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Is Jesus God or a Prophet?

The Bible clearly shows that Jesus is both God and a Prophet. This might seem confusing at first, but consider this analogy: A country’s leader can be the President to the people, but to his family, he is a father or mother. One person can have multiple roles depending on the context. Similarly, Jesus holds multiple divine roles.

Jesus as God:
When Christ is in heaven, He is fully God eternal, sovereign, and divine. Scripture declares this in many places, affirming His deity. For example,

Titus 2:13 (NIV) says:
“while we wait for the blessed hope the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”


This verse directly calls Jesus “our great God and Savior,” affirming His divine nature.

John 1:1 (NIV) also states:


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”


The “Word” here refers to Jesus, showing His eternal existence and deity.

Jesus as Prophet:
On earth, Jesus was the promised Prophet foretold in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 18:15 (NIV) says:


“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to him.”


Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by teaching God’s truth, performing miracles, and revealing God’s will.

Luke 24:19 (NIV) records:


“The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.”

 

Jesus as Son of God:
Jesus also revealed Himself as the Son of God, the unique and eternal Son who shares the Father’s divine nature.

In Matthew 16:15-17 (NIV), Jesus asks His disciples:


“Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answers,
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”


Jesus blesses Peter for this revelation, showing that this truth was revealed by God the Father.

Jesus as Savior and the Only Way to Heaven:
Jesus is not only God and Prophet but also our Savior. He came to save humanity from sin and death.

John 14:6 (NIV) says:


“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”


This confirms that salvation and access to God are possible only through Jesus.Jesus is fully God, fully man, the Prophet who reveals God’s word, the Son of God who reveals God’s nature, and the Savior who provides the only path to eternal life. No one can reach heaven except through faith in Him.

Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, why wait?

May God bless you richly

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What does “Kalibu” mean? (Matthew 6:30, ESV)

Matthew 6:30 (ESV) says: “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

The word “kalibu” refers to a fiery oven a place used for burning dried grass, trash, or refuse. In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, after cleaning fields or homes, cut grass or waste was gathered and burned in such ovens to prevent pestilence and clear the land.

Jesus uses this vivid image to contrast the temporary nature of earthly things with the eternal care God provides. The “grass of the field” represents beauty and life that is transient alive today but destined for destruction tomorrow.

Theologically, this passage emphasizes God’s providence and care for His creation. If God so magnificently clothes something as seemingly insignificant as grass which is here only for a short time He will certainly provide for human beings, who are made in His image (Genesis 1:27) and hold eternal value.

This connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty and faithful provision (Philippians 4:19). Jesus challenges His followers to live by faith, trusting that God knows their needs and will supply them, especially when they seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Luke 12:29-32 (ESV) expands this teaching:
“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world

after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Here, Jesus encourages believers not to be anxious about daily needs, but to place their trust in God’s good will and provision. The phrase “little flock” reminds us that God’s kingdom people may be few but are dearly loved and cared for by God.

In summary:

  • Kalibu = fiery oven used for burning grass and refuse, symbolizing the temporary nature of earthly things.

  • God’s care for creation is visible even in the brief life of grass, highlighting His power and love for humanity.

  • Believers are called to prioritize God’s kingdom above material concerns, trusting that God will provide all they need.

  • This teaches faith, hope, and dependence on God’s promises, which are sure and trustworthy.

Maranatha! — “Come, Lord”

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humble oneself, and what is a humble person like?

Question: What does it mean to humble oneself, and what is a humble person like?

Answer: To humble oneself means “to bring down” one’s pride or status. A person who has humbled themselves is said to be “brought low.” Biblically, humility is the act of recognizing one’s true position before God, not exalting oneself but instead submitting in reverence and dependence.

The Bible clearly teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This theme is central in Scripture, showing that those who elevate themselves will be brought low, while those who lower themselves in humility will be lifted up by God.

Matthew 23:11-12 (NIV):

“The greatest among you will be your servant.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

This passage is part of Jesus’ teaching on true greatness in the kingdom of God where greatness is defined by servant leadership rather than prideful authority.

Job 40:11 (NIV):

“Let your anger fall on the proud and bring the wicked to their knees.”

Here, God challenges Job, emphasizing that the proud and wicked face God’s judgment and humbling hand.

Psalm 75:7 (NIV):

“It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”

This verse highlights God’s sovereign authority to raise or humble individuals according to His divine wisdom and justice.

For additional insight, consider:Psalm 107:39 (NIV): “Then he humbled their hearts with hardship; they fell down, and there was no one to help.”This shows how God may allow difficulties to humble the proud.Philippians 4:12 (NIV): “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…”Paul here expresses humility and contentment regardless of circumstances.

Therefore, we are called to humble ourselves before God and others, trusting that He will exalt us in His perfect timing. God resists the proud but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6).

Luke 18:9-14 (NIV):

“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
‘Two men went up to 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.
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”’

This parable illustrates the difference between self-righteous pride and humble repentance before God. True justification comes from humility and recognition of one’s need for God’s mercy.

Be blessed.

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What Are the Modern Cities of Tyre and Sidon?

Answer: Tyre and Sidon are ancient cities located in what is now the Republic of Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Remarkably, unlike many ancient nations whose names and boundaries have changed, Lebanon has retained its biblical name throughout history.

In biblical times, Tyre and Sidon were prominent Phoenician port cities, renowned for their wealth, trade, and influence. They were centers of commerce but also steeped in idolatry and immorality. Tyre, in particular, was known for its pride and luxurious lifestyle (Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 27–28).

Today, Lebanon’s four major cities are Beirut (the capital), Tripoli, Sidon, and Tyre. Sidon is the larger of the two ancient cities, and both lie in the southern region of Lebanon, near the border with northern Israel. Interestingly, Tarshish, the destination to which Jonah attempted to flee from God’s calling (Jonah 1:3), is often associated with Phoenician trade routes that may have included ports like Tyre.

Historical and Theological Significance of Tyre and Sidon

1. Judgment and Prophecy

Jesus Himself referenced Tyre and Sidon to condemn the unrepentant cities of His own time:

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Matthew 11:21 (ESV)

This reveals that despite Tyre and Sidon’s moral failures, Jesus recognized the hardness of heart in Israel’s cities as even worse. It underscores the idea that greater revelation brings greater accountability.

2. Divine Judgment Pronounced

The Old Testament contains detailed prophecies of God’s judgment against Tyre and Sidon for their pride and opposition to Israel. One of the most detailed is found in Ezekiel 26–28, where God declares:

Because Tyre said concerning Jerusalem, ‘Aha, the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste,’ therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre…

 Ezekiel 26:2–3 (ESV)

The prophecy even foretells the city’s eventual destruction and ruin — a fate historically fulfilled by the conquest of Alexander the Great, who built a causeway to besiege and conquer the island fortress of Tyre in 332 BC.

3. Spiritual Symbolism of Tyre’s King

One of the most profound passages concerning Tyre appears in Ezekiel 28, where the “king of Tyre” is portrayed in language that goes far beyond any earthly ruler. Bible scholars interpret this passage as a dual reference — both to the human king of Tyre and to Satan, the spiritual power behind him:

“You were in Eden, the garden of God…

You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God…

You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you.

Ezekiel 28:13–15 (ESV)

This reveals that behind the visible structures of worldly kingdoms lies a deeper spiritual conflict. The king’s arrogance mirrors Satan’s pride — the very pride that led to his fall (cf. Isaiah 14:12–15; Luke 10:18).

4. Satan: The God of This World

The New Testament affirms Satan’s influence over worldly systems:

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ…

2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

Thus, Tyre becomes not only a symbol of pride and judgment but also a portrait of Satan’s influence in corrupting nations and opposing God’s kingdom.

5. End Times Prophecy and Lebanon’s Role

In the eschatological visions of Ezekiel 38–39, nations from the north (like Gog, Magog, and allies) form a coalition to attack Israel. While Lebanon is not named explicitly, some theologians believe modern geopolitical alignments, including Lebanon’s enmity with Israel and its alliances (e.g., with powers like Russia or Iran), may place it within this prophetic framework.

You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north… You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land.

Ezekiel 38:15–16 (ESV)

Yet, God’s intervention in these end-times events highlights His sovereign protection over Israel.

Conclusion: A Call to Reflect and Respond

Tyre and Sidon are more than ancient ruins — they are warnings and symbols. They teach us about the dangers of pride, the seduction of wealth, and the reality of spiritual warfare. They also point us to the urgency of repentance.

The question remains:

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

The signs of the times are clear. We are living in the final days, and Christ is at the door.

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Matthew 24:44 (ESV)

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

 

 

 

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Are the names Eve and Hawa the same?

Question: In Genesis 3:20 and Genesis 4:1, Adam’s wife is called Hawa. However, I have often heard that Adam’s wife is also called Eve. Are the names Eve and Hawa the same?

Answer: Yes, Eve and Hawa refer to the same person, but the names come from two different languages—just as “Jesus” and “Yesu” are the same name rendered in English and Swahili, respectively.

Likewise, “Eve” is the English form of the name, while “Hawa” is its Swahili equivalent.

So why do the translations appear different, from Eve to Hawa, and not just translated as “Eva” in Swahili? Why is it not a direct phonetic translation but instead a different name?

The reason lies in how Swahili adapts certain letters in names and words. Often, the letter “V” in English names is rendered as “W” in Swahili. For example, the name “Levi” becomes “Lawi,” and “Nineveh,” the ancient city, is “Ninawi” in Swahili.

Therefore, even “Eva” must be adapted to “Hawa” in Swahili, following this pattern of letter substitution.

This is similar to how names starting with “J” in English often start with “Y” in Swahili:
Jesus → Yesu
Jonah → Yona
Joshua → Yoshua
Jezebel → Yezebeli

In the same way, names containing the letter “V” transform into “W” when translated into Swahili.

In conclusion, whether you say Hawa or Eve, both names correctly refer to the same person—Adam’s wife, the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20, ESV).

Theological reflection:
Eve (Hawa) holds a foundational place in the biblical narrative as the first woman, created by God as a suitable helper for Adam (Genesis 2:18, ESV). Her name, meaning “life” or “living,” reflects her role as the mother of all humanity (Genesis 3:20). The subtle differences in her name’s pronunciation and spelling across languages remind us of the richness and diversity of God’s Word as it reaches all nations and tongues.

Moreover, Eve’s story is not just about origins but also about grace and redemption. Though she and Adam fell into sin, God’s promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15) sets the stage for Christ’s victory over sin and death, connecting the very beginning of humanity’s story to its ultimate restoration through Jesus Christ.

Have you accepted Jesus? Have you been baptized? Have you received the Holy Spirit? If not, why wait? These are the last days, and Christ stands at the door ready to return.

Maranatha! (The Lord is coming!)

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What Does It Mean to Have Clean Hands? (1 Timothy 2:8)

Question: In 1 Timothy 2:8, the Apostle Paul exhorts men to pray “lifting up holy hands.” But what does it truly mean to have “holy” or clean hands in the eyes of God?

Answer:

Let’s begin with the passage itself:

1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV):
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

Paul’s emphasis here is not just on the physical act of lifting hands, but on the moral and spiritual state of the one praying. In Jewish tradition and early Christian practice, lifting hands was a common posture for prayer (see Psalm 134:2). But Paul highlights that prayer must be offered from a life of integrity—not from hearts filled with sin, anger, or division.

What Are “Clean” or “Holy” Hands?

The phrase “holy hands” is a metaphor. It signifies a life that is set apart, righteous, and purified from sin. To have holy hands is to be spiritually clean, not just outwardly pious.

The prophet Isaiah offers clarity:

Isaiah 1:15–17 (ESV):
“When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers, I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;cease to do evil,learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

In this passage, God rebukes the people for outwardly religious actions (like raising hands in prayer) while living unjust and sinful lives. Their hands are “full of blood,” meaning they are guilty of violence, injustice, and neglect of the vulnerable. Despite their prayers, God refuses to hear them because their lives contradict their worship.

Similarly, Psalm 24:3–4 connects clean hands with a pure heart:

Psalm 24:3–4 (ESV):
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?And who shall stand in his holy place?He who has clean hands and a pure heart,who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not sweat,deceitfully. Clean hands are not merely symbolic they reflect a life of truth, purity, and sincere devotion to God.

Biblical Examples of Clean and Unclean Hands

Cain vs. Abel (Genesis 4):
God accepted Abel’s offering because it came from a righteous heart, but rejected Cain’s offering, not because of the gift itself, but because of Cain’s sinful attitude and actions. God told Cain:

“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door…” (Genesis 4:7, ESV)

David’s Repentance (Psalm 51):
After his sin with Bathsheba, David understood that true worship must come from a contrite and cleansed heart.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, ESV)

The Call to Personal Holiness

Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy is part of a broader New Testament call to live holy lives, especially when approaching God in prayer or worship.

James 4:8 (ESV):
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

This is not merely about ritual purification but about sincere repentance and alignment with God’s will.

Hebrews 10:22 (ESV):
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

How Do We Attain Clean Hands?

Repentance: True cleansing begins with heartfelt repentance.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Faith in Christ: Only through Jesus can our hearts and hands be truly cleansed.

“…The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7, ESV)

Baptism: Obedience through baptism signifies the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life.

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (Acts 2:38, ESV)

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16, ESV)

Sanctification by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit works in the believer to purify and lead into all truth.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” (John 16:13, ESV)

Lifting up holy hands is not merely a posture of prayer—it is a reflection of a pure life. God desires worshipers who come to Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). Let us strive to offer God not just words or gestures, but lives that are holy, righteous, and surrendered to Him.

Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? He is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through [Him]” (John 14:6, ESV). If not, today is the day to repent, believe, and be baptized. Only through Christ can our hands—and our hearts—be made truly clean.

Please share this message with others

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Christo or Kristu – Which One is Correct?

 

Christo or Kristu – Which One is Correct?

Answer:
The term Christo comes from the Greek word Khristós (Χριστός), meaning “Anointed One.” When translated into Swahili directly from Greek—the original language of the New Testament—it is pronounced Kristo.

In contrast, the Latin form of the word is Christus, which, when adapted into Swahili, becomes Kristu.

So which is correct?

From a biblical and linguistic standpoint, Kristo is more faithful to the original Greek text of the New Testament. The Greek manuscripts of the Bible consistently use the term Χριστός (Christos) to refer to Jesus as the Messiah. For example:

John 1:41

“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ).”

This verse explicitly shows the equivalence between Messiah (Hebrew: מָשִׁיחַ, Mashiach) and Christ (Greek: Christos). Both mean “The Anointed One.”

However, using Kristu—the Latin-derived version—is not inherently wrong. Latin was the dominant liturgical language in the Western Church for centuries. The Latin Vulgate Bible, translated by Jerome in the late 4th century, uses Christus, which shaped much of Christian terminology throughout Europe and Africa. What matters most is not the pronunciation but the person to whom the name refers—Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Redeemer.

Whether one says Kristo or Kristu, both point to the same divine figure—Jesus, the Son of God—who was anointed to fulfill God’s redemptive plan:

Act 2:36

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

John 20:31

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

The key theological truth is that Christ is not a surname—it is a title. To say Jesus Christ is to declare that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah prophesied throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament: 

Luke 4:18 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”

This passage is significant because Jesus applies a Messianic prophecy directly to Himself, affirming His divine calling and mission.

In summary, while Kristo is more linguistically accurate based on the original Greek, Kristu remains theologically valid. What matters most is understanding and believing in the person and work of Jesus—the one true Christ, the Anointed Savior of the world:   

1 Timothy 2:5

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

May the Lord bless you.

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What is Jerusalem?

Jerusalem is a Hebrew word meaning “City of Peace” or “Foundation of Peace.”

Before this city earned the honor and reputation we recognize today, it was originally a city inhabited by the Canaanites, known as the Jebusites, during a time when the Israelites had not yet claimed their land.

When the children of Israel conquered the land of Canaan, the region where Jerusalem was located was assigned to the tribe of Judah. However, the Jebusites were not immediately expelled from the city, and Jerusalem remained under their control for a time.

It was only later, when King David captured the city and drove out the Jebusites, that Jerusalem became known as “The City of David” (2 Samuel 5:6-10). David then brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making the city the religious and spiritual center of Israel (2 Samuel 6:1-19). He also intended to build a temple for God there, but because of the bloodshed during his reign, God did not permit him to build it. Instead, his son Solomon built the temple (1 Kings 5-8), and from that point on, all the tribes of Israel recognized Jerusalem as the focal point of worship.

God blessed Jerusalem, setting it apart as His holy city above all others, where His name would be glorified and known among all nations.

Jerusalem in Future Prophecy

Though Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, it is prophesied to be the place where our King Jesus Christ will reign over all the earth for a thousand years—His millennial kingdom—as the King of kings and Lord of lords when He returns (Revelation 20:4-6).

The New Jerusalem – The Heavenly City

The Bible also reveals the existence of a New Jerusalem—a heavenly city that God has prepared for His people. This New Jerusalem:

  • Will descend from heaven, coming directly from God, beautifully prepared like a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2).

  • Will be a place where nothing impure or weak will enter—only those who are sanctified, the bride of Christ, will dwell there (Revelation 21:27).

  • The degree of faithfulness and service one shows on earth will determine their place in the eternal kingdom; not all believers will have the same status, though all will be holy (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

  • This city will be God’s eternal dwelling with His people, where sorrow, pain, death, and tears will be wiped away, and all things will be made new (Revelation 21:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Abraham’s Vision of the City of God

Abraham, the father of faith, lived as a sojourner on earth despite his wealth, because his eyes were fixed on a better city—one with eternal foundations, designed and built by God Himself (Hebrews 11:9-10).

Reflect on These Scriptures:

Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband… And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore… Behold, I am making all things new.’”

The passage continues with a warning about the eternal destiny of those who reject God’s salvation.

Final Question

Will you have a place in that holy city?

Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)

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What Kind of Person Is One Who Guards His Virgin Daughter? (1 Corinthians 7:36)

Question:
In 1 Corinthians 7:36, the Apostle Paul teaches that if a man sees that he is not treating his virgin daughter properly, he should allow her to marry. What exactly does this mean? What is the overall message of this passage?

Answer:
To understand this well, let’s look at the passage starting a bit earlier, from verse 34:

“There is a difference, however, between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit. But she who is married cares about worldly things, how to please her husband. This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.”
(1 Corinthians 7:34-31, ESV)

Paul is giving pastoral advice about marriage and singleness. He encourages believers that while marriage is honorable and not sinful, singleness allows for undivided devotion to God’s work without the worldly distractions that marriage can bring.

Paul is not issuing a command that everyone must remain unmarried but rather presenting a practical wisdom: singleness can be a spiritual advantage for those called to serve the Lord fully (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).

He then addresses parents, particularly fathers, who have virgin daughters at home. The Apostle advises that if the father wishes for his daughters to remain single to serve the Lord without distraction—and if he himself can control his own desires (i.e., he is not pressuring them to marry for worldly reasons)—this is commendable and spiritually beneficial.

“But if anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth, and if he is giving her in marriage, he does well. Let him who gives his virgin in marriage do so with the consent of the virgin, and let him not be at peace with himself who has no such practice.”
(1 Corinthians 7:36-38, ESV, paraphrased)

This passage teaches us that:

  • Parents, especially fathers, may encourage their daughters to remain unmarried to serve God wholeheartedly if that is the calling and if they are able to master their own desires.

  • However, if the father perceives that he is not treating his daughter well by holding her back from marriage—perhaps because she has passed the age of youthful innocence or she desires to marry—he should not force her to remain single but should allow her to marry without guilt. Doing so is not sinful.

  • The emphasis here is on loving leadership and spiritual wisdom, not legalistic control.

Theological Insights:

Paul’s teaching is grounded in the understanding that marriage and singleness are both gifts from God, each with its own purpose in the economy of God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 7:7). Singleness, when chosen or maintained by God’s grace, is a calling to undistracted devotion to Christ (cf. Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Marriage, likewise, is honorable and serves God’s purposes in companionship, procreation, and mutual sanctification (Ephesians 5:22-33).

Paul’s counsel about virgin daughters reflects the cultural context of his time, where family honor and parental authority were significant. However, the spiritual principle transcends culture: believers are called to discern God’s will for their lives, whether in marriage or singleness, and to respect individual freedom and God’s leading.

The “man who guards his virgin daughter” is thus one who lovingly shepherds her spiritual well-being, guiding her to live a holy life in body and spirit (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), while also respecting her personal calling and readiness for marriage. If she is ready and willing, the father’s love will release her to marry without guilt or shame.

Practical Application:

  • For parents: Encourage your children’s spiritual growth and respect their God-given calling, whether that leads to marriage or singleness.

  • For young believers: Seek God’s will earnestly for your life’s path, and live in holiness and devotion to Him, regardless of marital status.

  • For the church community: Support both married and single believers, recognizing the diversity of gifts and callings within the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).

Conclusion:

Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 7:36 is a balanced and compassionate approach to the tension between parental responsibility, individual freedom, and spiritual calling. The father who “guards his virgin daughter” well is one who, empowered by the Spirit, lovingly guides her toward a life of holiness, whether that means remaining single to serve the Lord or entering into a godly marriage.

May the Lord bless you richly as you seek to live wisely according to His Word.

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Jesus Taught in Parables: What Do They Really Mean?

In Matthew 13:34

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.”

Matthew 13:35 goes on to say, *”

So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.'”

Jesus frequently taught using parables. But what exactly is the significance of these parables, and why did He use them? A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth. Theologically, parables serve to make the mysteries of the Kingdom of God more accessible to those willing to learn, while also concealing these truths from those who are unwilling to seek them (Matthew 13:11).

Jesus used parables to describe the Kingdom of God, the heart of His message. Most of His teachings were communicated through parables, showing their central role in His ministry. They are not just stories but vehicles for profound theological teaching that unveils divine truth in layers.

Parables as Revelations of the Kingdom of God

Parables reveal the nature of God’s Kingdom. In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds, illustrating the coexistence of good and evil in this world until the final judgment. This parable emphasizes that God’s judgment will come at the end of time, separating the righteous from the wicked. Jesus also explains in Matthew 13:31-32, using the parable of the mustard seed, that the Kingdom of God starts small but grows into something expansive and mighty, much like a mustard seed grows into a large tree.

In Matthew 13:34-35,it’s made clear that Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill the prophecy of

Psalm 78:2:

“I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world

.” This verse speaks to how Jesus’ parables were not merely creative storytelling but were divine revelations that pointed to mysteries hidden throughout history—truths about God’s Kingdom that were revealed only through Jesus, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Parables as Spiritual Testing

In Matthew 13:10-17, the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke to the crowds in parables. He responded that He used parables both to reveal and to conceal. To those whose hearts were open and seeking, the parables clarified the truths of the Kingdom of God. But for those who were hardened, like the religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees) and those with hardened hearts, the parables concealed deeper truths from them.

Jesus quoted Isaiah 6:9-10, saying,

“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

This refers to how the Gospel of Jesus, although plainly offered, would be rejected by many. Theologically, this demonstrates the concept of divine revelation, where spiritual truths are made clear only to those whom God has chosen to reveal them (Matthew 11:25-27). It reflects God’s sovereignty in revealing His will.

Example of the Parable of Unforgiveness

Consider the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus uses the story of a servant who owes his master a massive debt (10,000 talents) and is forgiven by the master, but refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a small amount (100 denarii). This parable highlights the divine principle of forgiveness. Theologically, it shows that God forgives the immense debt of sin that we owe to Him (Matthew 6:12, Luke 7:47), and as recipients of this grace, we are expected to forgive others (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13). The unforgiving servant’s fate serves as a stark warning: those who do not forgive will face judgment (Matthew 18:35).

Parables and the Hidden Mysteries of the Kingdom

The parables Jesus told were not simply moral lessons; they were revelations of God’s mysterious plan of salvation. For example, in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9), Jesus illustrates how the message of the Gospel is received differently by various people. Some hear the Word but reject it immediately (the hard ground), some receive it with joy but fall away in times of trouble (the rocky ground), and some are distracted by worldly cares and wealth (the thorny ground). Only those who hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit are likened to good soil. This teaches the theological principle of the different responses to God’s Word and the necessity of true discipleship.

The Purpose of Parables: Revealing and Concealing Truth

Jesus used parables for two main purposes:

  1. To Reveal Truth: Parables reveal deep spiritual truths about God’s Kingdom to those with a heart to understand. To those who were open, the parables provided clear insights into God’s will. For example, the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7) demonstrates God’s love for the lost and His desire to seek and save sinners, illustrating the heart of God’s mission through Jesus.

  2. To Conceal Truth from the Hardened Heart: To those whose hearts were closed, such as the religious leaders who rejected Jesus, parables served as a form of judgment. They concealed truths because the listeners’ hearts were not open to God’s revelation.

As Matthew 13:12 states,

“Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

This speaks to the idea that those who are open to God’s teachings will receive more, but those who reject Him will find themselves further alienated.

The Parable Method Continues Today

Even today, Jesus continues to teach through His Holy Spirit, and He still uses parables to reveal God’s will to those who are truly seeking Him. If a person has a genuine desire to know God, He will teach them through both the written Word and real-life examples, helping them understand His will more clearly. However, if a person is not open to hearing the truth, they will remain in darkness, unable to grasp the deeper meaning of the Scriptures. Jesus’ teachings are not for intellectual curiosity but for those who seek spiritual understanding and relationship with God (John 14:6, John 16:13).

Conclusion

Parables are a divine method of teaching that simultaneously reveal and conceal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. They help us understand spiritual truths through simple stories while also challenging us to examine our hearts. As believers, we must approach the teachings of Jesus with a humble, seeking heart, ready to understand His truth. If we do, we will receive the full revelation of God’s will, leading us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Let us pray for a sincere desire to know God, as He reveals Himself only to those who seek Him in truth. The Bible is not meant to be understood by everyone, but by those who earnestly seek God, the “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3).

Shalom.

 

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