Category Archive home

  • Home   /  
  • Archive by category "home"
    • ( Page204 )

What Will Angels Do After This World Ends?

QUESTION:

Since one of the primary roles of angels is to protect human beings and battle evil spiritual forces, what will their purpose be after the final judgment—when Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10) and redeemed humanity is glorified (1 John 3:2)? Will angels become irrelevant or lose their place in God’s eternal plan?

ANSWER:

The belief that angels will become obsolete after this age ends arises from a limited view of their duties. While it’s true that angels now serve to guard humans and oppose demonic powers (Psalm 91:11; Daniel 10:13), this is only part of their divine assignment. The Bible makes it clear: angels are eternal beings created by God to serve His purposes—not just ours.

Let’s explore this more deeply:

1. Angels Were Created Before Humans and Are Part of God’s Heavenly Order

Angels were not created as an afterthought or merely to serve humans. They are celestial beings who have existed since before the foundation of the world. Job 38:6–7 describes how the “sons of God” (a term often referring to angels) shouted for joy when God laid the foundations of the earth:

Job 38:7 (KJV):

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

This reveals that angels were present even before creation, fulfilling God’s will and praising Him.

2. Angels Serve Many Roles—Only Some Are Related to Humans

While angels minister to believers:

Hebrews 1:14 (KJV):

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

…they also:

  • Worship and glorify God continually (Isaiah 6:2–3; Revelation 4:8)
  • Execute God’s judgments (2 Kings 19:35; Revelation 16:1)
  • Serve in God’s heavenly court (Daniel 7:10)
  • Escort the righteous at death (Luke 16:22)
  • Announce prophetic messages (Luke 1:19, Luke 1:26)

These roles do not end with the close of human history—they continue into eternity.

3. Angels Will Participate in the Final Judgment and End-Time Events

Before Satan is ultimately defeated, angels play active roles in end-time judgment. For example:

  • They gather the elect (Matthew 24:31)
  • They separate the wicked from the righteous (Matthew 13:49–50)
  • They sound the trumpets of judgment (Revelation 8:6)
  • They pour out the bowls of wrath (Revelation 16:1)

Even after these judgments are completed, angels do not become idle. They transition into new roles in the eternal order.

4. In Eternity, Angels Continue to Serve in God’s Presence

Heaven is not a place of inactivity. The book of Revelation gives us glimpses of heaven’s ceaseless worship and service. Angels surround God’s throne, praising Him day and night:

Revelation 4:8 (KJV):

..and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

This worship is eternal. The heavenly host never ceases in their adoration of God. Furthermore, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22) is a place of divine government, and angels may serve in administrative, ceremonial, or liturgical capacities as they continue to participate in the kingdom of God.

5. Angels Are Not Redeemed Like Humans—But They Remain Servants in God’s Kingdom

Humans who are in Christ are glorified and made to reign with Christ:

Revelation 22:5 (KJV):

…and they shall reign for ever and ever.

However, redeemed humans will not replace angels. Our destinies are different. We are sons of God by adoption (Romans 8:15), but angels remain ministering spirits, not recipients of redemption. As Peter writes:

1 Peter 1:12 (KJV):

…which things the angels desire to look into.

In eternity, we will dwell together in the fullness of God’s glory—humans as glorified children, and angels as God’s loyal servants.

6. We Will Understand More in Glory

Much about angelic function remains hidden. Even the Apostle Paul acknowledged that we currently understand divine mysteries only in part:

1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV):

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

When we finally enter into God’s eternal presence, we will understand the full scope of His heavenly order—including the ongoing role of angels.

Conclution: Angels Will Not Be Idle or Dismissed

To summarize:

Angels were created long before mankind.

They serve a wide range of purposes, many of which have nothing to do with humanity.

Their roles continue into eternity—praising, serving, and carrying out God’s will in the New Heaven and New Earth.

They are not competitors with redeemed mankind but eternal co-servants in the kingdom of God.

Angels will never be without purpose, because God is eternal, and so are His plans.

Be Encouraged

Rather than speculate fearfully about what angels will do after the end of time, let us focus on what we must do today—remain faithful to the gospel, obey God’s Word, and live in anticipation of the glorious future to come. When we get there, we will finally see clearly and marvel at the wonder of God’s eternal kingdom.

Colossians 3:2 (KJV):

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

“It Is Easier for a Camel to Go Through the Eye of a Needle…” — What Did Jesus Mean?(Matthew 19:23–24

)

QUESTION: What did the Lord Jesus mean when He said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”? (Matthew 19:24). What kind of “needle” was He referring to? Today, we know of several types: sewing needles, medical needles, shoemaking needles, and more. So, what exactly did Jesus mean by “the eye of a needle”?

ANSWER: The context of this statement comes from the encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man. This man approached Jesus, asking, “What good thing must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded by asking whether he had kept the commandments. The young man answered, “All these I have kept since I was a boy. What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20).

Jesus, looking at him with love, said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

(Matthew 19:21).

But when the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful, because he had great wealth. That’s when Jesus turned to His disciples and said:

Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.

 Matthew 19:23–24, NIV

So what is “the eye of the needle”?

Some historians and Bible commentators believe that Jesus was referring to a narrow gate in ancient Jerusalem, known by some as “The Needle’s Eye.” This was a small entrance built into the city wall, used at night after the main city gates were closed for safety. The gate was so low and narrow that only pedestrians and small animals could pass through easily. For a camel to pass through, it would need to be unloaded completely and forced to kneel and crawl through—a very difficult and humbling process.

This interpretation, however, is debated. There is no definitive archaeological evidence proving such a gate existed during Jesus’ time.

Another explanation comes from linguistics. Some scholars suggest that the original Aramaic word for “camel” (gamal) closely resembles the word for “thick rope” (gamla). When the New Testament was translated into Greek, this word may have been misunderstood. If the original phrase referred to a thick rope, the verse would read:

“It is easier for a thick rope to go through the eye of a needle…”—which still makes the same point: it’s something humanly impossible.

Whether Jesus meant a literal camel, a thick rope, or a narrow gate, the meaning is clear:

It is extremely difficult for someone who puts their trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God.

This teaching was meant to shock and grab attention, much like other hyperbolic sayings Jesus used:

Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

(Matthew 7:3)

 

You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

(Matthew 23:24)

Obviously, no one can have a literal plank in their eye, or swallow a camel. But these exaggerations powerfully underscore spiritual truths—and that’s exactly what Jesus was doing here.

When the disciples heard this, they were astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25). Jesus replied with one of the most hopeful verses in the Bible:

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

 Matthew 19:26, NIV

In other words, salvation—whether for the rich or the poor—is not something we can earn or achieve through human effort. It is the gift of God’s grace, and only He can change a person’s heart and redirect their trust from material wealth to eternal riches. 

Final Thought:

Jesus wasn’t saying that all rich people are automatically excluded from heaven. Rather, He was warning about the spiritual danger of wealth—how it can lead to pride, self-reliance, and a false sense of security. Entering the Kingdom of God requires humility, surrender, and wholehearted trust in Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

Is There Any Harm in Praying for Our Deceased Loved Ones Who Died in Sin, Asking God to Remember Them in His Heavenly Kingdom?

Question:

Our Lord Jesus promised that if we ask Him for anything in His Name, He will do it (John 14:13-14, NKJV). Elsewhere, Scripture tells us that the prayers of the saints are a fragrant offering to God (Revelation 5:8, NKJV).

Suppose, for example, that a dear friend passes away, and every day we pray to God to remember them in His heavenly kingdom. This feeling is natural for almost every human being: when someone close to us dies, we instinctively wish for their eternal well-being.

So, if we pray for our deceased loved one, asking God to save them in Jesus’ Name, is there any harm? Can praying daily for someone who has died, asking God to remember them in His kingdom, be wrong?

Answer:

It is true that God is omnipotent, capable of doing all things. However, one of His attributes is that He does not override human free will. When God created humanity, He did not create us as robots who cannot act independently. He granted humans freedom of choice, meaning that people can make decisions for themselves without external interference in certain areas of their lives.

This freedom extends to moral choices. For example, if a person chooses to engage in sinful practices or even witchcraft by their own volition, God will not force them to stop. Instead, He will convince, guide, and influence them through His Word and the Holy Spirit, leaving the ultimate choice to the individual (Deuteronomy 30:19, NKJV).

Thus, our prayers cannot override a person’s decisions. Just as God’s power cannot violate human free will, our prayers cannot force someone to repent. What our prayers do is increase the influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of that person. If the individual chooses to respond to that influence, then we may witness their transformation. But if the person persists in rejecting God, prayers alone cannot change their fate.

Regarding the Deceased

Once a person dies, their eternal destiny is fixed. If someone died in sin, they cannot be prayed out of hell, just as those who died in righteousness cannot fall from heaven. Scripture is clear on this:

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, NKJV).

There is no hope for someone who dies in unrepented sin. Any practice of praying for the dead as a “second chance” is a misconception. Some religious traditions, such as certain Catholic teachings on purgatory, suggest that the souls of the wicked can be purified before entering heaven. However, the Bible does not support this: it is a misleading idea that can give false comfort and encourage sin.

Our prayers for the dead do not change their destiny. They can, however, serve as spiritual discipline for the living, reminding us to intercede for the salvation of those still alive and to live righteously ourselves.

Summary

  • Praying for a deceased loved one who died in sin cannot save them; their eternal fate is already determined.
  • God respects human free will even while alive, and our prayers can only influence choices, not force them.
  • Scripture warns that death is followed by judgment (Hebrews 9:27), leaving no second chance after death.
  • Misconceptions like purgatory can be spiritually dangerous if they make people complacent in sin.

Blessings to you.

 

Print this post

How Does God Punish the Sins of Our Fathers According to Exodus 20:5–6?

Question:

In Exodus 20:5–6, God says He punishes children for the sins of their fathers. For example, if a man steals his neighbor’s wife and murders the neighbor, will God punish that man’s children for his actions?

Answer: Understanding God’s Justice in Context

To answer this, we must read Exodus 20:4–6 in its full context and interpret it alongside other Scripture:

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” – Exodus 20:4–6 (NIV)

1. God Punishes Repeated Sin, Not Innocence

Notice the critical phrase: “of those who hate me.”
God’s judgment is not arbitrary. He does not punish children just because of what their fathers did. Instead, He punishes those who continue in their fathers’ sins—those who walk the same rebellious path and persist in hating God.

This is consistent with God’s nature as just (Deuteronomy 32:4) and not someone who condemns the innocent.

“The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son.” – Ezekiel 18:20 (ESV)

This verse makes it clear that God holds each person individually accountable. Children are not condemned for their fathers’ sins unless they adopt and persist in those sins.

2. Generational Consequences vs. Generational Guilt

God’s warning in Exodus 20:5 highlights generational consequences, not guilt. Sinful patterns, especially idolatry and rebellion, often pass through generations—through example, culture, and influence. When children embrace these same sins, they inherit not only the spiritual curse but also its earthly consequences.

This was the case with ancient Israel. Despite seeing the idolatry and sin of their forefathers, later generations did not repent but copied those same practices. As a result, they fell under the same judgment and were exiled to Assyria and Babylon (see 2 Kings 17 and 2 Chronicles 36).

3. God’s Mercy Breaks the Cycle

In contrast to generational judgment,

Exodus 20:6 reveals the heart of God:

“But showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

This is a powerful reminder that God’s mercy far outweighs His judgment. While judgment may reach three or four generations, His love and mercy extend to a thousand generations of the faithful. Even if you come from a sinful background, if you turn to God, He gives you a new identity and covers you with grace.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

4. Every Generation Has a Choice

God gives every generation—and every individual—a chance to choose between blessing and curse, life and death.

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses… that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” – Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

This shows that our choices matter, regardless of our background. You may come from a line of idol worshippers or immoral ancestors, but your personal relationship with God defines your destiny—not your bloodline.

Conclusion: God Is Just and Merciful

To summarize:

  • God does not punish innocent children for their parents’ sins.

  • He does punish those who continue in their parents’ sinful ways, especially idolatry and rebellion.

  • But anyone who turns to God in repentance and obedience breaks that generational pattern and receives mercy.

  • God delights in showing love to thousands of generations of those who seek Him.

This theological truth is echoed from Exodus to Ezekiel, and fulfilled in Christ, who invites all people—regardless of background—into a new life of forgiveness and grace.

“For the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” – Psalm 103:8,10

Print this post

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said “Deny Yourself”? (Matthew 16:24)

Answer:

To “deny yourself” means to willingly surrender your own will, desires, ambitions, and preferences in order to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It is a call to die to self — to put aside the flesh, with all its passions and desires, and to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus said in Matthew 16:24:

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Matthew 16:24, NKJV

He was not calling people to a life of comfort, but to a life of complete surrender and obedience. This call demands a radical break from selfish living — a decision to no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ.

1. The Nature of Self-Denial

Self-denial is not about hating yourself or losing your identity. Instead, it is the deliberate act of choosing God’s will over your own. It means placing God’s desires above your personal feelings, ambitions, or comfort. It means saying “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Spirit.

As Jesus taught:

Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Matthew 16:25, NKJV

This seems paradoxical, but it speaks to a spiritual truth — when we try to preserve our lives on our own terms, we ultimately lose them. But when we give up our lives for Christ, we gain eternal life and true purpose.

2. Paul’s Example of Denial for Christ

The Apostle Paul modeled self-denial clearly:

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss

for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,

and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Philippians 3:7–8, NKJV

Paul let go of his prestigious background, his status as a Pharisee, and his earthly ambitions to follow Jesus. He saw the surpassing value of knowing Christ as greater than anything the world could offer.

3. Self-Denial Is Daily and Practical

Jesus also said:

Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

Luke 9:23, NKJV

The cross in Roman times was a symbol of death. Taking up our cross daily means putting to death our sinful desires every day. It means choosing holiness, righteousness, and obedience even when it costs us something — popularity, pleasure, or possessions.

This includes:

For Christian women: choosing modesty over worldly fashion, and simplicity over seductive appearances (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9–10).

For young men: choosing purity over sexual immorality, godliness over partying, and wisdom over worldly entertainment (cf. 2 Timothy 2:22).

For all believers: choosing prayer over sleep, evangelism over personal comfort, and God’s work over self-interest (cf. Romans 12:1–2).

4. The Reward of Self-Denial

While self-denial may seem costly, Jesus promises that what we lose for Him, we will gain in eternity:

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands,

for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

Matthew 19:29, NKJV

God does not forget sacrifice. Our surrender is not in vain. He rewards those who choose Him above all else. Even if we appear to be “losing” in this life, we are gaining far more in the next.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil,

to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV

5. A Final Warning and a Heavenly Perspective

Jesus ends His call to discipleship with a sobering question:

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:26, NKJV

This verse reminds us that eternity is at stake. No amount of worldly success or pleasure is worth the loss of one’s soul. The things we deny now are temporary. The reward we gain is eternal.

Conclusion

True Christianity is not just about attending church or claiming to be saved. It is about denying yourself, taking up your cross daily, and following Jesus wherever He leads. It is a call to die to the old self and live a new life fully devoted to Christ.

This may cost you relationships, ambitions, or comforts — but in return, you gain eternal life, peace, joy, and a secure future in Christ.

Choose to follow Jesus — fully, daily, and faithfully. He is worth it all.

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Matthew 16:24, NKJV

Be blessed and strengthened in your walk with Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

Does “changing times and law” in Daniel 7:25 mean the Antichrist will replace the Sabbath with Sunday worship?

Context Behind the Question:

Some preachers—especially among Seventh-day Adventist circles—teach that the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–17) will be identified by the day of worship. They claim that when the Pope (or the Roman Catholic system) declares Sunday as the only global day of worship, this will violate the fourth commandment, which instructs us to remember and keep the seventh-day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8–11). According to this view, those who comply with Sunday worship will receive the mark of the beast (666), and they often cite Daniel 7:25 to support this:

“He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law…”
(Daniel 7:25, NKJV)

But is this interpretation accurate? Let’s explore it biblically and theologically.

BIBLICAL CLARITY: What Does “Times and Law” Mean in Daniel 7:25?

The “times and law” mentioned in Daniel 7:25 do not refer to a simple change from Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday. The phrase refers to prophetic seasons (Hebrew: “zemanin”) and divine ordinances, pointing to a systemic shift in God’s appointed times and moral framework.

🔍 Let’s break it down:

1. “Times” (Seasons) in Scripture:

In biblical prophecy, “times” are often used to refer to divine seasons or eras, not individual days.

▶ Luke 21:8 (NKJV)

“…Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.”

Here, “the time” refers not to a single day, but to a period of deception, foreshadowing the last days.

▶ Luke 12:56 (NKJV)

“…You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?”

Jesus rebukes the crowd for failing to recognize the season of His first coming—a divinely appointed time of visitation (cf. Luke 19:44).

▶ Luke 21:29–31 (NKJV)

“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees…when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.”

This passage speaks of the season of end-time fulfillment, not a specific day of the week.

2. “Law” in Daniel 7:25:

In context, “law” refers not only to the Mosaic law but to divine authority and moral absolutes. The Antichrist will seek to alter what God has established as right and wrong—redefining morality, truth, and worship.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil…”
(Isaiah 5:20, NKJV)

This aligns with Paul’s warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, where the “man of sin” (Antichrist) will exalt himself above God and sit in God’s temple, redefining worship and truth:

“…who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped…”
(2 Thessalonians 2:4, NKJV)

THE ACTUAL SHIFT: From Grace to Tribulation

When Daniel 7:25 says the Antichrist will “intend to change times and law,” it means he will seek to disrupt God’s prophetic timetable. This involves ushering in a new era—the Great Tribulation, following the end of the Age of Grace.

We are currently in what the Bible calls:

“The times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) — a season of grace for the salvation of the nations (Gentiles).

This season will end with the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), after which the Antichrist will rise and implement a new system of oppression and deception, marking the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

🔥 During that time:

  • God’s grace will be withdrawn (Amos 8:11–12)
  • The Antichrist will enforce universal allegiance (Revelation 13:16–17)
  • Anyone without the mark of the beast will be unable to buy or sell
  • Worship will be compulsory, and refusal to worship the beast will result in death (Revelation 13:15)

This is what the “changing of times and law” truly entails: a global system that outlaws truth, outlaws grace, and enforces blasphemy.

IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST ABOUT SUNDAY WORSHIP?

No. The mark of the beast is not about the day you worship. It is about whom you worship and what system you align yourself with.

“If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark…he shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God…”
(Revelation 14:9–10, NKJV)

Worship on Sunday is not inherently evil—Jesus rose on the first day of the week (Sunday), and the early Church often gathered on that day (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). The New Covenant teaches that believers are no longer under obligation to observe Sabbaths in the Mosaic sense:

“Let no one judge you…regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”
(Colossians 2:16–17, NKJV)

Therefore, the teaching that not keeping the seventh-day Sabbath is equivalent to receiving the mark of the beast is not supported by Scripture and should be rejected as doctrinal error.

CONCLUSION

Daniel 7:25 does not mean the Antichrist will simply move the Sabbath to Sunday. It points to a global, spiritual, and moral upheaval where divine truth is replaced with deception, and God’s appointed prophetic seasons are overthrown by a satanic agenda.

This verse highlights a total systemic shift in God’s redemptive timeline—from the current Age of Grace to the Age of Wrath. The Antichrist will change the world’s spiritual climate, not just its calendar.

📖 Today, we are in the acceptable time—the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Let us be alert, rooted in truth, and watching for our Lord’s return.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His truth.
If you’d like this formatted as a PDF, sermon outline, or visual teaching aid, feel free to ask!

Context Behind the Question:

Some preachers—especially among Seventh-day Adventist circles—teach that the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–17) will be identified by the day of worship. They claim that when the Pope (or the Roman Catholic system) declares Sunday as the only global day of worship, this will violate the fourth commandment, which instructs us to remember and keep the seventh-day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8–11). According to this view, those who comply with Sunday worship will receive the mark of the beast (666), and they often cite Daniel 7:25 to support this:

He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law…

(Daniel 7:25, NKJV)

But is this interpretation accurate? Let’s explore it biblically and theologically.

BIBLICAL CLARITY: What Does “Times and Law” Mean in Daniel 7:25?

The “times and law” mentioned in Daniel 7:25 do not refer to a simple change from Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday. The phrase refers to prophetic seasons (Hebrew: “zemanin”) and divine ordinances, pointing to a systemic shift in God’s appointed times and moral framework.

🔍 Let’s break it down:

1. “Times” (Seasons) in Scripture:

In biblical prophecy, “times” are often used to refer to divine seasons or eras, not individual days.

▶ Luke 21:8 (NKJV)

…Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.

Here, “the time” refers not to a single day, but to a period of deception, foreshadowing the last days.

▶ Luke 12:56 (NKJV)

…You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

Jesus rebukes the crowd for failing to recognize the season of His first coming—a divinely appointed time of visitation (cf. Luke 19:44).

▶ Luke 21:29–31 (NKJV)

Look at the fig tree, and all the trees…when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

This passage speaks of the season of end-time fulfillment, not a specific day of the week.

2. “Law” in Daniel 7:25:

In context, “law” refers not only to the Mosaic law but to divine authority and moral absolutes. The Antichrist will seek to alter what God has established as right and wrong—redefining morality, truth, and worship.

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil…

(Isaiah 5:20, NKJV)

This aligns with Paul’s warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, where the “man of sin” (Antichrist) will exalt himself above God and sit in God’s temple, redefining worship and truth:

…who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped…

(2 Thessalonians 2:4, NKJV)

THE ACTUAL SHIFT: From Grace to Tribulation

When Daniel 7:25 says the Antichrist will “intend to change times and law,” it means he will seek to disrupt God’s prophetic timetable. This involves ushering in a new era—the Great Tribulation, following the end of the Age of Grace.

We are currently in what the Bible calls:

“The times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) — a season of grace for the salvation of the nations (Gentiles).

This season will end with the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), after which the Antichrist will rise and implement a new system of oppression and deception, marking the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

🔥 During that time:

  • God’s grace will be withdrawn (Amos 8:11–12)
  • The Antichrist will enforce universal allegiance (Revelation 13:16–17)
  • Anyone without the mark of the beast will be unable to buy or sell
  • Worship will be compulsory, and refusal to worship the beast will result in death (Revelation 13:15)

This is what the “changing of times and law” truly entails: a global system that outlaws truth, outlaws grace, and enforces blasphemy.

IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST ABOUT SUNDAY WORSHIP?

No. The mark of the beast is not about the day you worship. It is about whom you worship and what system you align yourself with.

If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark…he shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God…

(Revelation 14:9–10, NKJV)

Worship on Sunday is not inherently evil—Jesus rose on the first day of the week (Sunday), and the early Church often gathered on that day (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). The New Covenant teaches that believers are no longer under obligation to observe Sabbaths in the Mosaic sense:

Let no one judge you…regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

(Colossians 2:16–17, NKJV)

Therefore, the teaching that not keeping the seventh-day Sabbath is equivalent to receiving the mark of the beast is not supported by Scripture and should be rejected as doctrinal error.

CONCLUSION

Daniel 7:25 does not mean the Antichrist will simply move the Sabbath to Sunday. It points to a global, spiritual, and moral upheaval where divine truth is replaced with deception, and God’s appointed prophetic seasons are overthrown by a satanic agenda.

This verse highlights a total systemic shift in God’s redemptive timeline—from the current Age of Grace to the Age of Wrath. The Antichrist will change the world’s spiritual climate, not just its calendar.

📖 Today, we are in the acceptable time—the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Let us be alert, rooted in truth, and watching for our Lord’s return.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His truth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

When Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” does that mean we are not supposed to be spiritually rich?

ANSWER:

The phrase “poor in spirit” refers to spiritual humility—not spiritual ignorance or lack of understanding. In biblical terms, poverty of spirit means recognizing one’s spiritual bankruptcy apart from God. It is the heart posture of someone who knows they have nothing of eternal value to offer without God’s grace.

In this context, Jesus is highlighting the kind of heart that is totally dependent on God. Being “poor in spirit” is foundational to entering God’s kingdom because it acknowledges that salvation is by grace, not by our own efforts. As Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) says:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Jesus was not blessing the spiritually indifferent or unaware. Instead, He was blessing those who are constantly aware of their need for God’s help, wisdom, and presence. These people aren’t complacent. They hunger for more of God. They come to Him like beggars in need of bread—like the tax collector in Luke 18:13 (NKJV) who wouldn’t even lift his eyes to heaven but prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”

Such people don’t presume to have “arrived.” They long to grow deeper in their knowledge of Christ, His Word, and His kingdom. This spiritual hunger is echoed in Matthew 5:6 (NKJV):

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

On the other hand, spiritual pride—the belief that one has nothing more to learn—closes the door to growth and intimacy with God. That was the sin of the Pharisees and scribes. Despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, they rejected Jesus because their hearts were hardened by self-righteousness. They refused to acknowledge their need for a Savior.

John 9:41 (NKJV):

If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

Jesus rebuked such pride in the church of Laodicea:

 Revelation 3:17–18 (NKJV):

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…

Even the Apostle Paul, though he had received divine revelations and was entrusted with mysteries of the kingdom (see 2 Corinthians 12:1–7), never considered himself to have attained perfection. Near the end of his life, he still desired to grow. While imprisoned, he wrote:

2 Timothy 4:13 (NKJV):

Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

This was a man still thirsty for learning—still poor in spirit.

Paul also warned against the pride of assumed knowledge:

1 Corinthians 8:2 (NKJV):

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

True spiritual maturity is marked by humility—a continual awareness of how much more there is to learn about God. The more we grow, the more we realize how vast God’s wisdom truly is:

Romans 11:33 (NKJV):

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

In Summary:

To be “poor in spirit” is not to lack knowledge, but to recognize that all spiritual wisdom, strength, and righteousness come from God—not ourselves. It is a posture of humility and teachability. These are the hearts God fills. These are the ones to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs.

 Isaiah 66:2 (NKJV):

But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.

So let us never settle. Let us never say, “I know enough,” or “I’ve arrived.” Instead, like Paul, let us “press on” to know Christ more:

Philippians 3:13–14 (NKJV):

…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

May God give us the grace to remain poor in spirit—and rich in Christ.

God bless you abundantly.

 

 

Print this post

How Were the Books of the Bible Compiled?

I understand that the people who collected the sacred writings into what we now call the Bible were led by the Holy Spirit. But what criteria did they use to decide which books belonged? I’ve also heard that some writings, like the Gospel of Peter and the Gospel of Thomas, were rejected. Why were they excluded?

ANSWER:

It’s important to recognize that the Bible is not merely a human compilation, but the result of divine inspiration. The 66 books of the Bible—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament—were included not by accident or political maneuvering, but through the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

(2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Even though God can act independently, He often chooses to work through people, using them as instruments to fulfill His will (see Romans 12:1-2, Exodus 31:1-3). The process of identifying and preserving the canon of Scripture is one such divine act carried out through faithful servants.

1. The Old Testament Canon – 39 Books

The Old Testament was recognized and preserved by faithful Jewish scholars and scribes, especially after the Babylonian exile. The books were accepted based on their prophetic origin, historical accuracy, doctrinal purity, and long-standing use in temple worship.

Key Facts:

The Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy), attributed to Moses, was considered foundational and authoritative from the start.

Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.

(Exodus 24:4, ESV)

Books like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles were preserved because they recorded Israel’s divine history.

Prophetic books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel were recognized because their prophecies were fulfilled and consistent with earlier Scripture.

Wisdom literature, such as Psalms and Proverbs, were included because they aligned with the fear of the Lord and the truth of God’s character.

Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of the Old Testament, often quoting from it. He referred to “the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms” as the threefold division of the Hebrew Scriptures:

These are my words that I spoke to you… that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.

(Luke 24:44, ESV)

2. The New Testament Canon – 27 Books

The New Testament books were written in the first century by apostles or close companions of apostles (such as Luke and Mark). These writings were recognized by early Christians not because of church councils, but because of their apostolic authority, doctrinal consistency, spiritual impact, and wide use among the churches.

You were built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

(Ephesians 2:20, ESV)

Apostolic Letters Circulated Early:

Paul’s epistles were already being copied and read publicly during his lifetime.

And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

(Colossians 4:16, ESV)

Even the Gospels were treated as Scripture early on. Paul’s quote in 1 Timothy 5:18 cites both the Old Testament and the Gospel of Luke:

For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.

(1 Timothy 5:18, ESV; cf. Luke 10:7)

This confirms that the Gospels were already recognized as Scripture in the first generation of the Church.

3. Criteria for Recognizing Inspired Books

Early Church leaders used several key criteria when discerning whether a book belonged in the canon:

1. Apostolic Origin – Was it written by an apostle or under apostolic authority?

2. Universal Acceptance – Was it widely recognized by the early Church across various regions?

3. Doctrinal Consistency – Did it agree with the known teachings of Christ and the apostles?

4. Spiritual Authority – Did it bear the witness of the Holy Spirit in its message and impact?

5. Harmony with Scripture – Did it quote or align with Old Testament truths?

Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth:

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth…

(John 16:13, ESV)

This guidance was evident not only in writing the New Testament, but also in the Church’s recognition of those writings.

4. What About the “Lost” or Rejected Books?

Some writings, like the Gospel of Thomas or the Gospel of Peter, were excluded because they did not meet the biblical criteria. They were often written long after the apostles had died, were not widely accepted, and contained false teachings, often influenced by Gnosticism—a heretical movement that denied Christ’s full humanity or divinity.

Paul warned of such distortions:

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

(Galatians 1:8, ESV)

These writings were never part of the true Christian tradition and were rejected because they did not bear the mark of divine inspiration.

5. The Role of Church Councils

The Council of Carthage in A.D. 397 formally listed the 66 books we now have in the Bible. But these councils did not create the canon—they recognized and affirmed what God had already made clear to His Church through the Holy Spirit.

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

(Psalm 119:89, ESV)

Conclusion:

The formation of the Bible was not a random human project, but a sovereign work of God. Through the Holy Spirit, God ensured that only the inspired, authoritative, and life-giving books would be preserved for His people. Today, the 66 books of the Bible stand as a complete, trustworthy, and divinely preserved testimony of God’s revelation to humanity.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

(Isaiah 40:8, ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

What Did Jesus Mean by Saying, “Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead”? (Matthew 8:21–22)

Answer:

To understand this powerful and somewhat shocking statement, we must first look at the historical and cultural context, then the spiritual implications of Jesus’ words.

1. Jewish Burial Customs: A Two-Stage Process

In first-century Jewish tradition, burial was not a single-day event. It involved two distinct stages: the initial burial and the secondary burial. The first burial involved washing the body, wrapping it in linen (John 19:40), and placing it in a tomb—often a family tomb hewn from rock (cf. Matthew 27:60). These tombs were shared by extended families and featured shelves (called kokhim) where bodies were laid to decompose.

After about a year, once the body had decomposed, family members would return to collect the bones and place them in an ossuary—a stone box. This second stage symbolized a kind of “final rest” and a deeper connection to one’s ancestors. That’s why the Bible says of patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that they were “gathered to their people” (Genesis 49:29–33; Numbers 20:24)—a phrase with both physical and spiritual meaning.

So, when the man in Matthew 8:21 said, “Let me first go and bury my father,” he likely wasn’t talking about a quick funeral. It could have implied a year-long process of mourning and family responsibility. He was, in essence, postponing his commitment to follow Christ.

2. Jesus’ Call: Radical, Immediate Discipleship

 

Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.

(Matthew 8:21–22, ESV)

At first glance, Jesus’ response may seem harsh or disrespectful. But in reality, it reveals the urgency and priority of the Kingdom of God. Jesus calls His followers to put Him above all earthly obligations, even those as sacred as burying one’s parent.

This echoes Jesus’ other words:

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.

(Luke 14:26, ESV)

The word “hate” here is not literal hatred, but a comparative term—meaning that your love for Christ must be so great that all other loves look like hate in comparison. Obedience to Christ takes precedence over family, tradition, and cultural expectations.

3. Who Are “the Dead” in Jesus’ Statement?

Jesus said, “Let the dead bury their own dead.” Clearly, physically dead people cannot bury anyone. So who was Jesus referring to?

He was using the word “dead” in two different senses:

Physically alive, but spiritually dead – those without spiritual life, those who are alienated from God (Ephesians 2:1: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…”).

Physically dead – those who have died naturally.

In essence, Jesus was saying: “Let those who are spiritually dead take care of the things of this world. But you—called to eternal life—must follow Me now.”

This aligns with Paul’s teaching in Romans 8:6–8 (ESV):

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace… Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Following Jesus means stepping into spiritual life. Anyone outside of Christ remains spiritually dead, even if alive physically. When Jesus calls, He is summoning people from death to life (John 5:24).

4. Salvation Starts Now, Not After Death

Many people postpone turning to Christ, thinking they’ll have time later—after retirement, after business succeeds, after family responsibilities settle. But the Bible is clear:

 

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

(2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV)

We are not promised tomorrow. The call to salvation and service is urgent. That’s why Jesus demands immediate response—without hesitation or excuse. He said:

No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.

(Luke 9:62, ESV)

Just as Lot’s wife perished because she looked back (Genesis 19:26), so too can we miss God’s best if we’re constantly glancing behind at the things we’re unwilling to leave behind.

5. True Discipleship Requires Sacrifice

Jesus doesn’t promise an easy life for His followers—but He promises eternal life. True Christianity is not about comfort—it’s about self-denial and full devotion.

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

(Luke 9:23, ESV)

That cross is not just suffering—it represents death to self, death to the world’s approval, and surrender to Christ’s Lordship.

Conclusion: Let Go and Follow Jesus

If Jesus is calling you—whether to leave sin behind, abandon dishonest business, or surrender a worldly pursuit—do not delay. Don’t say, “Let me first finish this,” or “After I handle that.” Jesus must be first or not at all.

God doesn’t take second place in our lives. He is King and Lord—and our response must be immediate, total, and joyful.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

(Matthew 10:39, ESV)

May you have the courage to follow Him fully—without hesitation, without excuses.

Be blessed as you answer His call.

 

 

Print this post

Is Participating in Sports a Sin?

QUESTION:

Is it sinful for a Christian to watch or take part in sports such as football (e.g., Simba vs. Yanga), basketball, or other similar activities?

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE:

To answer this question wisely, we must begin with the condition of the heart. In Mark 7:20–23, Jesus gives us insight into what truly defiles a person:

What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.

(Mark 7:20–23, NKJV)

In light of this, participation in or viewing of sports is not automatically sinful. However, if it stirs up pride, anger, rivalry, insults, or idolatry, then it can become spiritually harmful and, in effect, sinful.

THE SPIRIT OF COMPETITION:

Many sports thrive on competition and rivalry. The danger lies not in the activity itself but in the spirit behind it. When competition leads to envy, strife, or pride, it ceases to glorify God.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

(Philippians 2:3, NKJV)

The Apostle Paul consistently warns against fleshly behaviors that are common in ungodly rivalries:

 

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication… hatreds, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies…

(Galatians 5:19–20, NKJV)

Even friendly competition can become a stumbling block when it draws out the works of the flesh, such as anger, cursing, boasting, or divisiveness. Paul warns us to:

Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God.

(1 Corinthians 10:32, NKJV)

BEING A LIGHT IN THE WORLD:

As believers, we are called to live differently from the world:

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

(Philippians 2:14–15, NKJV)

If your involvement in sports leads to complaining, mockery, or bad behavior, ask yourself: Am I still shining as a light for Christ?

WOULD JESUS BE A FAN?

We must examine every area of life through the lens of Christlikeness. Would Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), spend hours debating football scores, mocking referees, or getting emotionally entangled in sports?

Our highest goal is not entertainment, but to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

(1 John 2:6, NKJV)

We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Would people be drawn to Christ through the way we behave during a game?

IDOLATRY OF TIME AND ATTENTION:

Another danger lies in how much time and emotional energy sports consume. God is jealous of our affection and devotion (Exodus 34:14). If sports take more time than prayer, worship, or studying God’s Word, they may have become an idol.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

(1 John 5:21, NKJV)

Paul instructs believers to redeem the time, making the most of every moment for God’s purposes:

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(Ephesians 5:15–16, NKJV)

Evaluate yourself honestly:

Do you spend hours watching sports, but only a few minutes in prayer?

Do you shout and cheer loudly at matches, yet remain quiet during worship?

Are you more emotionally moved by your team winning than by someone getting saved?

If so, you may be giving glory to the game rather than to God.

THE WITNESS OF YOUR LIFE.

As believers, everything we do should reflect Christ to others. Paul says:

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

(1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV)

Ask yourself: Has your behavior as a sports fan ever led someone to Christ? If not, consider whether your actions are aligned with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).

IN CONCLUSION:

Sports in themselves are not inherently sinful. But when they:

incite pride, anger, or rivalry

distract you from God

become a source of ungodly behavior

consume your time and affection more than Christ

…then they become a spiritual danger and possibly a sin.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

(Matthew 22:37, NKJV)

If sports are drawing you away from this kind of wholehearted love for God, it’s time to reconsider your involvement.

Final Encouragement:

We are not called to blend in with the world, but to stand out for Christ:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(Romans 12:2, NKJV)

May the Lord give you wisdom and discernment as you seek to honor Him in every area of your life.

Be blessed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

Search

Migawanyo