Do you know what a winnowing fork (Pepeto) is and what its purpose is?
Let us return to Matthew 3:11-12 (ESV):
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
A winnowing fork—known in Swahili as Pepeto—is a farming tool shaped somewhat like a pitchfork (uma). Farmers use it to toss wheat into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter husks (chaff), allowing the heavier grain (wheat) to fall back down, separated and purified.
Traditionally, many communities use a flat tool (nyungo) to winnow grains like rice or wheat, throwing the grain up so the wind separates the chaff. However, wheat farming required the Pepeto because the grain mixture was heavy with chaff and impurities. The Pepeto enabled a more thorough separation.
Spiritually, the wheat represents the Word of God, pure and life-giving, while the chaff represents falsehood, lies, and deception—particularly false dreams, visions, and prophecies that arise especially in the last days.
Jeremiah 23:25-28 (ESV) warns against false prophets:
“I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I had a dream, I had a dream!’How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart,who plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal?Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the LORD.”
The Lord contrasts the Word of God (wheat) with empty, deceptive visions (straw or chaff). False prophecy is worthless in God’s eyes because it does not lead to true repentance or salvation.
Jesus Christ is Himself the winnowing fork who separates true believers—those rooted in His Word—from false teachers and hypocrites who follow lies. This separation is a divine act of judgment and purification.
Theologically, this winnowing signifies the final judgment, where the Holy Spirit distinguishes between what is eternal (wheat) and what is temporal or false (chaff). This theme aligns with Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God and eschatology—the study of end times.
Mark 8:36 (ESV) reminds us of the ultimate cost:
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
False promises of worldly prosperity, when bought at the cost of truth and holiness, lead to eternal loss. The real harvest is not earthly wealth, but eternal life grounded in God’s Word.
The “harvest” Jesus speaks of is the end of the age, when God will gather His people and judge the wicked.
Matthew 13:29-30, 40-42 (ESV) says:
“But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’…As therefore the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This passage teaches the certainty of divine judgment and the separation of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous—like the wheat—are gathered into God’s eternal kingdom, while the wicked—like chaff—are destroyed.
We live in the last days when the Pepeto is already passing through the fields of humanity. The Holy Spirit is separating true believers who live by God’s Word from those deceived by false visions.
May the Lord grant us discernment to recognize His Word, faithfulness to follow it, and courage to reject the lies of the enemy.
Let us pray:
“Father, purify Your Church as the farmer purifies his wheat. Help us to be like the wheat, rooted in Your Word, and not like the chaff that is blown away. Send Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and keep us faithful until the day of harvest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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May the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be praised forever.
Did you know that acts of faith can transform your identity giving you a fresh start and opening new doors of favor and authority?
Let’s consider the biblical example of David and Goliath. Before David defeated Goliath, he served in King Saul’s palace, playing the harp to soothe Saul whenever an evil spirit troubled him.
1 Samuel 16:21-23 (ESV) says:
“David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. Whenever the harmful spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take the harp and play it. Saul was refreshed and well, and the harmful spirit departed.”
This shows that David was already trusted by Saul, who appointed him as his armor-bearer a position of closeness and responsibility (cf. 1 Sam. 16:21). Yet, despite this acceptance, David’s true identity and authority had not yet been fully revealed or realized.
After David’s courageous act of faith in defeating Goliath, Saul’s response reveals a shift in recognition: he asks, “Whose son are you?” (1 Sam. 17:58 ESV), indicating that David’s victory had unveiled a new dimension of his identity and calling.
Theologically, this highlights how faith-activated obedience to God’s calling leads to a deeper revelation of who we are in His plan. David’s victory over Goliath symbolizes the believer’s triumph over sin, fear, and obstacles through reliance on God’s power (cf. 1 John 5:4).
1 Samuel 17:54-58 (ESV) recounts:
“David took the Philistine’s head to Jerusalem. When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he asked, ‘Whose son is this youth?’… David answered, ‘I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.’”
This new acknowledgment reflects how a decisive act of faith opens doors to divine favor and changes social and spiritual status. David’s courage brought him into a new realm of God’s blessing and human recognition.
Furthermore, 1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV) says:
“Jonathan’s soul became bound to David’s soul, and Jonathan loved him as himself.”
This deep friendship reflects the spiritual bond and transfer of favor and authority, showing how faith and obedience can also affect relationships and community standing.
The “Goliath” in your life represents any formidable obstacle sin being the chief adversary (Romans 6:12-14). Sin hinders our progress and conceals the favor God desires to pour upon us. But when we confront sin through faith and repentance turning away from all sinful behaviors as genuine repentance requires (Acts 3:19) we defeat that Goliath.
True repentance isn’t merely asking for forgiveness; it involves a heartfelt turning from sin and separation from influences that encourage it (2 Corinthians 7:10). This may include distancing oneself from unhealthy relationships, activities, or even attire that invites temptation.
By “putting on the new self” in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24) and “arming yourself with the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18), you not only defeat your personal Goliaths but also step into a new identity marked by God’s favor and blessing.
So, what giant are you facing today? What act of faith will you take to claim your new identity in Christ?
Shalom.
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Question: In Matthew 17:4, how were Peter and his companions able to know that those men were Moses and Elijah?
Answer:
Let us begin by carefully reading the passage in Matthew 17:1-4 (ESV):
1 “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.4 And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’”
Notably, the Scripture does not record Moses and Elijah explicitly identifying themselves. This implies that Peter and the others recognized them through another means—a supernatural revelation given by the Holy Spirit.
The key theological insight here is the role of divine revelation (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις – apokalypsis), which is knowledge imparted by God to His people that cannot be attained by natural reasoning alone.
Revelation by the Holy Spirit:Just as Peter was able to declare Jesus as the Christ because the Father revealed it to him through the Spirit (Matthew 16:15-17, ESV):
15 “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’16 Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’17 And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’”
Here, Jesus clarifies that spiritual truth about His identity comes only by God’s revelation, not human insight.
Recognition through the Word of God:Peter and the others would have been familiar with Moses and Elijah through their study of the Torah and the Prophets, foundational Scripture for any devout Jew. Moses represented the Law, Elijah the Prophets. Their appearance at the Transfiguration symbolized the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets in Christ (Luke 16:16; Matthew 5:17).
Prayer and the Presence of God:The Transfiguration took place on a mountain, a biblical setting for divine encounters (Exodus 19:20; Psalm 2:6). It is fitting that God would reveal Himself there in a spectacular way to confirm Jesus’ messianic identity to His closest disciples.
Role of the Holy Spirit in Revelation:The Holy Spirit empowers believers to perceive spiritual realities (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Without the Spirit, the disciples would not have understood the significance of what they saw.
Peter’s spiritual sensitivity is further illustrated in Acts 10:17-21 (ESV), when the Spirit instructs him regarding Cornelius’s men:
17 “Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean,18 behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house and were standing before the gate.19 And the Spirit told Peter to go with them without making any distinction.20 These six brothers also accompanied him, and they entered the man’s house.21 And Peter declared, ‘I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?’”
This shows how the Spirit gave Peter understanding and boldness to embrace God’s new revelation, just as at the Transfiguration He enabled recognition of Moses and Elijah.
Presence in Prayer: When we position ourselves in God’s presence, especially through prayer and meditation on Scripture, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s revelation (Psalm 25:14; John 14:26).
Study of Scripture: Knowledge of God’s Word is foundational for spiritual discernment. The Spirit does not contradict the Word but illuminates its truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Assurance in Christ: Just as Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah by revelation, believers today can be assured of salvation and hope in Christ by the Spirit’s witness (Romans 8:16).
Are you abiding in Christ, growing in the knowledge of Scripture, and open to the Spirit’s guidance? The same Spirit who revealed the glory of Moses and Elijah to Peter desires to reveal Christ to you personally.
“Maranatha!” — Come, Lord Jesus!
Have you ever wondered what truly ignites deep, genuine love for the Lord?
Many desire to grow in love for God but few realize that the key lies not in striving harder or trying to “feel” more spiritual, but in meditating deeply on the forgiveness God has given you.
This is a spiritual principle taught directly by Jesus Christ.
Jesus teaches in Luke 7:47:
“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Luke 7:47 (NKJV)
In this verse, Jesus responds to a Pharisee’s judgmental attitude toward a sinful woman who was weeping at His feet. Her great love was not what earned her forgiveness it was the result of realizing how much she had been forgiven.
This means that our love for God grows in direct proportion to our understanding of His grace toward us. When you realize how undeserving you were and how vast His mercy is your heart cannot help but overflow with love.
This isn’t merely emotional it’s transformational.
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 (NKJV)
Picture this: Two people owe a debt one owes 500 shillings, and the other 500,000 shillings. Both are forgiven the full amount by the same person. Who will be more grateful? Clearly, the one forgiven the larger debt.
Likewise, the more we recognize the size of our spiritual debt, the more we appreciate God’s mercy and the deeper our love becomes.
Jesus illustrated this truth in the Parable of the Two Debtors (Luke 7:41–43), which He shared just before verse 47.
Many people underestimate their sin because they haven’t committed “visible” or “scandalous” sins. But Scripture is clear:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NKJV)
Sin is not just outwardnit includes thoughts, attitudes, desires, and things we’ve failed to do. Jesus taught that even lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28), unrighteous anger (Matthew 5:22), and self-righteousness (Luke 18:11–14) are serious before God.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)
So even if you’ve never stolen or killed, think about:
The envy in your heart
The bitterness you’ve carried
The lies you’ve told
The pride you’ve entertained
The lustful thoughts you’ve hidden
The selfish decisions you’ve made
The foolish things you’ve done in secret or online
You deserved judgment. Yet God withheld it.
Jesus didn’t just ignore your sin He bore it:
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…” Isaiah 53:4–5 (NKJV)
Your forgiveness wasn’t free it cost Jesus everything. He took your shame, guilt, and punishment. That’s grace.
If not for His mercy, you would already be eternally separated from God. This truth should humble us and awaken deep love and worship in our hearts.
Think about it:
Why did He choose to show you mercy?
What have you done to deserve it?
Are those who died in sin worse than you?
“It is through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV)
He saved you by grace alone, not because of any goodness in you (Ephesians 2:8–9). This should compel you to love Him with your whole heart.
Set aside time not just once, but regularly to meditate on the mercy of Jesus. This is how your heart is stirred to love and obey Him more.
King David understood this:
“If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.” Psalm 130:3–4 (NKJV)
The fear of the Lord holy reverence comes from a revelation of His mercy. When you see what He has forgiven, you will desire to honor Him, not take Him for granted.
Friend, don’t let familiarity with the gospel dull your love for Christ. Reflect. Remember. Repent. And rejoice.
You were forgiven much. Now love Him much.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases…” Psalm 103:2–3 (NKJV)
Why did God choose the death on the cross as the only way to redeem us? Was there really no other option for victory? Amen.
Answer: God, being all-powerful (omnipotent), certainly could have chosen any method for our redemption (Jeremiah 32:17). But the reason why death became the necessary means is rooted in the nature of sin and God’s justice.
Before Adam sinned, God warned him:
“But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.” (Genesis 2:17).
This was God’s clear declaration that sin results in death — spiritual separation from God and ultimately physical death. The word “surely die” (Hebrew: muwth tamuth) emphasizes the certainty of death as a consequence of disobedience.
The Apostle Paul explains:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).
This means sin’s penalty must be paid in death — a just and holy God cannot ignore sin without punishing it. Therefore, for humanity to be reconciled to God, that penalty had to be paid.
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, took upon Himself the punishment we deserved. As Paul writes:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…” (Galatians 3:13).
In other words, Jesus stood in our place, bearing the full cost of sin, which is death.
It’s like a binding contract: if one party breaks the terms, they owe a penalty. Humanity broke God’s holy law, and the penalty was death (James 2:10). Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly and accepted the penalty on our behalf.
By His death on the cross, Jesus satisfied God’s justice and demonstrated God’s love (Romans 5:8). His resurrection proves victory over sin and death, opening the way for us to have eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:17–22).
So, Jesus’ death wasn’t just a tragic event, but the divine plan of salvation, because there was no alternative way to remove the debt of sin except through His sacrifice.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
If you haven’t yet, now is the time, because the door of mercy won’t remain open forever (Revelation 3:20).
“Come, Lord Jesus!”
Among the Jewish people, it was customary to name places where God revealed Himself in a unique or powerful way. These names served not only as geographical markers but as spiritual reminders of God’s faithfulness and intervention.
For instance, Jacob’s encounter with God at Luz is deeply significant. After seeing the vision of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending, Jacob recognized this as a holy place where heaven and earth intersected. He named it Bethel, meaning “House of God” (Genesis 28:10–22, NIV). This name reflected Jacob’s acknowledgment of God’s presence and covenant.
Another example is found in 1 Samuel 7:12, where the prophet Samuel commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from the Philistines by setting up a stone called Ebenezer, meaning “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” This was a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness and a call to remember His ongoing help.
In the story of King Saul and David, we see a vivid portrayal of God’s providence and protection. David, though pursued relentlessly by Saul, repeatedly escapes death, illustrating God’s sovereign hand over his life. However, in 1 Samuel 23:26–28 (NIV), David finds himself trapped, with Saul closing in and no obvious escape. At this critical moment, a messenger interrupts Saul with news of a Philistine invasion, forcing him to abandon the chase to defend Israel.
David names this place Selahamalekothi, a Hebrew term meaning “The Rock of Escape” or “The Place of Escape.” This name acknowledges God as the ultimate refuge and deliverer one who provides escape from seemingly impossible situations.
1 Samuel 23:26–28 (NIV):
26 Saul was on one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other, hurrying to get away from Saul. Saul and his men were closing in to capture David and his men, 27 when a messenger came to Saul and said, “Hurry! The Philistines are raiding the land.” 28 So Saul stopped pursuing David and went to fight the Philistines. That’s why the place is called Selahamalekothi.
The act of naming places like Bethel, Ebenezer, and Selahamalekothi is deeply theological. It reflects a people who live in continual remembrance of God’s intervention in history. Naming these sites is an act of worship, testimony, and teaching for future generations a way to anchor faith in concrete experience.
For David, Selahamalekothi symbolizes more than physical escape; it reveals a profound trust in God as a refuge and stronghold (Psalm 18:2). This aligns with the biblical theme of God as a “rock” and “deliverer” throughout Scripture, echoing the assurance found in Psalms and other Old Testament books.
Remembering God’s works is a vital spiritual discipline. Just as the Israelites set up stones and named places to recall God’s faithfulness, we too should mark the moments where God moves powerfully in our lives. Writing down testimonies or otherwise recording these events helps us cultivate gratitude, trust, and hope.
Though God works miracles every day, we often take them for granted or forget them quickly. Like the ancestors of faith, we must intentionally preserve these memories to strengthen our walk with God.
May God bless you.
Question: When Jesus said, “None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’” in John 16:5, what did He mean?
Let’s explore the context and theology behind this statement:
John 16:5-7 “But now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus spoke to His disciples about His imminent departure. Theologically, this moment is pivotal. Jesus’ going “to him who sent me” refers to His return to the Father (cf. John 14:28). This signals the completion of His earthly mission of redemption.
The disciples’ failure to ask “Where are you going?” reflects their deep sorrow and confusion. Their grief was so overwhelming that it blocked their natural curiosity and concern. This illustrates how emotional distress can cloud spiritual understanding. They were focused on the loss they were about to experience rather than the divine plan unfolding.
Jesus’ departure is necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit—the Advocate or Helper (Greek: Parakletos). The Holy Spirit’s role (cf. John 14:16-17, 26) is to continue Jesus’ work on earth by guiding, teaching, and empowering the disciples for ministry. Jesus assures them that His physical absence will be replaced by the Spirit’s presence in a new, intimate way.
This transition from Jesus’ physical presence to the Spirit’s indwelling presence fulfills Jesus’ promise of ongoing fellowship with believers (John 14:18). The Spirit acts as a comforter and guide, enabling believers to live out the gospel boldly.
When the Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2), the disciples were transformed. Their sorrow turned into courage and joy—a pattern for all believers who receive the Spirit.
Have you received the Holy Spirit?
The Bible teaches that receiving the Spirit comes through faith in Jesus, repentance, and baptism, symbolizing the washing away of sin and new life in Christ.
Acts 2:38-39 “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”
Repentance means turning from sin and turning toward God. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Receiving the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live transformed lives and fulfill God’s mission.
If you haven’t yet, put your trust in Jesus, repent sincerely, and be baptized as an outward expression of your new faith—and the Spirit will come to dwell in you.
May the Lord bless you and guide you by His Spirit.
Before Jesus Christ—the Eternal Son of God, the Lamb of God, our Redeemer, and King of kings—breathed His last breath, He uttered seven powerful statements from the cross. These words, drawn from all four Gospels, are more than historical details; they are deeply theological truths revealing His mission, His heart, and the meaning of salvation.
Luke 23:34 – “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.”
This is a plea for intercessory forgiveness. Jesus, acting as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), begins His final hours by asking the Father to forgive His executioners—Jew and Gentile alike. This underscores the doctrine of divine mercy and reflects Isaiah 53:12, which prophesied that He would “make intercession for the transgressors.” Even while suffering, Jesus embodies the love He preached:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
We are called not only to forgive but to pray that God forgives others, as Jesus did. Forgiveness is not just horizontal (person-to-person) but vertical (person-to-God).
Luke 23:43 – “And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”
Spoken to the penitent thief, this statement affirms the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide). The criminal simply acknowledged Jesus as King (v. 42), and by that faith, he was saved. This also reinforces the biblical truth that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
No one is too far gone. Salvation is available—even at the last moment—for those who repent and believe. Paradise (from the Greek paradeisos) refers to the intermediate state of joy and communion with God after death (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:8).
John 19:26–27 – “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”
Even during His suffering, Jesus upholds the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) by honoring and caring for His mother. Theologically, this reflects the nature of the church as a new spiritual family (cf. Matthew 12:50). Mary and John become symbols of the new community born through Christ’s sacrifice.
Christian love is practical. True faith expresses itself in care for one another—especially in times of suffering and loss.
Matthew 27:46 – “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”
This cry echoes Psalm 22:1, a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. It reflects the mystery of divine abandonment—not because Jesus ceased being the Son, but because He bore the full wrath of God for our sins (Isaiah 53:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). This is penal substitutionary atonement—Christ being forsaken so that we might be accepted.
Christ entered into complete alienation so we never have to. In our deepest suffering, He understands and has already taken the ultimate burden upon Himself.
John 19:28– “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’”
This declaration fulfills Psalm 69:21 and reveals both His full humanity and the sovereignty with which He approached His death. Theologically, it points to the cup of suffering He drank fully (cf. Matthew 26:39) and to the spiritual thirst He endured on our behalf—thirsting so that we might never thirst again (John 4:14).
Jesus experienced physical and spiritual suffering for us. In Him, our deepest thirst—for God, for purpose, for life—is quenched.
John 19:30– “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
The Greek word here is “tetelestai,” a legal and financial term meaning “paid in full.” This is a declaration of complete victory. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy, met every legal demand of the Law, and fully atoned for our sin. Redemption was accomplished.
We no longer strive for salvation—it is finished. We live in response to Christ’s finished work, not in an attempt to earn it.
Luke 23:46 – “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.”
Jesus voluntarily gave up His life (John 10:18). This final word is a quote from Psalm 31:5, showing complete trust in the Father even in death. It reminds us of the divine unity that remains, despite the moment of forsakenness.
For the believer, death is not the end, but a return into the Father’s hands. We can entrust our lives—and deaths—to Him with peace.
Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead. Death could not hold Him (Acts 2:24). His resurrection is proof of victory over sin, Satan, and death itself. He now offers forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope to all who will repent and believe.
Are you still living in sin? Do you see the price Jesus paid for you?
Don’t delay. Repent (Acts 3:19). Believe in the Lord Jesus (Romans 10:9). Invite Him into your life today. The time is short, and His return draws near.
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2
May the Lord bless you and lead you to His truth and life.
Question:
How can false prophets, who have no genuine relationship with the true God, still cast out demons using the name of JESUS? Are they using God’s power—or Satan’s?
To answer this, we must approach the issue with a biblical and theological lens. There are two main categories of false prophets found both in Scripture and in today’s context:
These individuals operate entirely under satanic influence. They do not preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, nor do they truly invoke His name. Instead, they use occult practices under the disguise of Christianity—what Paul calls “a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5).
Though they may dress in religious clothing and quote Scripture, they are, in essence, wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
This group is more dangerous because they appear to be genuine. They may have once walked with God but have since drifted, or they use ministry as a means for personal gain (see Philippians 3:18–19). Some may have received a genuine spiritual gift or anointing from God in the past, but now live in disobedience.
And yet—miracles can still happen in their ministry. Why?
God instructed Moses to speak to the rock, but he struck it instead. Despite his disobedience, water still came out of the rock.
Numbers 20:11 “Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.”
This shows us that God, in His mercy, may still act for the sake of His people—even if the leader is disobedient. But that leader still faces consequences.
Spiritual gifts (like prophecy, healing, or miracles) are not always a sign of spiritual maturity or right standing with God. Paul explains this in:
Romans 11:29 “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”
This means someone may still operate in a gift even after they have strayed from the faith. But Jesus makes it clear: miracles are not proof of salvation.
Matthew 7:22–23 “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Not by their power, but by their fruit—their life and the result of their ministry.
Matthew 7:16, 20 “By their fruit you will recognize them… Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
A person living in sin or greed, despite working miracles, is not a faithful servant of Christ.
2 Peter 2:1–2 “There will be false teachers among you… Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.”
In this story, an old prophet lies to a younger one and causes his downfall. Surprisingly, he still receives a true prophecy afterward. This shows that a person can operate in prophetic gifts even after falling into deception—again proving that gifts are not the measure of a person’s standing with God.
1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
John 10:41 “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.”
To identify a true prophet, pastor, apostle, or teacher, don’t be impressed by their power—examine their fruit. Look at their lifestyle. Look at the effect of their ministry. Do they point people to holiness, truth, and Christ-likeness?
Miracles can deceive, but fruits don’t lie.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Question: How can we be certain that the angel who came down and stirred the waters was truly an angel of God, and not a demonic spirit? After all, Scripture warns that Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Answer: Let us carefully examine the biblical text and theological principles:
John 5:1-4 (ESV):
“After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids blind, lame, and paralyzed. They waited for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.”
This means that a dark power would not expel its own agents. The healing at the pool could not have been done by a demonic spirit working against his own agenda.
Some people seek help from traditional healers or witch doctors and may think they are healed after rituals like divination or incantations. However, biblical teaching warns that such practices do not expel evil spirits permanently. Instead, these spirits may be displaced or exchanged, resulting in further bondage (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Galatians 5:19-21).
The principle “Satan cannot cast out Satan” applies here: demonic powers do not overthrow their own kingdom but work to maintain deception and control.
True healing and deliverance come only through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who has authority over all spiritual powers (Colossians 2:15).
May the Lord richly bless you and grant you discernment in all spiritual matters.