Question: What exactly was the “blindness” that struck Elymas the sorcerer?
To properly understand what happened to Elymas, let’s begin with Acts 13:8-11.
Acts 13:8-11 (NIV): “But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ‘You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.’ Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”
The word mist to a temporary blindness, often described as a mist or dark fog covering the eyes, leading to a complete loss of vision either momentarily or for a season.
This “mist” is not referring to something trivial like a shoe color (as some might jokingly think), but a supernatural judgment of physical blindness a direct consequence of opposing the truth of God.
Elymas was attempting to prevent Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul, from embracing the Christian faith. But Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him and declared God’s judgment: temporary blindness.
This act shows us several important truths:
Interestingly, Paul himself once experienced this kind of divine blindness on the road to Damascus:
Acts 9:8-9 (ESV): “Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”
Just like Elymas, Paul had a supernatural encounter with the light of Christ, and he was struck with temporary blindness. His blindness marked the beginning of his spiritual transformation.
Unlike Elymas, Paul responded with repentance and faith and thus his sight was restored, both physically and spiritually.
Several other Scriptures describe physical and spiritual blindness:
Job 17:5 “The eyes of his children will fail…”
Job 31:16 Refers to withholding from the poor, possibly resulting in judgment.
Isaiah 32:3 (NIV): “Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.”
Isaiah 58:10 (NIV): “…then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
Zechariah 14:6 (ESV): “On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost.”
All these verses echo the theme: when people reject God’s light, blindness either physical, spiritual, or both may follow.
Even today, people can be afflicted by spiritual blindness when they walk in disobedience to God’s Word. To reject the truth is to resist the light, and when light is rejected, darkness takes over.
Job 11:20 (NIV): “But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp.”
John 9:39 (ESV): “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.'”
Jesus’ mission divides humanity into two groups:
So, the question is are you walking in the light of God, or in darkness?
Have you received the Lord Jesus into your life? Or are you resisting the light like Elymas?
If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, don’t delay. Today is the day of salvation. Turn to Him before the door of grace is shut.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV): “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
If you would like to receive Jesus or need someone to guide you in prayer, feel free to contact us through the numbers provided below.
God bless you.
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Question:In Job 1:21, Job said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.”What did he mean by this? Can a person really return to their mother’s womb? Is that physically or spiritually possible?
Answer:Job spoke these words in the midst of unimaginable suffering. He had just lost his children, his wealth, and his health—yet his response was one of worship and trust in God. He declared:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”(Job 1:21, NIV)
At first glance, this may sound like Job believed he would return to his mother’s womb. But that’s not what he meant. Theologically and spiritually, Job was expressing a deep truth: humans come into this world with nothing, and they leave with nothing.
1. Returning to the Earth, Not the WombWhen Job says, “naked I will depart,” he’s referring to death. Biblically, the earth is often described as the place from which humans were created and to which they return:
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”(Genesis 3:19, NIV)
“And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”(Ecclesiastes 12:7, NIV)
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”(Psalm 139:15, NIV)
These passages show that our bodies are made from the earth and will one day return to it. Job is recognizing this cycle of life—birth and death are both states of vulnerability, and our physical possessions cannot accompany us.
2. A Spiritual Truth: Earthly Nakedness vs. Eternal CoveringJob’s statement also carries a spiritual message. In Scripture, being “naked” can also symbolize shame, judgment, or being unprepared before God (Revelation 3:17). But for those who are in Christ, there is a promise: we will not remain naked after death. Instead, we will be clothed with eternal, glorified bodies.
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”(2 Corinthians 5:1, NIV)
“Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.”(2 Corinthians 5:2–3, NIV)
This “heavenly clothing” is a metaphor for the new, incorruptible body that believers will receive at the resurrection (see also 1 Corinthians 15:42–44). It’s a body that will never perish, suffer, or die—a gift only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. So What Is the Takeaway?Job’s words remind us of the brevity of life and the futility of earthly possessions. But more importantly, they point us to a deeper question:
Have you prepared for eternity?You were born physically naked—but you don’t have to die spiritually naked. God offers a spiritual “garment” through Jesus Christ.
“I counsel you to buy from me… white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness…”(Revelation 3:18, NIV)
This covering is available to all who believe in Him:
Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9)
Be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
Walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)
Have you received your eternal garment?
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Question:Did David truly hate the lame and the blind, as it appears in 2 Samuel 5:6–9? What is the proper theological understanding of this passage?
6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.”7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward.
This event occurred during David’s conquest of Jerusalem. The city, occupied by the Jebusites, had never been captured by the Israelites, and the Jebusites were confident in their defenses. They taunted David by saying even the “blind and lame” could defend the city against him (v.6). This was mockery, not a literal military strategy. The Jebusites were mocking David’s strength and possibly recalling his humble past as a shepherd.
When David conquered the fortress of Zion (later called the City of David), he responded to their insult by calling the Jebusites “the blind and the lame”—a sarcastic reference to their earlier taunt. The phrase “whom David’s soul hates” (v.8) is not a general statement of hatred toward disabled people, but rather a figurative expression tied to the mocking context.
To conclude that David hated the disabled would contradict his later actions and the spirit of God’s law. Scripture reveals David as a man of compassion and justice, especially toward the weak and marginalized:
In 2 Samuel 9:1–13, David shows great kindness to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan. He restores Saul’s land to him and has him eat at the king’s table “like one of the king’s sons” (v.11, NIV).
The Torah commands care for the disabled:
“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:14, NIV)
Therefore, 2 Samuel 5:8 must be interpreted in context—David is not issuing a divine law or expressing true hatred, but repeating the enemy’s sarcasm and turning their mockery back on them after victory.
The phrase
in verse 8, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house,”
became a proverb, but it wasn’t a legal or religious command. It arose from the sarcastic context of David’s conquest. Some ancient interpreters or later generations may have misapplied it, just as the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ words about John in:
“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:22, ESV).“Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die…” (John 21:23, NIV)
People sometimes take symbolic or figurative statements literally just as many misunderstood David’s statement.
Theologically, this account highlights a few key truths:
God uses the underestimated – David, newly crowned and mocked as weak, prevails because God is with him (1 Samuel 17:45–47).
Spiritual opposition often begins with mockery and discouragement – just like the enemies who ridiculed Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:1–3) before the wall was rebuilt.
Victory often follows ridicule – the enemy uses discouragement as a last line of defense before defeat.
As believers, we must not let mockery, rejection, or misjudgment cause us to doubt our calling or mission. Instead, like David, we must remember that our strength comes from God.
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” (Psalm 60:12, NIV)
David’s statement in 2 Samuel 5:6–9 is not a condemnation of the physically disabled, but a response to a mocking insult from the Jebusites. His later kindness to Mephibosheth confirms this. As Christians, we are called to interpret Scripture carefully, recognizing context, metaphor, and the consistent character of God’s mercy and justice.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to understand His Word more deeply.Feel free to share this truth with others to bring clarity and encouragement.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites had many occasions to gather, especially for worship and the celebration of feasts. However, there were also special assemblies known as “sacred assemblies” or “solemn assemblies.” These were not just ordinary gatherings; they were moments set aside for deep reflection, intimate worship, and a special focus on drawing closer to God.
These sacred assemblies took place during the seventh day of the Passover and the eighth day after the Feast of Tabernacles. On these days, no work was allowed. The emphasis was entirely on sanctification and seeking God’s presence.
Here are some verses that highlight these sacred gatherings:
Numbers 29:35 “On the eighth day, you shall have a solemn assembly; you shall do no laborious work.”
Leviticus 23:36“On the eighth day, you shall hold a sacred assembly and offer a burnt offering to the Lord… It is a solemn assembly; you shall do no work.”
Deuteronomy 16:8 “For six days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord your God; you shall do no work.”
This sacred gathering is referred to as a “solemn assembly”.
When the First Temple was completed, it was consecrated during such an assembly:
2 Chronicles 7:9 “On the eighth day, they held a solemn assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days, and the feast for seven days.”
These sacred assemblies were also called in times of national crisis. During these gatherings, the people would come together in prayer and fasting, asking God to intervene in their land and remove the calamities and evil afflicting it:
Joel 1:14 – 2:15 “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly… Let the priests who minister before the Lord weep between the porch and the altar.”
Just as we have various types of gatherings today—such as Sunday school, seminars, or evangelistic meetings—it is equally important for us to have sacred assemblies. These are gatherings focused specifically on prayer and fasting, where we dedicate ourselves fully to seeking God’s face. During these sacred moments, we draw near to Him and ask for His intervention in our lives, our communities, and our nations.
Do you value such gatherings? In Hebrews 10:25, God commands us: “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together…” This command is not only about attending church on Sundays but also includes times of fasting, prayer, and worship where we seek God with all our hearts.
Let’s not neglect these special times of gathering. They are opportunities for us to humble ourselves before God, draw closer to Him, and intercede on behalf of our needs and the needs of the world around us.
May God bless you as you embrace the importance of sacred assemblies and deepen your relationship with Him.
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QUESTION: What does 2 Timothy 3:7 mean when it says:“Always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”?
ANSWER:In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul outlines the characteristics of people who will emerge in the last days—traits that will be prominent in the times leading up to Christ’s return. These traits are not just isolated behaviors but reflect a deeper spiritual condition. Paul warns that people will become increasingly selfish, cruel, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. These characteristics demonstrate a departure from genuine godliness.
The specific phrase in
2 Timothy 3:7—”always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”—
refers to those who continually pursue knowledge, but it is shallow, self-serving, and ultimately leads them away from the true understanding of God’s will.
Let’s examine the verses carefully:
2 Timothy 3:5-9 (NIV):[5] “They have a form of godliness but deny its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”[6] “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,”[7] “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.”[8] “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.”[9] “But they will not get very far, because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.”
The concept of “knowledge” in the Bible goes far beyond mere intellectual understanding or information. Knowledge (Greek: epignosis) in a biblical sense is a deep, intimate, and transformative understanding of God’s will and truth. This knowledge leads to a life that reflects God’s holiness, aligning one’s actions with His purposes.
In the Old Testament, the word “knowledge” often describes an experiential understanding that comes from living in covenant relationship with God. For example, in
Hosea 4:6 (NIV), it is written:“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”
This shows that true knowledge of God is not just intellectual but is tied to obedience and relationship.
In the New Testament, epignosis refers to the knowledge that leads to godliness and transformation. This is why Paul can say in
Titus 1:1 (NIV):“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
True knowledge of God’s truth is not merely for academic understanding but results in a transformed life that seeks to reflect God’s character—especially His holiness.
The people in 2 Timothy 3:7 were always learning but never able to reach that deep, transformative knowledge of God’s truth. They might have had an intellectual grasp of religious ideas, but their lives didn’t demonstrate the practical holiness that should result from knowing Christ.
In 2 Timothy 3:5, Paul warns of people who “have a form of godliness but deny its power.” This describes individuals who outwardly appear to be religious—they may speak Christian language, adopt Christian practices, and even hold positions in the church. However, their lives do not demonstrate the power of true godliness, which is the transformative effect of the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
This is echoed in
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV), where Jesus warns that outward religious activity alone is not sufficient:“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
This highlights a critical point: the power of godliness is not in outward rituals or intellectual knowledge but in the deep, personal relationship with Christ that leads to holiness and obedience.
So, what is this “true knowledge” that Paul refers to? True knowledge is godliness or holiness—it is the knowledge that transforms a person’s life, leading them to become more like Christ in their actions, attitudes, and values. The Bible makes it clear that genuine knowledge of God will always lead to godliness, as seen in
Titus 1:1:“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
This transformation is a hallmark of a true believer’s life—one that is being conformed to the image of Christ. Paul emphasizes this again in
Romans 12:2 (ESV):“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This scenario is evident today. In many places, there is an overwhelming amount of biblical knowledge available. We have seminaries, online resources, Bible translations, and teachings that far exceed anything people in the past had access to. Yet, despite all this knowledge, many still fail to live lives that reflect the holiness of Christ. Knowledge is abundant, but the true transformation it should bring is often lacking.
As
2 Timothy 3:7 describes, people can be “always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This is a warning for us to reflect on our own spiritual journey. Are we truly allowing God’s truth to transform us into His image, or are we simply accumulating knowledge without real change?
This should be a question we ask ourselves: Has our knowledge of God truly led us to holiness? In the last days, there is a danger of accumulating knowledge without allowing it to transform our lives. Are our teachings and our lives reflecting the character of Christ? Are we pursuing holiness, as we are called to do in
1 Peter 1:16 (ESV):“Since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
As we continue in these last days, let us not fall into the trap of merely learning about God without truly knowing Him in a way that changes our hearts and actions. Let us pursue the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, as we follow Christ in holiness.
May the Lord bless you
Bible Verse (NIV):“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses a common human issue: anxiety about the future. He reminds His followers not to carry the burden of tomorrow today. God created us to live one day at a time—trusting Him for our needs daily, not all at once.
This is also reflected in the Lord’s Prayer:
“Give us today our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11 (NIV)
Jesus did not teach us to ask for our “yearly bread” or “monthly provision.” Why? Because God’s design is for us to walk with Him daily, depending on His mercy and provision every single day.
God’s Grace is Daily, Not Bulk-Delivered
God provides grace sufficient for each day.“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning…” – Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)
This means today’s grace is meant for today’s challenges—tomorrow’s grace will come tomorrow.
Worry Distracts from God’s PresenceJesus warns that worry divides our attention.
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” – Matthew 6:27 (NIV)Worry pulls us away from living fully in the now and trusting in the One who holds the future.
Trouble is Inevitable—But Not to be Multiplied
Jesus acknowledges that each day comes with its own difficulties—spiritual battles, temptations, and life’s burdens. When we try to carry tomorrow’s weight today, we pile up stress and open ourselves to spiritual discouragement or sin.
This aligns with 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV):“God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out…”In other words, God provides strength in proportion to what you face—one moment, one trial, one day at a time.
Jesus is encouraging present-moment faith. When you start worrying excessively about the future, you’re trying to live outside the grace God has given you for today. That leads to anxiety, burnout, and weakened faith.
Instead, face today’s battles with today’s strength. Trust that God, who was faithful yesterday and is faithful today, will also be faithful tomorrow.
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May the Lord bless you and keep you strong, one day at a time
If you do, that is a good thing. But let me ask: What gives you that assurance?
Is it your faith? Your church denomination? Your good deeds? Or something else?
If it is faith alone that you believe in Jesus and therefore assume that you will surely go with Him when He comes then understand this: It is possible to believe in Him, and yet not go with Him when He returns.
If it is your denomination that gives you confidence, know that belonging to a certain church or religious group is not enough.
Even with the best denomination and the most respected church name, you may still miss the day of His return.
Is it your good deeds that assure you? That you don’t steal, you don’t curse, you help others, you’re morally upright?
If your assurance is based solely on good works, then you may still miss Him when He comes.
So, what truly gives someone the sure guarantee that they will go with the Lord when He returns?
Let us look for the answer directly from the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, the One who is coming again:
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.””
So what is the true mark of someone who will see the Lord on that Day?
It’s not denomination because Nicodemus belonged to one of the strictest, most respected sects of Judaism: the Pharisees (see Acts 26:5). It’s not merely faith in God because Nicodemus already believed in God and acknowledged Jesus as being from God.
Yet, Jesus told him:
“You must be born again.”
This means that faith alone, religious affiliation, and even good works are not sufficient. What Jesus emphasizes is a spiritual transformation a complete rebirth in the Spirit.
Jesus explains further:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
To be “born of water and Spirit” refers to:
When someone is born again, they become a new creation in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
So, the question is:
Have you received the Holy Spirit? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit as a sign and seal of your belonging to Christ?
Those who are filled with the Spirit are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). They do not live according to the world’s standards. They are transformed from within seeking things above, not the things of this world.
Someone filled with the Spirit cannot live in darkness, nor enjoy the sinful patterns of this world. Instead, they become light in the darkness.
If you are not sure whether you would go with the Lord if He returned today, it’s time to get that assurance not from assumptions or religious traditions, but through the new birth in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps you’re thinking:
“When He comes, God knows whether I’ll go with Him or not.”
But think about this illustration:
A thief announces he will come to harm you at night. Would you simply say, “Well, he knows whether he will harm me or not”? Or would you take precautions?
If you don’t prepare, it’s almost guaranteed the thief will succeed. But if you secure yourself, you’ll know whether or not he can harm you.
In the same way, we must not leave our eternity up to vague assumptions. We must not say, “God knows” as if He will just decide for us on that day.
No we must be sure now.
If we leave the decision up to Him without aligning with His Word, we make Him out to be partial or unfair but God is not partial.
“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”
So be certain. Be born again. Not through religion. Not through good deeds. But through faith in Christ that leads to a new birth by the Holy Spirit.
Maranatha The Lord is coming. Are you ready?
(James 4:11, ESV): “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
Answer: To fully understand what James means, we need to explore both the context of his epistle and the broader biblical principles he draws upon. James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, writes this letter to believers facing internal divisions, worldliness, and judgmental attitudes. James warns that speaking evil or passing judgment on fellow believers is a serious matter—not merely an interpersonal issue but a spiritual offense against God’s law.
Let’s break it down with a practical example:
Imagine a president visits a rural area and finds a destitute family where all members are disabled and unable to work. Out of compassion, he orders that they be given a home, monthly food supplies, and their basic needs be covered by the government for life. After the president leaves, the regional governor visits and decides the family is simply lazy and unworthy of such help. He accuses them, delays their assistance, and treats them harshly.
On the surface, it may appear the governor is just being critical of the family. But in reality, he’s rejecting and disobeying the president’s command. His actions indirectly question the president’s wisdom, compassion, and authority—even if he claims to respect him.
Likewise, James is saying that when we judge or speak evil of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not only harming them—we’re positioning ourselves above the law of God, which commands love, mercy, and humility. In essence, we declare the law to be flawed, and assume a role that belongs to God alone: the role of Judge.
The Law of Christ The “law” James refers to is likely the royal law mentioned earlier in
James 2:8 (ESV): “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
This echoes the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 22:37–40, where He says all the Law and the Prophets depend on the commands to love God and love your neighbor.
Furthermore,
Matthew 7:1–2 (ESV) warns: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Jesus is not forbidding all discernment but condemns a hypocritical and self-righteous spirit that ignores one’s own faults while harshly condemning others (see Matthew 7:3–5).
Restoration, Not Condemnation Instead of condemning, Scripture teaches us to restore our brothers and sisters gently and with humility.
Galatians 6:1–2 (ESV): “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This “law of Christ” is the command to love sacrificially, just as Christ loved us (John 13:34–35). Judging others without love not only violates this law, but it reveals a failure to grasp God’s grace, which we ourselves depend on.
Conclusion: When we slander or judge fellow believers, we don’t merely offend them—we oppose God’s law and set ourselves up as superior to it. Instead of judging, God calls us to live out His law through love, compassion, and gentle correction. We are not judges—we are fellow recipients of grace, called to walk humbly and help one another grow in Christ.
May the Lord bless and guide you as you walk in His grace
Greetings to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we learn the good news about the life of our souls.
God’s Word tells us…
2 Kings 19:30“And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.” (ESV)
Do you understand what this verse means? It speaks about the flourishing of the house of Judah—which is us, the Church.
But this flourishing doesn’t happen by chance, with fruit suddenly appearing on the branches above. The principle is that the roots must also grow deep down.
A tree cannot bear fruit if it has no roots. Ask yourself: do you have strong spiritual roots that enable you to produce fruit that pleases the Lord?
Remember, the depth of your salvation reflects the strength of your roots—the roots that will sustain the fruitfulness of your life.
Leaves don’t require deep roots because they don’t produce fruit.
If you find you can’t dive deep into salvation, if you aren’t serious about your spiritual life, then know this: you won’t produce any fruit for your God.
In the parable of the sower, the Lord Jesus explained what made the fourth seed thrive and bear fruit. He said it bore fruit by persevering. (Luke 8:15)
Persevering in what?
Persevering through the first three stages. It means making sure the enemy does not steal the seed planted in your heart, enduring trials and hardships that try to choke the Word planted within, avoiding worldly pleasures, and not allowing the troubles of this life to keep you from bearing fruit. That’s what perseverance looks like.
This is a person who is serious about the salvation they have received.
The question to ask yourself is: do we bear that fruit? Remember, fruit does not come by simply wishing or waiting—it comes from the depth of our roots that have the power to reach the deepest sources of nourishment that sustain fruitfulness.
That’s why the Bible says:
Psalm 1:1-3“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (ESV)
Start now to work on your roots until those rivers of living water flow surely within you.
Don’t neglect prayer, fasting, worship, evangelism, and reading God’s Word.
May the Lord bless you.
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Greetings to you in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I welcome you to learn with me today about the words of life.
In these perilous times, filled with deception and false teachings, it is essential for us to examine ourselves closely. Ask yourself: What kind of spirit have you allowed into your life? The way you live and behave reflects the spirit within you. If your life is driven by worldly desires, then the spirit of the world is influencing you.
1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)
“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
If your actions are sinful—if you struggle with things like theft or dishonesty—know that these are the results of a spirit working in you. It’s important to examine the nature of the spirit that influences your life.
The Bible speaks of Daniel as a man who had an excellent spirit.
Daniel 6:3 (NIV)
“Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
What does it mean to have an “excellent spirit”? This spirit is not just ordinary—Daniel’s spirit was outstanding and beyond the usual standard. The term “excellent” implies superiority—there are spirits that are not excellent, and in many cases, they are counterfeit spirits. Satan is crafty and deceives people into thinking they have the Holy Spirit when in reality, it is a fake spirit that mimics the original.
Daniel 5:12 (NIV)
“This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”
Daniel’s spirit was exceptional, filled with knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that were beyond natural ability. The Holy Spirit—whom we receive as believers—manifests in us in similar ways, empowering us to live in accordance with God’s will. The evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is not just speaking in tongues or prophesying; it’s a transformed life marked by holiness, wisdom, and the ability to discern and live out God’s truth.
Daniel 6:4 (NIV)
“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.”
Daniel’s life is a powerful example of integrity. Despite constant scrutiny and attempts to find fault in him, no one could accuse him of wrongdoing. His commitment to God and His standards made him blameless in the eyes of the people. This is what having an excellent spirit looks like—a life of integrity, purity, and unwavering devotion to God’s ways.
If you claim to be saved, this excellent spirit should be the same spirit that resides in you. The first evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a believer’s life is holiness—the pursuit of living a life that reflects God’s character.
But why is it that many believers speak in tongues, prophesy, and participate in religious activities, yet there is no evidence of the excellence of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives? It is shocking to hear people claim that living a holy life is impossible, especially when the Word of God makes it clear that holiness is achievable by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, some of these same people continue to live worldly lives—compromising in areas like their dress, speech, and behavior, while still claiming to be Christians.
Is this truly the Holy Spirit at work? Or has the spirit within them been corrupted?
The good news is that the excellent spirit—the Holy Spirit—can always be called upon to return or be awakened in your life. Repentance and faith are the keys to experiencing transformation. You must believe that it is possible to live a holy life and surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in you.
Romans 8:13 (NIV)
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
You must be willing to turn away from the world and commit yourself to living a life pleasing to God. This requires believing that holiness is not only possible but is expected from every believer. Through the Holy Spirit, you can live a victorious life over sin and be empowered to reflect Christ in all you do.
When you are fully surrendered to God, He will guide you and transform your life, enabling you to live in righteousness. But it requires complete faith, trust, and a rejection of worldly ways.
Please share this message of hope and transformation with others.