The Bible clearly teaches that prayer is a vital, ongoing communication with God. We are commanded to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is not just about speaking to God but also about trusting that He hears and responds in His perfect will.
Here are some clear signs that your prayers have reached God and are effective:
When you sincerely bring your concerns before God, you often experience a sense of relief or peace afterward. This is because prayer allows you to cast your cares on Him, as 1 Peter 5:7 says, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
This relief or “lifting of the burden” is evidence that the Holy Spirit is comforting you and that your prayer has been accepted by God (Romans 8:26-27). It doesn’t mean your problem is instantly solved, but God gives you peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
Sometimes, during or after prayer, God brings a Bible verse, story, or personal memory to your mind that relates directly to your situation. This is God’s way of encouraging your faith and confirming that He has heard you.
For example, God might remind you of His promises in Scripture such as Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Or you may recall a past testimony where God showed His power and faithfulness. These reminders build your faith and assure you that God is at work.
Sometimes, after praying, even if your circumstances haven’t changed yet, you feel renewed strength and hope to keep going. This inner strengthening is a sign that God is sustaining you (Isaiah 40:29-31)
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
This strength is God’s way of equipping you for the journey ahead, reminding you that His timing is perfect.
If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your prayers may not be answered as you expect. The Bible says in John 9:3
“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.”
God’s will is that everyone comes to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) and is reconciled to Him through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). Once you receive salvation, your prayers become aligned with God’s will, and He promises to answer them (1 John 5:14-15).
If you are a believer standing firm in faith, rest assured God hears your prayers and will answer according to His perfect plan. Continue praying with persistence and trust.
Remember the promise in Isaiah 40:31:
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
May God richly bless you and strengthen your faith.
Shalom! Let’s reflect on an important truth about miracles and God’s purpose for them.
Jesus allows miracles in our lives for two main reasons:
Many Christians focus on the first reason—seeking miracles for healing, financial breakthroughs, or answered prayers. However, the second reason—repentance—is the most important. God’s ultimate desire is not just to bless us but to transform us (2 Corinthians 7:10: “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation…”).
When Jesus performed the miracle of the huge catch of fish (Luke 5:4-9), Peter did not just rejoice over the blessing. Instead, he recognized his sinfulness and repented immediately:
“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” (Luke 5:8).
This shows that miracles should lead to awareness of our sin and a desire to change, not just gratitude for material blessings.
Jesus performed many miracles in towns like Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Chorazin (Matthew 11:20-24), but the people did not repent. They enjoyed the miracles without changing their hearts or lives. Because of this, Jesus pronounced a stern warning:
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago… it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:21-22)
This passage shows that miracles alone do not guarantee salvation. What matters is how we respond. Rejecting the call to repentance leads to judgment.
From Scripture, we understand that miracles are signs (John 2:11: “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee…”) meant to point us to God and His holiness. They are not ends in themselves. They reveal God’s power and goodness but also His justice and call to repentance (Romans 2:4-5):
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
God’s mercy through miracles is an invitation to turn away from sin and live a holy life (1 Peter 1:16: “Be holy, for I am holy.”).
If God answers your prayers or performs a miracle in your life, understand this as a message: He loves you and wants you to repent. He is not approving any sin or wrong behavior you continue to live in. Miracles should motivate us to:
Do not just enjoy the blessings and miracles—allow them to transform you. God’s ultimate purpose is not only to bless but to save your soul by leading you to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining me once again as we reflect on the Word of God.
One of the most revealing moments in the ministry of Jesus is found in Matthew 9:35–36:
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
This passage doesn’t just describe an event—it opens a window into the heart of Christ. His compassion wasn’t just emotional; it was theologically grounded in His identity as the Good Shepherd (cf. John 10:11). His concern was for people who were vulnerable, spiritually abused, misled, and abandoned by the very ones who were supposed to care for them.
The terms “harassed and helpless” in Greek literally mean troubled, thrown down, or cast aside. These people were not only physically tired—they were crushed under the weight of religious burdens, legalism, and spiritual manipulation. This paints a sobering picture of what it means to be sheep without a shepherd—a biblical metaphor for spiritual lostness and lack of guidance (cf. Ezekiel 34:5–6).
This same problem still exists today. Many believers are spiritually exhausted. They’ve been misled by false teachers who promise prosperity, healing, or breakthrough in exchange for money. They’ve been taught rituals, ceremonies, and man-made doctrines in place of the saving grace of Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9).
Instead of hearing the true Gospel—the message of repentance, faith, and new life in Christ—many are offered anointing oils, so-called miracle waters, or manipulative teachings that center on fear, guilt, or superstition. This is spiritual abuse. And the fruit of it is clear: people feel betrayed, disillusioned, and scattered. Many would rather stay at home than risk being deceived again.
This tragedy grieves the heart of God.
If you’re a pastor, preacher, or church leader, this message is especially for you. The role of a shepherd in Scripture is sacred. Leaders are called not to exploit the flock but to feed, protect, and guide them in truth (cf. 1 Peter 5:2–4).
The Lord speaks strongly against unfaithful shepherds in Jeremiah 23:1–4
“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.
Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord.
“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock… and I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.
God holds shepherds accountable. Ministry is not a business. It is not a career ladder. It is a holy calling to lay down one’s life for the flock—just as Christ laid down His life for us (cf. John 10:11).
To those who feel scattered and weary: God sees you. Jesus has not abandoned you. In fact, He is the True Shepherd, the One who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one who is lost (cf. Luke 15:4–7).
And to faithful servants: be encouraged. God is raising up shepherds after His own heart (cf. Jeremiah 3:15)—leaders who will teach truth, live humbly, and serve out of love. The Church of Christ is being purified. What man has corrupted, God will restore.
Let each of us who claim to serve God ask ourselves honestly:
Let us return to the simplicity and power of the Gospel:
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)
May the Lord help us to be faithful shepherds, wise followers, and loving members of His flock. Amen.
Do you know why people will face judgment from God?
Let’s look at what Jesus Himself says:
John 3:19 – “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”
This verse gives a sobering truth: people will not be judged simply for ignorance—but for rejection of the Light, which is Christ. Judgment comes because people consciously choose darkness after the Light has been revealed to them.
To love darkness is not just a feeling—it’s a decision. When someone prefers one thing over another, especially in matters of truth and morality, it reflects the posture of their heart. In this context, “loving darkness” means choosing sin over righteousness, despite being given the opportunity to live in the light.
It’s not as if people didn’t have a chance. The Light—Jesus Christ—has already come into the world (John 8:12). But many have rejected Him not because they didn’t know, but because they preferred their sinful ways.
Imagine being in a dark room, and someone turns on a bright light. Suddenly, everything is clear and visible. But instead of staying in the light, people get up and walk back into the dark. That’s what’s happening spiritually in our world.
Jesus emphasized that people reject the Light willingly:
John 3:20–21
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
This passage is not about ignorance; it’s about the willful suppression of truth (cf. Romans 1:18). People avoid the Light because it exposes their sin—and they don’t want to repent. But those who are sincere, who love truth, will come to the Light and walk in it.
According to the Bible, sinful acts love secrecy. Sin thrives in hiddenness and shame. Even in daily life, we see this:
This is echoed in the Old Testament:
Job 24:15–16
“The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; he veils his face. In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves up; they do not know the light.”
Sin corrupts not only our actions but our desires (Jeremiah 17:9). The problem is not just what people do, but what they love. And if one loves sin more than God, that love will be their condemnation.
God has given every person a choice. Jesus said:
John 9:5 “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Jesus is not just a light—He is the Light (John 1:4–5), and His presence reveals the truth about our hearts. He doesn’t only expose sin—He offers forgiveness, freedom, and transformation through the Holy Spirit.
But we must respond. You can’t blame Satan or anyone else. Jesus didn’t say, “Satan made them love darkness.” He said, “people loved darkness rather than light” (John 3:19). That means the responsibility lies with us.
Are your actions exposing a love for the Light or for darkness?
If you claim to know Jesus but continue to live in sin without repentance, then by your actions, you are choosing darkness. And Scripture warns that those who choose darkness after receiving the Light are in danger of judgment (Hebrews 10:26–27).
But there’s good news: you can step into the Light today.
How?
When you do this, you pass from death into life—from darkness into Light—and become a child of Light (Ephesians 5:8).
Jesus is still the Light of the world. And He is calling you to walk in that Light today.
Ephesians 5:14
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Choose the Light. Choose life.
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In this teaching, we’ll examine a commonly asked question: Is there a difference between John the Baptist’s baptism and the baptism commanded by Jesus?
John the Baptist was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus (cf. Luke 3:2–4). His message was simple and urgent: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.
Luke 3:3– “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
John’s baptism was symbolic—a public sign that someone had repented and was turning away from sin. It was not done in any specific name, as Jesus had not yet been revealed as the Messiah.
Acts 19:4 – “And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’”
When Jesus began His public ministry, He taught with authority, performed miracles, and eventually gave His life for the sins of the world. After His resurrection, He commanded His disciples to baptize in His name.
Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 24:47 – “…that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
The apostles understood this Trinitarian command to mean that all should now be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, because it is in Him that the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), and salvation is found in no other name.
Acts 4:12– “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Baptism in Jesus’ name represents:
Romans 6:3–4– “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?… in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.”
Acts 2:38– “And Peter said to them, ‘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.’”
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
In Acts 19, Paul encounters believers in Ephesus who had been baptized with John’s baptism. Once they hear the full message of the gospel, they are baptized again—this time in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:5– “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
This shows that even though John’s baptism was valid for its time, it was incomplete once the revelation of Christ had come. The proper response to the gospel after Jesus’ death and resurrection is to be baptized in His name.
Today, baptism in Jesus’ name is not just a formality—it is a command of Christ and an essential part of the believer’s identification with Him. While baptism itself doesn’t save (see Ephesians 2:8–9), it is the biblical expression of faith and obedience.
To knowingly reject baptism in Jesus’ name after receiving this truth is to reject God’s appointed means of entering the new covenant community.
Hebrews 10:26 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”
If you’ve never been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, or were only baptized as a child or under John’s model of repentance without the name of Jesus, it’s time to respond to the full gospel. We are living in the last days, and the return of Christ is near. Now is the time to set your life in order and enter fully into the new life God offers through His Son.
2 Corinthians 6:2– “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
May the Lord bless you and lead you into the fullness of His truth.
1. What Was the Drink Offering in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the drink offering was a unique part of Israel’s worship. It involved pouring out wine before the Lord on the altar. This act symbolized complete surrender, thanksgiving, and dedication to God.
Leviticus 23:13
“And the grain offering with it shall be two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, a food offering to the Lord with a pleasing aroma, and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, a fourth of a hin.”
This was not an offering for consumption — it was poured out, signifying that something valuable was being given fully to God. The drink offering accompanied other offerings like the burnt and grain offerings.
Additional references include:
The act of pouring out wine, a symbol of joy and abundance in Jewish culture (Psalm 104:15), represented the total outpouring of oneself in worship. It was a visual expression of love and gratitude toward God.
God specifically commanded that wine, not water or any other drink, be used. This was purposeful. Wine in Scripture often symbolizes:
Wine carries weight in redemptive symbolism, especially in the context of covenants and sacrificial worship.
Wine foreshadows the blood of Christ, which would later be poured out for the new covenant. Even in the Old Covenant, God was pointing forward to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Although formalized in the Mosaic Law, the concept of the drink offering predates the Law. We see it first practiced by Jacob after God appeared to him at Bethel.
Genesis 35:14–15
“Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.”
This moment was a personal act of worship. Jacob was acknowledging God’s covenant promises and dedicating the place to Him. It mirrors the tithe Abraham gave to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), long before the law was given.
Just as the tithe began as an act of faith and devotion (not law), so did the drink offering. It was an expression of worship and surrender to God — a principle that continues under grace.
The drink offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
At the Last Supper, Jesus used wine to represent His blood, which would be poured out on the cross.
Luke 22:20
“And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’”
The language “poured out” echoes the Old Testament drink offerings. Jesus’ blood became the final, perfect offering, fulfilling what the drink offering had symbolized for centuries.
Philippians 2:17
“Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”
2 Timothy 4:6
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”
Both Paul and Jesus connected the drink offering with total sacrifice and dedication — not just in ritual, but in life and death.
In Christ, the drink offering was no longer symbolic. His actual blood was poured out on the altar of the cross. That offering is the foundation of the New Covenant, and it’s remembered every time believers take Communion.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
The drink offering, first seen in Genesis and later codified in the Law, was always meant to point forward. In Christ, the shadow became reality. His blood, symbolized by wine, was poured out once and for all for our salvation (Hebrews 9:12).
So when we see wine in the Old Testament sacrifices, and again in the cup of the New Covenant, we are reminded of a God who fulfilled every symbol in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless you as you walk in the light of His finished work.
The Lord is coming!
The Bible teaches that after the rapture—when believers are taken to heaven to attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb for seven years—they will return with Jesus Christ to reign with Him on earth for 1,000 years. This period is often referred to as the Millennial Kingdom.
But why is this reign necessary? Why doesn’t Christ simply bring everything to completion in heaven?
Let’s explore two major theological reasons for this 1,000-year reign, supported by Scripture and rooted in biblical prophecy.
One key reason for the Millennial Kingdom is to fulfill God’s promise of rest to His people. This is the “Sabbath rest” mentioned in Hebrews 4—a spiritual and literal rest after the struggles and sufferings of life on earth.
Hebrews 4:9–11
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.
For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.”
In this context, the Millennial Kingdom serves as the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises of rest and restoration. Believers who have suffered, been mocked, or denied worldly pleasures for the sake of righteousness will reign with Christ in glory.
Jesus assured His disciples of this in the Gospels:
Matthew 19:28
“Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
This “regeneration” refers to a future, renewed world. During this time, the earth will be restored beyond Edenic conditions (cf. Isaiah 11:6–9), and peace will reign because Satan will be bound:
Revelation 20:1–3
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand… and he bound him [Satan] for a thousand years.”
Believers will have glorified bodies—incorruptible and immortal—as promised in:
1 Corinthians 15:52–53
“…for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
Thus, the Millennial Kingdom is God’s way of vindicating the faithful, restoring what was lost (cf. Joel 2:25), and giving them the kingdom they hoped for.
The second purpose of the Millennial Reign is to fulfill the prophetic mission of Christ to destroy all rebellion and place every enemy under His feet.
1 Corinthians 15:24–26
“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.
The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”
Even during the Millennium, natural human beings (those born during the reign) will still die (Isaiah 65:20), though believers who returned with Christ will not, as they will have glorified, eternal bodies.
This reign is a transitional phase: a bridge between the current age and eternity. During this time, Christ will deal decisively with all evil powers, and at the end of the 1,000 years, death itself will be permanently defeated.
After the 1,000-year reign, Scripture tells us that there will be a final rebellion, a last judgment, and then the ultimate renewal of all things:
Revelation 20:7–10 describes the release of Satan and his final defeat.
Revelation 21:1–4 announces the coming of a new heaven and a new earth, and the descent of the New Jerusalem:
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth… And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them… And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.'”
This eternal state is what theologians call the consummation of all things—God dwelling permanently with humanity.
If you are not in Christ, you risk missing:
Jesus asked:
Mark 8:36
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
We believe we are living in the generation that may witness the return of Christ. While we don’t know the day or hour (Matthew 24:36), the signs strongly suggest the time is near.
It’s time to lift your eyes toward eternity. The temporary pleasures of this world are passing away (1 John 2:17), but Christ has prepared a place for those who love Him (John 14:2–3).
Repent sincerely of your sins. Turn away from them completely. Believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He will forgive, cleanse, and prepare you for His kingdom.
2 Peter 3:13
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
May the Lord bless you as you prepare for His coming reign.
To most people, death and perishing might seem like the same thing — just different words for life coming to an end. But from a biblical perspective, there’s a meaningful difference, especially when it comes to human beings.
Death is the separation of life from any living organism. It happens to humans, animals, plants — even microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Once life departs from them, we say they are dead.
In Scripture, death can be described simply as the end of biological life. For example, in Ecclesiastes 3:19–20 it says:
“Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other… All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.”
So, death — as a biological reality — is common to all living things.
Perishing is also death, but it is used specifically in relation to humans and carries a heavier spiritual and emotional weight.
You wouldn’t say a dog or a tree has experienced perishing— you’d simply say it died. But for a person, we might say they’ve faced perishing because of what death signifies for human beings: judgment, separation from God, and eternal consequences.
Perishing is not just the end of physical life — it’s the tragic result of sin, and the entry point into eternal judgment if a person dies apart from God.
This difference matters because humans were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). We have a soul, moral responsibility, and an eternal destiny. That’s why our death (perishing) isn’t the same as that of an animal.
Just as people take notice when an adult cries — because it often signals deep pain — so too, human death should not be seen as ordinary. It is not just a natural process. It is a serious spiritual event.
This is why Scripture says:
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27
That judgment doesn’t await animals. It awaits us — because of the spiritual weight of human life.
Perishing entered the human experience because of sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they introduced death into the world — both physically and spiritually.
Romans 5:12— “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Because of sin, every human faces perishing. And it’s not just the body that dies — the soul, too, is at risk of perishing eternally if separated from God.
The Bible warns of a second, more terrifying death — the death of the soul, which is final and eternal. It’s called the second death, where the unredeemed are cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8 — “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile… they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
This is what makes perishing more than just physical death. It’s eternal separation from God. It is judgment. It is a loss that goes beyond the grave.
Jesus came to conquer perishing and offer eternal life to anyone who believes in Him.
John 5:24 — “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
In other words, if you believe in Christ, you don’t just die and perish — you pass from perishing to life. That is the power of the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:10— “…Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
If you were to die today, are you certain about where your soul would go? Don’t assume you’ll just vanish like an animal. The Bible is clear — those who die in sin face judgment and eternal separation from God.
But the invitation still stands. Jesus can save you from perishing, from both physical death and eternal death. All you need to do is turn to Him in faith and repentance.
John 11:25–26 — “Jesus said… ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
So don’t wait. Your soul matters. And life — eternal life — is being offered to you today.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15
May the Lord bless you and lead you to life.
Matthew 8:11–12
“I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This is one of the most startling statements Jesus made. It forces us to ask:
How can “sons of the kingdom” be cast out? Aren’t they the rightful heirs of the Kingdom?
Does this mean Jesus made a mistake?
Absolutely not. Jesus was warning about a tragic spiritual truth: privilege without obedience leads to judgment.
In first-century Judaism, the phrase “sons of the kingdom” referred to ethnic Israelites, those who assumed they were guaranteed a place in God’s kingdom because of their heritage as descendants of Abraham.
But Jesus turns this assumption upside down: not all who claim connection to the kingdom will enter it.
This principle applies not only to first-century Jews—but to anyone today who assumes religious familiarity equals salvation.
Jesus tells a parable of a king (symbolizing God) who prepared a wedding feast for his son (symbolizing Christ). Those originally invited (the Jews and, by extension, professing believers) refused to come. They were distracted by personal pursuits—fields, businesses—and some violently rejected the messengers (prophets, apostles, or preachers).
“But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business…” (v.5)
So the king destroyed their city (a prophetic reference to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70) and invited others—outsiders—to fill the banquet hall. These outsiders represent Gentiles and repentant sinners who were not originally part of the covenant but responded to the invitation.
“Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.” (v.9)
The kingdom of God is not inherited by proximity but by obedience.
Many people today are like the “children of the kingdom”—they were raised in church, they own Bibles, they attend services, and they know the language of Christianity. But unless there is genuine faith evidenced by obedience, they are in danger of being cast out.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
Jesus highlighted how people give excuses for not responding to God.
“I’m too busy.” “It’s not the right time.” “My family wouldn’t approve.”
But Scripture is clear: excuses don’t justify disobedience.
“Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said… ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:61–62
“Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:38
God’s grace is free, but discipleship is costly. Following Christ requires denying self and embracing obedience.
It’s not enough to hear good sermons or read the Bible. God’s Word demands a response—a life of obedience and transformation.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22
Those who hear but do not act are like people looking into a mirror and forgetting their reflection—they are spiritually deceived.
“The one who looks into the perfect law… and perseveres… he will be blessed in his doing.” – James 1:25
Jesus said many will come from “east and west”—that is, people from every nation—who were never considered part of God’s covenant community, but because they believed and obeyed, they will dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom.
Meanwhile, those who assumed they had access will be “thrown into outer darkness”—a place of deep regret, symbolizing final separation from God (cf. Matthew 25:30).
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
True love for Jesus is not expressed in words alone but in active obedience.
We are living in the final moments before the return of Christ. Let us not be like the invited guests who rejected the call. Let us be like those who responded with humility and readiness, no matter their background.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Hebrews 3:15
Deny yourself. Obey Christ. The rapture is near. Be found ready.
The Lord is coming soon.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ,
To Him be all glory, honor, and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Let us reflect on a profound statement Jesus made to the Apostle Peter, recorded in John 21:18
“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished;
but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
At first glance, this verse refers to the kind of death Peter would face (see verse 19), but there’s a much deeper spiritual lesson hidden here—one that applies not just to Peter but to every believer, especially the young who still have freedom, strength, and the ability to choose.
Jesus contrasts Peter’s youth with his old age. In youth, Peter was able to “gird himself and go where he wished.” This symbolizes freedom of will, strength, and the power to make choices.
In your youth, you can choose:
But freedom is temporary. As age comes, your ability to choose will diminish—not just physically, but spiritually.
The Bible affirms this power of choice in youth:
1 John 2:14
“I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.”
The strength of youth is not just physical—it includes spiritual potential. This is the time to overcome sin, learn the Word, and build a life with God. But that window doesn’t last forever.
Jesus says that when Peter is old, “another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
That “another” represents either:
There is no neutral ground in the spiritual realm. Jesus said:
Matthew 12:30
“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”
If you do not choose God while you still can, eventually Satan will choose for you. This leads to spiritual bondage where you no longer desire or understand God’s truth.
Many elderly people who rejected the gospel in their youth find it almost impossible to receive it later. Not because they’re unloved by God, but because they have already been spiritually “bound” by another master.
Romans 6:16
“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey… whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?”
If you choose Christ now, while you have strength, He will lead you when your strength is gone.
Even in weakness, old age, suffering, or death, you’ll be in His hands. He promises eternal life and security to those who are His:
John 10:28
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
Even if you face hardship for your faith, you will not be lost. You are already “bound” to Christ—and that is eternal security.
That’s why Solomon wrote:
Ecclesiastes 12:1
“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,
Before the difficult days come,
And the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”
If you don’t remember God now, a time will come when even pleasure in life will disappear. That’s the life of someone spiritually bound by the enemy.
Don’t wait. The time to start is today. The psalmist asked:
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.”
Start aligning your life with God’s Word now. Reject worldly distractions. People, possessions, and pleasure cannot save you when your strength fails.
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.”
This is not the time for spiritual complacency. The return of Jesus is imminent. The gospel today is not a soft call—it is an urgent plea to enter the Kingdom of God by force:
Matthew 11:12 (NKJV) –
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Every sign of Christ’s return has been fulfilled. If you think there’s still time, think again. The trumpet can sound at any moment.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NKJV) –
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
The trumpet is sounding. Don’t ignore it.
Dear brother or sister,
The choices you make now will determine who controls your life later. Whether it will be God or the enemy depends on what you do today.
If you bind yourself to Christ now, He will lead you safely into eternity. But if you delay, you may find yourself being led by “another”—to a place you never wanted to go.
Choose Christ now.
May the Lord help us.
Shalom.