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What Did Jesus Mean When He Said We Must “Hate” Our Families to Be His Disciples?

Luke 14:26 (NKJV):

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”

Understanding the Meaning:
 Jesus’ use of the word “hate” in this passage is not a call to animosity or hostility, which would contradict His command to love others — including one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). Instead, He uses hyperbolic language (a common Jewish teaching method) to emphasize the cost of discipleship and the priority of loyalty to Him over all other relationships.

This idea is supported

 in Matthew 10:37 (NKJV):
 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

Here, Jesus clarifies His meaning: our love for Him must surpass our love for family — not eliminate it. This means that if there’s ever a conflict between God’s will and our family’s expectations, our obedience to Christ must come first.

1. Obedience to God Over Family Traditions

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NKJV):
 “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer… For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”

Even if family or cultural traditions demand participation in sinful practices like divination, ancestral rituals, or drunkenness, a true disciple must stand firm in God’s truth. Seeking to please family at the cost of disobeying God is idolatry — putting others before Him.

Galatians 1:10 (NKJV):
 “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

2. True Baptism and the Fear of Man

Some resist biblical baptism — by full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ — due to pressure from family or religious traditions. Yet Scripture clearly teaches:

Acts 2:38 (NKJV):
 “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

John 3:5 (NKJV):
 “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Obeying Christ must take precedence over denominational loyalty or family expectations. Jesus warned about those who reject the will of God because of fear of others:

John 12:42–43 (NKJV):
 “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

3. The Cost of Discipleship

Following Christ requires sacrifice. Jesus never promised that discipleship would be easy or socially accepted. In fact, He made it clear:

Luke 14:27 (NKJV):
 “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

This means dying to self, enduring rejection, and being willing to lose everything — even relationships — for the sake of the Gospel.

Philippians 3:8 (NKJV):
 “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

4. Final Exhortation

Discipleship demands full surrender. We must not let the fear of family, culture, or human opinion prevent us from obeying the commands of Jesus. He alone is Lord, and His Word is final.

Colossians 3:23–24 (NKJV):
 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

May the Lord grant us grace and courage to obey Him fully — even when it costs us dearly.

Amen.

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Tonight They Want Your Soul!” — Who Are These People?

 

Question:

In Luke 12:20 (NKJV), it says:

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’“

But who are these that “require” or “demand” his soul?

Context:

In Luke 12:13–21, Jesus tells a parable in response to a man concerned about inheritance. Jesus warns against greed (choyo) and the false belief that life’s security comes from wealth.
 The rich man in the parable had such a great harvest that he planned to build bigger barns to store it all. He told himself to relax — eat, drink, and be merry — thinking he had secured his future.

But God calls him a “fool” — not because he was rich, but because he trusted in his wealth instead of God. He thought he controlled his life, but in reality, he was blind to the spiritual reality that life and death are in God’s hands

(see Job 1:21 — “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.“).

This suggests that more than one party was involved in demanding his soul:

  • Angels of death could have been sent to claim his life (Hebrews 9:27 — “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment“).

  • Spiritual forces of darkness could also have been awaiting his downfall, especially because of his sin of idolatry — trusting riches more than God (John 10:10 — “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.“).

  • Human enemies — thieves, assassins, or jealous opponents — could have been plotting physical harm.

  • The justice of God itself demands the soul of those who are unrepentant and live for themselves instead of God (Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.“).

In short, it’s not just “one” — it’s the combination of spiritual and physical forces moving under God’s sovereign allowance to bring judgment.

warning message :

Like that rich man, many today put their trust in wealth, careers, insurance, medicine, and human systems, but forget their ultimate security comes only from God.
 The Bible warns us

 in Proverbs 11:4 (NKJV):“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.“

It’s dangerous to live without being “rich toward God” — meaning to invest your heart, time, and treasures into God’s Kingdom and purposes

Matthew 6:19–21 — “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also“).

The rich man stored up earthly goods but had no heavenly investment. When the time came, his riches couldn’t save him.
 Psalm 49:6-7 (NKJV) says:

“Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.“

Only a relationship with Jesus Christ can guarantee eternal life.
 That’s why Hebrews 2:3 urges us:

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…“

And remember what Psalm 127:1 (NKJV) says:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.“

Final Thoughts:

Every day we live, unseen forces are at work. Only God’s mercy keeps us safe.
 Let’s be wise — not fools — by living every day in trust, obedience, and relationship with Him, rich toward God, not just rich in the things of this world.

Be blessed.
 Trust in Jesus.
 Stay ready.

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what does proverb 14:4 mean??

 

Proverbs 14:4 (ESV) says:

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”

At first glance, this proverb speaks about a simple truth from everyday life:

  • An empty stable stays clean — without oxen, there’s no mess (no dung, no feed to clean up). There is no burden of maintenance.
  • However, without oxen, there is also no strength for labor — meaning no plowing, no harvest, no productivity.
  • In contrast, where oxen are present, though the stable gets messy, their strength produces an abundant harvest. The inconvenience brings much greater rewards.

Thus, cleanliness without productivity is meaningless; while accepting some “mess” leads to fruitfulness and blessing.

Spiritual meaning:

This verse offers a profound spiritual principle Many people desire spiritual fruit — such as effective ministry, personal growth, or a deep relationship with God — but they shrink back when they realize that such fruit requires sacrifice, effort, and endurance.

Jesus made this clear

in Luke 14:25-27 (ESV):

“Now great crowds accompanied Him, and He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.'”

Following Christ demands putting Him first, even above our closest relationships and personal comfort. True discipleship involves carrying our cross — embracing sacrifice and hardship for the sake of the Kingdom.

Jesus then continues 

in Luke 14:28-30, teaching about counting the cost:

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’”

Just like having oxen means accepting the responsibility and mess for the sake of harvest, following Christ requires embracing the cost for the sake of eternal rewards.

spiritual lesson:

  1. Fruitfulness Requires Labor:
    Spiritual growth does not happen by accident.
    “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
    — Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
  2. Enduring Hardship:
    Hardship and sacrifice are normal parts of Christian maturity.
    “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
    — 2 Timothy 2:3 (ESV)
  3. Reward After Labor:
    God promises that faithful labor will not be in vain.
    “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
    — Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Summary:

  • A life without commitment, responsibility, or sacrifice may seem “clean” and “easy,” but it remains unfruitful.
  • A life that embraces the cost — even when messy, difficult, and challenging — will produce abundant spiritual harvests.
  • In God’s Kingdom, labor leads to reward, sacrifice leads to fruitfulness, and faithfulness leads to eternal glory.

Therefore, let us embrace the “mess” that comes with meaningful service, knowing that it results in an abundant harvest for the glory of God.

Amen.

 

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who are eunuchs?

In Matthew 19:12 (NKJV), Jesus explains that there are three types of eunuchs:

“For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)

Let’s break this down simply:

1. Eunuchs Born That Way

These are people who, from birth, cannot have children or marry. God created them like this for His own reasons, often setting them apart for special purposes.

Example: Some biblical figures, like Daniel and his friends, were possibly in this category (Daniel 1:3–7), serving in royal courts without focusing on marriage.

2. Eunuchs Made That Way by Others

In ancient times, especially in royal courts, some men were physically altered (castrated) to serve kings without distractions from women.

Example: Servants who looked after royal harems were often made eunuchs (see Esther 2:3, 2:14).

3. Eunuchs by Personal Choice for God’s Kingdom

These are people who choose to remain unmarried so that they can serve God without the distractions and responsibilities of marriage.

Example: Apostle Paul speaks about this choice:

“(1 Corinthians 7:8, NKJV)

But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am.” 

 Paul chose a single life to serve the Lord with complete focus.

Jesus Himself was also unmarried, fully dedicating His life to the mission of salvation.

Examples of Spiritual Eunuchs

Jesus Christ – remained unmarried for the sake of His mission (Luke 19:10; Hebrews 4:15).

Apostle Paul – chose singleness to focus on preaching (1 Corinthians 7:32–35).

Barnabas – served with Paul and also stayed unmarried (Acts 13:2–3).

Possibly John the Baptist – lived a life of complete dedication (Luke 1:15–17).

Daniel and companions – served in the king’s court with total devotion (Daniel 1:8).

Important Note;

It’s a calling, not a command. Not everyone is called to live unmarried. Jesus said, “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12b).

 Paul also wrote that marriage is good, but singleness can be better if someone feels called (1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:17, NKJV).

It’s a spiritual gift. The ability to live a celibate life peacefully and happily comes from God — it is a gift (1 Corinthians 7:7). Not everyone has this grace.

Freedom to serve God fully. Staying unmarried gives more freedom to focus on God’s work:

“But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32, NKJV).

Women, too, can have this calling.

 Just like men, women who choose to stay unmarried to dedicate themselves to God are spiritually seen like “eunuchs” — meaning fully consecrated for God’s work.

Summary

Eunuchs, according to the Bible, are people who either:

Were born unable to marry,

Were made that way by others,

Or chose by themselves not to marry — all for the purpose of serving God better.

This life of singleness is a special calling. It is not for everyone, but for those who have the gift, it brings incredible freedom to serve God with undivided hearts.

“He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)

Be blessed as you seek to understand and walk in God’s unique calling for your life!

 

 

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WHEN A TREE FALLS, IT STAYS WHERE IT LANDS

Ecclesiastes 11:3b (NKJV)
“…If a tree falls to the south or the north, in the place where it falls, there it will lie.” 

The Bible uses the image of a tree to represent the finality of our lives. When a tree falls—whether because it’s old or because someone cuts it down—it doesn’t get to decide where it lands. The direction it falls depends on how it’s been growing all along. Even a tree that appears straight may have been leaning slightly in one direction, and you only discover that lean when it falls. Once it’s down, it stays there. A fallen tree cannot get up or move. It’s final.

This is a powerful picture of our lives. If the return of Jesus (the Rapture) doesn’t happen in our lifetime, then each of us will face physical death

 (Hebrews 9:27:

“It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”).

And just like the tree, the way we lived determines where we end up for eternity. There’s no chance to change sides after death.

Many people believe they can live however they want and turn to God at the last minute. But that’s a dangerous mindset. The way you’re living now reveals the direction you’re spiritually leaning—either toward God or away from Him. And when your time on earth ends, you will “fall” in that direction.

If changing direction at the last moment were easy or guaranteed, God wouldn’t have called people to follow Him from childhood

 (Proverbs 22:6: “

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”).

He wouldn’t have sent prophets, apostles, or even His Son to call people to repentance. He would have simply waited until people were dying. But that’s not how salvation works. Salvation is not a momentary decision at the point of death—it is a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, one that shapes every day of our lives

(Luke 9:23:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”).

Just as a tree lies where it falls, your eternal destiny is sealed at death—whether it’s toward eternal life or eternal separation from God. Jesus taught this clearly in Luke 16:19–31 through the story of the rich man and Lazarus. After death, each man went to a fixed place—one to comfort, the other to torment—with a great chasm between them that no one could cross. No second chances. No middle ground.

That’s why it’s vital to examine your life now. Which direction are you leaning? Toward God—or away from Him? The Bible tells us to “examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). If your life were to end today, would you fall into the hands of a loving Savior—or into eternal separation from God?

If you haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, the opportunity is still available now. The Bible says, “

2 Corinthians 6:2

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” 

You can turn to Jesus today. Repent of your sins (Acts 3:19), believe in Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9–10), and receive His forgiveness.

Then, follow through in obedience by being baptized—just as the early church did—in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). And God promises to fill you with the Holy Spirit, who will guide, comfort, and strengthen you every day of your life (John 14:26, Romans 8:14).

God is offering you life today. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Be blessed.

For prayers, counseling, or worship service schedules, please contact:
📞 +225693036618 / +225789001312

 

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Eternal Chains of Darkness

Luke 8:30–33 (NIV)

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.
And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.
A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and He gave them permission.
When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

Understanding the Abyss and Eternal Chains

Shalom, beloved of God!

Praise the Lord for another day of life and grace. Today, we reflect on a powerful moment from Jesus’ earthly ministry—His encounter with a man possessed by many demons after crossing the Sea of Galilee.

As we read in Luke 8, the demons were terrified of being sent into the Abyss (Greek: abussos), also referred to as the bottomless pit or hell’s prison. They begged Jesus not to send them there, which shows us an important truth: even demons fear the place God has prepared for their judgment.

Why were they so afraid of the Abyss? Because it is a real, dreadful place of confinement, where some fallen angels and demons are already imprisoned, awaiting the final judgment.

2 Peter 2:4
“For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment…”

Jude 1:6
“And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”

This tells us that some demons are already locked away in the Abyss, while others still roam the earth under God’s permission. Even the demons that possessed the man in Luke 8 preferred to be cast into pigs rather than go into that prison-like place. That alone shows how terrible the Abyss is.

Why Do Some Demons Still Roam Free?

Not all demons are currently in chains. Some, like Satan and others, still have limited freedom to operate on the earth for a time. But their fate is sealed.

Revelation 20:1–3
“And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss…”

In the end, even Satan will be locked in the Abyss for 1,000 years. Afterward, he will be released for a short time before his final destruction in the lake of fire.

Where Do Demons Dwell Now?

Demons do not have a resting place on earth. They are restless spirits seeking to enter people.

Matthew 12:43–45
“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’”

Jesus reveals here that when a demon leaves someone, it wanders through dry, desolate places, symbolizing spiritual barrenness. It finds no peace outside a host. That’s why demons are always seeking to inhabit human bodies—they are in torment without a home.

But when a person opens their heart to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them. That person becomes God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), and demons have no place there.

Warning Against Making Our Bodies a Dwelling for Evil Spirits

Anyone who continues in unrepented sin—such as idolatry, sexual immorality, witchcraft, and rebellion—is at risk of becoming a dwelling place for demons.

Ephesians 4:27
“Do not give the devil a foothold.”

Galatians 5:19–21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery… idolatry and witchcraft… those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

A person who allows such sin in their life essentially opens the door for unclean spirits to enter. And if they die in that state, they will join those who are already in the Abyss, awaiting the final judgment.

The Final Judgment: Eternal Fire

Revelation 20:14–15
“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

This is the final destination for the devil, his demons, and all who reject God’s salvation. Even those from ancient times—like the people of Noah’s generation and those of Sodom and Gomorrah—are now being held in chains, awaiting this very judgment.

Jude 1:7
“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah… serve as an example by undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.”

God’s Mercy Is Still Available

In the Old Testament, being possessed by a demon was a death sentence:

Leviticus 20:27
“A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death.”

But under the New Covenant, Jesus came to set captives free. Anyone can be delivered from demonic bondage by repenting, believing in the gospel, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Final Exhortation

Satan and his demons roam the earth looking for a place to dwell—don’t let it be in you. Make your body a temple of the Holy Spirit by surrendering fully to Jesus. Test every spirit and every teaching (1 John 4:1), and let the Holy Spirit guide your entire life.

If you’ve been blessed by this message, share it with someone else. Let us live watchful, holy lives as we await the return of our Lord.

God bless you.

 
 
 

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FIRE DIES WITHOUT WOOD — AND SO DOES SEXUAL IMMORALITY

 

“Without wood a fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
— Proverbs 26:20 (ESV)

Just as a flame needs fuel, so sexual sin only thrives while we feed it. Stop supplying its “wood,” and it inevitably dies.

1. God’s Gift of Free Will and Human Responsibility

  • Created in God’s Image:
    We are made “in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27). This includes rationality and freedom—the capacity to choose good or evil.

  • No Coercion Even by God:
    Though omnipotent, God never overrides our will. He honors the freedom He gave us (cf. Deut. 30:19–20).

  • Personal Accountability:
    Scripture repeatedly affirms that each will “give an account” for their own deeds (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor 5:10). If God forces no one, neither can Satan.

2. The Holy Spirit’s Role: Conviction, Guidance, and Empowerment

  • Conviction of Sin:
    Jesus promised the Spirit would “convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). Sexual sin particularly grieves Him (Eph. 4:30).

  • Sanctification Process:
    The Spirit not only convicts but empowers obedience (Gal. 5:16–18). As we yield daily—“walking by the Spirit”—we bear the fruit of self-control (Gal. 5:22–23).

  • Habitual Dependence:
    Our cooperation (synergy) with the Spirit transforms patterns of thought and desire over time (Phil. 2:12–13).

3. How Satan “Fuels” Lust — Four Primary Channels

  1. Pornography & Explicit Media

    • Spiritual Pollution: “Fill your minds with whatever is true, honorable… and think about these things” (Phil. 4:8).

    • Entrapping Snare: “Every excessive and impure urge” is a form of idolatry, enslaving rather than satisfying (Col. 3:5–6).

  2. Corrupt Conversations

    • Grievous Influence: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor 15:33).

    • Renewing the Mind: We must “take every thought captive to Christ” and replace worldly talk with “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (2 Cor 10:5; Eph. 5:19).

  3. Immodest Apparel

    • Heart Revealed: Clothing often reflects the heart’s motives (Matt. 15:18–20). Provocative dress can foster lust in self and others.

    • Holiness of the Body: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit—called to honor God in word and deed (1 Cor 6:19–20).

  4. Worldly Music & Entertainment

    • Emotional Manipulation: Music and film shape affections. Paul warns believers not to “grieve” the Spirit by filling hearts with impurity (Eph. 4:29–30).

    • Feeding the Flesh: Constant exposure to sensual stimuli “gives the flesh no opportunity” to be crucified (Gal. 5:24).

4. Theological Foundations for Victory

  • Union with Christ:
    Through faith, we are “crucified with Christ” and “no longer live” but Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20). Our old lusts are reckoned dead in Him.

  • Putting Off & Putting On:
    Scripture commands “put off” sexual immorality and “put on” compassion, kindness, and self-control (Col. 3:5, 12–14).

  • Armor of God:
    We stand firm by “girding the waist with truth” and “having shod your feet with readiness” from the gospel (Eph. 6:14–15)—practical truths applied to our sexuality.

5. Practical Steps of “Cutting Off the Fuel”

  1. Decisive Break

    • Remove access to pornography, unsubscribing from channels, deleting apps and browser history (Matt. 5:29–30).

  2. Accountability Relationships

    • Confess to trusted brothers/sisters and invite prayer (James 5:16).

  3. Fill & Occupy

    • Replace idle time with Scripture, prayer, and edifying fellowship (Ps. 1:2–3; Acts 2:42).

  4. Mind Renewal

    • Meditate daily on passages about purity (e.g., Phil. 4:8; Psalm 119:9–11).

  5. Reliance on Grace

    • In weakness, cling to Christ’s finished work. His grace is “sufficient” in our struggles (2 Cor 12:9).

Conclusion

“Fire goes out for lack of wood, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases” (Prov. 26:20).

 

Likewise, sexual sin dies when you stop feeding it. Trust the Spirit’s transforming work, take up the armor of truth and purity, and walk in the freedom Christ won for you.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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