What Are Blessings and How Many Types Are There?
Answer:
A blessing is a special gift or favor from God given to a person while still living on this earth. Blessings can be received because of one’s actions or prayers. Theologically, blessings are expressions of God’s grace (unmerited favor) and are meant to promote the wellbeing of His people (Numbers 6:24-26).
For example, Jabez prayed earnestly for God’s blessing, and God granted his request. This shows that God listens to sincere prayers and blesses according to His will.
1 Chronicles 4:10
“Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.”
God’s blessings are broadly divided into two categories:
1. Spiritual Blessings
Spiritual blessings are the most important because they affect a person’s relationship with God and their eternal destiny. The first and greatest spiritual blessing is salvation — the forgiveness of sins and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). This blessing comes through God’s grace alone, not by human works.
Ephesians 1:3 declares:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
These blessings bring inner peace (Philippians 4:7), joy (Romans 15:13), holiness (Hebrews 12:14), and assurance of God’s presence. Even if someone lacks physical wealth or comfort, the indwelling Holy Spirit ensures they are truly blessed.
2. Physical Blessings
Physical blessings refer to God’s provision for our bodily needs and earthly life — such as health, children, wealth, and social status. While these blessings can be good gifts from God, Scripture warns that they are temporary and can sometimes become a snare if valued above spiritual riches (Matthew 6:19-21).
For example, Solomon was blessed with unparalleled wisdom and riches (1 Kings 3:12-13). Abraham and Job were also physically blessed, showing God’s favor on their lives (Genesis 12:2-3; Job 42:10).
In the New Testament, believers like Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57) and women such as Joanna and Susanna (Luke 8:3) were materially blessed and used their resources to support Jesus’ ministry.
However, physical blessings do not guarantee spiritual blessing. Jesus warned that many rich people will not inherit God’s kingdom (Mark 10:23-25), and that gaining worldly wealth at the cost of one’s soul is worthless (Mark 8:36).
On the other hand, God often chooses those who are poor or weak in the world’s eyes to be spiritually rich (James 2:5; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Therefore, Christians should not judge each other based on external circumstances but serve and love one another according to God’s grace (Romans 14:1-4).
Revelation 2:9 encourages believers facing hardship and poverty:
“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!”
It is possible for God’s children to be blessed both spiritually and physically according to His sovereign will, but lacking all blessings usually indicates a need to examine one’s faith and walk with God (2 Corinthians 13:5).
If you have not yet received Jesus as your Savior, you may experience spiritual emptiness, anxiety, or fear—signs that spiritual blessing is missing (John 10:10).
Today, receive Jesus Christ and begin to experience the true and lasting blessings of God’s Spirit.
May the Lord richly bless you!
Did Jesus Christ Have Brothers and Sisters?
Question: Did Jesus have brothers and sisters like other people?
Answer: Yes! Our Lord Jesus Christ had biological brothers and sisters, born to Mary, His mother. This is confirmed clearly in Scripture, for example in Matthew 13:54-56 and Mark 6:3.
Matthew 13:54-56
“And coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’”
The passage mentions Jesus’ family in a straightforward way, identifying Mary as His mother and naming His brothers and sisters as distinct individuals. This strongly supports the understanding that Jesus had siblings in the normal biological sense.
The Perpetual Virginity of Mary
Some traditions, especially within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, teach the Perpetual Virginity of Mary, meaning Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. According to this view, the “brothers and sisters” mentioned are interpreted as either cousins or children from a previous marriage of Joseph.
However, the plain reading of the text challenges this view:
- The Greek words used for “brothers” (adelphoi) and “sisters” (adelphai) typically refer to siblings born of the same parents unless otherwise specified.
- The text distinguishes Mary as the mother, not the aunt or other relative, and explicitly names these individuals as Jesus’ brothers and sisters.
- There is no biblical mention of Joseph having a previous marriage, making the “step-siblings” theory weak.
- Luke 2:7 confirms Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son,” which implies more children followed.
God’s Plan and Human Reality
God’s plan involved Mary and Joseph as husband and wife, and it was normal for them to have children after Jesus. This is seen in:
- Matthew 1:18-25: Joseph accepts Mary as his wife after the angel’s message, implying their marriage relationship was intact.
- The angel’s message does not command Joseph to divorce or leave Mary but to take her as his wife (Matthew 1:20-21).
- Luke 8:19-21 : Jesus defines His true family not by biological ties but by obedience to God’s will:
“Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they were not able to reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking for you.’ And he answered them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’”
This statement emphasizes spiritual kinship as primary but does not deny his biological family.
Biblical Authors Who Were Jesus’ Brothers
Among Jesus’ brothers were James and Judas (Jude), who became prominent leaders in the early church and authored the epistles named after them. This connection is significant because it shows that Jesus’ siblings played important roles in the growth of Christianity.
Have you accepted Jesus? Are you part of His family by faith—by hearing and obeying God’s Word? If so, you are truly His brother or sister.
Jesus is coming back.
What Does the Bible Mean When It Says “The God of All Grace”?
(1 Peter 5:10)
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Understanding Grace
Grace is God’s unmerited favor — His kindness and blessings given to us though we don’t deserve them (Ephesians 2:8–9). It’s not based on our works but on God’s sovereign goodness. This is foundational to Christian salvation, emphasizing that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (sola fide). As John 1:17 states:
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
This shows the New Covenant (in Christ) brings a fuller revelation of God’s grace than the Old Testament Law.
Different Kinds of Grace God Provides
1. Saving Grace (Grace of Justification)
This is the grace that justifies sinners before God. It is the gift that enables us to be forgiven and accepted into God’s family (Romans 3:24):
“and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Salvation is God’s free gift, not earned by works (Eph 2:8-9).
2. Grace for Ministry and Service (Charismatic Grace)
God empowers believers to serve through spiritual gifts given by grace (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). For example, Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit for mission (Acts 13:2):
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
This grace enables effective ministry beyond natural ability.
3. Sustaining Grace (Grace to Persevere)
God gives strength to endure suffering and remain faithful (2 Corinthians 12:9):
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
This grace sustains believers through trials and empowers spiritual growth (James 1:2-4).
4. Empowering Grace for Holy Living (Sanctifying Grace)
Grace transforms believers enabling them to live holy lives pleasing to God (Titus 2:11-12):
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions…”
Walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) is an outworking of this grace.
5. Grace for Generosity and Giving
God’s grace enables believers to give generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:8):
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Jesus’ own example of self-giving motivates this grace-filled generosity (2 Corinthians 8:9).
6. Grace for Wisdom and Provision
God gives grace for practical wisdom and provision (James 1:5):
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…”
Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God is the source of the ability to gain wealth and success.
7. Grace for the Future Glory
Believers live in hope of the eternal grace that will be fully revealed when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:13):
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
This is the ultimate grace—glory in the new heavens and new earth.
Grace is God’s undeserved favor extended to us in many ways: to save, empower, strengthen, sanctify, provide, and prepare us for eternal glory. The Bible clearly teaches that all these graces come from the same God who calls us into eternal fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:10).
If you have not yet received the grace of salvation, God invites you today to trust Jesus Christ and receive this free gift (Romans 10:9-10).
May the God of all grace richly bless you and empower you for every good work. Amen.
What’s the Difference Between “The Word” and “The Scripture”?
Question:
We often hear people say, “Let us read the Scriptures”, and at other times, “Let us read the Word.” Are these two expressions different, or do they mean the same thing?
Answer:
To understand the difference, we must first define each term from a biblical and theological point of view.
1. What Is “The Word”?
In the Bible, “the Word” (Greek: logos) often refers to God’s spoken message, a living and active voice coming directly from Him, especially through revelation, dreams, visions, or prophetic utterance.
In many Old Testament passages, when God gave instructions, warnings, or promises to His prophets, the phrase used was:
“The Word of the Lord came…”
For instance:
Genesis 15:1
“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’”
This “Word” was not something Abraham read—it was a direct spiritual communication from God. Similar phrases are found throughout Scripture:
- 1 Kings 17:8 – “Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying…”
- Isaiah 38:4 – “And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying…”
- Jeremiah 1:11 – “Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying…”
- Ezekiel 1:3; 12:21, Hosea 1:1, Jonah 1:1, Micah 1:1, Zephaniah 1:1, etc.
In a broader sense, even Jesus Himself is called “the Word” in His divine nature:
John 1:1,14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
This shows that “the Word” is not only speech—it’s the living revelation of God, including Christ Himself.
2. What Is “The Scripture”?
The word Scripture (Greek: graphe) refers to the written Word of God—the recorded messages, teachings, commandments, and revelations preserved for instruction.
So, for example, what Abraham heard in a vision became Scripture for us today because it was written down. Thus:
- To Abraham, it was “the Word of the Lord.”
- To us, it is “Scripture.”
All of God’s spoken Words that were recorded for future generations became “Scriptures.” That’s why we read:
Romans 15:4
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
This verse teaches a powerful theological truth: Scripture is “God-breathed” (theopneustos in Greek), meaning the Holy Spirit inspired human writers to record divine truth (see also 2 Peter 1:21).
So when we say, “Let us read the Scriptures,” we are referring to the entire written Word of God—the Bible—containing both Old and New Testaments.
3. Do “The Word” and “The Scripture” Mean the Same Thing?
In essence, yes—both refer to God’s truth. However, the difference lies in form and context:
- “The Word” – emphasizes the living message, whether spoken, revealed, or incarnate in Christ (John 1:1, Hebrews 4:12).
- “The Scripture” – emphasizes the written record of that message, preserved for all generations.
So when a preacher says, “Let’s read the Word of God,” or “Let’s read the Scriptures,” both phrases point us to the Bible, which contains the written form of God’s living Word.
And importantly: the power of the Word is not diminished by its form. Whether God speaks audibly, through prophecy, or through Scripture, His Word is always alive and active:
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”
4. Why Does This Matter?
Understanding this distinction helps us value both revelation and preservation:
- God reveals truth (the Word),
- and He preserves it for our instruction (Scripture).
And this leads to a personal question:
Have you received the Word of God personally?
Have you accepted Jesus—the Living Word (John 1:14)?
Have you been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, as taught in the Scriptures (Acts 2:38)?
Are you ready to meet Him when He returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)?
There’s no contradiction between “reading the Word” and “reading the Scriptures.” Both point to God’s eternal truth—spoken, written, and fulfilled in Christ. As believers, we are called not only to read the Word but also to live it (James 1:22).
The Lord is coming (1 Corinthians 16:22).
Did Simon of Cyrene Help Jesus Carry the Cross or Not?
When reading the Gospels, you might come across something that seems like a contradiction. In Matthew 27:32, we’re told that a man named Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus’ cross. But in John 19:17, it says Jesus carried His own cross to Golgotha. So, which account is correct? Did Jesus carry the cross by Himself, or did Simon help?
Let’s examine both passages and bring clarity.
What Matthew Records
Matthew 27:31–32
“And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.”
Matthew clearly states that Simon was forced to help carry the cross. The Roman soldiers, seeing Jesus’ physical weakness after severe flogging (cf. Isaiah 52:14), pulled Simon from the crowd to assist.
What John Records
John 19:17
“And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.”
This verse seems to suggest Jesus carried the cross by Himself the entire way. But there’s a theological and narrative explanation.
Is This a Contradiction?
No, not at all. What appears as a contradiction is actually a difference in emphasis. The Gospel writers sometimes include different parts of the same event based on their purpose and audience. The Bible is divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16) and free from error, so it does not contradict itself.
John’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ intentional and sovereign journey to the cross—He bore the weight of sin as our Redeemer (Isaiah 53:4–6), and so John records Jesus as “bearing His cross” to underline that truth. He doesn’t mention Simon because his focus is theological more than narrative.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke give more detailed descriptions of the journey, including how Jesus, weakened in body, needed help. This doesn’t mean Jesus didn’t carry the cross—it means He started with it, but at some point, Simon had to step in.
Luke 23:26
“Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.”
This aligns with a practical and historical reality: Roman executions were brutal. Jesus had already been scourged (John 19:1), crowned with thorns, and mocked. Physically, He was near collapse (cf. Psalm 22:14-15), so Simon was compelled to assist.
Spiritual Meaning of Simon Carrying the Cross
The event is not just historical—it carries deep spiritual meaning.
Notice in Luke 23:26, Simon carries the cross behind Jesus. This mirrors what Jesus said to all His followers:
Mark 8:34–35
“Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
This shows that true discipleship means more than just believing—it involves self-denial, surrender, and following Jesus through hardship. The cross represents death to self, obedience to God, and the willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:10; Romans 6:6).
Simon carrying the cross behind Jesus is a picture of every believer’s calling—to walk the path of Christ, bearing the cross daily (Luke 9:23).
So, was it Jesus or Simon who carried the cross? Both. Jesus began the journey carrying His cross, and at some point—due to His weakened condition—Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help. John highlights the sovereignty and sacrifice of Christ, while Matthew, Mark, and Luke provide narrative details, including the moment Simon steps in.
This is not a contradiction but a complementary account, showing both Jesus’ strength and His human suffering.
A Personal Reflection
Simon was pulled from the crowd, perhaps unwillingly, but he ended up walking behind the Savior. It became a powerful image of Christian discipleship.
So the real question is:
Have you taken up your cross to follow Jesus?
Have you chosen the path of surrender, obedience, and self-denial for His sake?
Jesus bore our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). He calls us now to follow Him—not from a distance, but closely, carrying our own cross with faith and courage.
May the Lord give you grace to walk with Him faithfully.
God bless you.
What Are the Fiery Darts of the Wicked in Ephesians 6:16?
Ephesians 6:16 (KJV)
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
In Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul reveals the reality of our spiritual warfare: a battle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). We are called to stand firm by putting on the full armor of God, including the shield of faith, which protects us from the enemy’s fiery darts — the subtle and destructive attacks of Satan.
But what are these fiery darts? And how do they seek to destroy God’s people?
Understanding the Fiery Darts
In ancient times, fiery darts (or arrows) were weapons designed not only to pierce but to ignite and consume. Arrows were dipped in pitch and set ablaze, so that when they hit, they spread fire as well as inflicted physical injury. This symbolism shows that Satan’s attacks are not only meant to wound but to spread destruction, confusion, and fear, setting ablaze everything in their path.
Just as ancient soldiers needed shields large enough to cover their bodies and quench the flaming arrows, so believers need faith that completely relies on God’s power (Psalm 18:2; Hebrews 11:6).
The Enemy’s Fiery Darts
1️⃣ The Tongue: The Weapon of Deception and Division
Satan often uses words as fiery darts — whether through false teachings, slander, or divisive speech — to stir up conflict and lead people astray.
James 3:5-6 (KJV)
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… and it is set on fire of hell.
Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden through the serpent’s words (Genesis 3:1-6). False doctrines begin with words — carefully crafted lies that twist God’s truth (2 Peter 2:1).
👉 Application: As believers, we must:
Guard our own tongues so that we do not become instruments of Satan’s fire (Ephesians 4:29).
Refuse to allow harmful or deceptive words to take root in our hearts.
Test every teaching against Scripture (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11).
2️⃣ Trials and Temptations: Designed to Make Us Fall
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
The enemy uses fiery trials and temptations to try to break our faith and lead us into sin. Remember how Jesus warned Peter:
Luke 22:31-32 (KJV)
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…
Temptations often come unexpectedly, aiming at our weakest points. But God promises that no temptation is beyond our ability to bear in Him
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
👉 Application: We overcome the fiery darts of temptation by:
Clinging to God’s Word as Jesus did in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
Staying vigilant in prayer (Matthew 26:41).
Trusting in God’s faithfulness to provide a way of escape.
3️⃣ Threats, Fear, and Doubt: Designed to Intimidate and Paralyze
Satan uses fear as a dart to weaken our courage and stop us from fulfilling God’s calling. Like fiery arrows, fear spreads quickly if not quenched.
Consider the opposition the Israelites faced when rebuilding the temple:
Ezra 4:4-5 (ESV)
Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose..
Out of fear, they stopped the work — until God, through Haggai and Zechariah, stirred them to action (Haggai 1:1-9).
Fear is a favorite tool of the enemy, but God commands:
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
👉 Application: Like Daniel in the lions’ den and the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-18; 6:22), we must:
Refuse to bow to fear.
Trust that God is our deliverer (Psalm 27:1).
The Power of the Shield of Faith
The shield of faith is not faith in faith itself, but faith in the living God — in His promises, His power, and His presence. Faith enables us to quench every fiery dart because it looks beyond the visible threat to the invisible God who is sovereign over all:
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Romans 8:31 (KJV)
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Final Encouragement
Yes, Satan fires many fiery darts — through harmful words, temptations, and fear — but by standing firm in faith, we can extinguish them all. Guard your speech, weigh every word you hear, stay prayerful, and fear no evil. Remember:
Psalm 91:5 (KJV)
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day.
May God bless you richly.
Please share this message with others.
TEACH WHAT YOU LIVE AND PRACTICE
As followers of Christ, we are called to integrity—not only in what we teach but in how we live. Never teach what you don’t practice yourself. Do not urge others to fear God while your own heart is far from Him. Don’t encourage others to pray if prayer is absent from your own life. Our lives must reflect the truths we proclaim, or our witness loses its power.
Teaching what we do not live leads to spiritual hypocrisy. This was the sin of the Pharisees, who placed burdens on others that they themselves refused to bear. Jesus strongly rebuked them:
Matthew 23:2-4 (NKJV)
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Their lives were a contradiction: they had the knowledge of God’s law, but their hearts were far from obedience (Isaiah 29:13; cf. Matthew 15:8). They loved to be seen as righteous but failed to do what was truly right before God.
Paul warned against this same inconsistency:
Romans 2:21-24 (NKJV)
You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ as it is written.
Here Paul draws from Isaiah 52:5 and Ezekiel 36:20, showing how Israel’s failure to obey God’s law caused His name to be mocked among the nations. When we preach what we don’t practice, we misrepresent the holy character of God and become stumbling blocks to others (cf. 1 Peter 2:12).
In contrast, true servants of God live out the message before they proclaim it. Ezra is a clear example:
Ezra 7:10 (NKJV)
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra followed the right order: first, he sought the Lord’s law; second, he obeyed it; and third, he taught it. This threefold pattern reflects God’s design for all who would be His witnesses: seek, do, teach (cf. James 1:22 — “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”).
Even Jesus, our perfect example, lived what He taught. He said:
John 13:15 (NKJV)
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
The apostles followed this model, urging believers not only to proclaim Christ but to walk in Him (Colossians 2:6) and to set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV).
If we bypass personal obedience and rush into teaching, we risk becoming mere performers—preaching the Gospel for applause or gain rather than out of genuine love for God and His people (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17). Our teaching must be rooted in a life transformed by Christ.
The Gospel is most powerful when preached first through our actions and then through our words. We cannot teach what we do not live without becoming hypocrites or self-seekers.
May the Lord Jesus grant us the grace to seek His truth, to live by it, and only then to teach it. Amen.
Why Did the Holy Spirit Prevent Paul from Preaching the Gospel in Asia? (Acts 16:6-7)
Answer: Let’s take a closer look at the text in the book of Acts and explore the theological significance.
Acts 16:6
They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them from preaching the word in Asia.
7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them.
8 So, they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
At first glance, it may seem puzzling that the Holy Spirit would prevent Paul and his companions from preaching in a region that was in dire need of the Gospel. However, understanding the broader biblical context and God’s sovereign plan helps clarify why the Holy Spirit took this action.
1. The Timing of God’s Plan for the Gospel
Theologically, this incident highlights the sovereign will of God in determining the timing and spread of the Gospel. There are strategic moments in God’s redemptive plan, and the Gospel is not to be preached everywhere at any time—God has set the times and seasons. As we see throughout Scripture, God’s mission unfolds according to His divine timeline.
In the Old Testament, God often appointed specific times for His messages to reach His people. For example, in the book of Ecclesiastes, we read:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Similarly, Jesus emphasized the divine timing for the expansion of the Gospel in Matthew 10:5-6, when He instructed His disciples to focus their mission on Israel before the broader Gentile world.
Matthew 10:5-6
These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The timing of the Gospel’s spread to Asia may have been part of God’s redemptive timeline. The Holy Spirit’s prohibition on Paul’s preaching in Asia demonstrates that God was guiding His apostles according to His perfect will and purpose, which had a specific order.
2. God’s Will to Protect and Direct the Mission
Another theological consideration is God’s active guidance and protection over the mission of His church. The Holy Spirit’s leading was not simply a prohibition; it was a redirection. God had another path for Paul to take, one that would be more fruitful for the spreading of the Gospel at that specific time.
Acts 16:9
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.
Here, God provided Paul with a vision to redirect him toward Macedonia, where Paul would eventually plant churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. This guidance emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s restrictions were not random, but part of God’s plan to ensure the Gospel reached the right people at the right time.
Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
This verse points to the deep relationship between believers and the Holy Spirit. When Paul was redirected, it was an example of how believers are to be responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting that His direction is always for God’s glory and the good of His people.
3. The Role of Other Servants in the Mission
God’s plan for reaching the world through the Gospel is not solely dependent on one individual or one group of believers. It is a collaborative effort. In this case, while Paul was prevented from preaching in Asia, other servants of God may have already been sent to these regions or were later prepared to take the message to Asia at the right time.
Romans 15:20
And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.
This principle is echoed in Paul’s own writings—he respected the work of others and understood that the Gospel is spread through many different hands. Just because Paul could not go to Asia did not mean the people of Asia would be left without the message of Christ. God often uses different vessels at different times for His mission.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds the church that one plants, another waters, but it is God who gives the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
4. Rejection of the Gospel: The Hardening of Hearts
A final theological point to consider is the possibility of rejection. The Bible teaches that when the Gospel is preached, some will accept it, and others will reject it. There comes a point when God allows people’s hearts to harden, especially when they continually reject His message. This theme appears throughout Scripture, particularly in passages where God allows people to follow their own desires, leading to judgment.
Matthew 13:14-15
Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.
Jesus’ words reflect a deeper reality about the rejection of the Gospel. There is a point at which a city or a people becomes so hardened in their rejection that God no longer sends messengers to them. In Acts, we see this principle in action when Paul shakes the dust off his feet after facing resistance in places like Antioch (Acts 13:51).
Acts 13:51
But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.
This action symbolized the rejection of the Gospel and the sealing of judgment. Perhaps, in Asia, there had already been enough rejection, and the Holy Spirit had determined that it was not the right time to bring the Gospel to these cities through Paul.
Lessons for Today: The Sovereignty of God in the Spread of the Gospel
Theologically, we are reminded that the mission of God is not solely dependent on human efforts, nor is it limited to any one person or method. It is God’s mission, and He directs it according to His sovereign will and purpose. Our role is to be faithful to His guidance, to trust in His timing, and to recognize that He is always at work—even when we don’t fully understand the reasons behind certain delays or redirections.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As believers, we must embrace the mystery of God’s plan, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit might guide us in ways that seem puzzling or even frustrating, but we can trust that His will is perfect and always for our good and His glory.
What Is an Example of Solid Food as Mentioned in Hebrews 5:12?
Question:
The Bible teaches that milk is for spiritual infants, while solid food is for those who are mature in the faith. What, then, is an example of this “solid food”?
The Biblical Context
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Here, milk refers to the elementary teachings of the faith, while solid food refers to the deeper truths of Christian living and the exercise of spiritual discernment.
What Is Milk?
Hebrews 6:1-2 lists what the milk represents:
Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV)
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
These are foundational doctrines:
✅ Repentance from dead works
✅ Faith in God
✅ Instruction about baptisms
✅ Laying on of hands
✅ Resurrection of the dead
✅ Eternal judgment
These are essential, but they are spiritual milk — necessary for new believers, but not enough for spiritual growth toward maturity.
Examples of Solid Food — Deeper Spiritual Truths
1️⃣ Loving Your Enemies
Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
💡 Theological Insight:
Loving one’s enemies reflects the very heart of God (Romans 5:8). It demonstrates Christlike character and maturity because it mirrors God’s love for us when we were His enemies (Romans 5:10). This teaching challenges the natural human instinct for revenge and self-preservation, requiring the believer to rely on the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:22-23).
2️⃣ Understanding God’s Purpose in Suffering
Philippians 1:29 (NKJV)
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
💡 Theological Insight:
Suffering is not merely something to endure, but something God sovereignly uses to refine and sanctify us (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). Mature believers see suffering as part of God’s loving discipline and preparation for glory (1 Peter 4:12-13).
3️⃣ Spiritual Discernment
Hebrews 5:14 (NKJV)
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
💡 Theological Insight:
Discernment is essential for navigating false teaching (1 John 4:1), distinguishing between good and evil in complex situations (Romans 12:2), and applying God’s Word faithfully. It grows through constant practice and obedience, not mere knowledge (John 7:17).
4️⃣ Submitting to God’s Discipline
Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV)
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
💡 Theological Insight:
God disciplines His children out of love (Hebrews 12:6). Mature believers understand that discipline shapes their character and produces righteousness. This reflects Christ’s own obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8)
5️⃣ Self-Denial and Bearing the Cross
Luke 9:23 (NKJV)
Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
💡 Theological Insight:
This is the call to die daily to self-will, sin, and worldly desires (Galatians 2:20). A mature believer embraces this as the path of true discipleship and conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29).
6️⃣ Humility and Selfless Service
Philippians 2:3-8 (NKJV)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself… Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
💡 Theological Insight:
True maturity is marked by Christlike humility — putting others before oneself and serving as Christ served (Mark 10:45). This goes far beyond outward acts; it reflects an inner transformation (Matthew 23:
Solid Food Requires Ongoing Growth
As the Apostle Paul says:
Colossians 1:28 (NKJV)
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Solid food is the deeper, often harder truths that stretch us toward Christlikeness. It calls us to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18), to practice righteousness (1 John 3:7), and to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6).
Conclusion:
Milk lays the foundation. Solid food builds us up into the full stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Let us move beyond the basics, asking God for grace to feed on His Word deeply, so that we may grow into mature, discerning, Christlike believers.
The Church as Part of a New Believer’s Life
When you come to faith in Jesus Christ, it is vital to understand that the church is not simply a building or a denomination. The church is the community of God’s redeemed people—those who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ and gathered together to worship, serve, and glorify Him.
The New Testament presents the church in several powerful images that help us grasp its nature and purpose:
1. The Church as the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV) —
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Every believer is united to Christ and to one another. Just as the parts of a human body function together for the good of the whole, so each Christian has a unique role and spiritual gift to contribute to the health and mission of the church (see Romans 12:4-5). To refuse fellowship with the body is to hinder both your own growth and the body’s effectiveness.
Ephesians 4:16 (NKJV) —
“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
2. The Church as the Bride of Christ
Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV) —
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
This image reminds us that the church is in a covenant relationship with Christ. Just as a bride is devoted to her husband, the church is called to purity, love, and faithful submission to Christ as its Lord (2 Corinthians 11:2). To belong to Christ is to belong to His church, living in holiness as we await the great marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9).
3. The Church as the Family of God
Ephesians 2:19 (ESV) —
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
Through Christ, we are adopted as sons and daughters into God’s family (Galatians 4:4-7). This means we share in His promises, His inheritance, and His love. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, called to care for, encourage, and bear with one another (Romans 8:16-17, Colossians 3:12-14
4. The Church as the Temple of God
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV) —
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
As God’s temple, the church is His dwelling place on earth. The Spirit of God lives within us collectively as the church and individually as believers (Ephesians 2:21-22). We are called to purity and holiness because God’s presence demands a holy habitation (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Why the Church Is Essential for the Believer
1. For Spiritual Growth
The church is where believers are fed, equipped, and built up through God’s Word and the ministry of the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV) —
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Growth in Christ happens as we sit under sound teaching, participate in worship, and exercise our spiritual gifts.
2. For Worship
God delights in the corporate worship of His people.
Psalm 95:6 (ESV) —
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
The church gathers to glorify God together, expressing our love and devotion through song, prayer, giving, the Word, and the sacraments (Acts 2:42-47).
3. For Prayer and Support
Believers are called to pray for one another and bear one another’s burdens.
James 5:16 (ESV) —
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
When we are weak, we need the strength of the body to lift us up (Galatians 6:2).
4. For Equipping for Ministry
The church is where believers discover and develop their spiritual gifts to serve God’s purposes.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) —
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
How Often Should We Attend Church?
As often as possible. The early church gathered frequently, both daily and weekly (Acts 2:46, 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Hebrews 10:25 (ESV) —
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Faithful gathering helps guard us against sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13).
Dangers of Withdrawing from the Church
You become spiritually weak and vulnerable to temptation (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
You miss out on accountability and encouragement.
Your gifts will not flourish as they are intended to serve the body (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Choosing a Faithful Church
Not every group that calls itself a church is truly Christ’s church.
1 John 4:1 (ESV) —
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Look for a church that:
Preaches Christ as the only foundation of salvation (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Calls people to repentance, righteousness, and holiness (Acts 20:21).
Reminds believers of eternal realities—heaven and hell (Matthew 25:46).
Welcomes and operates in the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:12).
Pray for discernment and seek godly counsel as you choose where to worship.
Key Scriptures to Remember
Hebrews 10:25 — Do not neglect meeting together.
Psalm 122:1 — Rejoice in going to the house of the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 — Two are better than one.
Final Encouragement
As a Christian, make it your habit to be faithful in gathering with God’s people.
Avoid lateness in worship.
Stay alert and engaged in the service (Acts 20:9—Eutychus fell asleep and fell from a window!).
Where two or three are gathered in Christ’s name, He is present (Matthew 18:20).
May the Lord bless you as you commit to His church!
