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DON’T TURN BACK IN YOUR FAITH

 

As we stand at the beginning of a new year, it is a sacred moment to hold firmly to the truth we have received in Christ and press forward. This is not the time to look back.

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”
—Philippians 3:13–14, ESV

Do Not Return to What God Has Delivered You From

Don’t go back to the sins that once held you captive. Don’t long for the very things God delivered you from. The old man is crucified with Christ.

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

You left behind drunkenness, sexual sin, and secret battles like masturbation—keep them in the past. You turned from immodesty and worldly fashion—stay separated.

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”
—1 Peter 1:14–15, ESV

“Do not love the world or the things in the world…”
—1 John 2:15, ESV

This Is the Season When the Enemy Attacks — Be Watchful

The enemy is strategic. He aims to weaken your faith and pull you back spiritually—especially at transition points like the start of a year. He often targets three areas:

1. Your Health

Satan may try to afflict your body or the health of your loved ones—including reproductive health. But God is your Healer.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
—Psalm 34:19, ESV

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree… by His wounds you have been healed.”
—1 Peter 2:24, ESV

2. Your Finances

Financial pressure may arise—but God is still Jehovah Jireh. Do not return to ungodly methods or covetousness. Resist the pull toward illegal dealings or materialism.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19, ESV

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.”
—Hebrews 13:5, ESV

3. Your Family & Marriage

You may face conflict in your home. This is often a tactic to rob you of your peace and derail your walk with God. Don’t return to old habits—keep your eyes on Christ.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
—John 10:10, ESV

Do Not Fear the Future

It’s okay to think ahead, but don’t be overwhelmed with anxiety about tomorrow. Fear opens the door to spiritual retreat.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”
—Matthew 6:34, ESV

“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
—1 Peter 5:7, ESV

Victory Is Not Optional — It’s a Divine Mandate

When you’re in Christ, you are not fighting for victory, but from victory. Christ already overcame.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV

So don’t look back:

  • Father, don’t turn back.

  • Mother, don’t turn back.

  • Brother, sister, child—press on.

Returning to your old ways grieves God.

“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.”
—1 Samuel 15:11, ESV

Let This Year End in Praise, Not Regret

Be like Job, who treasured God’s Word more than his own needs:

“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.”
—Job 23:12, ESV

Have You Already Started to Turn Back? There’s Still Time.

Repent. Return to God. His mercy is available right now.

“I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.”
—Hosea 14:4, ESV

“The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.”
—Isaiah 50:5, ESV

But if you persist in turning back, the Bible warns:

“For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.”
—Proverbs 1:32, ESV

DO NOT TURN BACK! DO NOT TURN BACK! DO NOT TURN BACK!

If you need prayer or someone to stand with you spiritually, call: 0789 001 312

God loves you. God bless you.

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Author and Theological Overview of the Book of Philippians

Author: The Apostle Paul

Date Written: Around A.D. 60–62

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Aunthor and theological overview of the epistle to the Colossians

The epistle begins with the greeting: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae…” (Colossians 1:1–2). This clearly identifies Paul as the author of the letter.

Purpose of the Letter

The main purpose of Paul’s letter to the Colossians is to emphasize the absolute sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus Christ. Paul presents Christ as the One in whom all things were created and through whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily. In Him are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).

Paul’s message is clear: once someone has Christ, they lack nothing. There is no need to seek spiritual fulfillment through other religious practices, philosophies, or human traditions.

Key Thematic Verses

  • Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV):
    “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

  • Colossians 2:3:
    “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

  • Colossians 2:9:
    “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”

Why Does Paul Emphasize This?

Paul writes this to combat false teachings that had begun infiltrating the church at Colossae. In Colossians 2:8, he warns:

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

There were people advocating Jewish legalism—insisting on observing festivals, Sabbath days, circumcision, and dietary laws (Colossians 2:16–17). There were also early forms of mysticism, such as angel worship (Colossians 2:18), and asceticism that gave the illusion of spirituality but had no power against sin (Colossians 2:20–23).

Paul stresses that all these practices are shadows, but the substance belongs to Christ. It is Christ alone who cancels the record of our debt through His death on the cross (Colossians 2:14), and in Him, we have forgiveness, victory over sin, and access to God.

Living a New Life in Christ (Colossians 3)

True faith in Christ is not merely intellectual or ceremonial—it transforms the believer’s daily life. Paul exhorts believers to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:1–2) and put to death sinful behaviors such as:

  • Sexual immorality

  • Impurity

  • Evil desires

  • Anger

  • Malice

  • Slander

  • Obscene talk

Instead, Christians are to “put on the new self,” marked by:

  • Compassion

  • Kindness

  • Humility

  • Meekness

  • Patience

  • Forgiveness

  • Love

He continues by applying this new life to household relationships (Colossians 3:18–21):

  • Wives should submit to their husbands.

  • Husbands must love their wives.

  • Children must obey their parents.

  • Fathers should not provoke their children.

This section reveals that Christianity transforms not only our spiritual life but also our social and family lives.

Christian Conduct in the World (Colossians 4)

Paul urges believers to:

  • Continue steadfastly in prayer (4:2)

  • Walk in wisdom toward outsiders (4:5)

  • Let their speech be gracious, seasoned with salt (4:6)

He also addresses masters and slaves, urging fairness and justice—showing that the gospel applies even to economic and social structures (Colossians 4:1).

Final Greetings and Fellowship (Colossians 4:7–18)

Paul concludes by sending greetings from fellow workers including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, and Demas. This final portion highlights the importance of gospel partnership and mutual encouragement in the Christian community.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, Colossians teaches that:

  • Christ is completely sufficient for salvation, wisdom, knowledge, and sanctification.

  • Believers are complete in Him and need not turn to human traditions, legalistic rituals, or mystical experiences for spiritual fulfillment.

  • True faith in Christ is evidenced by a transformed life that reflects the character of Jesus in personal, familial, and public spheres.

Additional Lessons from Colossians

  1. The Power of Persistent Prayer
    Paul and Epaphras are both noted as men of unceasing prayer (Colossians 1:3, 1:9, 4:12). This reminds us of the vital role of intercessory prayer for the local church and the global body of Christ.

  2. Christ is Not Just Savior, But Also Lord
    Colossians affirms both the divinity and lordship of Jesus. We are not just saved from sin; we are called to walk in Him (Colossians 2:6).

  3. Our Identity Is Found in Christ
    Believers are not defined by race, social status, or religious background. In Christ, “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

May the Lord bless you as you reflect on the profound truths of Colossians, and may your life be a living testimony of the sufficiency of Christ in all things.

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Why Does the Bible Highlight Left-Handed Warriors More than Right-Handed Ones?

Question:

Is there something unique about using the left hand that made certain people in the Bible be recognized as mighty warriors?

Let’s explore this through Scripture and biblical insight.

1. Biblical Observation: Left-Handed Warriors Were Noted for Their Skill

Judges 20:16 
“Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select troops who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.”

The tribe of Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”) surprisingly produced many left-handed warriors. These 700 men weren’t just left-handed—they were special forces in their own right, capable of pinpoint accuracy with slingshots.

Their left-handedness is not a spiritual superiority—but their distinctiveness gave them a tactical advantage.

2. Battle Strategy: The Advantage of the Uncommon

In warfare, being unpredictable is an asset. Most soldiers were right-handed. Fighting a right-hander when you’re also right-handed means you’re used to your opponent’s movement. But fighting a left-hander? That throws off your timing, your defense, and your expectations.

Left-handed warriors had to fight mostly right-handed opponents, so they became familiar with both styles. That made them more adaptable and effective. Meanwhile, right-handed fighters rarely faced left-handers and often lacked that same flexibility.

This highlights a biblical principle:

Ecclesiastes 9:11
“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong… but time and chance happen to them all.”

Victory often belongs not to the obvious favorite, but to the one prepared with strategy, precision, and wisdom.

3. The Power of Strategy and Stealth: The Example of Ehud

The Bible gives a vivid story of Ehud, a left-handed man used by God to deliver Israel from oppression.

Judges 3:15-16, 21-22
“Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite… made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing… Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly…”

Why was this important? Ehud was able to conceal his weapon because guards checked the left thigh, assuming everyone was right-handed. His difference gave him an advantage—and God used it for Israel’s deliverance.

God often uses what seems unusual or unexpected to fulfill His purpose. We see this pattern throughout Scripture—whether it’s David, a young shepherd defeating Goliath, or Gideon defeating an army with just 300 men.

1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

God doesn’t always choose the conventional. He chooses those who are available, obedient, and uniquely positioned to fulfill His will.

4. Spiritual Application: Fighting Differently in Spiritual Warfare

In the New Testament, we learn that Christians are also in a battle—not a physical one, but a spiritual one.

Ephesians 6:14, 17
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Like the left-handed warriors, we need to fight with God’s strategy, not the world’s. Sometimes our spiritual “weapons” may seem unconventional—prayer, humility, love, truth—but they are mighty through God (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Being different is not a disadvantage in God’s hands—it’s a tool for impact. The left-handed warriors were few, but they were effective because they used what they had with skill and wisdom.

Let God use your uniqueness for His glory. Your gifts, your experiences, your personality—they may not look like everyone else’s, but they are powerful when surrendered to Him.

Share this with someone who needs to know:
God can use what makes you different.

May the Lord bless you.

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Struck by Tongues: When Words Become Weapons

(The Final Weapon of the Enemy and How Believers Overcome)

1. The Final Assault: The Tongue of Evil

In spiritual warfare, when the enemy has failed to destroy you through temptation, fear, or distraction, he often resorts to his **last and fiercest weapon—**the evil tongue. This includes false accusations, gossip, slander, manipulation, and intimidation. These are not just words; they are spiritual attacks meant to break your faith and silence your calling.

Jeremiah 18:18
“Then they said, ‘Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah… Come and let us attack him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.’”

Jeremiah remained faithful to God’s call, even as people schemed to discredit and destroy him. Their strategy? Verbal assault. When physical attacks failed, they tried to assassinate his character.

2. Verbal Persecution Is Spiritual Warfare

From Genesis to Revelation, we see that one of Satan’s primary tools is accusation. In fact, the name Satan in Hebrew means “the accuser.” (cf. Revelation 12:10).

In Daniel 6, Daniel’s enemies plotted against him using legal manipulation and slander. They knew his integrity was untouchable, so they used their tongues to create a law that would criminalize his prayer life.

Daniel 6:4–5
“…they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful… So these men said, ‘We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.’”

This pattern repeats in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (Daniel 3:8–12) and in Jeremiah’s persecution (Jeremiah 38). Evil speech led to fiery trials and physical danger, but in every case, God delivered His faithful ones.

3. Why Does the Enemy Use the Tongue?

Satan knows the power of the tongue. The Bible clearly teaches that words carry life and death. This is not metaphorical—it’s a spiritual principle.

Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

James 3:6 
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… it sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”

Words can destroy reputations, plant fear, break spirits, and cause people to withdraw from their calling. The enemy uses tongues to ignite a fire of confusion and retreat in the heart of the believer. But if we remain grounded in Christ, we overcome not by silence or retaliation, but by prayer and truth.

4. Overcoming Verbal Warfare: Faith and Prayer

Despite being thrown into a lion’s den, into fire, and into muddy pits, the people of God stood firm. They understood that their vindication was not from men, but from the Lord.

Psalm 64:2–4
“Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked… who sharpen their tongue like a sword… that they may shoot in secret at the blameless.”

Psalm 140:3
“They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips.”

The early church also faced this. Jesus warned His disciples they would be spoken against falsely for His name’s sake (Matthew 5:11–12). But the response He gave was joy and endurance—because great is their reward in heaven.

Our response to verbal attacks must be prayer, not panic. The believer strikes back spiritually by lifting up their own voice—not in cursing, but in intercession, fasting, and declaring God’s Word.

5. The Divine Turnaround

When God fights for you, the very weapons the enemy forms against you are turned back on them.

Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…”

God delivered Daniel from the lions, the three men from the fire, and Jeremiah from the pit. In each case, those who falsely accused them were ultimately judged by God. The trials became testimonies.

6. Final Encouragement

If you’re facing slander, false accusations, or verbal attacks, don’t fear. You may be in the final stages of your spiritual trial. This is not the time to give up—it’s the time to stand firm, pray harder, and believe deeper.

Psalm 57:4
“My soul is among lions… their tongue a sharp sword.”

Let the fire meant to consume you refine your faith. Let the pit draw you deeper into prayer. And let the enemy’s words remind you: God is about to elevate you.

Prayer

Lord, when words rise against me, be my defense. When lies surround me, let Your truth be my covering. Teach me to fight not with my own words, but with prayer, faith, and Your Word. Let no evil tongue prevail against me. I trust in You for deliverance and victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the Lord bless and strengthen you.

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HONOR YOUR PASTOR

1. God Is a God of Order

The Bible reveals a consistent truth: God establishes order wherever He reigns. From creation to the Church, God sets structures of leadership that reflect His authority and wisdom.

In the family, God appointed the father as the head, the mother as his helper, and children as obedient learners (Ephesians 5:22–33; Colossians 3:18–21). Without this structure, a family falls into chaos. Similarly, when a child tries to take the father’s role—making decisions or assigning duties—the harmony collapses.

This principle of divine order also applies in society and the Church.

Romans 13:1–2
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

Authority is not just a human construct—it is a theological reality. Resisting legitimate authority is ultimately resisting God’s sovereign will, which has implications both for society and for our spiritual lives (cf. Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 8:15–16).

2. God Establishes Spiritual Authority in the Church

Just as He sets leaders in society, God appoints pastors and spiritual leaders in the Church to shepherd His people. These leaders are not self-appointed. Scripture affirms that God calls, equips, and ordains them by His Spirit.

Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

Ephesians 4:11–12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Pastoral leadership is a gift from Christ to His Church. Pastors represent Christ’s ongoing ministry to His people. To reject them is to reject the authority of Christ, the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).

3. Why Should We Honor Our Pastors?

a) They Labor for Our Souls

Your pastor watches over your spiritual life—teaching, counseling, praying, and even weeping for your growth in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
“Acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

Galatians 6:6 (NIV)
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”

Honoring your pastor is not flattery—it’s a spiritual discipline. It reflects gratitude toward God for His provision and ensures that leaders can serve with joy rather than frustration (Hebrews 13:17).

b) They Will Give Account to God for You

Pastors will one day stand before God and answer for how they shepherded you.

Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.
Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

A pastor’s responsibility is eternal in scope. Their role is not just organizational—it is soul-care, directly tied to eternal consequences (James 3:1; Ezekiel 33:6–7).

4. The Dangers of Disrespecting Spiritual Authority

i) It Discourages God’s Servants

When church members rebel, ignore instructions, or stir up division, they make pastoral ministry a burden. That not only affects the pastor but can also cause stagnation in the spiritual life of the church.

Hebrews 13:17b
“…so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

ii) It Invites God’s Judgment

Consider the story of Aaron and Miriam, who criticized Moses because of his Cushite wife. God responded not with tolerance but with judgment, affirming that Moses had divine backing.

Numbers 12:7–8 
“[Moses] is faithful in all my house.
With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles… Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

Criticizing God’s servants is not just a social sin—it is a spiritual offense. Slander, gossip, and rebellion within the church grieve the Spirit and open the door to spiritual consequences (Proverbs 6:16–19; Jude 1:8–10).

5. How to Handle Leadership Mistakes

No pastor is perfect. But when mistakes happen, Scripture teaches us to respond with grace and wisdom:

  • Pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
  • Correct privately if necessary (Matthew 18:15).
  • Avoid gossip and division (Titus 3:10–11).

The enemy uses disunity to destroy churches. But love, patience, and mutual honor build a thriving community.

6. A Pastor Is an Ambassador of Heaven

Unlike political leaders who deal with temporary matters, your pastor deals with your soul—the most eternal part of you. Their office is not just symbolic—it is sacred.

1 Peter 5:1–4 
“…Be shepherds of God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

God lifts those who walk in humility and submission. Honoring your pastor is part of honoring God’s kingdom agenda in your life.When You Honor Your Pastor, You Honor God

Spiritual leaders are God’s servants for your good. When you honor them, support them, and obey them in the Lord, you align yourself with the flow of God’s grace and order. But when you dishonor them, you resist what God has ordained.

Let us cultivate a heart that esteems our pastors, not because they’re perfect—but because God is using them for our transformation.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”
— Matthew 10:40

May the Lord bless you as you walk in honor and humility.

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HOW TO MAKE GOD A LIAR

1 John 5:10-12 (NIV)

[10] “Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about His Son.

[11] And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

[12] Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Imagine this scenario: The president is informed by his meteorological team that a massive hurricane is approaching. They warn him of its destructive potential and advise immediate action to protect the citizens. The president, in turn, warns the public, advising them to stay away from coastal areas, stay indoors, and follow safety protocols until the danger passes.

But the next day, the president’s ministers and government officials are seen on the beach, enjoying the clear skies, swimming, and having fun, as if no hurricane is looming. They ignore the warnings and act as if everything is normal.

What would the public think?

They would think, “The president is a liar! He warned us of a catastrophe, but his own people aren’t taking it seriously! He’s deceiving us!”

Now, how would the president feel, knowing that the people he tried to protect are disregarding his warning, and, worse yet, doubting his sincerity?

This is exactly what we, as humans, often do to God, and it’s how we make God appear to be a liar. God issues warnings through Scripture, through the person of Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, but when we ignore His call for salvation, we implicitly call God a liar.

The Bible makes it clear that God has provided a testimony through His Son, and by rejecting it, we are calling His testimony false.

God’s Testimony in Christ

God has sent His Son into the world for a very specific purpose: to testify to the truth about our condition—sinful and in need of salvation. The testimony of Jesus Christ is not just about His life and miracles; it’s about the need for humanity to be saved from the consequences of sin.

John 14:6 (NIV) – Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

When Jesus said this, He was making an exclusive claim. He wasn’t saying He was one of many ways to God, but rather, He is the only way. To reject this is to make God a liar, as if we could find another way to eternal life or peace with God apart from Jesus.

The problem with humanity is that we often don’t take God’s warnings seriously. We assume that because we don’t see the immediate consequences of our actions, there’s no danger. This was the attitude of those who rejected Jesus in His time. They saw Him perform miracles and heard His teachings, yet many chose to ignore Him, and they ultimately denied the truth of God’s Word.

Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

[18] “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

[19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

[20] For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

God’s testimony is not hidden; it’s clear. He has shown Himself through creation, through His Word, and most clearly, through His Son. However, when we reject God’s testimony, we are in danger of making Him out to be a liar.

The Consequences of Rejecting God’s Truth

The Bible repeatedly warns of the consequences of rejecting God’s testimony in Christ. To refuse the message of salvation is to refuse life itself.

John 3:36 (NIV)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

This is a serious matter. The rejection of Jesus Christ is not a minor issue. It is a matter of life and death—eternal life or eternal separation from God.

In 1 John 5:11-12, we see that the testimony God gives is about eternal life. This life is in His Son. There is no other way to receive eternal life except through Jesus Christ. When people reject Christ, they reject life itself and continue in spiritual death. This is why the Bible says that rejecting the Son makes God a liar—because it contradicts the clear and consistent testimony of God’s Word.

Making the Decision to Accept God’s Truth

1 John 1:10 (NIV)

If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us.

If we claim we don’t need Jesus—if we claim that we are good enough on our own, or that there are many paths to God—we are rejecting the testimony of Scripture, which says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and to deny that is to deny God’s Word itself.

Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus is the only Savior, and His work on the cross is the only means by which we can be reconciled to God. If we choose to reject this, we are making God a liar, because God has already provided the way.

Call to Action

So, the question is: Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, I urge you to do so now. Do not let the day pass without acknowledging the truth of God’s Word. To reject Jesus Christ is not only to reject salvation, but it is also to call God a liar.

Make the choice today to believe in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is only found in Him. Without Him, you remain in spiritual darkness, and the wrath of God remains upon you.

John 5:24 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

This is the truth of the Gospel. Don’t make God a liar. Believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and receive the eternal life He offers.

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

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Did Paul Have a Different Gospel from the Other Apostles? (Romans 2:16)

Romans 2:16 – “on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

Answer:

At first glance, Paul’s use of the phrase “my gospel” in Romans 2:16 might seem to suggest that he had a distinct or separate gospel from the other apostles. However, a closer look at the context and broader teaching of Scripture makes it clear: Paul did not preach a different gospel, but rather the same gospel entrusted to all the apostles—centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. One Gospel, One Savior

Paul’s gospel was not different in content, but he referred to it as “my gospel” because of his personal commission and stewardship of it. In Galatians 1:11–12, Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preached was not man-made or inherited from others:

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11–12, ESV)

This same gospel was preached by Peter, James, John, and the other apostles. All bore witness to the same essential truth: salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), who died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

2. Why Did Paul Say “My Gospel”?

Paul’s use of the term “my gospel” reflects a few important realities:

Personal stewardship and calling – Paul was uniquely called to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 1:5; Galatians 2:7–9). The gospel was the message he lived, proclaimed, suffered for, and guarded with his life (2 Timothy 1:11–12).

Distinction from false gospels – In Paul’s time, and continuing today, false teachers preached a distorted gospel—adding works, rituals, or traditions to the simple gospel of grace. Paul strongly warned against this in Galatians 1:6–9:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6–7, ESV)

Paul called it “my gospel” to make a clear distinction from these corrupt versions, emphasizing the true apostolic message he received directly from Christ.

3. The Gospel as the Standard of Judgment

In Romans 2:16, Paul makes the sobering claim that God will judge the secrets of all people by Jesus Christ, according to the gospel. This highlights several deep theological truths:

God’s judgment is impartial and comprehensive (Romans 2:6–11). It will not merely assess outward behavior but the hidden motives and thoughts of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12–13).

Jesus Christ is the appointed Judge (Acts 17:31). The same Christ who came to save will also return to judge.

The gospel is not only an invitation to grace but also a declaration of accountability. Rejecting the gospel means rejecting the only means of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Thus, Paul’s point is that everyone will be judged according to how they responded to the gospel, whether they accepted Christ by faith or rejected Him.

4. Unity of the Apostolic Message

While Paul had a unique mission field (primarily the Gentiles), his message was in full harmony with the other apostles. We see this clearly in passages like:

1 Corinthians 15:11 – Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Galatians 2:9 – Paul received the right hand of fellowship from Peter, James, and John, recognizing their shared gospel message.

The unity of the gospel is preserved in the New Testament writings, now compiled in the Bible—our authoritative standard for faith and life.

5. Modern Implications

Just as in Paul’s time, many today preach a “different Jesus” or “another gospel”—one that may focus on prosperity, mysticism, works-based righteousness, or social reform without the cross of Christ at the center. These cannot save.

Paul warned about such distortions:

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit… or a different gospel… you put up with it readily enough. (2 Corinthians 11:4, ESV)

Today, as then, only the true gospel of Jesus Christ—as revealed through the apostles and recorded in the Scriptures—can bring salvation and stand on the day of judgment.

Conclusion

Paul did not preach a different gospel, but he did proclaim it with divine authority and personal conviction. When he spoke of “my gospel,” he was asserting his faithful stewardship of the one true gospel of Jesus Christ—the same gospel that will judge every human heart on the final day.

May we hold fast to that gospel, unashamed and unshaken, and proclaim it clearly in a world filled with confusion and compromise.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…(Romans 1:16, ESV)

Grace and peace to you in Christ.

 

 

 

 

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Who is Silvanus, as mentioned in the Bible? (1 Peter 5:12)

Silvanus is another name for Silas. In the original Greek, his name appears as “Silas,” but in Latin, it is translated as “Silvanus.” Therefore, Silvanus and Silas refer to the same person in the Scriptures.

The story of Silvanus/Silas is mostly found in the book of Acts. He was one of the two prophets chosen by the elders of the church in Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas in delivering a letter of agreement to the Gentile churches. This letter was sent after the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders addressed the issue of whether Gentile Christians should follow Jewish law. Silvanus, along with Judas (also called Barsabbas), was sent to deliver this important letter to confirm the church’s stance on the matter (Acts 15:22-23).

After completing their mission in Antioch, where they delivered the letter, Judas returned to Jerusalem, but Silvanus chose to remain with Paul. He joined Paul on his missionary journeys, helping to spread the gospel to the Gentiles.

What do we know about Silvanus (Silas)?

Imprisonment in Philippi:

Silas is most famously known for being imprisoned and beaten alongside Paul in the city of Philippi. According to Acts 16:19-25 (NIV), after Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl, the city officials ordered both Paul and Silas to be beaten and thrown into prison. Despite their suffering, they prayed and sang hymns to God in the prison, and an earthquake miraculously opened the doors, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his family. This event illustrates Silas’s unwavering faith and dedication to God’s mission, even in the face of severe persecution.

Acts 16:25-34 (NIV): “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’”

Co-author of the Letters to the Thessalonians:
Silas is mentioned as a co-author of the two letters to the Thessalonian church, alongside Paul and Timothy. In

1 Thessalonians 1:1 (NIV), Paul writes:
“Paul, Silas, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.”

This shows Silas’s important role in the early church, contributing to the doctrinal teachings alongside the apostles.

Ministry in Berea:
Silas, along with Paul, continued to preach the gospel in various cities. Acts 17:10 (NIV) records how the brothers in Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas away to Berea to avoid danger from those who opposed their message. In Berea, they preached in the synagogue, and many people believed.

Acts 17:10-11 (NIV): “As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Ministry in Macedonia and Corinth:
Silas also served alongside Paul in Macedonia and Corinth. In Acts 15:40-41 (NIV), after a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, Paul chose Silas as his new companion for his missionary journey. Together, they traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Later, Silas joined Paul in Corinth, where they worked together to preach the gospel and establish the church.

Silvanus as a Messenger of Peter:
In 1 Peter 5:12 (NIV), Silvanus is described as a “faithful brother” and the one who helped Peter write his first epistle. Peter acknowledges Silvanus’s assistance in delivering the letter and testifies to his reliability.

1 Peter 5:12 (NIV): “With the help of Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”

What can we learn from Silas?

Silas’s life offers several key lessons for Christians today. First, his faithfulness to God and his willingness to suffer for the gospel serve as a powerful example of commitment to Christ. Despite being imprisoned and beaten, Silas did not waver in his devotion to God’s mission. His example challenges believers to remain steadfast in faith, even when faced with trials.

Silas’s actions remind us of Ruth’s loyalty. Just as Ruth chose to stay with Naomi in a foreign land, despite her own hardships, Silas chose to endure suffering and continue spreading the gospel rather than return to the safety of Jerusalem. Both of them displayed a deep commitment to their respective callings, even when it meant facing great personal sacrifice.

In the early church, Silas was an important link between the apostles. He worked with both Peter and Paul, showing a unique ability to serve across different ministries and regions. His service was not limited to one area or one group of apostles; rather, he was a bridge connecting various parts of the early church, always ready to serve wherever needed.

Finally, Silas’s faithfulness in his ministry encourages us to be fully devoted to God’s work. Just as Silas went above and beyond in his service, we too are called to be faithful and diligent in our calling, whatever it may be. Silas shows us that true faithfulness to God is about more than just fulfilling obligations; it’s about giving our whole selves to His mission.

May the Lord give us a heart like Silas’s—ready to fully dedicate ourselves to His service, wherever we are sent, and to go beyond what is expected of us for His glory.

God bless you.

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LORD, WE WANT TO SEE JESUS.

QUESTION: Why did the Greeks approach Philip and say, “We want to see Jesus”? What is the main theme of this event, and why is it recorded?

ANSWER: From the time of Jesus through the apostolic period, there were two main groups of people who sought to understand the full reality of God’s truth.

The first group was the Jews, and the second group was the Greeks. The primary distinction between the two was that the Jews sought confirmation through signs, while the Greeks pursued wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:22-23

[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom;

[23] but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.

This distinction highlights a crucial theological point: the Jewish mindset was focused on the tangible and visible manifestations of God’s power, as they had a long history of God revealing Himself through miraculous signs (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and the miracles of the prophets). In contrast, the Greeks, influenced by philosophical thought, believed that true understanding of God would come through reason and wisdom.

When Jesus arrived, He was the fulfillment of both groups’ deepest longings: a Messiah who would not only offer signs of divine power but also speak with the wisdom of God. Yet, despite this, many still rejected Him. The Jews, who expected the Messiah to come with signs of glory (such as calling down fire from heaven or delivering them from Roman oppression), could not accept the idea that the Messiah would suffer and die. The Greeks, who valued philosophical wisdom, could not grasp the idea that the Creator of the universe would humble Himself to die on a cross for humanity’s sins.

Jesus’ Sign of Resurrection:

Jesus, while not giving the signs the Jews expected, gave them a deeper, more profound sign—the sign of Jonah. In Matthew 12:38-40, Jesus referenced Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish as a prophetic foreshadowing of His own death, burial, and resurrection.

Matthew 12:38-40

[38] Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”

[39] But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

[40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

The sign of Jonah is an emblem of resurrection—just as Jonah emerged from the depths of the sea, so too would Jesus rise from the dead. In this, Jesus pointed beyond the need for miraculous signs to a greater truth: His death and resurrection are the ultimate proof of His identity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4). The resurrection of Jesus is the central event of Christian faith, proving God’s victory over sin and death.

The Greeks’ Search for Wisdom:

The Greeks were seekers of wisdom and knowledge. Their philosophical heritage was shaped by thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, who sought to understand the nature of the divine through reason and reflection. However, the revelation of God through Christ transcended human wisdom.

Acts 17:22-23

[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;

[23] for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To the Unknown God.’ Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.”

Paul’s address in Athens to the philosophers at the Areopagus shows that while the Greeks were deeply spiritual, they were still searching for the true God. They had an altar inscribed “To the Unknown God”, symbolizing their acknowledgment that, despite their philosophical inquiries, they still lacked the knowledge of the one true God.

Paul uses this point of contact to proclaim the gospel: the God they sought unknowingly is revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). Jesus is not just a teacher of wisdom; He is the embodiment of God’s wisdom. In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden (Colossians 2:3).

The Greeks Believing in Jesus:

The arrival of the Greeks, who had traditionally sought knowledge through philosophical reasoning, to inquire about Jesus shows a profound shift. These Greeks represent the larger world’s search for truth, which is now being fulfilled in Christ. When they approached Philip to ask to see Jesus, it was not merely a request to meet a man from Galilee but a desire to encounter the very truth of God.

John 12:20-26

[20] Now there were some Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.

[21] Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

[22] Philip went and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

[23] But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.”

[24] Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

[25] He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

[26] If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

Here, Jesus reveals that His glorification (through His death on the cross and resurrection) is central to His mission. He uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to bear fruit to illustrate the necessity of His sacrificial death. Through His death, He would bring life to many, fulfilling the deep longing for truth and salvation that both Jews and Greeks sought.

Theological Significance of Jesus’ Mission:

The fact that the Greeks, who represented human wisdom and knowledge, came to seek Jesus signifies the universal nature of Christ’s mission. Jesus is not just the Savior of the Jews but the Savior of the world (John 3:16). He is the fulfillment of both Jewish expectations and Greek philosophical longings. The gospel of Christ is the ultimate bridge between faith and reason, the tangible and the abstract.

The theological truth here is that true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ alone. He is the “Logos” (Word) through whom all things were created (John 1:1-3), and in Him, all the mysteries of God are revealed (Colossians 1:26-27).

Application Today:

Even today, Jesus is revealed in all things. Whether in the scientific community, among soldiers, rulers, the wealthy, the poor, scholars, or doctors—those who truly seek God will find Him in Jesus Christ. Jesus is not limited by human categories or positions; He is revealed to all who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their circumstances.

If we look around us, we see that faith in Jesus exists in every sphere of life. Many people, even in the most difficult situations or those who have rejected God in the past, come to believe in Jesus because He reveals Himself to them. The truth of Jesus is inescapable; He is revealed in the natural world (Romans 1:20), in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), and in the lives of believers.

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Have You Believed in Christ?

The ultimate question remains: Have you believed in Christ? If not, what are you waiting for? He has completed the work of salvation through His death on the cross and resurrection. Through Him, we receive forgiveness for our sins.

Ephesians 2:8-9

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

[9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Accept His work today through true repentance and baptism. Once you do, you will receive forgiveness for your sins—free of charge, through God’s grace.

Romans 10:9

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Receive Jesus now, and experience the joy and peace that come with knowing Him.

God bless you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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