Category Archive Uncategorized

  • Home   /  
  • Archive by category "Uncategorized"
    • ( Page3 )

I Am Ready for Baptism

Baptism is one of the first steps of obedience that Jesus commands for all who believe in Him. Some people may argue that baptism is unnecessary or unimportant. But, dear friend, do not take this lightly. Even if it seems unimportant to you, it is highly significant to the One who gave the command—our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why should we be baptized?

✅ Because it is the Lord’s command.

Baptism is not optional; it is part of the Great Commission Jesus gave to His followers:

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

✅ Because Jesus Himself was baptized as an example for us.

Although He was without sin, Jesus chose to be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). If He, the sinless Son of God, submitted to baptism, how much more should we who have been saved by grace?

Matthew 3:13-15 (ESV)

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented.

✅ Because baptism is an outward sign of an inner reality.

Baptism is a public declaration that you have been united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It symbolizes that you have died to sin and now live a new life in Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 (ESV)

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Who should be baptized?

✅ Those who believe and repent.

Baptism is for those who have consciously placed their faith in Jesus Christ and have turned away from sin. It is never presented in the New Testament as something done for infants or those who have not personally believed.

Acts 2:41 (ESV)

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

 

Acts 8:12 (ESV)

But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

When should a person be baptized?

✅ As soon as possible after believing.

In the New Testament, people were baptized shortly after believing in Jesus. There was no long waiting period or requirement for advanced spiritual maturity. Baptism marked the beginning of their new life.

Acts 2:38 (ESV)

And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Acts 16:33 (ESV)

And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.

What is the correct mode of baptism?

✅ Baptism by full immersion in water.

The biblical pattern shows people going down into the water and coming up again—symbolizing burial and resurrection.

John 3:23 (ESV)

John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized.

 

Acts 8:38-39 (ESV)

And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away.

✅ Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.

This is consistent with baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, because Jesus embodies the fullness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9).

Acts 10:48 (ESV)

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

 

Acts 19:5 (ESV)

On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

What if I was baptized as an infant or not by immersion?

✅ You should be baptized again in the biblical way.

If you were baptized before you personally believed or not by full immersion, it is right and proper to be baptized according to the teaching and example found in Scripture.

Where can I be baptized.

If you are saved and ready to take this step, look for a Bible-believing church that practices baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. If you need help arranging for baptism, feel free to contact us:

📞 +255 693 036 618 / +255 789 001 312

Scriptures to remember about baptism

✅ Colossians 2:12 (ESV) — “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

✅ Galatians 3:27 (ESV) — “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

May the Lord richly bless you as you take this step of faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

New Life in Christ

 

Salvation is more than just a momentary decision—it marks the beginning of a complete transformation in a person’s life. When someone is truly saved, several key things begin to happen by the work of the Holy Spirit. Let us explore what salvation does in a person’s life:

1. You Become a New Creation

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
— John 3:3 (NIV)

The new birth, or being “born again,” is not a reformation of your old self—it is a divine transformation. When you are saved, you do not just try to become a better version of your old self; you become someone entirely new. Just like a baby is born into a brand-new world, salvation brings you into a new spiritual reality.

Christianity is not merely a symbol, a social group, or a religious routine. It is the beginning of a completely new life in a different kingdom—with a new heart, new desires, and a new Lord.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

2. You Are Transferred from the Kingdom of Darkness

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
— Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Salvation also means a change of kingdoms. Before Christ, we lived under the rule of darkness—bound by sin, addictions, occult practices, worldliness, pride, and the influence of Satan. But through the cross, Christ delivers us from all this and brings us under His righteous rule.

This deliverance is not symbolic; it’s a real spiritual transition. That’s why a person who is truly saved cannot continue clinging to charms, talismans, witchcraft, drunkenness, or immoral living. Just as Zacchaeus gave up his life of corruption after encountering Jesus (Luke 19:8-9), we too must leave behind all things that dishonor God.

3. You Begin Walking in a Life of Ongoing Sanctification

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
— Philippians 2:12–13 (NIV)

Although we are saved the moment we believe in Christ, salvation is not a one-time event to be taken lightly. It is a journey of daily surrender and sanctification—becoming more like Jesus every day.

Working out your salvation means actively cooperating with the Holy Spirit. It means living a life that bears fruit worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8), striving for holiness (Hebrews 12:14), and walking in obedience. Salvation is a gift, but it comes with a call to grow, mature, and reflect God’s character in every area of life.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you have received Christ and been born again, then you must also make a clear break from your former way of life. True repentance (toba) means turning away completely from all sin and ungodly behavior. If you were living in sexual immorality, drunkenness, theft, or dishonesty—leave it all behind today.

Like Zacchaeus, whose heart and actions changed the day he met Christ, your new life should be evident to all.

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house…”
— Luke 19:8–9 (NIV)

In Conclusion

Salvation is not just a gift from God—it’s an invitation into a new kingdom, a new way of life, and a new identity. It comes with a new King (Jesus), a new purpose, and a new path. From now on, strive to live in holiness, bearing the fruit of repentance and letting your life be a testimony of God’s grace and power.

Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
— Ephesians 5:8–10 (NIV)

 

Print this post

I Am Ready to Be Saved

The Prayer of Salvation:

God has a great plan for your life—first, to save you, and second, to reveal His goodness in every area of your life. This decision to receive the Lord Jesus is the wisest choice you will ever make, and you will rejoice over it for all eternity.

If you are ready to receive salvation, you can take this step of faith right now, wherever you are. Simply kneel before God in humility, and pray the following words sincerely and in faith. At this very moment, salvation will be freely given to you.

Say this prayer out loud:

“Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You died for my sins and that You rose again and live forever. I confess that I am a sinner, deserving of judgment and death. But today, I repent of all my sins and surrender my life to You.

I ask for Your forgiveness, Lord Jesus. Please write my name in the Book of Life. I invite You into my heart to be my Lord and Savior from this day forward. I choose to follow and obey You all the days of my life.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for forgiving me and saving me. Amen.”

What Just Happened?

By sincerely praying that simple prayer, the Lord Jesus has already forgiven your sins. Remember, forgiveness is not about pleading with God over and over again for the number of sins you’ve committed, as though you’re trying to persuade Him. No.

God has already provided forgiveness through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Now it is our responsibility to receive that forgiveness in our hearts by believing in what God has done through Jesus.

As the Apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 10:9–10 (NIV)
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

What Does It Mean to Believe?

When the Bible says “believe,” it means accepting by faith the finished work of Jesus on the cross—His death as the full payment for our sins.

It’s like someone offering you a diamond and saying, “If you accept this, your poverty will be over.” Your part is not to cry or beg, but simply to believe that what they are offering is real and valuable—and then accept it.

Likewise, Jesus offers us forgiveness of sin. He says, “If you believe that I died to completely remove your sins, then you will be saved.”
When you believe that Jesus died for you and accept Him as Lord and Savior, your sins are erased—no matter how many they were.

Why the Prayer Was Enough:

That short but heartfelt prayer is enough to make you a child of God. Why? Because by it, you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That is the basis of salvation. As Jesus Himself declared:

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

You are now born again. Welcome to the family of God!

Print this post

What Does “Give Strong Drink to Him Who Is Perishing” Mean?

 

The Question:

Proverbs 31:6–7 says:
“Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart.
Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”

Does this verse mean it’s okay for believers to drink alcohol when facing sorrow, pain, or hardship?

Understanding the Context – The Old Covenant and Physical Solutions:
To interpret this properly, we must consider the dispensational context. Proverbs was written under the Old Covenant, a time when God’s dealings with humanity were largely external and physical (Hebrews 8:6–13). Under that covenant, people often turned to physical remedies for emotional and moral issues—including the use of strong drink to dull grief and suffering.

It’s similar to how they were permitted to divorce or marry multiple wives—not because it was God’s ideal, but because of the hardness of their hearts.

Jesus clarifies this:

Matthew 19:7–8 
They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”
He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.”

God tolerated certain human practices in the Old Testament, but they never reflected His original design. The temporary provision to allow strong drink for those in sorrow was just that—a temporary allowance, not a divine endorsement of alcohol as a lasting solution.

Limitations of Alcohol as Comfort:

The thinking behind Proverbs 31:6–7 was that someone overwhelmed by grief might use alcohol to forget their pain, especially during severe distress like death or deep poverty. Even Job’s story (Job 1–2) shows the depth of grief humans face. But the relief from alcohol is fleeting. Once the drink wears off, the pain returns. Alcohol doesn’t heal, it numbs—and only for a short time.

This highlights an important theological truth: Fleshly solutions cannot resolve spiritual or emotional problems.

God’s Better Solution in the New Covenant – The Holy Spirit:
With the coming of Christ, God introduced a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6), bringing lasting spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit. Jesus offers not a temporary escape from sorrow, but living water that satisfies the deepest longings of the soul.

John 7:37–39
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The Holy Spirit brings what alcohol cannot: true comfort, lasting peace, freedom from sin, and inner joy.

The Day of Pentecost – The Spirit Misunderstood as Wine:
When the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, the joy and boldness experienced by the disciples caused some onlookers to think they were drunk. But Peter corrected them:

Acts 2:15–17
“For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…’”

This wasn’t the intoxication of wine—it was the overflow of the Spirit.

A Clear Command Against Drunkenness:
In the New Testament, believers are commanded not to seek emotional escape or joy through alcohol, but to be filled with the Holy Spirit:

Ephesians 5:18
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”

Paul draws a clear contrast: drunkenness leads to spiritual and moral collapse, but being filled with the Spirit brings life, order, and purpose.

Proverbs 31:6–7 is not a command or justification for alcohol use in times of sorrow. It’s a reflection of an older, less complete way of dealing with pain, rooted in the Old Covenant. Under the New Covenant, we are offered something far better: the Holy Spirit, who brings real healing and lasting joy.

Just as polygamy and divorce were permitted but not ideal, alcohol may have been tolerated—but it is not the believer’s source of comfort today. That role now belongs to the Holy Spirit, the Comforter (John 14:26).

Let us, therefore, understand the times we live in and walk according to God’s perfect will.

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness…”
—Romans 8:26 

God bless you 

Print this post
Mithali 3:27 ? [27]Usiwanyime watu mema yaliyo haki yao, Ikiwa katika uwezo wa mkono wako kuyatenda.

Understanding Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due”

Proverbs 3:27 (ESV) – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”

What Does This Verse Mean?

This verse from Proverbs offers both a moral and spiritual principle: we are not to withhold acts of kindness, generosity, or justice from those who have a rightful claim to them—especially when we are capable of helping.

There are two parts to this command:

  1. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due.”
  2. “When it is in your power to do it.”

Let’s unpack these two elements in more detail.

1. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due”

The Hebrew phrase here literally implies, “Do not hold back good from its owners.” In other words, this “good” is not charity in the modern sense, where the giver decides whether to give or not—it is a moral obligation. Some people have a rightful claim to our help.

Who are the people to whom good is due?

a) Biological Family

Scripture places primary responsibility on caring for our immediate families.

1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV) – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Neglecting one’s own family is seen as a betrayal of the Christian faith. Family care is not optional—it’s foundational to biblical responsibility. This includes:

  • Elderly parents (see also Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother…”)
  • Children
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

When a family member is in need, helping them is not just generous—it is just.

b) Fellow Believers (The Household of Faith)

Galatians 6:10 (ESV) – “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Early Christian communities functioned almost like extended families. They shared their possessions and looked after each other’s needs (Acts 2:44–45). The Apostle John adds that failing to help a brother in need casts doubt on the genuineness of one’s faith:

1 John 3:17–18 (ESV) –
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

This also includes:

  • Widows in the church who meet the biblical qualifications (see 1 Timothy 5:3–10).
  • Faithful ministers of the gospel who devote themselves to preaching and teaching (see 1 Corinthians 9:14 – “The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.”)

c) The Poor and Needy

The Bible consistently commands care for the poor, widows, orphans, and the oppressed.

Galatians 2:10 (ESV) – “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

Helping the poor is not an act of superiority but of justice and mercy. God identifies Himself as a defender of the poor:

Proverbs 19:17 (ESV) – “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

This includes:

  • Homeless individuals
  • Disabled persons
  • Needy neighbors
  • Strangers in need (see Deuteronomy 10:18–19)

2. “When it is in your power to do it”

This part of the verse introduces wisdom and boundaries. God does not expect us to give what we do not have. Generosity must be spirit-led and situationally wise.

2 Corinthians 8:12–13 (ESV) –
“For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened.”

Paul clarifies that giving should be based on one’s ability—not out of guilt or pressure. God honors the willing heart, not the amount.

Balance is important:

  • Don’t neglect your own household in an effort to help others.
  • Don’t give beyond your means, unless the Spirit leads and your faith is strong enough to sustain it.
  • Don’t ignore real needs just because you fear running out.

Luke 6:38 (ESV) – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap…”

The principle is this: God provides more to those who are faithful stewards, knowing they will channel blessings to others.

Theological Reflection

This proverb aligns with the biblical themes of justice, mercy, and stewardship. God is not simply calling us to be “nice people”—He is calling us to be agents of His righteousness on earth. Helping those “to whom it is due” reflects:

  • God’s character – who is merciful and just.
  • Kingdom living – where believers reflect heaven’s values on earth.
  • Practical holiness – where love becomes action.

Conclusion

Proverbs 3:27 is not just a call to generosity—it’s a call to justice and responsibility.

Help those:

  • You are biblically responsible for,
  • Who are in genuine need,
  • And when you have the means to do so.

Use wisdom, act from a willing heart, and remember that your help to others is ultimately service to God Himself.

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

May the Lord bless you and make you a faithful steward of every good gift He has given you.

Print this post

Being a Friend of the World is Being an Enemy of God

James 4:4 (NKJV) says, 

“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

This verse confronts a serious issue in the life of a believer: worldliness. Loving the world and its desires automatically positions someone against God. The “world” here is not the physical planet but the system of values, pleasures, and desires that stand in opposition to God’s will. In other words, when we indulge in sinful desires such as lust, immorality, greed, materialism, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures (like music, sports fandom, drinking, or indulgence in sinful habits) we make ourselves enemies of God. We cannot serve both God and the world (Matthew 6:24).

In 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

John categorizes three specific worldly temptations:

  • The lust of the flesh (desires of physical indulgence),
  • The lust of the eyes (coveting things we see),
  • The pride of life (self-reliance and arrogance due to worldly success).

These temptations do not come from God. In fact, John warns that the world’s system is temporary, but those who do God’s will will endure forever. Worldly things pass away, but the eternal value lies in God’s purposes and His kingdom.

The Pride of Life: A Dangerous Trap

The pride of life specifically refers to a person’s belief that their achievements be it through education, wealth, or fame make them independent of God or above His commands. In biblical terms, pride is a dangerous thing.

Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) says,

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

This is evident in the lives of many who have turned away from God due to their arrogance and self-sufficiency.

Take, for example, the story of King Belshazzar in Daniel 5. Despite his wealth and power, he chose to mock God by using sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem to drink wine in a feast. That night, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote the words “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PERES” on the wall, signifying the end of his reign and the judgment of God. The pride he had in his kingdom did not save him; in fact, it led to his downfall.

As Daniel 5:30 (NIV) says,

“That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain.”

Likewise, the rich man in Luke 16:19-31 had a life of luxury, enjoying all the pleasures of the world, but he ignored the needs of Lazarus, a poor beggar. Upon his death, he found himself in torment, while Lazarus was comforted in Abraham’s bosom. Jesus uses this parable to demonstrate the tragic end of those who live for worldly pleasure without regard for God and His Kingdom.

The World Is Passing Away

The Bible is clear that the world and all its desires are temporary.

In 1 John 2:17, it says,

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

This highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. Everything in this world our possessions, our achievements, our pleasures will eventually fade away, but the will of God and those who do it will endure forever.

Jesus asks in

Mark 8:36 (NIV),

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

This is a stark reminder that eternal life, not earthly pleasures, should be our focus. Gaining wealth, fame, or worldly pleasure can’t compare to the value of your soul. The rich man, despite his worldly riches, could not escape the consequences of his sin. His possessions were meaningless in the face of eternity.

What Are You Living For?

The Bible continually asks us to evaluate our priorities. Are you a friend of God, or have you aligned yourself with the world? If you still find yourself caught up in the pursuits of this world whether it’s indulgence in sin, the desire for wealth, fame, or the fleeting pleasures of life then you are, in essence, an enemy of God.

However, the good news is that God is merciful. If you haven’t yet accepted Christ, today is the day to change. Repent turn away from your sin and seek baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus, as described in Acts 2:38. Peter commands in Acts 2:38 (NKJV),

“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.”

This is the step toward becoming a true friend of God.

Conclusion: Eternal Choices

The Bible calls us to be careful with the choices we make. While the world offers temporary pleasures, it can never offer eternal life.

1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) reminds us,

“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

These examples of the past serve as a warning to us.

Question: Are you a friend of God, or an enemy of God? If you’re still clinging to the things of this world whether it’s materialism, sin, or any form of worldliness then you are standing in opposition to God. But if you accept Jesus today, you can be reconciled to Him and become His true friend.

Maranatha!

Print this post
tamaa ni dhambi

Is Desire a Sin According to James 1:15?

Question:
“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:15, ESV)
Does this mean desire itself is not a sin?

Answer:
Desire, in and of itself, is not sinful. According to Scripture, it is part of the human makeup given by God. However, as James 1:15 reveals, desire becomes sinful when it is misdirected—when it conceives and gives birth to sin.

1. The Nature of Desire in Scripture

Desire (Greek: epithymia) can be neutral, good, or evil depending on its object and direction. For example, Jesus Himself used this word in a holy sense:

“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” (Luke 22:15, ESV)

God created human desires to motivate action. Hunger, for instance, prompts us to eat and sustain our bodies. Sexual desire, likewise, is designed for the sacred bond of marriage:

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…” (Genesis 1:28, ESV)

But when these desires are not governed by God’s will, they can lead us into sin:

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14, ESV)

So, desire becomes sinful not in its origin but in its expression—when it is fed and pursued in ways that go against God’s design.

2. Desire’s Role in the Fall

The story of the Fall illustrates this perfectly. Eve saw that the tree was “a delight to the eyes” and “to be desired to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6, ESV). Her desire, once distorted and misled, led to disobedience and spiritual death—just as James later warns.

The Apostle John reinforces this pattern:

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16, ESV)

3. When Desire Turns into Sin

James 1:14–15 explains the internal process of temptation:

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14–15, ESV)

The metaphor of conception is deliberate. Just as conception leads to birth, entertained and nourished desire leads to sin—and persistent sin leads to death (both spiritual and ultimately eternal, unless repented of).

This principle applies to all areas of life:

  • Food: God gave us hunger, but overindulgence leads to gluttony (Philippians 3:19).
  • Sexuality: God designed sex for marriage (Hebrews 13:4), but lust and fornication are condemned (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5).
  • Ambition: God calls us to work and succeed, but selfish ambition and envy are worldly and unspiritual (James 3:14–16).

4. Guarding the Heart Against Misguided Desire

Jesus emphasized the inner life:

“Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28, ESV)

That’s why Scripture warns us:

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

And again:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)

Feeding sinful desire—through pornography, immoral conversation, or impure media—nurtures sin. As Paul says:

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” (Romans 6:12, ESV)

5. Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh

The Christian life is a life of submission to the Spirit of God. Paul writes:

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, ESV)

He adds that the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit—and lists sins like sexual immorality, impurity, drunkenness, and envy as works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21). He then contrasts them with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), which is the evidence of a sanctified heart.

6. Master Desire Before It Masters You

Desire is a powerful force. When submitted to God, it drives us to worship, to seek Him, to love others, and to fulfill His purposes. But when left unchecked, it can lead us far from Him.

That’s why Scripture urges:

“Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases.” (Song of Solomon 2:7, ESV)

And finally:

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)

May the Lord help us to master our desires and submit them fully to His will.

Feel free to share this message with others so they too may walk in truth and freedom.

Print this post

Understanding Romans 7:25 – Do We Serve the Law of Sin?

Question:

What is the meaning of Romans 7:25? Does it mean we continue serving the law of sin?

Romans 7:25 (ESV):

“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

Explanation:

In Romans chapter 7, the Apostle Paul describes a profound and personal struggle between two realities:

  1. His inner desire to obey God,

  2. And the sinful nature (the flesh) that continues to wage war against that desire.

Paul is not making excuses for sin, nor is he promoting a life of spiritual defeat. Rather, he is revealing the deep conflict that exists in the life of every believer: the tension between the regenerate mind (which loves God’s law) and the unredeemed flesh (which is still prone to sin).

Paul’s Inner Conflict:

In Romans 7:19–20 (NIV), Paul says:

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”

This passage reveals the dual nature of the believer’s experience:

  • The “inner man” delights in God’s law (v.22).

  • But the “members of the body” are still influenced by sin.

This doesn’t mean Paul is justifying sin, but rather acknowledging that sin still resides in the body, even though the heart and mind have been transformed by Christ.

The Purpose of Romans 7:

Paul uses Romans 7 to show that the Mosaic Law, while holy and good (v.12), does not have the power to free someone from sin. In fact, it reveals sin more clearly, but doesn’t provide a solution.

Paul’s main point is to demonstrate the limits of human effort — that trying to fulfill the law in our own strength is impossible because of the power of sin that still works in our flesh.

Romans 7:25 – A Cry of Hope, Not Defeat

When Paul says, “With my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin,” he is not endorsing a double life. Instead, he is:

  • Acknowledging the ongoing presence of sinful impulses in the flesh,

  • While celebrating the deliverance that comes only through Jesus Christ.

This verse acts as a transition between chapters 7 and 8 — from the hopeless struggle under the law to the hopeful victory through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8 – The Solution: Life in the Spirit

Paul doesn’t stop at chapter 7. He moves immediately to the solution in Romans 8:1–2 (NKJV):

“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. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

In other words:

  • The law could point out sin,

  • But only the Holy Spirit can empower us to overcome it.

Theological Insight:

This conflict between flesh and Spirit is also explained in Galatians 5:16–18 (ESV):

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit… But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Here, Paul teaches that victory over sin doesn’t come from self-effort or law-keeping, but from a Spirit-filled life — one in which we submit daily to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

Romans 7:25 is not a statement of defeat — it’s a turning point.

Paul wants believers to understand that:

  • The battle with sin is real,

  • But we are not left helpless.

  • Through Jesus Christ, we are given the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live in victory over the power of sin.

It’s a call to every believer to stop relying on their own strength and start walking in step with the Spirit.

Final Call:

Do you know how to walk in the Spirit?
If not, we invite you to learn more. Reach out through the numbers below to receive guidance and support.

Contact Us:
📞 +255693036618 / +255789001312
📲 Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click Here

Share this message with others who need hope and encouragement.

If you would like to receive Jesus Christ into your life today, contact us — it’s free, and it will change your life forever.

Print this post
SADAKA INAONDOA MADHARA YA MAUTI

Sacrifice Removes the Effects of Death

A sacrifice offered according to the guidance of God’s Word holds profound spiritual power for the one who offers it. While some issues can be resolved by prayer alone, others require the combined power of both prayer and sacrifice.

Let us consider the biblical account to deepen our understanding.

When the prophet Samuel was called to anoint David as king in place of Saul, the Scriptures reveal his deep fear about this mission.

Why was Samuel afraid? Because King Saul was jealous and fearful of losing his throne. The anointing of another king implied Saul’s rejection by God and threatened his life. Jealousy and anger can provoke deadly responses, so Samuel feared that Saul would kill both him and the chosen successor.

Yet, God’s sovereign plan was to anoint David without bloodshed or harm to His servants. How was this accomplished? Through the involvement of a sacrifice.

Let’s read the passage from 1 Samuel 16:1-3 (ESV):

“The LORD said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.’
But Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.’ And the LORD said, ‘Take a heifer with you and say, “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.”
And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You shall anoint for me the one I name to you.’”

Here we see the sacrificial offering was not just a ritual but a divine strategy. The sacrifice served as a cover, a spiritual shield protecting Samuel and David during a dangerous mission.

Theological Significance of Sacrifice

Sacrifice in the Old Testament often pointed forward to a deeper spiritual reality. It was a tangible expression of repentance, dependence, and communion with God. Sacrifices acknowledged human sinfulness and the need for atonement. They also symbolized life offered back to God as an act of worship.

In this story, the sacrifice also functioned as an intervention against the power of death and evil forces. The “cords of death” (Psalm 18:4, ESV: “The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me”) were loosened by the offering. This aligns with the biblical teaching that the spiritual realm is affected by acts of worship and obedience.

Spiritual Dynamics of Offering

When a believer offers a sacrifice or special offering to the Lord, moved by revelation and a heart surrendered to God—not pressured by human demand or distress—spiritual blessings flow. The chains of sin and death are broken. God’s grace and protection are released.

It is important to give these offerings where the Lord is worshiped and honored—such as in the church or places dedicated to God’s work (cf. Malachi 3:10, ESV: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse…”), because the place of God’s presence is where grace and spiritual authority reside.

Giving to others (like friends or the poor) is good and blessed, but the Lord’s offerings belong to Him and should be brought to Him according to biblical instructions.

Set apart a special portion for the Lord as a sacrifice of worship, in addition to your generosity towards the needy. This dual practice reflects God’s order and honors His sovereignty.

May the Lord bless and strengthen you as you offer your life and gifts in reverent obedience to Him!

Print this post

Understanding Proverbs 1:20 – “Wisdom Raises Her Voice in the Public Square”

Proverbs 1:20–21 (ESV) states:

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks.”

This passage vividly portrays wisdom as a person who openly calls out to all people, inviting them to hear and receive her counsel. Theologically, wisdom in the Bible is far more than human knowledge or intellectual skill. It is a divine attribute—God’s own ability to discern, judge, and govern rightly on earth.

Biblical Examples of Divine Wisdom

  • Creation by Wisdom: Proverbs 8:22–31 (NASB) reveals that wisdom was present with God before creation and was actively involved in the formation of the heavens and the earth:
    “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth… When He established the heavens, I was there…”

  • Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom: In 1 Kings 3:9–12, Solomon humbly asked God for wisdom to govern His people well, and God granted him unparalleled wisdom. This shows that divine wisdom is a gift from God, not merely a human achievement.

  • Daniel’s Wisdom: Daniel 1:17 describes how God gave Daniel knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, and in Daniel 2:20–23, Daniel acknowledges God as the source of all wisdom and revelation.

Wisdom Personified in Christ

The Bible also personifies wisdom as a person, and this person is ultimately Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV) declares,
    “But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
    This shows that Christ embodies the fullness of divine wisdom.

  • Colossians 2:3 (NASB) affirms,
    “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
    Christ is the inexhaustible source of true wisdom, surpassing all earthly understanding.

How Do We Receive This Wisdom?

To receive divine wisdom, one must encounter Jesus Christ personally. To “see” wisdom means to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, as Romans 10:9 (ESV) explains:
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Following Jesus by walking in His ways is the path of living out divine wisdom in daily life.

Where Is This Wisdom Found?

Proverbs 1:20–21 describes wisdom’s voice being raised in public spaces—markets, city gates, and busy streets. Theologically, this corresponds to the preaching of the Gospel, which is God’s wisdom revealed to humanity and proclaimed openly to all.

Jesus commands His followers to preach the Gospel everywhere (Mark 16:15), and the church fulfills this by sharing the message in public spaces—on streets, marketplaces, gatherings, and through modern media.

The Urgency and Universality of the Gospel Call

The wisdom of God is available everywhere and at all times. The real issue is not the absence of wisdom but the rejection of it by many. Proverbs 1:24–28 warns of the consequences of ignoring wisdom’s call.

Anyone who believes in Christ opens the door to true understanding and eternal life, unlocking God’s mysteries and transforming their life.

May God bless you richly as you seek His wisdom and walk in His truth.

Print this post

Archives

Search

Archives

Migawanyo