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Don’t Insult the Spirit of Grace

There is a profound danger in taking the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for granted or treating it lightly. In the Old Testament, when God spoke to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, His glory was so overwhelming and terrifying that the people refused to approach the mountain directly. Their fear was so great that they begged Moses to be their mediator. The mountain was enveloped in fire, smoke, and thunder signs of God’s holy presence and even animals that touched it had to be put to death (Exodus 19:12-13).

This Old Testament imagery is contrasted in the New Testament book of Hebrews, where the author explains that believers today approach a greater and heavenly reality. The author of Hebrews, writing to Jewish Christians familiar with Sinai, presents Mount Sinai as a symbol of the Old Covenant marked by law, fear, and judgment, while Mount Zion represents the New Covenant, characterized by grace, the presence of Christ, and the assembly of the redeemed.

Hebrews 12:18–25 (ESV) says:

“For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest,
and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.
For they could not endure the order that was given, ‘If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.’
Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, ‘I tremble with fear.’
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,
and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

This passage underscores a key theological truth: Under the New Covenant, we come not to a physical mountain with terrifying judgment, but to Mount Zion, the heavenly city where God’s presence is mediated through Jesus Christ. This new covenant is established by the blood of Jesus, which speaks better than the blood of Abel a reference to Jesus’ perfect sacrifice that brings true reconciliation, unlike the unjust bloodshed of Abel’s murderer (Genesis 4:8-10).

The author warns believers to not reject the voice of Christ who speaks from heaven, because rejection leads to a judgment far worse than that experienced by those who refused God at Sinai.

This brings us to a vital New Testament exhortation found in Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV):

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Here, “work out your salvation” doesn’t mean earning salvation by works but living it out with reverence and seriousness. The “fear and trembling” reflects awe and respect for God’s holiness and the real spiritual consequences of our choices. Salvation is a divine work initiated and empowered by God Himself, but it requires our continual cooperation and careful obedience.

The grace we receive through Jesus Christ is truly a gift, but it is not a license to sin. Grace is often misunderstood as God’s leniency that allows ongoing sin without consequence. However, Scripture clearly teaches otherwise.

2 Peter 2:20–22 (ESV) warns:

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy command delivered to them.
What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘The sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.’”

This describes the tragic state of those who have genuinely known Christ and His truth, yet deliberately return to sinful living. Theologians call this “apostasy” a willful turning away from the faith. It is a grave spiritual danger.

Many today claim to live “under grace,” thinking this means God will overlook persistent sin. This is a serious misunderstanding. The devil exploits this false teaching to trap believers into spiritual ruin.

Hebrews 10:26–29 (ESV) delivers a sobering warning:

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?”

To “outrage the Spirit of grace” is to show contempt for the very Spirit who grants us forgiveness and empowers our holy living. This is not a light matter this passage warns of judgment so severe it eclipses Old Testament penalties.

May God bless you.

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Set Your Minds on Things Above, Not on Earthly Things”


Colossians 3:1–2 (NIV):

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

This is not a passive suggestion it is an active pursuit. We are called to prioritize the Kingdom of God in every aspect of our lives.

Seek the Kingdom Like a Hidden Treasure

Just as one searches diligently for treasure or precious metals, we are commanded to pursue divine wisdom with that same intensity. Proverbs 2:3–5 (NIV) says:

“Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.”

Let your daily pursuit be the eternal things not status, wealth, or fleeting pleasures.

Don’t Let Earthly Things Distract You from Eternal Life

The temporary pleasures and trials of this world can become stumbling blocks if we let them. But as Jesus warned in Matthew 16:26 (NIV):

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Whether you’re rich or poor, healthy or sick, God calls everyone to focus on eternity.

Examples from Scripture: Earthly Status Is No Excuse

1. Solomon – A Rich Man Focused on God

Though King Solomon was one of the wealthiest men to ever live, he deeply contemplated divine wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV), he concludes:

“Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Solomon reminds us that material wealth is meaningless apart from a relationship with God.

2. Daniel – A Leader Who Prayed Without Ceasing

Daniel held a high political office in Babylon, yet he faithfully prayed three times a day. Daniel 6:10 (NIV):

“Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

Even at great personal risk, Daniel prioritized his relationship with God above his position.

3. Lazarus – A Poor Man with Heavenly Riches

In Jesus’ parable (Luke 16:19–31), Lazarus was a poor man who had nothing in this life but gained everything in eternity. Luke 16:25 (NIV):

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’”

Lazarus did not let poverty separate him from God he lived as a spiritual pilgrim.

4. The Suffering Saints – Trials Did Not Derail Their Faith

Many of God’s faithful have endured severe trials illness, persecution, or deep personal loss but kept their minds fixed on Heaven. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NIV):

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Final Reflection

So what about you?
Are you seeking the things above? Are your thoughts centered on Christ and His Kingdom? No matter your circumstances wealthy or poor, healthy or sick nothing in this world is worth losing your soul over.

Philippians 3:20 (NIV) reminds us:

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
—Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

God bless you.

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ARE YOU A TRUE SEED OF CHRIST?

Jesus spoke as follows:

Matthew 13:24-30 (NKJV)

24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;
25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.
27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’
28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’
29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

Matthew 13:36-43 (NKJV)

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Understanding the Parable:

In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man who sows good seed in his field. However, while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares (weeds) among the wheat. When the plants grew, the tares also appeared, leading the servants to ask if they should gather them up. The master replied to let both grow together until the harvest, at which time the tares would be separated and burned, and the wheat gathered into the barn.

Theological Insights:

  1. The Field Represents the World:
    The field in the parable symbolizes the world, indicating that the kingdom of heaven is present and active in the world, not confined to a specific place or group. The good seed represents the sons of the kingdom, those who have received the gospel and are living according to God’s will. In contrast, the tares represent those who follow the evil one, living in opposition to God’s purposes .
  2. Coexistence of Good and Evil:
    A central theme of the parable is the coexistence of good and evil in the world. The presence of both wheat and tares growing together reflects the tension between the kingdom of heaven and the forces of darkness in the present age. While the kingdom has been inaugurated through Jesus Christ, it is not yet fully realized. In the interim, evil persists and threatens to undermine God’s work. However, God’s wisdom and timing allow both to grow until the final harvest .
  3. Divine Patience and Judgment:
    The master instructs the servants to let both the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest. This reflects God’s patience and long-suffering nature, allowing time for repentance and redemption (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). However, the final judgment will come, and there will be a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The tares will be burned in the fire, illustrating the certainty of divine judgment at the end of time .
  4. The Role of Angels:
    The parable emphasizes that the separation of good and evil is not the responsibility of humans but will be carried out by God’s appointed agents the angels. This reflects the principle that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. While humans may not always discern the difference between the righteous and the wicked, God knows the hearts of all people, and the angels will execute His will perfectly .

May God bless you.

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FIRE DIES WITHOUT WOOD — AND SO DOES SEXUAL IMMORALITY

 

“Without wood a fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
— Proverbs 26:20 (ESV)

Just as a flame needs fuel, so sexual sin only thrives while we feed it. Stop supplying its “wood,” and it inevitably dies.

1. God’s Gift of Free Will and Human Responsibility

  • Created in God’s Image:
    We are made “in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27). This includes rationality and freedom—the capacity to choose good or evil.

  • No Coercion Even by God:
    Though omnipotent, God never overrides our will. He honors the freedom He gave us (cf. Deut. 30:19–20).

  • Personal Accountability:
    Scripture repeatedly affirms that each will “give an account” for their own deeds (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor 5:10). If God forces no one, neither can Satan.

2. The Holy Spirit’s Role: Conviction, Guidance, and Empowerment

  • Conviction of Sin:
    Jesus promised the Spirit would “convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). Sexual sin particularly grieves Him (Eph. 4:30).

  • Sanctification Process:
    The Spirit not only convicts but empowers obedience (Gal. 5:16–18). As we yield daily—“walking by the Spirit”—we bear the fruit of self-control (Gal. 5:22–23).

  • Habitual Dependence:
    Our cooperation (synergy) with the Spirit transforms patterns of thought and desire over time (Phil. 2:12–13).

3. How Satan “Fuels” Lust — Four Primary Channels

  1. Pornography & Explicit Media

    • Spiritual Pollution: “Fill your minds with whatever is true, honorable… and think about these things” (Phil. 4:8).

    • Entrapping Snare: “Every excessive and impure urge” is a form of idolatry, enslaving rather than satisfying (Col. 3:5–6).

  2. Corrupt Conversations

    • Grievous Influence: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor 15:33).

    • Renewing the Mind: We must “take every thought captive to Christ” and replace worldly talk with “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (2 Cor 10:5; Eph. 5:19).

  3. Immodest Apparel

    • Heart Revealed: Clothing often reflects the heart’s motives (Matt. 15:18–20). Provocative dress can foster lust in self and others.

    • Holiness of the Body: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit—called to honor God in word and deed (1 Cor 6:19–20).

  4. Worldly Music & Entertainment

    • Emotional Manipulation: Music and film shape affections. Paul warns believers not to “grieve” the Spirit by filling hearts with impurity (Eph. 4:29–30).

    • Feeding the Flesh: Constant exposure to sensual stimuli “gives the flesh no opportunity” to be crucified (Gal. 5:24).

4. Theological Foundations for Victory

  • Union with Christ:
    Through faith, we are “crucified with Christ” and “no longer live” but Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20). Our old lusts are reckoned dead in Him.

  • Putting Off & Putting On:
    Scripture commands “put off” sexual immorality and “put on” compassion, kindness, and self-control (Col. 3:5, 12–14).

  • Armor of God:
    We stand firm by “girding the waist with truth” and “having shod your feet with readiness” from the gospel (Eph. 6:14–15)—practical truths applied to our sexuality.

5. Practical Steps of “Cutting Off the Fuel”

  1. Decisive Break

    • Remove access to pornography, unsubscribing from channels, deleting apps and browser history (Matt. 5:29–30).

  2. Accountability Relationships

    • Confess to trusted brothers/sisters and invite prayer (James 5:16).

  3. Fill & Occupy

    • Replace idle time with Scripture, prayer, and edifying fellowship (Ps. 1:2–3; Acts 2:42).

  4. Mind Renewal

    • Meditate daily on passages about purity (e.g., Phil. 4:8; Psalm 119:9–11).

  5. Reliance on Grace

    • In weakness, cling to Christ’s finished work. His grace is “sufficient” in our struggles (2 Cor 12:9).

Conclusion

“Fire goes out for lack of wood, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases” (Prov. 26:20).

 

Likewise, sexual sin dies when you stop feeding it. Trust the Spirit’s transforming work, take up the armor of truth and purity, and walk in the freedom Christ won for you.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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What Is Wisdom? And Where Can Understanding Be Found?

A Theological Reflection from Job 28 (NIV)

In a world overflowing with information, innovation, and intelligence, the Bible confronts us with a haunting question:

“But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?” (Job 28:12, NIV).

Job 28 offers a poetic and deeply theological meditation on the mystery of wisdom its elusiveness and divine origin. It contrasts human ability to extract earthly treasures with our utter inability to discover true wisdom through our own effort.

Human Achievement vs. Divine Wisdom

Humankind has learned to mine precious metals, tunnel deep into the earth, and explore space:

“There is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains.”
Job 28:1–2, 9 (NIV)

Today, this might include exploring space, manipulating DNA, and developing artificial intelligence. But for all our progress, the deepest question remains unanswered:

“But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living.”
—Job 28:12–13 (NIV)

Even the natural world oceans, skies, mountains offer no answer. Wisdom is beyond nature and inaccessible to human endeavor.

“The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’”
Job 28:14 (NIV)

“It cannot be bought with the finest gold… The price of wisdom is beyond rubies.”
Job 28:15, 18 (NIV)

This reminds us of the doctrine of divine revelation: certain truths cannot be discovered through reason alone but must be revealed by God.

Wisdom Belongs to God Alone

When all of creation and human effort fail to locate wisdom, the text climaxes with a powerful declaration:

“God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells.”
Job 28:23 (NIV)

This reinforces a central theme throughout Scripture: true wisdom is not a product of human inquiry but a gift of divine disclosure. Only God, who sees all and governs all, can reveal wisdom.

What God Revealed to Humanity

God does not leave us guessing. He tells us directly:

“And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’”
Job 28:28 (NIV)

This is one of the most theologically significant verses in the Old Testament, echoed throughout the Wisdom Literature:

  • The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

The “fear of the Lord” refers not to terror, but to reverence, awe, and a life of obedience. It means honoring God as Creator, Lord, and Judge and living in alignment with His will.

Solomon: A Cautionary Example

King Solomon, though famed for his extraordinary wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34), eventually failed to uphold the wisdom God gave him. He violated God’s commands by marrying foreign wives and worshiping their gods, despite God’s clear instruction:

“The king… must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray.”
Deuteronomy 17:17 (NIV)

His life illustrates that earthly wisdom and knowledge, apart from God, ultimately lead to vanity. Solomon lamented:

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired… Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done… everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 2:10–11 (NIV)

In the end, Solomon’s final words summarize the truth of Job 28:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)

Christ: The Fulfillment of God’s Wisdom

The New Testament reveals something even deeper: Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s wisdom.

“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)

In Christ are hidden “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). He is the wisdom that Job longed for, the wisdom that Solomon misused, and the wisdom that brings eternal life.

So when we ask, “Where is wisdom found?” the ultimate answer is not just in fearing God, but in coming to know Christ, in whom God’s wisdom is perfectly revealed.

God bless you.

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The Importance of Living a Life That Pleases God Starting Now

Bible References: English

 

“Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ forever.”

Many believers assume that God is only pleased with us when we begin to actively serve Him through preaching, evangelism, intercessory prayer, or church ministry. While these are all important, we must ask: Does God only become pleased with someone once they begin public ministry?

1. Jesus Was Approved Before He Ever Ministered

To answer this, we must look at Jesus Christ, our ultimate example. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said,

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (ESV)

Before Jesus began His public ministry, before He preached a sermon or performed a single miracle, we read in Mark 1:11:

“And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’” (ESV)

This declaration from the Father happened at Jesus’ baptism, before He had performed any outward ministry. This shows us a profound truth: God was already pleased with Jesus not because of His works, but because of His life and obedience.

2. Pleasing God Is About Character Before Calling

Jesus was about 30 years old when He began His public ministry (Luke 3:23). For three decades, He lived a private, quiet life. Most of that life is not described in detail in the Gospels, except for His birth (Matthew 1–2; Luke 2) and a visit to the temple at age 12 (Luke 2:41–52).

Yet, it was during this quiet, uncelebrated period that God declared Jesus pleasing. This teaches us that faithful living in the unseen places matters deeply to God.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 12:1–2:

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (ESV)

True worship is a life that is holy and pleasing to God not just religious activity.

3. Understanding Jesus Through His Genealogy

Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1:1–17 contains rich spiritual truths. The line from Abraham to Jesus includes people whose lives foreshadowed Christ’s character and mission. For example:

  • Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) – Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son prefigured God the Father offering His Son. Isaac carried the wood for his own sacrifice, just as Jesus carried His cross.

  • King David – Though anointed as king, David endured hardship, betrayal, and rejection before reigning. His life mirrors Jesus, the Son of David, who also suffered before entering His glory (Luke 24:26).

Jesus’ genealogy shows us that God’s work is often hidden before it is revealed. His kingdom begins in humility and grows in grace.

4. The Psalms and Prophets Foretold Jesus’ Life

Jesus affirmed that His entire life His suffering, death, and resurrection was foretold in the Old Testament:

Luke 24:44–46 (ESV)

“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.’”

Many Psalms capture the emotional and spiritual battles Jesus faced:

  • Psalm 22:1 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Quoted by Jesus on the cross – Matthew 27:46)
  • Psalm 22:18 – “They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Fulfilled in John 19:24)
  • Psalm 41:9 – “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Fulfilled in John 13:18)
  • Psalm 69:8–9 – “I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons. For zeal for your house has consumed me…” (Fulfilled in John 2:17)

These passages reveal that Jesus’ suffering and obedience were known and prophesied long before they happened. His rejection by His own family and people was not accidental it fulfilled Scripture.

5. Jesus Had No Beauty or Earthly Status

The prophet Isaiah foresaw how Jesus would be misunderstood and rejected:

Isaiah 53:2–3 (ESV)

“He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

Despite this, Jesus was beautiful in God’s sight because of His holiness and obedience. He did not pursue worldly success, wealth, or even marriage. He lived solely to do His Father’s will (John 4:34).

He owned no home (Matthew 8:20), held no political office, and gathered no army. Yet His life changed history.

6. What Does This Mean for Us?

The life of Jesus teaches us that God is pleased not by titles or talents, but by hearts that love Him and lives that obey Him. He is watching how we live in the everyday how we respond to hardship, how we love others, how we pursue holiness.

Like Jesus, we are called to live lives of quiet faithfulness before being elevated by God:

1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”

Don’t wait to be a preacher, worship leader, or church elder to live a life that honors God. Start now. Obedience in the present prepares you for calling in the future.

7. Final Reflection

God’s words to Jesus are available to all who live faithfully:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:17 (ESV)

The question we must ask ourselves is this:
Am I living a life that pleases God today in my thoughts, relationships, and daily choices?

Jesus didn’t wait for the crowds to follow Him to be holy. He lived in obedience long before the spotlight. So should we.

Conclusion: Begin Today

Let us not delay holiness. Let us not wait until we’re in a pulpit or ministry position to take God seriously. Now is the time to live a life that honors and pleases God. For in due season, He will lift up those who walk faithfully before Him.

May the Lord help us all.

Be blessed.

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Who Is My Neighbor

 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27, NKJV

This command sums up the heart of the entire Law (cf. Matthew 22:37–40). But a critical question arises: Who is my neighbor?

Let’s explore this through a powerful parable Jesus shared, found in Luke 10:25–37, and draw out the theological meaning behind His words.

The Context: A Lawyer’s Question

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’”
Luke 10:25, NKJV

The man questioning Jesus was an expert in the Law of Moses. Yet his motive was not to learn, but to test Jesus. Jesus, knowing his heart, answered with a question of His own leading the lawyer to quote the correct answer from the Law: love God and love neighbor (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18).

But then the lawyer, seeking to justify himself, asked:

“And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:29, NKJV

This was more than a question  it was a challenge to Jesus’ understanding of the Law. And so Jesus responded with a parable to shift his thinking from legal definitions to spiritual truth.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves…”
Luke 10:30, NKJV

Jesus told of a man attacked by robbers, left beaten and dying. Three individuals pass by him:

1. The Priest

A man devoted to religious server an intermediary between God and the people. Priests were highly respected and tasked with offering sacrifices (cf. Leviticus 1–7). Yet, this priest walked by the wounded man.

“Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other  Luke 10:31, NKJV

2. The Levite

Levites assisted priests in the    (cf. Numbers 3:5–10). Although close to God’s work, this Levite also passed by without helping.

“Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.”Luke 10:32, NKJV

3. The Samaritan

Samaritans were despised by Jews for religious and ethnic reasons (cf. John 4:9). They were viewed as religiously impure and socially unacceptable. Yet this outsider had compassion.

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.”
Luke 10:33, NKJV

The Samaritan bandaged his wounds, poured on oil and wine, placed the man on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and paid for his recovery. His actions reflected sacrificial, unconditional love  the kind of love Jesus Himself embodied.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
John 15:13, NKJV

Theological Reflection: Who Really Was the Neighbor?

Jesus ends the parable with a question:

“So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
Luke 10:36, NKJV

The lawyer responded:

“He who showed mercy on him.”
Luke 10:37, NKJV

Then Jesus said,

“Go and do likewise.”

This phrase  “Go and do likewise”  is a command to actively embody mercy, not just think about it. True love for neighbor is not theoretical; it’s practical, sacrificial, and inclusive.

Who Is My Neighbor Today?

This parable challenges the idea that loving God is limited to rituals, services, or religious gatherings. Both the priest and the Levite failed to love their neighbor, even though they served in God’s house. They were bound by legalism and tradition, not by compassion and mercy.

“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 6:6, NKJV

The Samaritan, though rejected by society, understood the heart of God. He loved someone in need  not because it was required by law, but because it was right.

In our modern context, “neighbors” are not just our family or friends, nor the people we serve at church events. They include:

  • The addict down the street
  • The single mother struggling in silence
  • The unbeliever in your workplace
  • The friend living in sin who’s been wounded by life

“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.”
1 John 4:20, NKJV

Oil and Wine: Symbols of Restoration

When the Samaritan poured oil and wine on the man’s wounds (Luke 10:34), he used symbols of healing and holiness:

  • Oil in Scripture often represents the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Samuel 16:13)
  • Wine can symbolize joy, healing, and the atoning blood of Christ (cf. Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 26:27–28)

As believers, we are called to minister spiritual healing to the broken  bringing them not only comfort, but also the message of salvation through Christ.

Application: Go and Do Likewise

You may not be a preacher. You may never speak on a stage or go on mission trips. But Jesus is not measuring your love by numbers  He’s measuring it by compassion in action.

To truly love your neighbor is to see the wounded, recognize the need, and respond.

“Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
1 John 3:18, NKJV

So, who is your neighbor?

Anyone God places near you especially those in need of compassion, truth, and spiritual healing.

May God bless you . 

 

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When I Was a Child, I Spoke Like a Child… (1 Corinthians 13:11)

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
(1 Corinthians 13:11)

As we grow in Christ, our understanding must also mature. Many know and believe in the Gospel of the Cross, which reveals how God saves sinners through Jesus. But the Bible also mentions another gospel—the Everlasting Gospel—which reveals God’s eternal judgment and calls humanity to worship Him. These two gospels serve different purposes and appear in different stages of redemptive history.

1. The Gospel of the Cross – The Message of Salvation (Soteriology)

This gospel is centered on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of sinners. It is the “power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). It is also known as the Gospel of Grace because it is based on God’s mercy, not human effort.

John 14:6 
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

1 Corinthians 1:18 
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Paul warned against accepting any other gospel besides the true one:

2 Corinthians 11:4 
“For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached… or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!”

This Gospel is preached through human messengers—pastors, missionaries, and believers.

Romans 10:14–15
“How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?…”

2. The Everlasting Gospel – The Universal Call to Worship (Natural Theology & Eschatology)

The Everlasting Gospel is found in Revelation 14:6–7 and is proclaimed not by people but by an angel, during the period of the end times—just before God’s final judgment is unleashed on the earth.

Revelation 14:6–7
“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth… saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come…’”

Key theological theme:

  • Natural Revelation – This gospel appeals to all creation, urging people to worship the Creator (cf. Romans 1:20).
  • Eschatological Judgment – It announces God’s impending wrath, demanding immediate repentance and reverence.

Unlike the Gospel of the Cross, which offers salvation, the Everlasting Gospel issues a final call to worship God in light of imminent judgment. It is a gospel of accountability and divine justice.

3. Comparison of the Two Gospels

Aspect Gospel of the Cross Everlasting Gospel
Message Salvation through faith in Christ (Grace) Fear God and prepare for judgment
Messenger Human preachers (Romans 10:14–15) Angelic messenger (Revelation 14:6)
Audience The Church Age (individuals) The whole world during tribulation
Focus Redemption and forgiveness Worship and reverence
Timeframe Present era of grace Future time of judgment

4. What About Those Who Never Heard the Gospel? (General Revelation & Accountability)

Some ask: What about those who never heard of Jesus?

Romans 1:19–20 
“…what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them… even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

This refers to general revelation—God reveals Himself through nature, creation, and conscience. Even those who never heard the name of Jesus still have access to the knowledge of God.

Romans 2:14–15 
“…the Gentiles… show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness…”

This is why no one can claim total ignorance of God’s will. The Everlasting Gospel ensures that God is just in judging every person.

5. God Speaks Through Conscience – Don’t Ignore It

(Sanctification and Moral Theology)

The voice of conscience is part of God’s moral law written in our hearts. When we sin, we feel guilt—not just because society says it’s wrong, but because God’s Spirit convicts us.

  • When you lie or steal, your conscience reacts.
  • When you commit sexual immorality, something inside says, “This is wrong.”
  • When you dress immodestly or act in rebellion, you feel unease.

John 16:8 
“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

Those who continually ignore that voice become hardened.

Romans 1:28 
“Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind…”

6. The Door of Grace is Still Open – For Now

(Dispensational Theology & Eschatology)

Right now, we live in the Age of Grace. This is the time for the Gospel of the Cross. But when the Church is raptured, this door will close. The message will shift to the Everlasting Gospel—one of judgment, not salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 
“‘Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’”

Hebrews 3:15 
“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”

7. Listen Before It’s Too Late

God is speaking—through His Word, through your conscience, and through His creation. Whether you’ve heard the Gospel of the Cross or are only aware of right and wrong through conscience and nature, God is calling you to repentance and faith in Christ.

If you ignore His voice now, you may only hear Him later in judgment.

Call to Action:

Romans 10:9 
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Come to Jesus today—not because of fear, but because of truth and love. The Gospel of the Cross invites you into eternal life, but the Everlasting Gospel warns that time is running out.

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Question:Is it true that the world was created about 6,000 years ago? And was Satan present on Earth during creation?

Answer:

From a biblical perspective, by counting the genealogies and lifespans recorded in Scripture, many scholars estimate the timeline as follows:

  • From the Garden of Eden to the Flood: approximately 2,000 years
  • From the Flood to the birth of Jesus Christ: about 2,000 years
  • From Jesus’ birth to today: roughly 2,000 years

This adds up to around 6,000 years from Eden to the present day (see Genesis genealogies; Luke 3:23-38 for Jesus’ genealogy). However, this timeline refers to the period starting from Eden, not the initial creation of the Earth itself.

The Bible begins with the statement in Genesis 1:1 

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

This verse affirms God as the eternal Creator who brought the universe into existence, but it does not specify how long ago this occurred. It could have been thousands, millions, or even billions of years ago. The exact timeframe is not detailed.

Verse 2 of Genesis introduces a condition of the Earth:
Genesis 1:2 

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.”

The phrase “without form, and void” (Hebrew: tohu va bohu) suggests a state of desolation or chaos. Many theologians interpret this as evidence that the original creation was subjected to judgment or ruin prior to the six-day creation account described afterward. This is often linked to the rebellion of Satan, who brought disorder to the creation (cf. Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17—passages traditionally interpreted as referring to Satan’s fall).

This interpretation aligns with Isaiah 45:18

“For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.”

Here, God emphasizes that He did not create the Earth to be empty or desolate, but to be inhabited. The presence of chaos in Genesis 1:2 implies a disruption of God’s original perfect creation.

Therefore, the six-day creation narrative in Genesis 1 is best understood as a re-creation or restoration of the Earth following that disruption. This means that while humans and all living creatures were created about 6,000 years ago, the Earth itself existed beforehand.

Regarding Satan’s presence: the Bible indicates that Satan existed before humans were created. He appears as the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), tempting Adam and Eve into disobedience. Revelation calls him “that old serpent”:

Revelation 20:2 

“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.”

This reveals that Satan is a fallen angelic being who rebelled against God and was cast down from heaven to the Earth prior to humanity’s creation (cf. Luke 10:18; 2 Peter 2:4).

The biblical narrative supports that creation is not static but has undergone spiritual conflict and cosmic disturbance due to Satan’s rebellion (cf. Job 1:6-12; Colossians 1:16-17). God’s restorative work in Genesis 1:3 and onward shows His power to bring order from chaos and life from desolation.

May this understanding deepen your faith and trust in God’s sovereign plan!

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Question: What does it mean to pray with “vain repetitions”? And how should I pray so that my prayers are meaningful before God?

Answer:

God bless you. This is a great question because it helps us understand the kind of prayer God values.

In Matthew 6:7, Jesus says:

“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

The phrase “vain repetitions” does not mean praying loudly or with passion. Rather, it refers to empty, mindless repetition—saying the same words over and over again without genuine thought or faith. Jesus was addressing a common religious habit, especially among the Gentiles (non-Jews), who believed that repeating long prayers could convince their gods to respond.

In contrast, Jesus teaches us that God is not moved by the quantity of our words, but by the sincerity of our hearts.

Jesus continues in Matthew 6:8:

“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

This shows a key theological truth: God is omniscient—He knows all things, including our needs before we even express them (see also Psalm 139:1–4). So, we don’t need to perform or strive to get His attention. He’s already listening.

The Heart of the Matter

In Matthew 6:5–6, Jesus also warns about praying just to be seen by others:

Verse 5 – “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

Verse 6 – “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes that prayer is a private, spiritual communion with God, not a performance for others. The reward of such sincere prayer is not praise from people, but a personal response from the Father who sees in secret.

Does This Mean Loud or Repeated Prayer Is Always Wrong?

Not at all. There are many examples in Scripture where God’s people prayed with strong emotion and even repeated themselves:

  • Jesus Himself prayed the same words three times in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:44).
  • David cried out loudly to God in the Psalms (Psalm 142:1).
  • The early church prayed fervently together in Acts (Acts 4:24–31).

So the issue is not volume or repetition alone, but the intention behind it.

If we pray loudly to pour out our hearts to God—that’s good. But if we pray loudly or repetitively just to look spiritual or to earn God’s attention, then our prayer loses its meaning.

What About Religious Traditions That Repeat Prayers?

In some traditions, people repeat prayers like the Rosary or the “Hail Mary” for long periods, thinking that repeating them many times increases their power. However, this directly contradicts Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6:7. Repetition in itself is not wrong—but mindless repetition is.

God wants your heart, not just your lips. He desires a personal relationship, not a religious ritual (see Isaiah 29:13).

How Should You Pray?

When you go before God:

  • Be honest and focused.
  • Present your needs clearly.
  • Avoid trying to impress Him or others.
  • Don’t rely on formulas—just speak from the heart.
  • Once you’re done, give thanks and trust that God heard you.

As Philippians 4:6 says:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

When you pray this way—authentically, humbly, and with faith—your prayers will be meaningful before God.

May the Lord bless you and teach you to pray in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

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