Answer:
To understand whether shaving one’s hair or beard is a sin, we must first reflect on a related question: Is it sinful to shape or trim your eyebrows?
If shaping eyebrows is considered inappropriate because it alters one’s God given appearance for the sake of vanity or conformity to worldly trends, then it follows that shaving the hair on one’s head or beard might also fall under similar concerns. All of these involve the removal or reshaping of hair that naturally grows on the head a part of our body created by God. To condemn one and excuse the other may reveal a form of hypocrisy.
This may be difficult to accept, but Scripture calls us to live according to God’s truth, not according to cultural trends. I, too, once followed these practices, but as I grew in the Word and understood God’s standards more clearly, I changed and I will continue to change as the Holy Spirit reveals more to me.
Leviticus 19:27 (ESV) says:
“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”
In this passage, God is giving laws to the Israelites to separate them from the idolatrous nations surrounding them. Pagans in Canaan often shaved or marked their hair and beards in ritualistic patterns as acts of worship to false gods. God’s people were to be set apart holy in appearance, conduct, and worship.
The Hebrew word used here for “mar” (shachath) means to ruin, destroy, or corrupt. The implication is that shaping one’s beard or temples (sides of the head) in specific ways can be seen as tampering with God’s design for our appearance, especially when done to imitate worldly or pagan styles.
1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (NKJV) says:
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”
This passage teaches that our physical bodies are sacred because the Holy Spirit lives within us. Therefore, how we present ourselves physically matters. While the passage primarily refers to spiritual and moral purity, the principle of honoring God with our bodies extends to how we treat and represent ourselves externally.
Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) reinforces this:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
Conformity to worldly standards in grooming especially when driven by vanity, pride, or imitation of ungodly trends can conflict with our call to be distinct as followers of Christ.
This does not mean believers should be unkempt or careless in appearance. Scripture values cleanliness and order. For instance, 2 Samuel 12:20 shows King David grooming himself after a time of mourning. The key is not in grooming but in intent. Are we doing it to honor God and present ourselves well or are we driven by vanity and a desire to fit into worldly molds?
Christians can be neat, clean, and presentable without altering their God given identity or imitating patterns associated with worldliness or rebellion against God’s order.
Our external appearance communicates something about our internal convictions. If we appear no different from the world, how will unbelievers see the distinctiveness of the gospel? Jesus said in Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV):
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Let us not present a lukewarm faith neither hot nor cold one that Jesus sternly warns against:
Revelation 3:16 (ESV):
“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
As believers, we are called to pursue holiness in every area of life including how we care for and present our bodies. Shaving or reshaping hair or beards becomes problematic when it’s done in imitation of worldly styles, as an act of vanity, or in contradiction to the set-apart identity we are called to uphold.
We are temples of the Holy Spirit. Let’s honor that temple in a way that glorifies God and reflects the holiness to which we’ve been called.
Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus!
Understanding the Term to cool
In english, the word to cool is a synonym for heal, which both mean “to heal”. These words are used interchangeably to refer to physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. In biblical context, healing (to cool) is not merely the alleviation of physical symptoms but often a sign of the in breaking of God’s Kingdom a divine act that points to the redemptive power of Christ.
Jesus Christ gave His disciples clear authority to heal the sick as part of their mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Healing was not an optional addition but central to the Gospel message.
Matthew 10:7–8 (NIV):
“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Healing in this passage is part of the tangible demonstration that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. The authority was not based on personal power, but on the delegated authority of Christ Himself (see Matthew 28:18–20).
After receiving authority from Jesus, the apostles actively healed the sick, demonstrating that the same Spirit that was in Christ was now working through them.
Mark 6:12–13 (ESV):
“So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.
And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”
The use of oil, as noted here, became a symbol of consecration and the Holy Spirit (cf. James 5:14). Healing confirmed the truth of their preaching and the presence of God’s power.
Healing wasn’t restricted to the original twelve apostles. It extended to other believers filled with the Holy Spirit, such as Paul, Stephen, and Barnabas.
Acts 28:8–9 (NIV):
“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.”
This passage confirms that healing continued as a work of the Holy Spirit through the broader Church, not just the twelve apostles. Paul’s healing ministry was also evident in Acts 19:11–12, where “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul.”
Jesus Himself said that miraculous signs, including healing, would accompany those who believe not just leaders or apostles.
Mark 16:17–18 (NIV):
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
This shows that divine healing is still part of the believer’s spiritual inheritance and calling. Healing is one of the signs of faith-filled ministry in the Church Age.
Healing is more than physical restoration it is a foretaste of the ultimate healing and redemption that will come in the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:4). Yet, even now, believers are called to minister healing as part of proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. This aligns with the apostolic pattern and the early Church’s experience.
James 5:14–15 (NIV):
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
This affirms that healing through prayer, faith, and community is a normative practice in the Church.
Jesus Still Heals Today
The healing ministry is not a thing of the past. Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NIV). The power to heal, to cool, is still available to the Church today through the Holy Spirit. As we preach the Gospel and pray in faith, we can expect the Lord to confirm His Word with signs, including healing.
Maranatha! (Come, O Lord!)
Divination is a practice rooted in the kingdom of darkness, often associated with witch doctors, sorcerers, and those influenced by familiar spirits who claim to predict future events. In biblical terms, divination involves seeking knowledge or guidance from sources other than God, which is strictly forbidden.
People historically engaged in divination through various means such as palm reading, casting lots, or examining animal organs (haruspicy).
In the Old Testament, God explicitly forbade the Israelites from practicing divination and sorcery. This prohibition was part of God’s covenant law, designed to keep His people separate from pagan customs and reliant solely on Him.
2 Kings 17:16-20 (NIV):
“They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves… They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens… and aroused the Lord’s anger. So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence… Only the tribe of Judah was left. Even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God but followed the practices Israel had introduced.”
This passage highlights the spiritual downfall that came with engaging in divination disobedience to God led to exile and judgment.
A common question is whether divination truly reveals the future. The biblical answer is a clear no.
God’s Sovereignty: According to Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV), God declares:
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning…”
This confirms that foreknowledge of future events belongs to God alone.
When a person seeks divination, they open themselves to demonic manipulation. Witch doctors and mediums do not truly see the future; they communicate with spirits who create scenarios to deceive people into thinking their predictions are accurate.
This is why Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) condemns divination and related practices:
“Let no one be found among you who… practices divination or sorcery… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
For those seeking to understand their future, the Bible is the authoritative source. God reveals His plans through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to trust God’s Word for guidance rather than turn to occult practices.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“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.”
Divination is a deceptive practice condemned by God, originating from Satan’s lies. It does not reveal the future but creates falsehoods that lead people away from God. Only God knows the future perfectly, and His Word offers the true hope and guidance we need.
If you want to know what tomorrow holds, immerse yourself in God’s Word and trust in His promises.
Maranatha!
1 Timothy 3:8 (NIV)
“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”
This verse is often misunderstood. Some interpret it to mean that a moderate amount of alcohol is permissible for Christians, as long as they avoid excess. But this raises a critical question: Is a little wine acceptable for believers today? What is the scriptural and theological foundation for Paul’s instruction?
2 Corinthians 3:6 (ESV)
“Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
Without the illumination of the Holy Spirit, one can misuse Scripture to justify sin. Satan himself quoted Scripture to tempt Jesus (see Matthew 4:6–7), twisting its context. Jesus responded with discernment, rightly dividing the Word (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15).
So, Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 3:8 must be read in full context and with Spirit-led understanding. Let’s examine Paul’s advice to Timothy more closely.
1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV)
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
Here, Paul advises Timothy to take a little wine for medicinal purposes. The Greek word used here for “wine” is oinos, which refers to fermented wine, not just grape juice. However, Paul limits the quantity to “a little” (oligon, Greek: ὀλίγον), clearly indicating moderation and purpose not indulgence or recreation.
This instruction is pastoral and practical. Timothy likely avoided wine entirely to uphold his reputation as a church leader, but Paul, knowing his health challenges, recommends a medicinal allowance. It is not a blanket endorsement of social drinking.
In the ancient world, water quality was poor, and small amounts of wine were sometimes mixed with water to purify it or treat stomach issues. Moreover, wine had topical uses as a disinfectant for wounds.
Luke 10:34 (KJV)
“And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine…”
The Good Samaritan uses wine as an antiseptic. This aligns with the broader Greco-Roman medicinal practices of the time.
Therefore, when Paul permits “a little wine” for Timothy, he is not encouraging social drinking, but recognizing a common medical treatment of the day.
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Paul directly contrasts being “filled” with wine and being “filled” with the Holy Spirit. One leads to loss of control and moral compromise; the other to godly living and spiritual empowerment.
Galatians 5:21 (NIV)
“Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Drunkenness is listed alongside other works of the flesh that disqualify one from the kingdom of God. The Bible makes no allowance for casual intoxication.
In today’s world, we have access to clean water, pharmaceuticals, and advanced medicine. There is no longer a need for wine to serve as a treatment for illness. The argument for medicinal use of alcohol has little practical relevance today outside of rare cases or remote locations.
Thus, to use 1 Timothy 5:23 as justification for casual drinking is to misuse the text.
Galatians 5:19–21 (NIV) clearly warns that habitual sin, including drunkenness, excludes one from God’s kingdom. If you are caught in addiction or compromise, turn to Christ.
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Do not delay. Receive Jesus, be cleansed, and walk in the newness of life.
Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus!
Key Verse:
“None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.”
Acts 5:13 (ESV)
In Acts 5:12–16, the early church is experiencing explosive growth, accompanied by dramatic signs and wonders. The apostles are not only preaching boldly but healing the sick and casting out demons. These events follow the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11), whose deceit before God led to their immediate death. The fear of God falls on the entire community (v.11), and the standard of holiness is unmistakably high.
“Many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.” Acts 5:12 (ESV)
The statement, “no one else dared join them,” reflects the awe and fear with which outsiders viewed the apostolic community. Though the people respected and admired them, they were hesitant to associate too closely due to the cost of such discipleship. The fear was both spiritual (from God’s judgment, as seen in Ananias and Sapphira) and social (persecution from Jewish authorities).
“No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.” Acts 5:13 (NIV)
This kind of hesitation is rooted in what Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously called “the cost of discipleship.” Following Jesus was not a casual choice; it required full surrender even unto death. The apostles were fearless in the face of persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom (see Acts 5:40-42, Acts 7:54-60).
The apostles didn’t retreat or compromise. They continued ministering openly in Jerusalem even in the same temple courts where Jesus had confronted the religious establishment and where they themselves had been arrested.
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’”
Acts 5:19–20 (ESV)
Despite the very real threats, they obeyed God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Their lives embodied radical obedience, a theme repeated throughout Acts (e.g., Acts 4:19–20).
We also see a parallel in John 12:42, where some religious leaders believed in Jesus but kept silent for fear of losing their status:
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.” John 12:42 (NIV)
This contrast helps explain Acts 5:13: even among those who admired the apostles, many were not willing to risk public association.
When persecution broke out in Jerusalem, believers scattered for safety but not the apostles. They remained at the center of the conflict, standing firm in their mission.
“A great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” Acts 8:1 (NIV)
Their unwavering commitment reveals a depth of faith and calling that went beyond admiration. This is discipleship at its highest cost.
Theologically, Acts 5:13 is a powerful call to holiness, courage, and deep devotion. Those called to ministry must be willing to live lives of uncompromising obedience, even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. People may admire bold faith from a distance but very few are ready to walk that narrow path (cf. Matthew 7:13–14).
True ministry demands a higher standard of self-denial and dedication:
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” n Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
God uses those who are willing to go deeper those who are willing to stay when others run, to speak when others are silent, and to endure when others fall away. That’s what set the apostles apart, and that’s what will set apart every faithful servant of God today.
May we be counted among those who not only admire but follow at any cost.
Shalom.
“To retailate,” “to avange,” .In a biblical context, it reflects the idea of God bringing correction or judgment upon individuals or nations due to sin or disobedience. For instance, rather than saying “someone was struck by God,” meaning God allowed discipline or punishment to reach them.
Yes, Scripture affirms that God disciplines both the wicked and even His own people when they stray from His commands. But God’s punishment is not driven by vengeance; it is always aimed at repentance and restoration.
“The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Proverbs 3:12 (NIV)
God’s discipline is a sign of His love, not His wrath. He corrects to bring people back into alignment with His will, not to destroy them.
When people face calamities whether personal, national, or global they often serve as divine wake up calls. God uses such moments to urge His people to turn from sin and return to Him.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
When we repent, God often lifts the judgment and restores us.
A clear example is the prophet Jonah, who tried to run from God’s calling. Thinking he could avoid God’s instruction, Jonah faced a storm and was swallowed by a great fish.
“Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
Jonah 1:17 (NIV)
Jonah’s suffering led to repentance. After praying in the fish’s belly, God delivered him and gave him a second chance (Jonah 2–3). This shows that God’s discipline was meant to correct, not destroy.
The Bible teaches that sin can have effects that ripple through generations:
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
Exodus 20:5 (NIV)
This does not mean God is unjustly punishing innocent people, but that the effects of sin can be inherited through continual rebellion. However, the cycle is broken through repentance and obedience.
“Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Exodus 34:7 (NIV)
In Christ, believers are given authority to confront evil and demolish spiritual strongholds through prayer, truth, and the Word of God.
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NIV)
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”
2 Corinthians 10:5–6 (NIV)
Believers can spiritually strike back against the works of the enemy by proclaiming God’s truth, resisting temptation, and interceding for others.
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
“For the word of God is alive active. Sharper than any double edged sword…”
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season…” 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
God’s judgment is never without purpose. It is intended to lead people to repentance, to restore righteousness, and to draw us closer to Him. Just as a loving parent corrects a child, God corrects His children for their good.
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
Hebrews 12:7 (NIV)
Let us respond to His discipline with humility, turn away from sin, and walk in the freedom and authority Christ has given us.
Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus!
Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him belong all glory, honor, and praise, now and forevermore Amen.
Today, let us reflect on a powerful truth from Scripture: God entrusts His divine assignments to those who are faithful. While we often ask God to use us mightily, we must first examine whether our hearts are aligned with His values. Faithfulness is not only a moral virtue; it is a spiritual prerequisite for divine promotion.
Many believers pray earnestly, asking God to use them as He used great men and women in Scripture. But we must remember: God’s calling is not random. It follows divine principles. One key principle is this God promotes those who have already proven faithful with what they have.
Moses’ story is not just about leadership it’s about a heart committed to God’s people, even when it costs him everything. Raised in Pharaoh’s palace (Exodus 2:10), Moses had access to wealth, comfort, and power. But Hebrews 11:24–25 (NIV) tells us:
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
Before God called Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3), Moses had already shown compassion and justice by defending a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11–12). Although he acted rashly, his heart showed that he valued God’s people over worldly privilege. His 40 years in the wilderness were not punishment they were preparation.
Acts 7:35–36 (NIV) says:
“This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God Himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.”
God chose him not just for his ability, but because his heart had already aligned with God’s mission.
Many want to lead large ministries or be entrusted with wealth for kingdom work. But Jesus made this principle clear:
Luke 16:10 (NIV)
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
God evaluates our faithfulness in small responsibilities before releasing bigger ones.
Before David became Israel’s king, he was a simple shepherd. His role may have seemed insignificant, but God was watching. When lions and bears came for the sheep, David didn’t flee he fought to protect them.
1 Samuel 17:34–36 (NIV) recounts his testimony:
“When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth… The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
David’s courage and responsibility with sheep proved his readiness to shepherd a nation. Faithfulness in obscurity leads to favor in the spotlight.
We often pray like Solomon for divine wealth and wisdom. But the question is what are you doing with the little you already have?
Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) teaches us:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
Faithfulness includes sacrificial generosity. If God can’t trust you with small financial blessings, why would He entrust you with more?
The Macedonian churches are a great example. In their poverty, they gave beyond what was expected:
2 Corinthians 8:2–3 (NIV)
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”
Faithfulness isn’t measured only by actions it’s revealed in motives and sacrifice.
Paul, once a persecutor of the church, was entrusted with apostleship because he proved faithful after his conversion.
1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service.”
Faithfulness is what God sees not just potential or talent. Paul endured hardship, imprisonment, and persecution, yet he remained faithful. That’s why God expanded his influence across nations.
Whatever you are praying and hoping for be it ministry, resources, spiritual gifts, or leadership God is willing to give. But He is looking at your faithfulness today.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV) encourages us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Your faithfulness now is the seed for what you’re believing for tomorrow. Serve God where you are. Be honest, diligent, sacrificial, and loyal to His people. Whether in public or private, God sees and rewards faithfulness.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” (Matthew 25:21, NIV)
Shalom. May God find you faithful.
Introduction:
In Isaiah 45:3 (NKJV), God speaks to King Cyrus of Persia through the prophet Isaiah:
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.”
This promise was initially made to a pagan king Cyrus whom God had anointed to fulfill His divine purpose of delivering Israel from Babylonian captivity. Yet, like many Old Testament truths, this passage holds a spiritual principle that applies to believers today: God is able to bring into the light the blessings, opportunities, and people that have been hidden, delayed, or held captive by the enemy.
Biblically, the “treasures of darkness” represent:
These are not mere material gains but include deliverance, opportunities, relationships, ministries, and divine insight.
Isaiah 45:3 symbolically describes how God brings things hidden in obscurity into the light often using unexpected means. God gave Cyrus access to Babylon’s hidden treasures as a sign of His sovereignty. Similarly, God can restore and release hidden blessings to His people.
In 2 Kings 6–7, Israel was besieged by the Aramean army. The famine was so severe that people resorted to eating donkey heads and dove dung (2 Kings 6:25). The city was surrounded cut off from all supply.
But in 2 Kings 7, God supernaturally intervened. He caused the Arameans to hear the sound of a mighty army (v.6), and in terror, they fled, leaving all their supplies behind.
“For the LORD had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, ‘Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!’” 2 Kings 7:6 (NKJV)
Four lepers discovered the abandoned camp and began to plunder it. Eventually, the whole city was saved from starvation.
This miraculous event is a foreshadowing of how God can cause our enemies to relinquish what they’ve unlawfully held, and turn things around in our favor. The treasures once hidden in darkness were suddenly made available to God’s people.
The treasures of darkness in a believer’s life may be:
To reclaim what has been hidden, believers must engage in spiritual warfare not with physical weapons, but spiritual ones.
2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV):
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
We must understand that much of what is hidden or delayed is subject to spiritual resistance, as seen in Daniel 10, where Daniel’s prayer was delayed by demonic interference.
To engage in this battle and reclaim what is ours, we must put on the full armor of God:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)
God has hidden riches and treasures of darkness for His people, not as a secret to keep from us, but as something to be revealed in His perfect timing and through faithful pursuit.
Just like the Israelites seized the spoils of the Arameans, so we are called to take hold of what is spiritually ours through faith, obedience, prayer, and persistence.
Joel 2:25–26 (NKJV):
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten… You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God.”
May we boldly pursue all that God has for us knowing that what is hidden today can be revealed tomorrow, by His power and for His glory.
Maranatha Our Lord is coming!
QUESTION:
Does 1 Corinthians 7:14 mean that if an unbeliever marries a believer, they are automatically made righteous or saved through the faith of their believing spouse?
1 Corinthians 7:13-14 (NIV):
“And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
No this verse does not mean that an unbelieving spouse is saved or made righteous before God simply because they are married to a believer. The broader biblical context makes it clear that salvation is a personal matter, not transferable by association or marriage.
Galatians 6:5 (NIV):
“For each one should carry their own load.”
Romans 14:12 (ESV):
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
The word “sanctified” (Greek: ἡγίασται, hēgiastai) in 1 Corinthians 7:14 does not mean “saved.” It means “set apart” or “made holy” in a relational or ceremonial sense, not a salvific one.
Paul is explaining that the presence of a believing spouse in a mixed faith marriage sanctifies the union and family in a relational and covenantal sense. This does not imply the unbelieving spouse is spiritually regenerated or justified before God.
Rather, the believer brings a spiritual influence and covering into the home, which allows the marriage to remain honorable before God (cf. Hebrews 13:4) and ensures that the children of such a union are not considered ritually “unclean.”
1 Corinthians 7:14 (NLT):
“For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy.”
Absolutely not. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by proximity to someone who believes.
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.”
John 3:18 (ESV):
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
So, while the unbelieving spouse may experience the blessings and influence of living with a godly partner including love, prayer, godly behavior, and biblical instruction they are not saved unless they personally believe in Christ.
This is why Paul goes on to say:
1 Corinthians 7:16 (NIV):
“How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
This question affirms that salvation is uncertain and not guaranteed, even in a godly home. Yet, it also implies that the believer should live in such a way as to give their spouse every opportunity to come to faith.
Many real life testimonies confirm what Paul describes. A spouse may eventually come to faith after witnessing consistent godly conduct and prayer from their believing partner:
1 Peter 3:1-2 (NIV):
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
However, this spiritual influence is not a substitute for personal faith. An unbelieving spouse who continues to reject Christ will remain lost, despite being married to a believer (cf. John 3:36).
While 1 Corinthians 7 addresses believers who were already married to unbelievers before coming to faith, Scripture elsewhere clearly teaches that Christians should not knowingly enter into marriage with unbelievers.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV):
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Entering a marital covenant with an unbeliever often leads to spiritual conflict, divided priorities, and compromised faith. Many modern Christian marriage struggles stem from ignoring this command.
If you’re already in such a marriage, take courage God can still use you as a vessel of grace and truth. You have a responsibility to:
Your influence is significant, but your spouse must ultimately choose Christ for themselves.
While 1 Corinthians 7:14 highlights the sanctifying influence of a believer in a mixed marriage, it does not suggest that salvation is automatically granted through marriage. Each person must individually respond to the Gospel. Nevertheless, your faithful witness as a spouse can be a powerful instrument in God’s hands to bring your partner to salvation.
May the Lord give you strength, wisdom, and grace in your marriage.
Remain faithful and trust that God can use your life to lead others to Christ.
“The rapture has taken place today! There is no longer any opportunity for repentance.”
Has this news shocked you?
Ask yourself when this event actually occurs, how will you respond?
So far, the rapture hasn’t happened yet, but when it does, how will you feel when you’re told that the saints have been caught up to be with the Lord, and you have been left behind?
Will you be as shocked as you are now, or will you accept it calmly?
What is the rapture?
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to take His church all true believers from this earth to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ESV):
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
This event is imminent and will happen suddenly (Matthew 24:44 NIV):
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
If you are shocked by this news today, it shows your heart is sensitive to spiritual truth because your true home is not here on earth (Philippians 3:20 ESV):
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
That’s why the thought of being left behind is frightening because it means missing out on the eternal promise.
But it’s not too late!
Jesus invites everyone to repent and receive salvation (Acts 3:19 NIV):
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.”
Don’t wait until that day when it’s too late. Today, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior (John 1:12 ESV):
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Because the rapture is real, it could happen at any moment. Will you be ready?