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.
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.
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.
In biblical theology, God’s blessings often come after testing. This theme appears repeatedly:
„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.
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.
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.
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.
Taste Before Full Sight — in the biblical order, experience comes before full understanding, not vice versa. Spiritual knowledge grows as we encounter God.
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.
Print this post
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.”
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.
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.
WhatsApp
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.
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).
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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)]
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 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.
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.
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:
Repentance – turning from sin completely (Acts 3:19, ESV).
Baptism – immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, ESV).
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.
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.
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.
We are living in spiritually perilous times times of profound deception and confusion. Unlike previous generations, today’s spiritual warfare is more subtle and deceptive, targeting not just the world but the very heart of the Church. At the center of this battle is Satan, who, understanding that the power of the New Covenant rests in the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, works tirelessly to imitate and counterfeit that Spirit.
Satan knows that if the Holy Spirit is allowed to move freely in the Church, multitudes will be transformed, empowered, and snatched from his grip. So he sends false spirits imitations that closely resemble the Holy Spirit but lead people away from truth, holiness, and Christ-centered living.
That’s why Scripture warns us:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”1 John 4:1, NKJV
It is not enough to accept every spiritual experience at face value. We must test the spirits by the Word of God. Below are five key biblical signs that demonstrate whether someone has truly received the Holy Spirit, or has fallen under the influence of a counterfeit.
The name “Holy Spirit” is not a title it’s a description of His nature and work. When He enters a believer’s life, His first mission is to sanctify them to set them apart from sin and shape them into the image of Christ.
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”1 Corinthians 3:16, NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”Galatians 5:22–23, NKJV
If you claim to have the Holy Spirit but remain comfortable in sin continuing in sexual immorality, immodest behavior, love for secular entertainment, or unrepentant pride then you must examine the source of that spirit. Speaking in tongues or displaying spiritual gifts does not confirm the presence of the Holy Spirit if there’s no fruit of holiness.
Jesus warned:
“You will know them by their fruits.”Matthew 7:16, NKJV
The Spirit’s role includes illuminating the Scriptures and leading believers into a deeper understanding of God’s will. He reveals Christ through the Word and teaches us how to live in obedience.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…”John 16:13, NKJV
If you’ve been saved for years yet still remain spiritually immature, uninterested in studying Scripture, and more focused on signs, miracles, or teachings about demons than the gospel itself then something is spiritually off. The true Holy Spirit never leaves a believer in darkness.
The Apostle Paul prayed:
“…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…”Ephesians 1:17, NKJV
The Holy Spirit never draws attention to Himself or to man. His role is to magnify Christ in the hearts of believers and in the life of the Church.
“He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”John 16:14, NKJV
The hallmark of a Spirit-led ministry is that Christ is central not a man, a prophet, or a denomination. If a church glorifies its leader more than Jesus, or if salvation and spiritual authority are tied to a human name rather than the name of Jesus Christ, then that ministry is being driven by another spirit.
“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist…”1 John 4:2–3, NKJV
When the Holy Spirit enters a believer, He equips them with spiritual gifts or a calling to serve the body of Christ. These gifts are not for show they are for building the Church.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…”1 Corinthians 12:7, NKJV
Whether it’s preaching, teaching, evangelizing, prophesying, giving, helping, or leading worship every Spirit-filled believer has a role. If you’ve been in the faith for years and still have no ministry, no calling, and no active participation in the Church, it may be that the Spirit you received is not the Holy Spirit at all.
Paul compares believers to parts of a body:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”1 Corinthians 12:27, NKJV
There is no useless part in Christ’s body. If you are not functioning, something is wrong.
One of the most powerful signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence is a strong inner drive to pray. The Spirit stirs the heart to seek God in fellowship, intercession, and worship.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”Romans 8:26, NKJV
A true believer cannot go weeks or months without prayer and feel at peace. The joy of salvation fades when communication with God is neglected. The Holy Spirit burdens us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
If you can live comfortably without prayer, if church and devotion feel like burdens instead of blessings, then you need to question the spirit you have received.
If these five characteristics are not present in your life, there’s a strong chance the spirit you’ve received is not the Holy Spirit but a spirit of deception. The solution is not despair but true repentance and obedience to the gospel.
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”Acts 2:38, NKJV
Repent sincerely turn from all sin and self-will.
Be baptized by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ, as the apostles practiced.
Then, by God’s promise, the true Holy Spirit will come into your life, not as a ritual, but as a transforming presence.
We are in the last days, and spiritual deception is increasing. The Bible calls us to test all spirits, not just by feelings or experiences, but by the Word of God. Don’t settle for a shallow spiritual experience. Don’t be content with emotion or tradition.
Ask yourself:Are all five signs of the Holy Spirit present in my life?If not, seek the Lord with urgency and sincerity.
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”Romans 8:9, NKJV
May the Lord bless you.
When reading the Bible, we often come across the phrase “the Law and the Prophets.” What exactly does this expression mean? For example, Jesus says in:
Matthew 7:12 (NIV):
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
When Jesus refers to “the Law and the Prophets,” He is using a common Jewish phrase that summarizes the entire Hebrew Bible, known today as the Old Testament. This phrase broadly categorizes the Scriptures into two major sections:
This refers to the first five books of the Bible, also called the Pentateuch or Books of Moses:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
These books contain the historical narrative of creation, the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), the Exodus from Egypt, and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. They are foundational to understanding God’s covenant with Israel.
This includes both the Former Prophets (like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings) and the Latter Prophets (like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve Minor Prophets Hosea through Malachi). These books contain historical records, divine warnings, promises, messianic prophecies, and calls to repentance and justice.
Additionally, Jesus and the Jews of His time often grouped the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, and other writings under a third category called the Writings (Ketuvim) though sometimes these were also included under “the Prophets” in casual reference.
When Jesus said, “this sums up the Law and the Prophets,” He was declaring that the entire Old Testament can be summarized by the principle of love especially the love that acts toward others with justice, mercy, and compassion.
This aligns with another of Jesus’ key teachings:
Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV):
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Here, Jesus distills the entire moral and spiritual thrust of the Old Testament into two commandments: Love God and Love your neighbor. These are not new ideas; they are rooted in the Torah itself (see Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18).
Even as New Covenant believers, this principle of love remains the foundation of our faith. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in his teaching:
Romans 13:10 (NIV):
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (NIV):
1. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.2. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.3. 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.
Paul emphasizes that no matter how gifted or sacrificial we may be, without love, we are spiritually empty.
(Luke 17:14, ESV/NIV)
To understand this fully, let’s start at Luke 17:12 (ESV):
“As he entered a village, he was met by ten men who had leprosy. They stood at a distanceand called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.”— Luke 17:12–14 (ESV)
In the Old Testament, priests had the divinely appointed responsibility to examine those suspected of having leprosy. According to the Mosaic Law, they declared individuals ceremonially clean or unclean based on their physical condition. This is clearly outlined in Leviticus 13 (NIV):
“When anyone has a defiling skin disease, the priest is to examine them, and if the disease has turned their skin white and the hair on it is white,and if it appears to be more than skin deep and has infected the lower parts of the body,the priest shall pronounce them unclean because it is a defiling disease.”— Leviticus 13:9–11 (NIV)
Therefore, when Jesus told the ten lepers to “go and show yourselves to the priests,” He was instructing them to obey the Law and have the priests officially confirm their healing and restoration to the community. If they still showed signs of leprosy, they would remain unclean and isolated.
What is miraculous is that before they even arrived, their healing took place—demonstrating the power of Jesus’ word and faith in action.
This parallels the healing of Naaman, the Syrian commander, who was instructed by Elisha to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed (2 Kings 5:14, ESV):
“Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”— 2 Kings 5:14 (ESV)
Back in Luke, only one of the ten healed men returned to thank Jesus, highlighting the importance of gratitude:
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’”— Luke 17:15–18 (NIV)
Obedience is essential to receiving God’s healing. The ten lepers had to take the step Jesus commanded—go and show themselves to the priests. If they had ignored His words, they would have missed their healing. Likewise, your breakthrough often comes through trusting God’s Word and acting on it, even when you don’t immediately see results.
God desires a heart of thankfulness. Of the ten healed, only one returned to give thanks—and Jesus pointed this out as an example of true faith and worship. Have you taken time to thank God for what He has done? Gratitude is an act of worship that brings glory to God.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior?Are you ready to meet Him if He returned today?
If you haven’t yet, now is the time. If you have, share this good news with others and live a life of faith and gratitude.
Throughout the Bible, the altar is a sacred place where God meets with humanity. It is where offerings, sacrifices, and prayers are presented. In the New Testament context, this altar is no longer a physical structure made of stone or bronze, but a heavenly altar, situated before the throne of God in the spiritual realm (Hebrews 8:5; Revelation 8:3).
Without this altar, there is no true communion with God. It is the appointed place where divine human interaction occurs. If anyone does experience connection with God without understanding the significance of the altar, it is purely by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). There is no scriptural way to approach God apart from the altar, which now finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16).
When many hear the word “altar,” they think of the front of a church building often decorated and elevated. However, this is only a symbolic representation. The real, functional altar is spiritual and located in heaven, where Jesus now ministers on our behalf.
“They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven…” Hebrews 8:5 (NIV)
Jesus has become the mediator of a new covenant, offering not the blood of animals but His own blood to cleanse us and grant access to God (Hebrews 9:11–14). That’s why only through Christ can we draw near to God.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 (NIV)
Salvation is not based on works, religious tradition, or human effort but by faith in the finished work of Christ at the altar of heaven.
There are two groups of saints involved in ongoing activity at the heavenly altar:
Both are engaged in prayerful intercession and earnest longing for God’s redemptive plan to reach completion.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray this way:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9–10 (NIV)
Every sincere believer prays for the establishment of God’s Kingdom a future event known as the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of His Millennial Reign (Revelation 20:4–6). These prayers are continually brought before God by angels:
“Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne.” Revelation 8:3 (ESV)
These intercessions are not in vain they are preparing the way for Christ’s return and judgment upon the earth (Revelation 8:4–5).
In a powerful prophetic vision, the apostle John describes souls under the altar saints who were martyred for their faith during tribulation:
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’” Revelation 6:9–10 (NIV)
This passage reveals the ongoing intercession and longing for justice by those in heaven. They are not passive but actively crying out for God’s righteousness to be revealed. Their desire is for the final consummation of God’s Kingdom and the judgment of the wicked (Revelation 19:1–2).
While the saints on earth pray “Your Kingdom come,” the saints in heaven pray, “How long, O Lord?” Together, these prayers reflect two sides of one coin:
Both prayers are being answered and the time remaining is short.
“Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer…” Revelation 6:11 (NIV)
This reveals that we are in a divinely appointed delay a period of mercy where the gospel is being preached to all nations before the end comes (Matthew 24:14).
Scripture warns us that the day of the Lord will come suddenly and unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). The signs are all around us: wars, plagues, moral decay, and the rapid advancement of global control systems (e.g., precursors to the mark of the beast, Revelation 13:16–17).
Jesus Himself warned:
“There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences… and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21:11 (NIV)
All these point to the imminent Rapture of the Church, followed by the Great Tribulation and the outpouring of God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 16).
“People will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will flee from them.” Revelation 9:6 (ESV)
This is not the time for a watered-down gospel that promises comfort without repentance. It’s time to wake up (Romans 13:11), repent sincerely, and return to God. False prophets and prosperity preachers will continue to deceive many even, if possible, the elect (Mark 13:22).
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13 (NIV)
If you follow this path, you are born again (John 3:3–5), and whether Jesus returns tonight or many years from now, you will be ready.
“Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Revelation 22:7 (NIV)
May the Lord bless you, strengthen you, and prepare you for His soon return.
Amen.