“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”— Hebrews 11:5, NKJV Why will some be taken in the Rapture while others are left behind? The answer lies in the same reason why Enoch was taken, and others were left. Why Elijah was caught up to heaven, but others remained. God deliberately allowed these events to serve as patterns for us, foreshadowing the coming Rapture of the saints. Starting with Enoch, the Bible already gives us the clear reason why he was taken. It tells us plainly that Enoch walked with God — he pleased God continuously for 300 years. “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”— Genesis 5:24, NKJV “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”— Hebrews 11:5, NKJV These were not ordinary men. They lived lives that stood out — lives that truly pleased God, different from the norm. And so God, in His sovereign wisdom, deemed it better that they should not remain on earth until the end of their lives. Instead, He took them. This is how it will be on the Day of the Rapture. Many imagine that a large multitude will be raptured, even those who live carelessly and take their salvation for granted. But Scripture teaches otherwise. Only a few will be taken — those who meet the criteria of walking with and pleasing God, just like Enoch did. “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”— Matthew 7:14, NKJV “Then one said to Him, ‘Lord, are there few who are saved?’ And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.'”— Luke 13:23–24, NKJV That’s why, shortly before Christ returns, the Bible shows us there will be two types of believers. Jesus compares them to ten virgins — five wise and five foolish. “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.”— Matthew 25:1–2, NKJV The wise virgins represent those who discern the signs of the times. Like Enoch, they prepare in advance, keeping their spiritual lamps full and ready. Their eyes are fixed on heaven. When the time comes, God will recognize their faith, devotion, and spiritual alertness — and they will be caught up, suddenly and without warning, hidden from the coming wrath and the great tribulation. On the other hand, the foolish virgins are those who claim to be waiting for the Lord, but their lives do not reflect it. They live divided lives — half for the world, half for God. To them, being saved and baptized is “enough” and there’s no need to pursue deeper knowledge of God or prepare for heaven. They treat the message of Christ’s return like an old fable. These are the ones who will be left behind. Jesus warned us about this division: “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.”— Matthew 24:40–41, NKJV Just like Elisha witnessed Elijah being taken, the lukewarm believers of our day will witness true Christians disappear before their eyes. The tears and cries will be real. They will realize they were close — attending the same church, praying together, singing together — yet unprepared. Can you imagine how it will feel to see your godly neighbor suddenly disappear, the one who denied themselves daily and lived uprightly? Or your friend at church who vanishes mid-service? Or your spouse, who refused to compromise with sin, vanishing one night as you sleep beside them? Think of the heartbreak when you realize your pastor — who warned you about immodest dressing, fornication, and worldliness — is gone. Then there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth for those who called themselves Christians but remained lukewarm. The saddest part is that those left behind will be many. The world won’t even be shaken. News reports will speak vaguely of a “few missing persons.” People will continue with life as usual, assuming they will eventually be found. Why? Because it will be only a few — not multitudes — just like in Enoch’s time. Only one man, Enoch, was taken among millions. Only one prophet, Elijah, was caught up among the multitudes of his time. So it shall be again: a very small remnant will be raptured from among the billions alive today. This is not the time to focus on what your uncle, your aunt, or your pastor is doing. It’s not the time to say, “But so-and-so is also a Christian, and they’re not living that seriously.” You are not them. They are not God. You cannot be sure they will be taken. The only assurance you can work on is your personal relationship with Christ. That’s why I’m urging you — as I also urge myself — to prepare now. The Rapture will not be a casual event. Do not be deceived by the large crowd of foolish virgins in the church today. Let us keep pressing on toward Christ. He will be with us until the day of our redemption. May you be greatly blessed. 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Shalom, beloved of God! Let’s explore a powerful truth from God’s Word. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:16: “Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise—why should you destroy yourself?” (NKJV) At first glance, this verse can be confusing. Isn’t righteousness a good thing? Doesn’t God call us to pursue holiness and wisdom? Why would Scripture warn us not to be too righteous or too wise? To understand this verse, we must look beyond surface meaning. Ecclesiastes is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Bible, written to help us live wisely and humbly in a broken world. Here, the writer—believed to be Solomon—is not saying we should avoid righteousness or wisdom. Instead, he is warning against self-righteousness and pride in human wisdom, which can lead to spiritual downfall. 1. The Danger of Self-Righteousness Being “overly righteous” in this context refers to self-righteousness—the attitude of someone who believes they are more moral, holy, or superior to others. This kind of righteousness isn’t grounded in God’s grace but in personal pride. It’s the kind of thinking that leads people to look down on others and boast in their own spiritual achievements. Jesus condemned this attitude in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector: “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector… The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector…”’”—Luke 18:9–14 (NIV) Jesus concluded by saying that the humble man—not the self-righteous one—went home justified before God. This shows us that true righteousness comes from humility and faith, not from exalting ourselves above others. 2. The Folly of Being “Overly Wise” The verse also warns us not to “be overly wise.” This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t seek godly wisdom—Proverbs is full of exhortations to do just that (Proverbs 4:7). But when a person becomes proud of their knowledge, thinking they are wiser than others—or even wiser than God’s Word—they become spiritually blind. Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 8:1: “…Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” And again in Romans 12:3: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” When we elevate ourselves through knowledge or spiritual gifts, we become blind to our need for grace and correction. In fact, those who think they know everything become unteachable, and that pride can lead to destruction (see Proverbs 16:18). 3. Examples from Scripture The Pharisees and Sadducees are classic examples. They had deep knowledge of the Scriptures and prided themselves on religious observance. Yet they were blind to the truth when Jesus, the very Messiah they were waiting for, stood before them. In their self-righteousness, they rejected Him and ultimately sought His death (John 5:39–40, Matthew 23:27–28). This is what Ecclesiastes 7:16 warns against—righteousness and wisdom that are disconnected from humility, love, and dependence on God. That path leads not to life, but to self-destruction. 4. Grace, Not Performance As believers, we are called to pursue righteousness—but not through self-effort or comparison with others. We are made righteous by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. “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.”—Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV) We are to walk humbly with God, remembering that everything we have—gifts, wisdom, holiness—comes from Him (see James 1:17, 1 Corinthians 4:7). 5. A Word of Caution and Hope If you’re a pastor, a prophet, a teacher, or someone who operates in spiritual gifts—such as healing, wisdom, or miracles—remember this truth: “Do not be overly righteous…” (Ecclesiastes 7:16) Stay humble. Do not let your spiritual maturity make you feel superior to others. Even your best works are the result of God’s mercy, not your own effort. “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags…”—Isaiah 64:6 (NIV) Boast only in the cross of Christ. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 1:31 6. An Invitation to Salvation If you have not yet received Jesus as Lord, this message is for you too. The world is heading toward sudden change and judgment. The Bible says God’s wrath will be poured out on those who reject His Son (Revelation 16). But now is the time of salvation! “Now is the day of salvation.”—2 Corinthians 6:2 No matter your past—whether it includes addiction, sexual sin, pornography, abortion, profanity, pride, vanity, or anything else—Jesus is ready to forgive you. But you must come to Him in repentance. Turn from sin. Ask for mercy. He will forgive you. “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”—John 6:37 Repent sincerely. Delete worldly music, indecent pictures, ungodly contacts, and throw out anything that leads you away from God. This is not legalism—it is true surrender. Then be baptized in water—in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)—and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you. He will give you power to live a new life, to overcome sin, and to grow in holiness. When you do this from the heart, you will be born again (John 3:3), and you will be ready when Christ returns. “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”—Revelation 19:9 4o
Shalom! Blessed be the name of the Lord. You are welcome as we continue learning the Word of God, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Today, let us be reminded of how God works so that we may not fall into murmuring when life does not go as we expected. The life of Joseph in the Bible carries one of the most powerful lessons of how God can lift someone from despair and suffering to a place of honor and destiny. 1. God’s Presence Does Not Depart in Hard Times One of the most important things to note from Joseph’s life is this: In every stage he passed through, the Lord was with him. God never abandoned him. When Joseph was in Potiphar’s house—even though he was a slave—everything he did prospered. Perhaps the livestock he managed grew healthier and multiplied more than others. Maybe the fields he oversaw yielded more crops. Everything Joseph touched succeeded. That caught Potiphar’s attention, and he made Joseph overseer of his entire household. Genesis 39:2–6 (NKJV): “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man…And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand…So he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.” 2. God Was with Joseph Even in Prison Even when Joseph was falsely accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison, God did not forsake him. The prison warden, just like Potiphar, noticed that something was different about Joseph. Order was restored. Peace came. Productivity increased. Eventually, the warden put him in charge of the other prisoners—and everything ran smoothly. Again, this was evidence that God’s presence brings favor, even in chains. 3. Misconceptions About Suffering Among Christians Many believers wrongly assume that trials and low-status jobs mean God has abandoned them. If you’re a maid, a street sweeper, or you run a small food stall—people may say you are cursed or lack the “spirit of prosperity.” That is a lie from Satan. Joseph was not cursed for being sold into slavery. He was a descendant of Abraham—the blessed one. His circumstances were not a sign of God’s absence but a path God had ordained. If you are saved and walking in obedience to God’s Word, then God is with you right there—even in that humble job. 4. God’s Blessing Can Be Upon What Others Own—for Your Sake Notice something else profound: God didn’t prosper Joseph’s own assets—because he didn’t have any. Instead, God blessed Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. Likewise, the prison was blessed because Joseph was there. Genesis 39:5 (NKJV): “So it was, from the time he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake…” Sometimes God places you in someone else’s field to bless that field for your sake, and in due time, He will transition you into your own inheritance. 5. God’s Timing Is Better Than Our Own When the appointed time came—God’s time, not man’s—Joseph was exalted. The famine that affected the whole world was used by God to position Joseph as a savior, not just for Egypt but for many nations, including his own family. Now imagine if Joseph had been released early from Potiphar’s house and given personal freedom—maybe a home, wealth, and land. When the famine came, he could have died along with others. He would have missed the divine timing of his elevation. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV): “He has made everything beautiful in its time…” 6. God is With You—Everywhere and Always No matter what trial you’re in—be it grief, poverty, false accusations, or bondage—God is still with you. His presence does not depend on your status. It depends on your faithfulness and your position in Him through Christ. Psalm 139:5–12 (NKJV): “You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me…Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there…Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me…Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day;The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” 7. Be Encouraged and Remain Faithful To you who have chosen to deny yourself, to forsake the world and follow Jesus Christ—He is with you always. That is His promise. Matthew 28:20 (NIV): “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Do not compare your life with others. Focus on God’s purpose. Be content and faithful in what He has entrusted to you now. He will elevate you in His time. Final Word of Encouragement Stay humble. Do not grumble. If your leader enjoys working with you and sees results because of you, rejoice! That is evidence that God is working through you—just like Joseph. Don’t rush to “break free” if God has not finished His purpose in that place. He may be using your presence there to bless others until your appointed time comes. Trust in His timing. 📖 Supporting Scriptures for Further Study: Genesis 39 (The story of Joseph in Potiphar’s house and prison) Psalm 105:17–22 (God sent Joseph ahead to preserve lives) Romans 8:28 (All things work together for good…) Isaiah 55:8–9 (God’s ways are higher than ours) God bless you.Keep trusting, keep obeying, and stay in the presence of the Lord.
It is astonishing how the gospel of Christ, our Lord, has in many ways been turned from a free gift into something bound by conditions. Some may argue that such restrictions are a sign of order or modern civilization, but biblically this was never Christ’s plan when He called His apostles. In fact, such restrictions hinder the advancement of the gospel. Today, let us reflect on this truth through Scripture. When the disciples encountered someone ministering in the name of Jesus without being part of their group, notice what Jesus told them: “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.”(Mark 9:38–40) The disciples were offended that this man was casting out demons, preaching Christ, and possibly even baptizing—yet he was not officially part of their circle. Instead of rejoicing that the name of Jesus was being glorified, they tried to silence him. Perhaps they even threatened him, warning him never to use the name of Jesus again without their approval. His only “fault” was that he did not follow them. Can you imagine the discouragement that man felt? The fire in his heart for the gospel was suddenly quenched. He may have continued preaching secretly, in fear that the apostles might see him again and oppose him. The very ones who should have been his first supporters became his first opponents. This same stumbling block remains in the church today. Many who desire to preach Christ—through sermons, books, or songs—are hindered by man-made restrictions. Some ministries claim ownership over certain teachings or music, requiring permission and even payment before others can share or use them. The gospel has been turned into a business, protected like a trademark rather than proclaimed as the free gift of God. Yet Scripture clearly teaches: “Freely you have received; freely give.”(Matthew 10:8) The message of Christ is not our property—it is His. Paul himself declared: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”(Romans 1:16) The gospel is God’s power for salvation, not a commodity to be marketed. If someone takes a Christian book or teaching and reprints it freely to bless others, why should that trouble us? If a song written for the glory of Christ is sung elsewhere without mentioning the composer’s name, should we be offended? If our true motive is the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, then we should rejoice when the seed we have sown multiplies—even if our own name is forgotten. Paul captures this beautifully when addressing those who preached Christ from different motives: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”(Philippians 1:18) Christ Himself never demanded permission slips for His name to be proclaimed. The man in Mark 9 did not seek Jesus’ approval before casting out demons, yet Jesus defended him. How then can we, who do not even see Christ physically, place restrictions on others who seek to advance His kingdom? Dear pastors, teachers, evangelists, gospel singers, and writers: do not become a stumbling block to the gospel. Do not hinder its free flow with unnecessary conditions. The message of salvation belongs to Christ, not to us. Let us remember Paul’s words: “We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”(2 Corinthians 4:5) The gospel is not about us—it is about Christ. May we labor not to protect our names or ministries, but to magnify the name of Jesus and see His kingdom expand without barriers. Shalom.
“Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”– Luke 21:26 (KJV) Why Will the Powers of Heaven Be Shaken? The Lord Jesus Christ, in His prophetic teaching about the end times, warned that terrifying and extraordinary signs would appear in the heavens just before the end of the world. These signs would be so unsettling that many would be gripped with fear, overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what is about to unfold. “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear…”– Luke 21:25-26 (KJV) We are already witnessing some of these signs in our times. For instance, on October 1st, 2016, an extraordinary event took place in Jerusalem, Israel. Multiple trumpet-like sounds were heard reverberating across the sky—strange, thunderous blasts that startled many. At the same moment, a large, ring-shaped cloud formation appeared, causing awe and fear among residents—not just in Israel but around the world. If you have not seen it, click here to watch some recorded footage on YouTube. This was not an isolated event. In recent years, similar phenomena have occurred globally—mysterious sounds, strange lights, unexplained appearances in the sky. Scientists have offered speculative explanations: some suggest aliens, others propose natural phenomena—but none can give satisfying answers. However, the Bible had already foretold all of this: “For the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”– Luke 21:26 These unusual manifestations are divine reminders that the end is drawing near. They are wake-up calls to humanity to repent and prepare for the second coming of Christ. The Trumpet Sound Is a Warning “Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid?…”– Amos 3:6 The strange trumpet sounds in the skies could well be symbolic of the final trumpet that will sound when Christ returns. On that day, the dead in Christ will rise first, and the faithful who are still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is the Rapture—the gathering of the saints to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven (Revelation 19:7-9). The Great Tribulation Will Follow While the saints will be with Christ in glory, great tribulation will break out on the earth. This is why the current message of the gospel is shifting—it is no longer just a call to come to Christ for the first time, but a call to those already walking with Him to stay pure, alert, and ready. “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”– Revelation 22:11 We are in the harvest season. The wheat (true believers) and the tares (false ones) have already begun to separate. There is no more time left for guessing or trying to discern who is who—the time to repent is now. What Must You Do? Dear friend, if you are still living in sin or sitting on the fence spiritually, it’s time to take a bold step. The world is filled with unrest and confusion, and if you continue on this path, you may either die in sin or miss the Rapture altogether. If you are ready to give your life to Christ, right now, wherever you are, find a quiet place, kneel, and pray. Confess your sins sincerely to God. Ask Him to forgive you, and make a commitment to turn away from all sin. Tell Him that you want to live according to His will from today onward. If you do this with genuine faith and repentance, you are forgiven. The peace of God will flood your heart—this is the inward witness of forgiveness (Romans 5:1). “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”– Acts 2:38 What’s Next? If you have not yet been baptized, look for a Bible-believing church that baptizes by full immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ. This is the biblical pattern and an essential part of your salvation (Mark 16:16). After this, the Lord will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will empower you to live a holy life and give you deeper understanding of Scripture. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things…”– John 14:26 Final Words Let these signs from heaven not just fascinate or frighten you—but let them awaken you spiritually. Jesus is coming soon. Be among those who are ready. Maranatha – Our Lord is coming! If you’d like to join our WhatsApp channel and grow in the Word of God, click here >> [WHATSAPP]
Question: Why does the Bible say in one place that a person born of God doesn’t sin (1 John 3:9), yet in another place it says that if we claim we don’t have sin, we’re deceiving ourselves (1 John 1:8)? Which of these statements is correct? Answer:To understand this, we need to look more closely at the context of the verses, their theological implications, and the broader message of the Bible on sin and the new birth. 1. 1 John 3:9 – “Whoever Is Born of God Does Not Sin” 1 John 3:9 (NKJV):“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” This verse highlights the transformative power of the new birth. When a person is truly born again, their nature is changed. The “seed” of God—His divine nature—takes residence within them. This new nature does not sin, and as a result, those born of God are no longer slaves to sin. This doesn’t mean that Christians are perfect or incapable of sinning, but rather that their relationship with sin is fundamentally altered. Theologically, this is tied to the doctrine of regeneration, the act by which God imparts new spiritual life to a believer (Titus 3:5). Theological Explanation:Regeneration is an act of God that brings about a new nature, and as a result, Christians are empowered to resist sin. The apostle Paul teaches this in Romans 6:6, stating: “We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” While Christians may still fall into sin, their new identity in Christ should lead them to turn away from it and not to live in it habitually. 2. 1 John 1:8-10 – “If We Say We Have No Sin, We Deceive Ourselves” 1 John 1:8-10 (NIV):“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” Here, John emphasizes the reality of sin in the life of believers. He warns against denying sin, as this would be self-deception. Theologically, John is addressing those who may claim to have reached a state of sinlessness. This is a false claim because all people, even Christians, continue to struggle with sin (1 John 1:10). The Christian life involves an ongoing process of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness but still face temptations and sins. Theological Explanation:John is teaching about the importance of confession and repentance. Sanctification is the process by which a believer grows in grace and becomes more like Christ, but this process is not completed until glorification (Romans 8:29-30). Therefore, Christians will never reach a point in this life where they are sinless, but they should continually strive to live in holiness (Hebrews 12:14). The act of confessing sin acknowledges that we are still in need of God’s grace. 3. Understanding the Tension: At first glance, these two passages might seem contradictory. However, when understood properly, they are complementary. 1 John 3:9 speaks of the new nature of a person who is truly born of God. This new nature does not willfully sin, and it has the power to overcome the desires of the flesh. However, 1 John 1:8-10 acknowledges the reality that Christians will still sin and must confess their sins to maintain fellowship with God. Key Theological Points: Justification (Romans 5:1) is the declaration that a person is made right with God through faith in Christ. This is a one-time event that cannot be undone. Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3) is the ongoing process where a believer becomes more like Christ, growing in holiness. Regeneration (Titus 3:5) is the new birth, where a person is given a new nature and empowered to resist sin. 4. Practical Implications: A person who is genuinely born again is not in bondage to sin. They may fall into sin occasionally, but their response is different from someone who is not born of God. A true believer feels conviction and desires to confess and repent of their sins, seeking to live in alignment with God’s will (Romans 7:15-25). On the other hand, someone who claims to be born again but continues to live in unrepentant sin may be deceiving themselves and has not truly experienced the new birth (James 2:14-26). Conclusion: The two passages (1 John 1:8-10 and 1 John 3:9) are not contradictory but are addressing different aspects of the Christian life. While believers still struggle with sin, the new birth transforms their relationship with sin. A true believer, born of God, does not habitually sin because God’s seed remains in them, and they cannot continue to live in sin. However, as they walk through life, they still need to confess and repent when they fall into sin, recognizing that they are in need of God’s grace every day. Final Verse to Consider:Romans 8:1 (NIV): “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”This is the assurance every believer has—while they may still sin, they are no longer condemned because of the work of Christ.
Deuteronomy 22:8 (NKJV):“When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your household if anyone falls from it.” In the Old Testament, God gave very practical and spiritual instructions to the Israelites — including this command to build a safety barrier around their rooftops. Why? Because many homes had flat roofs where people would gather, and without a parapet (a protective wall), someone could fall and die. In such a case, God would hold the owner of the house accountable for the bloodshed. But what does this have to do with us as New Testament believers? 1. Your Life Is Like a House Under Construction Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-27 that whoever hears His words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rains came, the winds blew, but the house stood firm. In contrast, a foolish man builds on sand — and his house collapses. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” – Matthew 7:24 This shows us that our spiritual life is like building a house. The foundation is salvation — faith in Jesus Christ. If you begin well, by laying the right foundation (Christ), you are on the path to stability and eternal life. But Jesus doesn’t stop at just the foundation. A house must be completed. That includes walls, a roof, and even the parapets — the finishing safety measures. 2. Don’t Just Build — Finish Wisely The Scripture in Deuteronomy tells us not to stop at laying a foundation or even putting up walls and a roof. God commanded the Israelites to complete their houses safely — with boundaries. Spiritually, this means that: It’s not enough to be saved. You must also set boundaries in your life to protect yourself and others. When a believer fails to live carefully, they not only put themselves in danger but can cause others to stumble. 3. Parapets Represent Boundaries in the Christian Life These protective “walls” or parapets symbolize boundaries of holiness and wisdom in our lives: How we dress Where we go How we speak What we listen to What we watch Who we associate with Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:9:“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” And again in Romans 14:13:“…but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” Just as a lack of parapet might cause someone to fall off the roof, our lack of spiritual boundaries can cause others to fall into sin. 4. We Are Being Watched Whether we like it or not, unbelievers — and even new believers — are watching us. Paul reminds us: “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men.” – 2 Corinthians 3:2 Your life preaches louder than your words. So if someone sees you: Dressing immodestly and yet claiming to be saved Listening to ungodly music and then leading worship Gambling, drinking, using vulgar language — yet testifying of Christ They may say, “If that is Christianity, I don’t want it.” You may become the reason they reject Christ. Jesus issued a serious warning: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6 5. Build Your Life with Fear and Wisdom Let us take care how we live. Our Christian walk is not just about avoiding hell for ourselves, but also about leading others safely into the Kingdom of God. That means: Set personal boundaries. Watch your testimony. Be consistent in word and deed. Live with integrity. Don’t become a reason for others to mock or stumble. 6. Conclusion: Don’t Neglect the Final Stage of Your Building Starting well is not enough — you must finish well. Many start the Christian walk, but not all endure. Paul said: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27 Finish your house. Build the parapet. Be careful. Protect others through your conduct. Let your salvation not only be the foundation of your life but also the boundary that safeguards others around you. PRAYER:Lord Jesus, help me not only to begin the race of salvation but to run it faithfully to the end. Give me grace to live wisely, to walk in holiness, and to never be a stumbling block to others. Let my life bring glory to You. Amen. SHARE this message with others.Join our teaching channel on WhatsApp >> [Insert link here]