Tag: christianity

• Listen to Him

  

  In Matthew 17, we witness a moment that shakes the very heavens. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them—His face shining like the sun, His clothes gleaming white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets. Peter, overwhelmed, wants to build three tabernacles—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. But then a voice thunders from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5, NASB).

  In Jewish thought, Moses and Elijah represented the pinnacle of Israel’s spiritual legacy. Moses was the supreme law-giver—the man through whom God delivered His covenant. Elijah was the foremost prophet—the man through whom God’s voice thundered with clarity and power. These two figures were not simply historical heroes; they were the twin peaks of Israel’s religious heritage. To a Jewish mind, seeing Moses and Elijah was like seeing all of God’s past revelation standing before you.

  And here they are, not merely present, but standing with Jesus. They do not outshine Him—they yield to Him. They speak to Him as He sets His face toward Jerusalem, toward the cross. Their presence affirms His path. It is as if all of Israel’s history rises to its feet and points to Jesus as its fulfillment. The greatest law-giver and the greatest prophet come together, their very presence affirming that Jesus is the one to whom the law and the prophets have always pointed. Their appearance serves as heaven’s confirmation that Jesus is on the right path—and that He must continue.

  Then comes something even greater—the voice of God. A luminous cloud overshadows them—this wasn’t just a dramatic weather event. It represented the very presence of God. In the Old Testament, God often showed Himself in a cloud of light and glory, such as when He led Israel through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud, or when His glory filled the tabernacle. This cloud on the mountain was another sign that God Himself had arrived and was making His will unmistakably known. This cloud, familiar from Israel’s journey through the wilderness, now signals the presence of Almighty God. From it comes the command: Listen to Him. Not Moses. Not Elijah. Jesus.

  This is no ordinary moment. It is a declaration that the time of shadows and types has passed, and the fullness of God’s message has arrived in His Son. This is the turning point. This is the voice that cuts through every other.

  All men need to hear the Son of God. God Himself tells us—commands us—to listen to Him. And we must.

  I. Why Should All Men Hear Him?

  When the voice of God thundered on the mountain and said, “This is My beloved Son… listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5, NASB), it was not just for Peter, James, and John. It was a declaration for all humanity, across all time. Jesus Christ is not just one voice among many—He is the final word of God to mankind. “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son…” (Hebrews 1:1–2, NASB).

  1. Because God Commanded It

  God did not suggest that we listen to Jesus—He commanded it. That moment on the mountain was not casual, it was holy. It was God’s own voice from the glory cloud, saying, “Listen to Him!” To ignore Jesus is to disobey God. As 2 John 9 warns, “Anyone who goes too far and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God.” Listening to Jesus is not just religious preference—it is the dividing line between life and death, fellowship and separation.

  2. Because Jesus Is the Son of God

  Jesus is not merely a wise teacher or moral leader. He is the Son of God. The Father testified to this not only on the mount of transfiguration but also at His baptism (Matthew 3:17). The resurrection proved it beyond all doubt: “He was declared the Son of God with power… by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4, NASB).

  Because He is the Son, His words carry ultimate authority. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18, NASB). To hear Him is to acknowledge His authority. To disregard Him is to rebel against the King of Kings.

  3. Because His Words Are Eternal

  Jesus once said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35, NASB). Leaders rise and fall. Philosophies come and go. But the words of Christ remain. His truth is not seasonal—it is eternal. If we will be judged by His words (John 12:48), then we must listen now while we still have time to respond.

  4. Because His Words Are Life

  Jesus said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life” (John 6:63, NASB). He does not speak to impress or to entertain—He speaks to save. In a world full of noise, the words of Jesus cut through with clarity and power. Peter recognized this when he said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68, NASB).

  5. Because His Words Lead to Salvation

  Paul wrote, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, NASB). No one can come to faith apart from hearing the message of Jesus. He is the source and the subject of the gospel. If we want to be saved, we must first listen to the Savior.

  6. Because His Words Demand a Response

  Jesus never spoke to entertain. He spoke to transform. He said, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46, NASB). Hearing without obeying is hypocrisy. We must respond in faith, repentance, and submission—or we are not truly listening at all.

  So why should all men hear Him? Because the Creator of the universe says so. Because He is the beloved, divine Son. Because His words never fade. Because His words bring life. Because our salvation depends on it. Because judgment awaits those who refuse.

  To hear Jesus is to open your heart to truth. To ignore Him is to close your soul to hope.

  Let us listen—not with half-hearted attention, but with whole-hearted devotion.

  II. What Are We to Hear?

  Jesus didn’t just speak for history—He speaks for eternity. His words are life. He said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life” (John 6:63, NASB). And what are we to hear?

  1. How to Be Saved

  Jesus commanded, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned” (Mark 16:15–16, NASB). In Matthew 28:19–20, He told the disciples to “make disciples… baptizing them… teaching them to follow all that I commanded you.”

  Some try to separate salvation from baptism—but Jesus did not. To truly hear Him is to hear all of what He said—not just the parts we find comfortable.

  2. What He Said About the Church

  Jesus said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18, NASB). His church is not man-made. It’s not optional. It belongs to Him. If we listen to Jesus, we will belong to His body, not to one formed by opinion or tradition.

  The church Jesus built is the one that honors His word, upholds His name, and carries out His mission.

  3. What He Commands Those Who Are Baptized

  Jesus didn’t stop at baptism—He said, “teaching them to follow all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:20, NASB). That includes how to worship, how to give, how to serve, and how to endure. He taught faithfulness in attendance, sacrifice in service, and holiness in lifestyle.

  The call to hear Jesus is a call to obey Him fully. Not selectively. Not casually. But faithfully.

  III. Blessed Are the Persecuted for Listening to Him

  Hearing Jesus does not come without a cost. To listen to Christ is to follow Him—and that path leads through sacrifice and suffering. Jesus made it clear that living by His words would set His followers apart from the world. And in setting us apart, it often puts us in opposition to the world.

  In Matthew 5:10, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This is not a general statement about suffering—it’s a powerful encouragement tied to the life of obedience He calls us to. When we truly hear Him—when we live out His commands, uphold His church, walk in righteousness, and proclaim His gospel—resistance is inevitable.

  Why are the persecuted called blessed?

  1. Because they know what righteousness is.
  2. Because they have become partakers of that righteousness.
  3. Because their lives reflect that righteousness so clearly that the world cannot ignore them.
  4. Because they suffer for a cause that is eternal and divine—not petty or political, but godly and glorious.
  5. Because there is a reward. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great” (Matthew 5:12, NASB).

  Peter echoes this: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you” (1 Peter 4:14, NASB).

  The message of Jesus, if truly heard and obeyed, will stir resistance in a world at odds with truth. But the same voice that calls us to follow also promises eternal reward.

  We are not blessed because we suffer. We are blessed because we suffer for Jesus—for hearing Him, trusting Him, and refusing to let go.

  Conclusion: Will You Hear Him?

  We’ve seen the mountaintop moment where God declared His will in no uncertain terms: “This is My beloved Son… listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5, NASB). We’ve heard the reasons why all men must listen, examined what Christ has said about salvation and the church, and felt the weight of the calling to remain faithful even through persecution.

  But now the question comes to each one of us personally: Will you hear Him?

  Will you hear Him when He calls you to repent—not just of obvious sins, but of pride, apathy, and compromise? Will you hear Him when He calls you to follow—not in convenience, but in conviction? Will you hear Him when He says, “Take up your cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NASB)?

  His voice is not faint. His words are not lost. They’re in your hands, in the Scriptures, echoing in the assembly of the faithful. But hearing is more than awareness—it is action.

  Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46, NASB). The answer to that question will shape your life—and your eternity.

  Let us be the people who hear Him fully, follow Him boldly, and obey Him faithfully. Not just when it’s easy. Not just when it’s popular. But always.

  He is God’s final word. He is heaven’s greatest gift. He is our only hope.

  So today, and every day— Listen to Him.

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  May 20, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

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• Remembering Jesus

  

  Introduction: We Must Not Forget

  Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19, NASB). He spoke those words the night He was betrayed—knowing what was ahead, knowing who would desert Him, knowing the weight of the cross. He still asked to be remembered. Not out of pride or sentiment, but because He knew we’d need to remember. Because in remembering Him, we remember who we are.

  God understands our tendency to forget. We forget birthdays and promises; we forget names and faces. Even the lessons we learn the hard way often fade with time. That’s why Scripture keeps telling us to remember. The writer of Ecclesiastes pleads, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NASB). Forgetfulness isn’t just a human trait—it’s a spiritual risk.

  In our noisy, fast-paced world, it’s easy to drift. We get caught up in our routines, overwhelmed by our problems, or distracted by entertainment. But Jesus gently and firmly calls us back—to the table, to the cross, to Him. Remembering Him is not just an act of memory; it’s an act of worship. It’s not just looking back; it’s shaping how we move forward.

  If we build monuments to unknown soldiers, how much more should we build daily moments to honor the One who died knowingly and lovingly for us all? Remembering Jesus changes us. It reminds us we’re not alone. It reorients our priorities. It rekindles our hope. It gives strength to our steps.

  This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the foundation of our faith. It’s not emotion—it’s identity. To be a Christian is to be someone who carries Jesus in heart and action.

  So let’s walk through why Jesus must remain at the center of our lives—and what it truly means to live in remembrance of Him.

  I. Jesus Became Poor for Our Sake

  Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NASB). He left the glory of heaven and entered our broken world. Born in a borrowed stable, laid in a manger, He chose the path of humility.

  This wasn’t a loss of value—it was an act of love. He gave up status to lift us up. He took our shame so we could receive His mercy. The richness He offers is not money—it’s forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.

  Philippians tells us Jesus “emptied Himself… humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7–8, NASB). When we remember Jesus, we remember the depth of His love and what it means to serve.

  II. Jesus Left Us a Perfect Example

  Jesus didn’t just talk—He lived what He taught. “For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21, NASB).

  He showed us how to live with humility and courage. He spoke truth in love. He served the undeserving. He forgave those who wronged Him. From washing feet to carrying a cross, Jesus showed us how to walk in grace and truth.

  Following Jesus isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. His life gives us a pattern to trust and a path to walk.

  III. Jesus Died for Us

  Paul once said, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NASB). That’s because everything starts at the cross. Peter reminds us, “Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18, NASB).

  His death wasn’t a political failure or a random act of violence. It was the plan. He took our place, bore our sin, and paid our debt. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24, NASB).

  Every prayer, every hope, every breath of faith traces back to the cross.

  IV. Jesus Gave Us the Plan of Salvation

  Jesus didn’t just offer salvation—He showed us how to receive it. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to follow all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20, NASB).

  The gospel is not vague or abstract. It is rooted in truth, anchored in history, and revealed in Scripture. Faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are not rituals—they are our response to God’s grace. And Jesus Himself is the foundation of that plan.

  Because He followed through, so must we.

  V. Jesus Invites All to Come

  “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NASB). These words are for everyone—the exhausted mom, the anxious student, the hardened skeptic.

  This isn’t a one-time call. It’s a daily invitation. We come to Jesus for strength, for wisdom, for mercy. And we keep coming because only He can satisfy our deepest needs.

  VI. Jesus Offers Us a Home in Heaven

  “In My Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, NASB). Heaven is not a fairy tale—it’s our future.

  Jesus isn’t offering us a reward for being good. He’s welcoming us into the eternal presence of God. No more pain. No more tears. Just perfect peace and joy.

  VII. Jesus Is Now Interceding for Us

  He’s not distant. He’s not done. “He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25, NASB).

  Right now, Jesus is interceding for us before the Father. When we feel unworthy, unsure, or burdened by our failures, we can take comfort knowing He represents us—not based on our perfection, but on His righteousness and sacrifice.

  VIII. Jesus Sympathizes with Us

  He’s not aloof. “We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses…” (Hebrews 4:15, NASB). Jesus gets it—pain, temptation, loss, loneliness.

  He’s felt it. He’s carried it. And He’s with us through it.

  IX. Jesus Is Coming Again

  “This Jesus… will come in the same way as you have watched Him go” (Acts 1:11, NASB).

  His return isn’t a rumor—it’s a promise. The world may scoff, but we watch and wait. Our King is coming.

  X. When He Comes, All Will Be Raised

  “All who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come out” (John 5:28–29, NASB).

  Every grave will break open. Every soul will rise. This life is not all there is. And remembering Jesus means living ready for what’s next.

  XI. He Will Judge Us All

  “He has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22, NASB). Jesus is both Savior and Judge. “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NASB).

  One day we’ll stand before Him—not with excuses, but with truth. Let’s live like we believe that.

  XII. He Will Reward the Faithful and Punish the Disobedient

  “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, NASB). “The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven… dealing out retribution…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8, NASB).

  God is just. And He keeps His promises—both of comfort and consequence.

  Conclusion: Never Forget Him

  Jesus died for you. He lives for you. He’s coming back for you. Don’t forget Him.

  “To forget Him is to forget who we are and why we exist.” The Bible says it simply: “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NASB).

  So what does it mean to remember Jesus? It means thinking of Him when you’re tempted. Leaning on Him when you’re tired. Talking about Him when you’re asked. Living like Him when you’re tested.

  It means treasuring His words, copying His ways, and longing for His return.

  Let’s not wait for Sundays or suffering to remember Him. Let’s remember Him in every moment—and let that remembrance shape everything about us.

  What you remember shapes who you become.

  So remember Jesus—until you see Him face to face.

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  May 16, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

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• Let Us Freely Speak

  

  To speak freely is to speak without fear, hesitation, or restraint. Gospel preachers are charged with a sacred responsibility: to declare the message of Christ boldly and faithfully. As Jesus commanded, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, NASB). The apostle Paul affirmed that the gospel must not be altered: “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel… But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:6, 8, NASB).

  This boldness is not optional; it is essential to the nature of the gospel message. “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21, NASB). Peter exemplifies this boldness in Acts 2:29, saying, “Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day” (Acts 2:29, NASB). He spoke with courage and clarity, pointing to the risen Christ.

  I. Why We Must Speak

  Peter stood before the crowd on Pentecost not because he was perfect, but because the message was urgent. His past denials of Christ only deepened his conviction to now speak boldly. Like Peter, we speak because we have been forgiven, transformed, and entrusted with the truth. We speak because eternity is at stake—for ourselves and for those who hear us. “How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14, NASB).

  II. Who Must Hear

  The gospel was first preached to the Jews, but it was always meant for the world. Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 addresses “Men of Israel,” but it concludes with a promise to “you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself” (Acts 2:39, NASB). Every soul—Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, skeptic or seeker—needs the gospel. As Christians, we speak to a world both within and outside the church. To the alien sinner, we proclaim salvation. To the wavering believer, we call for endurance. No one is beyond the reach of the gospel’s relevance.

  III. What We Must Say

  We preach Jesus—crucified, risen, and reigning. Peter’s sermon was centered on the person and work of Christ: “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32, NASB). He continued, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36, NASB). Our message must echo this: Christ has conquered sin and death. He is Lord of all. And He demands our allegiance. The gospel is not good advice—it is the good news of salvation, grounded in historical reality and eternal consequence.

  IV. The Resolve Not to Shrink Back

  Christ and the apostles did not shrink back from the message that needed to be spoken, even when it cost them dearly. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His day with piercing truth, calling them to repentance. The apostles followed that example, declaring the word of God regardless of the cost. Paul said, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was beneficial, and teaching you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20, NASB).

  John the Baptist serves as a sobering example of unwavering conviction. He confronted Herod’s immoral relationship, saying, “It is not lawful for you to have her” (Matthew 14:4, NASB). For that truth, John was imprisoned and ultimately beheaded. He did not flinch in the face of power. He did not temper truth to protect himself. He spoke as a faithful messenger must—and he paid the price.

  So must we. We are not called to be popular, but to be faithful. We are not called to adjust the message to our times, but to deliver the message of eternal truth. The gospel is not ours to edit; it is ours to proclaim. As Paul reminded the Ephesian elders, “Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all people. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:26–27, NASB).

  We must have the resolve to speak freely—to those who will hear and to those who will not. Our task is not to guarantee results but to deliver the truth. We do not shrink back. We stand fast. We preach Christ—clearly, powerfully, and unapologetically. Jesus said, “My teaching is not My own, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16, NASB). Stephen spoke boldly and paid with his life (Acts 7). Paul warned, “For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:3, NASB).

  Let us not join the ranks of those who shrink back. Let us be counted among those who, like the prophets and apostles before us, speak what is true no matter the consequence. “But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39, NASB).

  V. The Results of Faithful Preaching

  When the gospel is preached in its fullness, the results follow. The word of God is living and powerful. “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword… and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NASB). On the day of Pentecost, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41, NASB). Later, Paul could write, “…the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven” (Colossians 1:23, NASB).

  The same results will follow when we preach today as they did. The world does not need a new message. It needs the old message, preached with the conviction, compassion, and clarity of the apostles—preached with the resolve of men and women who refuse to compromise truth.

  Conclusion: Let Us Freely Speak

  Let us freely speak. Let us preach Christ—crucified, risen, and reigning. Let us declare His gospel as it was preached from the beginning. “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29, NASB). The world still needs to hear it. And the church must never grow weary of proclaiming it.

  Let us speak freely, not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. The truth is not ours to soften. The message is not ours to modernize. We are stewards of a gospel that saves, a word that convicts, a Christ who reigns. We must not compromise to please men or retreat in the face of cultural opposition. We must preach the word—because souls are at stake.

  If the apostles could risk their lives to speak freely, we can risk our comfort to do the same. If the early church could turn the world upside down with the gospel, we must believe the same gospel still has power. Let us open our mouths with the confidence that God works through His word. Let us fill the pulpit, the classroom, the conversation, and the world with the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ. May our generation not be found silent, but bold. May our voice echo the conviction of heaven: that Jesus is both Lord and Christ, and that all must turn to Him in faith and obedience. May we be those who do not shrink back—but press on, speak up, and proclaim salvation through Christ alone.

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  May 15, 2025

  bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

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• Conversion of the Jailor

  (Acts 16:16–34)

  

  Paul’s second missionary journey brought him to Philippi, where he encountered diverse individuals in need of the gospel. Among them was a Roman jailor whose transformation became a clear, compelling example of biblical conversion. This passage contains more than historical narrative—it reveals principles that still speak to every believer today. These lessons are especially vital for Christians as we reflect on the cost of discipleship and the evidence of genuine faith.

  The story unfolds with Paul and Silas faithfully preaching the gospel, facing unjust imprisonment, and yet responding with praise and trust in God. From the disruption of a slave girl’s spirit to the miraculous earthquake that opened prison doors, God’s hand is seen directing events toward a powerful moment of salvation. In a time of darkness and despair, the jailor asked the most important question any person can ask: “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

  This account is not just about a man who changed his destiny in one night. It is about the power of the gospel to convict, transform, and mobilize. It shows the gospel at work through trial, through testimony, and through truth. It reminds us that the call to Christ demands more than a confession—it demands a life surrendered and changed. Let us look closely at each stage of this story and ask how it might still shape our walk with Christ today.

  We Must Practice What We Preach

  As Paul preached in Philippi, a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination followed him, shouting, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you a way of salvation” (Acts 16:17, NASB). Though her words were technically accurate, her spirit was not. Paul was greatly annoyed and cast the spirit out (v. 18). This response highlights a vital truth: not everyone who speaks spiritual language is spiritually sound.

  Psalm 50:16 warns, “But to the wicked God says, ‘What right do you have to tell of My statutes and to take My covenant in your mouth?’” It is not enough to speak truth; we must embody it. Paul emphasized this when he instructed Timothy, “Entrust these things to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Our lives must not contradict our message. When our character falls short, it tarnishes the message of the gospel.

  We Must Preach the Truth—Even When It Costs Us

  Paul and Silas faced severe consequences for casting out the spirit. They were arrested, beaten without trial, and thrown into prison (Acts 16:19–24). This reminds us that standing for truth often invites persecution. Christians may be misrepresented, criticized, and falsely accused, but none of that negates our duty to preach.

  Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). The apostles didn’t seek trouble, but they didn’t avoid truth to stay safe. Neither should we. The cost of silence is higher than the cost of suffering.

  We Must Praise in the Dark

  Though Paul and Silas were suffering physically, they responded spiritually: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Their joy did not depend on comfort—it flowed from their faith.

  James encourages this mindset: “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises” (James 5:13). And Jesus promised, “I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Their praise turned prison into a place of testimony. The other prisoners heard it. We never know who is listening when we choose to praise through pain.

  We Must Be Ready to Reach the Lost

  When an earthquake shook the prison, the jailor, thinking the prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life. But Paul cried out, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” (Acts 16:28). The jailor, trembling, asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v. 30).

  This man, a hardened Roman jailor, seemed an unlikely candidate for conversion. Yet in his moment of crisis, he turned to the truth. Paul and Silas did not miss the opportunity. We must never presume who will or won’t respond to the gospel. We are called to teach diligently, knowing that many are more honest and open than they first appear.

  We Must Obey the Whole Gospel—Not Just Believe

  Paul and Silas answered the jailor, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). But belief was only the beginning. Verse 32 says they “spoke the word of God to him.” The jailor listened, believed, and responded. Then, “he was baptized immediately, he and all his household” (v. 33).

  This pattern matches Acts 22:16, where Paul recounts his own conversion: “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name.” Biblical belief leads to obedience. Faith without action is incomplete. Conversion includes hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized for the remission of sins.

  We Must Show Repentance by Changed Behavior

  The jailor immediately tended to Paul and Silas, washing their wounds and feeding them (Acts 16:33–34). This was the same man who had previously locked them in stocks. His heart had changed, and his actions followed.

  Jesus said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Genuine conversion brings real change. True repentance is not just sorrow—it is a transformation of life. When the gospel takes root in the heart, it bears visible fruit.

  We Must Get to Work for Christ

  Paul would later write to the Philippian church, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… for your participation in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3–5). It’s likely the jailor was among those who got involved from the very beginning.

  Conversion is not the end—it is the beginning of service. When we rise from the waters of baptism, we rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). That includes active, engaged labor in the kingdom. We were saved to serve.

  Conclusion: A Pattern Worth Following

  The jailor’s conversion wasn’t emotional or vague—it was scriptural and specific. He heard the truth, believed in Christ, repented of sin, was baptized, and then put his faith into action. His life was forever changed, and his example continues to teach us today.

  This story challenges us to examine our own response to the gospel. Are we living with urgency? Are we bearing fruit? Are we working for the Lord who saved us? Does our redemptive story follow the same pattern of hearing, believing, repenting, being baptized, and living a transformed life? If not, let’s make it right. Today is not too late to obey the same gospel and walk the same path. May we, like the jailor, respond fully and faithfully to the gospel—and then rise up ready to serve.

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  May 13, 2025

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• We Are Able

  (Mark 10:35–39)

  

  A Bold Declaration

  When James and John approached Jesus with a request to sit at His right and left in glory, Jesus asked them a sobering question: “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” (Mark 10:38, NASB). Without hesitation, they replied, “We are able” (v. 39). But they did not fully understand the cost of that answer. Their confidence was real—but naïve. They had not yet experienced what it meant to suffer for Christ.

  Yet Jesus accepted their answer, not because they were already capable, but because He would make them able. James was eventually beheaded (Acts 12:2). John was exiled to Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Their promise was kept—but only by the help that came from God. So it is with us. If we follow Christ, we will face hardship, sacrifice, and calling. But by God’s strength, we are able.

  We Are Able to Overcome Temptation

  Temptation is real, but with God’s help, it is always resistible. God provides both warning and help. James wrote, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:13–14). We cannot blame our nature, our upbringing, or our circumstances. God holds us responsible because He also gives us help. Paul reassured the Corinthians, “No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is always a way to escape. God is not setting us up for failure—He is providing the strength we need to resist. As Peter wrote, “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation” (2 Peter 2:9).

  We Are Able to Bear Trials and Suffering

  Paul’s life was marked by intense suffering, but he did not despair. In fact, he found strength in his weakness. He wrote, “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rather than removing the thorn in the flesh, God gave Paul strength to endure it. That same grace is available to us. Peter reminds us, “Having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). We are not expected to carry our trials alone. We are able—because He helps us bear the load.

  We Are Able to Fulfill Our Responsibilities

  God never commands what He does not also empower. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 shows us the danger of the “one talent man” who buried his gift in fear. He was condemned—not for doing evil, but for doing nothing. In contrast, men like Joshua and Caleb trusted God’s help. When others doubted, they said, “We are able to go up and take possession of it, for we will certainly prevail over it” (Numbers 13:30). Paul expressed the same confidence: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). God gives strength to the willing. If we give ourselves completely to the Lord, we will find the ability to serve, to lead, to give, and to endure.

  We Are Able to Give Freely to His Work

  Giving is not about gaining material blessings—it is about honoring God with what we have already received. Paul wrote, “Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). This is not a guarantee of wealth, but a call to generosity rooted in trust.

  He continues, “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Corinthians 9:8). The blessing promised is sufficiency—not luxury—and readiness to serve.

  The generous Christian doesn’t give to get; he gives because he trusts. As Paul reminded the Galatians, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). We sow in faith, trusting God to supply all we truly need to do His will.

  We Are Able to Reflect the Life of Christ

  It is not enough to claim Christ—we are called to live Him. That takes effort, time, and intentionality. “The more you are seen with God, the more of God is seen in you.” This principle is echoed in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians: “But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). When we walk closely with Christ, His life becomes visible in ours.

  We Are Able to Grieve with Hope

  Death is painful—but not hopeless. For the Christian, sorrow is softened by promise. Paul wrote, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This hope allows us to grieve differently from the world: “So that you will not grieve, as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

  We Are Able to Face Death Calmly and Joyfully

  Paul knew that death was not defeat—it was gain. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He wrote near the end of his life, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6–7). Because of Christ, we can approach the end not with fear, but with peace. We are able to die as those who have lived in hope.

  Conclusion: Let Us Use the Strength at Our Disposal

  Jesus didn’t promise ease—but He promised strength. The same grace that carried the apostles, the same help that strengthened Paul, is still available to us. If God is for us, we are able—to resist, to endure, to give, to grow, to grieve with hope, and to face eternity with confidence. Let us resolve today to use the strength God provides—not in word only, but in action.

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  May 12, 2025

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• Will a Man Rob God?

  (Malachi 3:8–9)

  

  A Sobering Question

  “Will a man rob God?” That’s the question God Himself asked His people through the prophet Malachi. It is a bold, unsettling question. The people responded with disbelief: “How have we robbed You?” But God’s answer was direct: “In tithes and offerings.”

  We may be tempted to distance ourselves from that charge. After all, we don’t think of ourselves as thieves—certainly not thieves of holy things. Yet, a closer look at Scripture reveals that robbery against God can take many forms. And the more seriously we examine ourselves, the more we may find areas where we, too, are guilty.

  This article is not meant to shame—but to awaken. If God asks, “Will a man rob God?”—we must have the humility to ask, “Have I?”

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  1. Robbing God of Obedience

  Obedience is not optional to those who believe in God. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Yet many choose selective obedience, discarding what is inconvenient or misunderstood.

  We are commanded to obey the gospel. Paul writes, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). Jesus commands belief and baptism in Mark 16:16. To ignore or delay such instructions is not just procrastination—it is robbing God of the submission He deserves.

  To obey halfway is to disobey. And disobedience robs God of His rightful lordship in our lives.

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  2. Robbing God in Our Giving

  In 1 Corinthians 16:1–2, Christians are commanded to give as they have been prospered. This is not merely about finances—it’s about trust, love, and priorities. Many profess to give, but in truth, they give reluctantly, irregularly, or not at all.

  In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira lied about their offering and were struck dead—not for giving little, but for pretending to give all. Today, when we withhold or deceive in our giving, we echo that same spirit. God does not measure by the amount, but by the heart.

  Giving is an act of worship. When we fail to give as we should, we rob God of both our trust and our gratitude.

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  3. Robbing God of Our Time

  Time is one of the most valuable gifts we’ve been given, and one of the most often wasted. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

  We find time for work, hobbies, rest, and entertainment—but claim we’re too busy to pray, study, or serve. Jesus said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

  Every day spent without devotion is a day stolen from God’s purpose. Let us not rob Him of this most precious offering.

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  4. Robbing God of Our Hearts

  The greatest command is this: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27). That’s not just part of us—it’s all of us.

  Too many hearts today are divided. The love of the world creeps in—choking out passion, purity, and purpose. “Do not love the world nor the things in the world” (1 John 2:15). When we give our affections to lesser things, we rob God of what He alone deserves.

  We may sing, pray, and attend—but if our hearts are not His, He is robbed.

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  5. Robbing God of Our Bodies

  Paul says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Every part of our life—our actions, our habits, our energy—is meant to bring glory to Him.

  Romans 12:1 adds, “Present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.” When we misuse or neglect our bodies, when we engage in sin or idleness, we withhold from God what is rightfully His.

  Our bodies are not ours to waste—they are His to use.

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  6. Robbing God of Our Influence

  We may not all preach sermons, but we all preach something by the way we live. Jesus called us “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Paul said, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

  When our conduct leads others away from God, we rob Him of the good influence He intended for us to have. When we choose silence over conviction, compromise over truth, or apathy over compassion—we dim the light God placed in us.

  Others are watching. What do they see?

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  7. Robbing God of Worship

  Worship is not just an obligation—it is a joy. “Let us not neglect our own meeting together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Worship is about spirit and truth (John 4:24). It’s not about routine—it’s about reverence.

  When we skip the assembly without cause, when we offer empty words or distracted minds, when we withhold the worship He deserves—we rob Him.

  Millions draw near with lips, but their hearts are far (Matthew 15:9). Let us be among those who worship in spirit and in truth.

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  8. Robbing God by Wearing Human Names

  Acts 11:26 tells us, “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” That is the name God has given. Yet many choose to wear the names of men, denominations, or creeds.

  Paul preached so clearly that even King Agrippa knew: “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). He didn’t say “a Baptist” or “a Lutheran”—he said Christian.

  To wear another name is to rob God of the glory due His Son. Let us wear only the name He has given.

  ---

  Conclusion: Examine Yourself

  The people in Malachi’s day were shocked by God’s accusation. “How have we robbed You?” But God knew. And He told them plainly.

  Could the same be true of us?

  • Are we robbing God of obedience?
  • Of time? Of worship? Of influence?
  • Of our hearts, our bodies, our giving?

  Let us not offer God half-hearted service. Let us not rob Him of what is rightfully His.

  “Give to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). That includes everything—because we are His.

  May we live—and give—with the understanding that nothing we have truly belongs to us. Our time, our gifts, our bodies, our praise—all of it is from God, and all of it belongs to Him. We are stewards, not owners. Let us stop holding back and start giving Him what He deserves: our full devotion, our faithful obedience, and our willing hearts.

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  May 11, 2025

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• If We Believed in God

  

  The title of this article may seem unusual—or even offensive to some. But the premise behind it is both sobering and scriptural: If we truly believed in God, many things in our lives might look different. This is not a commentary on others, but a mirror held to ourselves. The reality is, not all who claim to believe in God truly live as if they do.

  Hebrews 12:1 reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—faithful men and women who ran with endurance and fixed their eyes on Jesus. Their lives were shaped by belief, not just in theory but in practice. The sin of unbelief is not just denying God’s existence—it’s denying His authority, His promises, and His Word in our choices.

  ---

  1. Faith Is the Mightiest Principle on Earth

  Whether in business, exploration, science, or salvation—faith drives everything of value. Without it, our greatest discoveries and acts of courage would never have happened. Hebrews 11:1 calls faith “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

  Faith is not just the foundation of Christianity—it is the engine of Christian living. We are told to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). From conversion to obedience to endurance, every act of spiritual significance is rooted in believing what God has said.

  Faith builds trust. Faith fuels courage. Faith steadies the soul. And without it, we are unanchored—adrift in a world full of noise, temptation, and confusion. It is no surprise, then, that Scripture warns, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

  When faith disappears, so do the blessings God desires to give. If we believed in God, our lives would be marked by greater purpose, clearer direction, and deeper hope.

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  2. If We Believed in God, His Word Would Not Be Treated as Optional

  We live in a culture that increasingly treats God’s Word as flexible—a matter of preference. But if we truly believed in God, we would never treat His commands as suggestions. We would accept Scripture as final, trustworthy, and authoritative.

  Jesus said, “The one who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings has one who judges him: the word I spoke” (John 12:48). The Word of God is not something we adjust to suit ourselves—it is something we submit to because we trust Him.

  Partial obedience is not faith. It’s self-rule in disguise. Saul learned this painfully in 1 Samuel 15, where he substituted his judgment for God’s. The result? Rejection. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” If we believed in God, we would honor every word He gave.

  ---

  3. If We Believed in God, Excuses Would Disappear

  Excuses thrive where faith is weak. “I can’t change.” “It’s too hard.” “God understands.” But Scripture does not speak in these tones. It tells us that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

  If I believe God is who He says He is—holy, wise, just, powerful, and present—then I can no longer hide behind excuses. Faith holds that God never calls us to something He does not equip us to fulfill. When He commands, He also provides the strength and support to obey—through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. His grace sustains (2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16). His promises are sure.

  Excuses die where faith is alive.

  ---

  4. If We Believed in God, We Would Say: ‘Here Am I. Send Me.’

  True faith moves us. When Isaiah heard God’s call, he didn’t delay. He didn’t ask for clarification. He responded with readiness: “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

  Faith does not procrastinate. It does not wait for perfect timing. It responds to God’s will with open hands and willing feet. We are told to “present our bodies as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1)—a life of surrender, not convenience.

  If we believed in God, we would not wait to be pushed—we would be the first to stand, serve, speak, and give. Real faith doesn’t sit still.

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  5. If We Believed in God, Our Hearts Would Be Different

  Jesus said the greatest command is to love God, and the second is to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). But what happens when belief in God fades? Selfishness grows. Compassion fades. Jealousy and resentment take root.

  1 John 4:20 pulls no punches: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar.”

  If we believed in God, love would lead. Pride would fall. Grudges would dissolve. We would lift our heads from the ground, and look outward in service instead of inward in bitterness. Real faith transforms the heart—and through it, our relationships.

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  What Would Change—If I Believed in God?

  This article is not written to the world. It is written to the one who already claims to believe—and to ask: do I really?

  If I believed in God:

  • Would I still delay obedience, or humble myself and change today?
  • Would I treat parts of His Word as optional, or treasure every command?
  • Would I excuse myself from service, or say, “Here am I, send me”?
  • Would I justify bitterness, or pursue peace and love?

  The Bible is not silent. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). “The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).

  If I believe in God—truly believe—then I must live like it. Speak like it. Love like it. Worship like it. And repent when I fall short.

  Let us live in such a way that belief in God is not just confessed—but clearly, undeniably proven.

  “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). That’s where real change begins.

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  May 8, 2025

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• Without God

  

  “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1). Those are sobering words from Scripture. But even today, many repeat that claim—not always out loud, but in the way they live and think. Some are drawn into unbelief by secular teaching. Others quietly let go of their faith without recognizing the high cost of what they’ve lost.

  Before we accept the idea that there is no God, we ought to pause. What are we giving up when we abandon belief? What would life truly be—without God?

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  1. Without God, We Lose the Bible

  The Bible is the most important book in human history. It has been the world’s best-selling book for generations—not just because it’s old or popular, but because it tells us how to live with purpose, how to treat others, and how to prepare for eternity. But if there is no God, then the Bible is just another book—its truths reduced to opinions, and its promises meaningless.

  To give up belief in God is to give up the Bible. And that’s not a small cost.

  • It teaches self-denial. “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)
  • It calls us to help others. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39; see also James 1:27)
  • It teaches us to forgive enemies. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
  • It gives comfort in death. “Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

  These aren’t just teachings—they are lifelines. Without God, we lose the foundation these words are built on. Are we truly prepared to part with the Bible and all its wisdom?

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  2. Without God, Worship Has No Meaning

  One of life’s greatest privileges is to worship our Creator. Worship connects us to something greater than ourselves—it gives reverence, direction, and purpose. But if there is no God, then worship is meaningless. It becomes an empty ritual, directed toward nothing.

  True worship flows from love, gratitude, and awe toward the One who made us. But if I say there is no God, I must also abandon worship, because there is no one to receive it.

  To lose God is to lose worship—and with it, a vital part of the human spirit.

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  3. Without God, Right and Wrong Lose Their Ground

  What makes something right or wrong? Why is goodness better than evil? Without God, moral truth becomes relative—just opinion or preference.

  Paul wrote of those who “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” and “did not see fit to acknowledge God” (Romans 1:18, 28). The result? Chaos, confusion, and injustice.

  If I deny God, I remove the only absolute standard for justice. What then would stop evil from triumphing over good? Who would hold the wicked accountable? A world without God is a world where wrong can rule unchecked.

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  4. Without God, There Is No Hope Beyond the Grave

  To say there is no God is to say there is no heaven—no eternal home prepared for the righteous. Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). But if there is no Father, there is no house. No future. No hope.

  Faith gives us the confidence that those who have died in the Lord still live. Without God, even the graves of the righteous are robbed of meaning. Death becomes final. Hope becomes hollow.

  But Scripture says otherwise: “The righteous has a refuge when he dies.” (Proverbs 14:32)

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  Conclusion: Count the Cost

  The doctrine of unbelief does not come free. It demands that we give up God’s blessings, His guidance, His truth, and His promises.

  My friend, before you walk away from faith, ask yourself: Am I ready to give up the Bible? Am I ready to live without worship? Can I accept a world where right and wrong mean nothing? Am I ready to face death with no hope of eternal life?

  David was right: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” But the wise still seek Him. The faithful still follow Him. And the humble still find in Him a reason to live—and a promise beyond the grave.

  Let us not be foolish with our souls.

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  May 6, 2025

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• Antipas: My Faithful Martyr

  (Revelation 2:12–17)

  

  A Name the World Forgot, but Heaven Remembers

  Antipas appears only once in Scripture—in Revelation 2:13, where Jesus calls him “My faithful martyr.” That brief mention may seem small, but it speaks volumes. Though we know little about him, the Lord knew everything. His faith, his courage, and his sacrifice stood out enough to be recorded in heaven’s eternal Word.

  Many names have been forgotten in history, but not this one. Antipas’ story challenges us—not because of how much we know, but because of how much his example says in so few words. In a world that celebrates fame, Scripture reminds us that God honors faithfulness.

  ---

  1. He Put First Things First

  Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:33). Antipas lived this. God’s kingdom held the highest place in his heart. He didn’t let distractions or delay interfere with what mattered most.

  Antipas didn’t serve God in spare moments. He didn’t treat faith as a weekend activity or a backup plan. He placed God at the center of his decisions, and everything else followed. That’s why he stood firm even when it cost him everything.

  Too many today try to fit Christianity around other pursuits. But we must not forget: the order of our priorities will shape the outcome of our lives. Antipas reminds us that only when God comes first will everything else find its rightful place.

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  2. He Was Not Ashamed of the Gospel

  Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Antipas believed that. He wasn’t a cultural Christian—he was convicted, convinced, and courageous.

  Revelation 2:13 reveals that Antipas lived “where Satan dwells.” He didn’t follow Christ in easy surroundings. The pressures were real. The opposition was fierce. Yet Antipas refused to deny his Lord.

  He didn’t whisper his faith in safe spaces. He declared it openly. He held fast to “one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:6), even when that declaration came with a price. His loyalty was not seasonal—it was sacrificial.

  ---

  3. He Followed Christ Regardless

  When Jesus called people to follow Him, He said, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22). That wasn’t cold indifference—it was a clear call to absolute priority.

  Antipas understood that. Nothing—not even death—would stop him from staying loyal to Jesus. He didn’t negotiate with fear. He didn’t retreat when things became inconvenient. He followed regardless.

  The modern world offers many reasons to delay obedience. But Antipas shows us what it means to live with spiritual urgency. He put God’s kingdom first—even when it cost him his life.

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  4. He Loved Not the World

  “Do not love the world nor the things in the world” (1 John 2:15). That wasn’t theory to Antipas—it was practice. He didn’t live with divided loyalties. He had one Master, and he served Him alone.

  Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). In a time and place saturated with idolatry, Antipas stayed set apart. He didn’t compromise to fit in. He lived as a light in darkness.

  Faithfulness demands clarity. We cannot walk with Christ and walk with the world. Antipas reminds us that holiness may not be popular, but it will always be right.

  ---

  5. He Was a Soul-Winner

  Proverbs 11:30 says, “He who is wise wins souls.” Antipas didn’t just preserve his own faith—he helped others come to know the truth. Whether through teaching, example, or encouragement, he pointed people to Christ.

  This is the main work of every Christian—not just preachers, but all who follow Jesus. Sharing the gospel isn’t a specialty; it’s a calling. Like Antipas, we are called to be lights in a world that desperately needs the hope of Christ.

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  6. He Never Neglected Worship

  Antipas would not have been called “faithful” if he had been negligent. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not abandoning our own meeting together… but encouraging one another.” Worship was not optional to Antipas—it was essential.

  He showed up. He engaged. He stayed faithful to the assembly because he understood what it represented. He wasn’t casual about the Lord’s Day. He honored it.

  Neglecting worship is not a small matter. It reflects deeper issues of commitment and conviction. Antipas teaches us to take worship seriously—and to be found faithful where God’s people gather.

  ---

  7. He Was Owned by the Lord

  Jesus called him, “My faithful martyr.” Not just a martyr. Not just faithful. But My faithful martyr. The Lord claimed him, honored him, and recognized him.

  This was not fame in the world’s eyes, but it was divine recognition. Antipas belonged to the Lord, and the Lord was not ashamed to say so.

  What about us? Are we living in a way that Christ would claim us? Does He own us in name only—or in truth?

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  Conclusion: Will He Call Me Faithful?

  Antipas never wrote a book. He never preached a famous sermon. He didn’t lead a movement. But he stood for Christ when it mattered most.

  And Jesus saw him.

  The same Lord watches us today. In a world that forgets names quickly, He remembers those who are faithful. He owns them. He honors them.

  Will we be among them? Will we be remembered—not by the world, but by heaven—as faithful?

  May the Lord help us to live as those who already belong to Him—and remain faithful so that, whether in life or in death, we may be called His in the end.

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  May 5, 2025

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• Who are the Overseers?

  

  God’s Design for Leadership

  God has never left His people without guidance. In every age, He has appointed leaders to serve, to protect, and to teach. Under the new covenant, that leadership within the local church is assigned to a specific group—the elders, also called overseers or shepherds. This role is not honorary or symbolic. It is a serious, God-ordained work, designed to care for souls.

  In Acts 20:28, Paul said to the Ephesian elders, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” These men were appointed by the Spirit—not through popularity or politics, but as churches applied God’s revealed qualifications under His direction. In the days of the apostles, some elders were appointed through the laying on of hands, and in certain cases, this was accompanied by spiritual gifts (cf. Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). Today, while we do not expect such signs, the Spirit still appoints elders—through the Word He revealed and as churches faithfully apply those qualifications. This remains a sacred task, and the responsibility is as weighty now as it was then.

  This article will examine who the overseers are, how they serve, and what the rest of the church must understand about their role. This is not about tradition or organizational preference—this is about God’s will for His people.

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  1. Elders Are Appointed to Lead

  The New Testament consistently shows that elders were appointed in every congregation. Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders for them in every church” (Acts 14:23). This was not an optional structure—it was God’s plan for local church leadership. Without elders, a congregation is lacking a vital part of God’s design.

  These men are called by different terms in Scripture: elders (presbyteros), overseers (episkopos), and shepherds or pastors (poimēn). These titles are not separate offices—they describe different aspects of one role. Elders are to be spiritually mature (thus, “elders”), responsible for overseeing the church (thus, “overseers”), and actively involved in caring for souls (thus, “shepherds”).

  Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3 outline the qualifications required—these are not loose guidelines but firm expectations. Elders must be “above reproach,” “able to teach,” “holding firmly the faithful word” (Titus 1:6–9). God is not asking for perfect men, but qualified and proven servants.

  Additionally, these qualifications are not just for evaluation during the appointment process—they define how an elder must continue to live. An elder who ceases to meet these qualifications is no longer fit to serve.

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  2. Authority Comes From the Word, Not Personal Power

  Hebrews 13:17 instructs Christians, “Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.” Elders are not rulers in the worldly sense; they do not dominate or control. Their authority is not personal—it flows from Scripture.

  Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). Elders lead under the authority of Christ by teaching and applying His Word. When they speak where Scripture speaks, they must be followed. When they act outside of Scripture, they must not be.

  This demands both courage from the elders and discernment from the congregation. But this authority is not administrative in nature—it is spiritual. And that distinction must remain clear. Elders must have the strength to lead according to God’s Word, not the will of the crowd. Members must resist the urge to undermine biblical leadership with personal preference. And where elders do overstep their bounds, Scripture—not personality—must be the standard of correction.

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  3. Elders Oversee the Church with Spiritual Priorities

  A common confusion arises between spiritual oversight and practical responsibility. Some treat elders like corporate executives, primarily focused on budgets or buildings. But Scripture defines their role differently.

  Peter writes, “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight… not lording it over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3). The focus is always spiritual: teaching, correcting, praying, and leading by godly example.

  Acts 6 shows a situation where physical needs could have distracted the apostles from spiritual priorities. Instead, others were appointed to serve so that the leaders could remain devoted “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

  That principle remains. Elders are not financiers or figureheads—they are shepherds. Their primary charge is the health of souls—not managing logistics for their own sake—and they will give account for how they shepherded God’s people (Hebrews 13:17).

  Still, it’s important to recognize that so-called “temporal” tasks—benevolence, finances, administration—are not outside the realm of spiritual concern. They are part of the church’s function as a spiritual body, and must be carried out with spiritual priorities. Elders ensure these tasks align with Christ’s purpose and teaching, not merely that they are executed efficiently. Their oversight touches every area, not because they micromanage, but because all things done in the church are ultimately spiritual.

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  4. Congregations Must Submit to God’s Order

  God has always expected His people to respect the order He establishes. In Numbers 16, Korah and others rebelled against Moses’ leadership, and God judged them severely. Paul warns that these accounts were “written for our instruction” (1 Corinthians 10:11).

  To reject the oversight of God-appointed elders is not merely a matter of disagreement—it is rebellion. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that these men “keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.” Elders are not volunteers—they are stewards.

  For this reason, congregations must resist the temptation to elevate preachers or deacons into positions God has not assigned. While every member serves in some capacity, only elders are charged with the oversight of the church. And while preachers may teach, they do not rule. Authority in the church belongs to Christ, exercised locally through qualified elders.

  Peter cautions, “Not as lording it over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples.” Elders must lead with humility, and members must respond with respect. Unity comes when each part of the body accepts its God-given role.

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  Conclusion: Honor the Work and Follow the Word

  The church is a spiritual body with a spiritual mission, and its leadership must reflect that. Overseers are not celebrities or board members—they are shepherds of souls. Their work is weighty, their calling high, and their accountability real.

  Paul writes, “The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17). We honor them best not by flattery or formality, but by heeding their leadership as they follow Christ.

  Elders are not above the Word—they are men under it. Their teaching must be examined (Acts 17:11), and their lives must reflect the gospel they preach. When they do, they are a blessing to the church and a reflection of Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

  May every congregation take this role seriously. May every elder remember the gravity of his work. May the whole church strive together—elders and members alike—to fulfill the purpose of Christ’s body with reverence, love, and faithful obedience to His Word. Let us return to the pattern God gave, and hold it with conviction.

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  May 3, 2025

  bible, christianity, church, elders, jesus

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