Author: HDA

Posted on

God and me

Scriptural Readings: Galatians 5:17, John 16:33, I Thessalonians 5:17-18, I John 5:18-19

What exactly is confusion, and how can we accurately define it? In today’s fast-paced world, the term “confusion” has permeated our language and is readily accessible online, even in our everyday interactions. Its effects can be swift and jarring, often leaving us feeling disoriented and anxious in an instant. Confusion breeds doubt, and from that doubt can emerge a fracturing of faith. This unsettling phenomenon is particularly evident for some Christians, who find their convictions challenged in the midst of uncertainty.

Galatians 5:17

King James Version

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

New Living Translation

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions”. 

A fight within.

Every day, a battle between good and evil unfolds. There should be no further explanations for this. How many times in just one day do we have to deal with lust, greed, etc? How often do we truly emerge victorious? Are we struggling? Definitely. There is no such thing as an easy fight. Yet, we often overlook the bigger picture: the battle has already been won. Still, we must acknowledge that many times we feel as though we are on the losing side. Isn’t that true? These are the moments when our emotions seem stronger than our faith.

When that happens, we need to honestly ask ourselves: have our emotions taken precedence over our faith? In fact, it should be the other way around. The moment we become Christians, we are attached to the vine and become the branches, establishing a direct relationship. Overcoming emotions with faith should be a priority for us to achieve.

The takeaway.

It is always a partnership between God and us. These temptations, God had already given us a way to escape or even to endure. I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” The New Living Translation states: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. God has already given us guidance for our lives, and we must remain sensitive to what He is communicating. By being attentive to His signs and inner prompts, we can align our actions with His divine purpose for us.

John 16:33

King James Version

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

New Living Translation

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

An outside war

We face two battles: one within ourselves and another from the outside—temptation. Scripture clearly shows that Jesus confronted, defended against, and ultimately overcame the devil. This is the same challenge we encounter daily. The ongoing struggle against external temptation often leads to feelings of defeat, a reality that we cannot ignore. Even before someone finishes reading this article, countless individuals are grappling with their own temptations.

Temptation is just one of the many challenges we face every day. Alongside it, there are issues like greed and envy. What makes these challenges even more overwhelming is that we encounter them in our daily jobs. We aim to live and work according to our values, striving to earn an honest living. However, we often find ourselves tempted by these negative influences, which can make for a difficult day.

We hear, weigh, then check.

We have pledged to become true and steadfast Christians. We ought, whenever possible, to devote more time to cultivating an authentic faith. The internet is a powerful and far‑reaching source of information. Yet, it has also become saturated with misleading and counterfeit content. This calls for discernment and wisdom in its use. What we read and hear has to be weighed and checked.

Weighing and checking are inseparable disciplines that we must intentionally develop as we deepen our spiritual understanding. When practiced consistently, they lead to unwavering confirmation and foster genuine confidence in our faith. No one has to decide for us. No matter what options are presented to us, we are responsible for weighing them and making a decision.

I Thessalonians 5:17-18

King James Version

V.17 “Pray without ceasing.”

V.18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

New Living Translation

V. 17 “Never stop praying”.

V. 18 “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”.

Pray unceasingly.

Let prayer become not just an occasional act, but a continual, life-giving habit that transforms our relationship with God. Through persistent prayer, we develop a profound bond with our Creator. This bond is unbreakable. We find strength, wisdom, and peace through it. These attributes are beyond what the world can offer. Make prayer our lifeline, and experience God drawing nearer with every sincere word and moment in His presence. Holiness is something God will tell us personally.

We are saved through our faith and His grace, and we must use our voices to restore honor, glory, and praise to Him. Each day we are given is a unique gift from God. As believers, it is our responsibility to connect with God, receive His guidance, and embrace His blessings.

God is omnipresent. When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us—but we must first choose to take that step.

In this age of advanced technology, we can accomplish many tasks with ease. Yet the more convenient life becomes, the more we tend to fill it with activity, often neglecting our spiritual lives.

Can we honestly say that we are growing and drawing closer to a deeper, more meaningful spiritual life? Have we truly made that progress?

I John 5:18-19

King James Version

V.18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

V.19 “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

New Living Translation

V. 18 “We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them”.

V. 19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.

The world seen today.

A conflicting story is being presented to us today—a false version of the truth that lacks morality and common sense. This misleading truth comes from harmful influences; it doesn’t represent true righteousness but instead relies on lies meant to deceive. When the real truth faces this false version, it creates confusion and a divide between what is genuinely good and what is misleading. In our everyday lives, we often get drawn into this confusion, choosing it over the clarity and wisdom that come from a deeper understanding. This choice pulls us further away from the divine insights that lead us to real knowledge and enlightenment.

Why God and me?

The time we spend with God throughout the day serves as a reminder that He is coming back. In John 3:16, it is stated that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. We must ask ourselves, is this life meant to be lived here on earth? The answer is no. God is returning for our eternal life—not in this world, but in the best place we could ever imagine.

Every believer is a target of the enemy—no exceptions. Whether we are living in the end times or not, the enemy will relentlessly do his work of blinding us to the truth, causing us to drift back to where we once were. The devil succeeded in deceiving Adam and Eve, leading to a sinful generation, and now we must do our part by presenting the truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God does not require anything from us; rather, we are the ones who desperately need Him. The life we have is a precious gift from God, given so that we might share it with Him for all eternity.

This is the message we must proclaim to everyone. We carry a mandate to live and speak as evangelists. And whether these are the final days or not, the last days will surely come.

If the presence of the Holy Spirit is not evident in our lives, why would anyone believe the Gospel we preach? We must embody the message we proclaim, so that others can see Christ living in us.

Finally.

A house under construction will remain strong only if its foundation is strong. The same is true of every individual. In Matthew 12:43–45, we read of an evil spirit that was cast out and later tried to return with more spirits, saying that the house was empty, swept clean, and put in order. In the same way, if our lives are not built on a solid foundation, even when they seem “clean,” they remain vulnerable. A strong spiritual foundation is what keeps us truly secure.

If our foundation is weak, we cannot stand for Jesus effectively. True strength must begin within. It requires a continual, unbreakable bond between God and us—a relationship that is nurtured day by day and never allowed to fade.

Keep in mind that God saved us individually. It is our own faith—not someone else’s—that responded to Him. It was our own mouth—not another’s—that confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Likewise, it is our own heart—not another’s—that believes in Jesus Christ.

It is always between God and us. God desires us first as individuals, and then as a community. God never misses an appointment with us; it is we who miss Him. His attention is fixed on us—even when ours is not fixed on Him.

So we must ask ourselves: Are we truly serious about our relationship with God? “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”(Jeremiah 29:13).

Posted on

What is now a necessity?

Scriptural readings: I Thessalonians 3:12,13, I Thessalonians 5:23

In general, is the world getting better? Are we all well aware and concerned about what is happening around the globe? Is the word overwhelming applicable to everyone? Is the material world now in full blast of confronting the spiritual realm?

Questions. Ah, more questions. Questions of how to overcome the difficulties of the next 24 hours with ease and comfort. Here is a fact. We are now living with complicated issues with limited sources of probable solutions, and above all, time.

Have we ever thought as Christians at this juncture what is now a necessity? Are we confident enough that the next day will be the same as yesterday? The next day has to be seen as a result of a deep faith in God through Christ. Our deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God should now be a necessity

I Thessalonians 3:12

King James Version

V. 12 “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:”

New Living Translation

V. 12 “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows”. 

We are to be found blameless when He comes.

At this point, we have to look deeper into what we are. Focusing on our outward appearance seems to be like oxygen in our lives. If we run out of it, we feel as though we are dying. Have we ever given a thought to how essential our spiritual lives are? You reason out that we are still too young to expire. Think again. The Bible says, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.” For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away(James 4:14).

It seems that as this article is being written, people are perishing in every part of the world. Some of them are Christians, and maybe not. The question we have to ask ourselves is, were they saved? As Christians, is there a way that we have to be holy in every second of our lives? We all have just one life, and it has to be lived as what we are to live, as Christians.

The word make in Greek is πλεονάζω. Its transliteration is pleonazō. The phonetic spelling is (pleh-on-ad’-zo). It is a verb as a part of speech. What makes this word significant? In English grammar, it is a transitive verb, which means it has a direct object. In this verse, it tells us that God increases his love for whom? for us! We are the direct object. God is continuously working in us. He never stops making us better, and in this verse, He increases love in us.

King James Version

V. 13 “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

New Living Translation

V. 13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.

There are so many things that we have to understand about ourselves. Like what? For a start. How are we going to tackle this issue of forgiving(Matthew 6:14-15)? As an example, Jesus said forgive them, for they know not what they do. Again, our Lord said to Peter forgive seventy times seven. And for the very reason, Jesus was sent down so that we would be forgiven.

What about Matthew 5:44? How can we love our enemies? How can we bless those who curse us? How can we do good to those who hate us? How can we even pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us? Is this possible? From the human perspective, it is, but from God, it isn’t.

An engine, no matter how strong, will not take us anywhere if not attached to the body of a vehicle. We are totally unhinged if we detach ourselves from the Trinity. Our connection to our God is vital. A genuine and truthful relationship with Him shapes us to be godly as humans, separated to be holy for Him. This meaningful relationship should have been in the first place, or the moment we were born again. The righteousness in Christ, which was bestowed upon us, is what God endorses and bears. It is the only thing that can justify in his sight. Read the first two bold italic sentences multiple times. Read it slowly. Then ask yourself: Am I having a genuine, truthful relationship with God, to be separated for His glory? Is the righteousness of Christ in me justifying me in God’s eyes? It is only you yourself who can answer these questions. No, not anyone, but ourselves.

It seems that at this juncture, the problem has become more complicated. The question of whether we can be found blameless when the Lord Jesus Christ comes. Is a genuine and truthful relationship and being separated to be holy, attainable? Will the righteousness in Christ be bestowed upon us?

I Thessalonians 5:23

King James Version

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

New Living Translation

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again”.

To further understand, first, let the Holy Scriptures tell what we are made up of. A body, a soul, and a spirit. The body is a physical appearance. The souls is the is the inner, non-physical part of man that holds the intellect, emotions, and volition (will). The spirit, on the other hand, is the God-breathed part of humanity. Being born again, it allows for a spiritual relationship with God.

Now, that the God-breathed spirit is set aside. As a result, the body and soul dominate. The relationship that should make us holy for Him loses its meaning. Christ’s righteousness must be given to us. God alone imputes and upholds it. Justification in His sight can nowhere be found without it. How, then, can this God-breathed spirit be restored to us?

The God-breathed part of a human must be born again (John 3:3). This act of God, fully revealed in Ephesians 2:8, establishes a genuine and truthful relationship with Him. It shapes us to be godly as humans, set apart for His purposes. The righteousness of Christ, bestowed upon us and borne by Him, can now be manifested and justified in us.

We are now ready for a genuine and truthful relationship. We can be separated to be holy for His purposes. God can impute Christ’s righteousness. We are now justified and can be found blameless when Jesus Christ returns. But this is just the beginning. There are still things that we have to undergo, like …“carry your cross and follow me”, fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses( I Timothy 6:12), and many more. This genuine and truthful relationship shapes us to be godly humans. It separates us for a purpose. As a result, righteousness in Christ is bestowed upon us. This ensures that we are justified in His sight, which is now a necessity.

If you find this article helpful, please share it. I am not gaining any financial benefits from this. This is a command from our Lord to evangelize and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can also go to my Facebook accounts, JISG, and The Word for more articles. Thank you so much. And our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit bless us all.

Posted on

R and E

Scriptural readings:

II Peter 3:9, I John 1:9, II Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 4:20-22

It may seem odd to title an article ‘R and E.’ Please stay with me for a few more minutes; it can serve as a meaningful time for you. Let’s go. The letters R and E, if joined together, form a word that becomes a prefix. Reconsider and rewrite are some good examples. How can this be an interesting article? Now, let’s go deeper.

II Peter 3:9

King James Version

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

New Living Translation

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Repent

The prefix re means to do it again. Nonetheless, in this word, repentance, the first two letters (r and e) are not a prefix. Repentance is a single word that means being sorry, and it is too much that one has to stop. Now, can you see what the spiritual significance is forming? Holiness(Ephesians 1:4). Yes, we are to be separated for a purpose that God has for everyone born into the kingdom of God. The moment we are born again, we have a purpose.

But the truth is that we commit the same sins after we have been born again. Why? I think that this is the same question that most Christians deal with. Correct? In the spiritual sense, repentance is done only once and is not to be repeated. So, now as a Christian, when we repent, we don’t repeat the same sins. Did you notice the word repeat from the earlier sentence? In the same manner, repeat is a single word, and the first two letters do not mean a prefix. Yet, it means to do it again.

Here is a truth. We, as dead in our sin, whether we like it or not, do not care about God and salvation. We already have a spot in hell. This time, as a forgiven sinner, through Jesus Christ, salvation is valued, and serving God is our ultimate purpose. This personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ is now a lifeline. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Much more if we do not bear fruit is to be cut off.

Understanding this concept is crucial. It illuminates the path towards a new existence. It involves the experience of being born again, as discussed in John 3:3. This rebirth signifies a fresh start. It also facilitates the alignment of our emotions with divine principles. This alignment allows us to resonate harmoniously with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this awakened state, we believers find our hearts and minds attuned to a higher calling. This change reflects a profound transformation that affects all aspects of their lives.

I John 1:9

King James Version

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

New Living Translation

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness”.

Repeat

Humility is a profound quality that God recognizes when we openly confess our sins. In that moment of confession, God sees His Son, Jesus Christ, residing within us. Jesus is entirely devoid of sin. Yet He bore the weight of our transgressions. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has taken upon Himself our burden of condemnation. Every second of our lives needs trust and protection from God. What should we do so as not to fall into the same trap?

Lead us not to temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Deliverance from evil gets rid of temptation. Evil has the capacity to tempt us; let’s remember this. Temptation has a door for us to open and enter, going back to our earlier sinful lives. Overcoming seduction to do evil is better. It is more valuable than falling on our knees and confessing our sins. We know He is faithful to forgive us. He cleanses us from the wickedness we have done. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” We can’t reason that the Holy Spirit does not convict us. Repeating the same sins is not new to us. It will not change; we did. Temptations should not be pleasing to us anymore, but rather a threat to our faith. The more we fall for them, the more we move further from God.

God always says something.

Relationship is all about communication and acceptance. God created a complex nervous system. It coordinates and regulates bodily functions. This enables communication between different parts of the body and the brain. If false information is fed to our nervous system, the response is negative. Think of this. We will not arrive with mistakes unless we make a wrong decision. Decisions are necessary. We must make sure God is at the center of this necessity as we come up with a decision.

Fundamentally, we need more of our time with God to achieve His will in us. A necessity of dedicating an undivided time to Him to comprehend the genuine reason for our separation to become holy. The rationale we are told to draw near to Him, He will draw near to us(James 4:8). Be still and know I am God(Psalms 46:10). Living in this confusing world, we would only end up asking God. What is happening today is 100 percent confusion. We need God’s confirmation.

II Timothy 2:15

King James Version

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

New Living Translation

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

And now for the E.

End times and evangelize are now two significant words. By the time this article comes to you, Christians around the world are making massive efforts to evangelize. These endeavors are fulfilling the end times. We have to be a part of this effort. How? God’s words in the Holy Bible. Studying, not just reading the Bible, reveals many things for us.

Now, let’s go deeper and trace the real meaning. The word study in Greek is (σπουδάζω). Transliteration: spoudazō; phonetic Spelling: (spoo-dad’-zo) came from another Greek word (σπουδή). Transliteration: spoudē; phonetic Spelling: (spoo-day’). It finally originated from the Greek word (σπεύδω). The transliteration is spoudē, and the phonetic spelling is (spyoo’-do), meaning speed. Now we see that this word means to make an effort quickly. He can then approve and just read the rest of the verse. And guess what? There is more to this. Let’s go on.

Why do we make an effort to quickly show God’s approval? Something we should not be ashamed of. Of having confidence to rightly divide the Word? Simple. Evangelism. This is now the time when the harvest is full, but few will harvest. Luke 10:2 states, “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great. But the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore to the Lord of the harvest. Ask that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”

We have a mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Father will give specific instructions for us to achieve. Evangelizing comes in various ways. Just like our body, there is a nervous system, a digestive system, etc. These systems work together to sustain what the body needs. If a system fails, it slows down to repair. The same with the mission God had given us.

The presence of false pastors, teachers, etc., will arise and abound during these last days. Confusion will also progress. This will lead to errors in our decisions. It is essential to study God’s words. Proverbs 10:8 says, “The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.” This tells us that divine instructions will be revealed to us. These instructions help reveal foolishness. They also offer insight into what is acceptable to believe and discuss.

Proverbs 4

King James Version

V. 20 “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.”

V. 21 “Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.”

V. 22 “For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

New Living Translation

V. 20 “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words”.

V.21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

V. 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

The next 24 hours we spend are to be confronted by uncertainty, confusion, and making weak decisions, absolutely. We must truly believe and practice what is written in the Holy Scriptures. Otherwise, every 24 hours would lead us to believe the lies of the enemy. This would result in misery. It would also lead to hopelessness and weak faith.

God said He will not leave us nor forsake us(Hebrews 13:5). The very reason why the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell in us is to comfort us(John 14:16). Much more, continuing to verse 20, “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you”. Verse 21, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him”.

Posted on

Emotions and spirituality

Scriptural Readings: I Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:16

The question of “Are we living the end times?” suggests that we are to draw a line between our emotions and our spirituality. The word confusion has become a powerful term, and fear can’t be separated from us any longer. How we live spiritually is now in competition with our feelings. Which is to be trusted, as we see what is happening around the world? Should faith work better with emotions, or faith alone? As Christians, should there be a balance between our emotions and our spiritual lives? Or, do we have to stand on the very foundation of our faith in the Trinity solely?

What do emotions say?

The dictionary can easily tell us what emotions are. Another thing we can be sure about these emotions is that they can be mixed. Countless times, we have affirmed in ourselves that we had mixed emotions. Let’s get to the point. Emotions are human feelings that, if used in our own understanding, will lead to senselessness. Unless we fine-tune our emotions in a spiritual sense, we will always have confusion, ambiguity, obscurity, etc. God incorporated emotions for His glorification, and to make use of them, not for us to manipulate them. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding”. Proverbs 3:5 New Living Translation. Refer to these Bible verses to understand why emotions are for God’s glory. They explicitly explain God’s way of using our emotions:

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” – Romans 15:13

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

It is all about war

I Peter 5:8

King James Version

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

New Living Translation

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Why is it a war? As Christians, how do we see the daily struggles? You will be having your own responses, of course, but how many of us see this as a trap? Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil… What does it tell us? It tells us we have an enemy? Correct? We are told to be vigilant, like a soldier against our enemy. The devil is our adversary. The entire reality is that we are in a spiritual war. The devil wants us to fall into a trap. The everyday temptations, anxiety, etc, are the devil’s weapon. We face this trap daily. In a war, if one surrenders, the adversary becomes the winner.

The difficulties we are going to face will define who we are. One does not realize it. But the moment we go through the spiritual birth, it opens our eyes to the real purpose. It also reveals the battles of life. We entered into a battle between good and evil in which Jesus said, “It is finished”.

Ephesians 6:16

King James Version

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

New Living Translation

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

It is all in faith

No matter what you believe in, you must put your faith in it. Humans will always have something or someone to lean on. Our nature is to hold onto something we trust. This is a fact. They find support or something to hang on to in any situation in life. Even if we think that no one or nothing else can hold on to but ourselves. Faith is one of those supports. No evidence is needed. Once we pop a pill for a headache, we automatically trust that the medicine works. Right? Moms and wives, didn’t you trust the century-old recipe handed to you by your mothers? Or maybe you trusted the recipe book you followed? It is impossible not to depend on or fight for what we believe is right. Humanity was made to depend on our creator, our Father in heaven.

The only thing that will strengthen the foundation of our relationship with God is our faith. Faith acts as the definer of us. The target and focus of the devil is for us to lose faith in God. Make no mistake. The moment the foundation of our faith weakens, the devil will have many evil schemes to deploy. It will become easier for him to destroy our faith. In this digital and highly technological world, it is often not used as a tool for God’s glory. Instead, it has become a weapon of destruction. Is there anyone who will dare to say that there is no apostasy happening in Christianity? TikTok and YouTube channels are flooded with these people who were once Christians. Now, they are proud of becoming Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of other religions. These individuals despise the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Bottom line: the judgment

The end times can’t be separated from judgment. Each mortal man will face God. The reward: Eternal life comes in two forms: Eternal life with God or eternal life without God. …that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. No one should come to know the essence of faith at a deathbed. This time that we are in is now on the final leg. Let this verse sink into us. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27.

Posted on

Expect this…

Scriptural Readings:

Romans 8:9-10, Ephesians 5:8-9

Our planet is not heading towards peace and truth. We are experiencing wars and rumors of wars as the Bible unmistakably prophesied and continues to unfold more truths. Unbelievers, on the other hand, continue to defy the truth about what the Bible forewarned with their logical responses. Regardless of what thoughts they have, our world is short of getting better.

Romans 8:9

King James Version

V9 “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

New Living Translation

V9 “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)“

King James Version

V10 “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

New Living Translation

V10 “And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God”.

The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, commitment becomes an obligation. When we were born again, our spirits were brought back to life. Now, holiness is identified as a primary pathway for living an earthly life. holiness is identified as a primary pathway for living an earthly life. This perspective suggests that pursuing this way of life is essential and is absolute.

Is it possible?

Holiness is to be alienated for God, as we have established from the earlier articles. Now, it is not the question of why; it is now a question of how. How many of us ever thought seriously and truly believe in God’s spirit being in us? Does the Spirit of Jesus Christ dwell in us? For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-9). These verses tell us that transformation is not impossible.

Ephesians 5:8-9

King James Version

V8 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

V9 “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”

New Living Translation

V8 “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”

V9 “For “this light within you produces only what is good and right and true”.

The Consequences.

At any given time, we can fail. Although the spirit of God is in us, it is still an erroneous decision that we make. Let’s see what we have if we dig deeper into these Bible verses. Romans 8:9-10, Ephesians 5:8-9 reveal what is absolute. The two words, Spirit and righteousness, are essential. They are key to living a life of holiness. They help us achieve what God wants from us.

*God’s Spirit

Understanding a spiritual life seems complicated. The Holy Scriptures say something important. “For God is not the author of confusion. He is the author of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” One thing surely will happen is that our human feelings will collaborate with our spirits. Yes, the feeling of loving the world and its ways will become a feeling of sickening disgust. If it does not happen, God will show us how to get rid of it. It happens either the hard way or the easy way.

If a person is filled with God’s spirit, these are some things that will happen:

The presence of God’s spirit – The term “confirmation” signifies a state of certainty or assurance. The manifestation of this presence of God’s Spirit in humans is confirmed in many Bible verses. What does this significance tell us? Assurance. God’s Spirit assures us of His presence. It confirms His presence in our mortal body. It guarantees the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every effort we make. There is no doubt in the promise of Jesus Christ. He said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Prayer will now be an obligation for delight. Godly fear will grow and develop. Prayer becomes your most valuable possession. Only the Trinity is what is in your mind. What would happen next is that you can’t help but find a time of prayer in everything you do. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good. An evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil. The mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart. (Luke 6:45). Pray without ceasing. (I Thessalonians 5:17).

*God’s righteousness.

Righteousness is the opposite of wickedness or sinfulness. It unquestionably states God’s distinctive characteristic. Absolute righteousness is God’s righteousness. Nevertheless, due to man’s own way of righteousness, it has a different meaning and purpose. At this point, we can now draw the line between righteousness and our sinful nature with strong conviction.

If a person is filled with God’s righteousness. These are some things that will happen:

Christlikeness – Now the reality is that the spiritual battle begins, and hating sin is a battle cry. The only thing that drives us to live is to be like Jesus Christ. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8 28-29. Revealing Christlikeness will become a clear picture of living a lifestyle in our mortal bodies. It is through His grace and mercy that we will endure sanctification. This triggers the start of the true meaning of spiritual life for God. It exposes Christlikeness in us.

Dependence on God alone – We’re created to spend an eternal existence with God. Our mortal lives hinge on God alone. Passing from spiritual death to life, our dying earthly bodies undergo a total vow to the spiritual norms of God. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. This is an indirect commandment with an absolute outcome.

God alone can fully satisfy every human (Spirit, soul, and body: I Thessalonians 5:23). Let not the final hours in our deathbeds of our lives settle this fact. Losing us was not what God had planned. God did not withhold His love for us sinners, that He came down to take us back again (John 3:16).

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to be ready. It can happen in the blink of an eye when the trumpet sounds. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back. Time is of the essence. We are urged to be the harvester of a plentiful harvest. It is our obligation to bring others to Jesus Christ(Luke 10:2). Please share this article with others. Help me to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have no financial gains in this effort, much more, a spiritual mission from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Posted on

It’s entirely different.

Scriptural readings:

Hebrews 13:20-21, Romans 12:1-2

“Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” This timeless Spanish proverb accurately captures the essence of the very nature of humankind. It suggests that the inner circles we belong to are embedded in our innermost qualities and values. Self-assessment at times is a burden, but undoubtedly, we see the thoroughness of ourselves in the end.

The saying “actions speak louder than words” highlights the idea that our behavior can uncover our true character. It is essential to be conscious of how our actions communicate our intentions and values. Our views and efforts create a unique definition of us. They confine us, shaping our boundaries. Together, they accent our role in the twenty-four-hour trade of this realm. By this time, this idiom should not be an alien to us.

Hebrews 13:20-21

King James Version

V 20 “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”

New Living Translation

V 20 “Now may the God of peace—
    Who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
The great Shepherd of the sheep,
    and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—

Let us see something.

The concept of starting with God is central, as it emphasizes an everlasting covenant established through Jesus Christ. This covenant serves as a foundation for endeavors that are aligned with His purpose. It confirms His will or purpose for us. Our initiative, which is not of His will, won’t work, nor will it prosper. ...Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Please reread this paragraph. But before doing so, say a momentary prayer. Ask for His mercy to cleanse you from your sins. Then pray for the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. He will always give this richly.

King James Version

V 21 “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

New Living Translation

V 21 may he equip you with all you need
    for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
    through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts(Exodus 31:1-3). God knows us from the inside out, how many hairs we have, and what our next plans are. Keep in mind that God has a plan for all of us. We do not see the bigger picture, but we are a part of it. Every second that we breathe now has a meaning, and this is for the glorification of God. Again, our success does not come from our hard work. Instead, it results from God’s power working within us. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).

Romans 12:1-2

King James Version

V. 1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

V. 2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

New Living Translation

V 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

V 2  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Verses 1 and 2 are now necessarily to be seen as prophetic verses. The word beseech in Greek is “parakaleō” (παρακαλέω). It is pronounced as (par-ak-al-eh’-o). The meaning is to call to or for. This can be accomplished in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.; consequently, resulting in a variety of senses. It is now more fitting to understand the context. We have to put our acts together (to be holy). Jesus Christ is on his way to pick us up.

Evil lurks in every corner, slipping into our lives the moment we let our defenses falter. It’s impossible to overlook; its presence is a constant reminder of the fragility of our peace. It’s why we have to trust God, the Holy Spirit, to work in us. He tells, confirms, and instructs us.

At this time, God, the Holy Spirit, must have jolted every Christian. They realize that what is happening around the world perfectly matches what the Holy Bible tells us. We are at the end of times. God wants us to prepare. We should not be scared of the arrival of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The outlook and emphasis of our daily living must be focused on our spiritual side. Our attitude has to be the total opposite of what is normal in this world we are living in. There has to be a clear-cut definition of what is of Godly and what is evil. Prayer and seeking God’s will are the main components of an unmistakable effort of a holy life. We should not be distracted by whatever challenges we face. What should matter most is the declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Satisfaction is defined by a lifestyle that involves sacrifices and challenges, ultimately leading to spiritual fulfillment. This is the definitive and absolute state of God’s promise of holiness. This is particularly true in a world filled with elements that are deemed abominations to the Lord.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if this article somehow enlightened you, please share it. Do the work of an evangelist. (II Timothy 4:5) Our job living in these end times is to bring to Jesus Christ those who are lost. We will not get our reward on earth. Yet, it is gratifying when we hear God Himself speak to us. He says, “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21).

Posted on

The Word and warning

Scriptural Readings:

Genesis 1:1, Matthew 24. Hebrews 13:5.

While we are definite about our words and their purpose. Still, there is always a tendency to have a different understanding of the intent. What are the reasons? Why is confusion always a considerable part of us? Why do we always have options?

Should we believe a story with no evidence, just narration? Does evidence produce absolute truth? Some see that we are lopsided about the facts. We need an absolute guarantee of reality.

King James Version

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

New Living Translation

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Where is the assurance in this verse? We have to see what the original language had to say about this short verse, which includes assurance and reality. The Hebrew word Bara (Baw-raw’) means to create. In Hebrew grammar, it is ‘eth (Ayth), a Qal Preterit. Eth came from the root word ‘growth (oth) and from a primitive root word ‘uwth’ (ooth), which means to assent. It tells us that God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit assented or expressed approval or agreement on creation.

The presence of a divine entity in this location is recognized. God is described as the supreme being. He exists eternally within the divine trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Unity and harmony are noted as foundational elements established at creation. These elements later influenced the formation and destiny of the universe.

As Christians, we are inspired by the teachings of the Word (Jesus Christ) to embrace a spirit of enthusiasm and joy. Let this excitement motivate us to live out our faith with passion and purpose! What we experience today does not seem like ordinary day-to-day events. Yet, we need to view our daily lives from a different perspective. We should see them not through the lens of the world, but through the lens of the spiritual realm.

Misunderstanding and insatiable greed are but a few of the reasons that humanity clings to justify the horrors of war. Meanwhile, the earth trembles beneath our feet. Earthquakes ripple through diverse landscapes with relentless power. They are an awe-inspiring yet terrifying reminder of their fury. It is a scenario pictured clearly in Matthew 24. Yes, this is the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ telling us He is on His way now.

King James Version

Matthew 24

New Living Translation

Matthew 24

A Reality.

Some argue that articles like this create fear and panic. But does it? If they do, it supports the truth of the Bible. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” When someone hears a warning, they gain knowledge by taking responsibility for the consequences.

We continue to experience wars and hear reports of wars. We relentlessly fear the trembling of the earth beneath us. We also fear the proliferation of evil. We stay unattached to what is happening in the spiritual realm. A conflict exists in the spiritual realm, which is often overlooked or not fully understood. This phenomenon is acknowledged as a reality.

The warning

Many individuals perceive God’s prophecies through the lens of history. They interpret them as reflections of the past rather than glimpses into the future. For many, these messages are mere overstatements or whimsical narratives, but they carry deeper truths worth considering. Yet, as Christians, we are called to adopt a different perspective. We find ourselves in an extraordinary era, alive in prophetic times! It is a profound reality that beckons our attention. Each fleeting moment calls us to embrace holiness. It urges us to show His divine nature in all we do. Just as He embodies purity and righteousness!

The next seconds, minutes, and hours in our lives are critical. They serve as a warning for us Christians. Hell is a reality, and heaven awaits those who are faithful to God through Jesus Christ. Evil, undoubtedly, is relentless in its efforts. It prevents people from coming to Jesus Christ. This is what the chaos is all about. It is what is happening today.

King James Version

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

New Living Translation

Hebrews 13:5

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.

The ultimate words.

What does fear bring us? A lot. Every moment we live, we face uncertainty. The enemy relentlessly tries to destroy our stronghold in God. Let’s face it. Trying times in our lives uncover our weak and our failure to trust more in God. Instead of yielding to fear, we should increase our confidence in Him. Losing our faith in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is now a choice available for us to act on. The Bible warns us about this. There will be a successful apostasy. Most of us do not have the passion for knowing what is right. God supports all of us during the crippling times in our lives. We must drive one thing into our system with seriousness, and this is the fear of God. Fear draws us nearer to our God.

What is God saying?

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Yes, this is a promise from the same God who is eternal. The almighty God, who created everything, is with us, no matter what. The fear that we have should be an exciting moment instead. While our focus is on frailty, He assured us of His blessed and unfailing promise.

These promises are the building blocks of our spiritual foundation. A fact that has to be implanted in our spiritual being. Every second that passes is now a warning of His arrival. Yes, arrival. He is coming soon. The Word, Jesus Christ, and His words are now a warning. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also( John 14:3). For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18).

.
Posted on

What’s the point?

Scriptural Readings:

Luke 11:24-26, II Timothy 3:1-5

Significant challenges confront our world today. These include social unrest, political turmoil, and the looming threat of global conflict. These issues create hatred, confusion, and anxiety, and again, we have no reason to dispute or reject them.

Luke 11:24-26

King James Version

V.24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

V.25 And when he cometh, he findeth [it] swept and garnished.

V.26 Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first.

The New Living Translation

V.24 “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ 

V.25 So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order.

V.26 Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

What’s the point?

Commonly, one focuses more on daily events than on our spiritual life. When was the last time we seriously asked ourselves about our spirituality? Have we recently paused and thought about Jesus’ incredible promise? He will grant us a mansion in heaven. Or an ignorance of what this place called hell is all about? The point is we will land in either of these places for eternity.

It is time to tilt the balance on spirituality. If we do not regret the evils we are dealing with, they will increase in quantity and quality. God is always taking our attention; God’s discipline is on its way. I must reiterate that there’s no misunderstanding here. The point is to repent.

What’s the point?

It is the point. As soon as our faith is opposed and threatened, we must stand on our ground and confront it. Remember that the devil will not die. He is doomed to suffer eternity in the lake of fire. The unsaved will join him there. He and his evil spirits will relentlessly pursue our spiritual death by destroying our faith.

It seems we are taking it lightly. Still, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact this one word can have on us. We can’t afford to overlook this. Sin is the gate to hell. If one’s idea or view of life in its absolute context aligns with reality, one needs to reconsider. Nightmares simply are experiences. The question of Heaven and Hell’s existence persists. Some view them as fictional constructs. This belief leaves us to grapple with truth versus falsehood circumstances.

II Timoty 3:1-5

King James Version

V.1 This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come.

V.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

V.3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

V.4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

V.5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

The New Living Translation

V.1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.

V.2  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

V.3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

V.4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

V.5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

What’s the point?

Which of us are listed here from the verses above? I would say we will land on at least one of them. Another question is, how many of us are there? The absolute meaning of these verses must genuinely move us. If it doesn’t, we will find ourselves in hell. These indications are barometers of the end times but also serve as a meditative area for us to contemplate.

Life is a journey with a clear destination. For the younger generation, taking life to extremes is empowering. It makes them feel like anything is possible. Nonetheless, aging brings challenges.

What’s my point?

It’s all about living by God’s standards. There is nothing wrong with a way of living our lives of holiness. Unless we get our acts righteous in His sight, we are on the border of destruction. There are no exceptions. All of us should be on the path of holiness. If the signs of the end times are a joke, it’s not funny. The Father promised us salvation by sending His Son. Yet, here we are, living our lives as if there were no heaven or inferno.

As Christians, if we are not rational about the disturbances happening around the globe, there is something wrong with us. If all the evils we see today are not obvious, then there is a problem. We are playing with the devil. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with us is against us.”

Posted on

Enter into …

Scriptural Readings:

Mark 13:33, Luke 22:40, I Peter 1:16

No matter what we do, we will run into something we will regret. Cyber users often fall victim to clickbait’s attention-grabbing headlines and enticing promises, which draw them into engaging online content. While grocery shopping, many women (and some men) spent more money than intended, convinced they had saved marginally. Current voters still fall into the trap of politicians who underperformed or did nothing for their countries during their terms, voting for them again.

There is nothing we can do. Eventually, we will run into something we will surely regret. “I should have known” is a common refrain. If it were even possible to see the results of our decisions and actions, we could, at the very least, mitigate these consequences if it is impossible to eliminate them. But how?

Mark 13:33

King James Version

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

New Living Translation

And since you do not know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

Take Heed

These two words bring diverse emotions as we read our Bible. To further understand what God wants us to know, we have to study these two Greek words translated into English terms because of the various meanings in Greek. βλέπω (blep’-o), (primary verb) is a Greek word that means, in English, to look at (literally or figuratively).

In the New Testament, the phrase “take heed” denotes an action that leads to a specific outcome for us, not just something we observe but also something we must accomplish. What happens is that every time we read this phrase, the Holy Spirit tells us something. It is not just literally or figuratively. Jesus wants us to see it further. When God says something, it is not just those things in front of us. There is more transcending into what we can see. One must diligently engage with the Bible through reading and meditation as a priority, avoiding a casual approach.

Luke 22:40

King James Version

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

New Living Translation

There, He told them, Pray that you will not give in to temptation.

Enter in to

We will experience two opposing forces in our lifetime: the divine and the unseen evil. If we choose the path of goodness, we may encounter challenges and obstacles that test our moral fiber. Conversely, if we succumb to wickedness, we may yearn for the divine presence that bypasses us. So, what’s the point?

As we enter another 24 hours, we also deal with temptations. As soon as we are born, a world manifests itself with evil things waiting to devour us. We are always caught up in the stop, look, and listen trap of temptation.

We have now entered the final stage where history will no longer make sense. We must live as the next day will be the rapture, then judgment. The former 24-hour carefree or overrated lifestyle that once we knew had to be, this time, holy and sober for the Lord Jesus Christ for the rest of our lives.

I Peter 1:16

King James Version

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

New Living Translation

For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.

Draw near.

Though it is undeniable that a barrier arises between God and us when we sin, the challenge of reconnecting with Him restricts us. When we are weak, the enemy exploits us, leading us to a situation where it is a burden to reach God. It does not have to be this way.

What is it like to be drawn nearer to God? We Christians have grown accustomed to expecting results without doing the fundamental work. Our faith is dead without works. It is what the Bible says. Don’t overlook the most essential part of this text: the results of being close to Him.

Drawing closer to God should not be just a line in our Bibles to read. Reading is entirely different from bringing one closer. Drawing near to God is a divine or holy act by us. It is what the Bible says, “Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.”

And finally

Without a doubt, we are now experiencing the end of times, and the Holy Bible confirms this. The Holy Scriptures provide guidance for dealing with the challenges of our circumstances. Faith should overcome emotions. Chaos will result if it is the other way around. God is in charge of our lives. Take heed. When God says something, it is not just those things in front of us. As we enter the spiritual war zone each day, we find there is more beyond what we can perceive with God on our side as we draw nearer to Him. Read this last paragraph again and again. Let it sink in for you. It starts with the phrase without a doubt, meaning having unshakable faith, and ends with drawing nearer to God to become holy.

Posted on

Death saved us

Scriptural readings:

Romans 5:12, John 3:3, John 19:30, I Corinthians 15:54-57

Many of us live in reality and never want to talk about dying. Right? It is very uncomfortable. But meeting our Creator is inevitable. Passing away is a fact. What would be the most sensible way to face this dilemma?

If we dig deeper into what this word means in its genuine sense, we should consider a few things. You might have read some articles more likely than others you disliked or found them insightful. It may sound morbid, but it gives us, as Christians, a different but meaningful insight.

Romans 5:12

King James Version

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The New Living Translation

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

While dying 100% haunts us, the truth is we were lifeless all along, spiritually dead. We are afraid to die, but we are already dead. We died in our sins. What an irony! It is not dying that gives us the creeps. It is fear of dying and after dying.

We live in a time when it is easy to identify problems and solve them. Gender confusion? Simple. Gender transformation surgery. Unwanted pregnancy? Abortion. Here is one thing. We are more horrified watching horror movies but not the consequences and horrors of our evil and immoral acts. The opposite of what the Holy Scripture says: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instructions. (Proverbs 1:7)

Nothing is more fearful than reading Matthew 24, and yet, people, and even some believers, are shackled, enjoying what Satan offers them. Criticism is fueling the increase in doomsday events happening nowadays. Instead of heeding and preparing for these future scenarios with love and passion, they ignore them.

John 3:3

King James Version

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

The New Living Translation

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

To be dead in spirit, we must once have been alive. Right? Every Christian knows what happened when humanity committed our first sin. It is the day when all die. Yes, every human that comes into existence will be spiritually dead.

One must be born again. It is a commandment from our Lord Jesus. But, just like Nicodemus, we living in modern times still find it odd what it is to be born again. We insist on being more philosophical rather than spiritual. Whenever we seek spiritual growth, we expect temporal results. We can never reach God because our spirits are dead. Since God is a spirit, only our spirits can get to Him. And because of our dead spirit, to rejuvenate our lifeless souls, we must seek a fresh existence within our spirits. It is why we have to be born again. It is a life-changing experience from God Himself. He has given us a new divine life through Jesus Christ.

Finally

John 19:30

King James Version

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

The New Living Translation

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Death penalty

The death penalty serves justice, the majority agree, right? But what if the person is innocent? If we’re willing to execute an innocent person, how can we claim to uphold justice? Once a life is lost, it is lost forever. Navigating through the unfamiliar and unpredictable obstacles that life throws at us is a task we are all well-acquainted with. We seldom find the right ones.

Death and penalty are two significant words in Christianity. Understand that these two words are essential for spiritual salvation. In the temporal realm, death, and the penalty are two words that evoke unpleasant emotions. In the spiritual realm, these are unquestionably divine connections.

Death

How do we define dying in its absolute sense? Do you think it is possible to fully and clearly be empathetic or emotional? Mourning is an integral part of dying. Correct? Death, in its absolute perception, may be undefinable. However, faith tells us that being dead is our condition before accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and having a state of separation from God, who is life Himself.

Penalty

In this world we live in, to die is a penalty. Right? But what about the spiritual realm? Could we explain the reason for dying as a punishment if I was born dead in spirit in the first place? Sadly, the death penalty stems from the curse of sin, something we find difficult to accept. The love of God does not extend to what we do, and that is to sin.

It is finished.

The English word finished (past tense) in Greek is τελέω (teleō), pronounced as tel- Now, what is the significance of this? You may ask. The Greek word τελέω (teleō) signifies completion, discharge of a debt, and fulfillment. In Christian theology, this profound term implies that Jesus, the Son of God, definitively accomplished his mission here on earth. When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” it signified the completion of the payment for humanity’s sins. This act bridged the gap between humanity and God, providing the opportunity for eternal salvation to those who believed in His sacrifice. It is the essence of the Christian faith and the absolute goal of human existence. It reminds us of the importance of faith, hope, and trust in Jesus. It reminds us of unlocking the transformative potential of love and forgiveness.

I Corinthians 15:54-57

King James Version

V.54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

V.55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?

V.56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

V.57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The New Living Translation

V.54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,[j] this Scripture will be fulfilled:

V.55 “Death is swallowed up in victory.

 O death, where is your victory?

    O death, where is your sting?”

V.56  For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.

V.57  But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now that we are sure that God has taken care of this uncertainty, we should no longer fear dying. The meaning of dying as a punishment has been replaced by the glory of God through believing and putting our trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, because of what He did on Calvary. Death saved us from dying. We should stay clear-headed when discussing death and not let our emotions cloud our judgment.