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Do the accounts in 1 Chronicles 21:25 and 2 Samuel 24:24 contradict each other regarding the amount King David paid for Araunah’s land?

Was it 50 shekels or 600 shekels? Does this mean the Bible contradicts itself?

Answer:
Let’s read the two verses in question:

2 Samuel 24:24 
“But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.”

1 Chronicles 21:25 
“So David paid Araunah six hundred shekels of gold for the site.”

At first glance, this seems like a contradiction. But when we look more closely, we see that both accounts are correct—they’re just describing different parts of the same event.

In 2 Samuel, the focus is on the immediate purchase of the threshing floor and the oxen used for sacrifice. That smaller portion cost 50 shekels of silver. David urgently needed this to build an altar and offer sacrifices to the Lord to stop the plague that had struck Israel because of his sin in taking a census (see 2 Samuel 24:10–15).

In contrast, 1 Chronicles 21 speaks of the entire site—a larger area that would later become the location for Solomon’s Temple. David paid 600 shekels of gold for the whole property. This larger purchase likely happened after the immediate crisis, ensuring that the place would belong fully to the Lord for future use in worship.

This passage shows David’s heart for genuine worship. He said, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). This reveals a key principle of true worship: it must come with personal cost and sincere devotion.

Additionally, by securing the entire site (as recorded in 1 Chronicles), David was not just solving a temporary problem but also laying the foundation for the future temple, where generations would come to seek God. This reflects a long-term, covenantal perspective—worship isn’t just about the moment, but about building a lasting place for God’s presence among His people.

The fact that two writers (Samuel and the Chronicler) highlight different costs only enriches our understanding. One emphasizes the sacrificial heart in the moment; the other emphasizes the permanent dedication of sacred space to God.

There is no contradiction. David paid 50 shekels of silver for the threshing floor and oxen (2 Samuel 24:24), and later 600 shekels of gold for the entire site (1 Chronicles 21:25). Each verse simply highlights a different part of the transaction.

This teaches us that in worship, God deserves our best—both in the immediate and in the long-term. True sacrifice costs us something, and honoring God sometimes means going beyond what is required, to what is truly worthy of Him.

May the Lord bless you as you seek to worship Him in truth and sincerity.

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What Is a Novena, and Is It Biblical?

Answer:
The word Novena originates from the Latin word novem, which means “nine.” In various Christian traditions particularly the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches a Novena refers to a structured form of devotion involving prayer over a period of nine consecutive days, often to request a particular favor or to express gratitude.

These prayers may be directed to God, but in many cases, particularly within Catholic practice, they include petitions to saints or to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and frequently involve the Rosary. However, the practice of praying the Rosary or addressing prayers to saints is not supported by the Bible.

Is the Practice of a Novena in the Bible?

The most commonly cited biblical inspiration for the Novena is found in the period between Jesus’ ascension and the Day of Pentecost. After Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples, along with others including Mary, gathered in an upper room and devoted themselves to prayer.

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
Acts 1:14, NKJV

Jesus ascended 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3), and the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, which was 50 days after Passover (Leviticus 23:15–16). This leaves a 10-day gap during which the disciples prayed together often interpreted by some as the first “Novena.” However, this was never presented in Scripture as a prescriptive model for future prayer practices.

Important distinction: Nowhere in the Bible are believers commanded to pray for nine consecutive days to receive blessings or spiritual gifts. The actions of the early church in Acts 1–2 were descriptive, not prescriptive. They describe what happened, but they do not instruct us to repeat the pattern as a spiritual formula.

Are Repetitive or Scheduled Prayers Encouraged in Scripture?

Jesus Himself cautioned against repetitive prayers done out of ritual or superstition:

“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”
Matthew 6:7, NKJV

Prayer, according to Jesus, should be sincere, direct, and addressed to the Father (Matthew 6:6). The Bible teaches us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to make our requests known to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), but it does not prescribe specific durations or formats like a nine-day cycle.

The Problem with Praying to Saints or Mary

One of the major theological issues with many Novenas, especially in Catholic practice, is that they involve prayers directed to saints or to Mary. This contradicts the biblical teaching that there is only one mediator between God and humanity:

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV

The Bible does not support communication with the dead or the idea that saints can intercede on our behalf. In fact, attempting to speak with the dead is explicitly forbidden:

“There shall not be found among you anyone who…calls up the dead.”
Deuteronomy 18:10–11, NKJV

While Mary was undoubtedly blessed and honored (Luke 1:28), she, like all believers, prayed to God not to others and she is never presented in Scripture as someone who receives or mediates prayers.

Are All Novenas Wrong?

Not necessarily. If someone chooses to commit to a nine-day period of focused prayer praying directly to God, without invoking saints or engaging in unbiblical rituals such a practice is not sinful. It may even be spiritually beneficial, much like personal fasting or dedicated prayer retreats.

However, this must be:

  • Voluntary (not mandatory),

  • Biblically grounded, and

  • Free from idolatrous or superstitious elements.

Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:8 (NKJV):

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

So while structured prayer itself is not wrong, it must not replace or distort the truth of the gospel and our direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Should Christians Pray Novenas?

The Bible does not command or endorse the practice of Novenas. Structured prayer over nine days is not inherently sinful, but when it involves:

  • Mandatory ritualism,

  • Prayers to saints or Mary, or

  • Superstitious expectations,

it falls into serious theological error. At best, Novenas are extra-biblical traditions. At worst, they can become acts of idolatry, which Scripture strongly condemns (Exodus 20:3–5; Romans 1:25).

Final encouragement:

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16, NKJV

God invites us to pray directly to Him through Jesus Christ. That is our biblical foundation. Let’s not substitute man-made systems for what Scripture clearly teaches.

May the Lord help us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

 

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Biblical Stewardship: What Is a Steward and What Does Stewardship Mean?

Introduction

In the Bible, a steward is someone entrusted with the responsibility of managing what belongs to another. Stewardship, therefore, refers to the faithful and responsible use of all that God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, resources, relationships, and ministries. The concept spans both the Old and New Testaments and applies to every believer.

Old Testament Examples of Stewardship

Eliezer – Steward of Abraham

Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, was given authority over all his master’s possessions and was even trusted to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son. This reveals the depth of trust stewards could be given.

“And Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’”
(Genesis 15:2, ESV)

“Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had…”
(Genesis 24:2, ESV)

Joseph – Steward in Potiphar’s House

Joseph was appointed over all the household affairs of Potiphar. His faithfulness as a steward in a foreign land underlines the principle that stewardship is not based on status but on integrity and faith.

“He left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.”
(Genesis 39:6, ESV)

New Testament Teachings on Stewardship

Jesus extensively taught about stewardship, especially in relation to the Kingdom of God. He used stewards in parables to illustrate faithfulness, accountability, and readiness for His return.

The Faithful and Wise Steward – Luke 12

Jesus emphasized the need for readiness and wise management. A faithful steward is one who lives in anticipation of the Master’s return, serving diligently.

“Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?”
(Luke 12:42, ESV)

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required…”
(Luke 12:48, ESV)

Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25

This parable reinforces the idea that God expects a return on what He entrusts to His people. The servants who multiplied their talents were commended, while the one who did nothing faced judgment.

“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
(Matthew 25:29, ESV)

Theological Insight: Stewardship as Worship and Responsibility

1. Stewardship Reflects God’s Ownership
Everything we have is from God and belongs to Him.

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”
(Psalm 24:1, ESV)

2. Stewardship Requires Faithfulness
It is not the size of the gift but the faithfulness in using it that matters.

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
(1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)

3. Stewardship Involves Accountability
God will hold each believer accountable for how they managed what He entrusted to them.

“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
(Romans 14:12, ESV)

Every Believer Is a Steward

Stewardship is not just for pastors or church leaders. Every Christian is called to manage their gifts, time, and calling for God’s glory.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
(1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Jesus’ instruction to Peter after the resurrection also confirms that love for Christ is shown through responsible care for others:

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’… Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’”
(John 21:17, ESV)

Conclusion: Live as a Faithful Steward

All believers are stewards of Christ. Whether in ministry, business, family, or personal life, God expects faithfulness. Stewardship is a sign of maturity and a pathway to greater Kingdom impact.

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
(1 Corinthians 4:1, ESV)

Other Key Verses on Stewardship (ESV):

  • Luke 16:1–13 – Parable of the Dishonest Manager
  • 1 Corinthians 9:17 – Paul’s commission as a steward
  • Ephesians 3:2 – Stewardship of God’s grace
  • Colossians 1:25 – Stewardship of the Word

May the Lord bless you as you serve Him faithfully.

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How will those who died before Jesus be saved?

Question: How will the people who died before Jesus came that is, those under the Old Covenant be saved? We know from Scripture that salvation comes only through the blood of Jesus Christ. So how could those who lived before Christ’s sacrificial death be saved when His blood had not yet been shed?

Answer: It is indeed true that salvation is obtained only through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 9:22). However, the relationship between the Old and New Covenants clarifies how those before Christ were made righteous.

1. The New Covenant fulfills, not abolishes, the Old Covenant.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:17 (NIV):
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

This means the Old Covenant was not invalid or false, but incomplete it pointed forward to the coming Messiah and the ultimate sacrifice He would offer.

2. An analogy of changing systems:
Consider an institution that originally admitted students through paper applications. Later, it switches to an electronic system for admissions. Students admitted by the old system remain valid alumni, but new students must use the updated process. The old system becomes obsolete but does not nullify past valid admissions.

Similarly, the Old Covenant was God’s initial way to relate to His people, but it had limitations, especially in dealing with sin (Hebrews 10:1–4). The sacrifices under the Old Covenant bulls, goats, and lambs could not permanently remove sin, as Hebrews 10:4 (ESV) states:

“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”

3. The New Covenant introduces the perfect sacrifice:
When Jesus died and shed His blood, He inaugurated a New Covenant, fulfilling the promises made in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20). This New Covenant offers complete forgiveness and direct access to God, which the Old Covenant could only foreshadow.

Hebrews 8:13 (NIV) explains:
“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

The word “obsolete” (Greek: palaios) means “old” or “worn out,” indicating that the Old Covenant’s system was temporary and would pass away when the New Covenant arrived.

4. Salvation of the Old Testament saints:
Those who lived under the Old Covenant Moses, Elijah, Abraham, David, Daniel, and others were declared righteous by faith in God’s promises, anticipating the coming Messiah (Hebrews 11). They were justified by trusting in God’s provision, not by their own works or sacrifices.

The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that they were part of God’s covenant people and considered holy, even though they did not see Christ in His earthly ministry or receive baptism (Hebrews 11:4–40). Their faith was credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3).

5. After Christ’s sacrifice:
Once Jesus’ blood was shed, the New Covenant became the only valid means of salvation. Those born afterward must enter through this covenant, embracing faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.

Anyone who tries to rely on the Old Covenant’s laws or sacrifices for salvation today is missing the essential truth of the gospel and cannot be saved (Galatians 3:10–14).

6. Practical implications:
It’s vital for believers today to understand the New Covenant’s principles. While we can learn from Old Testament heroes like David his faith and humility we cannot follow all their cultural or legal practices (such as polygamy or revenge). Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15; 12:24), clearly taught a higher standard:

  • Marriage is between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4–6).

  • Divorce and remarriage without cause is adultery (Matthew 19:9).

  • Believers must not seek personal revenge (Matthew 5:38–39).

  • Salvation is only through Jesus’ blood (Hebrews 9:22).

  • The Old Covenant was a foreshadowing, fulfilled by Jesus (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 8:13).

  • Old Testament saints were saved by faith in God’s promises (Hebrews 11).

  • After Christ, only the New Covenant offers true salvation.

May God bless you richly.

Maranatha!

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What is Succoth? (Genesis 33:17)

Answer:

Let’s begin with the Scripture:

Genesis 33:17 – “Jacob, however, went to Succoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Succoth.”

The name Succoth is derived from the Hebrew word “sukkot”, meaning “temporary shelters”, “booths”, or “tents.”

This location marks a significant moment in Jacob’s journey. After spending 21 years in Paddan-aram under the household of Laban—years filled with hardship, labor, and divine shaping—Jacob was finally returning to Canaan, the land of promise (Genesis 28:1–5). At this point in his life, Jacob had already wrestled with the angel (Genesis 32:22–30) and received the name Israel, symbolizing his new identity and divine destiny.

But before continuing to Shechem (Genesis 33:18), Jacob made a temporary stop at a place he named Succoth. Theologically, this moment is rich with meaning:

1. A Symbol of Pilgrimage and Transition

Jacob did not build a permanent home here—just shelters. This reminds us that God’s people are often on a journey, passing through temporary places on their way to something greater. Like Jacob, believers are pilgrims and sojourners on earth (Hebrews 11:9–10, 13–16), looking forward to a permanent, heavenly home.

2. God’s Provision in Temporary Seasons

Though Succoth was not Jacob’s final destination, it was a place where he experienced rest and provision. In the same way, God provides for us even in our “in-between” seasons—those times of waiting, transition, or recovery. It’s a reminder that even temporary places can carry divine purpose.

3. A Name That Marks Testimony

Jacob gave the place a name based on his experience—Succoth, meaning “shelters.” This act of naming reflects a biblical pattern where places are marked by encounters with God or significant moments (e.g., Bethel in Genesis 28:19). For Jacob, Succoth was a place of survival and stabilization after many years of struggle. It’s a subtle testimony of how God brought him through.

Historical and Geographical Significance

Succoth was located east of the Jordan River, near the border of present-day Jordan and Israel. It remained a known location in Israel’s later history:

Judges 8:4–5 – “Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. He said to the men of Succoth, ‘Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.’”

Even in Gideon’s time, Succoth was an inhabited place. Sadly, its people refused to help Gideon, showing how places rich in spiritual heritage can still fall into hardness of heart when God’s people lose vision.

Spiritual Reflection

Succoth teaches us that:

  • Not every resting place is permanent.
  • God’s presence and provision are real even in temporary, transitional seasons.
  • Our spiritual journey often involves movement, growth, and learning to trust God between “destinations.”

Succoth wasn’t just a campsite—it was a moment of pause and provision in Jacob’s story of transformation. It reminds us to trust God not only in the promised land but also in the “in-between” places, where He prepares us for what’s next.

The Lord is coming

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Understanding 1 Corinthians 14:20

“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature adults.”
1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV)

QUESTION:
Praise the Lord! I would like to understand the meaning of this verse in 1 Corinthians 14:20.

ANSWER:
This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, encourages believers to grow spiritually in their understanding and discernment. Let’s unpack it carefully.

Paul contrasts two attitudes: being like children in thinking versus being like infants concerning evil. This paradox highlights an important spiritual principle.

  1. Being “children” in our thinking refers to immaturity in understanding God’s ways, wisdom, and spiritual matters. In this passage, Paul urges believers not to remain spiritually naive or immature. Children naturally have limited knowledge and understanding; they are easily confused and influenced. Paul wants the Corinthian church and us to mature in spiritual wisdom, discernment, and comprehension of God’s truth. This means we should seek deeper knowledge of Scripture and grow in godly insight (Hebrews 5:12-14).

  2. Being like infants in regard to evil means to be innocent or inexperienced with evil to avoid and reject it entirely, just as babies are shielded from complex, harmful realities. This innocence involves refusing to engage with sin or be corrupted by it. The idea is not ignorance but purposeful innocence: we should not become worldly or cynical about evil but rather be pure and untainted by it (see also Matthew 18:3; Psalm 119:9).

This is echoed in another Pauline passage:

“I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
Romans 16:19b

(NIV)

Here, Paul calls for wisdom in doing good and innocence regarding evil a healthy balance of maturity and purity.

  • Spiritual Maturity: Paul’s instruction reminds us that Christian growth involves gaining solid understanding of God’s Word and living by it, not remaining childish in faith or easily swayed by false teachings (1 Corinthians 14:20, 13:11).

  • Innocence toward evil: God desires His people to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-16). This means rejecting sinful patterns and influences while remaining wise and mature in faith.

  • Discernment: We are called to discern what to accept and what to reject. Not every cultural trend, idea, or behavior benefits our spiritual walk. For example, being unaware or uninterested in worldly distractions (such as secular music promoting ungodly values or harmful habits like gambling) can protect our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:8).

  • Life in God’s Word: Maturity grows through deep engagement with Scripture. The Word of God is our foundation and guide for spiritual growth and discernment (Psalm 119:105).

Not knowing every detail about the world or cultural trends is not sinful, and it won’t hinder your spiritual growth. Instead, filter what you expose yourself to reject what harms you (be “infants” toward evil), and grow in understanding and faith through God’s Word (be “mature” in your thinking).

God bless you richly as you grow in wisdom and innocence!

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What is “Rhema” In the bible?

QUESTION:
I’ve often heard the word “Rhema” mentioned by ministers and in various places. What does it mean, and why don’t I see it in the Bible?

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Did Jesus Speak in Tongues?

In the scriptures, there is no direct account of Jesus speaking in tongues. However, by the understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit, it is clear that Jesus did indeed speak in tongues. The fact that there is no written record of this event does not imply that it did not happen. As John 21:25 states, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Therefore, not every action or event in Jesus’ life is documented in the Bible.

Additionally, we must recognize that the concept of speaking in tongues, as first taught to the apostles, was initiated by Jesus. It is not something that was revealed at a later time. This makes sense because Jesus would not ask His followers to do something that He Himself did not experience or practice. In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus Himself says, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Here, Jesus is speaking of signs and wonders that would follow those who believe in Him, which includes speaking in tongues.

Moreover, Jesus was the only man ever anointed with the Holy Spirit in a measure that exceeded all others (Hebrews 1:9), “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” This verse highlights that Jesus was fully endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the gifts of prophecy, teaching, evangelism, shepherding, and apostleship. He also manifested gifts of healing, miracles, and discernment. Given this, it would not be surprising for Jesus to also have the ability to speak in tongues.

Theological Implications:

  1. Jesus’ Anointing and Fullness of the Spirit:
    Jesus was completely filled with the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of tongues, were present in Him. Jesus’ life is the perfect example of a man who was in complete communion with the Father and the Spirit, and as such, He demonstrated all the spiritual gifts in their fullness. He didn’t just teach about these gifts; He embodied them. Thus, it is logical to believe that He could have spoken in tongues as part of His spiritual empowerment.

  2. The Role of the Holy Spirit:
    The Bible teaches that Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit for His ministry (Luke 4:14). The Holy Spirit gave Him the ability to perform miracles, heal the sick, and even speak in tongues, if needed. Jesus’ empowerment by the Holy Spirit was not just for His own sake but also as an example for His followers.

  3. The Great Commission and the Gift of Tongues:
    In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The gift of tongues, as seen in Acts 2, was part of the divine empowerment given to the apostles to carry out this mission. Since Jesus, in Mark 16:17, explicitly mentions speaking in tongues as one of the signs of those who believe, it makes sense that He would have personally experienced this gift as part of His anointing.

  4. Unwritten Events in Scripture:
    John 21:25 reminds us that not everything Jesus did was written down. The Gospels record only a fraction of His life and actions. While we may not have a detailed account of Him speaking in tongues, this does not mean that He did not do so. The Holy Spirit gives us the understanding that He was fully equipped with all gifts of the Spirit, including tongues.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is reasonable to believe that Jesus spoke in tongues. His life and ministry were fully aligned with the power of the Holy Spirit, who manifested in various ways through Him, including the ability to speak in tongues. While the Bible does not explicitly record this event, it is clear from the scriptures that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit in all its fullness, and the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, were likely part of that anointing.

Therefore, the idea that Jesus did speak in tongues is supported by the theological understanding of His divine empowerment and the evidence of the Spirit’s work in His life. This also affirms that Jesus, as the source of all spiritual gifts, passed on this gift to His followers, as seen in Mark 16:17-18. It is through Him that we receive the Holy Spirit and all His gifts, including speaking in tongues.

May the Lord bless you richly.

 

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What Is Divinity?

(1 Peter 1:3–4, 2 Peter 1:3–4)

Key Scripture:

2 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV)
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Understanding “Divinity”

Divinity refers to the state of being like God or possessing God’s nature. It means to reflect God’s character in thought, behavior, and action. Just as evil actions (like murder, witchcraft, or sexual immorality) are rightly described as “demonic” or “satanic” because they reflect the works of Satan, godly actions such as love, holiness, and righteousness reflect divine character.

To possess divinity is not to become God, but to partake in God’s nature through regeneration (new birth) and sanctification. This divine nature is only found in those who have been born again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3–6).

Three Marks of the Divine Nature in Believers

1. Eternal Life (Zoe Life)

John 10:28 (NIV)
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

John 10:34 (NIV)
“Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I have said you are ‘gods’”?’”

God grants eternal life (Greek: Zoe) to those who believe in Him. This is not merely life that lasts forever, but a quality of life that flows from God Himself. Those born of God receive this divine life, while those who remain in the flesh (natural, unsaved state) remain spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1).

Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 in John 10:34 to show that those who are united with God in purpose and authority can be called “gods” in the sense of being His representatives though always subordinate to Him.

2. The Fruit of the Spirit (God’s Character in Us)

Galatians 5:22–25 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

The divine nature is expressed in the life of the believer through the Fruit of the Spirit. These are not just moral behaviors they are the supernatural result of the Holy Spirit working in us.

Unlike the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21), these traits come from a transformed heart. They cannot be manufactured by mere human effort or religious performance.

Romans 5:5 (NIV)
“…because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

This fruit reveals the indwelling presence of God Himself.

3. Victory Over Sin

1 John 3:9 (NIV)
“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.”

1 Peter 4:4 (NIV)
“They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”

Those who have God’s nature are not slaves to sin. While believers are not sinless (1 John 1:8), the direction of their life is away from sin and toward righteousness. The “seed” of God (Greek: sperma) remains in them referring to the life-giving Word of God and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

This transformation causes the world to view believers as strange or different, because they no longer conform to sinful lifestyles. This is sanctification the ongoing process of being made holy, as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16).

Supporting Scriptures on Divinity

Acts 17:29 (NIV)
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone an image made by human design and skill.”

Paul affirms that humans were created to reflect God’s image, not to worship man-made images. Those who are His “offspring” share in His moral likeness.

Romans 1:20 (NIV)
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

God’s nature is visible in creation and fully revealed in Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).

Through Christ, believers partake in this divine nature.

To walk in divinity is to share in God’s life, character, and victory. It’s not about becoming divine in essence, but about reflecting God’s holiness, power, and love through Christ.

Only those who are born again transformed by the Word and Spirit of God can truly possess and live out the divine nature.

May the Lord bless you and help you grow in His divine nature, that your life would reflect His glory in the world.

Amen.

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Did the Lord Jesus Have Long Hair?

Many artistic portrayals show Jesus with long hair, but what does Scripture and historical context say? Did Jesus actually have long hair, or was His hair shorter?

Cultural Context and Biblical Teaching

Jewish culture in Jesus’ time had clear expectations regarding men’s appearance. For a Jewish man to have long hair—like a woman—was considered dishonorable and a sign of disrespect toward God’s created order. The Apostle Paul addresses this in his letter to the Corinthians:

Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. (1 Corinthians 11:14–15, ESV)

Paul’s teaching reflects the created order given by God, where masculinity and femininity have distinct markers, including outward appearances like hair length (cf. Genesis 1:27).

The Nazirite Vow and Hair Length

The only Jewish men who typically wore long hair were Nazirites—those who took a special vow to consecrate themselves to God (Numbers 6:1-21). This vow involved abstaining from wine and grape products, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting their hair for the duration of their vow. Their uncut hair symbolized their holy separation and dedication to God.

Examples of lifelong Nazirites include Samson (Judges 13–16), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15). Temporary Nazirites would end their vow by cutting their hair, as Paul apparently did (Acts 18:18).

Was Jesus a Nazirite?

Jesus was not under the Nazirite vow. Evidence shows He drank wine, which Nazirites were forbidden to consume:

But I tell you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26:29, ESV)

This implies Jesus regularly drank wine before this statement.

Moreover, Jesus touched the dead (Mark 5:41), an action prohibited to Nazirites to maintain ceremonial purity. His mission was not to be bound by ritual laws but to fulfill the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).

Theological Significance of Jesus’ Hair and Appearance

Jesus’ appearance, including His hair length, reflects His incarnate humility and identification with humanity (Philippians 2:5-8). He embraced the fullness of human experience without elevating Himself above cultural norms. His life demonstrated perfect obedience to God’s will while engaging with society authentically.

Some modern depictions of Jesus with long flowing hair are artistic interpretations influenced by cultural imaginations rather than historical or biblical accuracy. It’s important to focus on the spiritual truths of His life and ministry rather than physical details that Scripture does not emphasize.

Summary

Jewish men typically did not have long hair; it was culturally shameful (1 Corinthians 11:14).

Nazirites had long hair as a symbol of their vow, but Jesus was not a Nazirite.

Jesus drank wine and touched the dead, actions Nazirites could not do, showing He was not bound by that vow.

His physical appearance likely aligned with Jewish norms, symbolizing His full identification with humanity and humility.

May this understanding deepen your appreciation of Jesus’ life and ministry.

God bless you richly.

 

 

 

 

 

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