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How Many Types of Resurrection Are There?

Answer: The Bible clearly teaches that there are two distinct resurrections, each with its own significance in God’s redemptive plan.

The First Resurrection

The first resurrection primarily concerns the redeemed—the saints—who are raised to eternal life. This resurrection is mentioned in several key places:

At Jesus’ resurrection, Matthew 27:52-53 (ESV) says:

The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

This event foreshadows the power of Christ over death and His promise of resurrection for all believers.

The first resurrection also includes the saints who will be caught up to meet Christ at His second coming (often referred to as the rapture). Though not explicitly called a resurrection in some texts, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 clarifies that the dead in Christ will be raised first:

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

Additionally, Revelation 20:4-6 (ESV) describes those who reign with Christ during His millennial kingdom, indicating they have part in the first resurrection:

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power…

Theologically, the first resurrection signifies victory over the “second death” (eternal separation from God) and ushers believers into their reign with Christ in the millennial kingdom. It highlights the already-but-not-yet tension of Christian eschatology—the believer’s resurrection is certain but fully realized at Christ’s return.

The Second Resurrection

The second resurrection occurs after the 1,000-year reign, marking the resurrection of all who did not partake in the first. These are the unsaved dead who face judgment:

Revelation 20:11-15 (ESV) describes this great white throne judgment:

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it… The dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done… And Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

This resurrection leads to eternal condemnation for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life. It demonstrates God’s righteous judgment and the final defeat of death and evil.

Theological Implications

Blessedness of the First Resurrection: Those who participate in the first resurrection are described as “blessed and holy,” for they are spared the second death (Revelation 20:6). This is a promise of eternal security for the redeemed.

The Second Death: The “second death” refers to eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, underscoring the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ’s salvation (Revelation 21:8).

Hope and Urgency: Believers are exhorted to remain faithful and vigilant so that they may be found worthy of this first resurrection (Luke 21:36). The resurrection assures Christians that death is not the end, but a gateway to eternal life or judgment.

In summary, the two resurrections mark God’s ultimate plan for humanity:

1. The first resurrection brings eternal life and reign with Christ for the saved.

2. The second resurrection brings judgment and eternal separation from God for the unsaved.

May this truth encourage you to live in the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

God bless you richly.

 

 

 

 

 

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MIRIAM

Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron by birth (Numbers 26:59, ESV). She was the youngest child of Jochebed and Amram. Scripture also describes her as a prophetess—a rare and honored position for a woman in ancient Israel. Together, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were uniquely chosen by God to guide His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness (Micah 6:4, ESV: “For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”). This shows God’s purpose in raising both men and women for His work.

Miriam’s leadership was especially significant for women in Israel. After the Lord overthrew Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea, she led the women in worship. The Bible says, “Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea’” (Exodus 15:20–21, ESV). This act of praise highlights her role in encouraging corporate worship and thanksgiving.

However, Miriam’s story also serves as a sobering lesson about pride and speaking against God’s chosen servant. In Numbers 12:1–10 (ESV), Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of his Cushite wife. Yet the Lord rebuked them, affirming Moses’ unique relationship with Him: “He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord” (Numbers 12:7–8, ESV). As a consequence of her rebellion, “when the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow” (Numbers 12:10, ESV). This judgment shows God’s seriousness about respecting His appointed leaders.

Moses interceded on Miriam’s behalf, demonstrating his humility and compassion, and the Lord restored her after seven days of isolation (Numbers 12:13–15, ESV).

Sadly, Miriam did not enter the Promised Land. She died at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, and was buried there (Numbers 20:1, ESV). Her death reminds us that even those greatly used by God are still subject to His discipline and judgment.

Miriam’s life leaves us with a rich example: she was a worship leader, a prophetess, and a servant of God, but also a reminder of the danger of pride and the importance of honoring God’s ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How Did John the Baptist Turn the Hearts of the Fathers Toward the Children?

In Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV), God declares:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.

This was a prophecy concerning a messenger who would come to prepare the way for the Lord. Jesus Himself confirmed that John the Baptist fulfilled this role of Elijah. In Matthew 11:14 (ESV), Jesus said, “and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” Likewise, Luke 1:17 (ESV), speaking of John’s mission, says:

and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

What does it mean that John turned the hearts of fathers to their children?

John’s ministry was one of repentance (Matthew 3:1-2). He preached to both the religious leaders (the “fathers” — those entrusted with the Law, such as the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees) and to the common people (the “children” — the followers and future generations). His message called these fathers of the Law to humility, repentance, and faith, so that they could lead their spiritual descendants to righteousness rather than hypocrisy.

By calling the leaders back to true godliness, John sought to restore right relationships — both between generations and between God’s people and the Lord Himself. His ministry was meant to break the cycle of rebellion and judgment, to prepare Israel for the coming of Christ.

How was this fulfilled?

We see this fulfilled in how some of John’s own followers recognized Jesus as the Messiah. For instance, Andrew and another disciple (likely John the Apostle) were first disciples of John the Baptist before they followed Jesus (John 1:35-37 ESV). John pointed them to Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36).

These early followers became foundational leaders in the Church — spiritual “fathers” of our Christian faith today. John’s ministry turned the fathers of the Old Covenant (those tied to the Law) toward the New Covenant in Christ, while drawing the hearts of the children — the new believers — toward these fathers of faith.

Why was this important?

Without such repentance and reconciliation, God warned that He would strike the land with a curse (Malachi 4:6). But John’s mission was to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness, to avert judgment, and to prepare a people ready to receive the Messiah.

As Acts 13:24 (ESV) summarizes:

Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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John the Baptist

John the Baptist was born in Judea just a few months before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. His father, Zechariah, was a Levite and a priest serving in the temple in Jerusalem. His mother, Elizabeth, was a close relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The story of John’s miraculous birth is recorded in detail in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:5–25, 57–80, ESV). The angel Gabriel announced to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son who would “be great before the Lord” and “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:15-16).

From Scripture, we learn that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth (Luke 1:15). This highlights God’s sovereign work in John’s life from the very beginning, marking him as a prophet with a special calling to prepare the way for the Messiah.

It is believed that soon after John’s birth, his parents died, and John retreated to live in the wilderness. There he lived an ascetic life until his public ministry began, preaching repentance and baptizing those who confessed their sins (Mark 1:4).

John was called “the Baptist” because he baptized people as a sign of their repentance and cleansing from sin (John 1:26-34). Baptism, in this context, symbolized purification and preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. Unlike others named John, he was uniquely identified by this ministry.

It is important to clarify that John the Baptist is not the same person as John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of Revelation. John the Baptist did not author any biblical books.

Theologically, John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy of Malachi, where God says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (Malachi 4:5, ESV). Jesus himself confirms this when he says, “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come” (Matthew 11:14, ESV). John’s role was to prepare people’s hearts for the coming Messiah by calling them to repentance and reconciliation with God.

1. How did John the Baptist turn the hearts of the fathers to their children?

This phrase comes from Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV), where God promises to send Elijah “to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” John fulfilled this by calling families and communities to spiritual renewal and reconciliation. His message emphasized repentance (metanoia) — a profound change of heart and mind — turning people away from sin and back toward God.

John’s ministry encouraged fathers to take responsibility for guiding their households in faith and righteousness, restoring broken relationships and preparing them for the coming of Christ. This healing of family and community ties was crucial for the spiritual readiness required to receive the Messiah.

Through baptism, John invited people to publicly demonstrate their repentance and new commitment to God’s Kingdom. His ministry pointed beyond himself to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, ESV), highlighting the coming fulfillment of salvation through Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Will Elijah Himself Return, or Just His Spirit?

Many people assume that the prophet Elijah himself will physically return before the coming of the Messiah. However, Scripture and theological understanding suggest a more nuanced interpretation.

Consider this analogy: A prominent leader, such as the late President Julius K. Nyerere of Tanzania, profoundly shaped a nation. After his death, some predicted that many “Nyereres” would be born—people who would carry forward his vision and leadership style.

Does this mean the exact same individual, Nyerere, will be reincarnated and serve as president again? No, that is not the intended meaning. Instead, the prophecy points to others who embody his spirit and mission.

Similarly, the prophecy concerning Elijah’s return, found in Malachi 4:5 (NIV), says:

See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.

This does not necessarily mean Elijah himself will return in the flesh. Rather, it signifies that God will raise up someone who carries Elijah’s prophetic ministry and spirit—someone who prepares the way for the Messiah.

This understanding is supported in the New Testament, where John the Baptist is identified as fulfilling this role. Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:14 (NIV):

And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17, NIV) to prepare the people for Jesus’ ministry, just as Elijah prepared Israel for God’s work during his time.

The first to carry on Elijah’s prophetic mantle was Elisha, who succeeded Elijah and continued his ministry of calling Israel back to faithfulness (see 2 Kings 2:9-15). Then, centuries later, John the Baptist came in the prophetic spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.

1. Who was John the Baptist?

John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God to call people to repentance and prepare the hearts of Israel for the coming Messiah (see Mark 1:2-4). His ministry fulfilled the promise of Malachi’s prophecy, embodying the spirit and mission of Elijah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PROPHET ELIJAH

The Prophet Elijah lived during the 9th century before Christ. He is remembered as one of Israel’s most powerful prophets, who fearlessly confronted the idolatrous rule of King Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel (see 1 Kings 18:17-19). Elijah’s mission was to call Israel back to the worship of the one true God, Yahweh.

The Bible does not mention Elijah having a wife or children, nor does it tell us how many years his ministry lasted. What we do know is that his life and ministry were filled with mighty works of God.

Among Elijah’s most famous miracles was the dramatic moment on Mount Carmel when he called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving that the Lord alone is God:

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

(1 Kings 18:38, NIV)

Another extraordinary event was Elijah’s departure from this world. He did not experience death in the usual sense, but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire:

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

(2 Kings 2:11, NIV)

The prophecy concerning Elijah’s return is found in Malachi 4:5:

See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. (NIV)

This prophecy was partly fulfilled in the coming of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. As the angel declared to Zechariah about John:

And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

(Luke 1:17, NIV)

Jesus Himself confirmed this connection, saying of John:

And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

(Matthew 11:14, ESV)


However, many Bible scholars also see Malachi’s prophecy pointing to Elijah’s future role in God’s plan before Christ’s second coming, when the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” will occur.

 

 

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Steps of the Holy Spirit in Guiding Believers

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…

Among the many works the Holy Spirit does in the life of a believer in Christ is guiding them into all truth. This is clearly stated in Scripture:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” — John 16:13 (ESV)

The word “guide” is closely related to directing someone step by step toward a destination or goal. A guide does not only show the path but also corrects mistakes along the way. For example, if someone is leading you somewhere and you suggest a wrong route, the guide will correct you so you can reach the best possible path.

This is exactly how the Holy Spirit works. He is our true Guide, and the first thing every believer must have is the Holy Spirit. The Bible emphasizes:

“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” — Romans 8:9 (ESV)

This means that without the Holy Spirit, there is no divine guidance in one’s life — life is directionless and lost.


The Believer’s Spiritual Growth

At the beginning of the Christian journey, a believer knows very little — much like a newborn child who is unaware of the ways of the world. Similarly, a person newly “born again” may be spiritually weak. Yet, within that weakness is a desire to know God, a thirst that the Holy Spirit Himself places in the believer’s heart to be nurtured under His guidance.

The Holy Spirit gradually draws the believer, step by step, guiding them on the path of holiness. The believer begins to move away from worldly attachments and seeks a church where their spiritual thirst for God can be satisfied. Through this process, they start leaving sin behind and eventually join a church community, where spiritual growth is nurtured.

Even after time in a church, the believer may notice their spiritual life is not yet mature. This realization stirs a desire to pursue God more earnestly, prompting the search for deeper spiritual nourishment. Importantly:

  • The goal is not to leave a church for mere preference or convenience, but to grow in intimacy with God.
  • The Holy Spirit leads, ensuring that each step is aligned with divine truth and spiritual maturity.

Why Moving from One Church to Another Can Be Right

Sometimes, believers move between churches. This should not be confused with sin or dissatisfaction, because:

  • The move may be driven by a genuine spiritual thirst to grow in prayer, Scripture study, or evangelism.
  • Some churches may lack proper spiritual order or opportunities to serve, and the Spirit nudges the believer to a place where they can fulfill God’s calling.
  • Others may leave places of false teaching or practices like idolatry to be where God’s Word is honored fully.

Scripture emphasizes the importance of discernment:

“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.” — Revelation 18:4 (ESV)

The Spirit’s guidance ensures that a believer is not bound to one location but is progressively led toward spiritual completeness.


Avoiding the Wrong Motivation

A common mistake among believers is choosing a church based on numbers, popularity, or human advice rather than the Spirit’s guidance. Many leave one denomination for another without true spiritual purpose, ending up as mere religious participants, not true followers of Christ. This mirrors the spirit of the Pharisees and Sadducees who opposed Jesus in His ministry (Matthew 23), emphasizing form over spiritual truth.

The Spirit’s direction is not about denominations but about knowing the truth, obeying God, and growing in spiritual maturity.


Practical Advice

  1. Seek Scripture first — Before moving to a new church, study the Bible and discern God’s guidance.
  2. Follow the Holy Spirit — The Spirit leads those who read Scripture and seek God earnestly, not those chasing church trends or opinions.
  3. Aim for spiritual growth, not comfort — True guidance results in holiness, prayerfulness, evangelism, and obedience, not merely attending popular congregations.

*“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good

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The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak

 “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, NIV)

. This phrase encapsulates the tension we often experience between our spiritual aspirations and our physical limitations. While we may have a strong desire to align with God’s will, our bodies often become weary, distracted, or resistant.

Context:

After a full day of ministry with His disciples, Jesus didn’t have the opportunity to rest. Instead, He went to a designated house for the evening, where He continued teaching and preparing them for what was to come. He shared important teachings, including the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and spent time in fellowship with them. It was in this context that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility and service (John 13:1-17). They stayed up very late, and around 8:00 PM, when they should have been resting, Jesus called them to pray with Him.

The key lesson here is that despite being physically exhausted, Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him. This request highlights a significant challenge: the ability to push through physical tiredness to fulfill spiritual duties. Jesus understood this challenge, which is why He said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This statement is a recognition that, while our spiritual desires may be strong, our bodies often struggle to keep pace with those desires.

The Struggle of the Flesh:

In theological terms, the “flesh” refers to our sinful human nature—those aspects of our being that are prone to selfishness, laziness, and disobedience. The term is often used in Scripture to describe the part of humanity that resists God and is inclined toward sin. The “flesh” doesn’t just refer to our physical bodies, but to our sinful tendencies.

Romans 7:18 (NIV): “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”

This battle between the spirit and the flesh is a central theme in Christian life. While the spirit desires to follow God, the flesh is weak and prone to distraction or sin.

Overcoming the Flesh:

In the Christian tradition, overcoming the flesh involves not denying the legitimate needs of the body but rather learning how to submit those needs to God’s will. The desires themselves—hunger, sleep, pleasure—are not inherently sinful. God designed our bodies with these needs for a purpose: to sustain us and help us enjoy life in this world. However, after the fall of humanity (Genesis 3), these desires became twisted by sin, and they can lead us astray if they are not controlled by the Spirit.

Sleep and Hunger:

Psalm 127:2 (NIV): “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
God created the need for sleep to restore our energy. If we didn’t need sleep, we would burn out quickly. Similarly, hunger is not a sin.

Matthew 6:25 (NIV) tells us not to worry about our bodily needs because God will provide: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink.”

These desires are part of God’s provision for us to enjoy life and thrive.

However, in a fallen world, these desires can lead to excess and selfishness, which is where the problem arises. For instance, excessive indulgence in food (gluttony), or rest (idleness), can hinder spiritual growth.

The Desire to Enjoy the World:

After Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, the world became corrupted. What was once a paradise filled with beauty and harmony became a place where evil and temptation abound.

1 John 2:15-16 (NIV): “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

God intended for us to enjoy the world, but now, because of sin, our enjoyment can lead to idolatry, selfishness, and separation from God. The desires of the flesh have become entangled with sinful temptation, and therefore, we must be cautious and avoid things that draw us into sinful patterns.

How Do We Overcome the Flesh?

Overcoming the flesh is not about rejecting our physical needs but about surrendering those desires to God. The key is to understand that spiritual discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential to living victoriously over the flesh.

  1. Avoid Temptation:
    To resist the desires of the flesh, we must avoid situations that provoke those desires. For example, if you want to avoid overindulgence in food, stay away from places where food is a constant temptation. If you struggle with lust, avoid watching inappropriate content or exposing yourself to situations that feed that desire.

  2. Overcoming Sleep:
    Jesus didn’t tell His disciples to rebuke the “spirit of sleep”; He simply told them to pray (Matthew 26:41). The remedy for sleepiness during spiritual activities, like prayer or Bible study, is not supernatural rebuke, but discipline. Keep busy, stay active, and focus on the importance of the task. Recognize that sleep is not a demon, but a physical need.

  3. Discipline and Focus:
    It’s essential to develop spiritual habits that can help you stay disciplined and focused. If you find it difficult to stay awake during prayer or Bible study, recognize the importance of these practices and remind yourself why they matter. Overcoming the flesh involves a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual activities over physical distractions.

Walking by the Spirit:

Paul emphasizes the need to “walk by the Spirit” in order to overcome the flesh. Walking by the Spirit means living in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit’s power, allowing Him to guide us and give us the strength to resist temptation.

Galatians 5:16 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

The Spirit provides the power we need to resist the pull of the flesh. In our own strength, we cannot overcome these desires, but through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live godly lives.

The Final Battle:

The battle against the flesh is ongoing. We are called to deny our fleshly desires and live according to the Spirit. The ultimate goal is not to reject the body or its needs, but to use them in service to God, submitting them to His will.

Romans 8:13 (NIV): “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

Conclusion:

The battle is real, but the victory is assured for those who walk by the Spirit. The more we grow in our relationship with God, the more we can overcome the weaknesses of the flesh. Remember that the flesh is weak, but through the Spirit, we can live a life that pleases God.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Let us stay close to God in prayer, reading His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate the challenges of the flesh. And, by avoiding the temptations of the world, we will continue to grow stronger in the faith and honor God with our lives.

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Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen”

The Call of Many – God’s Open Invitation

The calling of God is open to many. In the ministry of Jesus, we see that He initially called a large group of disciples. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus appointed seventy others besides the twelve and sent them out in pairs:

“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1, NKJV)

This shows that Jesus had a wider group of disciples beyond the twelve. People from various backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men—were called to follow Him. They responded by leaving their old lives behind, embracing the first step of discipleship.

This reflects God’s general call to humanity to repent and follow Him.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, NKJV)


2. The Choosing of a Few – God’s Sovereign Election

Later, from among the larger group, Jesus selected twelve apostles for a special role. This wasn’t because they were more qualified, more righteous, or more spiritual than the rest. It was a sovereign choice made in prayerful dependence on God:

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” (Luke 6:12-13, NKJV)

These men were chosen by grace, not merit. Theologically, this reflects the concept of divine election—God’s sovereign choice rooted in His purpose and mercy.

“So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16, NKJV)

Grace is unearned favor. Unlike “luck,” which may imply randomness, grace chooses the unworthy for God’s purposes.


3. Election Is Not Immunity – The Danger of Falling Away

Being chosen doesn’t guarantee that one will finish well. Among the twelve chosen apostles was Judas Iscariot—who later betrayed Jesus. His story is a sobering warning that election requires perseverance.

“Have I not chosen you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70, NKJV)

“Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25, NKJV)

Despite being called and empowered, Judas allowed sin to creep in. He began stealing (John 12:6), became greedy, and eventually betrayed Jesus. Yet Jesus didn’t expel him—He let him continue until the end, emphasizing how subtle spiritual decline can be.


4. A Warning for the Elect – Deception in the Last Days

Jesus warned that in the last days, even those chosen could be deceived if they are not watchful.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24, NKJV)

This means that even the elect must remain vigilant. Salvation is not a one-time event, but a journey that requires steadfastness.


5. The Privilege of Knowing the Mysteries – A Call to Responsibility

Jesus often spoke to the crowds in parables, but to His disciples, He revealed the deeper truths.

“It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11, NKJV)

If you are receiving and understanding the deeper things of God’s Word, it is a sign of God’s grace upon your life. But with this grace comes great responsibility—to remain faithful, discerning, and obedient.


6. Strengthening Your Calling and Election

Peter gives us the formula for enduring in our calling:

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10, NKJV)

Practical steps to make your calling and election sure:

  • Stay grounded in God’s Word
  • Guard your heart from compromise
  • Remain humble and prayerful
  • Pursue holiness and spiritual growth
  • Be alert to deception and false teachings

Conclusion: Finish Well

You may have responded to the call of God with sincerity. Perhaps you’ve even walked closely with Jesus. But like Judas, it’s possible to grow too familiar with the Word, to let the world’s desires in, and to end up spiritually lost.

God won’t force you to stay. He will walk with you in grace, but your choices will determine your end.

“It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24, NKJV – about Judas)

This is not to instill fear, but urgency. You are called. You may even be chosen. But will you remain faithful to the end?

Let us strive to finish well—holding fast to grace, resisting temptation, and growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“He who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV)

 

Shalom

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LET US PRESS ON TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY

The physical world often gives us clues about spiritual realities. For example, if we compare developed nations, like those in Europe, with less developed ones, like many in Africa, we can observe a clear difference. In developing countries, people spend most of their lives struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. If someone is able to secure these, they are considered to have “made it” in life. This is why these nations are often labeled as “developing.”

In contrast, in developed nations, these basic needs are usually already taken care of, often from birth, because of the systems their governments have established. This freedom allows people to focus on other things, like research, technology, space exploration, and innovations that advance their societies. It is through these advancements that these nations are seen as powerful and progressive.

This pattern mirrors what we see in the spiritual realm. The Apostle Paul observed that many Christians were still spiritually immature, even after years of walking with God. They were still stuck on the foundational teachings of the faith. They hadn’t grown beyond basic principles. The spiritual life of these believers had plateaued; they kept hearing the same elementary teachings. But maturity requires progress. If they were struggling with the basics, how could they handle deeper truths?

Paul described these foundational teachings in Hebrews 6:1–2:

  • Repentance from dead works
  • Faith toward God
  • The doctrine of baptisms
  • The laying on of hands
  • Resurrection of the dead
  • Eternal judgment

These are the basics that many Christians hear constantly in churches, Bible studies, and online. Yet, if we remain focused on just these and never grow, are we not still spiritual infants? Aren’t we still spiritually impoverished?

Theologians often refer to these teachings as “elementary doctrines,” the initial teachings that must be mastered before one can progress into deeper spiritual truths. Hebrews 5:11–14 highlights the difference between spiritual milk and solid food. Spiritual milk represents the fundamental teachings (like repentance and baptism), while solid food refers to the deeper, more mature understanding of God’s Word. Paul was frustrated that his audience could not handle solid food meaning, they could not grasp deeper revelations of Christ because they were still clinging to the basics.

“Of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Hebrews 5:11–14

Paul’s appeal in Hebrews 6:1–2 is a call to move beyond these elementary principles:

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation…”
Hebrews 6:1

The foundation is important, but it is not the end goal. The goal is to build the house, which means pressing on to spiritual maturity, to a more complete knowledge of Christ.

Paul even referred to Melchizedek a mysterious figure from the Old Testament to explain the depth of Jesus’ priesthood. Melchizedek had no recorded beginning or end, just as Christ, our eternal High Priest, has no end (Hebrews 7:1–3). These are deeper spiritual truths that Paul could not share with his audience because they were not yet ready for them.

There is so much more about Christ and God’s plan that we do not yet fully understand. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 says:

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’”
1 Corinthians 2:9

The ultimate mystery will be revealed when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet, signaling the end of all things and the completion of God’s plan. Revelation 10:7 makes it clear that the fullness of God’s mystery will be revealed at that time:

“But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.”
Revelation 10:7

Until that time, God is calling us to grow spiritually, to move beyond elementary teachings and pursue a deeper relationship with Him. As Ephesians 4:13 encourages:

“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…”
Ephesians 4:13

Repentance and baptism are just the beginning. They are the foundation upon which we must build. But God desires that we grow, that we move toward spiritual maturity, learning the deeper truths of the faith. Solid food represents the deeper mysteries of God truths about Christ’s eternal priesthood, His ongoing revelation, and His ultimate return.

If we grow beyond the basics, God will lead us into greater spiritual maturity. The goal is not to remain on the foundation, but to build a life that reflects the fullness of Christ.

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…”
Hebrews 6:1

Let us press on toward spiritual maturity, so that we may know Him more deeply, reflect His character, and walk in the fullness of His calling.

Shalom.

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