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Mary (Mariam)

Theological Reflection

Mary holds a unique and honored place in Christian theology. While Protestant traditions typically do not ascribe to her titles such as “co-redemptrix” or “mediatrix,” they nonetheless affirm her role in salvation history as the woman through whom the Messiah entered the world, and as an example of humble faith.

Below are some biblical and theological points to consider:

  1. Her humility and obedience
    When the angel declared to Mary that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38), Mary responded, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, ESV). Her “yes” to God is a model of discipleship.

  2. She is blessed among women
    At the time of the Annunciation, the angel greeted her with, “Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Later, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42, ESV). Mary’s blessedness is rooted in God’s grace, not in any inherent merit of her own.

  3. The Magnificat — a prophetic song
    Mary’s response to Elizabeth is captured in the “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-55), where she glorifies God for lifting up the lowly and fulfilling His promises to Israel. It reveals her deep awareness of God’s justice and mercy.

  4. Her role in the Incarnation
    Through Mary, the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Her willing cooperation makes her a pivotal figure in God’s redemptive plan. The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) affirmed her as Theotokos (“God-bearer”) to safeguard the truth that Jesus is one person, fully God and fully man.

  5. Her discipleship at the foot of the cross
    Mary is present in the Gospel accounts at the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:25-27), where Jesus entrusts her to the beloved disciple: “Woman, behold your son,” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” This has been interpreted as her being entrusted as mother to the Church.

  6. Mary’s example for believers
    Mary lived in faith and waited in hope. She trusted God’s promises even when circumstances seemed impossible (cf. Romans 4:18-21). She is a model for Christians in patience, trust, and humility, though we do not worship her.

  7. Intercession and veneration (in Catholic and Orthodox traditions)
    While Protestantism generally stops short of praying to Mary, many traditions (Catholicism, Orthodoxy) ask Mary to intercede for believers, much as we might ask other Christians to pray for us. This is not the same as worship, which is due to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5; Matthew 4:10).

  8. The hope of resurrection and assumption
    Many traditions hold that Mary was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life. The Bible does not explicitly record this, but the doctrine is seen as fitting in light of her unique role and the promise that death itself will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54).

  9. A voice in the church’s worship and devotion
    The church has long held Mary in special regard, not as an object of salvation but as one who participated supremely in the work of the Savior, and who continues to point us to Christ.

Sample Translation (Excerpt)

Mary is believed by many of us to have been a very unique woman, and greatly blessed among women, who bore our Lord Jesus Christ.

This statement underscores a central Christian conviction: Mary’s blessedness is not in herself but in her being chosen by God to bear His Son. St. Paul writes that all things are from God (Romans 11:36) and that believers are “blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Mary’s special calling is to welcome into the world the One who brings all blessing.

If you like, I can translate the entire article you linked (once the text is accessible) into English and insert theological annotations throughout. Would you like me to do that?

Here is a possible English translation and theological enrichment of the article “MARIAMU” from Wingu la Mashahidi, together with Bible-based reflections and scriptural support. (Because I could not access the full text directly, I have translated and expanded based on the excerpts and context I was able to view — you may want to check this against your original to refine further.)

Mary (Mariam)

Many of us believe that Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, was a very special woman, and greatly blessed.

Theological Reflection

Mary holds a unique and honored place in Christian theology. While Protestant traditions typically do not ascribe to her titles such as “co-redemptrix” or “mediatrix,” they nonetheless affirm her role in salvation history as the woman through whom the Messiah entered the world, and as an example of humble faith.

Below are some biblical and theological points to consider:

  1. Her humility and obedience
    When the angel declared to Mary that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38), Mary responded, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, ESV). Her “yes” to God is a model of discipleship.

  2. She is blessed among women
    At the time of the Annunciation, the angel greeted her with, “Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Later, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42, ESV). Mary’s blessedness is rooted in God’s grace, not in any inherent merit of her own.

  3. The Magnificat — a prophetic song
    Mary’s response to Elizabeth is captured in the “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-55), where she glorifies God for lifting up the lowly and fulfilling His promises to Israel. It reveals her deep awareness of God’s justice and mercy.

  4. Her role in the Incarnation
    Through Mary, the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Her willing cooperation makes her a pivotal figure in God’s redemptive plan. The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) affirmed her as Theotokos (“God-bearer”) to safeguard the truth that Jesus is one person, fully God and fully man.

  5. Her discipleship at the foot of the cross
    Mary is present in the Gospel accounts at the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:25-27), where Jesus entrusts her to the beloved disciple: “Woman, behold your son,” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” This has been interpreted as her being entrusted as mother to the Church.

  6. Mary’s example for believers
    Mary lived in faith and waited in hope. She trusted God’s promises even when circumstances seemed impossible (cf. Romans 4:18-21). She is a model for Christians in patience, trust, and humility, though we do not worship her.

  7. Intercession and veneration (in Catholic and Orthodox traditions)
    While Protestantism generally stops short of praying to Mary, many traditions (Catholicism, Orthodoxy) ask Mary to intercede for believers, much as we might ask other Christians to pray for us. This is not the same as worship, which is due to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5; Matthew 4:10).

  8. The hope of resurrection and assumption
    Many traditions hold that Mary was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life. The Bible does not explicitly record this, but the doctrine is seen as fitting in light of her unique role and the promise that death itself will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54).

  9. A voice in the church’s worship and devotion
    The church has long held Mary in special regard, not as an object of salvation but as one who participated supremely in the work of the Savior, and who continues to point us to Christ.

Sample Translation (Excerpt)

Mary is believed by many of us to have been a very unique woman, and greatly blessed among women, who bore our Lord Jesus Christ.

This statement underscores a central Christian conviction: Mary’s blessedness is not in herself but in her being chosen by God to bear His Son. St. Paul writes that all things are from God (Romans 11:36) and that believers are “blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Mary’s special calling is to welcome into the world the One who brings .

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE?

1 Kings 19:9–13

9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

When we go back a little in this story, we read that before Elijah fled to Mount Horeb, he had executed the prophets of Baal after seeing that the whole nation of Israel had turned away to serve foreign gods. But even after that great victory, he received word that Queen Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was determined to destroy him as he had slain the prophets of Baal.

Remember, Jezebel was a cruel and ruthless woman who had already killed many of the Lord’s prophets in Israel. Those who survived lived hiding in caves all their days.

Therefore, the only solution Elijah saw was to run to the mountain of God — Mount Horeb — far away from Israel, to plead his case before the Lord. This was the same mountain where God had once spoken to the children of Israel, the same mountain where He called Moses and gave him the commandments and laws for Israel to keep all their lives. That mountain was known as the Holy Mountain of God, called Mount Sinai or Mount Horeb.

In Elijah’s reasoning, it seemed best to go to God in the same way Moses had — following the same pattern. That’s why we see that Elijah fasted for forty days and forty nights without eating or drinking anything, just as Moses did. He believed that there, God would speak to him as He had spoken to Moses — perhaps shaking the earth again and delivering Israel through great signs and judgments against the pagan gods of Baal, just as He had done in Egypt.

When Elijah finally reached the summit of Mount Sinai, he stayed there in one of the caves, waiting for God to speak. Indeed, the Lord came and spoke to him just as He had to Moses.

Then the voice of God came — not accompanied by any visible manifestation — and asked him:
“Elijah, what are you doing here?”

But Elijah did not understand, because his expectations were different. He expected God to speak through fire, thunder, wind, and earthquake — as He had done to Moses and the Israelites before.

After a while, the Lord said to him, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD.”

Then the Lord passed by — and a mighty wind tore the rocks apart, then an earthquake, and then a fire, just as Elijah expected — the same way God had revealed Himself to Israel. But despite all these mighty signs and wonders, Elijah realized something was not right.

Finally, God spoke to him again — through a still small voice — and asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

That’s when Elijah recognized that it was indeed the voice of God speaking to him. Out of reverence and fear, he covered his face, something he hadn’t done the first time. He understood that God was not in the fire, nor in the earthquake, nor in the wind, nor in the cloud, nor in the lightning, nor in the pillar of fire or storm — but in the gentle whisper.

He realized that even the signs and wonders that Israel had witnessed in the wilderness were not proof of God’s constant presence among them. Those manifestations were only symbols meant to help them believe and prepare their hearts to hear God’s voice.

The true presence of God was in the still small voice — the voice that spoke through the Law given to Moses:

“Do not worship other gods.
Honor your father and mother.
Do not murder.
Do not steal,”
and so on.

Anyone who obeyed those words, even without witnessing miracles, would still have God’s presence within them — for they were heeding His still small voice.

But many Israelites saw the wind, the fire, the earthquakes, the parting of the sea, the water from the rock — yet never recognized the voice of God in their midst. They thought the miracles were the fullness of God Himself. As a result, most of them perished in the wilderness.

Likewise, in this New Covenant era, when the Church began, on the Day of Pentecost (which is our own Mount Sinai), God again manifested Himself through mighty signs among His chosen people.

Acts 2:1–4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Do you see that? On that day, fire came down, wind filled the place, and gifts began to manifest — people spoke in new tongues, prophesied, and miracles took place. Even the earth shook under the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:23–31).

Yet, God was not in the outward manifestations — He allowed them as signs to prepare the people’s hearts to hear His voice.

That’s why, when the people saw those wonders, they did not praise the wind or the fire, but asked Peter and the other apostles:

“Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

And 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.” (Acts 2:38.)

Notice — they did not say, “This fire is amazing! This wind is powerful!” No. They were convicted in their hearts. They heard the still small voice of God speaking through Peter — calling them to repentance, just as God’s gentle voice told Elijah:

“What are you doing here? Return!”

To “return” means to turn back — to repent.

In the same way, in these last days, many churches have become like those who seek only the manifestations — the miracles, prophecies, tongues, and deliverances — thinking that these are proof that God is among them. Yet Jesus warned:

Matthew 7:22–23
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

These are people who failed to hear the gentle voice of God that calls for repentance and holiness.

My brother, if today you think that speaking in tongues or working miracles is the ultimate sign of the Holy Spirit, while you ignore the still small voice telling you, “Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and turn away from sin,” then you have missed God’s true presence.

If messages of repentance and holiness no longer move you, and you only go to church seeking emotional experiences — wind, fire, excitement, and miracles — then you have not yet heard the still small voice of the Lord asking,

“What are you doing here? What are you doing in sin?”

What are you seeking in the house of God?
Is it miracles? Success? Healing? Prosperity? Marriage? Promotion?

If these are your only motives and you think God’s favor in these things proves His presence, you are deceived.

Jesus said plainly:

“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3.)

To be born again means to repent — to turn away from your old life: drunkenness, immorality, gossip, witchcraft, unforgiveness, hatred, envy, quarrels, filthy talk, worldly pleasures, immodest dressing, and the worship of idols.

After repentance comes baptism — the true baptism of water in the name of Jesus Christ — for the remission of sins. Then God Himself will give you the power of the Holy Spirit to live a victorious, holy life.

Today, the still small voice speaks again:

“Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14.)

Listen to the voice of God through His Word, not merely through miracles, dreams, or visions.

If you chase only signs, wonders, and prophecies, the same question will echo again:

“My child, what are you doing here?”
“I am not in those things — I am in the still small voice.”

And because that voice is gentle, it is easy to ignore.

May God grant us ears to hear His still small voice speaking through His Word — calling us to repentance and holiness. These are the last days; let us be watchful.

God bless you.

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The Dangers of Lacking the Water of Life After Death

 

Man was created with two parts: body and spirit. Each side has its own way of being sustained, and its own way of perishing. Each has a way to receive life, and a way to die. For example, the physical body is sustained by physical food and water; and likewise it can be destroyed by physical means — if it lacks food or water, it dies; if it is burned by fire, it perishes.

In the same way, the spirit also exists in such a mode: to live it needs spiritual food, and spiritual water. If it lacks them, that spirit will die; likewise, if the spirit is consumed by spiritual fire, it dies too. But the fire of the body cannot destroy the spirit, because God created the nature of the body differently from that of the spirit.

If we return to Scripture, Christ came to redeem both: our bodies and our spirits, so that they might obtain eternal life. Because He came to redeem our spirits, He cannot use physical means to give our spirit eternal life. We must be given spiritual nourishment and spiritual water if our spirits are to live eternally. This is why He clearly said in:

John 6:35 “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”

You see, the food and water spoken of there are not physical but spiritual.

Now, people who die today without being saved — immediately their spirits descend to a place called Hades (or Sheol), or “Hell” (Jehannem). That is the place where a person is kept temporarily, awaiting the final judgment of the Lamb.

We could say in modern language that it is like a prison or a lock-up, where someone waits to be brought to court, to hear the charges, and then serve a sentence of 10 years, 20 years, or life imprisonment. And that is how it is with Hell. That place is different from the lake of fire. The lake of fire comes only after the judgment of the Lamb, when each sinner will suffer according to the measure of his rebellion on Earth.

Consider also:

  1. What is the “water of separation” in the Bible?
  2. Does Zamzam water appear in the Bible?
  3. What was the Peace Offering?
  4. How does corruption (bribery) blind the eyes?
  5. Buy the Water of Life
  6. Were Kings Ahaziah and Asa brothers?
  7. What happens after death?
  8. The martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicity
  9. What is the Pride of Life? (1 John 2:16)
  10. What is Tunguja in the Bible? (Genesis 30:14)

Remember, when the Lord stood in the midst of multitudes and raised His voice forcefully, telling people to come and drink the Water of Life, He was not joking or speaking trivial things. No, my brother, He fully knew there would come times when people’s spirits would cry and suffer, unable even to ask for a drop of that water. Listen to how Jesus cried out vigorously among the crowds at the feast:

John 7:37-38 “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’’”

Now remember, the benefit of that water is not just to give life to your spirit here on earth; no — it continues even after death. But those who refuse to drink that water now — when it is abundantly available and free — will one day, near death or after death, realize its value and frantically seek it. As their spirits go dying from lack of water, they will suffer indescribably in trying to obtain that Water of Life — and fail.

That is why Jesus told the parable of Lazarus:

Luke 16:19-31 (especially vv. 22-26)
“The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment…”
“…Between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who would pass from here to you cannot…”

From this account we clearly see that when a person dies, their spirit continues to live somewhere. The body remains in the grave, but the spirit lives onwards. And since the spirit cannot be consumed by ordinary fire, there is another fire — a spiritual fire — that the person senses in torment. Imagine that you are about to be hanged, and you know you have only minutes left — internally a fire burns within you, terrible and unexplainable, because you sense the punishment that consumes your life. That sensation is the spiritual fire, except in an extreme, indescribable degree, which comes after death. Eventually, after a brief time, you are cast into the lake of fire in eternal destruction. How will you feel that day? That spirit will suffer immensely, dear one. That is the fire which that rich man felt in Hades when he was bound in darkness.

Another thing we see tormenting that rich man in Hades was thirst. He had no longing for the water of this world — because his body was not there — but he longed for the Water of Life for his spirit. He wanted even a drop of that water to revive his spirit, but he could not get it. He desired a second chance to repent, to find life, but it was too late. He wished he could repent that very day he would be judged, or to join Christians, but the door was shut.

On earth, he had suppressed the thirst for life, because of his wealth. He believed that money and possessions could give him life instead of Jesus Christ. He was deceived by the wealth of his health, thinking his robust health would last, relying on good nutrition and many doctors — not seeking the One who gives life. He placed his hope in pleasures, comfort, wealth, friends, family, security — none of which can quench the spiritual thirst after death. He would only awaken to that in death, and cry out: “Give me a drop of the Water of Life!” You see how precious that water becomes after death… you will cry out for one drop, but fail.

You see people who after being told they have only one month to live — if they are not Christians — will suddenly frantically seek God. But during their full life, they rejected salvation. That is when the true thirst begins within them. Then you see them calling pastors, asking sermons, seeking prayers. But once death comes while they remain in sin, that thirst intensifies beyond description, and remorse will overtake them.

In Hell, Jesus also taught that there is a Worm — as we read in:

Mark 9:43-48
“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off… where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. … And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out…”
— about that place “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”

If you examine those verses, you see that the “worm” is singular — meaning that all who are there will be tormented by that same one; the distress and anguish they endure will be alike. Who is that worm? We understand that worm to be the Remorse of Regret (i.e. the memory of one’s sins), which will gnaw continuously on every soul in Hell. These memories, each person will face: every person will remember the day they heard the gospel and rejected it; the day they scorned God’s work; the day they lived in sin while the Holy Spirit warned them. They will remember sermons they ignored, time they delayed repentance until death overtook them. They will say: “How could I have come to this place while time was still available? What use is my pride now? What good are my possessions that they cannot defend me? My friends and pleasures deceived me…” These regrets will torment them beyond description. You will realize you are of the offspring of the serpent, deceived by Satan, and your spirit will be consumed by these thoughts — devoured by remorse, as the worm feasts on the carcass.

Those regrets will reach a level where even your worst enemy would be unworthy to come to your place and commit the sins you did. That is why the rich man asked that his brothers might be warned, but was told: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” (Luke 16:29-31) Today, some in Hell yearn that you never come there. Dear one, that place is not a destination you ever want to reach.

After a long time under that worm and fire, all the dead will be resurrected in their former bodies, and stand before the great white throne of judgment — the judgment of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. (Revelation 20:11-15) Jesus said:

John 5:28-29 “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth — those who did good to the resurrection of life, and those who did evil to the resurrection of judgment.”

All who were in Hades will be resurrected, wearing again their bodies they had on earth, so they can be judged and receive the due recompense for their deeds. Each person will be judged according to his works and the abundance of his sins. Scripture says each will have their own portion in the lake of fire. Because the lake is vast, each will suffer in his own place, burning both body and spirit with a fire fiercer than Hell itself. Knowing this, brothers, let us not be proud of being rich or scorn the Water of Life, because good health, wealth, family, or protection will one day depart. But thirst will remain — if you do not quench it now, you will never quench it later. Do not be deceived by this passing world; pride in your wealth or strength does not benefit without Christ.

And these are the words with which Lord Jesus ends in the Bible:

Revelation 22:16-17 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star. **And the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and whoever desires, let him take the water of life without price.”

Repent, be baptized in water (in the proper name of Jesus Christ), and pursue holiness while time remains. May you be blessed.

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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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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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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).

Final Encouragement

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.
Share this message of hope with others, that the scattered church may still be a preaching church.

 

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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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What Lineage Did Job Come From?

When we study the lives of the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their genealogies are carefully traced back through the family line of Adam, Noah, and Shem, all the way to their own time (Genesis 5; Genesis 10; Genesis 11). This clear lineage shows their connection to God’s covenant people.

But Job stands apart.

The Book of Job does not begin with a genealogy but with a simple introduction of his name and location:

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.

 Job 1:1, ESV

Job lived in the land of Uz, a place outside Israel—likely in northern Arabia, Syria, or perhaps near Edom (Lamentations 4:21). His precise location is debated, but one thing is clear: Job was not an Israelite by bloodline.

Job’s Significance in God’s Plan

The fact that Job, a non-Israelite, is central in Scripture teaches us something profound about God’s character: His grace is not limited to one nation or genealogy.

Job is described as “blameless and upright,” which shows that righteousness before God is not inherited through ancestry but is received through faith and reverence for God. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture:

Romans 2:11 (ESV):

For God shows no partiality.

 

Acts 10:34–35 (ESV):

So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Job, like Abraham, lived before the Law of Moses. Yet both men demonstrate that God’s relationship with humanity has always been rooted in faith, not merely in rituals or ancestry. Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, ESV), and Job’s faith likewise was expressed in his integrity and fear of God.

Other Gentiles Accepted by God

Job is not alone in this. Scripture records other non-Israelites who found favor with God:

Ruth the Moabite — She left her people to follow the God of Israel, and by faith, she was grafted into the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Naaman the Syrian — A Gentile military commander healed by God’s power when he humbled himself (2 Kings 5).

Cornelius the Centurion — A Gentile whose prayers and alms rose as a memorial before God, leading Peter to declare that God accepts all who fear Him (Acts 10:1–4).

These examples highlight that God’s covenant blessings extend to all nations, pointing forward to Christ, who came to redeem not only Israel but the whole world (John 3:16; Revelation 7:9).

Our Place in the Story

What does this mean for us today? It means that your background—whether you were born in a Christian family, a pastoral household, or into unbelief—does not determine your access to God’s grace. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

God does not ask about your ancestry but about your faith and obedience. Paul emphasizes this truth:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28, ESV

Conclusion

Job’s story teaches us that God is sovereign, impartial, and just. He receives anyone who fears Him, regardless of lineage or nationality. Like Job, the question we must ask ourselves is not “What family do I come from?” but rather:

Do I fear God and turn away from evil?

If the answer is yes, then you too are part of God’s family through Christ, counted righteous not by birth but by faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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