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TAKE HEART

Jesus turned and saw her, and said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And from that hour, the woman was healed.
— Matthew 9:20-22 (ESV)

Reflect for a moment on the woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years. She dared to touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment, believing that this simple act of faith would heal her. Imagine what must have been going through her mind—and what others thought as they followed Jesus. The answer is yes, she discovered something profoundly significant.

Normally, for a woman in her condition, approaching Jesus publicly was unthinkable—her illness made her ceremonially unclean (see Leviticus 15:25-27). To reach out and touch even the hem of His garment was bold to the point of recklessness. That’s why she did it secretly, without telling anyone, even when Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” she feared to admit it, because she knew the possible consequences: rejection or rebuke.

But Jesus’ response was remarkably different. Instead of condemning or driving her away, He said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” Notice the tender affirmation—He honors even the faintest thoughts and hopes that are sincerely directed toward Him. This reveals a deep truth: faith, even small and vulnerable, is powerful and precious to Christ.

Today, many people wrestle with doubts and discouragement, often silenced by their own conscience or by the opinions of others. Good ideas for serving God can wither inside because people think they must be clergy or have special titles to make a difference. But the truth is, God values every faithful thought and effort, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

You may not be a pastor, prophet, evangelist, or teacher—but that does not diminish the importance of what you can do for God. If you have a vision to share God’s Word, write encouraging messages, or even display Scripture in your community, don’t lose heart. The same God who healed the bleeding woman values your willingness to serve with a sincere heart.

Perhaps you feel called to create a garden for your church, to start a recording studio for testimonies, or to give generously of your resources for the sake of the gospel. Do it—regardless of how others may respond. Jesus notices and blesses those acts of faith and love.

Remember, “At the hem of Jesus’ garment is healing and ministry.” Don’t ignore those “small” ideas or gentle promptings that come to your mind for His sake. Carry them out with a pure heart, and God will delight in your service.

As the book of Revelation reminds us:

Revelation 22:12 (ESV):
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”

So, take heart. Your faith matters. Your service matters. God sees, rewards, and honors every step you take toward Him.

Shalom.

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WHO GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO DO THIS?

 

WHO GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO DO THIS?

Have you ever considered the devil’s strategy in accusing Jesus—the argument strong enough to lead to His crucifixion? Understanding this reveals how Satan sets traps for believers, particularly in the end times.

The Bible tells us that the Jewish leaders searched for reasons to condemn Jesus but found none that could legitimately stick. It wasn’t until the final moments that they resorted to an accusation that carried weight: the Temple.

Matthew 26:59-61 (ESV):
“Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last, two came forward and said, ‘This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”

At first glance, this may seem like a simple statement about the Temple. But theologically, it highlights several key points:

  1. Satan’s cunning: There were many statements Jesus made that could have justified His death in the minds of His accusers, such as when He called them children of the devil instead of Abraham (John 8:44 ESV). Yet the Temple statement had a specific weight—it touched on God’s dwelling place, the spiritual heart of Israel. Satan’s strategy was to use human pride and misunderstanding to bring Jesus to the cross.

  2. The Temple as a spiritual symbol: The Temple in Jerusalem represented God’s presence among His people. When Jesus spoke of destroying and raising it in three days, He was not referring to Herod’s stone structure but to His body, the true dwelling place of God (John 2:19-21 ESV). This reveals Christ’s ultimate purpose: the establishment of the new covenant through His death and resurrection, where believers become God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:19-22).

  3. Historical preparation by God and opposition by Satan: During Zerubbabel’s time, the rebuilding of the Second Temple was opposed by enemies, and the Spirit guided the Jewish leaders to refuse their help (Ezra 4:1-3 ESV). Centuries later, Herod the Great extensively renovated the Temple, spending 46 years and immense resources (John 2:20 ESV). While this made the Temple magnificent in appearance, Satan’s hand was at work: turning God’s house into a place of commerce and human control.

Herod’s Temple became a center of economic exploitation and human authority, where strict regulations meant anyone wishing to innovate or challenge the system needed Herod’s permission—or faced death. The priests and the people were silenced by fear, a spiritual warning that human authority can obscure God’s authority when corrupted.

When Christ entered this Temple, He disrupted all commercial activity, showing that true worship must be pure and holy, not corrupted by profit or human agendas (Matthew 21:12-13 ESV). This angered the Jewish leaders, who asked:

Luke 20:2 (ESV):
“‘Tell us by what authority you are doing these things. Who gave you this authority?’”

Their question reveals a human tendency to confuse earthly authority with divine authority. The ultimate authority belongs to God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, acts with divine authority—not human permission.

Theological lessons for believers today:

  • Satan understands the end times: he knows Christ will reclaim His church and will attempt to infiltrate it through deception (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ESV). This is why false doctrines and corrupt religious systems proliferate.

  • True salvation is not about religious affiliation or denominational loyalty. It comes through repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and living in holiness (Acts 2:38 ESV; 1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV).

  • Believers must discern between the appearance of godliness and the power of God (2 Timothy 3:5 ESV). Practices not rooted in Scripture—idol worship, praying to saints, or unscriptural rituals—are traps of deception.

Even today, Satan does not have full power to destroy humanity. But in the end times, he will have temporary authority to persecute believers who resist the great deception (Revelation 13:7 ESV). Only those who are truly in Christ, living under God’s guidance, will stand firm.

So, the question remains: have you truly been saved, or are you relying on your religion or denomination for security? Denominations cannot save; only a personal relationship with Christ can. Salvation requires repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and a life committed to holiness.

Repent today, for Christ could return at any moment.

Maranatha.

 

Do you want me to do that next?

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Preaching The Gospel Out Of Envy And Rivalry What Does It Mean?

Question: What did the Apostle Paul mean when he said, “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill” (Philippians 1:15)? What does it mean to preach the Gospel out of envy?

Answer: To understand what Paul meant, it’s good to read the whole passage:

Philippians 1:12–18

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison. During his imprisonment, two groups of preachers emerged who began proclaiming the very same gospel he had preached.

  • The first group preached out of genuine love for Christ, with the same pure intentions Paul had to save souls and serve the Lord without expecting any gain in return.
  • The second group, however, preached with ulterior motives. They wanted to undermine Paul, compete with his authority, and draw attention to themselves. Their envy grew because Paul’s ministry had become so widely known and respected. They took advantage of his imprisonment to preach in a way that suggested Paul was no more special than they were. Some even spoke ill of him in hopes of worsening his situation with the authorities.

Surprisingly, Paul didn’t respond with bitterness. Instead, he rejoiced. Why? Because regardless of their motives, the Gospel of Christ was still being preached, and people were being saved.

What can we learn from Paul and these rival preachers?

This shows us that the Gospel can still bear fruit even when preached by people with wrong motives. Today, too, there are false teachers who draw people to Christ, but that doesn’t mean they themselves will be accepted by Him on the Day of Judgment.

Jesus made this clear in:

Matthew 7:21–23

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’

23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

So we must be careful about our motives in preaching. Are we truly serving the Lord? Or are we competing with a certain pastor, apostle, prophet, or minister?

Likewise, as preachers of the true Gospel, we shouldn’t retaliate when false teachers oppose us. If the message they proclaim is truly the Gospel of Christ, let us rejoice in the fruits, just as Paul did. The rest judgment of motives belongs to God alone on that day.

May the Lord bless you.

Please share this message with others!

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UNDERSTANDING HOW GOD AND SATAN SPEAK TO PEOPLE.

 

UNDERSTANDING HOW GOD AND SATAN SPEAK TO PEOPLE

Have you ever truly reflected on the words of the Lord Jesus?

John 8:38 – “I speak what I have seen with my Father; and you do what you have heard from your father.”

Jesus said this to the Jews (the Pharisees and scribes) at the time they were plotting to kill Him. But pause and think—when exactly did they sit down and hear Satan whisper in their ears, giving them instructions to kill Jesus?

We shouldn’t imagine Satan literally sitting next to them saying, “Now it’s time to kill Jesus, go!” That didn’t happen. But Jesus never lies. He must have seen that they were listening to Satan, following his voice, and carrying out everything he prompted them to do. That’s why Jesus says:

John 8:44 – “You belong to your father, the Devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has never lived in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks naturally, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Dear friend, the voice of Satan isn’t usually heard in visions, dreams, or through spirits. Likewise, we don’t hear God’s voice in that way either. We perceive God’s voice by observing what He does. Similarly, we can understand Satan’s voice by observing the works he inspires.

For example, the Jews became jealous of Jesus because God was sending Him to bring everyone into the light. They were filled with the thought of wanting to kill Him—a thought they had seen bear fruit in others before, so they followed it. That thought itself was the voice of Satan giving them direction.

Even today, when you feel the urge to return to sin, that’s already Satan’s voice. You obey it when you look at sexual content online, indulge in masturbation, go to clubs, or watch romantic movies constantly. In the spiritual realm, Jesus sees you sitting at the same table with Satan, listening carefully to his voice.

The same principle applies to God’s children. They hear God by observing what He does. As Jesus said, “I speak what I have seen with my Father.” Not through visions—Jesus observed God’s work on Earth, imitated it, and acted accordingly.

One example of what Jesus observed and imitated is showing COMPASSION, FORGIVENESS, LOVING YOUR ENEMIES, and KINDNESS even to the ungrateful.

Luke 6:35-36 – “But love your enemies, do good, and lend without expecting anything in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

You see, when you show these qualities—being kind to those who cannot repay you—you are spiritually seated at the same table with God, listening to Him as He guides your actions. This goes beyond voices, dreams, or visions—you perceive it through actions.

Matthew 5:46-48 – “For if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing? Even the pagans do that. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

So let us learn to recognize the voice of God by observing His works. Likewise, we must learn to discern the voice of our enemy, Satan, so we can avoid him. Satan will never just whisper in your ear, “Go sin”—that doesn’t happen.

Have you been saved? Do you understand that we are living in a time of grace, and Christ could return at any moment? What are you waiting for? How will you feel if the rapture happens and you are left behind? What will you tell Jesus? Repent of your sins today and return fully to God. The gospel is not something to delay with; it is a call for immediate action. Time is short.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

 

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TASTING GOD — AND BEING TESTED BY HIM.

 

TASTING GOD — AND BEING TESTED BY HIM

A Theological Reflection with Biblical Foundations

The Lord says:

Psalm 34:8 (LUT)

„Schmecket und sehet, wie freundlich der HERR ist; wohl dem, der auf ihn trauet!“
(Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who trusts in Him.) 

The invitation to “taste and see that the LORD is good” is not merely poetic language — the Hebrew words טָעַם (taʿam — to taste/experience) and רָאָה (raʾah — to see/perceive) point to active, experiential knowledge of God. This is not intellectual assent or abstract belief, but a personal encounter with God’s goodness that transforms the soul. 

1. Theological Meaning of “Taste and See”

In Scripture, tasting God does not mean literal eating but rather experiencing God’s goodness personally and intimately. Just as tasting food gives sensory confirmation of its sweetness, so experiencing God’s presence and providence confirms His character to the believer. 

A careful theological reading shows:

  • Taste implies participation and experience — a real encounter with God’s character and presence. 

  • See implies spiritual perception and discernment — seeing beyond the surface into the reality of God’s goodness. 

  • Both together form a biblical pattern of knowing God experientially before fully understanding Him. 

In Christian theology, this aligns with the concept of experiential knowledge (gnosis) — where faith becomes relational and transformative, not just informational.

2. God Tests to Reveal True Faith

As your original message explains, God often tests people to reveal the depth of their trust. The example of the Israelites in the desert shows this clearly. After crossing the Red Sea God led them into the wilderness where there was no water for three days. This was not arbitrary — it was a test to reveal whether their faith was rooted in the comfort of provision or in God Himself (the ultimate Provider). 

In Exodus 15:22–25 (EÜ) we read:

„…und sie gingen drei Tage in die Wüste und fanden kein Wasser… Da murrte das Volk gegen Mose… Mose rief zum HERRN; da zeigte der HERR ihm einen Baum, den er hineinwarf ins Wasser, und das Wasser wurde süß… Dort prüfte er sie.“
(…and they went three days in the desert and found no water… The people complained… Moses cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree… There He tested them.)

This testing is not punitive — it is formative, designed so that genuine faith may arise where there was only conditional trust.

3. Theological Pattern: Test Before Blessing

In biblical theology, God’s blessings often come after testing. This theme appears repeatedly:

Deuteronomy 8:1–3 (LUT)

„Du sollst dir merken alle Wege, die der HERR, dein Gott, dich geführt hat… und erprüft hat dich, um zu wissen, was in deinem Herzen ist, ob du halten würdest sein Gebot oder nicht…“
(…He tested you to know what was in your heart… to humble you and let you know your dependence on Him.)

This passage shows that God allows testing to shape true dependence on Him rather than mere reliance on blessings or comfort.

4. Christ as the Fulfillment of “Taste and See”

Psalm 34’s invitation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ:

Johannes 6:35 (LUT)

„…Ich bin das Brot des Lebens. Wer zu mir kommt, wird nicht hungern…“

Jesus invites us to partake of Him — to taste and see the goodness of God through relationship with Him. This aligns with the Old Testament invitation: tasting God’s goodness becomes partaking in the life of Christ.

5. Experiential Faith — Not Mere Intellectual Belief

Christian theologians distinguish between:

  • Docetic faith — belief based on doctrine only

  • Relational faith — belief grounded in personal experience of God’s presence

Psalm 34:8 calls believers to the second: faith that is tested, proven, real — involving heart, mind, emotion, and obedience.

Practical Theological Implications

  1. Testing Reveals True Faith — trials are not signs of abandonment but opportunities to discover whether our trust is in God Himself or merely in His gifts.

  2. Taste Before Full Sight — in the biblical order, experience comes before full understanding, not vice versa. Spiritual knowledge grows as we encounter God. 

  3. Christ as the True Goodness — Jesus is the ultimate answer to the invitation to “taste and see” — not just a symbol, but the incarnate presence of God’s goodness.

The call to Taste and see that the LORD is good is both an invitation and a challenge. It invites us into deeper communion with God through personal experience and spiritual perception. It challenges us through seasons of testing so that faith can be proven genuine.

May this understanding deepen both your relationship with God and your theological reflection on what it means to trust Him.

Shalom.

 

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What Does the Word “Fasting” Mean in the Bible?

 

What Does the Word “Fasting” Mean in the Bible?

The word fasting originates from the Aramaic and Hebrew languages. In Hebrew, the term “tsom” (צוֹם) is used, which means “to abstain from food and drink.” In biblical practice, fasting was primarily a spiritual discipline meant to express humility, repentance, and a deep desire to seek God.

Fasting is not just a physical act of denying oneself food—it is a spiritual practice meant to align the heart with God’s will.

Zechariah 8:19 (NIV):
“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’”


This verse shows that fasting was practiced regularly in Israel as a spiritual tradition, often tied to national events like mourning or remembrance. But God desires that these fasts be transformed into times of joy, truth, and peace when done with the right heart.

Joel 1:14 (NIV):
“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.”


Here, fasting is connected with national repentance. The people are called to turn back to God through prayer and mourning for their sins.

Also see:

Joel 2:15 (NIV):
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.”


Again, fasting is linked with a collective call to repentance and revival. Fasting that pleases God is more than skipping meals—it’s about transformation of the heart and actions. The prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful message from God, rebuking religious fasting that lacks love, justice, and mercy.

Isaiah 58:3-8 (NIV):

[3 ]Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.

[4] Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.

[5]Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?

[6]“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

[7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter ,when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

[8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.”

God rebukes superficial religion. He desires worship that reflects His own character: justice, mercy, and compassion. Fasting is empty when it’s disconnected from righteous living. Jesus affirms this heart-centered view of fasting in Matthew 6:16–18, where He teaches that fasting should be sincere, not for show.

Fasting is meant to be a way of humbling ourselves before God and creating space to hear Him more clearly. In Scripture, people fasted:

To seek guidance (Acts 13:2–3)In repentance (Daniel 9:3–5)In mourning (2 Samuel 1:12)For deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:3)To grow spiritually (Matthew 4:2 – Jesus fasted in the wilderness)

Yet even long fasts—like Moses’ 40-day fast (Exodus 34:28)—are meaningless if they are not accompanied by repentance and spiritual renewal. As Paul writes in

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV):
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

 

When you fast, ask yourself: Is my heart turning away from sin? Am I growing in love and righteousness? If not, the fast may have little eternal value. Fasting should not just be a ritual—it must be an act of surrender, a cry for holiness, and a commitment to justice.

Otherwise, as Isaiah warns, you might be working hard in vain—even fasting 40 days and nights won’t please God without genuine transformation.

 Please, share this message of truth and hope with others.

 

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The End of the Harvest is the End of the World

The End of the Harvest is the End of the World

Not every person you preach to will immediately show signs of change. It’s natural to desire instant transformation in everyone we witness to, and as a preacher or believer, it can be discouraging when you spend months—or even years—faithfully sharing the gospel, only to see little or no lasting fruit.

Sometimes, even when you do see results, they seem minimal compared to the effort you’ve invested.

However, in these moments, remember this profound truth: the end of the harvest is not today. The final harvest is not the moment you’re preaching; it is not today. The harvest will come at the end of time, when God sends His angels to separate the wheat from the weeds, and the wheat will be gathered into the barn. That moment is not now.

Matthew 13:39 (New King James Version): “The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.”

In this passage, Jesus explains that the harvest symbolizes the final judgment at the end of the world. The reapers (angels) will gather the righteous (the wheat) into God’s eternal kingdom, and the wicked (the weeds) will be cast away. This passage reminds us that the results of our efforts in spreading the gospel may not be fully revealed in this lifetime, but God will take care of the final separation.

Matthew 13:49-50 (New International Version): “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

At the end of the age, when Christ returns, there will be a final separation: the righteous will inherit eternal life, while the wicked will face judgment. The immediate results of our evangelistic efforts are not always apparent, but we are assured that God’s justice will prevail.

So, if the person you’re witnessing to today doesn’t show immediate signs of change, don’t be discouraged. Keep preaching, because the final harvest has not yet come. Perhaps today you are planting the seeds, and someone else will water them tomorrow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Or, you might be the one watering, while someone else will pull the weeds, or another will reap the harvest. All of these parts are essential before the final gathering of souls at the end of the world.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (New International Version): “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

This passage emphasizes that our work in spreading the gospel is part of a larger process. We each play our role, but it is God who causes the growth. Even if we don’t see the fruits of our labor now, we trust in His timing and His plan.

Therefore, don’t lose heart. The end of the world is indeed approaching, but it’s not yet here. Keep shining the light of Christ in this short time we have left, even if you don’t see the fruit of your labor right away. Leave the outcome in God’s hands. As

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (New Living Translation) says: “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”

God calls us to be faithful in our work, regardless of the immediate results.

Keep moving forward. Continue proclaiming the message of Christ, knowing that your labor is not in vain. Even if you don’t see the results now, trust that God is working, and one day, all will be revealed.

Shalom.
Please share this Good News with others.

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Understanding God’s Condition for Forgiveness

By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Shalom!

Today, I want to address a vital subject that many believers overlook God’s condition for granting forgiveness. This is not just a theological topic, but a practical, spiritual principle that deeply affects our relationship with God. If we misunderstand this truth, we may live our whole Christian life assuming we are forgiven, while in reality, we are not.

Please read carefully to the end this could affect your eternity.

1. Everyone Needs Forgiveness

The Bible makes it clear that

“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

(Romans 3:23, ESV). No one is exempt. Even if we avoid obvious, intentional sin, there are still the hidden faults and unintentional offenses we commit dailyespecially through our words, attitudes, or negligence (Psalm 19:12).

You might unknowingly hurt someone through what you thought was a harmless comment, but in God’s eyes, causing your brother to stumble is not a light matter (Matthew 18:6). That’s why a lifestyle of repentance is essential for every Christian (1 John 1:9).

2. God’s Forgiveness Has a Condition

Contrary to popular belief, God’s forgiveness is not unconditional. While salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), forgiveness requires something from usthat we forgive others.

Jesus was very clear about this in the Lord’s Prayer:

 

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
—Matthew 6:12 (ESV)

 

He didn’t add conditions to asking for daily bread or deliverance from evil. But when it came to forgiveness, He set a clear principle: our forgiveness from God is directly tied to our willingness to forgive others.

This is reinforced immediately after the prayer:

 

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
—Matthew 6:14–15 (ESV)

 

This is not a mere suggestion it’s a divine law. God is holy and just, and He cannot contradict His word. If you choose not to forgive, you are choosing to forfeit God’s forgiveness.

3. God May Bless You But He Won’t Forgive You

It’s sobering to realize that God may still bless someone materially even if their heart is not right. Jesus said the Father

“makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good” (Matthew 5:45, ESV).

You might receive wealth, health, and answered prayers in some areas, even while holding grudges but when it comes to forgiveness of sin, God draws a hard line.

You can’t expect mercy while denying it to others. Jesus told a parable about this in Matthew 18:21–35. A servant forgiven a great debt refused to forgive someone who owed him very little. The master then said:

 

“‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’
And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.”
—Matthew 18:32–34 (ESV)

 

Jesus concluded with a stern warning:

 

“So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
—Matthew 18:35 (ESV)

 

4. Unforgiveness Can Cost You Eternal Life

This is not a small issue it has eternal consequences. If you die without having forgiven someone from your heart, you risk eternal separation from God. Jesus didn’t come so we could say we’re saved while holding on to bitterness. He came to set us free, and that includes freeing us from resentment and revenge (Ephesians 4:31–32).

You might say, “But you don’t know what they did to me!”
True but God does. And still, He calls you to forgive. Jesus Himself forgave His murderers as they crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Stephen, the first martyr, prayed for those stoning him (Acts 7:60). We are called to follow their example.

If you are unwilling to forgive, you are not walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–25), no matter how long you’ve been in church or how many scriptures you quote.

5. Forgiveness Must Become a Way of Life

Forgiveness is not a one-time event it’s a lifestyle. Jesus said we must forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22, ESV), meaning continually. The Apostle Paul urges us:

 

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
—Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

 

You may not feel like forgiving. But forgiveness is not about emotionit’s  about obedience. Let go of the bitterness, not because they deserve it, but because God commands it and because your soul depends on it.

Conclusion:

Don’t gamble with your soul.
You can be generous, prayerful, even a leader in the church but if you harbor unforgiveness, you stand condemned by the very God you serve.

Let this be your daily prayer:
“Lord, help me forgive as You have forgiven me. Cleanse my heart from bitterness and make me whole again.”

May the Holy Spirit give you strength to walk in love, and may your life reflect the mercy you’ve received.

Shalom. Live forgiven and forgiving.

 

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NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Part 3).

 

NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Part 3)

As we have seen in previous chapters, after God created the world, everything He did afterward was essentially a process of restoration and maintenance—not the creation of something entirely new. The final step in God’s plan, however, will be a new creation. This is described in Scripture as a transformation, not a complete annihilation of the world. God will not destroy the earth and cast it into hell, as some mistakenly believe; rather, He will renew and perfect it, just as He will give us glorified, heavenly bodies.

If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2 yet, I recommend doing so before continuing:

  • [NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Part 1)]

  • [NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Part 2)]

Our Glorified Bodies

The day we enter heaven, God will give us new, imperishable bodies, fashioned not from dust but from heavenly materials (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, ESV):

“So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”

Our current physical bodies will not be destroyed or discarded. Instead, they will be transformed and clothed with new, immortal bodies, perfectly suited for eternity in God’s presence.

1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (ESV) further emphasizes this:

“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'”

Theologically, this teaches the doctrine of glorification, the final stage of salvation where believers are completely freed from sin and its effects, fully restored to the image of God (Romans 8:29).

The New Heaven and New Earth

The new heaven and new earth will be a transformed creation, not a complete replacement of the current one. Scripture reveals that it will be perfect, eternal, and filled with God’s glory (Isaiah 65:17, ESV):

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.”

Our present universe, including stars, planets, and galaxies, will take on a new form and life, reflecting God’s renewed creation (Revelation 21:1).

The new Jerusalem, the heavenly city, will descend from heaven and serve as the center of the renewed world, inhabited only by God’s people (Revelation 21:2-3).

God Himself will dwell among His people, and humanity will see His face (Revelation 21:3, ESV):

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'”

Time as we know it will cease. Eternity will replace temporal existence, and believers will experience unending joy, peace, and fellowship with God.

Characteristics of the New Creation

Revelation 21 and 22 (ESV) describe key characteristics of the new heaven and new earth:

  • No sea (Rev. 21:1)

  • No tears or sorrow (Rev. 21:4)

  • No death or pain (Rev. 21:4)

  • No curse (Rev. 22:3)

  • No night (Rev. 22:5)

These characteristics reflect the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore all things (Acts 3:21, ESV):

“He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”

Theologically, this underscores God’s ultimate justice and mercy: sin, death, and suffering will no longer have dominion, and creation itself will be renewed to reflect His holiness and glory.

The Call to Prepare

Jesus warns that preparation must begin now. Those who live superficially or compromise with the world risk missing the coming kingdom (Matthew 24:44, ESV):

“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Salvation involves three steps:

  1. Repentance – turning from sin completely (Acts 3:19, ESV).

  2. Baptism – immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, ESV).

  3. Receiving the Holy Spirit – the gift of God’s presence and power (Acts 2:38, ESV).

Once these steps are completed, a believer is fully part of God’s kingdom, called to live a life of holiness, worship, and preparation for eternity.

The Promise of Christ

Jesus assures us:

Revelation 22:12-14 (ESV):
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.”

The ultimate reward is participation in God’s eternal kingdom—the new heaven and new earth—where God Himself will dwell with His people forever.

Beloved, preparation starts today. Don’t delay in responding to God’s call. Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and live faithfully, knowing that one day we will inherit a glorious, eternal world where we will enjoy God’s presence forever.

The Lord bless you. Please share this good news with others.

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NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH (Part 2)

 

NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH (Part 2)

As we saw in Part 1, when God created the world, it experienced cycles of destruction and restoration. The current creation is still in a fallen state, awaiting a final judgment. Scripture tells us that this ultimate destruction will not be by water, as in Noah’s time, but by fire—a purifying judgment that will prepare the universe for its final renewal.

2 Peter 3:6-7 (ESV):
“…by which the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”

God’s purpose in this final act is not destruction for its own sake. After removing all wickedness, He will restore the earth to a state of glory, comparable to the original Eden. This restoration will make it ready for Jesus Christ to reign visibly on earth with His saints, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, during the thousand-year reign described in Revelation.

During this millennial kingdom:

  • The world will be a place of peace, justice, and righteousness.

  • Human lifespans will increase dramatically, reminiscent of pre-Flood longevity, with people living hundreds of years. Even a person who reaches 100 years will be considered “young.”

Isaiah 65:20 (NIV):
“Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.”

  • People will engage in productive work—building houses, planting crops—without fear of theft or destruction.

  • Nature itself will be transformed: predatory animals will be peaceful, and children will safely interact with creatures that were once dangerous. (Isaiah 65:21-25)

This restoration is not just physical but moral and spiritual. Though wicked people will still exist, sin will not dominate because Satan will be bound:

Revelation 20:2-3 (NIV):
“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.”

During this reign, righteousness and holiness will characterize society. God’s saints will experience unprecedented peace, justice, and joy. This period is often called the Millennial Kingdom, a fulfillment of prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments, showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His plan to restore creation.

For an in-depth study on the thousand-year reign, visit >> https://wingulamashahidi.org/2019/05/30/utawala-wa-miaka-1000/

After the thousand years, Scripture says Satan will be briefly released to deceive the nations once more. Those who rebel will surround the camp of the saints, but God will intervene: fire will come down from heaven, and the enemies will be completely destroyed. Satan, along with the beast and the false prophet, will be cast into the lake of fire to face eternal judgment.

Revelation 20:7-10 (ESV):
“And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them. And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

This marks the completion of God’s plan to restore the world. What follows is the creation of the new heavens and a new earth, the eternal dwelling place for God’s people, where righteousness reigns and there is no more death, mourning, or pain.

2 Peter 3:13 (NIV):
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. Therefore, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him.”

In Part 3, we will explore in detail how this new heavens and new earth will come to be and what life will be like for God’s people in eternity.

 

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