Question: As Christians, are we allowed to contribute to building places of worship for other religions?
For example, if I’m a Christian with financial means and someone asks me to help build a mosque, is it okay to do that?
Answer: Helping others in need is a good and biblical practice, especially when it reflects God’s love and compassion. The Bible encourages generosity and kindness toward all people, regardless of their background or faith. For example, Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This means we should help others whenever we can, but our primary responsibility is toward fellow believers.
If you are asked to support things like building schools, feeding the hungry, or caring for the elderly—even those of different faiths—this can be a way to demonstrate Christ’s love and be a witness to them. Such acts do not conflict with Scripture.
However, when it comes to supporting the construction of places of worship for other religions, the situation changes. Scripture teaches that God alone is to be worshiped, and we are not to participate in the worship of other gods. Exodus 20:3 commands, “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Also, 1 Corinthians 10:21 warns,
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
This means there is a spiritual exclusivity in our worship and offerings. Financially supporting altars or places dedicated to other gods can be seen as participating in their worship, which the Bible forbids.
The connection between offerings and altar worship is deeply spiritual. Matthew 6:2
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Our giving reflects our true loyalty and affection. We cannot fully belong to Christ and simultaneously support other religious systems without compromising our faith. This is considered spiritual adultery, as warned in James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?”
Moreover, God is described as a jealous God;
Exodus 34:14
“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
He desires our exclusive devotion, and this extends to how we use our resources.
As Christians, we should refrain from financially contributing to the building of worship places for other religions. If asked why, you can explain simply, “My faith teaches me to worship only God through Jesus Christ, and therefore I cannot support other religions.”
May God bless you as you stand firm in your faith.
Why Does God Sometimes Act Like He Doesn’t Know?
At first glance, it can seem strange that an omniscient (all-knowing) God would ask questions or appear to investigate matters. Take, for example, the story of Cain and Abel. After Cain kills his brother, God asks:
“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’”
— Genesis 4:9
We naturally wonder—why would God ask this if He already knew what had happened?
This is not a case of ignorance, but of divine condescension—God choosing to interact with humans in ways they can understand. This is what theologians call anthropopathism—when God expresses Himself with human emotions or reasoning for our sake.
Rather than immediately accusing Cain, God gives him the opportunity to confess and reflect. This is consistent with God’s graceful character and His desire for repentance rather than condemnation (2 Peter 3:9).
God’s Humility in Dialogue
Throughout Scripture, we find that God often allows room for human interaction—even persuasion. A striking example is in God’s conversation with Moses after Israel’s rebellion:
“Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them… But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, ‘O Lord… turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people.’… And the Lord relented from the disaster…”
— Exodus 32:10–14 (excerpted)
Did God need Moses’ advice? No. But He allowed Moses to intercede as a picture of Christ’s future role as our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25). This also reveals God’s willingness to engage relationally with humanity.
This behavior demonstrates what theologians call relational theism—the idea that God’s sovereignty includes real, responsive interaction with His creation.
God Investigates — Not Because He Doesn’t Know, But to Show Justice
Another example is when God decided to investigate Sodom and Gomorrah before destroying them:
“Then the Lord said, ‘Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great… I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.’”
— Genesis 18:20–21
God is not ignorant here. Rather, He is showing that His judgment is measured, righteous, and justifiable. He models due process—an important theme in biblical justice. This transparency in divine action encourages our trust in His fairness.
The Ultimate Humbling: God in Flesh
God’s humility is most powerfully displayed in the Incarnation—God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself… being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
— Philippians 2:5–8
This is the mystery of kenosis—Christ “emptying Himself,” not by losing divinity, but by laying aside His privileges. He chose to suffer, learn, weep, and even die. Why? So we could never say, “God doesn’t understand my pain.”
The author of Hebrews affirms this:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
— Hebrews 4:15
Jesus experienced poverty (Matthew 8:20), rejection (John 1:11), temptation (Matthew 4:1–11), betrayal, and death—so that He could be our perfect Savior and sympathetic Lord.
“Weakness” That Saves the World
To the world, this kind of humility may seem foolish, even weak. But Scripture flips that thinking:
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:25
God’s willingness to appear “weak” is exactly what made our redemption possible. His death brought life. His “defeat” at the cross secured our victory over sin and death.
What Does This Teach Us?
God’s humility isn’t just a theological concept—it’s an example for us. We are called to imitate the same attitude:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves… Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”
— Philippians 2:3, 5
We are not just saved by humility—we are called to humility.
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
— 1 Peter 5:5
God’s “questions,” His “investigations,” and His willingness to engage with us in seemingly human ways—all reveal His loving and humble heart. He’s not distant or removed. He stepped into our story, became one of us, and bore the worst of human suffering to rescue us.
Let’s learn from His example: true strength lies in humility.
Come, Lord Jesus!
(Revelation 22:20)
What does it mean when the Bible says, “You who hate idols, steal the temples?”
QUESTION: What does the Bible mean when it says, “You who hate idols, steal the temples?” What does it mean to “steal temples”?
Romans 2:21-22 (NIV) says, “You, therefore, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?
22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?”
ANSWER: These words were spoken by the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. While Paul does not provide an extensive explanation in this passage, we can infer that there was a serious issue among some Jews living in pagan nations. They had developed the corrupt practice of invading pagan temples, stealing the idols (which were often made from precious metals like gold and silver), and either selling them as they were or melting them down for profit. This practice was sinful not only because it involved theft, but also because it contradicted the Jewish stance against idolatry.
Paul’s rhetorical question—“You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?”—points to the contradiction in their actions. It was hypocritical for anyone who rejected idol worship to then take items from the idols’ temples for their own benefit. This was not just a breach of God’s law, but also a violation of the moral laws of the nations they were living in.
A similar issue arose when Paul was in Ephesus, as recorded in Acts 19:23-40 (NIV). Paul’s preaching against idol worship caused a riot because it threatened the livelihoods of those who made a living through idol worship and trade. The accusers hoped to find a charge of temple robbery against Paul, but the authorities found no evidence of such wrongdoing. This illustrates how stealing from temples was seen as a grave offense, both religiously and legally.
Acts 19:36-37 (NIV) states:
“Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash.
37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess.”
Now, why did Paul say, “You who hate idols, steal the temples”? Paul was challenging the inconsistency in their behavior. If they rejected idolatry, how could they justify profiting from the idols’ worship? Stealing and profiting from idol worship was not different from supporting it.
Theological Insight: Paul’s argument in Romans 2:21-22 is deeply theological, pointing out the hypocrisy in human behavior. He is showing that outward rejection of sin does not justify inward contradictions or sinful actions. The issue of idolatry in the Bible goes beyond the physical act of worshiping idols; it also includes any form of participation or endorsement of idolatry—whether through theft, trade, or making a profit from the objects of idol worship.
Deuteronomy 7:25 (NIV) says:
“The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the Lord your God.”
This passage teaches that anything associated with idolatry—whether the idols themselves or the wealth gained from them—should be destroyed, not coveted or used for personal gain. This principle aligns with the biblical call to separate oneself from anything tied to false worship.
Theological Application: Rejecting a particular sin should extend beyond just avoiding the outward action; it requires a total rejection of anything associated with it. For instance, if we claim to reject alcohol, we cannot justify stealing or selling alcohol. If we claim to reject smoking, we cannot profit from the tobacco industry. Similarly, rejecting adultery means we should not engage in businesses that cater to adulterers.
1 John 5:21 (NIV) advises:
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
This reinforces the biblical teaching that idol worship—whether physical, emotional, or material—should be entirely avoided. This includes not just the act of bowing down to idols, but also the practices that support idolatry, such as profiting from idol worship.
Conclusion: The Bible teaches us that our rejection of sin must be consistent in every aspect of our lives. We are called to flee from all forms of idolatry, whether physical or metaphorical, and live a life that honors God in both actions and intentions. Hypocrisy in our walk with God is dangerous, and as believers, we must ensure our actions align with our faith.
May the Lord bless you.
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“It Is Impossible to Bring Them Back to Repentance” — What Does This Mean?
Let’s begin by reading the full context:
Hebrews 6:4–6
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age
and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”
❗What Is This Passage Really Saying?
This passage refers to a specific category of people:
- They have received spiritual light (enlightened),
- Tasted the heavenly gift (salvation),
- Shared in the Holy Spirit,
- Experienced the power of God’s Word and the age to come.
In other words, these are genuine believers who have had a deep encounter with the truth of the gospel—not merely casual followers.
But then, the warning comes:
If such people deliberately turn away from Christ and return to a life of rebellion, it becomes impossible to renew them again to repentance.
🧠 Theological Explanation:
This does not mean that God is unwilling to forgive.
Rather, it means that the capacity or desire to repent becomes lost.
Why?
Because repentance is not merely a human decision.
It is a work of the Holy Spirit, who brings conviction, sorrow for sin, and the will to turn back to God.
John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them…”
John 16:8
“When he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.”
If someone grieves or rejects the Spirit repeatedly, He may withdraw—and once that happens, the heart becomes hardened. Without the Spirit’s influence, true repentance is no longer possible.
This is in line with Reformed theology, especially the doctrines of effectual calling and perseverance of the saints. While believers cannot lose salvation lightly, this passage warns that those who willfully apostatize after full knowledge are revealing they were never truly regenerate (see 1 John 2:19) or are crossing a spiritual line beyond which recovery is humanly impossible.
🛑 Why This Is a Serious Warning for Believers
This isn’t addressing people who struggle with sin or fall occasionally.
It’s directed at those who have:
- Fully embraced the truth,
- And then consciously reject Christ and return to a life of sin.
1 Corinthians 10:12
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
2 Peter 2:20–22
“If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning… A dog returns to its vomit, and, A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”
These scriptures show that turning back to sin after fully knowing Christ brings greater condemnation and spiritual ruin.
💡 What If You’re Drifting Right Now?
If you’re reading this and realize you’ve started returning to old sins—even after experiencing God’s grace—take this message seriously.
If you still feel conviction, sorrow, or fear after hearing this—that’s a sign that grace has not left you yet.
The Holy Spirit is still working in you. But this is a warning: if you continue to resist His voice, you risk reaching a point of no return.
Hebrews 3:15
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…”
✅ So What Should You Do?
- Don’t take conviction lightly.
That internal fear or discomfort is a gift—it shows God is still calling you. - Repent sincerely.
If you’ve gone back to old sins like sexual immorality, drunkenness, dishonesty, hatred, or addiction—turn away from them now. - Return to Christ while there is still time.
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.”
🕊️ Final Thought:
Hebrews 6:6 is a wake-up call—not to make us despair, but to urge us to take our salvation seriously.
The same God who saves is also the God who warns. If we ignore His call today, there may come a time when we can no longer hear Him at all.
May the Lord give us hearts that remain soft to His voice.
The Lord is coming!
“In the Appointed Time, I Heard You”
The Bible teaches that everything has its proper season and timing.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
This means that while you may earnestly desire something, it won’t happen unless it’s the right time — the season that God has ordained.
For instance, no matter how much water or fertilizer you give a mango tree, if it’s not the season for it to bear fruit, it simply won’t. But when the season arrives, even with minimal effort, the tree naturally produces fruit.
Why?
Because timing matters, even in spiritual things.
The Season of Grace
Just like physical seasons, spiritual blessings also operate within God-ordained seasons. One of these blessings is the grace of salvation.
Many assume that the grace of salvation is always available and eternal, but Scripture teaches otherwise. Grace is offered during a specific period — the acceptable time — and outside of that time, it is not accessible.
Before Jesus came into the world, people could not fully receive the forgiveness of sins. Their sins were covered temporarily through sacrifices, but never fully removed.
Hebrews 10:1-4explains:
“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come… it can never, by the same sacrifices… make perfect those who draw near… For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
Even great figures like Moses, David, and Elijah had their sins covered, not forgiven in the full sense. Their righteousness was counted by faith, but they did not live in the dispensation of grace.
This wasn’t because they didn’t pray enough or weren’t devoted. Elijah, for example, is described as a man who prayed fervently:
James 5:17
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly…”
Still, they could not access the grace we now have.
Why not?
Because it wasn’t yet the season for grace to be revealed.
The New Season Begins
Everything changed when Jesus came.
John 1:17 says:
“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Jesus ushered in a new season — a time when God’s grace became available to all who believe.
In the synagogue, Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah and applied the prophecy to Himself:
Luke 4:18–19
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor…
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Notice the phrase: “the acceptable year of the Lord.”
This is a specific time frame — the appointed season in which God’s favor is poured out.
Now Is That Time
Paul affirms this clearly:
2 Corinthians 6:1–2
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
This means we are currently living in the season when God’s grace is available and salvation can be received. But like all seasons, this one will not last forever.
A Closing Window
The grace we enjoy today will not always be here. When Christ returns to take His church — what the Bible calls the Rapture — this season will close.
After that, no amount of prayer, fasting, or pleading will bring salvation, because it will no longer be the acceptable time.
Matthew 25:10-13 — in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins — Jesus warns that when the door is shut, it will be too late to enter:
“…the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut… Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
What Should You Do?
Take hold of grace while it’s still offered.
The prophets of old longed to see this day. Jesus said:
Matthew 13:17
“For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it…”
So how do you receive this grace?
Acts 2:38 gives us the clear answer:
“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.”
- Believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- Repent of your sins.
- Be baptized in His name.
- Live in obedience to Him.
This is how you enter into the grace of God and are counted among those ready for His return.
The Lord is coming!.
“He who guarantees for a stranger will surely suffer; He who hates the surety is safe.”(Proverbs 11:15)
Understanding the Meaning of the Verse:
This verse from Proverbs 11:15 offers valuable wisdom on the concept of surety and guarantees. It warns against hastily guaranteeing the debts or responsibilities of someone we don’t know well. While the Bible does not outright prohibit providing guarantees, it provides wisdom for understanding the risks involved.
The Bible serves as a guide for our spiritual and physical lives. It teaches us how to live in alignment with God’s principles, both in our relationships with others and in our personal conduct. Proverbs, in particular, is a book filled with practical wisdom for everyday living, offering guidance to people of all walks of life—from the rich to the poor, leaders to servants, married couples to single individuals, and children to the elderly. It teaches that our decisions, especially regarding financial commitments, should not be made lightly.
Theological Significance of Surety:
The caution in Proverbs 11:15 speaks directly to the risks involved in becoming a surety for someone you do not know well. In ancient Israel, the act of guaranteeing someone’s debt or responsibility was taken seriously, often involving significant risk. When you guaranteed someone’s debt, you were taking on the potential consequences of their failure. This is why the Bible offers such warnings.
In theological terms, this verse highlights the wisdom of discernment and the importance of understanding the full consequences of our actions. Jesus spoke about the wisdom of counting the cost before making decisions in Luke 14:28-30, where He compares following Him to building a tower and needing to count the cost before embarking on the project. Similarly, before guaranteeing for someone, we should count the potential costs and risks.
The Wisdom in Proverbs: In Proverbs 22:26-27, we find further guidance on this issue:
Proverbs 22:26-27
“Do not be one of those who shakes hands in pledge, or of those who are surety for debts; 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?”
(NKJV)
These verses strongly advise against guaranteeing someone’s debt if you are unable to pay it back yourself. The Bible emphasizes the importance of financial prudence and the need to protect one’s own well-being.
The Greater Lesson of Christ’s Sacrifice:
While Proverbs teaches caution about financial surety, it also points us to a greater truth that is fully realized in the New Testament. The ultimate example of surety comes in the person of Jesus Christ, who, despite being under no obligation, chose to “guarantee” our debt in the most profound way. Our sin debt was something we could never repay, but Christ, out of His immeasurable love, took our place.
Romans 5:6-8 explains this incredible act of grace:
Romans 5:6-8
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(NKJV)
Christ’s willingness to guarantee our debt, even though we were undeserving, reflects the ultimate act of love and grace. He paid the price for our sins with His life, something we could never do on our own. Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of what Proverbs teaches: true love sometimes involves taking on the burden of another, but it is a choice made with wisdom and love, not out of rashness.
In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul explains this even further:
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
(NKJV)
Here, we see that Christ took on our sin as the ultimate “surety,” guaranteeing our forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Final Thoughts:
While Proverbs 11:15 and 22:26-27 offer practical wisdom for avoiding unnecessary risks in financial matters, they also point to a deeper theological truth: the act of guaranteeing is a serious responsibility. We should take care in whom we place our trust and financial well-being. But above all, we are reminded of Christ, who, out of His love, became the ultimate guarantor for us, paying our debts and offering us eternal security in Him.
Romans 8:1 reminds us of this assurance:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV)
Through Christ, we find true safety and peace—not only from the burdens of financial risk but from the consequences of sin. This is the ultimate example of the wisdom found in Proverbs: trusting in the one who has guaranteed our eternal salvation.
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What Does It Really Mean to Repent?
Many people believe repentance is simply asking for forgiveness. However, true repentance is much more—it means turning away from sin and changing your behavior. Asking for forgiveness comes after you have made this change.
Repentance literally means a change of mind or heart that leads to a change in action. It’s not just feeling sorry but actively turning from sin,
(Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish”).
When you recognize you have sinned, the first step is to stop doing the wrong thing. Only then should you ask God or others for forgiveness.
No one truly repents while continuing in sin. For example, if you steal from someone, you can’t ask for forgiveness while still stealing. First, you must stop stealing, then seek forgiveness.
Your actions demonstrate whether you have genuinely repented, not just your words;
Matthew 3:8
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”.
God looks beyond words or tears—He sees the change in your life
Psalm 51:16-17
“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise”.
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”) Repentance is about doing what’s right, not just saying the right words.
The Example of Nineveh
God sent Jonah to warn Nineveh of coming judgment. The people responded by believing God and turning from their evil ways (Jonah 3:5-10).
The key verse is Jonah 3:10:
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”
Notice it doesn’t say God was impressed by their fasting or tears, but by their actions—their decision to stop sinning.
Fasting and prayer are important but must come after a genuine change of heart and behavior.
When Should You Repent?
The Bible makes it clear: the right time to repent is now.
2 Corinthians 6:2 says:
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
True repentance means deciding today to turn away from sin and live differently. Once you make this choice, the Holy Spirit empowers you to live a new life (Romans 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live”).
The Holy Spirit is our helper (John 14:26), but He helps those who have started walking the path of righteousness. If you haven’t made the first step—stopping your sin—He cannot do the work for you.
Isaiah 40:29 says:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
If you’re struggling with sin, start by deciding to stop it, then ask God to strengthen you.
The Example of Zacchaeus
When Jesus met Zacchaeus, the tax collector repented by returning four times what he had stolen (Luke 19:8-9). Jesus declared salvation had come to his house—not because of words alone but because Zacchaeus’s actions showed real repentance.
How to Start True Repentance Today
- Stop living in sin (for example, leaving relationships that are wrong, returning what you have stolen or wrongfully taken, stopping habits like lying or adultery).
- After changing your behavior, ask God for forgiveness.
- You will then experience a deep peace, the sign that your repentance is accepted by God (Philippians 4:7, NIV).
Then God will empower you to overcome temptation. The desires that once controlled you will begin to fade.
Conclusion and Blessing
Repentance is not just a feeling or prayer; it is a real change in your life.
May God bless you and strengthen us all to live in His grace.
The Lord is coming!
What is a Sacrifice?
A sacrifice, sometimes called an “offering,” is an act of giving something valuable to God. Biblically, sacrifices are mainly divided into atoning sacrifices—those that make atonement for sin—and non-atoning offerings, which express devotion, thanksgiving, or commitment.
Old Testament Sacrifices
In the Old Testament (Old Covenant), atoning sacrifices involved animals like sheep, goats, and bulls. These sacrifices were commanded by God as a temporary means to deal with sin (Leviticus 1–7). The process involved bringing an animal before the Lord at the tabernacle, where a priest would slaughter the animal, collect its blood, and sprinkle it on the altar. This blood symbolized life and was necessary for atonement because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
These animal sacrifices served as a foreshadowing of the perfect, final sacrifice to come. They pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
There were also other offerings—such as grain, money, or firstfruits—which were acts of worship but did not involve bloodshed and were therefore not sacrifices in the strict sense.
Modern Misunderstanding
Today, many Christians say they are offering “sacrifices” when giving money or goods to the church. While these offerings are valuable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18), technically, they are not sacrifices as defined in the Bible, because they do not involve atonement through blood.
Are Animal Sacrifices Still Required?
No. Under the New Covenant, which was established by Jesus Christ, the need for animal sacrifices has ended. Hebrews 10:1-10 clearly teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all:
Hebrews 10:3-10
“But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins.
It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:
‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;
with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’
First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’—though they were offered in accordance with the law.
Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
This passage shows that the old system of sacrifices was never sufficient to remove sin completely—it was a shadow pointing to Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. Jesus, as the sinless Lamb, offered Himself once and for all, making animal sacrifices unnecessary.
Is Offering Animal Sacrifices Today Wrong?
Yes. Christians should not practice animal sacrifice, as this denies the once-for-all atonement made by Jesus. Unfortunately, some who identify as Christians still engage in such rituals without realizing that this is not God’s will and can be spiritually harmful (Galatians 5:1).
May we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), fully trusting in His perfect sacrifice.
Where Is the One Born King of the Jews?
The Christian life isn’t static—it’s a journey filled with seasons. From the moment you receive Christ, your relationship with Him will go through different phases. There are times when God’s presence is so evident that you feel like He’s walking right beside you. But there are also times when He feels distant, hidden, or silent. These seasons aren’t signs that God has abandoned you—they are invitations to seek Him more deeply.
The Principle of Seeking
God has established a spiritual principle: those who seek Him will find Him—but that seeking is often meant to stretch us and mature our faith.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13
Many believers don’t expect this. When they no longer “feel” God as they used to, they begin to doubt their salvation or even question their calling. Some turn back, believing maybe it wasn’t really God who saved them. But such seasons are not unusual—they’re part of the refining process.
The Wise Men’s Journey: A Pattern for Us
Let’s consider the story of the Magi, or wise men, in Matthew 2. These were likely scholars or astrologers from the East—possibly Babylon—who were deeply interested in spiritual matters. As they studied the heavens, God revealed something extraordinary: the birth of a divine King. They saw His star and began their journey toward it.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” — Matthew 2:1–2
They expected the star to guide them all the way. But when they reached Jerusalem, it disappeared. Imagine their confusion—they had followed this supernatural sign across a vast distance, and now it was gone.
This interruption didn’t cause them to turn back. Instead, they started asking questions. They inquired of King Herod—even though he was an enemy of Christ—and learned from the religious leaders that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2.
“But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” — Matthew 2:6
This shows us something important: God can use unlikely sources—even enemies—to lead His people closer to the truth. What matters is how you respond.
The Star Reappears—And So Does Joy
Once the Magi continued toward Bethlehem in obedience to the prophecy, the star reappeared.
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” — Matthew 2:9–10
They entered the house, saw Jesus with His mother Mary, and bowed in worship. They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts that symbolized Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and future sacrifice.
The Magi’s journey mirrors ours. There are moments of clarity (when the star shines), moments of silence (when it disappears), and moments of joy (when it reappears). The key is to keep moving forward in faith even when the path is unclear.
From Shallow Faith to Deep Discipleship
When we first come to Christ, it often feels like everything is fresh and alive. God speaks. Prayers are answered quickly. You see His hand in everything. But later on, He may seem hidden. That’s not abandonment—it’s an invitation to grow.
“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature…” — Hebrews 5:13–14
This is when we must go deeper. Study the Word. Ask questions. Pray and fast. Hunger for truth—not just feelings. Faith matures in silence, not just in signs.
The Bible is full of examples of people who sought God during dry seasons:
- David cried, “Why, Lord, do you stand far off?” (Psalm 10:1)
- Job said, “If I go to the east, He is not there… yet He knows the way that I take.” (Job 23:8–10)
- Even Jesus, on the cross, cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
And yet, in all of these, God was not absent—He was working behind the scenes.
Don’t Turn Back—Press On
If you’re in a season where it’s harder to feel God, don’t quit. Don’t assume something’s wrong. Instead, see it as a divine invitation to draw closer.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). No one who sincerely pursues Christ ends in failure. You will find Him again. You will rejoice again. Not just in heaven—but even here on earth.
If you’re in a moment where the “star” seems hidden—when God feels far away—don’t slow down. Press in. Intensify your pursuit. This may be the moment right before a new revelation, a fresh encounter, or a deeper experience of His presence.
You are not lost. You are on the path of transformation.
The Lord bless you as you continue to seek Him.
What Does It Mean That the Serpent Will Eat Dust?
The Verse in Question:
“So the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.’”
— Genesis 3:14
This verse raises an important question:
Does this mean the snake literally eats dust today?
1. Literal vs Symbolic Meaning
Biologically, snakes do not eat dust. They are carnivores that feed on small animals like rodents, birds, and insects. Dust is not, and has never been, a food source for them. So, what does this passage mean?
In biblical language, “eating dust” is symbolic, not literal. It’s an expression that represents humiliation, defeat, and lowliness.
Throughout Scripture, this phrase appears as a poetic image of being brought down:
“May desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust.”
— Psalm 72:9
“They will lick dust like a snake, like creatures that crawl on the ground…”
— Micah 7:17
In these verses, licking or eating dust is linked to being humbled, overthrown, or defeated.
2. The Significance of the Curse
The curse in Genesis 3:14 marks the serpent (which also symbolically represents Satan—see Revelation 12:9) as a defeated creature. Crawling on its belly and eating dust are both visual metaphors for disgrace and judgment.
Before the fall, some theologians suggest the serpent may have had a different posture or form—possibly upright or more elevated. After the curse, it was sentenced to crawl on its belly, with its face close to the ground, in constant contact with the dust—a daily reminder of its shame.
This lowly condition reflects a theological truth:
Sin brings us down. It degrades what God made good.
Romans 6:23 reminds us:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The serpent’s fall mirrors what happened to humanity as well—we were created for glory but fell into corruption through sin.
3. A Symbol of Spiritual Condition
Beyond physical imagery, the “eating of dust” serves as a picture of spiritual downfall. Just as the serpent now lives close to the ground, humans separated from God find themselves living beneath their created purpose—spiritually dry, low, and direction less.
This is not just the condition of the serpent, but of every person who lives apart from God.
Ephesians 2:1 says:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…”
To “eat dust” is to live under the consequences of sin—outside the presence and purposes of God.
4. But God Lifts the Humble
The good news is that even though sin brings us low, God does not leave us in the dust. He offers restoration through repentance and faith.
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.”
— 1 Samuel 2:8
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
— James 4:10
Through Jesus Christ, God takes what has been brought low and lifts it up. The work of the cross reverses the curse. The same God who judged the serpent is the God who offers mercy to humanity.
5. A Call to Respond
Maybe today, you feel like you’re “eating dust” in your life—spiritually exhausted, far from God, and stuck in cycles of shame or defeat.
The same God who cursed the serpent also made a promise just one verse later:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
— Genesis 3:15
This is the first prophecy of Jesus, who would crush the serpent—Satan—and offer us victory and restoration.
You Don’t Have to Stay in the Dust
The curse shows us the cost of sin, but the gospel shows us the power of grace. We were made for more than the dust. In Christ, we can be raised, restored, and seated in places of honor.
“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
— Ephesians 2:6
Turn to Christ today.
Let Him lift you from the dust—spiritually and physically—and give you the life you were meant to live.
The Lord is coming!
