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Many people quote 1 Corinthians 1:17 where Paul says:

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
—1 Corinthians 1:17

From this, some conclude: “Since Paul wasn’t sent to baptize, then maybe I’m also not called to preach about baptism. I’m just called to preach faith in Christ.”

But is that what Paul meant? And does it mean we can ignore preaching about baptism or other core doctrines like repentance, the Holy Spirit, or holy living?

Let’s explore this with Scripture and sound theology.

1. Every Servant of God Is Called to Preach the Whole Word

The calling to preach the gospel includes the full counsel of God’s Word. Paul himself declared:

“Therefore I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.”
—Acts 20:26–27

This means no preacher is permitted to omit, minimize, or skip certain biblical truths because they feel unqualified or uncomfortable.

Though we may have different gifts (Romans 12:6–8), we all preach the same gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). Our styles may differ, but the message must be the same: a full gospel of repentance, baptism, faith, and the life of holiness.

2. What Did Paul Mean in 1 Corinthians 1:17?

Paul was not denying the importance of baptism. He was making a distinction between his primary task and the supporting roles in ministry. His main focus was evangelism and church planting, not performing baptisms personally.

“I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius… I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.”
—1 Corinthians 1:14–16

Paul was clearly involved in baptism, but he allowed others to administer it so he could focus on preaching the gospel more widely. He taught about baptism and even ensured people were baptized properly (see Acts 19:1–5), but he didn’t personally perform the act in most cases.

Acts 19:4–5

“Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Paul didn’t avoid baptism—he simply worked as part of a team and prioritized his apostolic mission.

3. Preaching the Whole Gospel Includes Baptism

Jesus Himself made baptism part of the Great Commission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
—Matthew 28:19–20

Preaching faith in Christ without calling people to baptism and obedience is preaching an incomplete gospel. The apostles understood this:

“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.’”
—Acts 2:38

4. Delegating Roles Doesn’t Eliminate the Message

In Acts 6, the apostles delegated food distribution to deacons so they could focus on the Word:

“It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables… We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
—Acts 6:2,4

Likewise, Paul delegated baptism when needed. But he still preached about it and made sure new believers were taught everything Christ commanded.

5. Preaching Selectively Is Spiritually Dangerous

God warns us not to add to or subtract from His Word:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues… And if anyone takes words away…, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life.”
—Revelation 22:18–19

Avoiding topics like baptism, holiness, or repentance because they’re “too sensitive” is spiritual compromise. Paul warned Timothy:

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
—2 Timothy 4:2

6. Truth May Hurt—but It Heals

Sometimes the truth offends or causes sorrow—but that sorrow can lead to repentance and salvation:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
—2 Corinthians 7:10

If you know someone was baptized incorrectly, or is living in sin, and you keep quiet to protect their feelings—you are not helping them. You are withholding the truth that could save them.

We Are All Called to Preach the Full Gospel

Every preacher, teacher, and believer is called to share the whole truth of God’s Word—not just what is popular or easy to say.

Baptism is part of the gospel. So are repentance, holiness, faith, obedience, and the Holy Spirit. If God has revealed it in Scripture, then it’s part of our responsibility to teach and preach it.

The Lord is coming!  

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The Bible tells us that Jesus regularly went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. But does this mean that we are also required to observe the Sabbath in the same way?

Luke 4:16

“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read.”

At first glance, this may seem like Jesus was observing the Sabbath just as the Jewish people did under the Law of Moses. However, it is important to understand the deeper theological meaning.

Jesus is called the Lord of the Sabbath:
Luke 6:5

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’”

This reveals that Jesus has authority over the Sabbath—it is not a law that binds Him as it does the rest of humanity. The Sabbath was originally given as a day of rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11), but Jesus, as Creator and Lord (John 1:3), fulfills its ultimate purpose.

Why, then, was it Jesus’ custom to attend synagogue on the Sabbath?

The Sabbath was the day when most Jews gathered in the synagogue to hear the Scriptures preached (Nehemiah 13:19-22). Other days were workdays. Jesus went where the people were, on the day they assembled. If they had gathered on a different day, He would have gone then. This was a practical decision to reach the people effectively, not a religious requirement.

This is similar to modern evangelistic methods: someone might choose Saturday or Sunday to go door-to-door because more people are at home, not because those days are sacred.

Importantly, Jesus also said:
Mark 2:27

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

This means the Sabbath was designed to serve humanity’s good, not to enslave people to legalistic observance.

The apostles also preached in synagogues on the Sabbath (Acts 13:14, 42-44), not because they were bound to Sabbath observance, but because it was the day people gathered to hear God’s Word.

What about Christians today?

The New Testament clarifies that Christians are no longer under the old ceremonial laws, including Sabbath observance:
Colossians 2:16-17 

“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

Instead, Christians enter into a spiritual rest through faith in Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 4:9-10

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”

True Sabbath rest is about peace with God and freedom from the burden of legalism through Christ.

Jesus is coming.

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The Question:

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us to let our light shine before others. Yet in Matthew 6:1, He warns us not to do our good deeds before people to be seen by them.
At first glance, this might seem like a contradiction. So, are we supposed to do good works publicly or not?

The Context Matters

Let’s read both scriptures carefully, starting with Matthew 5:14–16:

Matthew 5:14–16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Here, Jesus is calling believers to live lives that reflect God’s righteousness and love. The purpose of our “light” is to reveal God’s goodness to the world. It’s not about self-promotion, but about shining with the character of Christ (see Philippians 2:15 – “shine among them like stars in the sky”).

Then we read Matthew 6:1–2, where Jesus says:

Matthew 6:1–2
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”

This is a warning against pride and hypocrisy. The issue is not doing good in public, but doing it with the wrong motive—seeking personal glory rather than God’s.

These verses are not contradictory but complementary. Jesus is addressing two different heart attitudes:

• In Matthew 5, He is encouraging a life of visible, active faith that draws people to glorify God.
• In Matthew 6, He is warning against doing good deeds with the intention of receiving human praise.

According to biblical theology, intent matters as much as action. God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), and righteousness without humility is empty (see Isaiah 64:6 – “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” when done in pride).

Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 10:31:

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

True Christian living involves actions that point upward to God, not inward to ourselves.

An Example from Scripture: Herod’s Mistake

In Acts 12:20–23, King Herod made a public address that impressed his audience. The people shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man!” Herod accepted their praise instead of giving glory to God.

Acts 12:23
“Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.”

This shows how seriously God takes misplaced glory. Good works or talents that bring glory to self instead of God are not righteousness—they are rebellion masked in good behavior.

Let Your Light Shine—For God’s Glory

There’s no contradiction between Matthew 5:16 and Matthew 6:1 when we understand the key principle:

Visibility is not the issue. Motivation is.

If your goal is to glorify God, then let your light shine boldly! Do good, speak truth, serve others—so that people may see Christ in you.
But if your goal is to glorify yourself, even a good deed becomes a spiritual trap.

We are called to reflect God’s light, not create our own spotlight.

So, ask yourself regularly:

• Is this about making God known, or making myself known?
• Would I still do this if no one saw it but God?

If it’s about God’s glory, go all in. If it’s about your own, repent and refocus.

Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

(The Lord is coming!)

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1. Context and Meaning of Luke 12:50

In Luke 12:49–50, Jesus says:

“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!”

Jesus is not referring to water baptism here — that had already taken place at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3:13–17). Instead, He is speaking figuratively about a coming baptism of suffering — the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

This “baptism” refers to His submersion into suffering and death for the sake of the world. The term “baptism” (Greek: baptizō) literally means to immerse or to submerge, and Jesus was soon to be fully immersed in the suffering required to fulfill His redemptive mission.

2. The Baptism of the Cross: Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Jesus’ death was not merely a martyrdom but a substitutionary atonement — He died in our place, bearing our sins (Isaiah 53:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Through His burial, our sin was buried with Him, and through His resurrection, we are offered new life.

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
— Romans 6:4

“Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
— Colossians 2:12

This explains why Jesus was deeply “distressed” (Luke 12:50). The cross meant physical agony, but also the spiritual weight of carrying the world’s sin.

3. Our Identification Through Water Baptism

Water baptism is not just a religious ritual; it’s a spiritual act of identifying with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When a believer is baptized, it symbolizes:

• Dying to the old sinful self (Romans 6:6)
• Being buried with Christ (Colossians 2:12)
• Rising to new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
— Acts 2:38

Through water baptism, our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16), and we are spiritually united with Christ.

4. The Spiritual Reality After Baptism

After rising from baptism, the believer enters a new spiritual status:

“Even when we were dead in trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ… and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
— Ephesians 2:5–6

This passage reveals that in the spiritual realm, we are already seated with Christ, sharing in His victory and authority.

5. The Necessity of Being Born of Water and Spirit

Jesus emphasized the essential nature of baptism in John 3:5:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Being “born of water” refers to baptism, and being “born of the Spirit” refers to receiving the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5; Acts 10:44–48). Both are necessary for true regeneration and entry into eternal life.

So when Jesus said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with”, He was pointing ahead to His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection — the core of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This was the ultimate baptism, and He was under great pressure until it was fulfilled.

“The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
— Luke 9:22

Therefore, water baptism today is more than symbolic — it’s a participation in the Gospel, a public act of faith, and a spiritual transformation reflecting the death of the old self and resurrection into new life in Christ.

(“Come, O Lord!” – 1 Corinthians 16:22)

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Many people associate doing God’s will with ministry success—casting out demons, prophesying, or working miracles. But Jesus challenges that assumption in one of His most sobering teachings:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
(Matthew 7:21–23)

This passage tells us that spiritual activity—even miraculous—does not guarantee salvation. The decisive factor is doing the will of God. So the real question becomes: What is God’s will?

The apostle Paul answers this clearly:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;
that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,
not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:3–5)

God’s Will Is Holiness, Not Just Power

In biblical , the will of God  is not only about His sovereign plans (e.g., Ephesians 1:11), but also about His moral expectations for His people. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul emphasizes that God’s will centers on personal sanctification—the process of being set apart for God and growing in holiness.

This teaching aligns with God’s character as holy (1 Peter 1:15–16), and it shows that He calls us not just to believe, but to live differently.

You could prophesy, heal, or teach the Word, yet still live in unrepentant sin. That kind of double life is what Jesus calls “lawlessness”—a willful rejection of God’s moral law.

So holiness is not optional—it’s essential.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
(Hebrews 12:14)

This isn’t about legalism or trying to earn salvation through works, but rather about genuine faith that produces fruit (James 2:17). True salvation always leads to transformation.

Holiness Affects How We Live—and Even How We Dress

Sanctification affects every area of life: relationships, entertainment choices, speech, and yes—even how we dress.

“That each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor”
(1 Thessalonians 4:4)

“Possessing your vessel” includes respecting your body and not using it to provoke or tempt others. Modesty isn’t cultural—it’s theological. It reflects humility, honor, and a desire to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

Wearing clothing that reveals too much or imitates worldly sensuality often shows a heart not submitted to Christ’s lordship. If what we wear wouldn’t be considered appropriate to wear before God—or even our parents—can we call it honorable?

These choices matter because they flow from the heart, and Jesus taught that what’s in the heart defines our true spiritual state (Matthew 15:18–20).

Holiness Is the Ticket—Not Gifts or Experiences

Gifts like prophecy, speaking in tongues, and dreams are real, and God uses them. But they are not proof of salvation. Judas performed miracles (Matthew 10:1–8), yet betrayed Christ. King Saul prophesied (1 Samuel 10:10), yet disobeyed God.

Spiritual gifts can be imitated or even misused (Matthew 24:24), but holy living cannot be faked before God.

That’s why the apostle Paul told Timothy:

“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
(2 Timothy 2:19)

If you’ve been relying on ministry, spiritual experiences, or a sense of calling as your ticket to heaven—but you’re ignoring God’s call to holiness—you are in danger of hearing, “I never knew you.”

Let’s not be among those who fulfill that tragic prophecy. Instead, let’s repent and live lives of holiness, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us daily (Romans 8:13).

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
(Matthew 5:8)

Jesus is coming soon

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In biblical terms, Natural  Ability and Divine Power may seem similar but have distinct meanings. The key difference lies in their usage: Natural Ability refers to a capacity, something humans and creatures possess, while divine power—God’s supernatural ability alone.

Natural Ability

All created beings—humans, animals, angels, and even Satan—have Natural Ability, which means they have the capacity or ability to act. For example, humans have the ability to kill, deceive, or perform acts of healing (natural or medical). However, these abilities are limited to the natural realm and cannot produce supernatural outcomes.

Divine Power

Divine Power refers to God’s sovereign power to accomplish what humans cannot—such as raising the dead, forgiving sins, or saving souls eternally. Only God possesses this divine , the ultimate power that transcends natural limitations.

Examples from Scripture:

• Life and Resurrection: Humans have the ability to kill, but only God has the power to restore life.

“And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:14

• Salvation of the Soul: Humans and even Satan can deceive or lead people astray, but saving a soul requires divine power.

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

Who Do You Trust?

This raises the question: Do you place your trust in those who have only natural ability, or in the One who holds divine power?

• Satan can give wealth but not eternal life.
• Humans can deceive or heal, but cannot grant eternal salvation or perform miracles apart from God’s power.
• True healing, resurrection, and salvation are acts of God’s divine power alone.

You can find more about God’s power in passages like Nehemiah 1:10, Nehemiah 9:32, Mark 12:24, and Acts 8:10, where God’s sovereign might is clearly demonstrated.

Fear and Trust in God’s Power

Jesus teaches us whom to truly fear:
“But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.”
— Luke 12:5

This divine authority and power belong uniquely to Jesus Christ, who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

The Messiah’s Divine Power

Isaiah prophesied the coming of Jesus and highlighted His divine power:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
— Isaiah 9:6

Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If you haven’t yet, consider placing your trust in the One who has Divine Power—the true power to save, heal, and give eternal life.

The Lord is coming!

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Praise be to the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Cosmic Victory of Christ

In Colossians 2:14–15, Paul explains a foundational truth of Christian theology—the atonement and victory of Christ over spiritual powers:

“He erased the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. He set it aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in Him.”

This passage emphasizes two keys:

1. Substitutionary Atonement and Forgiveness: The “record of debt” or legal charges against us (our sins) were canceled by Jesus’ sacrificial death (cf. Isaiah 53:5–6; Romans 3:23–25). His work on the cross fully satisfies divine justice.
2. Christ’s Triumph Over Evil Powers: Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities—meaning the demonic forces—and publicly exposed their defeat. This reveals that Christ’s work was not only for individual salvation but a cosmic victory (Ephesians 6:12).

What Does It Mean That Jesus Made Them a Spectacle?

The word spectacle _ implies Jesus exposed and shamed the spiritual forces of evil, much like a Roman triumphal procession where defeated enemies were paraded before the public.

Whose Powers Did Jesus Disarm?

Jesus did not strip His own authority but took away the authority that Satan unlawfully exercised over humanity since the Fall (Genesis 3; John 12:31). Jesus, as the Second Adam (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:45), reversed the curse and reclaimed dominion.

Jesus declares in Matthew 28:18

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

This shows the transference of cosmic authority from Satan to Christ following the Resurrection.

The Defeat of Satan at the Cross

Jesus’ crucifixion, while humiliating to human eyes, was the moment when Satan’s power was decisively broken.

Jesus states in John 14:30

“The ruler of this world is coming, but he has nothing in me.”

This means Satan’s power over Jesus was nullified—Jesus was not under Satan’s dominion.

Paul’s words in Colossians 2:15 confirm this cosmic defeat:

“Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Practical Implications for Believers

Since Jesus has authority over all spiritual powers, believers should live confidently, knowing that the enemy is defeated.

• Fear of Satan or witchcraft is unnecessary because believers stand under Christ’s sovereign rule (Romans 8:37-39).
• Spiritual warfare is real, but victory is assured through Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 6:10-18).
• A genuine understanding of Christ’s victory frees believers from fear and empowers bold living.

Jesus reigns supreme over heaven, earth, and the spiritual realm. Satan’s time is limited, and every knee will bow before Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).

Receive Jesus. Trust Him. Live boldly in the victory He has won.

The Lord is coming.

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