Crucifixion is a form of punishment where a person is hung on a wooden cross or upright stake, with their hands and feet either tied or nailed in place, and left there until they die.
This was a cruel and painful execution method used in ancient times by powerful empires such as Rome. People accused of serious crimes like treason, rebellion, or murder were not given a quick death such as beheading. Instead, they were subjected to this slow and extremely painful punishment. A person could hang on the cross for two to three days, and sometimes even longer, suffering continuously until death finally came.
This is the punishment chosen for our Savior, Jesus Christ although He was completely innocent and without sin. Even Governor Pilate testified that Jesus had done nothing wrong:
Luke 23:4 (NIV)Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
But the Scriptures had to be fulfilled so that we could receive complete redemption. Jesus had to suffer deeply so that you and I could receive the forgiveness of sins through His death.
The price He paid was beyond measure He was stripped, humiliated, beaten, and His whole body was wounded. He endured all of this so that we could receive forgiveness, be saved from sin, and be rescued from eternal judgment in hell.
That is why the Bible says:
Hebrews 2:3 (NIV)How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
Have you received Jesus into your life?
If not, you can surrender to Him today and receive this great salvation.
May the Lord bless you.
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We are living in extremely dangerous times, and even more dangerous days are coming soon. Many people do not realize that the end is very near, that this world is coming to a close, and that THE DAY OF THE LORD is right at the door.
The Day of the Lord is a specific period that God has appointed to judge and destroy this world together with all the wicked and all their corrupt systems. This time will come after the Church of Christ has been taken up (the rapture).
In the book of Zephaniah, we are given a detailed description of what that day will be like.He lists six characteristics, each introduced with the phrase “a day of…”.
Let’s read:
14 The great day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the LORD is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.15 That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,16 a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers.
Wrath is the product of great anger, and anger is followed by judgment. In Revelation 16, we see the seven angels pouring out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth. What follows are terrifying plagues—painful sores breaking out on people, and the sun scorching humanity with fierce heat—so severe that people curse God instead of repenting.
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire.9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God… but they refused to repent and glorify him.
Distress and anguish refer to suffering caused by the environment and events around people. In Revelation 16 we see rivers, springs, and even the sea turning into blood. Humanity is left without water. The earth becomes unstable and terrifying. Imagine living in such a world—how could anyone endure it?
The Bible says that people will seek death, but death will flee from them.
3 The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person…4 The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.6 For they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.
It will not only be plagues and distress—the world itself and its systems will be destroyed.The Bible says there will be a massive earthquake unlike anything in human history. Islands will disappear. Fire will engulf the earth, just as in the judgments of Sodom and Gomorrah and the days of Noah.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?12 As you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
This refers especially to spiritual darkness. It will be a time when people will desperately seek God but will not find Him. Jesus warned that we must do God’s work while it is “day,” because “night is coming, when no one can work.” People will cry out to God, but there will be no answer.
27 when disaster comes like a storm…28 Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me,29 since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD.
During this time, the sun, moon, and stars will be darkened. The world will experience a level of darkness never seen before. These are the final plagues leading to the second coming of Christ to the earth.
A thick cloud will cover the sky, and enormous hailstones—each weighing about a talent (approximately 75 pounds / 34 kg)—will fall on humanity.
18 Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth…20 Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found.21 From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a talent, fell on people… and they cursed God because the plague was so terrible.
This battle cry refers to war. During the Day of the Lord, there will be the final great war known as Armageddon. All nations will be involved. The Lord will strike down multitudes, and blood will flow in great measure. There will be no heroes—everyone will mourn. Even kings, rulers, and the wealthy will weep. Their riches will not save them. They will beg mountains to fall on them rather than endure the judgments of Almighty God.
17 I will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind…18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD’s wrath… He will bring the inhabitants of the earth to a sudden end.
My friend, if the rapture were to take place today, understand that you would witness all these events. This is not the time to play with salvation—it is time to wake up and run toward the grace of God. The terrible days ahead are approaching quickly. Where will the things of this world take you? Where is your life truly anchored? If you were to die today, whose presence would you enter? There is suffering beyond this life as well.
Make the decision today to repent and turn to the Lord Jesus. He offers forgiveness freely. The judgment of God is terrifying.
If you are ready to receive Jesus into your life and desire Him to lift the burden of sin from you, pray this prayer in faith. Christ is always ready to save. Remember: first you believe, then you confess.
Where you are, kneel if you can and speak these words sincerely from your heart.Today your sins can be forgiven right where you are.
“Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into this world to redeem us who were lost, through Your death on the cross and Your resurrection. I believe that You are the Lord and Savior. I receive the grace You freely give—the forgiveness of my sins. From today, I choose to become Your child and turn away from my old sinful ways. Thank You for giving me the strength to do this and for writing my name in the Book of Life. I am now a new creation. Thank You for receiving me, forgiving me, and making me Your own. I pray this believing in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
If you prayed that sincerely in faith, you have received salvation.
Your next step is baptism. Find a place where believers are baptized by immersion in water and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you need help, you are welcome to contact us at the numbers below.
God bless you.
(A teaching series on the Freedom of the Spirit and the Bondage of the Law)
Blessed be the Name of the Lord Jesus, the Author of Life. Welcome to this Bible study. The Word of our God is the lamp to our feet and the light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
The Bible compares Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah and Abraham, to the earthly Jerusalem. It also compares Ishmael, the son born to Hagar, to all those who live under the bondage of the Law in the present earthly Jerusalem in Israel.
In the same way, Sarah, who was free, represents the Heavenly Jerusalem, and her son Isaac represents all who belong to God spiritually those who are free from the bondage of the Law. This is exactly what Scripture teaches:
Galatians 4:22–26 (NIV)22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.
In simple terms, the children of Israel received the Law through Moses when he went up Mount Sinai (Horeb). Through this, they entered into the covenant of the Law, and everyone under it became a slave to the Law that is, the Jewish people.
This covenant of the Law that Israel received from Mount Sinai, which bound them under its demands, is symbolized by Hagar, because she herself was a slave and not free. Likewise, Ishmael and all his descendants remained children of the slave woman.
But Sarah was not a slave she was free, together with her son Isaac. This represents the second covenant, the covenant of freedom, for those who are born of the Spirit. In them, the Law is no longer written on stone or paper but written in their hearts.
These are the spiritual children of Sarah the citizens of the Heavenly Jerusalem. All who live led by the Holy Spirit will inherit the New Jerusalem, because that is their true homeland. But those who continue to depend on the Law, whose origin is Mount Sinai, belong to the earthly Jerusalem.
And just as Hagar and her son were cast out because he was not the child of promise, the same is true for all who seek to be justified by the Law they will be separated from Christ.
Galatians 5:4 (NIV)You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
The Bible clearly teaches that we are justified by grace through faith, not by the works of the Law.
Romans 3:9–11 (NIV)9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”
To study more deeply the difference between the works of the Law and the works of Faith, continue learning further.
A gospel singer once wrote, “Just as Jacob was shown long ago, the cross has become the ladder to heaven” (Hymn No. 81, verse 2). This statement echoes a profound biblical truth about the role of the cross. It refers to the time when Jacob, while resting at Bethel, saw a vision of a great ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. This ladder symbolizes the divine connection between heaven and earth, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 28:11-12 (ESV) And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!
Genesis 28:11-12 (ESV)
And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!
This ladder, which Jacob saw, foreshadowed the ultimate connection to heaven: the cross of Jesus Christ. Through the cross, we gain access to the heavenly realm, and it is by His sacrifice that the gap between sinful humanity and holy God is bridged. The cross, in essence, becomes the “ladder” through which we ascend to the Father.
John 14:6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Through the cross of Jesus, we are reconciled to God. It is the ultimate path to salvation. But I also want us to reflect on the cross from another perspective, as a “TOOL FOR BUILDING LIFE.” Let’s delve into a story in the Bible involving the prophet Elisha and the sons of the prophets. This will help us grasp the theological significance of the cross as a tool for constructing our lives.
2 Kings 6:1-7 (ESV) Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, ‘See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.’ And he answered, ‘Go.’ Then one of them said, ‘Be pleased to go with your servants.’ And he answered, ‘I will go.’ So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Alas, my master! It was borrowed.’ Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. And he said, ‘Take it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.
2 Kings 6:1-7 (ESV)
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, ‘See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.’ And he answered, ‘Go.’ Then one of them said, ‘Be pleased to go with your servants.’ And he answered, ‘I will go.’ So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Alas, my master! It was borrowed.’ Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. And he said, ‘Take it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.
This story offers a beautiful and powerful metaphor. The axe head represents our tools, our knowledge, abilities, and efforts in life—things we depend on to build, to create, to achieve. But sometimes, in the course of our lives, these tools fail or are lost. This is what happens to the axe head: it falls into the water and sinks. Similarly, our efforts, if not rooted in Christ, can sink in the depths of despair, failure, and loss.
In the story, Elisha takes a stick—a seemingly insignificant tool—and throws it into the water. The axe head floats, defying all natural laws. This act is a powerful symbol of how the cross of Jesus Christ, though it appeared to be a weak and foolish thing to the world, has the power to redeem our failures and restore what we have lost.
The Cross: The Tool for Restoration
The stick Elisha threw into the water symbolizes the cross of Jesus. Jesus, in His humble death on the cross, took all of our brokenness, our lost tools, our broken dreams, and He made them whole again. The cross is what makes everything we have and do redeemable.
The iron (representing our efforts, our wisdom, and human strength) can only be restored by the cross. It is a reminder that no human effort—no matter how noble or skillful—is sufficient to truly build our lives without the work of Jesus Christ. Only through the cross can we recover what has been lost, and through His power, even the most impossible circumstances can be turned around.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV) For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
The cross is the means by which our lives are truly built. It is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are made whole. Through the cross, we are not only reconciled to God, but we are empowered to live lives that bring glory to God. The cross becomes the foundation upon which we build our homes, our families, our careers, and our futures.
The Cross: A Call to Surrender
It is important to understand that the cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a call to surrender. Jesus invites us to take up our own cross and follow Him. This means denying our self-sufficiency and relying fully on His grace and strength.
Mark 8:34-35 (ESV) And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
Mark 8:34-35 (ESV)
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
The cross is a daily commitment—a decision to surrender all to Jesus. It’s not just about salvation but about living in constant dependence on Him. When we deny ourselves and take up the cross, we are acknowledging that our efforts and plans are not enough to build our lives on their own. Only by following Jesus and embracing His work on the cross can we truly find life.
The Cross in Our Lives Today
So, I ask you: Is the cross of Christ at the center of your life? Have you taken up your cross and followed Him, or are you trusting in your own strength, knowledge, or accomplishments? If Christ is not in your heart, no matter what you achieve in this life, you are building in vain.
Matthew 16:26 (ESV) For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Matthew 16:26 (ESV)
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
It’s better to lose everything in this world—education, career, wealth, status—yet have Christ in your heart, than to have all those things and lose your soul. This is a truth Jesus made clear when He said, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?”
The cross of Christ is the foundation upon which everything else must be built. When we understand the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the power of His resurrection, we realize that everything we have—our skills, our gifts, our accomplishments—are only meaningful when used for His glory.
Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
When we submit our lives to the cross of Jesus Christ, even the broken pieces of our lives are redeemed and woven together for God’s good purposes.
If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus, today is the day. He will help you rebuild, restore, and redeem your life. If you need help in receiving Jesus into your heart, please reach out to us. We will gladly guide you in this life-changing decision.
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is a question many people ask: Is it really possible to overcome the desires of the flesh and its temptations? Can someone truly stop sins like adultery, masturbation, pornography, drunkenness, or worldly habits?
From a human standpoint, the answer is no we simply can’t. But God’s answer is yes, because “
with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Your mind may tell you it’s impossible because you haven’t yet understood the spiritual principle that makes it possible. I used to think that way too. But I later discovered that God’s Word is true and that living in victory is possible. God never lies.
So then, how does it actually happen?
First, understand this: no human being was created with the natural power to overcome the desires of the flesh. Anyone who tries to do so by their own willpower will only deceive themselves. They may succeed for a while, but eventually, they’ll fall back into the same pattern.
If you’ve been struggling in your own strength, you’ll only end up frustrated. But today, I want to show you the right principle for victory.
The principle is clearly laid out in Scripture:
Galatians 5:16–17 (NIV)“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
Paul says, “Walk by the Spirit.” In other words, live your life in step with the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians receive the Holy Spirit and are even filled with Him, but only a few actually walk with Him in their daily lives.
It’s like inviting a guest into your home. You welcome them warmly, but then you leave them there while you go about your business. That guest knows you only in the context of your house not your life.
That’s how many believers treat the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge Him at church, but outside of church, we live as if He isn’t there. That’s why temptations and desires often overpower us because we’re not walking with the Spirit in our everyday lives.
The truth is, it’s the Holy Spirit who gives you the strength to overcome sinful desires. You need His presence with you continually, not just occasionally.
Think of it like anesthesia given to a patient. As long as the anesthesia is active, the patient feels no pain. But once it wears off, the pain comes back, and they need another dose.
That’s what it’s like with the Holy Spirit. You need to stay “under His influence” daily if you want to live in victory.
From today onward, stop trying to fight sin in your own strength you’ll never win that way. Instead, focus on being filled with the Spirit and walking closely with Him in everything.
There are three key principles to walking in the Spirit:
When most people think of prayer, they think only about presenting their needs to God. But prayer isn’t just about asking it’s a place where we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
As a child of God, every time you pray, seek not only answers to your requests but also the filling of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to guide you, strengthen you, and build your inner life. Go beyond surface-level prayer or routine recitations enter into deep fellowship with the Spirit.
The more you pray, and the more consistently you do it, the more room you give the Holy Spirit to fill you with power. Eventually, the things that once tempted you will seem small and powerless because His presence within you is so strong.
This should be your daily practice.
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
If you’re not a person of prayer, your spiritual strength will remain low, and your flesh will easily take over even if you’ve been saved for fifty years. That’s why the Bible urges us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Pray in your understanding, and also pray in the Spirit as He enables you. But always let your main goal be to be filled with Him.
If you only pray once a week at church, or once a month, you’re not walking in the Spirit.A true sign of someone walking in the Spirit is that they are a daily person of prayer.
The Word of God continually stirs and strengthens our spirit. The enemy knows this, so he works hard to keep us distracted to fill our minds with everything except Scripture.
He knows that when your thoughts are filled with God’s Word, you’ll stay far from sin.
When temptation comes, and you remember Joseph fleeing from adultery, you gain courage. When you recall how God honored Job’s faithfulness, you find strength. When you meditate on Daniel’s loyalty, you’re inspired to remain steadfast.
But the enemy wants your mind filled with entertainment, gossip, sports, politics, or worldly worries — anything but the Word of God.
If you train your mind to dwell on Scripture and God’s promises, you are, in effect, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill your thoughts and influence your life. The result? He energizes your spirit, and you find victory comes naturally.
Remember, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are inseparable.
John 6:63 (ESV)“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
Read the Bible often, but even more importantly — let it live in your mind and heart all day long. That’s your greatest protection and your strongest weapon against sin.
True repentance is a matter of obedience. If you’re double-minded — wanting to follow Jesus but still holding on to the world — you hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.
You might pray regularly, but if your heart hasn’t made a firm decision, your efforts will not bear fruit.
1 John 2:15–17 (NIV)“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
When you decide to follow Jesus, understand that the world is no longer your portion. Its pleasures are no longer your friends.
That’s when you take clear, practical steps of faith:
Don’t pity yourself — do it because of Christ. He will give you the grace to overcome.
At first, it may feel difficult because your flesh will resist. But through your obedience, the Holy Spirit will take over. Once you’ve surrendered every part of your life to Him, His power will fill you completely — and the desires of the flesh will lose their grip.
If you practice these three things daily — prayer, the Word, and true repentance — you are walking in the Spirit. Nothing will be too hard for you, because your victory won’t come from your own strength, but from the power of the One who lives within you.
Galatians 5:25–26 (NIV)“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Why does the date of Easter change every year?For example, in 2023 Easter fell on April 9, while in 2024 it is on March 31. It is expected to change again in the coming years. Why is this the case, when Christmas is always celebrated on the same date December 25 every year?
First of all, it is important to understand that Passover is one of the seven feasts of the Jews. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the first month in the Jewish calendar. This first month usually falls between mid-March and mid-April in the Gregorian calendar that we use today.
Now, as to why the date of Easter changes each year for Christians: it is because Easter is determined by the appearance of the full moon.
When the full moon appears (that is, when the moon is fully illuminated), the Sunday that follows is the day most Christians observe as Easter Sunday.
There are years when the full moon appears earlier, and other years when it appears later. This means that if the full moon appears on a Wednesday, then the following Sunday four days later will be Easter Sunday.
In 2023, the full moon appeared on Wednesday, April 5, so the following Sunday, April 9, was celebrated as Easter Sunday.
In 2024, the full moon appeared earlier, on Monday, March 25, making Sunday, March 31, Easter Sunday.
In 2025, the full moon is expected to appear on Sunday, April 13, and therefore the following Sunday, April 20, will be Easter Sunday.
This is why the date of Easter changes from year to year it is determined by the timing of the full moon, not by a fixed calendar date like Christmas.
To learn what Easter truly represents and whether Christians are biblically permitted to observe it, follow the link below:
WHAT IS EASTER? AND ARE CHRISTIANS ALLOWED TO CELEBRATE IT?
When Moses asked God to reveal His name in Exodus 3:13, he likely expected something specific perhaps a name like those used for the many gods known in his time, such as Baal or Ashtoreth. Names in ancient cultures carried meaning, identity, and a reflection of the deity’s role or power.
But God’s response was unlike any other:
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’”(Exodus 3:14, ESV)
In the footnotes of most modern translations, this phrase is further clarified to mean:
“I will be what I will be.”
This points to God’s eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature. The Hebrew phrase “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” implies that God is not defined by human categories. He is being itself—constant, dependable, and completely sovereign.
At that moment, God gave Moses a glimpse of His divine identity—but it was only the beginning of a fuller revelation.
Later, in Exodus 6:2–3, God says:
“I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty [El Shaddai], but by my name the LORD [YHWH] I did not make myself fully known to them.”(Exodus 6:2–3, NIV)
Here, God introduces YHWH (often transliterated as Yahweh or Jehovah), a personal name rooted in the same verb as “I AM.” It reveals a God who is relational, covenantal, and faithful. Though the patriarchs had encountered His power (as El Shaddai), now Israel would experience His deliverance and covenant fulfillment through YHWH.
Throughout Scripture, God continues to reveal His nature through names that match the needs of His people in specific moments. These are often called compound names of Jehovah:
Jehovah Nissi – “The Lord is my banner” (Exodus 17:15)
Jehovah Shalom – “The Lord is peace” (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah Rohi – “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah Rapha – “The Lord who heals” (Exodus 15:26)
These names show us that God’s character is active and present. He meets His people in their need whether in battle, in lack, in fear, or in sorrow. Each name reflects a different aspect of His care, holiness, and nearness.
The greatest name by which God revealed Himself is through Jesus Christ.
“You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”(Matthew 1:21, ESV)
The name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) literally means “Yahweh saves.” In Christ, God fully reveals Himself as the Savior of the world.Jesus Himself confirmed His divinity by using the phrase “I AM” repeatedly:
“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35)
“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12)
“Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
These declarations echoed God’s words to Moses and revealed that Jesus is Yahweh in the flesh God among us (Immanuel, Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).
God is not limited to a single role or title. He is “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” This means:
In your lack, He is your Provider.
In your pain, He is your Healer.
In your battles, He is your Banner.
In your sin, He is your Savior.
Wherever you are on the mountain, in the valley, in the desert, or lost in sin He is able to reveal Himself to you. You don’t have to limit God to one area of your life. He is present everywhere and in everything.
Have you personally come to know the God who revealed Himself as the Savior?Before He meets your external needs, God wants to meet your deepest need: salvation from sin.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 6:23, ESV)
When you believe in Jesus, your sins are forgiven, and you receive eternal life. You move from death to life, from judgment to grace.
These are the last days. Don’t delay. What will it profit you to gain everything, yet be left behind when Christ returns?
If you’re ready to receive Jesus into your life, reach out using the contact information below. Salvation is a free gift.
Be blessed and please share this message with others.
Shalom.
As believers, Scripture often compares us to plants or crops that have been planted by God.For example, Psalm 1:1–3 (NIV) says:
1 Blessed is the onewho does not walk in step with the wickedor stand in the way that sinners takeor sit in the company of mockers,2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,and who meditates on his law day and night.3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in seasonand whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
This shows that every righteous person everyone who has been saved is planted somewhere spiritually.
It’s important to understand the different kinds of places God allows us to be planted. Knowing this will bring peace to your heart, because many Christians, when facing certain challenges, begin to lose faith, grow weary, or even turn back. But when we understand where and why we are planted, new strength rises within us.
Here are four main places where believers are planted:
In Matthew 13:24–30, Jesus told a parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Later, in verses 36–43, Jesus explained that the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom, the field is the world, and the weeds are the people of the evil one. God allows both to grow together until the final harvest.
This means we are planted among the ungodly we will never live in isolation as believers only. We must expect to be surrounded by people who do wrong, to be challenged by their ways at work, in our neighborhoods, at school, and yes, even in the church. Sometimes you’ll even see them prosper and receive good things just as you do, for the same rain that waters you also waters them.
But what does the Lord desire from us?He doesn’t want us to separate ourselves or build our own little world of believers only. Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15).
God’s will is that we bear righteous fruit while living among the wicked just as Daniel did in Babylon, Joseph did in Egypt, and Jesus did in this sinful world.
So, whether you’re living with an unbelieving spouse, among difficult neighbors, or working in a corrupt environment shine your light! Don’t wait for a day when you’ll finally be surrounded only by believers; that day may never come. Focus more on shining your light than on being separated from darkness. That’s God’s will for us.
Jesus also told another parable in Luke 13:6–9 (NIV):
“A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
Think about this: the man owned a vineyard, full of grapevines, but he chose to plant a fig tree right in the middle of it. Yet, that fig tree refused to bear fruit.
This speaks to us. Sometimes God plants us among other good trees among communities of people who may already know Him or have their own roles to play and He still expects us to bear fruit, the same fruit of salvation that we received at first.
This is where many believers stumble. When they move to a new place perhaps another city or another country they grow spiritually cold because “there are no Christians like me here.” They say, “I’m alone; I can’t do much for God.”
But brother, sister, don’t think that way. God expects fruit wherever you are. Even if you’re the only believer there, share the gospel, live out your faith, and do what God calls you to do. He wants to see you fruitful.
Sometimes God allows us to be placed in unfamiliar environments where we seem to stand alone. When that happens, remember that fig tree among the grapevines and don’t grow lazy or discouraged.
Unlike being planted among weeds or other trees, sometimes we are grafted onto another tree.
Israel is described as the natural olive tree, and we Gentiles as the wild olive tree. When Israel rejected God’s grace, some of its branches were cut off, and we were grafted in to share the same root and richness of God’s covenant.
Romans 11:17–18 (NIV):
“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
We must take this seriously. We were not the original branches we were grafted in by grace. That’s why we must work out our salvation with “fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
The evangelist Reinhard Bonnke once shared that early in his ministry, God told him to go and preach the gospel. He hesitated, and God said, “The grace I gave you was first given to another who rejected it. If you refuse, I will take it and give it to someone else.”From that moment, he obeyed wholeheartedly and went out to preach.
Let that be a reminder: we were grafted in by grace, not by right. Let us remain humble, faithful, and fruitful because if we become unfaithful, even we can be cut off.
Finally, consider this account from Mark 11:12–14, 20 (NIV):
“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit.When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’The next morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.”
At first glance, it may seem unfair why curse a tree when it wasn’t fig season? But Jesus saw that given its healthy appearance and environment, it should have borne fruit.
Think of crops grown in a modern greenhouse. Because they are well cared for fertilized, watered, and protected they produce fruit even out of season.
In the same way, when we are saved, we immediately receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to witness, to live righteously, and to bear fruit. We don’t have to wait years to mature spiritually like believers of old before the Spirit came. The moment we’re saved, we are equipped to make disciples.
So don’t see yourself as too young in the faith or too inexperienced. The Lord expects fruit now. If He returns and finds none, He may remove what’s unfruitful, even if we think it’s “not yet time.”
Dear believer, remember you’ve already been planted in richly nourished soil. Don’t wait for another season. Start now! Tell others about Christ. Don’t worry about how much Scripture you know; it’s God who convinces hearts, not you. Speak with courage, and He will be with you.
By understanding these four key places where believers are planted, we are reminded how to live faithfully on this earth with patience, reverence, diligence, and perseverance so that we don’t stumble or lose heart.
Maranatha! (Our Lord is coming.)
Question:What was the spiritual meaning behind Jesus being crowned with thorns during His crucifixion?
Answer:The crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head wasn’t just a cruel act of mockery and torture by Roman soldiers—it held a profound spiritual message. Every detail of Jesus’ suffering carried significance in God’s redemptive plan. The crown of thorns, in particular, symbolized Jesus carrying the curse of sin and restoring humanity to spiritual fruitfulness.
When Jesus was arrested and brought before the Roman authorities, He was accused of claiming to be a king. As a way to mock this claim, the soldiers dressed Him in a purple robe (a symbol of royalty), handed Him a reed as a mock scepter, and twisted a crown of thorns to place on His head. They mocked Him, bowed sarcastically, and struck Him repeatedly.
John 19:2–3 (NIV):“The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ And they slapped him in the face.”
While this was done in mockery, it was also a prophetic act Jesus was, in truth, the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16), but His kingship was not of this world (John 18:36).
To fully understand the significance of the thorns, we need to go back to the book of Genesis. When Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced a curse on the earth. Part of that curse included thorns and thistles, which symbolized hardship, futility, and separation from the original blessing of Eden.
Genesis 3:17–18 (NKJV):“Cursed is the ground for your sake… Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field.”
This means that thorns in Scripture are a direct symbol of the curse brought by human sin. By wearing a crown made of thorns, Jesus was not only mocked but was literally bearing the curse that resulted from humanity’s disobedience.
Paul confirms this understanding in his letter to the Galatians. Jesus did not simply die for our sins He became a curse for us, so we could be restored to blessing.
Galatians 3:13 (NIV):“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole [or tree].'”
The crown of thorns, therefore, shows that Jesus bore the full weight of the curse from the ground to our minds so we might be free.
Jesus often compared the human heart to soil. In the parable of the sower, He described how God’s Word is like seed falling on different types of ground. Some of it falls among thorns.
Luke 8:14 (NIV):“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”
The “thorns” here represent worldly distractions riches, anxieties, and pleasures that prevent spiritual growth. These are the same thorns Jesus bore on His head, showing that He came not only to forgive sin but to heal the condition of the human heart and remove the spiritual obstacles that choke our lives.
Through Christ’s redemptive work, our cursed “soil” (our hearts) can now become fruitful. He came to transform us from the inside out. Jesus said:
John 15:5 (NIV):“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
We now have the power, through His Spirit, to live fruitful lives lives full of peace, love, self-control, and purpose (see Galatians 5:22–23). This is the reversal of the curse that began in Eden.
John 1:12 (NKJV):“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
When you genuinely turn to Jesus repenting from your sins, believing in Him, being baptized, and receiving His Spirit you receive the power to live differently. The Holy Spirit teaches you to say “no” to the world and “yes” to a godly life.
Titus 2:11–12 (NIV):“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Have you truly received Jesus?
Without Him, it’s impossible to overcome the pressures and temptations of this world. But with Him, you can live a new life free from the thorns that once choked your growth. His crown of thorns has made it possible for you to walk in victory.
Romans 8:37 (NKJV):“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Let’s reflect on the Scriptures carefully.
2 Peter 3:3-7 (NIV):
“First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this coming He promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’ But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
Peter writes about a time of scoffing and mockery in the last days, much like the days of Noah, where people would ignore God’s warning, live in sin, and mock the promise of Christ’s return. In Noah’s day, people lived their lives as though judgment was impossible. They were so caught up in their own desires that they could not see the coming flood (Genesis 6:5-7).
In 2 Peter 3:5-7, the apostle Peter points out the incredible irony: while the scoffers mock God’s judgment, they deliberately forget how God’s Word created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), and how the world was once destroyed by water (the Great Flood). This is a crucial theological point: God’s Word holds all power to create, sustain, and destroy. The very power that made the world will also bring judgment upon it.
The return of Christ is central to the Christian faith. Jesus Himself said,
“I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:12).
Theologically, the Second Coming of Christ is tied to God’s plan of redemption and final judgment. In
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV), Peter affirms,
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Christ’s delay in returning is not due to a lack of power or promise, but because God is giving people more time to repent. This patience underscores the grace of God: He desires that no one should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This is not a delay but an act of divine mercy.
2 Peter 3:7 (NIV) explains that,
“By the same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
This indicates that while the flood destroyed the world in Noah’s time, the future judgment will come through fire. In Revelation 20:11-15, we see the great white throne judgment, where the dead are judged according to what they have done. Theologically, this refers to the final judgment at the end of time, where Christ will separate the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46).
Why do people ignore God’s warnings? The theological issue is rooted in human pride and the fallenness of humanity. In John 3:19 (NIV), Jesus says,
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
This speaks to the inherent sinfulness of mankind our natural inclination is to reject God’s light and choose darkness. Theologians call this “total depravity,” the idea that every part of human nature is corrupted by sin, leading to a rejection of God’s truth (Romans 3:10-18).
Pride, in particular, blinds people to their need for salvation. They dismiss God’s warnings because they are spiritually blind, thinking they can live without Him. Matthew 13:15 (NIV) states,
“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”
Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 here, showing that the hardness of heart and spiritual blindness are not just an external obstacle, but a deeply ingrained spiritual problem. Theologically, this speaks to the need for God’s intervention. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, we cannot open our eyes to the truth.
2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV) continues:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
This passage affirms God’s heart for all to be saved. Theologically, it highlights the concept of God’s eternal nature: He exists outside of time, so what seems like a delay to us is simply God’s perfect timing.
This delay in Christ’s return is an opportunity for us to come to repentance. Salvation is offered freely, but it must be received. Revelation 22:12-14 (NIV) says,
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”
This passage calls believers to prepare for Christ’s return by living holy lives. Theologically, this speaks to the doctrine of sanctification, where Christians are called to live out the salvation they have received, in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Theologically, we are living in a time of grace, where God is offering mercy and calling people to repentance. Christ’s return is assured, and His judgment will be just. But the door of salvation is still open. If you have not yet received Jesus Christ, today is the day to accept His offer of salvation.
As we await Christ’s return, remember these words from Revelation 22:12-14. The Lord is coming soon, and we must be ready. Maranatha (Come, Lord Jesus)!