Luke 21:20-24
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are in the country enter it. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:20-24, NKJV)
Although the city of Jerusalem rejected Christ to the extent of crucifying Him, He did not leave them without a warning of the impending destruction. He not only warned them about the coming calamities but also showed them a way to escape. What kind of love is this?
The Lord Jesus foresaw that Jerusalem would be surrounded by Roman armies, which would eventually lead to the city being burned and destroyed. Even worse, the people inside the city would be brutally killed, others would be taken captive, and many would be scattered throughout the nations.
Luke 19:41-44
“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will surround you with a wall, and surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’”
Despite these dire predictions, Jesus did not just leave them with bad news. He gave a solution: when the armies surrounded the city, the people were to quickly escape. Those in the city should leave for the mountains (desolate places), those in the middle of the city should look for other cities to dwell in, and those in the fields should seek safety elsewhere. Jerusalem was to be destroyed, and they were to flee before the calamity struck.
This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70, about 33 years after Jesus’ departure. For example, if we take the year 2020 as a reference point, it would be as if Christ had prophesied this in 1987. The entire generation that heard Jesus’ words lived to see the prophecy come to pass.
Those who took Christ’s words seriously were astounded to see the Roman armies begin to surround Jerusalem in AD 66. However, the Romans did not immediately destroy the city, giving the people time to escape. Those who listened to Jesus left their property, banks, and homes behind. They abandoned everything to save their lives, but not their souls.
On the other hand, many mocked Christ’s words, thinking they were just old stories, and continued living in the city, hoping that the Romans would eventually leave. Some were convinced that there would be no war, and others simply ignored the warnings. But in AD 70, when the city was completely destroyed, those who had stayed behind faced unimaginable suffering. Thousands were killed, others were taken captive as slaves, and the second temple was destroyed—just as Jesus had foretold.
The Importance of Christ’s Warning and Its Significance for the End Times
Why did Jesus give such a dire warning to the people of Jerusalem? He was showing them a foreshadowing of what would come in the Great Tribulation. Some mistakenly believe that the Great Tribulation concerns all Christians, but the Bible does not teach that.
There are two groups in the church: those who live by the words of Christ and follow Him closely. These are the ones whom God will rescue from the Great Tribulation through a supernatural event known as the Rapture. However, there are others who live carelessly, not focused on the kingdom of heaven, content with their lukewarm spiritual condition. To them, the warnings about the Great Tribulation and the Rapture are just stories, and when they hear messages of repentance, they grumble and complain.
But the Lord has already given us this warning: Be alert.
Mark 13:32-37
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
No one knows the day or the hour of the Rapture, but we have been given signs. Earthquakes, wars, pestilences, and diseases like COVID-19 are all part of the signs that point to the coming of the Lord and the fulfillment of prophecy. We must be ready because the time of harvest is near.
Are You Ready?
The Rapture could happen at any moment. You, who are reading this, must ask yourself: Where will you be when that moment arrives? Will you be in heaven with the saints at the wedding feast of the Lamb, or will you be on earth, facing the Great Tribulation under the reign of the Antichrist? If you cannot boldly confess Christ today, how will you stand for Him in the face of death?
There will be no second chances for those who are left behind. The door to heaven will be closed to those who have rejected Christ.
The Time is Short
This is not the time to continue living in complacency, following the world that is swiftly coming to an end. It is time to hold fast to the words of Christ as written in the Holy Bible.
Revelation 1:3
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
May the Lord bless you.
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There are sins that are premeditated, and there are sins that happen spontaneously or without prior planning.
Premeditated sins are generally easier to overcome because they do not catch a person off guard. These sins usually begin from a distance (in the mind or emotions) and give the person time to recognize and avoid them. However, when committed, these sins carry a greater weight of judgment before God, precisely because the person had time to reconsider but still went ahead.
Examples of Spontaneous (Unpremeditated) Sins:
Sudden anger
Fear
Evil thoughts
Careless or inappropriate words said in haste
These may arise quickly, without much prior intent, often from the weakness of the flesh.
Examples of Premeditated Sins:
Sexual immorality (including fornication, adultery, masturbation, homosexuality, lesbianism)
Drunkenness
Abortion
Fraud and theft
Any sin that involves deliberate thought and planning
These are not sins that “just happen.” For example, fornication involves a series of steps: meeting someone, agreeing to commit the act, suppressing conscience warnings, and finally engaging in it—all knowingly. The same applies to theft, deception, or any other intentional wrongdoing.
Before committing such sins, there is always a red flag—a warning inside the heart prompted by the conscience or the Holy Spirit. Ignoring that warning and proceeding anyway makes the sin more grievous in the sight of God.
Don’t Treat Repentance Lightly
Do not think of repentance as a quick fix, like taking a painkiller every time you feel pain. Repentance is not simply saying “sorry” with no change. The Bible teaches that genuine repentance requires a turning away from sin and a transformation of heart (see Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”).
Some people continue in willful sin, thinking they will repent later and all will be well. But the Bible warns us that this is a dangerous mindset. There are sins leading to death, and persistent, willful sinning places a person at risk of hardening their heart to the point of no return.
Hebrews 10:26–27 (NKJV) says:
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment…”
The Sin Unto Death
Some sins are so deliberate and defiant against God that they are referred to in Scripture as “sins leading to death.”
1 John 5:16 (NKJV):
“If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life… There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.”
These are sins committed with full knowledge, with no remorse, and with complete rebellion against God. Even though God is merciful, such sins bring severe consequences—even death. Forgiveness may eventually come after deep repentance, but the consequences may still remain.
Maybe you are one of those rushing toward sin today…
If so, stop and turn around before it is too late. And if you have been living in willful sin, presuming on God’s grace, thinking “I will just repent later,” change that mindset today. God’s grace is not a license to sin.
Romans 6:1–2 (NKJV):
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”
Turn to your Creator today. Repent from your heart, and He will hear you. But do not delay—for tomorrow is not promised.
Remember:
Proverbs 6:18 (NKJV)
“…Feet that are swift in running to evil…” is one of the six things the Lord hates, and even seven that are an abomination to Him.
God bless you.
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Shalom! Welcome to this study in the glorious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today we are learning a powerful spiritual lesson that emphasizes why every believer must preach the gospel continually, regardless of who is listening. God can work in unexpected ways, and sometimes what seems random is divinely orchestrated.
In the historical records of the Kings of Israel, one figure stands out for his deep rebellion against God: King Ahab, incited by his infamous wife Jezebel.
“But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up. 1 Kings 21:25 (NKJV)
“But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up.
1 Kings 21:25 (NKJV)
Ahab led Israel into idolatry, persecuted the prophets of God, and shed much innocent blood. God, through the prophet Elijah, declared judgment on him—that he would die disgracefully and dogs would lick his blood (1 Kings 21:17–19).
However, as time passed, no one knew exactly how or by whom this prophecy would be fulfilled.
Eventually, Ahab decided to go to war against the Arameans (Syrians). Knowing he was a target, he devised a deceptive plan: he convinced King Jehoshaphat of Judah to wear royal garments in the battle while he disguised himself in plain armor.
His goal? To mislead the enemy and preserve his own life—at the expense of his ally.
“Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, ‘Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.’” 1 Kings 22:31 (NIV)
“Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, ‘Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.’”
1 Kings 22:31 (NIV)
When Jehoshaphat was mistaken for Ahab and attacked, he cried out to the Lord, and God saved him. The enemies realized he was not the king of Israel and withdrew.
At that point, an unnamed soldier randomly fired an arrow. It seemed like an accident—without specific aim or knowledge. But the arrow struck exactly at the joint of Ahab’s armor, wounding him fatally. He bled out in his chariot and died.
“Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. 1 Kings 22:34 (NKJV)
“Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor.
1 Kings 22:34 (NKJV)
The very judgment prophesied years earlier was fulfilled—through what appeared to be a random shot.
This story holds more than historical value. It contains spiritual truths applicable to us today.
In the New Covenant, such stories serve as shadows and lessons for the Church (see 1 Corinthians 10:11). The death of Ahab through an unintended arrow illustrates a spiritual principle: our efforts in the Lord, even when they seem random, have divine purpose.
Just like the soldier drew his bow at random and unknowingly fulfilled prophecy, we are called to share the gospel with everyone, even when it seems fruitless or aimless.
“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV)
“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV)
Satan doesn’t always attack directly. Like Ahab, he hides behind disguises—using people, systems, or appearances to mislead. If we wait until we can “see the real enemy” before we act, we may miss him entirely.
That’s why the Church must launch spiritual arrows—preaching, praying, testifying—without always waiting for a clear target. One word spoken in faith might bring down a giant in the spirit.
Sometimes the person you think is “too lost,” “too wicked,” or “too carnal” may actually be a future apostle, pastor, or evangelist.
Think of Saul of Tarsus, once a fierce persecutor of the Church, but transformed into Paul the Apostle (Acts 9:1–22).
You may preach to someone who seems uninterested, but God could use that moment to pierce their heart and bring salvation.
There was a true story shared by evangelist Rick Joyner, who once had a vision of heaven. In the vision, he saw someone exalted in glory whom he had once despised and overlooked on earth. The Lord revealed to him that this seemingly unimportant person had faithfully served God and had earned a high place in eternity.
The Lord told him that if he had not judged that person harshly, but instead invested in him, he could have been known in heaven as a teacher of kings.
Don’t withhold the gospel based on assumptions. Don’t judge by appearances. Don’t wait for a perfect opportunity.
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV)
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.”
2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV)
Your message might be the arrow that strikes a hidden Ahab or saves a future Paul. Share the Word of God everywhere, with everyone, as often as you can.
Even when it feels like you’re drawing the bow at random, remember: God guides the arrow.
May the Lord bless you richly. Please share this teaching with others.
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One of the reasons why King David never grew tired of praising God was because he had developed the habit of deeply meditating on God’s greatness wherever he was. David often looked at the heavens — marveling at how God had arranged the stars and moon in such a wondrous and awe-inspiring way.
There is a unique joy and refreshment that enters one’s heart when you set aside time to reflect on God’s works, especially His creation: the heavens, the mountains, the valleys, the rivers, and the seas.
“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens… When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…” Psalm 8:1,3 (NIV)
“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens… When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…”
Psalm 8:1,3 (NIV)
Sometimes we wonder: how could people like David, who had no telescopes to observe distant celestial bodies, still praise God so deeply? If they were to live in our age of advanced technology, how much more would they glorify Him?
Today, science has shown us that even the stars and the sun are minuscule compared to the trillions of other celestial bodies in the universe. Everything we see in the sky, including all the stars, is like a single grain of sand among all the sand on the seashore.
This should prompt us to ask: What kind of God is this who has created all these things — many of which our minds cannot even comprehend?
We, too, must let our praise be full of meaning and depth. We need to step outside, observe God’s greatness, and reflect on it intentionally. We should not spend all day and night caught up in our busy routines, only to remember God on Sunday in church. What will make our praise genuine and not superficial?
Meditating on Creation Deepens Our Understanding of God’s Power
When we meditate on the diversity in God’s creation, we realize nothing was done at random.
Why did God create one animal with a long neck (like the giraffe), and another with a short one, and yet they both survive just fine?
Why does one creature have many legs (like a centipede), while another has none at all (like a snake) — and yet the snake often moves faster?
Why do some birds fly to great heights (like eagles), while others with wings (like chickens) cannot fly? This shows that having wings is not what gives the power to fly; it’s God’s will.
Some animals have teeth but can’t chew bones (like cows), while others have soft mouths and no teeth yet consume bones (like snails).
Some animals can’t speak like humans (e.g., parrots) but can mimic human speech — proving that it’s not the tongue’s flexibility that enables speech, but God’s divine enablement. A mute person may have a perfectly healthy tongue but still not speak, because it is God who gives that ability.
All these examples show that God does not operate by human logic or physical expectations — He works according to His divine will and purpose.
It Is All by Grace — Not Human Effort
When we reflect on these things, we will begin to experience peace, and a deeper gratitude toward God for how He made us.
We’ll also come to understand this essential truth:
God does not rely on our strength or qualifications to lift us up or use us for His glory.
He doesn’t need us to have two feet, two hands, or a university degree to bring us to the next level. It is only by His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).
That’s why it is our solemn duty to praise God continually — for His wondrous deeds and His magnificent creation. And it is in that place of reverent reflection and praise that we will encounter Him more personally in our lives.
Let All That Has Breath Praise the Lord
“Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, Praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, Praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:1–6 (NIV)
“Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness.
Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre,
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe,
Praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
Psalm 150:1–6 (NIV)
May the Lord bless you richly.
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“until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit is compared to fire… On that day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the people, it appeared as tongues of fire. It did not descend merely as tongues, but as tongues of fire. This signifies that the Holy Spirit is likened to fire because of His nature.
Now, what does the tongues of fire represent? It means that from their mouths came languages that burned away all the works of the Enemy. Shortly after this event, when the apostles stood to testify to the people, their hearts were burned in a way that was beyond normal, and on that very day, three thousand people repented and were baptized.
Acts 2:1-4 “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
And in verse 37, it says:
Acts 2:37-41 “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’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.For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.’And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.’So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Did you notice? They were cut to the heart. What pierced them was the fire-like words coming from the mouths of the apostles. Before this, the apostles had lived among the people, but their words didn’t pierce. However, on this day of Pentecost, after receiving the tongues of fire, their words had the power to burn the enemy’s intentions and stir the hearts of people to obey the Gospel. This was all due to the Holy Spirit they had received.
Similarly, those very tongues of fire that the apostles received, enabled them, with just a few words, to draw 3,000 people to Christ on that day. This is the same fire that, when they pray, causes God to hear them quickly and answer faster than if they were without the Spirit. Those same tongues pierce through to the heart of God and move Him in a way that cannot be described… (Remember, the word “tongues” is the plural of “tongue,” which refers to speech or language.)
Thus, when a believer prays with the Holy Spirit, whether in tongues or not, their speech before God becomes like fire. It penetrates deep into God’s heart and influences Him in a way that cannot be described. This is the meaning of Romans 8:26:
Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
This means that when we pray with the Holy Spirit, our words before God do not go as ordinary human speech; they go with greater power, carrying the ability to move the heart of God in ways we cannot fully understand. Just as the apostles spoke with fire and saw 3,000 people saved, so too does our prayer and testimony through the Holy Spirit carry the power of fire.
However, the Holy Spirit can be quenched. As the Bible warns, “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). This means that the fire within a person can be extinguished. When this happens, their words lose the power to transform others, and they no longer have the ability to move God’s heart in prayer.
“And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
This shows that without the Holy Spirit, our words and actions are powerless to change hearts, and our prayers lose their ability to influence God.
Despising the Cross and Insulting the Holy Spirit –When we disregard the Word of God and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the fire within us can be quenched. If the Holy Spirit is witnessing to your heart that a certain action is wrong, and you ignore or despise it, the fire begins to die down.
Hebrews 10:29
“How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?”
Resisting the Holy Spirit –When we act contrary to the teachings of the Holy Spirit, we resist Him. For example, the Bible says:
Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
If we continue to justify drunkenness or disregard the call to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we resist the Spirit. Or when the Bible speaks about modesty in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, and we choose to disobey, we resist the Holy Spirit.
Acts 7:51
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”
To succeed in this life, we need the Holy Spirit. He is like a fire; if He goes out within us, nothing we do will matter. Our prayers will become futile before God. If the Holy Spirit has already dimmed within us, the solution is repentance and obedience to Him. Do not resist or despise His Word.
If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, give it to Him today. Obey His Word and do not despise the cross, for it is for your benefit. Repent today, meaningfully turning away from all sins, and be baptized in the correct way, by full immersion, in the name of JESUS. The Holy Spirit will come upon you like fire.
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What drives you to follow Jesus or go to church? Is your heart truly right before God?
In the Bible, in the New Testament, we read about a sorcerer named Simon. He used to practice magic, deceiving people and making them believe that he was sent by God to perform signs and wonders. He boasted of being a “great man of God,” and everyone in the town believed him. But when Simon heard the Gospel, he believed and was baptized. However, his inner motive was not to turn away from his sins but to seek more power for his sorcery. In other words, he accepted Jesus to gain more miraculous power, not for salvation.
The conversion of Simon shows us that outward signs (like baptism or proclaiming faith) do not guarantee genuine transformation. God sees the heart. This echoes 1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” A true conversion involves not just external actions but a heart change.
Beloved brothers and sisters, simply confessing Jesus or being baptized is not the only ticket to being accepted by Jesus. There’s another key requirement: a true inward transformation.
At first, Simon was a sorcerer who pretended to be a servant of God. But when he saw Christianity entering his town, he saw it as a new cloak to cover his sorcery. He thought that by baptizing and joining the Christian faith, he could enhance his magical powers.
Let’s carefully examine the following passage:
Acts 8:9-23 (NIV)
“9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the great power of God.’ 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ 20 Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.’”
Many people today go to church with wrong motives. Some, who were originally traditional healers, witch doctors, or even political figures, see Christianity as a new “coat” to further their personal agenda. For instance, political leaders may join the church to gain favor or support, while some seek blessings or solutions to their personal problems, such as finding a spouse or financial prosperity, rather than pursuing a genuine relationship with Christ.
Even those who are new believers may continue to live in sin, thinking that attending church, getting baptized, or even being involved in church activities is enough to guarantee salvation. Like Simon, their hearts are not right before God.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”
False Prophets and Christians of the Last Days
The Bible warns that in the last days, false prophets and false Christians will arise. These individuals may even appear to be believers, but their hearts are far from God. They are more interested in the things of this world—wealth, power, or status—rather than in living a life of true repentance and obedience to God.
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:11
“many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”
This isn’t limited to those who claim to be prophets or pastors. It also includes those who attend church with selfish motives and unrepentant hearts.
A Call to Repentance:
Are you among those who call themselves Christians but live with hidden motives? Are you using God as a means to an end, such as wealth, popularity, or personal gain? Jesus calls us to repentance, and He alone can purify our hearts. As we read in 1 John 1:9,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Repentance means turning away from sinful ways, leaving behind the old life of greed, idolatry, and selfish ambition, and embracing a life that is fully surrendered to Christ. It’s not enough to go to church or get baptized—your heart must be right before God.
Romans 6:4 (NIV)
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
If you’ve been living a life like Simon, seeking blessings or power from God without truly changing your ways, it’s not too late to turn around. Repent and ask God for a new heart, one that seeks Him genuinely. Baptism in water, done properly (as in John 3:23 and Acts 2:38), is essential for completing your salvation journey, but more than that, your heart must be changed from the inside out.
In Conclusion
The heart is key in the eyes of God.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” If you have been living as a “false Christian” or have been following God with impure motives, now is the time to repent and seek a true relationship with Jesus.
Remember, Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This grace, however, requires a sincere heart willing to change.
May God bless you, and may you walk in His truth. Please share this message of repentance and salvation with others, and feel free to reach out for further study or prayer.
God bless you!
Shalom. Blessed be the mighty name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Welcome to this Bible study.
Matthew 3:5–10 (KJV):
“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Read again verse 7:
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
This sentence could be rephrased as:
“You brood of vipers, who deceived (or warned) you into thinking that you could escape the coming judgment in the way you are trying to?”
What way?
The way of coming to be baptized without any real desire to turn away from your sins. Who preached to you that just being baptized is enough to escape judgment?
You are deceiving yourselves!
“Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance!”
This means that after repenting, you must live in a way that reflects your repentance.
If you were a fornicator, repent and stop fornicating — never do it again. If you were prideful, repent and stop being prideful. If you were a drunkard, repent and leave that behind.
Baptism will not help you if you come to be baptized while still holding on to your sinful ways.
That was John the Baptist’s message to the Pharisees and Sadducees.
They heard John’s gospel and got afraid. They said, “Let’s get baptized too, maybe we’ll be saved someday.” But in their hearts, they had no intention of changing.
They were treating John’s baptism as just another religious ritual — like a new liturgy to follow, a kind of catechism.
But they failed to understand the core purpose of baptism: to repent and forsake sin!
It is not just about being dipped in water and then going back to live the same sinful life, thinking your name is now written in heaven. That is not how it works.
Likewise today, baptism is not a religion, nor is it a label that gives you a ticket to heaven regardless of how you live.
God doesn’t just want baptized people — He wants people who have repented and forsaken sin.
Those are the people whose baptism actually means something to God.
If you have not repented by turning away from sin, then you are mocking God.
Ask someone, “Are you saved?” and they reply, “I’ve been baptized.”
Ask again, “Are you sure you’re going to heaven?” and they answer, “Yes, I was baptized.”
But baptism has nothing to do with heaven if you haven’t repented by abandoning your sin.
That’s exactly what the Pharisees were doing with John.
You say you’ve repented, but you still smoke, still fornicate, still drink, still engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, pornography — and then you say you’ve been baptized or are looking to be baptized…
You think that pleases God?
You are only bringing a curse upon yourself, not a blessing.
To repent means to turn away completely from what you were doing — not just say it with your mouth, while your life remains unchanged.
If you’re not ready to be saved, then it’s b」etter not to pretend. Don’t call yourself saved when your life still belongs to the world — because in doing so, you provoke God to jealousy.
Look at the people of Nineveh — God forgave them because of their actions, not just their words.
He saw that they had turned away from their evil ways.
That’s what saved them from the judgment that was coming.
Jonah 3:10 (KJV):
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.”
Likewise, don’t become a brood of vipers — people who try to follow God’s commands outwardly but have no intention of doing His will inwardly.
That is the serpent-like behavior the Bible warns about.
The Pharisees were going to John to be baptized, but in their hearts they were still proud, envious, filled with hatred and self-glory.
Even though they came to John, they hated him in their hearts.
If today you’ve decided to follow Jesus, then be ready to also carry your cross.
Before getting baptized, count the cost and resolve to fully forsake sin.
Turn your back on the world. Say: The cross before me, the world behind me.
By doing that, you will experience the power of God in your life — helping you, guiding you, and drawing you nearer to Him.
And He will bless you.
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If you read the second letter that Paul wrote to Timothy, starting from chapter 3, verses 1-9, you will see how Paul begins to tell Timothy about the things that will happen in the last days. But he begins by saying this: “In the last days, perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1). Ask yourself, why did he say this? He said it because he saw the great wave of people who appeared godly (they looked like they were of God), but who denied His power, and how these people would rise up and lead many astray.
These people did not exist at any other time, but they will appear in the last days—those who look like servants of God, who appear to lead people in the ways of truth, but in reality, they deny the power of God.
What is the power of God?
The Bible tells us that “the word of the cross” is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
In another passage, the Gospel is referred to as “the power of God” (Romans 1:16). You see, the Gospel that centers on the salvation of the cross makes people look at the cross, repent of their sins, and receive forgiveness and cleansing. That is where the power of God is.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say that the power of God is in wealth, business, or houses. These cannot give a person eternal life. Now, people like this will rise up in the church of God, pretending to preach salvation, but in truth, they preach something else. They have no interest in the Gospel of repentance, nor do they care that the person they shepherd could die today and go to hell because of their sins. They only care about emphasizing their own earthly successes, not the salvation of souls.
Others are content to teach their religious traditions, so that people become religious, recite liturgies, say rosaries, and prayers for the dead. But when asked, “Are you saved?”, they will say, “I am not a believer.” If you ask, “Do you know about the Rapture?”, they will say, “I don’t know what you are talking about!” Now, think about it—how will such a person go to heaven?
But this is all because their leader never taught them these things. They have a leader who shows the appearance of godliness but denies the power of God.
Paul compares these people to Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses.
2 Timothy 3:8-9:
“Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth; men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith. But they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.”
Now, do you know who Jannes and Jambres were?
They were the magicians in Pharaoh’s court who opposed Moses when he performed miracles. They also performed miracles in an attempt to contradict Moses.
You see, the only thing that differentiated these two magicians (Jannes and Jambres) from Moses was not miracles. Even they were allowed to perform miracles to some extent. The one thing that distinguished Moses from them was the MESSAGE he carried. Moses came with signs, but he had a message behind those signs. He came to say, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Let my people go, that they may serve Me.’” But Jannes and Jambres had no message; they only opposed and entertained the Egyptians with their miracles.
A person who does wonders without a message has no real message for the people; they are simply entertaining them. And that’s exactly how Jannes and Jambres were.
Moses had a message of deliverance to free the Israelites from Pharaoh’s harsh slavery. Likewise, we, who are saved, are compared to the Israelites when we believe in Christ, and we are delivered from the slavery of sin and Satan.
Now, if you see someone performing miracles or signs here and there but has no message of deliverance from Egypt (deliverance from the bondage of sin), then know that you are being led by Jannes and Jambres (deceivers), servants of the devil. It doesn’t matter if they hold the Bible, or if they pray for you to be healed, because Jannes and Jambres could do those things too. It doesn’t matter if they perform many miracles; if they do not have the message to lead you back to the cross for the salvation of your soul, then you know they are only leading you astray.
This is exactly what Paul was referring to when he said they have “a form of godliness but deny its power.” These are the perilous times being spoken of.
How to Assess Your Spiritual Life
Wherever you are being led, examine your soul. Since you have been in that place, what has increased in your spiritual life? Has your relationship with God grown, or has it remained the same? If not, then know you are under the influence of Jannes and Jambres of the last days.
What is worse is that these magicians were responsible for hardening Pharaoh’s heart, and without them, Pharaoh might have repented earlier (although God Himself allowed it). Similarly, today, you refuse to turn to Christ, repent of your sins, and seek holiness because there are Jannes and Jambres deceiving you with signs. When you are reminded about holiness and the way to heaven, you say, “But our prophet/our religious leader has never taught us that,” and “Miracles are happening, so it must be fine!”
Revelation 14:13:
“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’”
You will have no excuse when you die and find yourself in hell, because the Bible says that your deeds will follow you—not your houses, cars, or your denomination, but your deeds.
If your prophet or pastor is teaching you to focus on the things of this world, and you find joy in that, I want to remind you that on that day, both your wealth and that leader will be in the grave. You will be left with only your deeds, which will determine your fate.
As the Bible warns us, it is your responsibility to examine your life. Are you in the faith? Are you walking according to the truth of God’s word?
2 Corinthians 13:5:
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified.”
Do not wait until you die to realize that you were on the wrong path. Wake up from your sleep, and begin to set your life right.
Ephesians 5:14:
“Therefore He says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.’”
Maranatha!
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Avoid the sin of jealousy, which leads to murder.
One of the major weapons that Satan uses to harm people is jealousy. A jealous person is easily manipulated by the devil, sometimes to a great extent. Many murders are caused by jealousy, much witchcraft stems from jealousy, deceit often arises from jealousy, and all manner of evil originates from jealousy.
Therefore, it is important to learn how to avoid jealousy, so we do not become instruments for Satan to harm others.
The spirit of jealousy is what caused the Pharisees and Sadducees to hate the Lord when they saw Him performing miracles they could not perform. When they saw the Lord drawing people to God more than they could, and when the Holy Spirit in their hearts testified that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, they knew He was sent by God. But because of jealousy, they hardened their hearts and blasphemed against Him.
Matthew 22:15–16
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle Him in His words. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.’”
Here, they acknowledged that Jesus was indeed the truth, sent by God. Despite this, their jealousy prevented them from accepting Him and ultimately led to their plotting His death.
John 3:1–3
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.”
Even though Nicodemus recognized Jesus as a teacher from God, jealousy still existed within the Pharisees and Sadducees. This jealousy eventually led to their desire to crucify Him. They knew, deep in their hearts, that Jesus was the Son of God, sent to fulfill prophecy.
Despite Pilate’s clear recognition that Jesus had committed no crime deserving of crucifixion, the Jewish leaders, motivated solely by envy, demanded His death. They were jealous of His miracles, His message, and the growing influence He had over the people.
Mark 15:9–11
“Pilate answered them, saying, ‘Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?’ For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.”
Even Pilate understood that the chief priests’ condemnation of Jesus was rooted in envy, not justice. They envied His power, His miracles, and the crowd’s admiration for Him. The same envy that led them to plot His crucifixion led them to reject the truth they knew in their hearts.
John 19:13–15
“When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, but in Aramaic, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’ They cried out, ‘Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’”
Despite Pilate’s attempts to reason with them, the jealousy of the Pharisees and Sadducees drove them to demand Jesus’ death. They chose Caesar over Jesus, rejecting the truth and allowing envy to harden their hearts.
The Destructive Power of Jealousy
Jealousy is so dangerous that it can cause you to deny even your deepest beliefs. It can lead you to wish harm upon others, as it did with Cain, who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:3–8). When you allow jealousy to control you, it leads to bitterness, hatred, and destruction.
Overcoming Jealousy
The only way to overcome jealousy is by surrendering your life to Jesus Christ. When you are born again, you become a new creation, and the old nature, including the desires that lead to jealousy, is crucified with Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Through Christ, we receive a new nature, one that is focused on eternal things rather than temporary worldly matters. Jealousy fades as we set our minds on things above.
Matthew 6:19–21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If your heart is set on treasures in heaven, you will not be tempted by the jealousy that often arises from earthly success, recognition, or possessions. The more you focus on your heavenly inheritance, the more your desires align with God’s will.
Colossians 3:1–2
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
By shifting your focus from the things of this world to the eternal rewards God has promised, you will overcome envy and jealousy. The treasures of this world are fleeting, but the treasures stored in heaven are eternal.
Revelation 2:17
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”
As believers, our reward is not in the temporary things of this world, but in the eternal riches we will receive in heaven. This understanding helps us to overcome jealousy and live in peace with others.
Conclusion:
Beware of the destructive power of jealousy. It blinds you to the truth and can lead you to deny even what you know to be right. If you find yourself struggling with jealousy, turn to Christ for a new heart, and set your mind on the treasures of heaven, where your true reward lies.
God bless you richly.