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The cross is a wooden structure, made by placing one beam across another, designed as an instrument of execution through a slow and painful death.

Unlike today, where many countries use methods such as hanging, shooting, or the electric chair for capital punishment, in ancient kingdoms, those guilty of severe crimes—such as murderers or traitors—were sentenced to death by being hung or nailed to a cross until they died. It was a cruel form of torture, where the victim could suffer for many hours, sometimes even up to two days, before finally dying (John 19:31-33).

In simple terms, the cross was a tool of death and shame. As the Bible says: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'” (Galatians 3:13) NIV

However, for us who believe in Christ, the cross is no longer a symbol of shame but the greatest symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Through the cross, Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins, offering us salvation and eternal life. As written in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” NIV

The cross reminds us of the depth of God’s love. John 3:16 declares: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV

And through His death on the cross, Jesus gave us victory over sin and death. As 1 Peter 2:24 says: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Therefore, the cross stands as the ultimate symbol of our redemption and the foundation of our faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

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In Christian tradition, one of the most debated theological concepts is the nature of “God’s Divinity” or the “Doctrine of the Trinity.” Many divisions between Christian denominations today stem from differing interpretations of God’s nature.

Some Christians believe that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is known as the doctrine of the Trinity. Others believe that God is a singular entity, rejecting the idea of three persons, with some even denying the divinity of Jesus or the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, there are groups like Oneness Pentecostals who reject the traditional Trinity and see God as a single entity manifesting in different forms (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Meanwhile, some people do not recognize the Holy Spirit as a distinct person but rather as God’s power or influence. So, what is the truth? And where should we stand?

The Core Issue: Understanding God

The first step in understanding this debate is to look at the nature of God. If we misunderstand God’s essence, we create confusion and division. The core question is: How many gods are there? Interestingly, despite all the different views, everyone agrees that “God is one,” just as Scripture states.

Mark 12:29 (NIV):
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'”

This foundational truth is central to all Christians, and it echoes the ancient Jewish belief in the oneness of God, known as the Shema, which has been a core part of Jewish faith for thousands of years. Jesus, affirming this, pointed to the unity of God as the key to understanding all other theological questions.

Furthermore, despite the disagreements over the specific nature of God’s being, all these groups affirm the importance of Christ’s redemptive work and the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives.

For example, if one person calls sugarcane a “leaf” while another calls it a “fruit,” it doesn’t change the fact that it is still the same plant. The terminology may differ, but the nature remains unchanged. Likewise, while different terms or roles may be used to describe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they all share the same divine essence. God is one, and His nature doesn’t change, no matter how He reveals Himself to us or we perceive him.

God Is One: A Mystery of Three Persons

Ultimately, the truth is that God is one, but He has chosen to reveal Himself in three distinct persons to fulfill His work in our lives. It’s not that God is divided or that there are three separate gods; rather, He exists in three persons for our benefit.

The analogy of water is often used to illustrate this mystery: Water exists in three forms—liquid, steam, and ice—but it is all still water. In the same way, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, yet they are all the same God, working together in perfect unity.

If humanity had not fallen into sin, there would have been no need for God to reveal Himself in these three roles. He would have remained as He was—one God, the Father. But because of sin, God became incarnate in Jesus Christ to redeem us, and then, through the Holy Spirit, He dwells within us, restoring the relationship we lost with Him in Eden.

Therefore, God is not divided. He is one, and there is no place in Scripture that supports the idea of three separate gods. However, the division on this issue should not lead to unnecessary conflict. For those who believe in the Trinity, as long as they are worshiping the one true God, there is no need to divide over doctrinal differences. The important thing is to worship God in spirit and truth, and to recognize the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives.

Conclusion: Unity in Christ

If you are a Christian, and you have accepted Christ as your Savior, and your fellow believer also accepts Christ but doesn’t hold the same views on the Trinity, it’s okay. It’s not a matter of salvation as long as they worship the one true God, even if they may not fully understand the mystery of the Trinity. Just pray for them and trust that God will reveal the truth in His time.

Let’s focus on growing in love and understanding, avoiding unnecessary divisions that distract from the true message of Christ. As Paul reminds us, “Love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1b). Let’s seek to build each other up, not divide over things that are ultimately secondary in light of our shared faith in Christ.

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Baptism is a fundamental command in Christianity and should not be taken lightly. Since Satan understands its significance, he tries to prevent people from being baptized altogether or misleads them into receiving baptism improperly while making them believe it was done correctly.

There are many benefits of baptism, but today, we will focus on one key aspect: baptism delivers us from God’s judgment upon our enemies and the enemies of the Lord.

Baptism as a Symbol of Salvation

When God decided to save Noah, He used water to destroy the sinful world while keeping Noah and his family safe in the ark. The same water that brought judgment upon the wicked also ensured Noah’s safety. The Bible compares this event to baptism:

1 Peter 3:20-21

“…In the days of Noah, while the ark was being built, only a few people—eight in all—were saved through water. And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Similarly, when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He used water once again. Instead of sending plagues or fire to destroy Pharaoh’s army, He led the Israelites through the Red Sea and drowned their enemies behind them. This event is also compared to baptism:

1 Corinthians 10:1-2

“For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.”

In both cases, water separated God’s people from their enemies. Likewise, baptism symbolizes our transition from a sinful past to a new life in Christ. It signifies the defeat of our spiritual enemies—sin, oppression, and demonic influences—while we emerge victorious in Christ.

Why Baptism Must Be in the Name of Jesus

The Bible states that the Israelites were “baptized into Moses” when they passed through the Red Sea. Moses was their leader, bringing them out of Egypt into the Promised Land. Today, Jesus is our Moses—the one who leads us out of spiritual bondage into eternal life.

For this reason, baptism must be done in the name of Jesus, as shown in:

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

Acts 8:16 – “…They had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 10:48 – “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Acts 19:5 – “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

If you were baptized by sprinkling or in a different name, consider correcting it by following the biblical example of believers in Acts 19:1-5, who were re-baptized in the name of Jesus.

Take the Step of Baptism Today

Baptism is essential, and there is no reason to delay. You do not need to go through special classes to qualify—faith is the only requirement. The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 was baptized immediately after believing in Christ, without attending any preparatory lessons.

If you haven’t been baptized yet, find a church that baptizes by full immersion in the name of Jesus and take this important step. Baptism is free and an essential part of your spiritual journey.

Conclusion

Baptism is not just a religious ritual; it is a powerful act of obedience that marks a believer’s separation from their past life and entrance into a new life in Christ. It signifies salvation, deliverance, and a fresh start.

Take time to understand all the benefits of baptism and share this truth with others.

May the Lord bless you.

Maranatha!

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Answer:
Eternal Security, also known as “Once saved, always saved,” is the belief that once a person is saved by faith in Jesus Christ, they can never lose their salvation, no matter what. It suggests that salvation is entirely God’s work, dependent on His grace, and not based on human actions. This belief holds that God will protect and keep the believer until the end of their life.

But is this idea supported by the Bible?

Yes, the Bible does confirm that once we are saved, we are promised eternal life with God. Scriptures like Ephesians 4:30, Romans 8:33-34, and Romans 8:38-39 tell us that once a person is saved, they are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. However, this promise of eternal security depends on continuing to live in God’s grace. If a person chooses to turn away from God, they can lose their salvation.

A good way to understand this is through an example: imagine holding a child’s hand and assuring them they won’t fall as long as they stay close to you. If the child decides to walk away from you and falls, can you be blamed? Similarly, while God promises to keep us, we must choose to remain in His grace. If we walk away from Him, we risk losing that security.

Spiritual Battles and the Need to Endure
Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian journey. Once we are saved, we enter into a spiritual battle. Satan will try to lead us away from our faith through trials, temptations, and struggles. If eternal security were guaranteed, there would be no need for Satan to fight against us. But because we have the free will to turn away, he works hard to make us fall.

The Apostle Paul, even though he was a servant of God and preached the gospel to many, feared that he could lose his salvation if he didn’t stay faithful:

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 – “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Paul understood that even he could fall away from the faith if he didn’t stay focused. He knew that salvation required constant effort and endurance.

The Danger of Complacency in Faith
There are many Christians today, including pastors and leaders, who think they are eternally secure, even though they continue to live in sin. They believe they are safe because they were once saved by grace, but they live without repentance, ignoring God’s commands.

Take Judas Iscariot as an example. Judas was chosen by Jesus and walked with Him for three and a half years. Yet, he betrayed Jesus and ended up in eternal destruction. If Judas, who was so close to Jesus, could fall away, then we must be careful not to think we are immune to falling away.

If you have been saved by grace but are now living in sin, making excuses for sinful behavior, the “eternal security” you once believed in is no longer certain. You cannot continue living in sin and expect God’s protection to remain.

The Call to Endure and Protect Your Salvation
The Bible calls us to diligently guard our salvation and stay faithful to God:

2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

In conclusion, eternal security doesn’t mean that once you are saved, you can live carelessly and still remain safe. You must value your salvation, live in God’s grace, and stay faithful to His will. If you do not remain in His grace, your salvation could be at risk. Let us all strive to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God’s guidance. The good way to put that sentense is “once saved forever saved, but also once saved forever following”

Be blessed.

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Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Welcome, and let’s take a moment to study God’s Word, which is the light to our path and the lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105). Today, we will briefly discuss tithing—what it is, why it’s important, and what the Bible says about it. According to the Bible, tithing is giving one-tenth (10%) of your income or earnings to God, and it is a form of offering.

Before we look at why we should tithe and whether it’s required or not, let’s first understand the history of tithing.

Tithing started with a man named Abraham, who is called the Father of Faith. We find this in Genesis 14:

Genesis 14:17-20 – “After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom came to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (the King’s Valley). Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

Here, Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek. Melchizedek is a figure of Christ—he had no known father or mother, no beginning or end, and is a priest forever, just like Christ. Abraham gave the tenth of his possessions as an act of gratitude and faith to God, recognizing that everything he had was a blessing from God.

At this time, there were no laws or commandments requiring Abraham to give a tenth. He gave it out of his own free will, moved by the Holy Spirit, because he recognized that God had blessed him.

Did the Law Require Tithing Later?

The law requiring tithing came much later, after the Israelites received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. It became a requirement, and those who didn’t give tithes were considered to be sinning. This is mentioned in Malachi 3:8-9:

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me.”

But today, we don’t live under the Law but under faith—just like Abraham. We give not because we are commanded to, but because we have faith in God, and we give willingly. Abraham gave his tenth without being told to, as an act of faith and love for God.

Jesus as Melchizedek

The Bible also says that Jesus is our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek:

Hebrews 6:20 – “Jesus has entered on our behalf as a forerunner, becoming a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:1-3 – “Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, met Abraham as he was returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him. And Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.”

Since Jesus is our Melchizedek, we give our tithes to Him. Just like Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, we also give to Jesus, but not because of a law, but out of love and faith.

Should We Give to God?

Tithing is an act of worship and gratitude. It’s not about following laws or rules, but about recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Giving a tenth to God is a way to honor Him and show that we trust Him as our Provider. Jesus does not need our money, but He wants our hearts. He wants us to give because we love Him and because we recognize His work in our lives.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

This means that while tithing is important, there are other matters, like justice and mercy, that are more important. But tithing should still be practiced.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Tithes?

The real issue is not about tithing itself, but about whether or not someone has Christ in their heart. If someone refuses to tithe, it may show that their heart is not aligned with God’s will, and they may not have the Holy Spirit living within them. A person filled with the Holy Spirit will naturally want to give to God and others because the Spirit moves them to do so.

Not paying tithes doesn’t send someone to hell, but it could reflect a lack of gratitude and faith in God. If a person struggles to give a tenth of their income, they might also struggle to give in other areas of their life, such as helping others or even living for God.

A person who refuses to tithe may have trouble serving God in other ways, such as preaching the Gospel or giving their life for the Kingdom of God. If they can’t even give a tenth of their income, how can they give their time, talents, or life?

Conclusion:

Tithing is not about following laws or being forced to give; it is about honoring God. We give to God because we recognize His provision and blessings in our lives. If you are not earning an income, you are not required to tithe. But if you receive any form of income, you should consider giving a tenth of it to God as an act of faith and gratitude.

In the end, if someone resists giving tithes, it could be a sign that they are not fully submitted to God and His will for their life. A true believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, will naturally want to give to God and others, as the Holy Spirit moves them to do so.

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When a person dies suddenly, the moment they pass is followed by the arrival of angels sent by God to escort them to their eternal destination. If someone has lived a life of righteousness, trusting in Jesus Christ, and walking in obedience to His commands, angels will joyfully carry them to Heaven, often referred to as Paradise (Luke 23:43). Paradise, as described in Scripture, is a temporary resting place for the redeemed, where they await the final resurrection and reunion with their glorified bodies.

Jesus used the story of Lazarus and the rich man to give us insight into what happens after death:

Luke 16:22-23 – “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.”

Abraham’s side, or Abraham’s bosom, is another term used to describe Paradise. It’s a place of peace, comfort, and rest for those who have trusted in God’s salvation. Though not the final Heaven itself, it is a temporary resting place for believers, where they await the ultimate resurrection and glorification of their bodies.

The Resurrection of the Dead

On the day of the resurrection, all the righteous, both those who have died and those who are alive, will be transformed into glorified bodies. They will be united with Jesus Christ and ascend to Heaven, where they will partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb and spend eternity in the presence of God. This is the promise of eternal life—where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, and believers will see God face to face (Revelation 21:4).

What Happens to the Wicked After Death?

For those who reject Christ or live in unrepentant sin, the story is different. The moment of their death marks the beginning of eternal separation from God. As we see in Matthew 13:49-50:

Matthew 13:49-50 – “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, after the rich man died, he was taken to Hell (also known as Hades), a place of torment and separation from God. Hell is not the final destination for the wicked but a temporary holding place until the final judgment, when the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire, the second death (Revelation 20:14).

Luke 16:24-26 – “So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’”

The rich man’s story illustrates the torment and despair of Hell. While the righteous are comforted, the wicked experience an eternity of suffering. There is a great chasm between them that cannot be crossed, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the eternal separation that follows death.

The Final Judgment and the Lake of Fire

After the wicked have spent time in Hell, they will be resurrected to stand before God’s Great White Throne for the final judgment. Here, they will be judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-15). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, a place of unending torment. This is the ultimate destination for all who reject God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The Uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of Judgment

The Bible is clear: there is no second chance after death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” When we die, we will face God’s judgment immediately. There is no purgatory, no second opportunity to repent after death. Our eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death, and it is based on whether we have trusted in Jesus Christ during our lifetime.

What Happens to Us Before Death?

In the moments leading up to death, some people experience peace and comfort. Many report seeing angels or sensing their presence, while others experience distress and fear. These responses can be a reflection of the state of their souls. Those at peace may be comforted by the presence of angels, knowing they are about to meet their Lord. Those in distress, however, may be facing the agony of eternal separation from God.

Your Eternal Destiny

The Bible offers a clear message: choose Christ now. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Your eternal destiny depends on whether you place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior. The choice is yours, and the decision you make today will determine where you will spend eternity—either in the presence of God or in eternal separation from Him.

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

Before it’s too late, make the decision to surrender your life to Christ and secure your place in Heaven. The Bible teaches that through Jesus, we have forgiveness, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.

Choose Christ today, and secure your eternal destiny in Heaven. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

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