In biblical times, people used units of measurement that were based on everyday objects and human body parts, like the hand, arm, or foot. These units played important roles in construction, rituals, offerings, and trade. Here’s a summary of some key biblical measurements, their modern equivalents, and where they appear in Scripture.

1. Length Measurements

Used for measuring height, distance, and size—especially in construction of sacred objects and buildings like Noah’s Ark, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Temple.

• Cubit (Dhiraa) – Approx. 0.5 meters (about 18 inches)
  A cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
  Bible Reference: “This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits…” (Genesis 6:15)

• Span (Shubiri) – Approx. 22.2 centimeters (about 9 inches)
  The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger with the hand spread out.
  Bible Reference: “You have made my days a few handbreadths…” (Psalm 39:5, ESV)

• Handbreadth (Mkono) – Approx. 44.7 centimeters (about 17.6 inches)
  Used in describing dimensions of the altar and other objects.
  Bible Reference: “And the altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and from the altar hearth shall extend upward four horns.” (Ezekiel 43:15, often translated from multiples of handbreadths)

• Fathom (Pima) – Approx. 1.8 meters (6 feet)
  Common for nautical use in the New Testament.
  Bible Reference: “They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms…” (Acts 27:28)

• Reed (Mwanzi) – Approx. 2.7 meters (about 9 feet)
  Used in vision measurements, like in Ezekiel’s temple vision.
  Bible Reference: “He measured the wall—it was one reed thick and one reed high…” (Ezekiel 40:5)

2. Dry Volume Measurements

Used to measure grain, flour, and other dry goods—especially in offerings and trade.

• Cab (Kabi) – Approx. 1 liter
  Bible Reference: “A donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung…” (2 Kings 6:25)

• Omer (Pishi) – Approx. 2 liters
  The daily portion of manna per person.
  Bible Reference: “Each one is to gather as much as he needs—an omer for each person…” (Exodus 16:16)

• Ephah (Efa) – Approx. 22 liters
  A common measurement for offerings and trade.
  Bible Reference: “You shall have just balances, a just ephah…” (Leviticus 19:36)

3. Liquid Volume Measurements

Used to measure oil, wine, and water, especially for ritual use in the tabernacle or temple.

• Log – Approx. 0.31 liters
  The smallest liquid measure in the Bible.
  Bible Reference: “…with a log of oil, he shall wave them for a wave offering…” (Leviticus 14:10)

• Hin – Approx. 3.67 liters
  Used for measuring oil or wine in offerings.
  Bible Reference: “…with a grain offering of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil.” (Exodus 29:40)

• Bath – Approx. 22 liters
  A larger measure used in bulk trade or temple service.
  Bible Reference: “Ten baths make a homer, for ten baths are a homer.” (Ezekiel 45:14)

• Kor (or Cor) – Approx. 220 liters
  Large measure used in royal or commercial records.
  Bible Reference: “Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour…” (1 Kings 4:22)

• Homer (or Homeri) – Approx. 208 liters
  The largest dry or liquid measure, used in mass storage.
  Bible Reference: “You shall give one-sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat…” (Ezekiel 45:13)

4. Weight Measurements

Important for weighing silver, gold, offerings, and currency.

• Shekel (Shekeli) – Approx. 11.42 grams
  Standard unit of silver or gold used in trade and offerings.
  Bible Reference: “Each one… shall give a half shekel…” (Exodus 30:13)

• Beka – Approx. 5.7 grams
  Half a shekel, used for the temple tax.
  Bible Reference: “A beka a head (that is, half a shekel)… for the service of the tent of meeting.” (Exodus 38:26)

• Gerah (Gera) – Approx. 0.57 grams
  A very small unit, 1/20 of a shekel.
  Bible Reference: “A shekel is twenty gerahs…” (Exodus 30:13)

• Mina – Approx. 570 grams
  Larger weight used in commercial contexts.
  Bible Reference: “Your mina has made ten minas more.” (Luke 19:16)

• Talent (Talanta) – Approx. 34.2 kilograms
  The heaviest biblical unit of weight, often used symbolically to show great value.
  Bible Reference: “To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one…” (Matthew 25:15)

Denarius (Dinari) – Approx. 3.85 grams
A Roman silver coin, equivalent to a day’s wage for a laborer.
Bible Reference: “A denarius for a day’s wage…” (Matthew 20:2)

be blessed.

Question: What did Jacob do with Laban’s flocks that caused them to multiply so much compared to his uncle’s?

When we study the Bible, we see that after serving his uncle Laban for 14 years, Jacob desired to become independent and provide for his own family. At that point, Laban asked what he could give Jacob in return for his years of service.

Since Jacob had been tending Laban’s flocks—and through him, God had blessed Laban with prosperity—Jacob requested a portion of the livestock. He proposed that any animals born with spots, speckles, or dark colors would be his wages. Laban, confident in the natural breeding patterns of his flocks, agreed, believing that the outcome would be either impossible or extremely unlikely.

Thus, they made an agreement: Jacob would take only the spotted, speckled, and dark-colored animals, while Laban would keep the rest. To ensure they would not mix, they even separated their flocks by a three-day distance.

However, Jacob then took a rather unusual approach. Let’s examine what he did:

Genesis 30:35-43 (NIV):

“That same day he removed all the male goats that were streaked or spotted, and all the speckled or spotted female goats (all that had white on them) and all the dark-colored lambs, and he placed them in the care of his sons. Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks.”

“Jacob, however, took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond, and plane trees and made white stripes on them by peeling the bark and exposing the white inner wood. He placed the peeled branches in all the watering troughs, so they would be directly in front of the flocks when they came to drink. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink, they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked, speckled, or spotted.”

“Jacob set apart the young of the flock by themselves but made the rest face the streaked and dark-colored animals that belonged to Laban. Thus he made separate flocks for himself and did not put them with Laban’s animals. Whenever the stronger females were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs in front of the animals so they would mate near the branches, but if the animals were weak, he would not place the branches there. The weak ones remained with Laban, and the strong ones became Jacob’s.”

Jacob’s method involved using branches that were peeled to reveal their white inner bark, which he placed in the watering troughs where the flocks gathered. Jacob believed that if the animals saw these branches during mating, it would influence the color of the offspring. However, the Bible does not specify why Jacob thought this would work, nor does it suggest that this was a scientifically sound method. Theological understanding would suggest that Jacob’s actions, though appearing as clever strategy, were secondary to the sovereign will of God.

The Bible shows that it was not Jacob’s ingenuity that caused the animals to breed in this way, but the blessing and intervention of God. This is confirmed later in the text when Jacob reveals to Rachel that God was behind his success.

Genesis 31:7-12 (NIV):

“Your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God has not allowed him to harm me. If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked young. So God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me.”

“In breeding season, I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled, or spotted. The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’”

In this passage, Jacob reveals that it was God who gave him the vision and strategy for his prosperity. The angel of God appeared to Jacob in a dream, confirming that God was actively involved in his success. The reality is that it was God’s blessing and intervention that caused Jacob’s flocks to multiply, not the physical methods Jacob used.

• God’s Sovereignty and Blessing: The story demonstrates that while human effort and creativity are part of life, it is ultimately God who grants success and blessings. Jacob’s cleverness in placing branches in front of the animals did not determine the outcome; it was God’s sovereign will that caused the animals to produce offspring according to the agreement Jacob had made with Laban.

Faith and Divine Intervention: Even though Jacob employed a method he thought might work, the Bible shows that it was God’s divine intervention that made it successful. This reminds us that our success or failure is not solely based on our own efforts, but on God’s grace and blessing.

In Psalm 127:1 (NIV) it says, “

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

Our hard work is important, but without God’s blessing, it ultimately amounts to nothing.

God Provides According to His Will: Jacob’s prosperity was not just about his hard work; it was about God’s covenant faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV), God reminds the Israelites that it is He who gives the power to get wealth: “

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”

God had promised to bless Jacob, and this promise was being fulfilled, not through Jacob’s methods, but through divine intervention.

Application to Our Lives:

This story teaches us that when God desires to bless us, no amount of human effort can hinder His will. Jacob’s success came not from his own cleverness but from God’s gracious intervention. It is important to remember that while we should be diligent and work hard, ultimately, it is God who provides for us.

In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), we are reminded:

“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.”

Our understanding may be limited, but trusting in God and acknowledging Him in all we do leads to His direction and blessing.

As it says in Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV):

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”

May we always acknowledge God as the source of our blessings and trust in His provision.

Shalom.

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Definition of Pride in a Biblical Context

Pride is more than just confidence or self-esteem. Biblically, pride is an inward attitude of self-exaltation that places one’s own will, desires, or achievements above God’s authority and others’ value. It often leads to rebellion, boasting, and spiritual blindness. It is the root of many other sins.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
— James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34

Theologically, pride is the original sin that led to Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–15), and it continues to be the heart of rebellion against God.

1. The Pride of Adonijah (1 Kings 1:5)

Adonijah, one of King David’s sons, provides a clear example of pride fueled by self-ambition. Instead of honoring God’s plan and his father’s authority, he arrogantly declared himself king.

“Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’ And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.”
— 1 Kings 1:5

Adonijah’s pride reflects how self-promotion and presumption can lead to judgment and failure. He was ultimately rejected, and Solomon—whom God had chosen—was crowned instead (1 Kings 1:39–40). Pride can blind us to divine order.

2. The Pride of the Israelites (2 Chronicles 36:15–17)

Israel repeatedly fell into pride by rejecting God’s commands and persecuting His prophets. Their hearts became hard, and they refused correction.

“They mocked God’s messengers, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against His people and there was no remedy.”
— 2 Chronicles 36:16

“They became stiff-necked and refused to listen.”
— Nehemiah 9:29

This shows that pride is often expressed as spiritual stubbornness—a refusal to repent or obey God’s Word. Such arrogance leads to God’s judgment, as seen when He allowed the Babylonians to conquer and exile His people (2 Chronicles 36:17).

3. The Pride of Moab (Jeremiah 48:29–31)

Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel, became infamous for national pride and self-glory. God condemned this attitude.

“We have heard of Moab’s pride—how great is her arrogance!—of her conceit, her pride and her insolence; but her boasts are empty.”
— Jeremiah 48:29–30

“Therefore I wail over Moab… I moan for the people of Kir-hareseth.”
— Jeremiah 48:31

Pride doesn’t just affect individuals—it can destroy entire nations. Moab’s downfall was rooted in its boastful heart. God mourned over them, showing both His justice and compassion (Ezekiel 33:11).

4. Other Biblical Examples of Pride

• Pharaoh hardened his heart despite many signs from God (Exodus 7–12; Nehemiah 9:10).

• King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled after boasting of his power (Daniel 4:30–37).

“Those who walk in pride He is able to humble.”
— Daniel 4:37

These stories demonstrate that pride always challenges God’s sovereignty—and God always responds by humbling the proud to reveal His glory.

The Spiritual Danger of Pride

Pride leads to separation from God, the downfall of leaders, and destruction.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
— Proverbs 16:18

Pride is fundamentally a self-centered orientation that robs God of the honor He alone deserves. The proud cannot see their need for grace, and that blindness leads to ruin.

Christ: The Perfect Example of Humility

Unlike the prideful, Jesus Christ—though fully God—humbled Himself to serve and save humanity.

“…He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”
— Philippians 2:8

As followers of Christ, we are called not to exalt ourselves, but to walk in humility, depending wholly on God.

A Call to Repentance and Humility

If pride has kept you from surrendering to God, now is the time to turn back. Choosing Jesus Christ is the greatest decision you can make—one that leads to eternal life and peace with God.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
— James 4:10

If you’re ready to repent and receive Christ, you can start with a Prayer of Repentance.
[Click here to pray >> Prayer of Repentance]

Shalom. May God give us the grace to walk in humility.

You may have asked yourself, “Can Satan really block the answers to our prayers?” The answer is yes—but only under certain conditions.

Let’s begin with a key distinction: Satan cannot stop your prayers from reaching God. Every genuine prayer, no matter how small, ascends directly to the throne of God. This is confirmed in:

Psalm 34:15 (ESV):
“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.”

So prayer always reaches God. However, what Satan tries to block is the delivery of God’s response.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s Delayed Answer

In Daniel 10:12–13, we see a clear example of this spiritual warfare:

Daniel 10:12–13 (NIV):
“Then he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.’”

Here, “the prince of the Persian kingdom” refers to a territorial demonic power. From the very first day Daniel began to seek God in prayer, his words were heard, and an angel was dispatched with the answer. But this angel was delayed 21 days due to demonic resistance until the archangel Michael intervened.

This shows that spiritual battles in the heavenly realms can delay answers to prayer—even though God has already responded.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) supports this:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness…”

How Satan Accuses Believers Before God

Satan’s power to hinder answers lies in his role as “the accuser of the brethren.”

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV):
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Here, Satan is portrayed not just as an enemy, but one actively seeking grounds to attack and delay blessings.

Revelation 12:10 (NIV):
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”

He stands before God with legal accusations, highlighting our sins as reasons why we don’t deserve answers. This is similar to how a prosecutor brings evidence in court.

Job’s Righteousness and Satan’s Accusation

Even righteous people can come under spiritual attack. Consider Job, a man who lived uprightly:

Job 1:8–11 (ESV):
“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job…? He is blameless and upright…’ Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason?… But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.’”

Even though Job was upright, Satan challenged his motives, trying to prove that Job served God only because he was blessed. In Job 2:3, God says:

“…You incited Me against him to destroy him without cause.”

If Satan accused Job, a man whom God called blameless, how much more does he accuse those who are walking in sin?

Satan Uses Our Sins as Legal Grounds

Every unrepented sin gives Satan a point of accusation. He presents our failures as reasons why God should withhold blessings:

• “This one lies and gossips.”

• “That one is sexually immoral.”

• “They haven’t repented of their anger, jealousy, or theft.”

God is holy and just—He will not contradict His own Word. If we walk in sin, we risk allowing Satan to delay or block God’s provision in our lives.

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV):
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

How Do We Ensure Our Prayers Are Answered?

1. Live in Holiness

God desires a life that aligns with His character.

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV):
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit

: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

These are the signs of a Spirit-led life that resists Satan’s accusations.

2. Be Faithful in Prayer

Prayer is not a one-time action but a lifestyle.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV):
“Pray without ceasing.”

John 14:13 (NIV):
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

When prayer is constant, it becomes a weapon and shield against the enemy.

3. Read and Obey God’s Word

Colossians 3:16 (NIV):
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…”

Romans 10:17 (ESV):
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

The Word gives us wisdom and spiritual authority to silence Satan’s accusations.

Delays Are Not Always Demonic

It’s also important to know: not all delays mean Satan is blocking your answer.

Sometimes, the delay is simply part of God’s preparation. For example, a student praying to become a doctor won’t receive a medical license the next day. They must go through years of training. The answer is “yes,” but the fulfillment requires process and maturity.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV):
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Conclusion:

• Satan can delay your answers by accusing you before God.

• His accusations are based on your lifestyle—sin gives him legal ground.

• The solution is to live in holiness, stay in prayer, and walk in the Word.

• When you do these, even if Satan accuses you, God will overrule him and send your blessings.

And remember: if you are doing your part—living righteously and staying in faith—pray with boldness. Do not doubt. Your answer may be delayed, but it is on the way.

James 5:16 (ESV):
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

May the Lord bless and help us to overcome every hindrance and receive all that He has planned.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While the primary reason Jesus came into the world was to save our souls, He also came to bring healing to our bodies. The work of Christ is both spiritual and physical. He cares not only about our eternity but also about our well-being here and now. His earthly ministry was filled with healing as a sign of the Kingdom of God breaking into a broken world.

Luke 4:18 (NKJV) says:

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”

Healing is part of the redemptive work Jesus accomplished. When He suffered and died on the cross, He took upon Himself not just our sin but also our pain and sickness.

Matthew 8:17 (NKJV) echoes Isaiah’s prophecy, saying:

“He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”

This is based on Isaiah 53:4 (NKJV):

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”

(Note: The Hebrew word translated “griefs” can also mean sicknesses, and “sorrows” can mean pains.)

So, healing is not a separate or secondary benefit; it’s wrapped up in the atonement of Christ. That’s why Jesus healed many during His ministry—to demonstrate that the Kingdom of God had come and to reveal God’s heart for wholeness.

Are You Sick or Hurting?

Perhaps you’re reading this while facing serious health problems. Maybe you’ve been battling a chronic illness, or you’re lying in a hospital bed with no hope. You’ve seen doctors, tried treatments, and even attended prayer meetings—yet nothing has changed. You might be dealing with an incurable disease like HIV, cancer, or diabetes. Maybe it’s a hidden illness you’re too embarrassed to talk about.

Whatever your situation, take heart—none of this is too hard for Jesus.

If Jesus could raise Lazarus, who had been dead four days and whose body had already begun to decay, then surely He can heal your body while you are still alive. (See John 11:39–44)

God is not limited by your condition. He is looking for one thing: faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) says:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Romans 10:17 (NKJV) also reminds us:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

When you fill your heart with God’s Word and remember how He healed people in Scripture, your faith will grow. Read these helpful teachings and testimonies to strengthen your faith:

• Jesus the Healer

• Trusting in the Unchanging Christ

• Bible Verses on Healing

• How Christ Heals the Soul

Psalm 107:19–20 (NKJV) beautifully says:

“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

A Simple Prayer for Healing

If you believe Jesus is your Healer, pray this simple prayer with faith. Place your hand on the part of your body that needs healing and say:

Lord Jesus, You are my Healer. You promised in Psalm 107:20 that You send Your Word to heal and deliver. Your Word is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). I ask You now—send Your healing Word into my body. Remove every disease that is afflicting me (mention them specifically). Cut off every work of the enemy in my body. Restore my health completely, just as You promised in Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. I declare healing and life over my body now, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you’ve prayed that prayer in faith, I will also pray for you:

Father God, I thank You for this person who has turned to You as their only source of help. If their sickness is a result of sin, I ask for Your forgiveness and mercy. If it is caused by spiritual oppression, I declare its end now in the name of Jesus. As Your servant, I ask You to restore their health and let this healing be a testimony to Your power and glory. May they proclaim Your name among the nations. Thank You for the healing that has already begun in their body. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Encouragement

Believe that Jesus has already begun the healing process. But more importantly—if you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Him, do it now. Healing of the soul is far greater than healing of the body. What good is it to be healed physically, but your soul is lost?

Mark 8:36 (NKJV) asks:

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

These are the last days. Jesus is coming soon. Don’t waste time. If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ, follow this link for the Prayer of Repentance and take the next steps.

The Lord bless you abundantly.

If you need further prayer or support, feel free to contact us at:
+255 693036618 / +255 789001312 (calls are free)

1. Understanding the Verse

1 Corinthians 8:8 (NIV):
“But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

Paul is addressing a common issue in the early Church—whether eating certain foods (especially those offered to idols) affected one’s spiritual standing before God. His answer is clear: Food is morally neutral. It has no power to commend us to God or distance us from Him.

2. What Actually Affects Our Relationship with God?

The real barrier between God and humanity is sin, not dietary habits.

Isaiah 59:1–2 (NIV):
“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

God is always able and willing to draw near to us. However, sin breaks fellowship with Him. That’s why righteousness—not rituals like eating or abstaining from certain foods—is what brings us close to God.

3. Food vs. Intoxicants: Is Everything Permissible?

Some might ask: If food doesn’t matter spiritually, can we then consume alcohol, drugs, or even poison without spiritual consequences?

The answer lies in understanding what defiles a person.

Matthew 15:18–20 (NIV):
“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.”

Jesus clarifies that defilement comes from within, not from external things like food. Substances like alcohol or marijuana can impair judgment and stir sinful behavior—thus, they are not comparable to food.

Ephesians 5:18 (NIV):
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

The Greek word for “debauchery” (asōtia) refers to reckless, immoral living. The Holy Spirit should govern our hearts—not substances that alter our thinking and behavior.

4. Is All Food Clean Now?

Mark 7:18–19 (NIV):
“Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?
…In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.”

Jesus removed the Old Covenant dietary restrictions. Under the New Covenant, no food is inherently unclean. What matters is the condition of the heart.

This is reaffirmed by Paul in:

Romans 14:17 (NIV):
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

5. What About the Lord’s Supper? Isn’t That Food?

Yes, but it’s not just food—it’s a sacrament.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (NIV):
“The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread… and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’…
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

The bread and cup in Communion are spiritually significant only within the context of faith and worship. Outside of this context, they are just ordinary elements. It is the act of remembrance and proclamation—not the food itself—that carries spiritual weight.

6. Final Reflection: Have You Drawn Near to God?

If food doesn’t bring us near to God, then how do we draw near?

Hebrews 10:22 (NIV):
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…”

James 4:8 (NIV):
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

The way to draw near to God is through:

• Repentance from sin (Acts 3:19)

• Faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

• Baptism in His name (Acts 2:38)

• Receiving the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9)

• Daily obedience and walking in holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16)

7. An Invitation to Respond

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV):
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…”

You have an opportunity now—while your heart is open—to turn to Christ. Don’t delay. The world cannot give you peace. Only Jesus can.

Romans 10:9 (NIV):
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

How to begin:

• Repent sincerely

• Be baptized in the name of Jesus

• Receive the Holy Spirit

• Live faithfully

Maranatha – The Lord is coming soon.