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Leading Stiff Necked People: A Message to Church Leaders

This teaching is especially intended for leaders in the Body of Christ whether pastors, elders, or anyone overseeing a group of people, even as few as two or three. If you have a flock under your care, this message is for you.

God’s View of Stiff Necked People

Exodus 32:9-10 (ESV):
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.’”

When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, He already knew the kind of people Moses would be dealing with. Moses may have assumed he was delivering a grateful and humble people. But the reality was far from it.

Despite witnessing astonishing miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, manna falling from heaven, water coming out of a rock, and the pillar of fire guiding them at night the Israelites still hardened their hearts. They crafted a golden calf and declared,

“This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4).

They grumbled, gossiped, rebelled, and even formed factions against their God appointed leader.

Every True Leader Will Face a Similar Test

At some point, every genuine servant of God will face a season like Moses did leading people who seem ungrateful, rebellious, and resistant to spiritual authority.

Many leaders reach a breaking point and say, “If this is what ministry looks like being betrayed, misunderstood, and repaid with rebellion then I might as well quit.” If you’ve thought that, it simply means you’re not alone, but it doesn’t mean you should quit.

God knew what kind of people Moses was dealing with“a stiff necked people.” And yet, He still gave them a shepherd. Even Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He still allowed him to walk closely with Him and be counted among the twelve.

What Does It Mean to Be Stiff Necked?

To be “stiff necked” is to be stubborn, resistant to correction, and unwilling to submit. It’s like an ox that refuses to accept the yoke from its master. These are people who, even after seeing great signs and wonders, still cling to gossip, pride, disobedience, and rebellion. And yet God entrusts such people to shepherds.

Moses dealt with idolaters, complainers, and those who quickly forgot the goodness of God.

How Did Moses Respond?

Instead of abandoning them, Moses interceded for them. Even when God was ready to destroy the people and start over with Moses, Moses pleaded for mercy.

Exodus 32:32 (ESV):
“But now, if you will forgive their sin, please do; but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.”

This is true leadership. A godly leader does not abandon their flock when they fail but goes to God in prayer, asking for grace and restoration.

A true shepherd is even willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of those under his care just as Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

Spiritual Leadership is About Grace and Truth

True leadership is not about leading perfect people. It’s about leading imperfect people toward a perfect God. A faithful leader balances grace and truth (John 1:14).

Yes, Moses interceded, but not always. There were times he allowed the judgment of God to fall. When the golden calf was made, Moses called for those on the Lord’s side to separate themselves and those who remained in rebellion were judged by the sword (Exodus 32:25–28).

This teaches us that sin should never be tolerated in the house of God. At times, correction and even separation must take place for the health of the church. Just as Paul taught:

1 Corinthians 5:13 (ESV):
“Purge the evil person from among you.”

Yet, through all this, a true leader must remain prayerful, patient, and courageous correcting in love, but also standing firmly for righteousness.

The Reward is Worth the Pain

Ministry comes with hardship, rejection, and pain but the reward outweighs the cost. Leading God’s people is one of the highest honors and the greatest expressions of love toward God.

Proverbs 14:4 (KJV):
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.”

Yes, the pen is messier when oxen are present, but they bring increase. Likewise, shepherding people is messy but it brings great eternal fruit.

To every pastor, leader, and overseer: Don’t give up. Lead with grace. Intercede like Moses. Correct when needed. And love the flock even when they have stiff necks.

This is what it means to be a faithful shepherd.

1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV):
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

May the Lord strengthen you to shepherd His people faithfully.

God bless you.

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USIMPE MWANAO VITU SASA.

DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY

 

DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY
(A Biblical Guide for Raising Godly Children)

As a parent, the best way to raise your child is not by indulging every desire immediately. Even if they deserve it, resist giving them everything just because you can. Godly parenting requires foresight: investing in your child’s character, discipline, and spiritual foundation now so they can stand firm tomorrow. Overindulgence can ruin not only their character but also their spiritual destiny.

Many parents fail to recognize a key biblical principle: even though a child is an heir, they must first live under guidance and discipline.

📖 Galatians 4:1–2 (NKJV)
“Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.”

God’s design is that children learn to obey and grow in wisdom before inheriting wealth or authority. A child who receives everything too soon may grow proud, irresponsible, or spiritually weak.

A wise parent does not measure love by how much wealth they spend on their child today. True love seeks to build a life rooted in God’s wisdom.

Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–31, NIV). The younger son demanded his inheritance early, left home, and squandered it in reckless living. Only when he reached rock bottom did he repent and return home. The father welcomed him with open arms, showing God’s heart of forgiveness and mercy.

Meanwhile, the older son, who had faithfully served, became resentful. Even though he had been obedient, he felt unappreciated. This illustrates that obedience and faithfulness are often tested before blessing, a principle God uses to shape character and faith.

📖 Romans 8:17 (NIV) — “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

  • Just as God’s children must endure discipline and trials, so too must human children learn responsibility before fully inheriting privileges.

Sadly, many modern parents do the opposite. They spoil their children with wealth and convenience — hiring staff to cook, clean, and serve, while the children spend hours on entertainment. This may seem loving, but it can produce modern prodigals: children who are entitled, spiritually weak, and unprepared for life.

When children misbehave, some parents hesitate to discipline them, fearing they might “suffer.” But the Bible teaches:

📖 Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) — “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

📖 Hebrews 12:7–11 (NIV) — “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. … No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Discipline is an act of love that prepares children for spiritual and moral strength. Without it, children remain vulnerable to sin and poor choices.

It is not necessary to give your child gourmet meals or satisfy every whim. Sometimes they should eat simple food — plain ugali and beans — to develop patience, gratitude, and humility. Let them experience small hardships; these are the building blocks of strength and resilience.

During school holidays, instead of beaches or parties, take your child to the village. Let them experience simple living: eat local food, fetch water, help with farming, or tend animals. Let them observe God’s creation, understand responsibility, and learn the dignity of work.

Meanwhile, a wise parent quietly prepares for the child’s future — saving, providing education, and building spiritual foundations. When the child matures, they will be capable, disciplined, and compassionate leaders, able to serve God and humanity faithfully.

True parenting is about making your child a servant today so they can become a king tomorrow. If you make them a king today, you may end up serving them tomorrow — like the elder son in the parable.

📖 Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) — “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

 


📖 Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) — “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

May the Lord bless you as you raise your children in wisdom, discipline, and godly love. Share this teaching to inspire other parents to build strong, Christ-centered families.

 

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Kitakachoadhibiwa kwenye ziwa la moto ni mwili au roho ya Mtu

Will it be the body or the soul of a person that is punished in the lake of fire?

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KUSHAWISHWA HAKUTOSHI, AMINI KIKAMILIFU!

BEING PERSUADED IS NOT ENOUGH – BELIEVE COMPLETELY!

 

When the Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and brought before kings to be judged, we see his remarkable boldness. Instead of using that opportunity to defend himself legally, he boldly preached the gospel. His message was so powerful that King Agrippa was almost persuaded to believe in Christ. Such courage is truly worth imitating.

**Acts 26:25–29 (NIV)**
25 Paul replied, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and reasonable.
26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

We notice something important here: King Agrippa was deeply moved by Paul’s words and was fully persuaded in his heart, yet he stopped short of surrendering to Christ. He ended at being “persuaded” but never truly converted. The truth is, anyone in that position is still unsaved.

This is similar to what happens today. Many people hear the gospel—they respect it, enjoy it, and are touched by it. Some even feel sorrow for their sins. But the question remains: **Have they truly accepted it and obeyed it?**

You will often hear people say:

* *“I’ve been blessed today.”*
* *“That was a powerful word.”*
* *“God help me, I’ve been touched today.”*

But, dear friend, those words do not mean you are saved. You are no different from Agrippa.

Those who are genuinely convicted by the Word always take the next step. They ask: **“Brothers, what shall we do?”**

**Acts 2:37–42 (NIV)**
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Did you notice? They didn’t just say, *“Thank you Peter for the word,”* or *“Be blessed, pastor.”* Instead, they responded with action—repenting, getting baptized the very same day, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching. These are the people who later carried the gospel across the world.

This is what we need to see today—a generation of believers who don’t stop at being “persuaded,” but who fully surrender to Jesus with all their hearts and lives. Not like Agrippa, who admired the message but never obeyed it.

The time for salvation is **now**. Don’t say, “Tomorrow I will give my life to Christ.” There is no salvation tomorrow—only today. Do not deceive yourself. The Lord requires action now. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). So don’t just enjoy sermons and emotional moments. The real question is: **Have you been saved? If Christ returned today, would you go with Him?**

👉 Share this good news with others.

📞 If you would like help to receive Jesus into your life freely, please contact us through the numbers provided at the bottom of this message.

 

**Contacts:** +255 693 036 618 | +255 789 001 312

✝️ May the Lord bless you!

 

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ON THE ROAD CALLED STRAIGHT

 

Saul (later the apostle Paul) was on his way to Damascus with the intent of arresting and persecuting the saints. As we know from the story, Jesus met him on the road. A brilliant light struck his eyes, and he lost his sight. He was then led by the hand into the city, completely blind.

But while he was there, Saul was not in a normal state. He was in deep spiritual anguish. He ate no food and drank no water—he was fasting. More than that, he was praying earnestly.

After this, something remarkable happened. A man named Ananias was visited by the Lord in a vision and was instructed to go and find Saul. And the place he was told to go to was a street called Straight.

That is, the straight road.

Acts 9:8–12 (NIV)

8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

You might ask yourself: Why that street?
Why call it Straight, and not “Main Street,” or “Good Street,” or any other name?

Because spiritually speaking, Christ places His people on the straight path—the path that is made right.

Before this encounter, Paul was walking on a corrupted path: a path of opposing Christ, violence, slander, sin, and death.
But when he met Jesus, he was taken off that broken road and placed onto the straight path of his calling and service.

It is striking to see how many people today resist Christ and refuse salvation, thinking that religion will straighten their paths, that money will level their valleys, or that education will remove their mountains.

They do not realize that the only straight path is life in Christ. Everywhere else leads to valleys and mountains—and in the end, to the pit and to death. There is no rest outside of Christ.

John the Baptist understood this and cried out loudly, saying:

John 1:23 (NIV)

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

To believe in Jesus is to make the way of the Lord straight.

So let me ask you: Are you on the straight path?

Be saved today, dear brother, dear sister. Remember, outside of Christ you are lost—there is no debate about this; it is the truth. There is no hope unless Jesus saves you. Hurry and repent today. Believe in the finished work of Christ’s redemption accomplished for you on the cross. Time is short; the door of grace will not remain open forever.

May the Lord bless you.

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KANISA LILILOTAWANYIKA BADO LINAHUBIRI.

THE SCATTERED CHURCH STILL PREACHES

Do you know the true origin and calling of the Church of Christ? As a believer, it is essential to understand the journey of our faith, because the same pattern continues to shape our mission today.

The gospel that began in Jerusalem (Israel) eventually reached you and me. This was not by chance. It was carried through persecution, suffering, migration, and faithful witness. Understanding this helps us see that the gospel is meant to spread to every nation, every generation, and every place on earth until all have heard.

The Beginning in Jerusalem

In the early days, the church gathered as one in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42–47). But when persecution arose, their gathering was broken apart. Saints were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed for their faith Stephen being the first martyr (Acts 7:54–60). This forced many believers to flee Israel and scatter across surrounding nations.

Acts 8:1, 4 (ESV):
“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles… Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

Notice this: scattering did not silence them. Instead, the gospel spread even faster. What looked like tragedy became a divine strategy. The blood of martyrs became the seed of the Church.

The Mission Beyond Borders

When believers scattered, they carried Christ with them. They did not wait for apostles, pulpits, or church buildings. Every believer became a witness (Acts 1:8). Wherever they went villages, towns, or foreign nations they declared the risen Christ.

Jesus Himself had foretold this:

Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV):
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The scattering was not the church’s downfall but its expansion. What the enemy meant for harm, God turned into victory.

Letters to the Scattered Believers

Even the apostles recognized that the church was no longer confined to Jerusalem. Peter addressed his letters to believers living as “exiles” across foreign lands:

1 Peter 1:1 (ESV):
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…”

The Greek word diaspora (dispersion) emphasizes that believers were spread out like seeds across the world. But seeds scattered are not wasted they are planted for a greater harvest.

The Church is Not Bound by Geography

The gospel is not limited to one place, one culture, or one people. God’s presence fills the earth (Psalm 139:7–10). Wherever His people go, the Church goes.

Paul reminds us:

2 Timothy 2:9 (ESV):
“…the word of God is not bound!”

Your workplace, school, or even a foreign land is not a barrier it is an opportunity. Just as the early believers preached Christ in their new environments, so should we today.

The Call for Today

People still move from place to place for jobs, studies, family, or even because of war and displacement. The question is: Do you carry Christ with you into those new spaces? Do you witness boldly, or do you fall silent?

The early church did not allow new environments to silence their faith. Neither should we. For Jesus commanded:

Acts 1:8 (NIV):
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This mission still stands. The scattering of the church whether voluntary or forced is part of God’s plan to fill the whole earth with His glory (Habakkuk 2:14).

Wherever you go, know this: the Spirit of God goes with you. The environment is not your limitation, it is your field. Every conversation, every relationship, every place you find yourself is a chance to shine the light of Christ.

So do not say, “I can’t witness here it was easier back home.” That is not from God. Instead, pray for wisdom, boldness, and the right words. God will give you the grace to testify, just as He empowered the early church.

Shalom.

 

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HIVI UNAMTESA MWOKOZI WAKO?

ARE YOU PERSECUTING YOUR SAVIOR?

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”Acts 9:4

There are things you may do that seem right in your own eyes but in truth, they deeply grieve Christ.

The Apostle Paul formerly known as Saul thought he was doing God’s work by opposing those who followed Jesus. He was zealous, believing he was defending the faith. But what he didn’t realize was that he was actually fighting against Christ Himself.

It wasn’t until his dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus that the truth was revealed:

“And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’”Acts 9:4–5, ESV

In the original Greek, the word translated as “persecuting” also carries the idea of “causing suffering” or “harassing.” Jesus was telling Saul: “You’re not just opposing people you are attacking Me.”

TWO GROUPS WHO PERSECUTE CHRIST TODAY

1. Unbelievers Who Oppose the Church

Paul is a prime example of a religious person who didn’t know Jesus, yet aggressively opposed those who did. He dragged Christians out of their homes, imprisoned them, and even supported their execution (see Acts 8:1–3).

Today, there are still people governments, communities, even individuals who:

  • Oppose true churches,
  • Speak against God’s servants,
  • Mock or physically harm believers.

But what they may not realize is that in doing so, they are persecuting Christ Himself.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”Matthew 25:40, ESV

If you’re in this category whether by actions, words, or attitudes repent today. Turn to Jesus and receive His mercy. Don’t continue fighting the very One who died to save you.

2. Believers Who Fall Away and Return to Sin

There’s another way people “persecute” Christ and it comes from within the Church.

This happens when someone has truly received salvation, experienced the Holy Spirit, and tasted the goodness of God’s Word but then willfully returns to their old sinful life.

“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened…and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”Hebrews 6:4–6, ESV

This is not just “backsliding” it is re crucifying Christ, treating His sacrifice as something cheap. It’s not just a mistake; it is spiritual rebellion.

When you, as a believer:

  • Go back to sexual immorality,
  • Indulge in drunkenness and worldly pleasures,
  • Treat sin casually…

…you are wounding the Savior who died for you.

It’s like a child striking his own father. Isn’t that a curse?

STOP PLAYING WITH SIN

Don’t grow comfortable in sin just because you’re “already saved.” The sins of a believer are not like the sins of the world they are acts of spiritual betrayal.

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”Hebrews 10:26, NIV

So ask yourself honestly:

Did you receive Christ just to wound Him again?

RETURN TO HOLINESS

Repent sincerely. Return to Christ before your heart becomes too hard to feel conviction.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”Hebrews 12:14, ESV

Love righteousness. Pursue a holy life. Jesus didn’t die so we could live like the world. He died to set us free from sin.

  • Unbelievers persecute Christ when they attack His Church.
  • Believers persecute Christ when they return to sin after knowing the truth.
  • Whether you’re in the world or in the Church, if your life is grieving Christ, repent.
  • Choose holiness. Follow Jesus with sincerity. Don’t be the one who brings sorrow to the One who saved you.

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UMEITWA KWANZA KUWA SHAHIDI, SIO MHUBIRI

YOU WERE CALLED TO BE A WITNESS, NOT A PREACHER

Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

There is a difference between a preacher and a witness.
Simply put, preaching and witnessing are not the same.
Jesus called us to be witnesses in the world. This is a calling for every believer—not necessarily to preach sermons but to testify through our lives.

Who is a preacher?
A preacher is someone who stands with the Bible, teaches scripture, explains stories and lessons from the Bible, and expects people to respond to those teachings. This person could be a pastor, evangelist, apostle, bishop, priest, and so on.

Who is a witness?
A witness is someone who has seen the truth of something and then stands to defend or confirm that truth.
This is the role we all have regarding Christ: to be His witnesses worldwide, testifying to what He has done in our lives—confirming that what He said is true because we have experienced it ourselves.

For example, when Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), when you come to Him and find that your burdens are lifted, you must stand and testify to that experience so others may believe and receive the same.

When Jesus said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38), and you have received the Holy Spirit and known this truth, that’s when you go and witness to others.

When you have been healed, set free, shown a miracle, or given strength to overcome a particular sin, that’s your testimony. And through that testimony, others will be encouraged to believe in Jesus as you did, and ultimately be saved.

Testimony doesn’t require theology
This work doesn’t require deep theological knowledge, spiritual maturity, fasting, or prayers. It only requires opening your mouth and telling others about the goodness you have found in Christ. That is how God will convince people and bring them to salvation.

Example of Paul – Acts 9
If you are a Christian who was maybe saved today, remember you already owe it to start witnessing about the goodness of Christ with the few words you have in your mouth. That’s what Paul did right after his baptism.

Acts 9:
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called on this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
23 After many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him.

The problem with the view of evangelism
The problem happens when we think evangelism is only for special people and that it’s difficult. No! Remember, it is God who convinces hearts—not the quantity of Bible verses you quote or your preaching experience, but the Holy Spirit alone. Just a few words testifying about Jesus have the power to transform someone more than thousands of Bible verses.

When you go to witness, don’t overthink what to say. Start where Jesus changed your life. Share that story carefully. You will be surprised how God will give you wisdom and the words to say right in the middle of your conversation. Maybe someone will ask a question, and the answer will come out of your mouth naturally. Don’t underestimate yourself or be afraid. The one who convinces is God. Whether they understand or not is not your responsibility—be bold because any message with Christ at its core produces results.

Start now to witness about Jesus. Together, let’s build the kingdom of Christ. Start with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors before going to the ends of the earth.

God bless you.

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What Does John 17:20 Mean?

John 17:20 (ESV):
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

Who Are “Those Who Will Believe Through Their Word”?

In John 17, we find a deeply intimate and powerful prayer that Jesus offers to God the Father, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. In the first part of this chapter, Jesus prays specifically for His disciples His apostles asking the Father to protect them, sanctify them in truth, and unite them as one.

But in verse 20, Jesus shifts His focus. He says:

“I do not ask for these only…”  meaning He is not praying only for the apostles who were with Him at that moment.

He continues:

“…but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

This refers to all who would come to faith in Jesus through the message preached by the apostles. In other words, Jesus was praying not only for the original disciples, but also for every future believer including you and me who would hear and believe the gospel passed down from them.

The Ongoing Power of Christ’s Prayer

This means that every believer throughout history, from the early church to believers today, is a recipient of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. If you believe in Jesus because of the apostolic gospel the message of the New Testament then you are part of the answer to this very prayer.

Jesus didn’t only intercede while He was on earth. He continues to intercede for us even now:

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV):
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Romans 8:34 (ESV):
“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

This assures us that there is a divine protection and covering over every believer. The enemy cannot overcome us, because Christ Himself is praying for our preservation.

Are You a Partaker of This Prayer?

The question each of us must ask is:

Am I included in this prayer?

You are if you have believed in Jesus Christ through the gospel.
But if you have not yet received Him, the invitation still stands. Jesus is ready to welcome you into the fold, to give you eternal life (John 17:3), and to include you in His ongoing intercession before the Father.

A Lesson in How to Pray

In this passage, Jesus also teaches us something profound about prayer. He didn’t just pray for His current disciples He prayed forward into the future. He prayed for generations yet unborn, for those who would hear and believe through the testimony of His followers.

Likewise, we should not limit our prayers only to what we see now. We are called to pray in faith for:

  • Future generations,
  • Future conversions,
  • And those who will come to know Christ through our witness.

If you are a believer in Christ, you are part of a great spiritual legacy that began with the apostles and continues today. Jesus prayed for you over 2,000 years ago, and He is still praying for you now. You are not alone.

John 17:20 (ESV):
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

May this truth encourage you to walk in obedience, knowing that Christ Himself is your intercessor.

If you have not yet received Jesus, don’t delay. The opportunity for salvation is still open:

John 1:12 (ESV):
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

May the Lord bless you and strengthen your faith.

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Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

When Mary was visited by the angel and told of things that were humanly impossible, she responded in a most extraordinary way. She did not argue. She did not resist or oppose the purpose and plan of God for her life even though it far surpassed her human understanding. On the contrary, she embraced it. And not with shallow words or surface agreement, but with a confession of servanthood. She said:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
(Luke 1:38, ESV)

In other words, she was saying: If this task requires me to serve as a slave, then so be it I am willing.

Let’s revisit the passage:

Luke 1:34-35, 38 (KJV)
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary becomes a perfect model not just for godly women but for the entire Church of Christ. Her example shows the kind of obedience the Lord desires from all who revere Him.

Despite the fact that this calling was, by human standards, impossible, and even though she knew it could bring shame and public disgrace, she still accepted God’s plan. She knew that becoming miraculously pregnant would make people assume the worst that she had committed adultery. She knew there were serious responsibilities ahead. Still, she received the purpose of God, a purpose far beyond her ability.

Mary didn’t make the mistake Moses did, telling God to “send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). She didn’t resist the calling like Jonah, fleeing to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Instead, she received the divine assignment with greater devotion than a slave she gave her whole self.

No wonder the Lord granted her such great grace.

God Looks for Willingness Over Ability

Dear brother or sister, the Lord is looking more at your willingness than at your natural ability. He values your obedience more than your age, experience, or qualifications.

Every believer today, under the New Covenant, has been called to do great things just as Mary did. There is no one who is exempt from the high calling of God, because our God is the God of the impossible:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
(Luke 1:37, ESV)

The only reason many do not see great results in their spiritual lives is because our faith is weak. What is required is a complete surrender to God.allowing Him to work through us, beyond our own understanding.

It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, educated or not, rich or poor.what matters is that you, like Mary, surrender yourself fully to whatever purpose God has for your life.

If you have the opportunity to pray for the sick, do it. If you can share the gospel on the streets, in marketplaces, at sports grounds, do it. In these moments, the Lord will reveal Himself to you in extraordinary ways and all glory will go to Him.

God Uses Weak Vessels

Never forget: God has chosen to use weak and ordinary vessels to fulfill His perfect purposes.

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
(1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV)

So let us, like Mary, say from the heart:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Amen.

May the Lord bless you.

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