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HOW TO MAKE GOD A LIAR

1 John 5:10-12 (NIV)

[10] “Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about His Son.

[11] And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

[12] Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Imagine this scenario: The president is informed by his meteorological team that a massive hurricane is approaching. They warn him of its destructive potential and advise immediate action to protect the citizens. The president, in turn, warns the public, advising them to stay away from coastal areas, stay indoors, and follow safety protocols until the danger passes.

But the next day, the president’s ministers and government officials are seen on the beach, enjoying the clear skies, swimming, and having fun, as if no hurricane is looming. They ignore the warnings and act as if everything is normal.

What would the public think?

They would think, “The president is a liar! He warned us of a catastrophe, but his own people aren’t taking it seriously! He’s deceiving us!”

Now, how would the president feel, knowing that the people he tried to protect are disregarding his warning, and, worse yet, doubting his sincerity?

This is exactly what we, as humans, often do to God, and it’s how we make God appear to be a liar. God issues warnings through Scripture, through the person of Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, but when we ignore His call for salvation, we implicitly call God a liar.

The Bible makes it clear that God has provided a testimony through His Son, and by rejecting it, we are calling His testimony false.

God’s Testimony in Christ

God has sent His Son into the world for a very specific purpose: to testify to the truth about our condition—sinful and in need of salvation. The testimony of Jesus Christ is not just about His life and miracles; it’s about the need for humanity to be saved from the consequences of sin.

John 14:6 (NIV) – Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

When Jesus said this, He was making an exclusive claim. He wasn’t saying He was one of many ways to God, but rather, He is the only way. To reject this is to make God a liar, as if we could find another way to eternal life or peace with God apart from Jesus.

The problem with humanity is that we often don’t take God’s warnings seriously. We assume that because we don’t see the immediate consequences of our actions, there’s no danger. This was the attitude of those who rejected Jesus in His time. They saw Him perform miracles and heard His teachings, yet many chose to ignore Him, and they ultimately denied the truth of God’s Word.

Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

[18] “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

[19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

[20] For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

God’s testimony is not hidden; it’s clear. He has shown Himself through creation, through His Word, and most clearly, through His Son. However, when we reject God’s testimony, we are in danger of making Him out to be a liar.

The Consequences of Rejecting God’s Truth

The Bible repeatedly warns of the consequences of rejecting God’s testimony in Christ. To refuse the message of salvation is to refuse life itself.

John 3:36 (NIV)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

This is a serious matter. The rejection of Jesus Christ is not a minor issue. It is a matter of life and death—eternal life or eternal separation from God.

In 1 John 5:11-12, we see that the testimony God gives is about eternal life. This life is in His Son. There is no other way to receive eternal life except through Jesus Christ. When people reject Christ, they reject life itself and continue in spiritual death. This is why the Bible says that rejecting the Son makes God a liar—because it contradicts the clear and consistent testimony of God’s Word.

Making the Decision to Accept God’s Truth

1 John 1:10 (NIV)

If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us.

If we claim we don’t need Jesus—if we claim that we are good enough on our own, or that there are many paths to God—we are rejecting the testimony of Scripture, which says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and to deny that is to deny God’s Word itself.

Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus is the only Savior, and His work on the cross is the only means by which we can be reconciled to God. If we choose to reject this, we are making God a liar, because God has already provided the way.

Call to Action

So, the question is: Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, I urge you to do so now. Do not let the day pass without acknowledging the truth of God’s Word. To reject Jesus Christ is not only to reject salvation, but it is also to call God a liar.

Make the choice today to believe in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is only found in Him. Without Him, you remain in spiritual darkness, and the wrath of God remains upon you.

John 5:24 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

This is the truth of the Gospel. Don’t make God a liar. Believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and receive the eternal life He offers.

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

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Did Paul Have a Different Gospel from the Other Apostles? (Romans 2:16)

Romans 2:16 – “on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

Answer:

At first glance, Paul’s use of the phrase “my gospel” in Romans 2:16 might seem to suggest that he had a distinct or separate gospel from the other apostles. However, a closer look at the context and broader teaching of Scripture makes it clear: Paul did not preach a different gospel, but rather the same gospel entrusted to all the apostles—centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. One Gospel, One Savior

Paul’s gospel was not different in content, but he referred to it as “my gospel” because of his personal commission and stewardship of it. In Galatians 1:11–12, Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preached was not man-made or inherited from others:

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11–12, ESV)

This same gospel was preached by Peter, James, John, and the other apostles. All bore witness to the same essential truth: salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), who died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

2. Why Did Paul Say “My Gospel”?

Paul’s use of the term “my gospel” reflects a few important realities:

Personal stewardship and calling – Paul was uniquely called to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 1:5; Galatians 2:7–9). The gospel was the message he lived, proclaimed, suffered for, and guarded with his life (2 Timothy 1:11–12).

Distinction from false gospels – In Paul’s time, and continuing today, false teachers preached a distorted gospel—adding works, rituals, or traditions to the simple gospel of grace. Paul strongly warned against this in Galatians 1:6–9:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6–7, ESV)

Paul called it “my gospel” to make a clear distinction from these corrupt versions, emphasizing the true apostolic message he received directly from Christ.

3. The Gospel as the Standard of Judgment

In Romans 2:16, Paul makes the sobering claim that God will judge the secrets of all people by Jesus Christ, according to the gospel. This highlights several deep theological truths:

God’s judgment is impartial and comprehensive (Romans 2:6–11). It will not merely assess outward behavior but the hidden motives and thoughts of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12–13).

Jesus Christ is the appointed Judge (Acts 17:31). The same Christ who came to save will also return to judge.

The gospel is not only an invitation to grace but also a declaration of accountability. Rejecting the gospel means rejecting the only means of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Thus, Paul’s point is that everyone will be judged according to how they responded to the gospel, whether they accepted Christ by faith or rejected Him.

4. Unity of the Apostolic Message

While Paul had a unique mission field (primarily the Gentiles), his message was in full harmony with the other apostles. We see this clearly in passages like:

1 Corinthians 15:11 – Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Galatians 2:9 – Paul received the right hand of fellowship from Peter, James, and John, recognizing their shared gospel message.

The unity of the gospel is preserved in the New Testament writings, now compiled in the Bible—our authoritative standard for faith and life.

5. Modern Implications

Just as in Paul’s time, many today preach a “different Jesus” or “another gospel”—one that may focus on prosperity, mysticism, works-based righteousness, or social reform without the cross of Christ at the center. These cannot save.

Paul warned about such distortions:

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit… or a different gospel… you put up with it readily enough. (2 Corinthians 11:4, ESV)

Today, as then, only the true gospel of Jesus Christ—as revealed through the apostles and recorded in the Scriptures—can bring salvation and stand on the day of judgment.

Conclusion

Paul did not preach a different gospel, but he did proclaim it with divine authority and personal conviction. When he spoke of “my gospel,” he was asserting his faithful stewardship of the one true gospel of Jesus Christ—the same gospel that will judge every human heart on the final day.

May we hold fast to that gospel, unashamed and unshaken, and proclaim it clearly in a world filled with confusion and compromise.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…(Romans 1:16, ESV)

Grace and peace to you in Christ.

 

 

 

 

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Author and analysis of the book of James

An Introduction to the Book of James

Authorship and Background

The Epistle of James begins with a personal identification:

“James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings” (James 1:1, NKJV).

This James is not James the son of Zebedee, one of the original Twelve Apostles and brother to John (Mark 3:17), but rather James, the half-brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19; Matthew 13:55). Despite initially doubting Jesus (John 7:5), James later became a pillar of the Church in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9) after witnessing the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7). His leadership is evident in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council.

As Peter moved into broader missionary work (Acts 12:17), James took on a leading pastoral role, shepherding Jewish believers in Jerusalem—many of whom were facing persecution, famine (Acts 11:28–30), and social ostracization. This context gives meaning to James’s repeated exhortations to endure trials and live out faith authentically.

Central Theme of the Epistle

Theologically, the Book of James is a call to authentic, active faith—a faith that is not mere profession but evidenced by obedience, love, and good works. As James boldly states:

“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17, NKJV).

While Paul emphasized justification by faith apart from the works of the Law (Romans 3:28), James complements this by showing that true saving faith necessarily produces works (James 2:18, 26). This epistle answers the question, “What does genuine faith look like in everyday life?”

Though written to the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” (James 1:1)—referring to Jewish Christians in the Diaspora—its message applies to all believers across time.

Six Major Themes in the Book of James

1. True Faith Endures Trials and Temptations (James 1:2–18)

James opens by exhorting believers to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (v. 2), because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity (v. 3–4).

He also distinguishes trials from temptations:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (James 1:13, NKJV).


Temptation arises from internal desires (v. 14–15), not from God, who instead gives “every good gift and every perfect gift” (v. 17).

2. True Faith Seeks and Reflects Godly Wisdom (James 1:5–8; 3:13–18)

Believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom with unwavering faith (1:5–6).
Godly wisdom, James teaches, is not marked by arrogance or conflict but is:

“…first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits…” (James 3:17, NKJV).

This contrasts with worldly wisdom, which is “earthly, sensual, demonic” (James 3:15) and leads to envy and strife.

3. True Faith Shows No Partiality (James 2:1–13; 5:1–6)

James condemns favoritism within the Church:

“…if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9, NKJV).

He emphasizes that God has chosen the poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith (2:5), and warns the wealthy who exploit the poor (5:1–6) of impending judgment.

This teaching echoes the Gospel’s message of equality and dignity before God (Galatians 3:28).

4. True Faith Is Proved by Action (James 1:19–2:26)

James urges believers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22, NKJV), and to control their tongues (1:26; cf. James 3:1–12).
Caring for “orphans and widows in their trouble” (James 1:27) and resisting worldliness is presented as pure religion.

Perhaps the most striking theological point comes in James 2:17:
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James illustrates this by referencing Abraham and Rahab, whose actions demonstrated their faith (James 2:21–26).
This is not salvation by works, but salvation validated by works—a critical distinction in biblical theology.

5. True Faith Is Cultivated Through Humility (James 4:1–17)

James exposes the root of conflicts—worldly desires—and calls believers to repentance:
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, NKJV; cf. Proverbs 3:34).
He urges:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Judging others and boasting about the future is discouraged (James 4:11–16), for life is but “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

6. True Faith Is Expressed in Patience, Prayer, and Compassion (James 5:1–20)

James encourages perseverance using Job as an example:

“You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord” (James 5:11).

Prayer is central to the life of faith:
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
He exhorts believers to pray in all circumstances (James 5:13–18) and to lovingly restore those who stray from the truth (James 5:19–20).

Final Reflection

James, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote this letter to mature and mobilize the Church. His challenge is timeless:
True faith cannot remain hidden—it must be seen in action.
Just as a body without spirit is dead, so too is faith without works (James 2:26). James calls us to a living, breathing faith—one that is consistent, compassionate, and Christ-like.

May the Lord bless you.

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What Does It Mean to “Remain True to the Lord with All Your Heart”?(Acts 11:23, ESV

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The Question:

What did the apostles mean when they encouraged the new believers in Antioch to “remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose”? What is the deeper spiritual meaning behind this exhortation?

Scripture Context – Acts 11:22–24 (ESV)

22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Understanding the Exhortation

Barnabas’s instruction to the new Gentile believers in Antioch—“to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose”—was more than a passing encouragement. It was a vital theological charge to anchor their faith deeply and sincerely in Christ, with hearts fully committed to Him.

The Greek word translated as “steadfast purpose” (prothesis tēs kardias) literally means “the deliberate intention of the heart.” This points to a wholehearted devotion, not driven by emotion or external blessings, but by a conscious, inner decision to follow Christ—no matter the cost.

The Importance of Right Motives

Throughout Scripture, God is shown to care deeply about the motives of the heart. The call to remain faithful with a sincere heart was crucial because many might be tempted to follow Christ for the wrong reasons: personal gain, social standing, miracles, or blessings.

But the gospel calls for repentance from sin and faith in Christ as Savior and Lord (Mark 1:15; Romans 10:9). A superficial or self-serving faith will not endure trials or persecution (Matthew 13:20–21).

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This verse reminds us that God’s Word exposes the true intent behind our faith. He sees whether we follow Christ out of love and truth or out of convenience.

True Faith Is Rooted in the Gospel

Biblical faith is not transactional (i.e., “I follow Christ so He will bless me”); it is transformational. It means trusting in the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) and surrendering our lives to Him as Lord (Luke 9:23–24).

2 Corinthians 5:15 (ESV)

…and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.

Following Christ for material gain or comfort creates a fragile faith that cannot endure hardship. But those who follow Jesus to be freed from sin, to walk in holiness, and to glorify God will remain steadfast, even in suffering (Philippians 1:29; James 1:12).

Why This Teaching Matters for New Believers

The apostles knew the early church would face persecution, false teaching, and spiritual distraction. That’s why Barnabas immediately emphasized the foundation of wholehearted devotion. A church rooted in truth, rather than trends or benefits, would thrive under pressure and spread the gospel faithfully.

Even today, it is crucial to disciple new believers with this same principle: to follow Christ for who He is, not for what we want from Him.

Luke 14:26–27 (ESV)

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

This shows that true discipleship requires a complete reordering of life’s priorities with Christ at the center.

The Right Heart: Following Jesus for the Right Reasons

The correct purpose of the heart is this:

To follow Christ in order to be delivered from sin

To know and love God as He truly is

To live in obedience and worship of Jesus as Savior and King

To treasure eternal life in Him, not temporary blessings

John 6:26–27 (ESV)

Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life…

Many in Jesus’ time followed Him for miracles and provision but left Him when His words challenged their hearts (John 6:66). The same is true today. A heart rooted in self-interest will walk away; but a heart rooted in Christ will remain.

Conclusion: Remain Faithful With a Steadfast Heart

Barnabas’s words are timeless. God is still calling us to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose—a deliberate, sincere heart that seeks Christ above all else.

Let us teach and live a gospel that goes deeper than emotion, prosperity, or popularity. Let us follow Jesus because He is worthy, because He saves, and because He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

May the Lord bless you and keep your heart steadfast in Him.

 

 

 

 

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Who Were the Money Changers in the Bible? (Matthew 21:12)

In Matthew 21:12, we see Jesus entering the temple and driving out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.

He said, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13, NIV).

The Temple and the Significance of the Money Changers

The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship. It was not merely a building but the sacred place where God’s presence was believed to dwell (Psalm 132:13-14). God had instructed the Israelites to bring their sacrifices and offerings there as acts of worship and atonement (Leviticus 1:1-17).

As part of this system, the half-shekel tax (Exodus 30:13) was used to support the temple and its functions. This was a mandatory offering for all Israelites who were 20 years and older. The money collected was used for the upkeep of the temple, to fund the work of the priests, and to provide for the sacrificial system. This tax was also an acknowledgment of God’s provision and sovereignty.

However, when people came to Jerusalem from distant lands to observe the Passover, they would often bring foreign currency. The money changers, therefore, were necessary to convert these foreign coins into the Jewish shekel. But over time, the practice became corrupt.

Corruption and Greed in the Temple Courts

Instead of offering a legitimate service by exchanging money at a fair rate, the money changers became part of a system that exploited the people. The “den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13) Jesus referred to was not only a symbol of spiritual corruption, but it also highlighted the greed and exploitation of the religious leaders. These money changers would often charge inflated rates, taking advantage of worshippers’ need to exchange money for the temple offerings.

In John 2:13-16, we find a parallel account of Jesus driving out the money changers, and He even makes a whip of cords to drive out those selling animals for sacrifice. In this passage, Jesus declares, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:16, NIV).

Jesus’ actions in the temple were a profound declaration about the sanctity of God’s house. His anger was not merely about the inconvenience or dishonesty; it was about the disrespect for God’s holiness. The temple, the place where people should have been drawing near to God in worship, had become a place of exploitation and distraction.

The Deeper Theological Meaning: The Cleansing of the Temple

Jesus’ cleansing of the temple was symbolic of a deeper spiritual truth. Just as He cleared the physical temple of corruption, He was also making a statement about the spiritual temple—the hearts of individuals. In the New Testament, Christians are referred to as the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” (NIV). Jesus’ actions in the physical temple foreshadow the work He desires to do in the lives of believers today. He came to purify our hearts from the corruption of sin, selfishness, and greed.

Why Jesus Was Angry

Jesus’ anger at the money changers was not simply about business practices; it was about the misuse of the sacred. The temple was meant to be a place of prayer, worship, and reconciliation. By turning it into a marketplace, the religious leaders not only exploited people but obscured the true purpose of the temple. The heart of worship was lost amidst the noise of commerce.

Jesus had said in Mark 11:17, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” (NIV). He was quoting from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, pointing to God’s original intention for the temple: a place where people from all nations could come and pray. Instead, the temple had become a place of exploitation.

The Continuing Corruption in Modern Day Worship

Sadly, the same spirit of greed and exploitation that Jesus confronted in the temple is still present today in many places of worship. Many use spiritual matters for personal gain, whether through selling religious items at inflated prices, charging fees for spiritual services, or turning faith into a commercialized enterprise.

1 Timothy 6:5 warns of those who, “…think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (NIV). This mindset is a distortion of the Gospel. The message of Christ, which was meant to be freely shared with all, has been turned into a business, with people charging for what is supposed to be offered freely by God’s grace.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:17, “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” (NIV). The true ministers of the Gospel are not supposed to profit from their ministry but to serve others selflessly.

Jesus is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever

Jesus’ cleansing of the temple is not just a historical event; it is a reflection of His ongoing desire to cleanse His people and His church from corruption and greed. Jesus remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Just as He overturned the tables in the temple, He continues to call for purity and holiness in His church.

Jesus is still in the business of purifying hearts and calling His people back to the true purpose of worship: relationship with God. The temple, in the New Covenant, is no longer a physical building; it is the body of believers—the Church. We are called to live in such a way that our lives reflect the purity and holiness of God’s presence.

In Matthew 21:43, Jesus warns the religious leaders: “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (NIV). The true worship of God, without greed or exploitation, will be found in those who honor Him with their lives, not their profit.

Conclusion: A Call to Integrity in Worship

Jesus’ actions in the temple serve as a stern warning to us today: God’s house must be kept pure. We are not to use spiritual things for personal gain but to offer our lives in true worship and service to God. This includes protecting the sanctity of our hearts as the temple of God and being mindful of how we interact with the things of God.

As 1 Peter 2:5 says, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (NIV). Let our lives be pleasing to God, and may we always honor Him in spirit and truth, just as He deserves.

 

 

 

 

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Who is Silvanus, as mentioned in the Bible? (1 Peter 5:12)

Silvanus is another name for Silas. In the original Greek, his name appears as “Silas,” but in Latin, it is translated as “Silvanus.” Therefore, Silvanus and Silas refer to the same person in the Scriptures.

The story of Silvanus/Silas is mostly found in the book of Acts. He was one of the two prophets chosen by the elders of the church in Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas in delivering a letter of agreement to the Gentile churches. This letter was sent after the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders addressed the issue of whether Gentile Christians should follow Jewish law. Silvanus, along with Judas (also called Barsabbas), was sent to deliver this important letter to confirm the church’s stance on the matter (Acts 15:22-23).

After completing their mission in Antioch, where they delivered the letter, Judas returned to Jerusalem, but Silvanus chose to remain with Paul. He joined Paul on his missionary journeys, helping to spread the gospel to the Gentiles.

What do we know about Silvanus (Silas)?

Imprisonment in Philippi:

Silas is most famously known for being imprisoned and beaten alongside Paul in the city of Philippi. According to Acts 16:19-25 (NIV), after Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl, the city officials ordered both Paul and Silas to be beaten and thrown into prison. Despite their suffering, they prayed and sang hymns to God in the prison, and an earthquake miraculously opened the doors, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his family. This event illustrates Silas’s unwavering faith and dedication to God’s mission, even in the face of severe persecution.

Acts 16:25-34 (NIV): “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’”

Co-author of the Letters to the Thessalonians:
Silas is mentioned as a co-author of the two letters to the Thessalonian church, alongside Paul and Timothy. In

1 Thessalonians 1:1 (NIV), Paul writes:
“Paul, Silas, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.”

This shows Silas’s important role in the early church, contributing to the doctrinal teachings alongside the apostles.

Ministry in Berea:
Silas, along with Paul, continued to preach the gospel in various cities. Acts 17:10 (NIV) records how the brothers in Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas away to Berea to avoid danger from those who opposed their message. In Berea, they preached in the synagogue, and many people believed.

Acts 17:10-11 (NIV): “As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Ministry in Macedonia and Corinth:
Silas also served alongside Paul in Macedonia and Corinth. In Acts 15:40-41 (NIV), after a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, Paul chose Silas as his new companion for his missionary journey. Together, they traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Later, Silas joined Paul in Corinth, where they worked together to preach the gospel and establish the church.

Silvanus as a Messenger of Peter:
In 1 Peter 5:12 (NIV), Silvanus is described as a “faithful brother” and the one who helped Peter write his first epistle. Peter acknowledges Silvanus’s assistance in delivering the letter and testifies to his reliability.

1 Peter 5:12 (NIV): “With the help of Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”

What can we learn from Silas?

Silas’s life offers several key lessons for Christians today. First, his faithfulness to God and his willingness to suffer for the gospel serve as a powerful example of commitment to Christ. Despite being imprisoned and beaten, Silas did not waver in his devotion to God’s mission. His example challenges believers to remain steadfast in faith, even when faced with trials.

Silas’s actions remind us of Ruth’s loyalty. Just as Ruth chose to stay with Naomi in a foreign land, despite her own hardships, Silas chose to endure suffering and continue spreading the gospel rather than return to the safety of Jerusalem. Both of them displayed a deep commitment to their respective callings, even when it meant facing great personal sacrifice.

In the early church, Silas was an important link between the apostles. He worked with both Peter and Paul, showing a unique ability to serve across different ministries and regions. His service was not limited to one area or one group of apostles; rather, he was a bridge connecting various parts of the early church, always ready to serve wherever needed.

Finally, Silas’s faithfulness in his ministry encourages us to be fully devoted to God’s work. Just as Silas went above and beyond in his service, we too are called to be faithful and diligent in our calling, whatever it may be. Silas shows us that true faithfulness to God is about more than just fulfilling obligations; it’s about giving our whole selves to His mission.

May the Lord give us a heart like Silas’s—ready to fully dedicate ourselves to His service, wherever we are sent, and to go beyond what is expected of us for His glory.

God bless you.

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LORD, WE WANT TO SEE JESUS.

QUESTION: Why did the Greeks approach Philip and say, “We want to see Jesus”? What is the main theme of this event, and why is it recorded?

ANSWER: From the time of Jesus through the apostolic period, there were two main groups of people who sought to understand the full reality of God’s truth.

The first group was the Jews, and the second group was the Greeks. The primary distinction between the two was that the Jews sought confirmation through signs, while the Greeks pursued wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:22-23

[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom;

[23] but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.

This distinction highlights a crucial theological point: the Jewish mindset was focused on the tangible and visible manifestations of God’s power, as they had a long history of God revealing Himself through miraculous signs (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and the miracles of the prophets). In contrast, the Greeks, influenced by philosophical thought, believed that true understanding of God would come through reason and wisdom.

When Jesus arrived, He was the fulfillment of both groups’ deepest longings: a Messiah who would not only offer signs of divine power but also speak with the wisdom of God. Yet, despite this, many still rejected Him. The Jews, who expected the Messiah to come with signs of glory (such as calling down fire from heaven or delivering them from Roman oppression), could not accept the idea that the Messiah would suffer and die. The Greeks, who valued philosophical wisdom, could not grasp the idea that the Creator of the universe would humble Himself to die on a cross for humanity’s sins.

Jesus’ Sign of Resurrection:

Jesus, while not giving the signs the Jews expected, gave them a deeper, more profound sign—the sign of Jonah. In Matthew 12:38-40, Jesus referenced Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish as a prophetic foreshadowing of His own death, burial, and resurrection.

Matthew 12:38-40

[38] Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”

[39] But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

[40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

The sign of Jonah is an emblem of resurrection—just as Jonah emerged from the depths of the sea, so too would Jesus rise from the dead. In this, Jesus pointed beyond the need for miraculous signs to a greater truth: His death and resurrection are the ultimate proof of His identity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4). The resurrection of Jesus is the central event of Christian faith, proving God’s victory over sin and death.

The Greeks’ Search for Wisdom:

The Greeks were seekers of wisdom and knowledge. Their philosophical heritage was shaped by thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, who sought to understand the nature of the divine through reason and reflection. However, the revelation of God through Christ transcended human wisdom.

Acts 17:22-23

[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;

[23] for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To the Unknown God.’ Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.”

Paul’s address in Athens to the philosophers at the Areopagus shows that while the Greeks were deeply spiritual, they were still searching for the true God. They had an altar inscribed “To the Unknown God”, symbolizing their acknowledgment that, despite their philosophical inquiries, they still lacked the knowledge of the one true God.

Paul uses this point of contact to proclaim the gospel: the God they sought unknowingly is revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). Jesus is not just a teacher of wisdom; He is the embodiment of God’s wisdom. In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden (Colossians 2:3).

The Greeks Believing in Jesus:

The arrival of the Greeks, who had traditionally sought knowledge through philosophical reasoning, to inquire about Jesus shows a profound shift. These Greeks represent the larger world’s search for truth, which is now being fulfilled in Christ. When they approached Philip to ask to see Jesus, it was not merely a request to meet a man from Galilee but a desire to encounter the very truth of God.

John 12:20-26

[20] Now there were some Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.

[21] Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

[22] Philip went and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

[23] But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.”

[24] Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

[25] He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

[26] If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

Here, Jesus reveals that His glorification (through His death on the cross and resurrection) is central to His mission. He uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to bear fruit to illustrate the necessity of His sacrificial death. Through His death, He would bring life to many, fulfilling the deep longing for truth and salvation that both Jews and Greeks sought.

Theological Significance of Jesus’ Mission:

The fact that the Greeks, who represented human wisdom and knowledge, came to seek Jesus signifies the universal nature of Christ’s mission. Jesus is not just the Savior of the Jews but the Savior of the world (John 3:16). He is the fulfillment of both Jewish expectations and Greek philosophical longings. The gospel of Christ is the ultimate bridge between faith and reason, the tangible and the abstract.

The theological truth here is that true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ alone. He is the “Logos” (Word) through whom all things were created (John 1:1-3), and in Him, all the mysteries of God are revealed (Colossians 1:26-27).

Application Today:

Even today, Jesus is revealed in all things. Whether in the scientific community, among soldiers, rulers, the wealthy, the poor, scholars, or doctors—those who truly seek God will find Him in Jesus Christ. Jesus is not limited by human categories or positions; He is revealed to all who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their circumstances.

If we look around us, we see that faith in Jesus exists in every sphere of life. Many people, even in the most difficult situations or those who have rejected God in the past, come to believe in Jesus because He reveals Himself to them. The truth of Jesus is inescapable; He is revealed in the natural world (Romans 1:20), in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), and in the lives of believers.

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Have You Believed in Christ?

The ultimate question remains: Have you believed in Christ? If not, what are you waiting for? He has completed the work of salvation through His death on the cross and resurrection. Through Him, we receive forgiveness for our sins.

Ephesians 2:8-9

[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

[9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Accept His work today through true repentance and baptism. Once you do, you will receive forgiveness for your sins—free of charge, through God’s grace.

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.

Receive Jesus now, and experience the joy and peace that come with knowing Him.

God bless you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What Does the Bible Mean When It Says, “For Our God Is a Consuming Fire” (Hebrews 12:29)?

Question: What does the Bible mean when it says, “for our God is a consuming fire”?

Hebrews 12:29 (ESV)

for our God is a consuming fire.

Understanding the Meaning

This verse reveals a profound attribute of God’s nature. God is not only described metaphorically as water, light, or oil elsewhere in Scripture, but here He is identified as a “consuming fire.” This phrase communicates God’s holiness, justice, and the seriousness with which He confronts sin.

Context in Hebrews 12

To understand this, we must consider the immediate context. The author of Hebrews is warning believers against rejecting the voice of Christ and the salvation He offers. The “consuming fire” imagery emphasizes the severity of God’s judgment on sin.

Hebrews 12:25 (ESV) says,

See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.

Here, the author references the example of Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness — a warning that rejecting God’s voice leads to judgment.

Old Testament Background

The phrase “consuming fire” is rooted deeply in the Old Testament:

Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (ESV):

Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire, 24 lest you act corruptly and make a carved image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 25 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 26 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the waters below. 27 And beware, lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and worship them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. 28 But the LORD took you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own possession, as you are this day. 29 Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. 30 Keep therefore his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, 31 because you shall be doing what is right in the sight of the LORD your God.

Note: In some versions, including the KJV, Deuteronomy 4:24 explicitly states, “For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” This description conveys God’s holiness and zeal for His covenant relationship.

Theological Significance of “Consuming Fire”

Holiness and Justice:

God’s fire symbolizes His holiness — He is utterly pure and cannot tolerate sin. Fire consumes impurities, and likewise, God’s presence purifies His people but also consumes sin and rebellion (Isaiah 33:14, “the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness.”).

God’s Jealousy:

The “jealous God” aspect reveals His passionate commitment to His covenant people. This jealousy is not sinful envy but a righteous zeal to protect His glory and the faithfulness of His people.

Judgment and Refinement:

Fire represents both judgment and refinement. God’s consuming fire punishes unrepentant sin (see Revelation 20:14-15 on the lake of fire). Conversely, it refines believers like gold and silver, removing impurities and strengthening faith (Malachi 3:2-3).

New Testament Application

In Hebrews, the writer warns believers not to neglect God’s present warning through Christ. While God once spoke through the Law and the prophets, now He speaks directly through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The “consuming fire” reminds believers that God’s holiness demands respect and obedience. Deliberate sin after receiving knowledge of salvation leads to severe consequences (Hebrews 6:4-8).

But for those who obey, God’s fire purifies and protects:

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV):

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Practical Takeaway

Understanding that God is a consuming fire should lead believers to:

Approach God with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Take sin seriously and avoid deliberate rebellion.

Trust in God’s refining work through trials and discipline.

Persevere in faith, working out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His holy and loving care.

 

 

 

 

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Translation of Genesis 2: 6 And the fog went up in the earth, and watered. 

Genesis 2:5-6 (NIV)

[5] Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground,

[6] but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground.

Commentary and Theological Insights:

In the creation narrative, we see that before God sent rain, “streams came up from the earth” (Hebrew: tehom—often translated as “mist” or “water vapor”) supplied moisture to the land. This detail emphasizes God’s sovereign control over creation’s order and provision. Instead of immediately using rain, God employed a subterranean source of water to nourish the earth (cf. Psalm 104:10-13), highlighting that provision comes from both above and below, symbolizing God’s comprehensive care.

The absence of human cultivation (“no one to work the ground”) also underscores the original perfect state of creation—nature thrived independently under God’s direct provision (cf. Genesis 1:29-30). This scenario illustrates God’s ongoing sustenance of creation before human stewardship begins.

Parallel Example: God’s Provision Without Rain

2 Kings 3:16-18 (NIV)

[16] He said, “This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches.”

[17] “This is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your livestock and your other animals will drink.”

[18] “This is a simple thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also give the Moabites into your hands.”

Theological Reflection:

Here, during a critical battle against Moab, God instructs His people to dig ditches to catch water, promising provision without the usual means of wind or rain. This miracle (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:17) reveals God’s ability to meet needs supernaturally, independent of natural processes. It also serves as a reminder that God’s ways often transcend human expectations (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9).

Both passages emphasize that God’s provision is not limited to human understanding or typical methods. His power works through both natural and supernatural means, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and history.

What Does This Teach Us?

God’s Provision is Sovereign and Multifaceted:

The LORD nourishes from above (heavenly rain, direct revelation) and from below (streams, people, circumstances). This comprehensive provision echoes the biblical theme that God cares for all creation in ways beyond human control or prediction (cf. Matthew 6:26-30).

God Reveals His Power in Unexpected Ways:

The appearance of mist instead of rain and water appearing without wind or rain show God’s freedom to act outside of natural laws to accomplish His will (cf. Exodus 14:21-22, parting the Red Sea). This should encourage believers to trust God even when His methods surprise us.

The God of Heaven is the God of Earth:

As Psalm 24:1 states, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,” reminding us that God’s dominion covers all realms—spiritual and physical. Therefore, nothing is outside His influence or care.

Faith to Expect the Unexpected:

These stories teach us not to limit God to how we think He should work but to have faith that He can provide and intervene in ways beyond our understanding (cf. Hebrews 11:1).

Final Blessing

May you be blessed with a deep trust in the God who provides abundantly—from the heavens above and the earth below. May you never limit His power or His ways, but always walk in faith, expecting His goodness in every circumstance.

 

 

 

 

 

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Who Were the Prominent Women? (Acts 17:12)

QUESTION: Who are the “prominent women” mentioned in Acts 17:12, and what role did they play in the spread of the gospel?

ANSWER:

As the apostles obeyed the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ—to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)—they encountered people from diverse backgrounds, social classes, and cultures. Among those who believed the message of the gospel were women of high status, also referred to as “prominent women” in Acts 17:12.

This passage refers specifically to Paul and Silas’s ministry in Berea, where their message was received with eagerness and sincerity.

Acts 17:10–12 (ESV)

[10] The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.

[11] Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

[12] Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

Who Were These Prominent Women?

The Greek phrase used here, gunaikes euschēmones, translates to “women of high standing” or “of honorable estate.” These were likely women of influence—socially, politically, or economically. In the Greco-Roman world, women of wealth and prestige often supported public causes, religious temples, and philosophical teachers. When they encountered the message of Christ, their hearts were opened to the truth.

Theological Insight:

God does not show partiality (Romans 2:11), and the gospel is intended for all people regardless of class, gender, or ethnicity. The early church was revolutionary in its inclusion of women in spiritual matters, which contrasted with the prevailing culture that often marginalized them. That women of status would believe and be recorded in Scripture emphasizes how the kingdom of God breaks down social barriers.

Galatians 3:28 (ESV)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Prominent Women as Gospel Partners

These women were not only believers—they were likely benefactors of the early Christian movement. In the New Testament, we see several examples of women supporting the ministry of Jesus and the apostles with their resources:

Lydia, a wealthy merchant and the first convert in Europe (Acts 16:14–15), opened her home for ministry.

Phoebe, a deacon in the church at Cenchreae, was commended by Paul as a servant and supporter (Romans 16:1–2).

Joanna, Susanna, and others supported Jesus financially during His earthly ministry (Luke 8:1–3).

These examples show that women of means were essential to the growth and sustenance of the early church, not just in faith but in tangible, sacrificial service.

Opposition from the Influential

Interestingly, people of influence could be used both for and against the gospel. While some high-standing women became believers, others—manipulated by opposition—were stirred up against the apostles.

Acts 13:50 (ESV)

But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

Just as in Berea some prominent women became believers, in Pisidian Antioch, others were used to oppose the gospel. This illustrates the spiritual reality Paul later described:

2 Corinthians 2:15–16 (ESV)

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life…

Practical Application:

Today, this account reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of the gospel—whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, powerful or marginalized. We must preach the gospel without discrimination, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in every heart.

We also learn that those with influence can play a significant role in either advancing or resisting the purposes of God. That’s why it’s important to pray for leaders, to evangelize boldly, and to disciple people across all levels of society.

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…

Conclusion:

The “prominent women” of Acts 17:12 serve as a testament to the power of the gospel to transform every type of person. Their faith and influence became a vehicle for God’s kingdom to grow in unexpected places. May we be faithful to share the gospel with all, living the results to the Lord.

May the Lord bless you.

And may you boldly share this good news with others!

 

 

 

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