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IMEANDIKWA NINI KATIKA TORATI? WASOMAJE?

WHAT IS WRITTEN IN THE TORAH? HOW SHOULD WE READ IT?

Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Build a habit of reading the Bible. In these last days, the devil is putting extra effort into keeping people from reading or understanding the Word. Instead, people are encouraged to just listen to sermons or receive prayers, but not to read for themselves.

The truth is: if we want to hear God’s voice clearly, the way is to read His Word. If we want to see God, the solution is to read His Word. If we want to understand God on deeper levels, the answer is to read the Bible. If we want to live a life that pleases God, it is only through reading Scripture. Never neglect it.

Let us learn from the Lord Jesus when He met the lawyer. Consider what He said:

Luke 10:25-28 (ESV/NIV)

“And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’
He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’
And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’
And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’”

Notice the words in verse 26: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

I wonder why Jesus didn’t give him a direct answer. Instead, He returned the question: “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

The meaning is clear: if the lawyer did not know, Jesus wouldn’t have given him an answer outright. He would have told him to search the Scriptures. Even today, many of us ask the Lord questions whose answers are already in the Bible.

When we ask God something that’s already in His Word, He might answer us the same way He did the lawyer: “What is written in the Bible? How do you read it?”

We cannot force God to speak something He has already spoken in Scripture. When we ask for something that is already in the Bible, the response can only point us back to it: “What is written in the Bible? How do you read it?”

The one thing Satan wants us to ignore is God’s power—especially God’s power revealed in Scripture. How do we see this?

Mark 12:24 (ESV)

“Jesus said to them, ‘Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?’”

Set a schedule for studying the Bible, child of God. Don’t stop at just listening to sermons or prayers—read, read, read! There will be times when you don’t know what to do or what to pray. Those are the moments to read the Bible, and you will discover what to do and how to pray.

The prophet Daniel was wise because he studied Scripture. He knew what to do through the Word, not just by visions or dreams.

Daniel 9:2-4 (ESV/NIV)

“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.
Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.’”

Notice: reading the Bible is not just about finding a “verse of the day” to live by. Let the Word of the day be a summary of the greater portion you’ve studied.

May the Lord help us.

Share this good news with others.

If you would like help receiving Jesus into your life for free, contact us at the numbers below.

Contact: +255693036618 or +255789001312

The Lord bless you.

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USIMPE MWANAO VITU SASA.

DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY

 

DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY
(A Biblical Guide for Raising Godly Children)

As a parent, the best way to raise your child is not by indulging every desire immediately. Even if they deserve it, resist giving them everything just because you can. Godly parenting requires foresight: investing in your child’s character, discipline, and spiritual foundation now so they can stand firm tomorrow. Overindulgence can ruin not only their character but also their spiritual destiny.

Many parents fail to recognize a key biblical principle: even though a child is an heir, they must first live under guidance and discipline.

📖 Galatians 4:1–2 (NKJV)
“Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.”

God’s design is that children learn to obey and grow in wisdom before inheriting wealth or authority. A child who receives everything too soon may grow proud, irresponsible, or spiritually weak.

A wise parent does not measure love by how much wealth they spend on their child today. True love seeks to build a life rooted in God’s wisdom.

Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–31, NIV). The younger son demanded his inheritance early, left home, and squandered it in reckless living. Only when he reached rock bottom did he repent and return home. The father welcomed him with open arms, showing God’s heart of forgiveness and mercy.

Meanwhile, the older son, who had faithfully served, became resentful. Even though he had been obedient, he felt unappreciated. This illustrates that obedience and faithfulness are often tested before blessing, a principle God uses to shape character and faith.

📖 Romans 8:17 (NIV) — “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

  • Just as God’s children must endure discipline and trials, so too must human children learn responsibility before fully inheriting privileges.

Sadly, many modern parents do the opposite. They spoil their children with wealth and convenience — hiring staff to cook, clean, and serve, while the children spend hours on entertainment. This may seem loving, but it can produce modern prodigals: children who are entitled, spiritually weak, and unprepared for life.

When children misbehave, some parents hesitate to discipline them, fearing they might “suffer.” But the Bible teaches:

📖 Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) — “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

📖 Hebrews 12:7–11 (NIV) — “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. … No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Discipline is an act of love that prepares children for spiritual and moral strength. Without it, children remain vulnerable to sin and poor choices.

It is not necessary to give your child gourmet meals or satisfy every whim. Sometimes they should eat simple food — plain ugali and beans — to develop patience, gratitude, and humility. Let them experience small hardships; these are the building blocks of strength and resilience.

During school holidays, instead of beaches or parties, take your child to the village. Let them experience simple living: eat local food, fetch water, help with farming, or tend animals. Let them observe God’s creation, understand responsibility, and learn the dignity of work.

Meanwhile, a wise parent quietly prepares for the child’s future — saving, providing education, and building spiritual foundations. When the child matures, they will be capable, disciplined, and compassionate leaders, able to serve God and humanity faithfully.

True parenting is about making your child a servant today so they can become a king tomorrow. If you make them a king today, you may end up serving them tomorrow — like the elder son in the parable.

📖 Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) — “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

 


📖 Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) — “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

May the Lord bless you as you raise your children in wisdom, discipline, and godly love. Share this teaching to inspire other parents to build strong, Christ-centered families.

 

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Kitakachoadhibiwa kwenye ziwa la moto ni mwili au roho ya Mtu

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

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kumpa kila anayetuomba

Are We Really Supposed to Give to Everyone Who Asks?

The Question

In Matthew 5:42, Jesus says:

“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” (ESV)

This teaching often raises a serious and practical question:
Are we really obligated to give to everyone who asks — even if the person is irresponsible, wasteful, or has questionable intentions? Are we disobeying Christ if we say “no”?

The Context of Matthew 5:42

This verse appears in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), a section where He teaches about the heart of the law and the ethics of the Kingdom of God. In this passage (Matthew 5:38–48), Jesus is correcting the misuse of the “eye for an eye” principle. Rather than insisting on personal retaliation or rigid justice, He calls His followers to practice radical generosity, love, and mercy — even toward enemies.

So when Jesus says, “Give to the one who begs from you,” He is teaching us to cultivate a generous heart that is not controlled by materialism, fear, or pride. But this does not mean indiscriminate giving without wisdom or discernment.

Is It Always Right to Give?

Short Answer: No. While we are called to be generous, Scripture also teaches us to be discerning stewards.

1. You Cannot Give What You Do Not Have

It’s a simple truth: you can’t give what you don’t possess. If someone asks for something beyond your means, you are not under obligation to fulfill that request.

For example, if someone asks to borrow one million shillings and you don’t have that amount, you’re not breaking Jesus’ command by declining. The principle here is readiness to give, not unrealistic obligation.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7

2. Motives and Purpose Matter to God

Even God Himself does not respond to every request, especially when the motives are selfish or harmful.

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
— James 4:3

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
— 1 John 5:14

If God doesn’t honor requests that are contrary to His will, we too should exercise wisdom when someone’s request clearly leads to sin, irresponsibility, or harm — such as funding addiction, illegal activity, or idolatry.

3. Giving Should Be Guided by Wisdom and Stewardship

Jesus calls us to be wise stewards, not just generous givers. While Scripture emphasizes mercy, it also teaches us to assess needs responsibly.

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
— Matthew 7:6

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
— Proverbs 19:17

We’re encouraged to give to those in genuine need — especially the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger (cf. Deuteronomy 10:18; James 1:27) — but not to enable sin, laziness, or destructive behavior.

4. Habitual Irresponsibility Should Not Be Rewarded

The Bible also warns against supporting idleness or laziness.

“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:10

If someone repeatedly misuses what you give them or refuses to change irresponsible habits, it is not unloving to withhold further support. In fact, enabling poor behavior can be a disservice to them and dishonoring to God.

So What Did Jesus Mean by “Give to the One Who Asks”?

Jesus is not calling us to reckless giving or blind obligation. Rather, He’s calling us to:

  • Cultivate a generous, selfless heart
  • Be free from greed and fear of lack
  • Be open-handed with those in genuine need
  • Avoid the instinct to withhold out of selfishness or judgmentalism

When someone asks with pure motives and legitimate need, and you are able to help, you should not turn them away. To do so when you can help is a sin of selfishness.

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
— 1 John 3:17

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
— Luke 12:15

Conclusion: Discernment + Generosity = Biblical Giving

Jesus calls us to be generous, but also wise. Giving without love is meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:3), but giving without wisdom can be harmful. The goal is to reflect God’s heart — one of compassion, righteousness, and discernment.

When someone asks for help:

  • Pray
  • Discern the need
  • Evaluate your ability
  • Give generously — if it honors God and blesses the person

Final Encouragement

If someone truly needs help, and you’re in a position to provide it, don’t turn them away. It may be that God brought them to you for such a time as this — both for their benefit and your own spiritual growth.

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
— Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

May the Lord give us hearts that are both generous and discerning.

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KUSHAWISHWA HAKUTOSHI, AMINI KIKAMILIFU!

BEING PERSUADED IS NOT ENOUGH – BELIEVE COMPLETELY!

 

When the Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and brought before kings to be judged, we see his remarkable boldness. Instead of using that opportunity to defend himself legally, he boldly preached the gospel. His message was so powerful that King Agrippa was almost persuaded to believe in Christ. Such courage is truly worth imitating.

**Acts 26:25–29 (NIV)**
25 Paul replied, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and reasonable.
26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

We notice something important here: King Agrippa was deeply moved by Paul’s words and was fully persuaded in his heart, yet he stopped short of surrendering to Christ. He ended at being “persuaded” but never truly converted. The truth is, anyone in that position is still unsaved.

This is similar to what happens today. Many people hear the gospel—they respect it, enjoy it, and are touched by it. Some even feel sorrow for their sins. But the question remains: **Have they truly accepted it and obeyed it?**

You will often hear people say:

* *“I’ve been blessed today.”*
* *“That was a powerful word.”*
* *“God help me, I’ve been touched today.”*

But, dear friend, those words do not mean you are saved. You are no different from Agrippa.

Those who are genuinely convicted by the Word always take the next step. They ask: **“Brothers, what shall we do?”**

**Acts 2:37–42 (NIV)**
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Did you notice? They didn’t just say, *“Thank you Peter for the word,”* or *“Be blessed, pastor.”* Instead, they responded with action—repenting, getting baptized the very same day, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching. These are the people who later carried the gospel across the world.

This is what we need to see today—a generation of believers who don’t stop at being “persuaded,” but who fully surrender to Jesus with all their hearts and lives. Not like Agrippa, who admired the message but never obeyed it.

The time for salvation is **now**. Don’t say, “Tomorrow I will give my life to Christ.” There is no salvation tomorrow—only today. Do not deceive yourself. The Lord requires action now. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). So don’t just enjoy sermons and emotional moments. The real question is: **Have you been saved? If Christ returned today, would you go with Him?**

👉 Share this good news with others.

📞 If you would like help to receive Jesus into your life freely, please contact us through the numbers provided at the bottom of this message.

 

**Contacts:** +255 693 036 618 | +255 789 001 312

✝️ May the Lord bless you!

 

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Je tunamwabuduje Mungu?

What Does It Mean to Truly Worship God?

When we think about worship, it’s easy to reduce it to the songs we sing in church especially slower or more reflective songs often called worship songs. But true worship goes far beyond music. To understand what it means to worship God, we must begin with a biblical definition.

The word worship comes from the idea of ascribing worth to someone or something. Biblically, to worship God means to honor, revere, and serve Him with our whole lives, not just in words or songs, but in spirit and truth (John 4:23–24). Worship is a response to who God is and what He has done, expressed through our thoughts, actions, and affections.

Worship Is More Than Singing

Worship includes:

  • Prayer  Speaking with and listening to God (Philippians 4:6)
  • Praise and Thanksgiving  Acknowledging God’s goodness through song and word (Psalm 100:4)
  • Giving  Offering our resources as an act of trust and gratitude (2 Corinthians 9:7)
  • Studying Scripture  Listening to God’s voice through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16)
  • Holy Communion  Participating in the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
  • Obedience and Holy Living  Living a life that reflects God’s character (Romans 12:1)

Worship Must Be in Spirit and in Truth

Jesus taught that true worshipers are those who worship the Father “in spirit and truth”:

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”
John 4:23 (ESV)

  • To worship in spirit means that worship is heartfelt, led by the Holy Spirit, and not merely external or ritualistic.
  • To worship in truth means that worship is anchored in the truth of God’s Word, not based on emotion, personal preference, or tradition.

Worship Is a Way of Life

Worship isn’t confined to a church service. It’s a lifestyle of honoring God in everything we do:

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Romans 12:1 (ESV)

This means we worship God when we:

  • Serve others in love (Galatians 5:13)
  • Forgive and show mercy (Colossians 3:13)
  • Live in purity and holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16)
  • Reflect Christ in our work, relationships, and decisions (Colossians 3:17)

The Role of the Church in Worship

True worship is both personal and corporate. Scripture emphasizes the importance of gathering with other believers to worship, encourage, and grow together in the faith:

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

When we gather, we are called to engage in spiritual songs, mutual encouragement, and the sharing of God’s Word:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

Don’t Neglect the Means of Worship

If you desire to truly worship God:

  • Don’t neglect church fellowship
  • Don’t approach worship casually come with reverence and a pure heart
  • Participate regularly in the Lord’s Table
  • Maintain both personal and corporate prayer
  • Offer your financial gifts as an act of worship
  • Sing songs and spiritual hymns with gratitude
  • Immerse yourself in Scripture and live it out

These are not just church traditions they are God ordained means of worship that shape our hearts and glorify Him.

Worship Is a Whole Life Response to God

True worship is about offering all that we are to all that God is. It involves our hearts, minds, and actions, directed toward God through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Worship is not just what we do on Sundays it’s how we live every day.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

May the Lord bless you and guide you into deeper, truer worship.

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KANISA LILILOTAWANYIKA BADO LINAHUBIRI.

THE SCATTERED CHURCH STILL PREACHES

Do you know the true origin and calling of the Church of Christ? As a believer, it is essential to understand the journey of our faith, because the same pattern continues to shape our mission today.

The gospel that began in Jerusalem (Israel) eventually reached you and me. This was not by chance. It was carried through persecution, suffering, migration, and faithful witness. Understanding this helps us see that the gospel is meant to spread to every nation, every generation, and every place on earth until all have heard.

The Beginning in Jerusalem

In the early days, the church gathered as one in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42–47). But when persecution arose, their gathering was broken apart. Saints were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed for their faith Stephen being the first martyr (Acts 7:54–60). This forced many believers to flee Israel and scatter across surrounding nations.

Acts 8:1, 4 (ESV):
“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles… Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

Notice this: scattering did not silence them. Instead, the gospel spread even faster. What looked like tragedy became a divine strategy. The blood of martyrs became the seed of the Church.

The Mission Beyond Borders

When believers scattered, they carried Christ with them. They did not wait for apostles, pulpits, or church buildings. Every believer became a witness (Acts 1:8). Wherever they went villages, towns, or foreign nations they declared the risen Christ.

Jesus Himself had foretold this:

Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV):
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The scattering was not the church’s downfall but its expansion. What the enemy meant for harm, God turned into victory.

Letters to the Scattered Believers

Even the apostles recognized that the church was no longer confined to Jerusalem. Peter addressed his letters to believers living as “exiles” across foreign lands:

1 Peter 1:1 (ESV):
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…”

The Greek word diaspora (dispersion) emphasizes that believers were spread out like seeds across the world. But seeds scattered are not wasted they are planted for a greater harvest.

The Church is Not Bound by Geography

The gospel is not limited to one place, one culture, or one people. God’s presence fills the earth (Psalm 139:7–10). Wherever His people go, the Church goes.

Paul reminds us:

2 Timothy 2:9 (ESV):
“…the word of God is not bound!”

Your workplace, school, or even a foreign land is not a barrier it is an opportunity. Just as the early believers preached Christ in their new environments, so should we today.

The Call for Today

People still move from place to place for jobs, studies, family, or even because of war and displacement. The question is: Do you carry Christ with you into those new spaces? Do you witness boldly, or do you fall silent?

The early church did not allow new environments to silence their faith. Neither should we. For Jesus commanded:

Acts 1:8 (NIV):
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This mission still stands. The scattering of the church whether voluntary or forced is part of God’s plan to fill the whole earth with His glory (Habakkuk 2:14).

Wherever you go, know this: the Spirit of God goes with you. The environment is not your limitation, it is your field. Every conversation, every relationship, every place you find yourself is a chance to shine the light of Christ.

So do not say, “I can’t witness here it was easier back home.” That is not from God. Instead, pray for wisdom, boldness, and the right words. God will give you the grace to testify, just as He empowered the early church.

Shalom.

 

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HIVI UNAMTESA MWOKOZI WAKO?

ARE YOU PERSECUTING YOUR SAVIOR?

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”Acts 9:4

There are things you may do that seem right in your own eyes but in truth, they deeply grieve Christ.

The Apostle Paul formerly known as Saul thought he was doing God’s work by opposing those who followed Jesus. He was zealous, believing he was defending the faith. But what he didn’t realize was that he was actually fighting against Christ Himself.

It wasn’t until his dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus that the truth was revealed:

“And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’”Acts 9:4–5, ESV

In the original Greek, the word translated as “persecuting” also carries the idea of “causing suffering” or “harassing.” Jesus was telling Saul: “You’re not just opposing people you are attacking Me.”

TWO GROUPS WHO PERSECUTE CHRIST TODAY

1. Unbelievers Who Oppose the Church

Paul is a prime example of a religious person who didn’t know Jesus, yet aggressively opposed those who did. He dragged Christians out of their homes, imprisoned them, and even supported their execution (see Acts 8:1–3).

Today, there are still people governments, communities, even individuals who:

  • Oppose true churches,
  • Speak against God’s servants,
  • Mock or physically harm believers.

But what they may not realize is that in doing so, they are persecuting Christ Himself.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”Matthew 25:40, ESV

If you’re in this category whether by actions, words, or attitudes repent today. Turn to Jesus and receive His mercy. Don’t continue fighting the very One who died to save you.

2. Believers Who Fall Away and Return to Sin

There’s another way people “persecute” Christ and it comes from within the Church.

This happens when someone has truly received salvation, experienced the Holy Spirit, and tasted the goodness of God’s Word but then willfully returns to their old sinful life.

“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened…and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”Hebrews 6:4–6, ESV

This is not just “backsliding” it is re crucifying Christ, treating His sacrifice as something cheap. It’s not just a mistake; it is spiritual rebellion.

When you, as a believer:

  • Go back to sexual immorality,
  • Indulge in drunkenness and worldly pleasures,
  • Treat sin casually…

…you are wounding the Savior who died for you.

It’s like a child striking his own father. Isn’t that a curse?

STOP PLAYING WITH SIN

Don’t grow comfortable in sin just because you’re “already saved.” The sins of a believer are not like the sins of the world they are acts of spiritual betrayal.

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”Hebrews 10:26, NIV

So ask yourself honestly:

Did you receive Christ just to wound Him again?

RETURN TO HOLINESS

Repent sincerely. Return to Christ before your heart becomes too hard to feel conviction.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”Hebrews 12:14, ESV

Love righteousness. Pursue a holy life. Jesus didn’t die so we could live like the world. He died to set us free from sin.

  • Unbelievers persecute Christ when they attack His Church.
  • Believers persecute Christ when they return to sin after knowing the truth.
  • Whether you’re in the world or in the Church, if your life is grieving Christ, repent.
  • Choose holiness. Follow Jesus with sincerity. Don’t be the one who brings sorrow to the One who saved you.

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What Does John 17:20 Mean?

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

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

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

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

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

He continues:

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

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

The Ongoing Power of Christ’s Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

Are You a Partaker of This Prayer?

The question each of us must ask is:

Am I included in this prayer?

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

A Lesson in How to Pray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May the Lord bless you and strengthen your faith.

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Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

When Mary was visited by the angel and told of things that were humanly impossible, she responded in a most extraordinary way. She did not argue. She did not resist or oppose the purpose and plan of God for her life even though it far surpassed her human understanding. On the contrary, she embraced it. And not with shallow words or surface agreement, but with a confession of servanthood. She said:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
(Luke 1:38, ESV)

In other words, she was saying: If this task requires me to serve as a slave, then so be it I am willing.

Let’s revisit the passage:

Luke 1:34-35, 38 (KJV)
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary becomes a perfect model not just for godly women but for the entire Church of Christ. Her example shows the kind of obedience the Lord desires from all who revere Him.

Despite the fact that this calling was, by human standards, impossible, and even though she knew it could bring shame and public disgrace, she still accepted God’s plan. She knew that becoming miraculously pregnant would make people assume the worst that she had committed adultery. She knew there were serious responsibilities ahead. Still, she received the purpose of God, a purpose far beyond her ability.

Mary didn’t make the mistake Moses did, telling God to “send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). She didn’t resist the calling like Jonah, fleeing to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Instead, she received the divine assignment with greater devotion than a slave she gave her whole self.

No wonder the Lord granted her such great grace.

God Looks for Willingness Over Ability

Dear brother or sister, the Lord is looking more at your willingness than at your natural ability. He values your obedience more than your age, experience, or qualifications.

Every believer today, under the New Covenant, has been called to do great things just as Mary did. There is no one who is exempt from the high calling of God, because our God is the God of the impossible:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
(Luke 1:37, ESV)

The only reason many do not see great results in their spiritual lives is because our faith is weak. What is required is a complete surrender to God.allowing Him to work through us, beyond our own understanding.

It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, educated or not, rich or poor.what matters is that you, like Mary, surrender yourself fully to whatever purpose God has for your life.

If you have the opportunity to pray for the sick, do it. If you can share the gospel on the streets, in marketplaces, at sports grounds, do it. In these moments, the Lord will reveal Himself to you in extraordinary ways and all glory will go to Him.

God Uses Weak Vessels

Never forget: God has chosen to use weak and ordinary vessels to fulfill His perfect purposes.

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
(1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV)

So let us, like Mary, say from the heart:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Amen.

May the Lord bless you.

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