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Understanding the Meaning of Being Born of the Imperishable Seed

1 Peter 1:23-25

 

1 Peter 1:23-25

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.
For ‘All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the Word that was preached to you.”

The Word of God teaches us that a person who is truly saved is recognized as having been born a second time, not from perishable seed, but from imperishable seed. Yet many believers do not fully understand the purpose and significance of this imperishable seed.

Understanding Perishable vs. Imperishable Seed

Before we explore the imperishable seed, we must first understand what perishable seed is.

In Scripture, perishable seed represents human origin and natural life. Just as a human being begins as a child, grows into youth, and eventually ages and dies, all physical life is temporary. Peter illustrates this:

“All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls.” (1 Peter 1:24)

Similarly, all earthly seeds—plants, animals, and fish—are perishable; they deteriorate over time and their quality diminishes.

In contrast, being born of imperishable seed means that your spiritual quality and essence do not diminish with time. This seed is the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). A person born of this seed does not grow weak spiritually, nor does their faith fade.

The Challenge of Spiritual Perseverance

It is common to see believers who initially begin their spiritual journey with zeal—praying, studying the Word, serving diligently—but over time, they lose their fervor and even their faith. Spiritually, they “wither” like perishable seed.

At this point, we must ask: was this person truly born of the imperishable seed? If their salvation and spiritual vitality deteriorate over time, they may have experienced only external or superficial conversion, rather than a life rooted in the imperishable Word.

“And we all, with unveiled faces, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Living as One Born of the Imperishable Seed

If you recognize yourself as born of the imperishable seed, then your spiritual life should reflect daily renewal, growth, and endurance. This applies to all who serve in God’s kingdom:

  • Pastors: Lead your flock with unwavering diligence and faithfulness, in both easy and challenging times.

  • Evangelists: Continue to proclaim the Word throughout your life.

  • Church workers and servants: Remain steadfast in your role, serving with excellence.

  • Intercessors and prayer warriors: Maintain fervent prayer as evidence of the imperishable fire within you.

Do not settle for spiritual mediocrity or say, “I am tired.” You were born not of perishable seed, but of the imperishable Word of God, which endures forever. Your spiritual vitality is meant to persist and even increase with time.

Show forth this excellence and the peace of the Lord in every area of your life.

Maranatha!

Application:
Share this message with others to encourage them in the imperishable life in Christ. If you would like to receive Jesus into your life freely, contact the numbers below or join the daily teaching on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10

Contact: +255693036618 or +255789001312

Blessings!

 

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The Meaning of Proverbs 29:20 — Have You Seen Someone Quick to Speak?

Proverbs 29:20
“Have you seen someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” (NIV)

A person who is quick to speak is someone who talks without thinking or controlling their words. Speaking without restraint often leads to jokes that offend, quarrels, anger, lies, and conflict.

For example, someone might insult you, and you get angry inside. Because you can’t hold back, you respond with harsh words and end up insulting them back.

Or you might notice something that isn’t right, and if you say it without thinking, what you meant to be simple could spark a fight, cause blame, or create confusion — all because your words came out too quickly.

Even swearing and blasphemy often come from careless speech — speaking without wisdom or restraint.

Matthew 12:36–37 (ESV) says:

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

This verse helps explain why the proverb says there is “more hope for a fool.” It reminds us just how powerful our words are.

The Bible also compares the tongue to fire — a small part of the body that can set an entire forest ablaze. So it’s important that we are thoughtful and careful before we speak.

James 1:19 (NIV) says:

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Words have incredible power, and we should learn every day to control our speech.

May the Lord bless you.

 

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“Is it right for God’s people to use the names of animals to call (refer to) others?”

Question:
Is it appropriate for God’s people to call others by animal names? For example, saying, “Hey hyena, come here,” like how Jesus referred to Herod as a “fox” in Luke 13:32.

Answer:
In the Bible, we see people being called by various animal names, such as “wolves” (Matthew 7:15), “sheep” (John 10:27), and “serpents” (Matthew 13:34). Other animal names used include “fox,” “dove,” “pig,” “lion,” and “goat.”

It’s important to understand the context and intent behind these names. These terms were not meant as insults, mockery, or disrespect. Rather, they were used to describe a person’s character or behavior accurately.

For example, when Jesus called Herod a “fox,” He did not intend to insult or demean him. Instead, He was pointing out Herod’s cunning and predatory nature—like a fox that sneaks around and preys on smaller animals. This was evident even at the time of Jesus’ birth when Herod sought to kill Him (Luke 13:32).

So, if someone is described in such a way because of their behavior, it is not a curse or insult according to the Bible.

However, when people use animal names to insult, mock, or show disrespect driven by hatred or anger, that is forbidden in Scripture and is sinful.

For instance, saying, “Hey hyena, come here,” clearly reveals anger, disrespect, or hatred behind the words.

Consider these verses:

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Colossians 3:8 (ESV):
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

Matthew 5:22 (ESV):
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”

Therefore, guard your tongue. Always consider the intention behind every word you speak.

May the Lord bless you.

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Why Do Christians Say “Praise the Lord Jesus”? Or “Shalom”?

QUESTION:
I’d like to understand—when we say “Praise the Lord Jesus,” what exactly do we mean? Who should say this greeting, and why do some people say “Shalom” instead?

ANSWER:

The phrase “Praise the Lord Jesus” is a declaration that Jesus is worthy of praise because of the good work He accomplished here on earth.

Jesus is the only person who willingly gave up His heavenly glory and authority to come live on earth for one purpose: to redeem us from our sins. He suffered greatly, was tempted, died, and then rose again. Now He lives and sits at the right hand of God as our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25).

Through Him, we receive forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, victory over Satan, blessings, and direct access to God without any barriers—through His blood (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Someone like this absolutely deserves to be praised. That’s why “Praise the Lord Jesus” is an eternal greeting, expressing gratitude for the light and salvation we have received through His good work.

Who Should Say It?

No one is forbidden from saying it, but if a person says “Praise the Lord Jesus” without understanding why Jesus deserves praise, it becomes hypocritical—and God hates hypocrisy (Matthew 23:28).

For example, if someone is not yet saved and says “Praise the Lord Jesus,” they should ask themselves: Praise Him for what, since He hasn’t done anything in their life yet?

It would be like a lost person saying, “Praise Satan”—what would they have to praise Satan for if they have no relationship with him? (Though a traditional healer might say it sincerely because they believe they gain something from Satan.)

This greeting or declaration is most appropriate in worship settings—such as sermons, teachings, songs, prayers, and so on—because that is where Jesus’ work is most clearly demonstrated.

On the other hand, “Shalom” is a Hebrew word meaning “peace.” Anyone can use this word, whether saved or not, because it is more of a general greeting than a statement of faith. It’s similar to how we say “How are you?”—anyone can say it.

But “Praise the Lord Jesus” is a faith-based phrase that should be spoken only by those who have put their trust in Jesus.

May the Lord bless you.

Please share this good news with others!

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Is it appropriate to use secular venues for church services or seminars?

To answer this, it’s important to first understand what the Church is.

The Church is not a building or a specific location; it is the people those called by God, saved by grace, and gathered together with one purpose: to worship and serve Him.

These believers can meet in formal settings, but they can also gather in informal places for worship activities, provided they meet the necessary spiritual criteria.

The early Church gathered in the Temple (a formal place designated for worship), but they also met in homes, along riverbanks, and in classrooms.

Acts 2:46 (NKJV):

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”

Acts 5:42 (NKJV):

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

As we know, homes were places where many activities occurred. After worship, there might be celebrations or social gatherings, but that did not prevent them from fulfilling God’s intended purposes.

Therefore, it can be acceptable that, if there is no official place yet, worship can take place in school buildings, halls, open fields, or even under trees—as long as unity exists and the intention is Christ. However, there are large churches that have succeeded but still do not have official gathering places… yet the church has been established.

Things to consider include your discretion, the decorum, and the peaceful spiritual environment at that time. If these are present when you gather, then God is with you… it is not a sin.

However, it is wise and better for a church to seek an official place for gathering, one that will be used solely for their worship activities.

Shalom.

 

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Which “day of visitation” is being spoken of in 1 Peter 2:12?

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV):
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

The “day of visitation” refers to the time when God visits humanity—either to save or to judge.

Both types are considered days of visitation.

For example, when God comes to save, there are moments when His grace visits a person or even an entire nation. During such times, powerful spiritual awakenings often occur. The period of Christ’s earthly ministry was a special visitation for Israel, but they did not receive it—except for a few.
(Luke 19:41–44 ESV)

On the other hand, God also visits to judge, and this refers to the day when each person will be judged according to their deeds.

Returning to 1 Peter 2:12, which says, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable… so that they may… glorify God on the day of visitation,” the meaning is this:

The good conduct of a believer can help lead others to receive salvation and glorify God when their moment of grace comes. For some people, when the day of visitation reaches them, it becomes easier for them to believe and glorify God because they have already witnessed the good character of believers—love, peace, integrity, and uprightness.

But if your conduct is corrupt, then when their day of visitation comes, it becomes much harder for them to glorify God, because what they remember is the bad example they saw in you.

This is the same idea Peter explains a little later when speaking about husbands and wives. Regarding wives, he says that if a woman has an unbelieving husband, she can win him to Christ through her conduct alone.
(1 Peter 3:1 ESV)

In short, your righteous conduct helps clear the path for the grace of Christ to work more effectively in someone’s life.

May God bless you.

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Kitakachoadhibiwa kwenye ziwa la moto ni mwili au roho ya Mtu

Will it be the body or the soul of a person that is punished in the lake of fire?

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What Does John 17:20 Mean?

John 17:20 (ESV):
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

Who Are “Those Who Will Believe Through Their Word”?

In John 17, we find a deeply intimate and powerful prayer that Jesus offers to God the Father, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. In the first part of this chapter, Jesus prays specifically for His disciples His apostles asking the Father to protect them, sanctify them in truth, and unite them as one.

But in verse 20, Jesus shifts His focus. He says:

“I do not ask for these only…”  meaning He is not praying only for the apostles who were with Him at that moment.

He continues:

“…but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

This refers to all who would come to faith in Jesus through the message preached by the apostles. In other words, Jesus was praying not only for the original disciples, but also for every future believer including you and me who would hear and believe the gospel passed down from them.

The Ongoing Power of Christ’s Prayer

This means that every believer throughout history, from the early church to believers today, is a recipient of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. If you believe in Jesus because of the apostolic gospel the message of the New Testament then you are part of the answer to this very prayer.

Jesus didn’t only intercede while He was on earth. He continues to intercede for us even now:

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV):
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Romans 8:34 (ESV):
“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

This assures us that there is a divine protection and covering over every believer. The enemy cannot overcome us, because Christ Himself is praying for our preservation.

Are You a Partaker of This Prayer?

The question each of us must ask is:

Am I included in this prayer?

You are if you have believed in Jesus Christ through the gospel.
But if you have not yet received Him, the invitation still stands. Jesus is ready to welcome you into the fold, to give you eternal life (John 17:3), and to include you in His ongoing intercession before the Father.

A Lesson in How to Pray

In this passage, Jesus also teaches us something profound about prayer. He didn’t just pray for His current disciples He prayed forward into the future. He prayed for generations yet unborn, for those who would hear and believe through the testimony of His followers.

Likewise, we should not limit our prayers only to what we see now. We are called to pray in faith for:

  • Future generations,
  • Future conversions,
  • And those who will come to know Christ through our witness.

If you are a believer in Christ, you are part of a great spiritual legacy that began with the apostles and continues today. Jesus prayed for you over 2,000 years ago, and He is still praying for you now. You are not alone.

John 17:20 (ESV):
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

May this truth encourage you to walk in obedience, knowing that Christ Himself is your intercessor.

If you have not yet received Jesus, don’t delay. The opportunity for salvation is still open:

John 1:12 (ESV):
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

May the Lord bless you and strengthen your faith.

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What Lineage Did Job Come From?

When we study the lives of the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their genealogies are carefully traced back through the family line of Adam, Noah, and Shem, all the way to their own time (Genesis 5; Genesis 10; Genesis 11). This clear lineage shows their connection to God’s covenant people.

But Job stands apart.

The Book of Job does not begin with a genealogy but with a simple introduction of his name and location:

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. Job 1:1, ESV

Job lived in the land of Uz, a place outside Israel likely in northern Arabia, Syria, or perhaps near Edom (Lamentations 4:21). His precise location is debated, but one thing is clear: Job was not an Israelite by bloodline.

Job’s Significance in God’s Plan

The fact that Job, a non Israelite, is central in Scripture teaches us something profound about God’s character: His grace is not limited to one nation or genealogy.

Job is described as “blameless and upright,” which shows that righteousness before God is not inherited through ancestry but is received through faith and reverence for God. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture:

Romans 2:11 (ESV): For God shows no partiality.

 

Acts 10:34–35 (ESV):

So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Job, like Abraham, lived before the Law of Moses. Yet both men demonstrate that God’s relationship with humanity has always been rooted in faith, not merely in rituals or ancestry. Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, ESV), and Job’s faith likewise was expressed in his integrity and fear of God.

Other Gentiles Accepted by God

Job is not alone in this. Scripture records other non-Israelites who found favor with God:

Ruth the Moabite  She left her people to follow the God of Israel, and by faith, she was grafted into the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Naaman the Syrian  A Gentile military commander healed by God’s power when he humbled himself (2 Kings 5).

Cornelius the Centurion  A Gentile whose prayers and alms rose as a memorial before God, leading Peter to declare that God accepts all who fear Him (Acts 10:1–4).

These examples highlight that God’s covenant blessings extend to all nations, pointing forward to Christ, who came to redeem not only Israel but the whole world (John 3:16; Revelation 7:9).

Our Place in the Story

What does this mean for us today? It means that your background whether you were born in a Christian family, a pastoral household, or into unbelief does not determine your access to God’s grace. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

God does not ask about your ancestry but about your faith and obedience. Paul emphasizes this truth:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28, ESV

Job’s story teaches us that God is sovereign, impartial, and just. He receives anyone who fears Him, regardless of lineage or nationality. Like Job, the question we must ask ourselves is not “What family do I come from?” but rather:

Do I fear God and turn away from evil?

If the answer is yes, then you too are part of God’s family through Christ, counted righteous not by birth but by faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why did the prophet Jeremiah curse the day he was born, and is it right for us to curse our own birthdays?

Answer:

Let us begin by looking at the Scriptures, starting from Jeremiah 20:14–17:

Jeremiah 20:14-17 (ESV)
14 “Cursed be the day on which I was born! The day when my mother bore me, let it not be blessed!
15 Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, ‘A son is born to you,’ making him very glad.
16 Let that man be like the cities that the Lord overthrew without pity; let him hear a cry in the morning and an alarm at noon,
17 because he did not kill me in the womb; so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb forever great.”

Here, we see that Jeremiah was overwhelmed by the intense suffering and persecution he faced as a prophet of the Lord. He had been beaten, imprisoned, mocked, and hunted simply for speaking God’s word.

See also:

  • Jeremiah 20:1–2  Pashhur beats and imprisons him.

  • Jeremiah 37:15–16  He is beaten and imprisoned again.

  • Jeremiah 38:6  He is thrown into a cistern.

  • Jeremiah 15:5  He laments being rejected and abandoned.

In Jeremiah 20:18, he concludes with this lament:

“Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?” (Jeremiah 20:18, ESV)

So, his cursing of the day he was born came from a deep place of emotional anguish, spiritual exhaustion, and human weakness.

Jeremiah Was Not Alone in This

The prophet Job also cursed the day of his birth in a similar state of despair:

Job 3:1–6 (NIV)
1 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.
3 “May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’
4 That day may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it.
5 May gloom and utter darkness claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm it.
6 That night may thick darkness seize it; may it not be included among the days of the year nor be entered in any of the months.”

Like Jeremiah, Job’s pain was beyond comprehension he had lost his children, his wealth, his health, and even the support of his wife and friends.

So, Was It Right for Them to Curse Their Birthdays?

The answer is NO  it was not right. While understandable as a human reaction, cursing the day of one’s birth is not in alignment with faith, trust, or reverence toward God’s sovereignty.

Jeremiah and Job were not expressing theological truths but emotional reactions. They were speaking from the depth of their despair, not from a place of divine insight. That’s why we see Job later repent for his words:

Job 42:3–6 (ESV)
3 “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

This shows that Job recognized his words were out of ignorance and pain, and he humbled himself before God. Likewise, Jeremiah later acknowledges his doubts and frustrations and is corrected by God:

Jeremiah 15:18–19 (NIV)
“Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.”
19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me…”

What Can We Learn from Their Experience?

Both Job and Jeremiah were godly men, yet they faced unimaginable suffering. Their pain led them to say things they later regretted  but their honesty in expressing their struggles also gives us permission to bring our emotions before God.

Still, we must not curse our lives, our days of birth, or the people who gave us life. That is a reaction of despair, not of faith. Even Jesus warned us that suffering is part of the journey for His followers:

Matthew 10:16–18 (NIV)
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.
18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.”

Suffering is not a sign of rejection by God, but often a part of the refining process. We are reminded in James 1:2–4 that trials build our faith and character:

James 1:2–4 (ESV)
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

It is not right to curse the day of our birth or to speak evil over ourselves, our parents, or our existence even in great suffering.

Instead, we should:

  • Acknowledge our pain honestly before God.

  • Trust His greater plan, even when we don’t understand.

  • Pray for strength to endure and remain faithful.

  • Avoid complaining or cursing, which is fruitless (see Philippians 2:14).

Philippians 2:14–15 (NIV)
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Let us learn from Job and Jeremiah, not just their weaknesses, but their eventual restoration and repentance. Their stories serve as a lesson for us  that suffering does not mean abandonment, and faith is often forged in the fire of trials.

May the Lord help us to stand firm in faith, even in times of great distress. Amen.

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