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REPENTANCE GOES HAND IN HAND WITH BAPTISM

Acts 2:38
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” 

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Welcome—let’s study God’s Word together and discover the deep connection between repentance and baptism, two essential steps in the believer’s journey of salvation.

Understanding the Foundation: Revelation of Christ and His Work

Before anyone can genuinely follow Christ, they must first receive a revelation of who He is. Jesus asked His disciples in

Matthew 16:15-17,

“But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you… for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’”

Without this spiritual revelation, we cannot truly understand the necessity of repentance or the purpose of baptism. Faith in Christ begins with knowing who He is and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection.

Jesus’ Final Command to the Disciples

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus clearly outlined the message His followers were to preach:

Luke 24:46-47 (NKJV):
“Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’”

This was not a suggestion—it was a divine mandate. Jesus connected repentance, remission of sins, and His name as a unified message. The Apostles understood this and obeyed it precisely.

The Apostolic Response: Repentance + Baptism

On the Day of Pentecost, after Peter preached the Gospel—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—the people were convicted in their hearts and asked:

Acts 2:37-38 (NKJV):
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’
Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

Peter didn’t separate baptism from repentance. He showed that baptism is part of the process of receiving forgiveness—just as Jesus had said.

Why Baptism Matters Theologically

Baptism is not merely symbolic. According to the New Testament, it is a spiritual act with profound significance:

It is a burial and resurrection with Christ

Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV):
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

It washes away sin.

Acts 22:16 (NKJV):
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

It clothes the believer with Christ.

Galatians 3:27 (NKJV):
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

The early Church never treated baptism as optional. It was always part of responding to the Gospel. That’s why every person who believed was baptized immediately (Acts 8:12, Acts 10:48, Acts 16:33).

What About Infant Baptism?

Nowhere in Scripture do we see infants being baptized. Baptism is consistently shown as a response to faith and repentance, which requires personal awareness of sin and a decision to turn to Christ.

Mark 16:16 (NKJV):
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

An infant cannot believe, repent, or understand the Gospel. Therefore, baptizing a baby is not consistent with the New Testament model. Proper baptism should come after hearing the Gospel, believing in Jesus, repenting of sin, and confessing faith in Him.

Have You Been Baptized in the Name of Jesus?

The New Testament consistently records people being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, not merely using a Trinitarian formula. While Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19), the name representing all three is Jesus—because “in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Thus, to baptize in Jesus’ name is to fully obey Matthew 28:19 as the Apostles did.

So let me ask you:
Have you repented? Have you been baptized by full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins?

If you were baptized as a child or in a way that didn’t follow the biblical pattern, it is crucial to seek true, scriptural baptism. The Bible is clear—repentance and baptism go together for full remission of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

If you haven’t yet taken this step, we encourage you to do so. And if you need help finding a church near you that teaches and practices biblical baptism, feel free to contact us using the information below.

May the Lord bless you and guide you.

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What Must I Do to Be Accepted by Jesus?
The Mystery of the Bride and the Bridegroom: Lessons from Boaz and Ruth

All glory to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I invite you to join me in meditating on the profound mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Understanding the Nature of Our Relationship with Christ

Before we proceed, it is essential to understand that our relationship with Jesus is not merely one of friendship or brotherhood. Scripture reveals something far more intimate and eternal: a marriage covenant. Christ is the Bridegroom, and the Church—His faithful followers—is the Bride (

Revelation 19:7–9).

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 

Salvation is not just about being friends with God—it is about entering into a sacred covenant. Only those who are part of the Bride will be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

A Typology of Christ and His Church: The Story of Ruth and Boaz

The story of Ruth is more than a tale of loyalty and love. It is a typological foreshadowing of Christ and His Church. Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go’el), is a picture of Jesus, our Redeemer. Ruth, a Gentile widow, represents the Church—redeemed from spiritual poverty, brought into covenant with God.

Isaiah 54:5

“For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.” 

Let us now look at Ruth 3 and explore the five steps Naomi instructed Ruth to take—steps that carry profound spiritual meaning for us today as we prepare to be accepted by Christ.

Step 1: Wash Yourself – Baptism and Repentance

“Wash therefore and anoint yourself…” (Ruth 3:3a)

Naomi told Ruth to bathe. This signifies the necessity of being spiritually cleansed before approaching our Redeemer. In the New Covenant, this points to repentance and water baptism. 

Acts 22:16 

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

Baptism is more than a symbol—it marks our entry into the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3–4). It is where we are washed and made ready to approach God.

Step 2: Anoint Yourself – Receive the Holy Spirit

“…and put on your cloak…” (Ruth 3:3b)

After washing, Ruth was to anoint herself. In biblical symbolism, oil represents the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:1–6). No one can be truly prepared for Christ without the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

1 John2:20

“But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.” 

Acts 2 :38

“Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” 

This divine empowerment is not optional—it is the seal of our adoption (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Step 3: Put on Your Best Garment – Wear Holiness

Ruth was instructed to wear her best clothing—fit for a bride. This signifies the righteousness of the saints and the call to holiness. 

Hebrews 12:14

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” 

In the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:11–14), a guest is thrown out for not wearing proper wedding garments. This represents a life lacking in sanctification. The robe we must wear is not our own righteousness, but Christ’s righteousness imparted to us.

Step 4: Go to the Threshing Floor – Enter His Field of Labor

The threshing floor represents a place of work, separation, and transformation—where grain is separated from chaff. Boaz, representing Christ, was laboring there. Ruth had to enter that space discreetly, a sign of quiet, humble service.

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 

Mathew  6 : 4b,

“And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” 

Like Ruth, we are called to work in Christ’s field—whether that means evangelism, discipleship, prayer, or acts of mercy. And we do this not for reward, but in humble obedience, as Jesus taught: 

 Luke 17:10

“…when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” 

Step 5: Lie at His Feet – Walk in Humility and Submission

The most intimate and symbolic action Ruth took was to lie at Boaz’s feet. This was not an act of seduction—it was an act of humble submission and covenantal request for redemption (see Ezekiel 16:8 for similar imagery).

In the same way, our posture before Christ must be one of deep humility.

James 4:10

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10, ESV)

Lying at His feet means accepting the Lordship of Christ, esteeming His Word, honoring His body (the Church), and being content in the lowly place. That is where He meets us.

Christ Will Reveal Himself to the Prepared Bride

Once Ruth followed all five steps, Boaz responded with favor. He promised to redeem her and fulfill all that was required by the law. Likewise, when we are washed, anointed, clothed, laboring, and humbled—Christ reveals Himself as our Redeemer and Bridegroom.

And just as Ruth submitted to Naomi’s counsel, so must we submit to the Word of God—delivered through the apostles and prophets.

Ephesians 2:20

“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20, ESV)

 

2 Corinthians 11:2

“For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.” 

 

 Are You Ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?

If you are not the Bride, you cannot attend the wedding feast. These are the last days. Jesus could return at any moment.   

Mathew 24:44

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

Have you prepared yourself? Have you obeyed the Gospel? Time is short. The call is urgent.

This is not the hour for soft preaching. It is the hour to repent, to be purified, to be ready. The Bridegroom is at the door.

May the Lord bless you and prepare you as a spotless bride, ready for the return of the King. Amen.

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 WHO HAVE YOU DIED WITH ? 
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us open our hearts as we study the living and active Word of God.

Romans 6:8 (ESV) – “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”

Before we can rightly claim that we have died with Christ, we must understand what kind of death He died and what it truly means to be united with Him in that death.

THE NATURE OF CHRIST’S DEATH

Jesus did not die of natural causes. His was a sacrificial, substitutionary death. He bore the wrath of God against sin, not for His own sins—because He was sinless (Hebrews 4:15)—but for ours.

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV) – “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

His death was public, painful, and purposeful. He carried His cross to Golgotha and was crucified between two criminals. He was mocked, scourged, and pierced—but in this suffering, He fulfilled the will of the Father (John 19:30).

Jesus also gave us a command that mirrors His own journey:

Mark 8:34 (ESV) – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

THREE ESSENTIAL ACTIONS OF A TRUE DISCIPLE

Let’s reflect on these three spiritual principles:

1. Deny Yourself

To deny oneself is to renounce personal autonomy and submit fully to the will of Christ. It’s not mere self-discipline—it’s self-surrender.

Galatians 2:20 (ESV) – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…”

Following Christ means dying to sinful desires, selfish ambitions, and worldly attachments. It’s choosing God’s will over our own, every day.

2. Take Up Your Cross

In the first century, the cross was not a religious symbol—it was an instrument of death. To carry your cross means to embrace suffering, shame, and sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

It doesn’t mean seeking hardship, but faithfully enduring it when it comes because of your allegiance to Christ.

2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV) – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

3. Follow Me

To follow Jesus is not a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong journey. He leads us not only beside still waters (Psalm 23:2), but also into the wilderness, into rejection, and ultimately to the cross.

To follow Him is to walk in obedience, even unto death. For Christ, the path led to Golgotha. And for us, following Him may mean daily dying to self.

EXAMINING OUR CROSS

So, have you truly taken up your cross?

• If you have not denied yourself, how can you say you’ve died with Christ?

• If you fear men more than God, can you truly be His disciple?

• If your career outweighs your calling, how can you claim to follow Him?

• If you’re ashamed of Christ in public, how can you say you’re crucified with Him?

• If your life remains unchanged—still enslaved to sin—how can you say you’ve died and been raised with Him?

1 John 2:6 (ESV) – “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”

Many have died with Judas—in betrayal and despair—but only a few have died with Christ—in surrender and faith.

COUNTING THE COST

Luke 14:26–27, 33 (ESV) –
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple… So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

Jesus is not calling us to hate in the literal sense but to love Him so supremely that every other relationship and possession is secondary.

UNION WITH CHRIST: DEATH AND RESURRECTION

Only those who die with Christ will live with Him. This death is not merely symbolic—it is a spiritual reality. When we believe in Christ, we are united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection.

Romans 6:4–5 (ESV) – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”

Our union with Christ is the foundation of our salvation, sanctification, and future glorification.

WHO HAVE YOU DIED WITH?

Ask yourself:

• Who have I died with?

• What cross have I borne?

• Have I truly surrendered everything for Christ?

The true mark of dying with Christ is a cross-shaped life. Do you bear that mark?

Galatians 6:14 (ESV) – “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

Maranatha—Come, Lord 

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A Theological Reflection for Believers

Understanding Your Identity in Christ

Many Christians rejoice in the truth of their salvation but are unaware of the spiritual implications it carries. One profound aspect of the believer’s identity is captured in the phrase “the fragrance of Christ.” This imagery, drawn from the Apostle Paul’s teachings, speaks of influence, presence, and spiritual witness how we “smell” to the world around us, both to those who are being saved and to those who are perishing.

1. The Nature of Fragrance: Attractive Yet Divisive

Fragrance is designed to attract. In ancient times, it was associated with sacrifice, honor, and worship. In our time, perfume is applied to enhance one’s presence. However, as anyone who has worn perfume knows, what is pleasant to some may be unpleasant to others.

Spiritually, this concept still holds. As believers, we carry the “aroma of Christ”, which is pleasing to God but may not be welcomed by all people.

2 Corinthians 2:14–16 (NIV):
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”

• Paul uses the imagery of Roman triumphal processions, where incense was burned as a sign of victory. To Roman citizens, the aroma meant celebration and life; to captives, it was the scent of impending death.
• Similarly, to those receiving the Gospel, believers represent the scent of salvation and hope. To those rejecting it, our lives serve as a reminder of judgment and spiritual death.

2. You Are Pleasing to God Even If You Offend the World

As Christians, we are called to live holy and set apart lives. This lifestyle is a sweet offering to God, modeled after Christ, whose entire life was a “fragrant offering” to the Father.

Ephesians 5:2 (NIV):
“…and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

When you live according to God’s Word, your life exudes a spiritual fragrance. This includes your character, prayers, worship, fasting, and preaching. These are pleasing in God’s sight and build up the body of Christ.

But the same lifestyle may be repulsive to those who live in rebellion against God. They may not understand why they oppose you, but light always exposes darkness.

John 3:19–20 (NIV):
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”

3. You Will Face Rejection Even Hatred

Jesus never promised popularity for those who follow Him. Instead, He made it clear that rejection by the world is evidence of alignment with Him.

John 15:18–20 (NIV):
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

• Your fragrance is spiritual, not just moral. The more Christ is formed in you, the stronger that fragrance becomes.
• Those under conviction will sometimes respond with hostility not toward you personally, but toward what your life represents.

Romans 12:1 (NIV):
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship.”

Living sacrificially means you may lose popularity, friends, or opportunities but in doing so, you offer your life as a holy and pleasing fragrance to God.

4. Not Everyone Will Understand Your Faithfulness

Being faithful to Christ doesn’t always produce earthly favor. Sometimes it invites spiritual resistance. This is why Paul asked, “Who is equal to such a task?” (2 Cor. 2:16). Being the fragrance of Christ requires boldness, endurance, and the help of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV):
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Persecution whether mild or severe is not a sign of failure, but of faithfulness.

Remain Faithful as the Fragrance of Christ

If you have received Christ and are walking in obedience to Him, know this: your life has a scent, one that is pleasing to heaven even if it stirs resistance on earth.

Don’t be discouraged when others oppose you. Don’t be surprised when your holiness agitates those who are still bound by sin. Remember, you are the fragrance of Christ bringing life to some, and exposing death to others.

Stand firm. Love boldly. Speak truth. And continue to walk in the aroma of Christ.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV):
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

May the Lord strengthen you to be a pleasing aroma in His sight. Amen.

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Proverbs 25:14

“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.”

This proverb gives a simple but powerful image: someone who claims to have something valuable to offer — a “gift” — but in the end, produces nothing. In the church today, false representation of spiritual gifts is a real issue. People claim to be prophets, pastors, or carriers of special anointing, but when examined spiritually, they’re empty — lacking fruit, purpose, and true calling.

This is not just a personal flaw; it’s a theological issue. The Holy Spirit gives gifts “as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11), not as we choose. Claiming a gift without receiving it from God is not only deception — it’s rebellion against the order of the Spirit.

1. True Gifts Lead to Spiritual Maturity

A genuine gift of the Spirit has one main goal: to help believers grow in Christlikeness.

Ephesians 4:11–12

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

This reveals the purpose of spiritual gifts — not personal fame or enrichment, but the sanctification and maturity of the Church. Anyone claiming to operate in a spiritual gift but not bearing fruit in holiness (Hebrews 12:14) or helping others grow in reverence for God is likely misusing or falsely claiming the gift.

Hebrews 12:14

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) must accompany the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Without fruit, gifts are empty.

2. True Gifts Are Given to Serve Others Freely

A key biblical principle is that ministry is service, not a business. True spiritual gifts serve others without demanding payment, reflecting the heart of Christ, who came to serve (Mark 10:45).

Ephesians 4:12 tells us gifts are given:

“…for the work of ministry…”

That word ministry meaning service. Ministry is meant to give, not take.

Matthew 10:8 — when Jesus sent out the disciples:

“Freely you have received; freely give.”

When someone requires money to sing, preach, or prophesy, they treat the gift as a product, not a grace — and that contradicts the New Testament theology of spiritual gifting. The Holy Spirit is not for sale (Acts 8:20-21).

3. True Gifts Build the Body of Christ Through Unity

The Church is the Body of Christ, and no gift works in isolation.

1 Corinthians 12:14–21

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many… The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’…”

Each gift is part of a mutual ecosystem. A person who isolates themselves from other believers — working alone or refusing accountability — is not functioning as part of the Body, regardless of their title or charisma.

Ephesians 4:16

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love…”

The gift is not just for display, but for edification. A true spiritual gift must contribute to the strengthening and unity of the whole Church.

When someone fakes a spiritual gift — or boasts of one they never received — it’s like promising rain to dry land and delivering nothing.

Proverbs 25:14

“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.”

Such people look spiritual, but have no power to refresh or transform. They are unreliable and spiritually dangerous.

Let us examine our hearts, seek the authentic work of the Holy Spirit, and use the gifts we’ve truly been given for the glory of God and the good of His Church.

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

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Welcome to today’s Bible study. We’re focusing on a vital question: Could today’s Church be the final Church described in the book of Revelation—the Church of Laodicea?

Understanding the Seven Churches in Revelation

In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Jesus gives messages to seven churches located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (Revelation 1:11).

These churches were literal congregations in the first century, but theologically, they are often viewed as symbolic of different periods or conditions of the universal Church throughout history. This interpretation aligns with historic premillennial and dispensational eschatology, which sees these churches as a prophetic timeline of the Church Age.

Laodicea: The Final Church?

Laodicea is the seventh and final church. In Scripture, the number seven symbolizes completion or fullness (Genesis 2:2; Revelation 1:20). Thus, Laodicea may represent the final spiritual condition of the Church before Christ returns.

Here’s what Jesus says about it:

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
— Revelation 3:15–16

This rebuke reveals a spiritual condition of compromise and self-deception. The Laodicean Church believed it was wealthy and had need of nothing, but Christ says it is spiritually “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (v. 17).

Parallel with the Last Days

The New Testament consistently warns that in the last days, spiritual and moral decay will increase:

• “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1–5).
•  said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man” (Luke 17:26).

Just like in the days of Noah and Lot, people will be preoccupied with daily life, yet spiritually indifferent or rebellious. In Genesis 19, Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction followed rampant immorality and the rejection of righteousness. Jude confirms this, saying:

“…Sodom and Gomorrah… are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
— Jude 1:7

So, Sodom and Gomorrah symbolize the moral condition of the world in the last days, while Laodicea symbolizes the spiritual condition of the Church—worldly, lukewarm, and unaware of its need for repentance.

Today’s Church: A Laodicean Mirror?

Many aspects of today’s Christian culture reflect the Laodicean condition:

• Compromise between holy living and worldly entertainment
• Half-hearted devotion, such as attending church but not living transformed lives (see Romans 12:1–2)
• Materialism and self-sufficiency, rather than spiritual dependence on Christ

This is not a condemnation of all believers but a wake-up call to examine whether we are following Christ with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

Hope for the Faithful Remnant

Though Laodicea is rebuked, Christ still offers grace:

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
— Revelation 3:19

This mirrors God’s pattern throughout Scripture: even in times of judgment, He always calls a remnant to faithfulness—Noah, Lot, the faithful in Elijah’s day (1 Kings 19:18). Likewise, God is calling a remnant Church today to stay faithful, set apart, and spiritually alert (Matthew 25:1–13).

The Next Prophetic Event: The Rapture?

In Revelation 4:1, after the message to Laodicea, John is caught up to heaven:

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven… And the first voice… said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’”
— Revelation 4:1

Many theologians interpret this as a symbol of the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). After the Church Age, God will remove His faithful people and then allow judgment (the Great Tribulation) to unfold.

 Be “Hot” for Christ

Jesus would rather we be cold (clearly outside the faith) or hot (fully committed) than lukewarm. Why? Because lukewarm believers can appear spiritual but are deceiving themselves—a dangerous place to be (James 1:22).

So if you’ve decided to follow Christ, do it wholeheartedly:

• Let your life reflect true transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Reject cultural Christianity and worldly compromise (1 John 2:15–17)
• Embrace holiness and spiritual fervor (Hebrews 12:14, Romans 12:11)

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…”
— Revelation 3:20

Jesus is at the door. Let’s not miss the call.

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Welcome! Let’s study the Bible together.

In Acts 3:22-23 (NKJV), Moses prophesied about the coming Messiah:

“For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’”

This prophecy points directly to Jesus Christ. The question we face is: When will people who reject Jesus be destroyed and separated from His people?
Today, many ignore or disobey Jesus, but we don’t yet see them destroyed or socially isolated in a final sense.

The passage reveals two things that will happen simultaneously to those who reject Christ:

1. Destruction (Judgment and eternal punishment)
2. Separation (from God, His people, and His creation)

When will this take place? The New Testament clarifies this moment:

In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (ESV), Paul describes the return of Christ and the judgment of the disobedient:

“When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

This passage teaches us that rejection of the gospel results in eternal separation from God’s presence and His glorious power. Theologically, this is the “second death” or eternal condemnation (Revelation 20:14-15), where God’s justice is executed on those who refuse salvation through Christ.

Moreover, this separation is both relational and cosmic. They will be separated from fellow believers (illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25:31-46) and from God’s created order, as the wicked are removed from the land:

Proverbs 2:21-22 (NIV) says:

“For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.”

This confirms that the destiny of the wicked is to be cut off, which speaks to both spiritual and physical removal from God’s blessing.

This separation from God is the most severe consequence because God is the source of life and blessing. To be cut off from God is to face eternal destruction  a sobering reality.

Many today reject Jesus and His Gospel, falsely thinking there is another way to heaven. But Jesus clearly said in John 14:6 (NIV):

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

This exclusive claim highlights the central Christian doctrine of salvation through Christ alone.

Practical implications:
The end of the age is approaching, and Jesus calls us to repent and follow Him. The Gospel commands holiness  living in truth and love. This includes avoiding sin like theft, adultery, and disrespecting God’s design (e.g., dressing modestly, honoring one’s body), reflecting God’s holiness.

• Rejecting Christ leads to eternal destruction and separation from God’s presence and glory.
• This will be fully realized at Christ’s return and final judgment.
• Jesus is the only way to salvation.
• We must respond now by accepting Him and living according to His teachings.

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Praise be to the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! As believers, we are called to grow in understanding of the Word of God, which is described in Psalm 119:105 as,

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Today, let’s explore the gift of speaking in tongues—a subject often misunderstood, but rich in spiritual value for those who receive it.

1. Not All Believers Speak in Tongues—and That’s Okay

The Bible clearly teaches that not every Christian will speak in tongues. The Apostle Paul, addressing the church in Corinth, writes:

1 Corinthians 12:30 

“Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”

This rhetorical question implies that spiritual gifts are distributed differently to each believer according to God’s will (1 Corinthians 12:11). Speaking in tongues is one of many spiritual gifts, not a universal requirement or sign of salvation.

2. Speaking in Tongues is a Supernatural Prompting, Not a Human Choice

Contrary to some assumptions, speaking in tongues is not something someone can initiate on their own. It is the result of the Holy Spirit’s prompting, similar to receiving prophecy, dreams, or visions. These manifestations are not self-produced; they are sovereign acts of God.

Acts 2:4 describes the first instance of tongues: “

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

This emphasizes that it is the Holy Spirit who gives utterance—not the speaker deciding to speak.

3. There Are Two Types of Tongues: Human and Angelic

In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul writes,

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”

This reveals that tongues may refer to known human languages or unknown heavenly languages.

• Tongues of men: These are existing languages, supernaturally spoken by someone who never learned them (see Acts 2:6–11).
• Tongues of angels: These are heavenly, unearthly languages—likely unintelligible to human listeners unless interpreted by the Spirit.

4. Tongues May Contain Prophecy, Praise, or Divine Mysteries

When a person speaks in tongues, the content might be prophetic, worshipful, or deeply spiritual. Paul explains:

1 Corinthians 14:2

 “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”

This shows that in many cases, tongues are a personal and direct communication with God—something deeply intimate and beyond human understanding unless interpreted.

5. Tongues Require Interpretation in Public, But Not in Private Prayer

When tongues are spoken publicly, particularly in church, there should be interpretation for the benefit of all. Paul instructs:

1 Corinthians 14:27–28

 “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”

However, in private prayer, interpretation isn’t required. That’s when tongues serve a different but powerful purpose—speaking divine mysteries to God alone.

Tongues Offer Spiritual Privacy

One of the greatest benefits of praying in tongues is the spiritual secrecy it provides. Just like two people might switch to a private language to speak confidentially in public, speaking in tongues allows a believer to pray in a way that bypasses human and demonic interference.

When Satan doesn’t understand your prayers, he is less able to attack what he cannot decode. Praying in tongues becomes a secure spiritual channel between you and God.

Romans 8:26  also supports this idea:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Tongues allow the Spirit to pray through us in ways that align with God’s perfect will—even when we don’t have the right words.

Don’t Hold Back the Gift

If God has given you the gift of speaking in tongues, don’t be afraid to use it—especially in your personal prayer life. It is a powerful, biblical way to:

• Speak directly to God
• Protect the content of your prayers
• Build yourself up spiritually (1 Corinthians 14:4)
• Experience deeper intimacy with the Holy Spirit

May the Lord strengthen your faith and deepen your walk with Him.
Keep praying, keep growing, and may the gifts of the Spirit be active and fruitful in your life.

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If you’re living in a way that honors God—perhaps you’re generous, prayerful, or obedient—that’s a good thing, and you should give thanks to God for enabling you to do so. But be careful not to become proud or self-righteous about it. The reality is that, even on our best days, we still fall short in ways we don’t even notice.

Theologians often speak of total depravity—the idea that sin affects every part of our lives: our thoughts, desires, and actions. That doesn’t mean we’re as bad as we could possibly be, but it does mean that nothing we do is free from the effects of sin. As Romans 3:23 says:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Even when we think we’ve done well, we’ve likely failed in ways we don’t see. You might feel confident in the 100 good deeds you’ve done today, but what about the 200 selfish thoughts, harsh words, or careless moments you weren’t aware of? God sees it all. If He were to keep a detailed account of every sin, none of us could stand.

Psalm 130:3–4 says:

“If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.”

If we demanded fairness from God—if we insisted on receiving what we “deserve”—we would face judgment, not reward. That’s the danger of trusting in our own righteousness. As Isaiah 64:6 puts it:

“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”

If you expect God to bless you for your Sunday offering, shouldn’t He also judge you for the anger, jealousy, or lust you carried in your heart the same day? Jesus taught in Matthew 5:22

“Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”

So rather than demanding God’s blessings based on our flawed obedience, Jesus calls us to humility. In Luke 17:10 He says:

“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

This is the posture of true Christian faith: not entitlement, but humble dependence. We don’t earn anything from God. We receive by grace—God’s unearned favor. This is at the heart of the Gospel and the Reformation teaching of sola gratia (grace alone).

Ephesians 2:8–9 makes it clear:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Grace means God blesses us not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but because of who He is. His grace flows from His love, mercy, and kindness.

Even the Holy Spirit—the very presence and power of God in our lives—is received by grace, not earned by good behavior or rule-keeping.

Galatians 3:2 asks:

“Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?”

Therefore, don’t trust in your good works. Don’t boast in your efforts. Instead, pray daily for the grace of God to sustain you. As 1 Peter 5:5 reminds us:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Your health, your life, your talents, your salvation—all of it is by grace. None of it is by your own merit. So ask for God’s grace, and live in gratitude and humility before Him.

Pray for grace. Depend on grace. Live by grace.

May the Lord cover you with His abundant grace.

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