In Christian tradition, one of the most debated theological concepts is the nature of “God’s Divinity” or the “Doctrine of the Trinity.” Many divisions between Christian denominations today stem from differing interpretations of God’s nature.
Some Christians believe that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is known as the doctrine of the Trinity. Others believe that God is a singular entity, rejecting the idea of three persons, with some even denying the divinity of Jesus or the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, there are groups like Oneness Pentecostals who reject the traditional Trinity and see God as a single entity manifesting in different forms (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Meanwhile, some people do not recognize the Holy Spirit as a distinct person but rather as God’s power or influence. So, what is the truth? And where should we stand?
The first step in understanding this debate is to look at the nature of God. If we misunderstand God’s essence, we create confusion and division. The core question is: How many gods are there? Interestingly, despite all the different views, everyone agrees that “God is one,” just as Scripture states.
Mark 12:29 (NIV): “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'”
This foundational truth is central to all Christians, and it echoes the ancient Jewish belief in the oneness of God, known as the Shema, which has been a core part of Jewish faith for thousands of years. Jesus, affirming this, pointed to the unity of God as the key to understanding all other theological questions.
Furthermore, despite the disagreements over the specific nature of God’s being, all these groups affirm the importance of Christ’s redemptive work and the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives.
For example, if one person calls sugarcane a “leaf” while another calls it a “fruit,” it doesn’t change the fact that it is still the same plant. The terminology may differ, but the nature remains unchanged. Likewise, while different terms or roles may be used to describe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they all share the same divine essence. God is one, and His nature doesn’t change, no matter how He reveals Himself to us or we perceive him.
Ultimately, the truth is that God is one, but He has chosen to reveal Himself in three distinct persons to fulfill His work in our lives. It’s not that God is divided or that there are three separate gods; rather, He exists in three persons for our benefit.
The analogy of water is often used to illustrate this mystery: Water exists in three forms—liquid, steam, and ice—but it is all still water. In the same way, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, yet they are all the same God, working together in perfect unity.
If humanity had not fallen into sin, there would have been no need for God to reveal Himself in these three roles. He would have remained as He was—one God, the Father. But because of sin, God became incarnate in Jesus Christ to redeem us, and then, through the Holy Spirit, He dwells within us, restoring the relationship we lost with Him in Eden.
Therefore, God is not divided. He is one, and there is no place in Scripture that supports the idea of three separate gods. However, the division on this issue should not lead to unnecessary conflict. For those who believe in the Trinity, as long as they are worshiping the one true God, there is no need to divide over doctrinal differences. The important thing is to worship God in spirit and truth, and to recognize the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives.
Conclusion: Unity in Christ
If you are a Christian, and you have accepted Christ as your Savior, and your fellow believer also accepts Christ but doesn’t hold the same views on the Trinity, it’s okay. It’s not a matter of salvation as long as they worship the one true God, even if they may not fully understand the mystery of the Trinity. Just pray for them and trust that God will reveal the truth in His time.
Let’s focus on growing in love and understanding, avoiding unnecessary divisions that distract from the true message of Christ. As Paul reminds us, “Love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1b). Let’s seek to build each other up, not divide over things that are ultimately secondary in light of our shared faith in Christ.
Print this post
Many people struggle with the enemy—Satan—and wonder how to overcome his influence. The Bible gives us clear, practical steps we can follow to live in victory. Here are six key principles every believer should understand and apply:
The first and most important step is to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Without Christ in your life, you have no authority over Satan. The sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons using the name of Jesus without having a real relationship with Him—and they were overpowered by the evil spirit (Acts 19:13-16). When Jesus lives in you, Satan sees His power and cannot harm you. Salvation gives you spiritual identity and authority.
Even after receiving salvation, prayer remains essential. Jesus warned His disciples in
Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
If Jesus, who was sinless, was tempted, how much more will we face temptation? A weak prayer life opens doors to the enemy. Prayer keeps you alert, spiritually strong, and protected. A prayerful person is surrounded by spiritual fire that Satan cannot cross.
Romans 16:19 encourages us to be “wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.”
You don’t need to keep up with every trend in music, fashion, or entertainment—especially those that promote sin or worldliness. If you’re disconnected from worldly things and focused on God’s will, Satan has little to use against you. Loving the world makes you an enemy of God (James 4:4). When you reject the things of the world, you reject Satan’s influence.
Memorizing Bible verses is good, but it’s more important to understand their true meaning. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he used Scripture—but Jesus responded with the correct understanding (Matthew 4:6-7). Seek to know the truth behind God’s Word. Learn through sound Bible teaching and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. A deep understanding of God’s Word protects you from deception and false teachings.
It’s not enough to know the Bible—you must live it out. In
Matthew 7:26-27,” Jesus compared a person who hears His words but doesn’t obey to someone building a house on sand. When storms came, the house collapsed.”
Some struggles people face are caused by disobedience or unrepentant sin. Living a holy life shuts the door to Satan’s attacks. God blesses those who obey His Word.
Witnessing is powerful spiritual warfare. When Jesus sent out His disciples to preach, they returned saying that even demons obeyed them. Jesus responded,
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:17-18).
Spreading the gospel weakens Satan’s grip on people’s lives. Every time you lead someone to Christ or speak truth in love, you’re pushing back the enemy.
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
If you focus on these six areas—salvation, prayer, holiness, the Word of God, obedience, and evangelism—you will not only resist Satan, but you’ll walk in spiritual victory. The enemy loses power wherever God’s truth reigns.
God bless you as you stand strong in Him.
Answer:
According to Luke 3:23, “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry…”—which includes His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Therefore, Jesus was about 30 years old when He was baptized.
Luke 3:21-22 (NIV) gives us a fuller picture:
“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”
This moment marked the beginning of His public ministry and affirmed His identity as the Son of God.
Jesus’ baptism wasn’t because He needed cleansing from sin—He was sinless (Hebrews 4:15). Instead, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and to set a clear example for those who would follow Him.
Matthew 3:15 (NIV):
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
By being baptized as an adult, Jesus demonstrated that baptism should be a conscious decision made by someone who understands its meaning and significance. It symbolizes repentance (Acts 2:38), a personal commitment to Christ, and identification with His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).
While infant baptism is practiced in many Christian traditions, the Bible does not record any instance of babies being baptized. In every example in the New Testament, baptism follows personal belief and repentance.
Acts 2:38 (NIV):
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’”
You’ll also notice that baptism was performed where plenty of water was available, suggesting full immersion rather than sprinkling:
John 3:23 (NIV):
“Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.”
Therefore, baptism should follow a conscious decision of faith, not be imposed during infancy. While those who practice infant baptism may have sincere intentions, we are called to prioritize the Word of God over tradition (Mark 7:8).
Jesus was baptized at about 30 years old (Luke 3:23).
He set an example for believers to be baptized after personally choosing to follow God (Matthew 3:15).
The New Testament supports believer’s baptism—a choice made by someone who understands repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 2:38).
May the Lord bless you as you seek to walk in truth.
Please share this message with others who may be seeking understanding.If you’d like to receive Jesus into your life or need spiritual support, feel free to contact us using the information below.
The Question:In 2 Corinthians 8:18, the Apostle Paul refers to an unnamed brother:
“And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.”Why doesn’t Paul mention his name, especially when in many other letters he explicitly names his co-workers?
To understand this, let’s examine the broader context and theological implications.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about a financial offering being collected for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem (see 2 Corinthians 8–9). This was a significant act of Christian unity between Gentile and Jewish believers and a demonstration of love and solidarity within the early Church (cf. Romans 15:25–27).
To ensure transparency and integrity in handling this gift, Paul sends a delegation. He mentions three people:
2 Corinthians 8:18–19“And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering…”
Over the centuries, scholars have speculated about the identity of this man. Suggestions include:
However, none of these suggestions can be confirmed from Scripture. Paul’s deliberate choice to leave the name out may point us to a deeper truth.
Paul emphasizes the brother’s reputation, not his identity:
“…praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.” (v.18)
This suggests that the man was already well-known to the churches for his dedication and preaching. His character and fruit in ministry were his credentials. Paul didn’t need to name him—his reputation preceded him.
This fits a recurring New Testament theme: God values a servant’s faithfulness over their fame (cf. Matthew 6:1–4, Philippians 2:29–30). In the body of Christ, names are secondary to service. The early Church often recognized leaders based on their conduct and impact, not titles or public image.
Similarly, the third unnamed brother (verse 22) is described as:
“…our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters…”Again, no name—only a commendation of his proven character.
Many ministers today focus on promoting their names, titles, or images, yet their actual ministry impact is unclear. But biblical ministry is never about self-promotion. Even Jesus often avoided public recognition (see Mark 1:43–45), letting His works testify of Him (cf. John 10:25).
The unnamed brothers in 2 Corinthians 8 teach us this:
In the Kingdom of God, it is better to be known for your faithfulness than to be famous for your name.
Our lives should reflect Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Paul’s omission of the names in 2 Corinthians 8 is not a mystery to solve, but a lesson to learn. The gospel doesn’t advance through personal branding—it advances through humble, committed service. These unnamed brothers show us what true Christian leadership looks like: recognized not by name, but by godly character and gospel-centered service.
Shalom.
Yes, a tumor can be healed.
However, not every method or treatment will work. Doctors certainly do their part, but ultimately, it is God who is the true healer. While medicine can provide temporary solutions, God has the final say in the healing of our bodies and souls. With Him, every sickness can be healed, for nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37).
No matter the type of tumor—whether it’s in the uterus, bladder, throat, head, or stomach—if it’s a tumor, no matter its size, it can be healed. This is not just wishful thinking; it is rooted in the truth of Scripture.
And the one who has the power to heal is JESUS.
The name “Jesus” means SAVIOR. He was sent by God to save humanity from their sins, their troubles, and their diseases. Theologically, Jesus is understood as the incarnation of God Himself—God in human form—who came into the world to accomplish the salvation of mankind. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to offer us eternal life (John 3:16, Philippians 2:6-8). He was born with this one purpose in mind: to heal the brokenness of creation, which includes physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
So, as long as Jesus is present, there’s no reason to fear.
The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would come to bear the burdens of the people.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV) says:”Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.”
This passage speaks of Jesus taking on our suffering and the penalty for our sins. The “stripes” or wounds He endured were not only for our spiritual salvation but for our physical healing as well. By His suffering, we are healed—both spiritually and physically. In Christian theology, this is known as the “atonement,” where Christ’s death and resurrection have the power to heal us from the consequences of sin, which include sickness and death.
Jesus carried our sicknesses and diseases long before you were born. He healed the sick during His earthly ministry—He restored sight to the blind, healed the lame, cast out demons, and even raised the dead (Matthew 9:35, Luke 7:22). He is still in the business of healing today.
He healed Lazarus, who had died, been buried, and begun to decay (John 11:38-44). Jesus showed His authority over life and death, demonstrating that nothing, not even death itself, is beyond His power. He can heal you too, no matter what sickness you face. You don’t need to wait until your condition worsens. By trusting in Jesus, you can receive healing now.
But the first step is to invite Him into your life. To truly experience His healing, you must receive Him as Lord and Savior. This involves repentance—turning away from your sins and placing your faith in Him. The Bible assures us in
1 John 1:9 (NIV):”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
When you repent and accept His grace, He will forgive your sins, and you will receive eternal life
Romans 10:9 (NIV) declares:”“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.”
In this salvation, you also receive healing, both for your soul and your body. From this moment on, Jesus will not remember your past mistakes. The Apostle Paul writes in
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This is the power of salvation and healing that Jesus offers—freedom from sin, peace in your heart, and healing for your body.
God bless you.
WhatsApp
There are times when we experience physical sensations, such as the feeling of something moving inside our bodies—like insects crawling on your skin. This can lead to discomfort, fatigue, or body aches. If you experience such sensations, it is essential to first seek medical advice. A doctor can examine you, offer a diagnosis, and recommend treatment. If the condition resolves with medical treatment, then it was likely a physical issue.
However, if treatment does not resolve the problem and the sensations persist, it may not be purely physical but spiritual. The Bible tells us that there are times when demonic influences can manifest in the lives of individuals (Ephesians 6:12). People who experience sensations like things crawling inside them, sharp pricking sensations, or a feeling of something moving in their stomach, back, arms, or legs, might be encountering spiritual oppression.
The Bible warns us in
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV), “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
These sensations could be a form of spiritual attack, manifesting through oppression or even possession.
When these things happen, take note of the circumstances. Do these sensations become stronger when you’re praying, reading the Bible, or engaging in spiritual practices? In
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV), Paul encourages us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Spiritual attacks often intensify in moments of spiritual focus, as the enemy seeks to distract or disturb.
Additionally, if you experience other troubling symptoms—such as memory loss, unexplained anger, fear, or a sense of decline in your well-being—these could also point to spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:4). The enemy’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and these symptoms may be signs of that spiritual battle.
The good news is that deliverance is possible through Jesus Christ. In
Luke 10:19 (NIV), Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
The Bible also assures us that through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
How to Find Freedom:
To overcome these struggles, the first step is accepting Jesus Christ into your life.
Romans 10:9 (NIV) states, “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.”
Jesus is the one who offers true freedom from spiritual oppression (John 8:36). By accepting Him into your heart, you can experience both spiritual and physical healing.
If you feel called to receive salvation, take a moment to open your heart to Jesus. He promises that those who come to Him will find rest (Matthew 11:28).
Shalom
Bible Text: Colossians 2:18 (NIV) “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
To understand this verse, we need to start with the broader context in Colossians 2:16–23, where Paul addresses the dangers of false teachings creeping into the church at Colossae. These teachings combined Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical practices, which threatened the simplicity and sufficiency of the gospel.
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2:16–17, NIV)
Paul warns believers not to be enslaved again by Old Testament rituals and man-made regulations that Christ fulfilled. He shifts to a deeper concern: that some would lead others away from Christ through spiritual-sounding but false religious practices.
“Do not let anyone… disqualify you… with false humility…” (Colossians 2:18a)
False humility refers to outward displays of piety that seem spiritual but are rooted in pride and human effort rather than submission to God. The Greek word translated “false humility” (ταπεινοφροσύνη tapeinophrosynē) can be positive or negative depending on context. Here, it’s negative—people were pretending to be humble by enforcing rigid practices and asceticism (severe self-discipline), which Paul later calls “self-imposed worship” (v. 23).
“These rules… have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23, NIV)
Theology Connection: This false humility is what Paul condemns in Galatians 3:3—trying to achieve spiritual growth through human effort:
“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (NIV)
True humility is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), shaped by grace, not rituals.
“…and the worship of angels…” (Colossians 2:18b)
Some believers were being taught to venerate or even pray to angels as intermediaries. This likely came from mystical Jewish beliefs (such as early Gnosticism) that claimed access to hidden knowledge through angelic visions.
However, Scripture is clear: angels are servants, not objects of worship.
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14, NIV) “At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you… Worship God!’” (Revelation 19:10, NIV)
Theology Connection: Worship belongs to God alone (Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10). Elevating any creature—angel, saint, or human—into the place of divine worship is idolatry.
“…goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” (Colossians 2:18c)
Some teachers claimed spiritual authority based on visions, dreams, or secret experiences. They boasted about these revelations to gain influence over others.
But Paul exposes their arrogance. These visions were not from God but were inflated imaginations fueled by the flesh—not the Spirit.
“Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient…” (Titus 1:16, NIV)
Theology Connection: Mysticism that pulls people away from Christ is dangerous deception. Paul emphasizes the centrality and sufficiency of Christ:
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” (Colossians 2:9–10, NIV)
Christ alone is our access to God (1 Timothy 2:5). Not visions, angels, or spiritual performance.
Paul’s warning still applies today:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him… and not… hollow and deceptive philosophy…” (Colossians 2:6–8, NIV)
Let no one take your reward—your inheritance in Christ—by distracting you with things that seem holy but are hollow.
Your reward is not in legalism, mysticism, or man-made humility. Your reward is Christ Himself—the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Stay grounded in Him. Walk in the Spirit. Trust in grace. Worship God alone. Let no one take your crown (Revelation 3:11).
May the Lord bless you and keep you rooted in Christ.
Acts 11:25 – “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.”
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today, I want us to reflect on an important but often overlooked aspect of Christian ministry—the ministry of follow-up. As believers and workers in God’s field, our mission doesn’t end at leading someone to salvation. Evangelism is not complete until the person who has come to Christ is nurtured, strengthened, and established in their faith.
It is common to see people get saved after hearing the gospel—they respond with faith, receive Jesus Christ, and begin a new life. But what happens next? Some may grow on their own, but most need spiritual support and guidance. Without proper follow-up, new believers can easily drift away or fall back into their old lives. Jesus Himself instructed in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV):
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Notice He didn’t say just “make converts,” but “make disciples”. Discipleship requires consistent teaching, mentoring, and walking alongside new believers. That is follow-up in action.
In Acts 11:25, we read about Barnabas—a man whose name means “son of encouragement.” After Saul’s (Paul’s) dramatic conversion in Acts 9, he faced rejection from the church in Jerusalem because of his past as a persecutor of Christians. Due to threats against his life, he withdrew to Tarsus, seemingly forgotten by many. But not by Barnabas.
Barnabas heard of Paul’s transformation and decided to act. He left Antioch, traveled to Tarsus, and brought Paul back to be part of a vibrant church community where he could grow in ministry. Acts 11:26 (NIV) says:
“And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people.”
This act of follow-up changed everything. From there, Paul’s ministry flourished. God used him mightily to spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, writing much of the New Testament.
Sometimes we dismiss or overlook new converts, especially if they seem inconsistent or spiritually weak. But we must remember: even the great Apostle Paul had a rough beginning. It took someone like Barnabas to see beyond the present and invest in Paul’s future.
You may be witnessing to someone today who doesn’t seem promising, but with proper follow-up and guidance, they might become a mighty instrument for God. As Paul later wrote in Galatians 4:19 (NIV):
“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…”
Paul understood the importance of nurturing believers until Christ was fully formed in them.
Follow-up ministry may not be glamorous, but it is powerful. It is through this investment that we make lasting disciples. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV):
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm… Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Don’t just preach and walk away. Stay involved. Walk the journey with new believers. Encourage them, guide them, and disciple them. You never know—the person you’re following up on today could be the next Paul.
May the Lord bless you and strengthen you as you continue to serve in His harvest field
KEY VERSE (ESV):“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” – Hebrews 11:4 (ESV)
At first glance, this verse seems mysterious: How can someone who is dead still speak?
Theologically, we must understand that this “speaking” is not literal or audible, but testimonial. Abel’s life, especially his act of faith in offering a pleasing sacrifice to God, continues to “speak” across generations as a permanent testimony of righteousness and obedience.
This echoes the concept of the “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” – Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
The saints of old do not physically speak or return to us, but their lives of faith bear lasting witness, urging us to live faithfully as they did.
2. Rejecting the Idea of the Dead Speaking Literally
Some cultures or spiritual traditions suggest that the dead can speak to the living—through dreams, visions, or voices from graves. But Scripture is clear: communication with the dead is forbidden and not of God.
“There shall not be found among you anyone who… inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” – Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV)
If one claims to hear from the dead, it is not the voice of a departed loved one or saint, but likely a deceiving spirit (1 Timothy 4:1). God has appointed His Word and the testimony of the saints to guide us—not ghostly messages.
3. The Witness of Scripture Replaces the Need for the Dead to Speak
In Luke 16:19–31, the rich man in Hades begs Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his family. Abraham replies:
“They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” – Luke 16:29 (ESV)
This affirms a central theological truth: God’s revelation through Scripture is sufficient. The dead do not return to speak. Instead, their teachings and lives, recorded in Scripture, are God’s chosen means of communicating truth.
4. Abel’s “Voice” Is His Legacy of Faith
Abel “speaks” to us through the testimony of his faith. His story, though brief, represents the first recorded act of true worship—offering God a sacrifice from the heart. This act pleased God and was accepted, unlike Cain’s.
This makes Abel the first among many who lived by faith, as detailed in Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith.” His example teaches us that faithful obedience pleases God more than ritual or formality.
5. Christ’s Blood Speaks Better Than Abel’s
Abel’s blood cried out for justice (Genesis 4:10), but the blood of Jesus offers something greater:
“…to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” – Hebrews 12:24 (ESV)
Jesus’ blood speaks of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. While Abel’s death pointed to the tragedy of sin, Christ’s death brings hope and redemption. Theologically, this highlights the superiority of the New Covenant over all that came before it.
Conclusion: What Does It Mean for Us Today?
When Hebrews says, “though he died, he still speaks”, it teaches us that:
Lives of faith leave lasting impact
Testimonies of righteousness endure beyond death
Scripture, not the dead, is our guide
Jesus is the ultimate voice of truth and grace
Just like Abel, every believer is called to live a life that continues to “speak” long after we are gone—not by mystical means, but through our legacy of faith, love, and obedience to God.
May your life, like Abel’s, be a testimony that still speaks.
The Lord bless you.
Genesis 28:21
“..so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God…”
This statement comes at a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life. After deceiving his brother Esau, Jacob flees for his life to his uncle Laban’s household in Haran. Alone in the wilderness, uncertain about his future, and without any possessions, Jacob has an extraordinary dream where he sees a stairway to heaven and hears God affirm the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 28:12–15).
In response to this divine encounter, Jacob makes a vow. He says that if God will be with him, provide for him, and bring him back safely, then the LORD will be his God (Genesis 28:20–21).
At first glance, it might seem like Jacob is making a conditional deal with God—“If You do this, then I’ll worship You.” But that interpretation doesn’t align with the full biblical picture or with how Jacob lives afterward.
Theological Insight:
Jacob’s vow should not be seen as a lack of faith but as a moment of growing trust and commitment. This is the first personal encounter he has with the God of his fathers. While he may have known about Yahweh from Isaac and Abraham, this is where God becomes personal to him. The language “the LORD will be my God” reflects a covenantal relationship forming on Jacob’s part.
This is consistent with other places in Scripture where God’s people enter into covenant through vows. For example:
Deuteronomy 10:20 : “Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.”
Psalm 50:14–15 : “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble…”
Jacob’s words aren’t about bargaining but about dedication. He acknowledges God’s promises and responds by committing his future to Him. His pledge to give a tenth (Genesis 28:22) further reinforces this, showing his intent to worship God tangibly—much like Abraham did in Genesis 14:20.
Application Today:
Jacob’s vow is similar to what many believers express today: “Lord, if You help me through this, I’ll serve You with my life.” This isn’t necessarily a condition—it’s a reflection of human weakness and hope. Jacob, like many of us, is learning to trust God more deeply. He isn’t withholding faith—he’s discovering what it means to walk in covenant with God, even when the future is uncertain.
Just as God was faithful to Jacob for the next 20 years, so He is faithful to us. Even when our trust is still growing, He meets us with grace and keeps His promises.
Conclusion:
Jacob’s statement in Genesis 28:21 is not a condition of belief but a declaration of personal commitment. He moves from knowing about God to knowing God personally. It’s a moment of transition—where Yahweh becomes his God, not just the God of his father and grandfather.
Genesis 28:15 —
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go… I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
This is the heart of Jacob’s vow. He is responding to a God who promises presence, provision, and protection—and he’s saying, “If You walk with me through this, I will walk with You always.”
May the Lord bless you as you walk with Him in faith.