and promises.

Each verse, whether part of the Law, the Prophets, the Gospels, or the Epistles, reveals God’s love, His justice, His grace, and His call for us to live in fellowship with Him through Christ Jesus.

Share this good news!
Pass this information along to others and help spread the beauty and truth of God’s Word.

If you would like help to receive Jesus Christ into your life — a decision that will change your eternity — we would be honored to assist you.
Please contact us through the phone numbers listed at the bottom of this message. Salvation is a free gift (Romans 6:23), and we are here to walk with you on this journey of faith.

WhatApps+255693036618

+255789001312

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