Category Archive bible questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In summary:

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

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

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

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

Maranatha! — “Come, Lord”

Print this post

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

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

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

Matthew 23:11-12 (NIV):

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

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

Job 40:11 (NIV):

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

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

Psalm 75:7 (NIV):

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

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

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

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

Luke 18:9-14 (NIV):

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

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

Be blessed.

Print this post

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

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

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

Historical and Theological Significance of Tyre and Sidon

1. Judgment and Prophecy

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

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

Matthew 11:21 (ESV)

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

2. Divine Judgment Pronounced

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

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

 Ezekiel 26:2–3 (ESV)

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

3. Spiritual Symbolism of Tyre’s King

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

“You were in Eden, the garden of God…

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

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

Ezekiel 28:13–15 (ESV)

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

4. Satan: The God of This World

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

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

2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

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

5. End Times Prophecy and Lebanon’s Role

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

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

Ezekiel 38:15–16 (ESV)

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

Conclusion: A Call to Reflect and Respond

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

The question remains:

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

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

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

Matthew 24:44 (ESV)

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Print this post

Print this post

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

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

Answer:

Let’s begin with the passage itself:

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

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

What Are “Clean” or “Holy” Hands?

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

The prophet Isaiah offers clarity:

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

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

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

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

Biblical Examples of Clean and Unclean Hands

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

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

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

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

The Call to Personal Holiness

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

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

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

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

How Do We Attain Clean Hands?

Repentance: True cleansing begins with heartfelt repentance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please share this message with others

Print this post

Christo or Kristu – Which One is Correct?

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

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

So which is correct?

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

John 1:41

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

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

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

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

Act 2:36

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

John 20:31

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

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

Luke 4:18 

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

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

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

1 Timothy 2:5

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

May the Lord bless you.

Print this post

Question: In the book of Genesis, we read that the sun and the moon were created on the fourth day. My question is: how were days counted before that, since it is the sun that separates day from night? The Scriptures show that the sun came into being only on the fourth day.

Answer: Yes, it is true that the sun and moon were created on the fourth day, even after plants and vegetation had already been made (Genesis 1:14). But if you read from verse two of Genesis, you will see that God had already created day and night, and He had already separated the light from the darkness.

Genesis 1:1–5

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Do you see? God had already created day and night before making the sun. This means that even if the sun had never been created, times, day, and night would still exist because God Himself is the Light of the world both physically and spiritually.

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

That is why in the new heaven and the new earth there will be no sun, and yet there will still be light.

Revelation 21:23

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

So, in conclusion: God created day and night before creating the sun. This was to reveal His glory and to show that He Himself is the true Light and the source of all light.

Have you received the Lord Jesus, the true Light? If not, know that you are still in darkness, even though the sun shines upon you. It is wise to make a firm decision today to receive Him and be saved.

John 12:46

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

Also read John 9:5 and John 11:9.

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

Please share this message with others.

Print this post

Question: What did the Apostle Paul mean when he said, “I have been entrusted with a stewardship”?

1 Corinthians 9:16–17

“For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply entrusted with a stewardship.”

Answer:

The Apostle Paul approached God’s work as though he were a steward or manager carefully assigned to oversee all the responsibilities placed under him. Imagine that if he neglected anything or caused any loss, he would be held accountable when his “boss” comes to settle accounts.

This is very different from someone who volunteers for a task. A volunteer may choose to help, and even if they leave midway, they are not severely accountable they may still be appreciated or even rewarded for their contribution, but the level of responsibility is far less.

This is exactly what Paul meant by saying, “I have been entrusted with a stewardship.” In simpler terms: “I have been entrusted with someone else’s work, and I am responsible for managing it faithfully.”

Because of this, Paul could rightly call himself a servant and prisoner of Christ Jesus (Romans 1:1; Ephesians 3:1). He carried out God’s work with absolute faithfulness and diligence, even more so than some of the other apostles.

Lesson for Us

We, too, should view God’s work not as optional or voluntary, but as our assigned responsibility from God here on earth. If we perform it unfaithfully, we will be held accountable. We should serve God as we serve our jobs in the office—diligently, with integrity, and without negligence.

When we serve in this way, the result is great reward and honor from the Lord Jesus in heaven.

However, if we only serve God when we feel like it, when we have the time, when we are reminded, or when it is convenient, we are not yet His true servants or “prisoners” in faith. We are merely His helpers, but we have not fully reached the level of stewardship Paul describes.

May the Lord grant us faithful and excellent service, the kind that comes from being entrusted with a stewardship.

Shalom

Please share this message with others.

Print this post

Print this post

Print this post