AND HIS NAME IS CALLED, THE WORD OF GOD
Revelation 19:11–13 (NKJV)
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
Why Is Jesus Called “The Word of God”?
In this striking vision, John doesn’t identify Jesus with the earthly name Jesus of Nazareth or the title Son of God, but instead uses the title: “The Word of God.” This isn’t just poetic—it’s theologically profound.
John 1:1,14 (NKJV) makes the connection clearer:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…
This shows us that Jesus isn’t just the messenger of God’s Word—He is the Word itself. The Greek term used is Logos, meaning divine logic, reason, or expression. He is the very embodiment of God’s communication to humanity—eternal, powerful, and creative.
Jesus: Both Person and Word
To truly know Christ, we must understand Him in two dimensions:
Jesus the Person – the incarnate Son of God, who walked the earth, died for our sins, rose again, and now reigns in glory.
Jesus the Word – the embodiment of God’s will, wisdom, and instruction through Scripture.
Many Christians acknowledge Jesus the Person—His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. Through this, we receive salvation (Romans 10:9–10). But fewer truly embrace Jesus as the Word—that is, allowing His teachings to form the foundation of our daily lives.
Living Out the Word
Embracing Jesus as the Word means living by what He taught. It requires obedience, discipline, and transformation.
James 1:22 (NKJV):
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
John 14:23 (NKJV):
Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…
When we internalize and act on Jesus’ words, we are not just following a teacher—we are becoming like Him in nature, empowered to act with His authority.
Why Some Prayers Go Unanswered
Many believers call on Jesus, hoping for a miracle, but remain unchanged in character. Like using a calculator without understanding math, they rely on external help without seeking internal growth.
Matthew 17:17 (NKJV):
Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?”
Jesus rebukes not only their lack of faith but their lack of spiritual maturity—an unwillingness to engage with the Word and grow.
The Power of Seeking First the Kingdom
Instead of seeking things from Jesus (healing, money, blessings), Jesus teaches us to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness first, and the rest will follow.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
When we prioritize the Word, we align ourselves with God’s Kingdom economy—not the world’s system. We receive from God not by begging, but by walking in the principles of the Kingdom.
When the Word Lives in Us
John 15:7 (NKJV):
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
This is not a blank check—it’s a promise grounded in union with Christ through His Word. When His Word lives in us, our desires are aligned with His will, and our prayers become powerful and effective.
Jesus the Word: A Final Reflection
To follow Jesus the Person leads to salvation.
To follow Jesus the Word leads to transformation.
When we forgive, when we live holy, when we love sacrificially—we are not merely obeying commands. We are becoming like the One whose name is The Word of God.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, help us not only to believe in You as our Savior but to live by Your words as our Lord. Teach us to reflect Your nature by obeying Your truth. Let Your Word dwell richly in us, shaping our thoughts, decisions, and actions every day. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
What Is the Difference Between the Scriptures and the Word of God?
In Christian teaching, people sometimes distinguish between “the Scriptures” and “the Word of God,” while others use these terms interchangeably. To understand the nuance, we must look carefully at how the Bible itself uses these terms.
1. Scripture and the Word Are Deeply Connected
Jesus Himself affirmed that the Word of God and the Scriptures are interconnected and authoritative. In
John 10:35 (ESV), He says:
If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken…
Here, Jesus uses “word of God” and “Scripture” almost interchangeably. Yet, He emphasizes the Scriptures as an unbreakable, fixed authority. The Greek term used for Scripture is graphē (γραφή), which refers specifically to the sacred writings.
2. Scriptures: The Written Word
The term Scriptures always refers to what has been written—what we today recognize as the Holy Bible. This includes the Old Testament, and by extension in the New Testament era, the writings of the apostles and prophets under divine inspiration.
Paul writes in
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV):
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
This reveals that the Scriptures are God’s written Word—”breathed out” (theopneustos in Greek), meaning inspired and authoritative.
3. The Word of God: Written and Spoken
The Word of God is broader than just the written text. It includes God’s spoken Word—through prophets, visions, and even direct revelation. Hebrews describes this clearly:
Hebrews 1:1–2 (ESV):
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…
God’s Word can come in different forms:
Written (Scriptures – e.g., Bible)
Spoken (Prophetic utterance – e.g., through prophets or dreams)
Living Word (Jesus Christ Himself – see John 1:1, 14)
Jesus is referred to as the Word (Greek: Logos) in
John 1:1, 14 (ESV):
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…
4. Unchanging Nature of Scripture vs. the Conditional Nature of Spoken Revelation
While the spoken Word of God is real and valid, it may be temporary or specific to a situation. God may give a prophetic word for a particular time or purpose, which He may later fulfill, revoke, or update (e.g., Jonah’s prophecy to Nineveh).
However, Scripture is permanent, fixed, and cannot be broken. As Jesus emphasized in John 10:35, it stands forever. The Psalmist also affirms:
Psalm 119:89 (ESV):
Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
5. Why We Must Anchor Ourselves in Scripture
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders not for lack of zeal, but for ignorance of Scripture:
Mark 12:24 (ESV):
Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?
We are called to love and study the Bible, recognizing it as our daily bread. As Jesus said:
Matthew 4:4 (ESV):
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
And David declared:
Psalm 119:140 (ESV):
Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.
Conclusion
So, while the Word of God can come in multiple forms—spoken, written, and even incarnate in Christ—the Scriptures are the preserved, unchanging foundation of that Word. They are our safest and clearest guide. To neglect them is to risk spiritual deception and ruin.
Let us therefore treasure the Bible more than our daily food, anchoring our lives in the eternal truth it holds.
May the Lord bless you as you grow in love for His Word.
LET US NOT FORSAKE MEETING TOGETHER
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) commands,
Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
This verse is a clear exhortation to the early church—and to us today—to remain committed to Christian fellowship. The Greek word translated as “meeting together” (ἐπισυναγωγή, episynagōgē) refers specifically to a purposeful gathering of believers, emphasizing the importance of corporate worship, teaching, mutual encouragement, and accountability.
The Importance of the Church Community
God created us as relational beings made for community (Genesis 2:18). While personal faith is essential, the New Testament consistently shows that salvation and spiritual growth happen within the body of Christ—the church (Ephesians 4:11-16). The church is not merely a building but the gathered people of God, united by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Satan’s primary strategy is to isolate believers from the community, because separation weakens faith and makes individuals vulnerable to discouragement and deception (John 10:10).
Common Spiritual Traps to Watch For
“Worship Services Take Too Long”
If you find yourself resenting the length or depth of worship, recognize this as a spiritual attack. God calls His people to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), which includes dedicating time to Him. The Lord’s Day (Sunday) is especially sacred, meant to be fully devoted to worship and rest (Exodus 20:8-11). Satan wants to steal your time and attention, distracting you from growing in God’s presence.
“Hearing Negative News About Others”
Conflict and imperfection exist in every church because it is made up of broken people saved by grace (Romans 3:23). The early church faced struggles and disagreements (Acts 15; Galatians 2), yet believers were called to unity (Ephesians 4:3) and forgiveness (Colossians 3:13). Choosing to walk away because of conflict forfeits your part in God’s redemptive work through the community.
“Being Offended by Others in Church”
Jesus warned that offenses will come (Luke 17:1-2), but He calls His followers to humility and reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17). The church is a place where saints grow through patience and love, not perfection. Leaving over minor grievances echoes the Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus over small matters, missing the greater kingdom purpose.
“Fear of Giving Offerings”
Giving is an act of worship and trust in God’s provision (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). While there are corrupt individuals, your giving honors God, not humans. Jesus taught about the heart behind the gift (Mark 12:41-44) and promised blessings to cheerful givers. The storehouse principle in Malachi 3:10 links faithful giving with God’s abundant provision.
The Blessings of Gathering Together
1. Strengthening Faith through Fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) emphasizes mutual encouragement. The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 teaches the power of partnership and community, highlighting God’s design for believers to support and uplift each other. The church equips believers with gifts for ministry and spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Prayer gatherings multiply spiritual power (Matthew 18:19-20) because agreement in prayer aligns believers with God’s will and manifests His presence.
2. Receiving God’s Blessings Through Unity
Matthew 18:18-20 (NIV) shows that spiritual authority and blessing are linked to unity and collective agreement in Christ’s name. This reflects the corporate nature of salvation and kingdom work. The binding and loosing authority reflects the role of the church as God’s instrument on earth (Matthew 16:18-19).
God delights in unity (Psalm 133:1) because it reflects the perfect unity of the Trinity (John 17:20-23). Isolation is contrary to God’s plan and leaves believers vulnerable to Satan’s attacks (1 Peter 5:8).
Final Encouragement
Stay connected to the church body. Your presence matters—not just for your own growth but for the strengthening of others. Remember Paul’s admonition:
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.(Romans 12:4-5, NIV)
Reject the enemy’s lies that tempt you to isolate. God’s design is community, encouragement, and shared faith.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming!
Can Satan create like God?
Can Satan create like God? If not, then why during Pharaoh’s time did the magicians produce frogs and snakes, just like Moses did? How were those frogs created? Where did their life come from if not from God?
QUESTION 1:
Can Satan create like God? If not, why during Pharaoh’s time did the magicians manage to produce frogs and snakes, just like Moses? How did those frogs come into existence? Where did their life come from if not from God?
ANSWER:
Jesus clearly identifies Satan as a liar and the originator of falsehood:
John 8:44 (ESV):
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
This verse highlights Satan’s fundamental nature — he is a being of deceit, and his entire kingdom is built upon falsehood. From the very beginning, he used lies to usurp authority from Adam (Genesis 3), corrupting God’s original design for humanity. Satan’s power lies not in creation but in deception, rebellion, and corruption.
Can Satan create like God?
The biblical doctrine of creation clearly affirms that only God is the Creator. God alone possesses the power to bring something into existence out of nothing (ex nihilo). This is seen throughout Scripture:
Genesis 1:1 (ESV):
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Hebrews 11:3 (ESV):
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
No creature, including Satan or any angelic being, has the power to create life or matter. They are created beings themselves, dependent entirely on God.
What about Pharaoh’s magicians?
During the plagues of Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians appeared to replicate some of the miraculous signs Moses performed — turning staffs into snakes and producing frogs (Exodus 7-8). However, the Bible shows this was not actual creation but illusion or counterfeit:
2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV):
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Satan’s power in this context is one of illusion and deception, making something appear real but without true substance or life. The “frogs” and “snakes” produced by the magicians were likely trickery—either illusions or real animals summoned or manipulated by occult means, but not newly created life.
The magicians themselves failed to match all the miracles, acknowledging the superiority of God’s power. Their works ultimately showed the limits of Satan’s counterfeit kingdom.
Theological implications
Creatio ex nihilo (Creation out of nothing) is reserved for God alone. This affirms His unique sovereignty and power as the sole Creator.
Satan and demonic powers can mimic or counterfeit miracles but cannot create life or reality itself.
The spiritual warfare we face involves discerning truth from deception, recognizing that Satan’s power is ultimately limited and derivative.
Evil and rebellion in the world are results of Satan’s corrupting influence, not creative power.
Summary
Satan is a master deceiver and can manipulate appearances, but he cannot create life or matter. The frogs and snakes seen during Pharaoh’s time were illusions or counterfeit, not original creations. Only God alone has the sovereign ability to create, sustain, and give life.
THE GREAT MYSTERY OF DIVINITY
The Scriptures declare…
1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) —
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
The term godliness here denotes the profound divinity of God. To say “the mystery of godliness is great” is to affirm that the revelation of God’s nature and being, especially in Christ, is vast, profound, and beyond full human comprehension.
This divinity is centered on the person of God, particularly as He revealed Himself in the incarnation—who He is, how He exists eternally, how He made Himself known, and how He operates in creation and redemption.
By divine grace, the Apostle Paul was given insight into this mystery by the Holy Spirit, and he affirms with absolute confidence what was once hidden now made manifest.
1. GOD WAS MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH
When was God manifested in the flesh? It was in the person of Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man (John 1:14). This is the cornerstone of Christian theology: the Incarnation. Jesus is the eternal Word (Logos) who became flesh and dwelt among us.
John 1:1,14 (ESV) —
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This doctrine is unique because it affirms that God did not merely appear or act through a human, but became truly human, while remaining fully divine—the hypostatic union.
The Old Testament prophets foretold this mystery:
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) —
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
2. HE WAS VINDICATED BY THE SPIRIT
The Spirit’s vindication refers to the justification and affirmation of Jesus’ divine identity and mission through the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:4 (ESV) —
“And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead…
The resurrection is the Spirit’s ultimate seal of approval, confirming Jesus’ sinless life, divine nature, and messianic role. The Spirit’s power enabled Jesus to perform miracles, cast out demons, and conquer death—signs that He alone has divine authority.
3. HE WAS SEEN BY ANGELS
Angelic beings played a role in both the announcement and the ministry of Christ. They announced His birth (Luke 2:8-14), ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11; Hebrews 1:14), and continue to witness the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
Hebrews 1:6 (ESV) —
“And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’
That angels “saw” Jesus emphasizes His real incarnation—God truly made visible in human flesh, confirming the reality of the mystery.
4. HE WAS PROCLAIMED AMONG THE NATIONS
The gospel, once a secret mystery, was now to be proclaimed to all nations.
Mark 16:15 (ESV) —
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
This global proclamation fulfilled the promise to Abraham that through his offspring all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The church is commissioned to spread this message of salvation universally.
5. HE WAS BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD
Jesus Christ is uniquely the object of faith for billions. The global response is diverse but the truth remains—His lordship is confessed by many, and His identity as the Son of God is affirmed.
John 12:42-43 (ESV) —
“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue.
Faith in Jesus is not limited by culture or nation, and ultimately every knee will bow.
Philippians 2:10-11 (ESV) —
“So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
6. HE WAS TAKEN UP IN GLORY
After His resurrection, Jesus was ascended into heaven, glorified and exalted at the right hand of God.
Acts 1:9 (ESV) —
“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
John 3:13 (ESV) —
No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
This ascension confirms Christ’s divine authority, completing His earthly mission and preparing a place for believers (John 14:2-3).
Theological Significance and Application:
This great mystery was hidden in ages past but has now been revealed for our salvation (Romans 16:25-26). Knowing Jesus is fully God and fully man anchors Christian faith in a God who is both transcendent and immanent.
Paul’s purpose in writing this was to strengthen our faith and encourage steadfast belief in Jesus Christ as the divine Savior. When we grasp the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and exaltation, it fills us with assurance, courage, and hope. Nothing can destroy us when God Himself is with us.
Our response should be more than intellectual assent; it should be living faith that transforms us: baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, separating from worldly ways, and uniting with other believers as we await the new heaven and new earth.
Maranatha! — Come, Lord Jesus!
Theological Insights into God’s Discipline
1. Discipline as Evidence of Sonship
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that God’s discipline is a sign of His love and our status as His children. In Hebrews 12:6–7 (NIV), it states:
The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.
This passage underscores that discipline is not a sign of rejection but of acceptance. Just as earthly fathers correct their children to guide them, our Heavenly Father disciplines us to shape our character and align us with His will.
2. The Purpose of Discipline: Training in Righteousness
Discipline serves a transformative purpose. Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) explains:
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
This verse likens discipline to training, suggesting that through God’s correction, we are molded into individuals who reflect His righteousness. The process may be uncomfortable, but the outcome is spiritual maturity and peace.
3. Discipline and Spiritual Growth
God’s discipline is integral to our spiritual development. As noted in Hebrews 12:10 (CSB):
For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness.
This highlights that God’s discipline is purposeful, aiming to cultivate holiness within us. It’s not arbitrary but is designed to draw us closer to His likeness.
4. Responding to Discipline: Repentance and Zeal
In Revelation 3:19 (NIV), Jesus calls the Laodiceans to repentance:
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
This invitation to repentance reflects God’s desire for restoration. When we face discipline, it’s an opportunity to turn back to God with sincerity and zeal, reaffirming our commitment to Him.
Practical Application
Understanding the theological basis of God’s discipline encourages us to approach it with the right mindset:
Embrace Discipline as Love: Recognize that God’s correction stems from His deep love for us and His desire for our spiritual growth.
View Discipline as Training: Understand that challenges and corrections are opportunities for us to grow in righteousness and holiness.
Respond with Repentance: When corrected, approach God with a repentant heart, seeking to realign with His will.
Persevere in Faith: Trust that God’s discipline, though painful at times, leads to a harvest of peace and righteousness.
Sources
HOW UNCLEANNESS CAN AFFECT A PERSON.
May our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified. We’ve been blessed with another day to see, and I invite you to join me in learning God’s Word, especially as the day draws to a close. As we delve into this topic, let’s remember that our walk with God is not just about avoiding visible sins, but also about guarding our hearts and minds in Him.
Just as “Holiness and sanctification” go hand in hand, so too do “Sin and uncleanness.”
What is the difference between sin and uncleanness?
Sin is any act or thought that goes against God’s will, often manifesting in the violation of His commandments. It’s the breaking of His moral law. The Bible defines sin as “lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, ESV). This includes acts such as adultery, murder, theft, and idolatry.
Sin as Separation from God
Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). The effects of sin are far-reaching—spiritually, it causes a breach in our relationship with the Creator, leading to guilt and spiritual death (Romans 6:23). It is something that defiles the person both inwardly and outwardly.
On the other hand, uncleanness refers to a condition of impurity or defilement, typically associated with ceremonial laws in the Old Testament. While sin is a moral issue, uncleanness is often related to physical, ritualistic, or ceremonial purity. In the Old Testament, certain actions, foods, or physical states (like childbirth or touching a dead body) rendered a person ceremonially unclean, temporarily separating them from the community and the worship of God (Leviticus 11-15).
The Heart of the Matter: Sin and Uncleanness Together
For a person living in sin, uncleanness doesn’t hold much power because the person is already in a state of separation from God. However, for a saved person, both sin and uncleanness can disrupt their relationship with God, even if the uncleanness is not morally wrong.
Think of it like this: Imagine a black stain on a white shirt. If the stain is on a black shirt, it’s invisible, and the shirt can still be worn. But if it’s on a white shirt, even if the shirt is perfectly clean otherwise, the stain is glaring and ruins the purity of the shirt. This is the effect of uncleanness—while it may not always be a moral sin, it still hinders one’s relationship with God, especially for those who are striving to live in holiness.
The Old Testament View of Uncleanness
In the Old Testament, uncleanness was a significant concern in the life of Israel. For example:
Leviticus 11:23-24 (NIV), “But all flying insects that have four feet are detestable to you. You shall become unclean by them. Anyone who touches their carcass will be unclean until evening.”
Also in:
Leviticus 12:1-5 (NIV),”When a woman gives birth to a son, she will be ceremonially unclean for seven days… And on the eighth day, the boy is to be circumcised.”
Leviticus 15:16-20 (NIV), talks about bodily discharges making a person unclean:
“When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean till evening.”
In these cases, uncleanness was not necessarily sinful but rather a condition that needed purification for a person to re-enter fellowship with God and the community. God’s holiness required His people to maintain ceremonial purity, as a reflection of spiritual purity. The Israelites were to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), and uncleanness hindered their ability to approach God’s presence in the tabernacle.
The New Covenant: Jesus and the Heart of Uncleanness
In the New Covenant, uncleanness is no longer about ceremonial laws but is more concerned with the condition of the heart. Jesus changed the focus from external purity to internal purity.
Jesus Himself addressed this in
Matthew 15:17-20 (NIV),”Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person.”
Here, Jesus is teaching that moral impurity and sin originate from within—the heart. While the Old Testament laws focused on outward cleanliness, Jesus emphasized that true defilement is rooted in what is inside.
Sin and the Heart
Jesus makes it clear that sin is not only in the actions but in the heart.
Matthew 5:28,(NIV) underscores this: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This highlights that even harboring sinful thoughts—like lust, hate, or unforgiveness—makes a person unclean. It’s not just about what we do but what we allow to take root in our hearts.
Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)says, *“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”*This is why we must guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).
Theological Insight: The Need for Inner Purification
Under the New Covenant, Jesus offers purification not through external rituals but through His blood.
Hebrews 9:14 (NIV) says, “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
Christ’s sacrifice cleanses us from both sin and the defilement of the heart. It’s through His work on the cross that we are made holy and pure in God’s sight (1 Corinthians 1:30).
However, the battle isn’t over. Christians are still called to be vigilant in guarding their hearts. Paul exhorts believers in
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV): “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
The mind and heart must continually be renewed and purified by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Practical Application: Guard Your Heart
To stay in God’s presence and avoid defilement, we must guard our hearts and minds. The Apostle Paul writes in
Philippians 4:8 (NIV),“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
In a world full of temptations and distractions, it’s vital to continually renew our minds with God’s Word. We are called to
“put off the old self with its practices and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9-10, NIV).
Conclusion: A Holy Pursuit
Uncleanness, in the New Covenant, is about more than just outward actions—it’s about the heart. Sin and uncleanness both defile us, and they start from within. To remain in God’s presence, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds, continually allowing the Holy Spirit to purify us. As Jesus Himself says in
John 15:3 (NIV), “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
Our purification comes through Him and His Word, but it’s an ongoing process as we grow in holiness.
May the Lord help us to remain pure in heart, that we might always be in His presence, serving Him faithfully.
HOW TO RUIN YOUR YOUTH
HOW TO RUIN YOUR YOUTH
Here are some foolproof ways to destroy your youth quickly — if that’s your goal. This might sound ironic, but it’s a stark warning wrapped in satire. The Bible offers wisdom on how not to live, and here we see the opposite of godly living.
1. Surround Yourself with Negative Influences
Choose friends who pull you down rather than lift you up. The Bible warns us about the company we keep:
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)
Spending time with “troublemakers,” immoral people, and those who don’t fear God sets you on a path away from blessing. Psalm 1:1 (NIV) states:
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.
God calls us to seek friendship and fellowship with those who encourage righteousness and holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25).
2. Reject God and Disobey His Word
Many young people seek to honor God by following His Word, as Psalm 119:9 (NIV) says:
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
But if you choose to reject God’s commands and live in rebellion, you cut yourself off from the source of true life and purpose. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) teaches:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Ignoring God’s Word leads to spiritual destruction and confusion.
3. Do Whatever You Feel Like Doing
Living by your feelings or impulses, rather than by God’s guidance, is a recipe for chaos. Ecclesiastes 9:8-10 (NIV) encourages enjoying life, but it is framed within the context of fearing God and living wisely:
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… whatever you do, do well… for there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom in the grave.
Yet without God’s wisdom (James 1:5), giving in to every whim leads to ruin. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the “acts of the flesh,” which result in destruction. Freedom in Christ is not a license to sin but a call to live righteously (Galatians 5:13).
4. Think You’re Better Than Everyone Else
Pride is a dangerous sin that blinds us from our need for God. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) warns:
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Thinking you are superior isolates you from wisdom and correction. Ecclesiastes 12:12 (NIV) says:
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
This is a caution to be humble and open to wisdom rather than arrogant and dismissive.
Jesus teaches humility in Matthew 23:12 (NIV):
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
5. Waste Time Because You Think You Have Plenty
Youth often feel invincible and assume they have all the time in the world. Yet the Bible reminds us that life is fleeting and time is precious. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) instructs:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Proverbs 27:1 (NIV) also warns:
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
Using your time wisely means investing in God’s work, building character, and preparing for eternity—not wasting it on fleeting pleasures.
Final Encouragement
If you follow the above “advice,” failure is inevitable — spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. But God’s Word offers hope for those who repent and choose the right path:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
Please share this message — whether as a warning or encouragement — so others can choose the path of life and not destruction.
What Does the Lord Expect When We Partake at His Table?
The Bible draws a profound comparison between our Lord Jesus Christ and Melchizedek, the priest of the living God. This comparison is rich in theological significance because Melchizedek’s role and nature serve as a foreshadowing of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
Hebrews 7:1-3 (ESV) states:
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
This passage is theologically important because it emphasizes Melchizedek’s mysterious origins and eternal priesthood, qualities that directly point to Jesus Christ, who is the eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). Unlike the Levitical priesthood that was based on genealogy and temporary tenure, Christ’s priesthood is eternal and perfect.
Now, consider the context when Abraham returned from rescuing his nephew Lot, who had been captured by hostile kings. Melchizedek met him and gave him bread and wine (Genesis 14:18–20, NIV):
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Why bread and wine? Why not gold or other more typical forms of reward? This symbolic gift is significant. Bread and wine point forward to the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist), which Jesus instituted at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19–20, NIV):
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’
Theologically, bread and wine symbolize Christ’s body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28, NIV). This sacrament is not merely ritualistic but is a means of grace by which believers spiritually partake in Christ’s sacrifice and receive eternal life (John 6:53-54, ESV):
Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.’
Just as Abraham did not passively watch his nephew remain in captivity, but took action to rescue him, the Lord expects us to actively live out our faith. Our participation at His table should reflect a heart that embraces the reality of Christ’s sacrifice and the transformative power of His grace.
God saw Abraham’s heart and deemed him worthy to partake in this covenant relationship symbolized by the bread and wine. Likewise, Christ expects that when we come to the Lord’s Table, we do so with a repentant and believing heart, evidencing the fruit of salvation in our lives.
This means partaking worthily (1 Corinthians 11:27-29, NIV):
Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Therefore, every believer should self-examine, confess sin, and approach the Lord’s Supper with reverence and faith. This sacred meal is not a mere tradition but a participation in the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, meant to strengthen us spiritually and unify us as the body of Christ.
If we only attend church and partake without a genuine relationship with God—without ongoing repentance, faith, and transformation—then we risk going through empty motions. The Lord desires a living, vibrant faith that shines His light to others (Matthew 5:16, NIV):
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
In summary, the Lord expects us to partake in His table as a testimony of our faith, a declaration of our union with Christ’s sacrifice, and a commitment to live as His disciples. May the Lord help us to approach His table worthily and live lives that reflect the grace we have received.
Shalom.
HOW TO DRAW THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CLOSE TO YOU
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today, we will explore how to draw the presence of the Holy Spirit near us. The Holy Spirit is God’s active presence in our lives, guiding, empowering, and sanctifying us. Theologians describe the Spirit as the third person of the Trinity — fully God, co-equal with the Father and the Son — who works intimately in believers to make Christ real and active in our hearts.
There are three foundational ways to draw the presence of the Holy Spirit close to us:
1. PRAYER
Prayer is the primary way to maintain communion with God through the Spirit. Prayer is not just speaking to God but is deeply relational—inviting the Holy Spirit to intercede and align our hearts with God’s will.
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV) states:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
This shows the Spirit’s active role in prayer — praying through us and with us. When we engage in prayer, the Spirit draws closer.
Consider Jesus’ baptism: Luke 3:21-22 (ESV) says:
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’
Note that the Spirit descended while Jesus was praying, emphasizing prayer as a means of inviting God’s presence.
At Pentecost, the disciples were united in prayer (Acts 1:14), and the Spirit came upon them powerfully (Acts 2:1-4), enabling bold proclamation and transformation.
Prayer is not just about asking; it is an encounter. It is the Holy Spirit dwelling and working within us, molding us into Christlikeness.
2. READING THE WORD OF GOD
The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth (John 16:13, ESV):
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…
God’s Word is truth (John 17:17, ESV):
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
The Spirit uses Scripture to illuminate our hearts and minds, enabling us to understand and apply God’s truth.
The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) beautifully demonstrates this. The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53, but without the Spirit’s revelation through Philip, he could not understand the gospel truth about Jesus the Messiah.
The Spirit actively leads us to Scripture, opening our eyes and hearts (Psalm 119:18), confirming the Word within us.
Therefore, regular Bible reading is vital. It is how the Spirit teaches, convicts, and guides believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. WITNESSING AND PREACHING THE GOSPEL
Jesus commanded His followers to be His witnesses everywhere (Acts 1:8, ESV):
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Preaching and witnessing are Spirit-empowered acts. The Holy Spirit works through us, giving courage and wisdom to speak boldly (Acts 4:31).
Jesus promised in Matthew 10:18-20 (ESV):
And do not be anxious how you should speak or what you should say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Our mouths become channels for God’s Spirit as we testify to Christ.
Theological Reflection: The Indwelling and Filling of the Holy Spirit
When we accept Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us (1 Corinthians 6:19) — God’s presence lives inside the believer, sealing and guaranteeing our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). However, the Spirit’s fullness can increase through prayer, worship, obedience, and faith-filled living (Ephesians 5:18).
The Spirit empowers believers for service, holiness, and growth in Christlikeness (Galatians 5:22-23). Drawing near through the practices of prayer, Scripture reading, and witnessing invites greater Spirit presence and power in our daily lives.
A Personal Challenge
Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior? (Romans 10:9-10) If so, consider your spiritual disciplines:
Are you a person of prayer?
Do you regularly read and meditate on God’s Word?
Are you actively witnessing and sharing the gospel?
Neglecting these vital practices can hinder experiencing the Spirit’s presence. Many Christians find themselves distant from prayer, unfamiliar with Scripture, and inactive in sharing their faith. Yet, the Lord desires to be closer to us than we desire Him.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming!
