Reflections
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God consistently urges us to abandon fear, as fear and doubt constitute distressing emotions triggered by the perception of imminent danger, malevolence, or pain, irrespective of whether the threat is concrete or hypothetical; they encapsulate a state of apprehension. When the threat is tangible, fear endures until the imminent danger manifests; conversely, if it is solely a construct of the imagination, the experience may endure indefinitely. Human beings possess the capacity to envision various scenarios, and through this imaginative capability, a multitude of creative expressions and innovative concepts have been brought into existence. A Spherical Earth While many believed the…
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God remains faithful in fulfilling His promises, which prompts believers to assert these promises through prayer. While many perceive God as one who answers prayers, a few find it challenging to comprehend this action of God. Some believers experience unanswered prayers and are thus labelled as sinners, thought to be devoid of God’s favor. Conversely, the truth is that sinners may often receive more favour from God than the righteous (Romans 5:20). Ignorant of the mechanisms through which God answers prayers, many individuals tend to attribute successes to their own merits when their prayers are fulfilled. They ascribe the responsiveness…
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Most individuals today live in a secular environment, which often presents a formidable challenge in maintaining one’s faith, particularly when one is pressured to set aside personal beliefs in favour of those held by individuals who do not know the true God. While it may seem that these challenges have recently emerged due to the diverse beliefs and faiths propagated by various religions, Scripture indicates that this issue is not novel; it has been a concern for the people of God throughout history. A significant example is found in the life of King Hezekiah, whom God led to confront such…
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Salvation can be defined as the act of being rescued from any form of harm. In the Biblical narrative, God liberated the Israelites from the bonds of slavery to enable their unobstructed worship of Him. Nevertheless, they expressed a desire to revert to their former enslavement, willingly trading their liberty to satiate their cravings. They exhibited dissatisfaction with the manna provided by God, yearning instead for the sustenance they had in Egypt. Essentially, they were prepared to relinquish their salvation for momentary and perishable pleasures. In a similar manner, individuals often find themselves yearning to revert to their previous lifestyles,…
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Once, after one of His sermons, Jesus addressed His disciples, asking why they kept calling Him ‘Lord’ yet did not put into practice what He had taught them. The disciples had given up their jobs, left their families, and were diligently following their Rabbi, so they were committed — but they lacked the perception to understand what He truly wanted from them. Because of this, they were not able to put into practice all that they were hearing. So Jesus proceeded to teach them a parable of two contrasting builders: one who built his house on sandy shores, and another…
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The Scriptures state that God created mankind as male and female, and likewise, He created animals, birds, creeping things, and fish in pairs. However, humanity was created in His image. Consequently, God established everything in pairs. In this context, God declared that every word that proceeds from His mouth will sustain mankind, and the Spirit of God gathers together its respective pairs. When God indicates that His Spirit will couple the words with each other, it may superficially suggest the fulfillment of prophecies, where prophecy is considered one pair and fulfillment the other. Believers often seek appropriate words to receive…
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When discussing the concept of idols, it is important to note that Abraham, recognized as the father of faith, originated from a family that engaged in idol worship (Joshua 24:2). God called Abram from this family, which was complicit in idol worship, and commanded him to depart and follow Him (Genesis 12:1). The Apostle Paul articulated that individuals can perceive their Creator through the magnificence of His creation; nonetheless, they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal human beings, as well as birds, animals, and reptiles (Romans 1:20-23). Although we have embraced the true faith and…
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From Friday evening to Saturday evening, many cultures observe a weekly Sabbath, a time traditionally set aside for rest, reflection, and familial bonding. During this period, people often engage in various rituals that promote community and spiritual connection. In some countries, the week starts on Sunday, making the Sabbath a welcomed conclusion to the week’s activities. This unique structuring of the week allows for a seamless transition into a day of rest, emphasizing the importance of taking time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to rejuvenate one’s spirit and deepen relationships with family and friends. Sabbath Traditions…
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While the temple serves as a concrete structure, the church embodies the collective of redeemed individuals united in gratitude to God for the forgiveness of sin. This movement originated immediately following the ascension of Jesus to His Kingdom, at which point God sent His Spirit into the world to impart His Word to the believers. Consequently, the Spirit gathered them as a church, resulting in the daily addition of redeemed individuals in significant numbers (Acts 2:47). The Impact of Religion In the Old Testament, the Jews established a religion known as Judaism, which subsequently mandated that only Jews could be…
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God sent His Son to bear our sins, though Jesus Himself was without sin. Through disobedience, mankind lost the eternal life that God intended for us, and the law declares that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, Christ carried our sin, endured death on our behalf, and overcame it—precisely because He was sinless. In this way, God offered Jesus on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, granting us forgiveness through His obedience. With this in mind, there are differing understandings of the phrase “by His stripes we are healed.”Some hold that this healing refers only to…
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Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105 (NIV) To comprehend this well-known verse, it is imperative to first grasp how the Word of God illuminates our path. In his Gospel (John 1:1-14), John articulates, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.” We affirm that God expressed His Word to bring forth the universe and all within it. Furthermore, John…
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The Christian religion defines faith as the act of believing and receiving the truth that God reveals through His Word. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of questioning what God conveys to us through His Word. In light of this rigorous teaching, individuals diligently strive to comprehend the truth, albeit within the confines of their understanding. When our grasp of the truth is limited, believing it becomes comparatively easier; however, when we endeavor to understand the truth in its entirety, we often find ourselves struggling to maintain that belief. Consequently, we tend to restrict our comprehension of truth to the extent…
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Every individual yearns for tranquility, and some even dedicate themselves to fostering peace in times of chaos and turmoil. When conflicts erupt between nations, the United Nations actively engages in mediation efforts, urging the involved parties to agree to a ceasefire. Likewise, in society, when disputes lead to division, mediators come forward to help reconcile opposing sides, all aimed at promoting harmonious coexistence. In the church, fellowships are often established with the intention of uniting believers. Unfortunately, rather than fostering unity, divisions can sometimes emerge. In these situations, certain believers take on the role of peacemakers, hoping that their efforts…
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We believe that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one—united and inseparable in essence and nature. This perfect unity is evident from the very beginning, even in the work of creation. In Genesis 1:26, God declares, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” The plural expression here reveals the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—acting…
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It is God’s unique nature to create things out of nothing. While modern science has achieved many remarkable inventions that cause people to marvel, every discovery relies on what already exists. Scientists must depend on natural resources as raw materials, and often on animals for testing and refinement, before their ideas can be brought into reality. In contrast, God requires no raw materials to bring forth what He desires. His creations are perfect and complete from the very beginning, with no need for testing or adjustment. Put To Death The Misdeeds of The Body Although God’s creative power is evident…
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A common thought among us is that, although the death of our loved ones brings sorrow and grief, we sometimes find comfort in believing that they are now free from pain, sickness, and struggles, resting in the bosom of Jesus Christ. In earthly death, every person is laid to rest with the hope of resurrection on the day of judgment. To give awareness about life after death, Jesus once told a disciple, “Let the dead bury their own dead,” refusing him permission to perform the last rites for his father. Though this may seem socially harsh, Jesus was teaching an…
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We know that God loves sinners, and it was through this immeasurable grace that we were saved when we ourselves were sinners. The same love that once redeemed us continues to reach out to those still far from Him. However, while God still loves the sinner, a question often arises in the hearts of His children—does He still love us? In the Old Testament, God often displayed His power by destroying the enemies of His people, and His children praised Him for such mighty acts. But now, since He gave His Son as the atonement for the sins of the entire…
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Although nearly two thousand years have passed since God forgave our sins by offering His own Son as the atonement, many in this world still remain in darkness, unable to grasp the light of the Gospel or realize that their sins were forgiven long ago, and thus do not receive their share of salvation. On the other hand, those who believe they have been saved by His grace must ask themselves whether they have truly received salvation in its fullness. Have we ever paused to wonder why, even after God has completed everything necessary for mankind’s salvation, not everyone on…
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In the Old Testament, God’s presence on earth is revealed through events that often appeared as natural phenomena. His glory represents the manifestation of His being in visible forms that people could witness. Some of these tangible expressions of God’s glory included the cloud, the pillar of fire, and smoke. Bible scholars often describe these manifestations with the term “Shekinah Glory,” coined to distinguish them from ordinary occurrences. In the New Testament, the unseen God revealed Himself by sending His Son, Jesus, through whom mankind can encounter Him and behold Him face to face in His Kingdom after this earthly life. While…
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In the parable of the Sower, Jesus spoke of four types of ground: the path, the rocky soil, the thorny soil, and the good soil. When explaining this parable, our focus often turns to the rocky and thorny soil, and by understanding these, we gain some insight into what good soil represents. Yet, we tend to overlook the seeds that fell along the path. This neglect is serious, for it increases believers’ ignorance about their responsibility. When God gave the Law, it emphasized commands of “do” and “don’t,” which often led people to fall into what they should not do.…
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Discipleship means following and learning from a particular teacher or teaching. When Jesus began His ministry, He did not choose His twelve disciples from the educated or elite class but from all walks of life. His purpose was to reveal His love and compassion to every segment of society—using people from among them as living examples of how His teachings could transform lives. This offers hope to all, assuring them that they can come to Jesus regardless of the sins or barriers that once separated them from God. Many aspire to become disciples of Jesus to reflect His majesty and glory.…
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There are countless fields of study, and people choose their reading material according to their needs. A science student, for instance, may focus on the topics in their syllabus, but to truly grasp the subject, they go beyond textbooks—reading research papers and investing extra effort to expand their knowledge. Others confine themselves to the prescribed material, relying on guides and model questions to get good grades, but in doing so, their understanding remains narrow. Some students avoid excessive reading altogether, yet they listen attentively to lectures, reflect deeply on the ideas presented, and adapt them to new situations. Whether through…
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Two of the Synoptic Gospels, Mark and Luke, record the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish shortly after the disciples returned from their mission and reported their experiences to Him. In contrast, the Gospel of Matthew places this event immediately after Jesus hears of John the Baptist’s death. It is noteworthy that after John, Jesus Himself called the people to repent. By the grace of God we have been given a role to partake in God’s ministry, as such if we die or fail to cope, God is already doing it on His…
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Some people drift away from God when they do not receive what they hoped for. This is often labeled as “backsliding” or “going back to square one.” However, such people may not truly be backsliders—because they never had genuine faith to begin with. They approached God seeking a miracle, healing, or blessing in hopes of building faith on those results. When nothing happened, they simply returned to their old ways, turning to every other possible source to fulfill their desires. If their faith never even sprouted, calling them “backsliders” or claiming they returned to disbelief is misleading. When we classify…
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People recognize God in various ways—seeing Him as the Eternal One, Miracle Worker, Giver of Hope, Light of the World, Healer, Deliverer, and Sovereign Lord. In the same way, the Holy Spirit is known as the Comforter, the Deliverer, the source of hope for the hopeless, the One who pours out God’s love into our hearts, and the seal of our salvation. Yet, our focus on the Holy Spirit often centers primarily on His power. This emphasis may stem from Jesus’ words to His disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be…
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Many people believe that Jesus battled with the devil on the cross and emerged victorious. They also understand that, as God appointed Jesus to be the sin offering for us, our sins are forgiven—and therefore, we no longer have any obligation to deal with sin. Ironically, even though we think God has completely dealt with the problem of sin in our lives, we still continue to sin—even after knowing that our sins are forgiven. Why does this happen? If God has truly forgiven and even forgotten our sins, why do we still hold on to them? It’s because we tend…
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Our God is a living God, and He identifies Himself as the God of the living—not of the dead—because He is full of life and not preoccupied with the dead as humans often are. At one point, Jesus said to a disciple, “Let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22). Though this may sound harsh to those who hold funeral rites in high regard, some religious leaders act even more severely toward their congregation. They insist that members must come to them for burial when a death occurs in their families, often resorting to threats when they don’t comply—ironically fulfilling the…
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In times of hardship, believers often question God’s presence in their lives, assuming that misfortunes occur because He is absent. But God is omnipresent—He is always with us, which is why He is called Immanuel. During the Christmas season, some people acknowledge this truth, recalling the prophecy from Isaiah that speaks of Immanuel, “God with us.” Yet, strangely, just a week later, as the New Year begins, many grow anxious about the days ahead and seem to forget Immanuel. Instead, they shift their focus to another name—Ebenezer—declaring that the God who has helped them thus far will continue to guide…
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We are all aware of how God humbled His own Son and sent Him to save us from eternal death. In obedience to His Father, Jesus willingly gave up the glory and comfort of being with Him and came to dwell among us as our brother. Just as God humbled His Son to fulfil His saving purpose on earth, He continues to humble us in order to carry out His will in our lives and in the world. That is why Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”…
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Many believers live under the constant threat of persecution, which tends to intensify during times of ethnic unrest. In recent years, both ethnic violence and religious persecution have been on the rise. Interestingly, as the number of religions increases, so does the violence associated with them. This raises a fundamental question: if there is only one God, how can there be countless religions? This simple question sheds light on a deeper truth—there is no inherent connection between God and religion. If God had indeed created religion, it would have been clearly mentioned in the foundational chapters of the Bible, particularly…
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In the beginning, darkness covered the earth, and God declared, “Let there be light”,—and light appeared. We understand that darkness and light can not be there together. As John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). We witnessed this truth fulfilled in Jesus, the Light of the world, who bore the darkness of the whole world’s sin, yet was not overcome by it. There is a unique truth in this redemptive act: although light and darkness cannot coexist, God allowed the Light to dwell in the midst of darkness until the…
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People often ponder on a seemingly simple question: How do I share the Gospel? How do I introduce Christ to others? Though it sounds basic, many are unclear about it and carry doubts or regrets, wondering whether they shared effectively or truly impacted someone’s life. For many, the act of sharing Christ has transitioned from recounting a deep, personal encounter with God to merely passing on second-hand information. Sharing Without Leading Today, with abundant access to Biblical resources online, anyone can study themes and doctrines with ease. Many who are eager to share the Word of God gather material from…
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The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18 (NIV) God is near to everyone and not far from any one of us (Acts 17:27). This truth reminds us that His omnipresence is constant, even when we do not go through difficult times. However, during seasons of trouble, people often grow discouraged and fear that God is absent. To address this, the Psalmist emphasised God’s nearness, especially to the oppressed, not to suggest that God is distant from those who are not suffering, but to comfort those in distress. God’s presence…
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While many Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled through the birth, life, and resurrection of Jesus, some remain unfulfilled. Believers often refer to these prophecies as affirmations of God’s existence and His active involvement in human history. With each fulfilled prophecy, their faith is, perhaps unknowingly, reinforced by tangible evidence. However, an important truth every believer must grasp is this: Do prophecies serve their purpose only until they are fulfilled, or do they continue to hold a deeper, ongoing significance in the lives of believers? Prophecies Prevent Us from Abandoning God God reveals future events to His people in advance to…
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We often claim to love one another, and in many cases, this love stems from our love for God. Our love for God is usually a response to His love for us—He loved us first, even when we were unlovable and, at times, unable to love ourselves. While loving God is a noble and essential act, if it remains only a reciprocal response, it is incomplete. Human nature tends to love those who love us and hate those who hate us. But Jesus, for the first time, taught us to love even those who are difficult to love. To help…
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Every believer is eager to preach because they deeply desire to do something for the Saviour who delivered them from the bondage of sin. Many are drawn to preaching because it seems to be the most accessible or visible way to serve God. But if everyone wants to become a preacher within their small church, who then will be the listener? Often, the unique styles and influence of well-known preachers inspire others to pursue preaching as a profession. Many begin with a sincere passion to share the Good News, but over time, they become captivated by the rewards that come…
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In today’s context, testimonies have become a powerful tool used by preachers to draw non-believers into their gatherings and to strengthen the faith of those already within the church community. According to Romans 10:17, faith comes by hearing the Word of God. As people begin to practice this faith, they seek out a church or are led by believers to become part of the Christian community. This often involves taking baptism, after which they are essentially confined within the institutional structure of the church. The Word of God, which initially sparked their faith, is now dispensed in limited portions—typically during…
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While some believers often view long-suffering as a curse or burden from God, it is both surprising and comforting to realize that long-suffering is actually one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Most Bible translations use the terms “patience” or “endurance” in place of “long-suffering,” yet the Greek New Testament more frequently uses the word “long-suffering,” with “patience” appearing only a few times. The original Greek term is makrothumia, which literally means “long-tempered.” It conveys a deeply emotional quality—suggesting a person who is slow to anger or possesses a “long mood” or a calm, enduring mind. In today’s context,…
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Blood is the source of life for every living being. In the Old Testament, sin offerings were typically made by sacrificing an unblemished animal. The blood of the animal was then sprinkled on the altar of the LORD as an act of reverence. Scripture teaches that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:12). While these offerings, when done regularly and sincerely, provided forgiveness as established by God, people often failed to truly receive this forgiveness. They began to treat these offerings as a routine payment to God for their sins, as if God desired…
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No one intentionally wants to use God’s instructions to act against His will. However, because we often resist drawing near to God and getting to know Him personally, we remain distant. With that distance, we misinterpret His guidance and end up using it in ways that do not fulfil His true purpose. At times, we use God’s Word to mask our unbelief or to distance ourselves from Him. It can be startling to realise how we’ve turned something intended for our blessing into a source of judgment. In the sections ahead, we will examine how and why mankind misuses His…
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Hospitality is a tranquil practice, one that ancient people mastered through self-discipline and care. In earlier times, there were no motels for travellers; instead, every household served as a haven, where family members extended their best efforts to make guests feel at home. Hospitality is defined by qualities such as warmth, generosity, and the ability to make guests feel welcomed and valued. More than a mere service, hospitality is a way of life that places the well-being and comfort of guests at its core. Sensitivity Towards Hospitality Saints, hermits, and holy figures were among the primary beneficiaries of this deeply…
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Dr. Childs explains, “Simply put, emotions are our responses to people, places, things, or situations. Sometimes, they can even trigger physical reactions. We should often remind ourselves that emotions aren’t inherently good or bad—they simply exist.” Further, emotions are feelings like happiness, love, fear, anger, or hatred, often influenced by our environment or the people around us. Every human being experiences emotions; they are a natural and psychological response to circumstances. What determines whether an emotion is viewed as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is how a person chooses to respond to it. Understanding Emotions Imagine you’re undergoing a month-long selection process…
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No one can deny the truth of the promise: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). However, as Paul explains, this calling upon the Lord is only possible if God’s love is shared and proclaimed. The Bible contains many verses urging believers to be messengers of God’s love, spreading the Good News throughout the world. For instance, when Jesus spoke about the end times, He said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” In this powerful…
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God never promised us a life without troubles, but He did promise His grace to sustain us through every trial. However, many believers mistakenly assume that sickness is a sign of spiritual darkness or evidence that God is no longer with them. Their reasoning is that if we truly belong to God and He dwells in us, we should not experience suffering, especially not illness. Biblically, sickness is often associated with the presence of sin, but this doesn’t mean that God hates those who are sick or suffering. On the contrary, Scripture clearly affirms that God loves sinners—that’s why He…
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Many believers step forward to serve God, assuming that He needs their help. But in truth, God doesn’t depend on us to fulfill His purposes—He simply chooses to involve us out of love. He desires a relationship and partnership, working not only through us but also within us. During missionary calls, it’s common for people to feel stirred and respond with enthusiasm. However, this response is often driven by emotion rather than true surrender. Without first committing their own lives fully to God, they are then trained to lead others to do what they have not yet done. When Jesus…
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Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – James 1:22 (NIV) There are two key aspects to following the Word of God: hearing and acting on what we hear. One of the greatest struggles for believers is not just hearing the Word but actually putting it into practice. Many people rarely hear the Word of God directly. Instead, they tend to focus on reading, memorising, and quoting scripture from the Bible, often using it as a tool to measure or teach others. However, there is a significant difference between reading and hearing.…
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Assumptions play a crucial role in forming a hypothesis when starting new scientific research. A hypothesis is usually developed by predicting the outcome based on existing evidence, which is then tested before the research begins. In everyday life, people often make assumptions when concrete evidence is lacking. For instance, if we don’t know the exact temperature of a place we plan to visit, we might estimate it based on our own or others’ past experiences. Such assumptions can help us prepare and adapt to some extent, reflecting the idea that “something is better than nothing.” However, making assumptions about a…
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There’s a powerful quote that encourages us to persevere: “The difference between a winner and a loser is that a winner plays until he wins.” In the ultimate battle between life and death, however, victory over death—earned as the wages of sin—is not something we achieve through our own efforts. Instead, it has already been won for us by Jesus. Paul beautifully expresses this truth: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) Elsewhere, Paul declares: “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) There is…
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Each year on Good Friday, people deliver eulogies in memory of Jesus, reflecting on the seven final statements He spoke while hanging on the cross. This day is marked by mourning His brutal death, much like the disciples who grieved in confusion and sorrow. Ironically, eulogies are traditionally reserved for the deceased, and on Good Friday, Jesus is often remembered as though He remains in the grave. In focusing on His suffering, we may unintentionally overlook those responsible for His crucifixion. Historically, blame has been placed on Roman authorities, while theological studies point to the Chief Priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees.…
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In this age of grace, we understand that God has given His Spirit as a seal of our salvation, which means that not everyone possesses this gift—only those who are saved by His grace. The primary role of God’s Spirit is to awaken our conscience when we sin against Him. However, many people overlook this fundamental purpose and instead seek God’s Spirit to perform miracles or cast out evil spirits from those who are afflicted. When we receive His Spirit with selfish motives, God’s Spirit still pours His love into our hearts and convicts us when we act in ways…
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Everyone desires peace, yet we often struggle to maintain it with those around us. When we realize that living in harmony with everyone is not always possible, we tend to portray ourselves as peace-loving individuals and blame others for disturbing our peace. In his letter to the Romans, Paul advised believers to live at peace with others, but he included the phrase “if possible,” which acknowledges the reality that peace with everyone may not always be achievable. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18 (NIV) Consider the example of a…
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While describing the Kingdom of heaven, Jesus narrated a parable about a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. They agreed to work for him for a denarius, and he took them to his vineyard. But the owner of the vineyard kept coming back to the marketplace to recruit more workers. He hired a fresh batch of workers at nine in the morning, at noon, at three in the afternoon and five in the evening. To each, he said that he would pay them whatever was right for their time. Perhaps the landlord’s…
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The Holy Spirit is the paraklētos, and we all know how impossible it is to find an adequate word to translate that rich idea. Often, the word cannot describe the character of God as it is beyond our knowledge and words. But the character of God could be reflected in our lives, so that people may understand Him better than they understand with words of description and adoration. Jesus asked us to live a life that people who witness may give glory to our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). The Holy Spirit is the source of our comfort and encouragement. Barnabas,…
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Learning has no age limit, and life offers countless lessons that guide us toward wisdom, helping us apply our knowledge effectively. Many believe these lessons come without a structured syllabus or plan, arriving in a seemingly random order. However, these are not random but planned in advance by God to make us whole. Another perspective is that the more mistakes we make, the more we learn. Fortunately, life allows us unlimited attempts to master these lessons—some succeed on the first try, while others take longer, accumulating setbacks over the years. This often happens because we fail to rely on God…
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Fairy tales, with their vibrant fantasies and colourful dreams woven into stories, have always captivated readers of all ages. While children delight in these magical tales, even adults find comfort in revisiting them at least once in their lifetime. Grandparents, too, cherish the joy of sharing these stories as bedtime tales with their grandchildren. However, the same fantasies that enchant us can also become a source of torment when they remain mere dreams, never translating into action. Let us explore the harmful nature of thoughts that fail to manifest into deeds from the scriptures. Fantasies Are Dangerous Than Deeds For…
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We know that God’s love is eternal and unwavering. Yet, during times of turmoil and uncertainty, we often find ourselves doubting His love. Does this mean His love has failed? Even today, when we witness widespread atrocities, people are left astonished and ask difficult questions: Is God in control? or Why does He allow such suffering? To remain steadfast in God’s enduring love, we must seek a deeper understanding of Him and His grace. Only through this understanding can we trust in His unfailing love, even in the midst of chaos. Human Love and Its Limitations Unlike God’s unconditional agape…
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Doing good is often associated with charity and religious acts, as many believe that such deeds lead to salvation (Mukti) or please God. However, if salvation could be attained through our actions alone, then Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross would have been unnecessary (Galatians 2:21). Today, many perform good deeds merely to gain the approval of others rather than out of true righteousness. We conform to societal expectations and fear living by God’s standards, believing that while all things are possible for God, living righteously in every aspect of life seems beyond human capability. To challenge this belief, God sent…
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Many believe that fasting is one of the most sacred practices that connects them with the Father in Heaven through prayer, and they diligently observe it, especially during the Lenten season. Additionally, people fast to seek God’s power before mass gatherings focused on healing and deliverance. Seeing this as a model, many believers adopt fasting as a means to receive a favorable response from God in their prayers. Since fasting has become an essential part of a believer’s prayer life, it is important to understand its true meaning and how God perceives it. Most people fast based on the belief…
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In the Old Testament, it is a gracious blessing from God to set apart the Levites exclusively for His service. In the New Testament, service to God is expressed through various roles, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The purpose of these roles is to guide people toward God, equip believers for ministry, and strengthen the body of Christ. As these servants of God dedicate themselves to building the body of Christ, they often identify with one of these roles as their “title.” However, just as the Israelites once rejected God’s direct governance through His prophets by demanding…
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A doctor applies their knowledge and experience to treat illnesses, just as a lawyer uses their expertise to uphold justice. In the same way, believers should also put into practice what they learn from God to guide souls into His kingdom. Professionals like doctors and lawyers cannot rely solely on their initial education; they must continually update their knowledge to keep pace with advancements in medicine and changes in laws for better outcomes. Similarly, believers cannot depend only on the memory verses they learned in the past. Instead, they must continually deepen their understanding of God’s Word, allowing the Holy…
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The Bible recounts that Hagar named the well after God revealed water to her in the wilderness when her hope of saving her son’s life had completely faded. Paul describes God as the giver of hope in our most desperate moments. Elsewhere, Paul explains how Abraham viewed God as the one who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not yet exist. This raises a question: was the well already present, hidden from Hagar’s view because of her overwhelming despair, or did God create it at that moment? Similarly, were the 153 fish caught in…
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It is rare to find a follower of Christ who truly rejoices and praises God during difficult circumstances. Yet it is common to hear people speak of the challenges and hardships of following Him. As a result, many grow accustomed to living in sorrow, failing to seek a way out. Some believe their lives on earth are meant to be full of suffering, which they must endure to secure joy in Heaven. Additionally, servants of God often share alarming accounts of their struggles as believers, unintentionally discouraging others from coming to God. While they may also claim to rejoice in…
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The Scriptures instruct us to raise our children in the love of God. In the book of Deuteronomy, we are encouraged to share with our children all that God has done in our lives so that they, in turn, may love God and pass on these stories, along with their own experiences, to future generations. This way, the love of God is made known across the ages. Unfortunately, this has often been reduced to a historical recounting of what God did for the Israelites in Egypt, which has sometimes instilled fear rather than fostering a wholehearted love for God. Is…
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The saying “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop” highlights the idea that if we don’t keep ourselves occupied, even with routine responsibilities given by God, the devil may exploit our free time to achieve its purposes in our lives. For instance, King David, when he refrained from joining the battlefield, found himself indulging in his desires during his idle hours. It’s remarkable to realize that even long, monotonous hours of prayer can leave room for negative thoughts if we fail to fill our hearts with God’s peace by truly seeking His answers. Moreover, even amidst our busy schedules—whether self-imposed…
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Expectations are beneficial as long as they are fulfilled, but when they are not, they often become the primary source of our disappointment. Despite experiencing disappointment repeatedly, we continue to have expectations because, without them, life feels stagnant. Expectations serve as the driving force in our lives and help us form connections with others. If we expect nothing from someone, it usually indicates a lack of interest in maintaining a relationship with them. In this sense, expectations are the foundation of our social nature. While it is true that humans cannot thrive in isolation, does this imply that we should…
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Fundraising is a critical component of any organization, with dedicated individuals tasked with identifying and engaging investors to address financial needs. While businesses rely on shareholders for support, non-profit organizations primarily depend on sponsors and donors to address pressing social issues such as poverty, access to free medical care, and education. Over time, spiritual leaders have increasingly embraced fundraising strategies to promote peace and well-being among communities. Similarly, churches have adopted fundraising as a means to generate resources, often participating in charity events to justify and highlight their financial needs. Trusting Wealth Rather Than The Grace Of God Paul was…
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Human beings are inherently social creatures, naturally inclined to express love for one another. This universal truth manifests in various ways, as people show love within their families, among friends, and in the broader community. Love, in essence, becomes a transaction—people offer love to gain benefits such as comfort, strength, and emotional support, while also finding fulfillment in being loved in return. Conditional Love Those who recognize their reliance on others often practice love to feel secure, whereas individuals who appear self-sufficient and avoid dependence are sometimes perceived as arrogant. At its core, the ability to love others is deeply…
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During the final months of the year, the act of giving thanks, holds a special significance in our lives. On the last day of the year, we often take time to reflect and express gratitude to God for the blessings, successes, possessions, and healings we experienced throughout the year. We offer thanks, believing it brings joy to God. But does our thanksgiving truly please Him? Does God expect our gratitude in the same way humans often anticipate acknowledgement for their good deeds? What does it truly mean to thank God? Serving God Sometimes, people devote themselves to serving God, believing…
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John spoke of the Word becoming flesh, a mystery beyond human comprehension. Unlike our words, which cannot take on physical form and can only be heard but not seen, the Word of God, which created the entire world and everything in it, took on the form of a human body. As we celebrate Christmas, we often marvel at Jesus being born in a manger but overlook the mystery of how the Word could take on human form. Spoken words are intangible, yet the intangible created the tangible. Now, the things we can see are temporary, while the unseen remains eternal.…
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There is a misconception that the devil lures and turns us away from God. Certainly not; initially, we think of going against the law of God, and the sin within us is powered by the law (1 Corinthians 15:56). In the beginning, there was one law: “do not eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge.” As the forbidden fruit appeared to be good in the eyes of Eve, she lusted after the fruit, and the sin (disobedience) in her was powered by the law. While the law is still powering our sins, God’s grace is working in parallel to…
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The holiday season is upon us, a time when people reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the new year. People are especially generous during this time of the year with many taking some time off from work to spend with family members. Some volunteer at their local homeless shelter or donate their excess belongings to charities such as Goodwill. Some spend the holiday season preparing for the local church activities like carols and the nativity play. Mankind’s generosity knows no bounds during the holiday season but come January all is forgotten. In the hustle and bustle…
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To catch and release fish in a way that improves their survival, it’s important to understand that using hooks can cause injury. Fish hooks may damage sensitive areas like a fish’s eyes, gills, or internal organs. If a fish is hooked in the throat or stomach, the best approach is to leave the hook in place and cut the leader to avoid further harm. This advice is especially relevant for those interested in catch-and-release practices. In contrast, for those in commercial fishing who aim to keep the fish alive temporarily to authenticate its freshness, this method is impractical, as the…
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We often assume we are believers while still exhibiting signs of disbelief. Fear is the most prominent symptom of this disbelief. Despite being consumed by fear in many aspects of life, people may still consider themselves faithful. However, fear and faith cannot coexist, just as darkness cannot dwell with light. Fear arises from doubt and a lack of trust, and if we fail to fully trust God, how can we truly be believers in Christ? Ignorance of God’s Sovereignty A father of a demon-possessed boy once pleaded with Jesus, saying, “If You can, please deliver my son.” This statement revealed…
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Charity is a powerful way to show God’s love to others. When we extend kindness, compassion, and generosity, we reflect God’s selfless love and care for all people. Through charitable acts, we not only meet practical needs but also demonstrate the unconditional love that God has for each person, regardless of their circumstances. This kind of love, shown through charity, helps people feel valued and cared for, revealing a glimpse of God’s heart for humanity. As it says in 1 John 3:18, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Charity As Explained In…
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God gave the people a clear command not to create any images to worship, but they disobeyed and made representations of God based on their own ideas. A study on “Imaginary Friends” shows that children, particularly those without siblings, often develop a personified character to talk to. The study also suggests that when parents argue, children may turn to their imaginary friends, reflecting on their family’s future. Though they express their feelings, they don’t receive any concrete answers. In a similar way, when people struggle to connect with the Sovereign God for various reasons, they may create their own gods—not…
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It is easy to deny ourselves in pursuit of our desires. A grave sinner or a drunkard can easily forsake their self-respect to achieve their sinful goals. Similarly, some people even reject the freely given salvation without any hardship. In contrast, denying ourselves to follow Jesus has become a difficult task because our nature is attuned to the patterns of this world. When the tuning is wrong, we repeatedly fall back into our old ways, much like a dog’s tail returns to its natural posture. Straightening a dog’s tail is difficult because it is naturally curved. In the same way,…
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The writers of the song “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” have experienced the unique and incomparable treasure that comes through spiritual encounters. Without such experiences, people often find themselves deeply troubled, their hearts shattered by the cruelty of wicked individuals in this world. Faced with these atrocities, they are consumed by fear, which blinds them to the presence of God. They feel distress and distress block their progress. Not sensing His constant presence, they question God as if He were a new recruit, asking why He isn’t protecting His people or stopping others from committing heinous crimes, leading them to doubt…
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Our perception of the world is uniquely shaped by a blend of personal experiences, beliefs, and expectations. This means that how we interpret what we see, hear, or read can vary significantly from person to person. For example, past experiences create mental frameworks that help us understand new situations, while our beliefs filter information through lenses of cultural, religious, or personal values. Expectations also play a role; they influence what we notice and how we interpret it. Consequently, even when faced with the same situation, two people may perceive it in completely different ways, revealing the deeply individual nature of…
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The true meaning of giving tithes and offerings to God has been distorted, turning into a tool used by some religious leaders to extract money from their followers. Many believers now think they can please God with their money, while others live in fear, attributing every illness or misfortune to their failure to give tithes and offerings. In response, they rush to correct this perceived wrongdoing. There’s also a widespread belief that if one sincerely gives ten percent to God, He will reward them with a hundred percent return, as if it were an investment in the stock market or…
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The world is changing rapidly, and people’s thinking has evolved significantly from traditional views on women’s roles. Not long ago, couples without children drew a lot of attention, often facing pressure and unsolicited advice on home remedies or advanced medical treatments to conceive. Now, there’s a notable increase in the number of couples who voluntarily choose not to have children. Meanwhile, the proportion of couples struggling with infertility and seeking to conceive has become relatively smaller compared to couples who do not want to have children.
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As our Independence Day approaches, we sing the national anthem at many of our gatherings—whether at film screenings, sporting events, or even during our church services. But why do we do this? Perhaps it’s to instil a sense of belonging, remind us of the sacrifices made by our forefathers, or reflect our current reality of living in a deeply divided society, where the need for motivation toward unity is ever-present. Are we so divided that we require these continuous reminders of our unity? Let us delve into the various sources of division among our societies and explore how we can…
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Everyone living on this earth faces problems of varying degrees. Often, the gravity of these problems is intensified by the individuals themselves rather than the problems’ actual severity. A primary factor that exacerbates these issues is the belief that one’s problems are uniquely severe and that no one else experiences such dire situations. While rare events do occur, they are not exclusive to a single person. If we open our eyes and look around, we will see that many others face similar challenges.
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It is heart-wrenching for a servant of God when someone receives healing and blessings from God but fails to acknowledge Him. Many people attribute God’s actions in their lives to various other factors. This raises the question: why does God continue to do good for them? Jesus answered this by revealing the nature of His Father, who gives rain and sunlight to both the evil and the good. God does not provide only for the righteous but nurtures all of His creation (Matthew 5:45). Jesus also instructed us to strive for perfection, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew…
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Our friendships are a unique and personal connection that goes beyond mere acquaintanceship. It is a bond built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences. Unlike family, where relationships are given to us by birth, friendship is a conscious choice. This freedom to choose allows us to seek out people who resonate with our values, interests, and personalities. When we think about how we choose our friends, several factors come into play. Common interests often serve as a foundation for many friendships. Whether it’s a shared hobby, passion, or activity, these commonalities provide a basis for initial connection and ongoing…
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When God gave His commandments to the Israelites, He was explicit in instructing them not to create any graven images. Despite this, the people crafted a golden calf to lead them, akin to how God led them. What led them to believe that their creation could guide and protect them, knowing full well it had no life? How could they equate their own handiwork with the living God? Why couldn’t they wait for Moses to return from the mountain, and what made them think Moses was dead? Even if they assumed that Moses was dead, what about the living God…
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The culture of being fake has permeated every aspect of our lives to the point where our authentic selves have been forgotten. Whether in our workplaces or colleges, we consistently wear a fake facade for our peers. We fake our interests or lie about the causes that matter to us. Faking marks, embellishing CVs, and manipulating the narrative about us have become commonplace occurrences. These acts stem from a desire to meet societal expectations and secure better opportunities for ourselves. Another reason for our fakeness is the pressure to conform to the world around us. Whether it’s adopting the latest…
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Across the globe, the rate of divorce is expected to decrease for various reasons. When discussing a reduction, it’s essential to acknowledge that divorce rates were higher in certain years and countries. In the United States, scholars attribute the high divorce rates to the diminishing stigma around divorce and increasing financial independence among spouses. Notably, individuals aged 50-75 years are more frequently seeking divorce. In other countries, divorce rates are lower due to financial dependence between spouses. Additionally, in certain cultures, women must repay the “bride price” received from the groom, and in others, the groom must repay the dowry…
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Paul reminds us that we are the temple of God. It is crucial to be reminded of this truth because we often forget that the Holy Spirit resides within us. Despite these reminders, we are not always mindful of treating our bodies as the temple of God. When David sinned, he pleaded with God not to take His Spirit from him, recognizing that sin causes the Spirit of God to depart. The scripture tells us that all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), a verse everyone remembers because it resonates with our own…
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Many argue that our life’s purpose is deeply intertwined with our professions and societal roles. Consider doctors, for example. They are often seen as the lifelines of society, dedicating their lives to healing the sick and offering hope and health to those in need. Police officers, too, play a crucial role as guardians of law and order, ensuring the safety and security of citizens. Then there are farmers, the backbone of our nation, who tirelessly work to feed the population by cultivating the land, growing crops, and raising livestock. These roles are undeniably vital, keeping the fabric of our society…
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The notion of individuals devoting themselves entirely to God’s service has gained attention. Some claim to have abandoned their previous occupations to serve God unremittingly. However, the reality is not as straightforward. Even those dedicated to full-time ministry must seek financial support to sustain themselves. They often resort to minimal employment to further their theological studies. Consequently, individuals who have supposedly committed their lives entirely to God find themselves preoccupied with stabilizing their livelihoods, leaving scant time for actual service. Furthermore, they are beset by family issues, opposition, and internal doubt regarding their decision. It is a common misconception to…
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With the proliferation of various social media platforms, rumours and fake news have spread widely. Many well-intentioned individuals dedicate their time to fact check and only then enlighten the public with accurate information. Despite their best efforts, misinformation has deeply influenced the majority of people, rendering the process of fact-checking ineffective. Moreover, fact-checking is often carried out in accordance with societal norms, raising questions about the reliability of news delivered through various communication channels. Without a standardised code of conduct to assess the authenticity of news, it remains challenging to ascertain the truth.
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In today’s bustling world, people often struggle to find time to take care of themselves, leading to a reliance on automation to save time. Even in the food industry, convenience has taken precedence, making cooking quick and easy. Surprisingly, well-known restaurant chains depend on instant and frozen food items to satisfy their customers’ hunger. These modern developments have led us to perceive traditional cooking methods as time-consuming, yet the shortcuts we take only create the illusion of saving time. Similarly, we are accustomed to seeking instant solutions, often expecting God to implement automation in solving the problems they encounter. However,…
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Humans have the ability to draw in life-giving breath through their nostrils without fully comprehending when they will exhale it. According to scripture, God breathed life into Adam’s nostrils, granting him life. The cycle of inhalation and exhalation will one day come to an end, with the scripture proclaiming that our breath will return to our Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Furthermore, no one can predict the hour of their departure (Ecclesiastes 9:12). Even those on their deathbed, while aware that the end is near, cannot pinpoint the exact moment of their last breath. Although doctors may advise loved ones to prepare,…
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It is a common phenomenon for individuals to assist others in order to enhance their public image and promote their businesses. Some people offer help with the intention of influencing others and cease their assistance if they are unable to exert this influence. Others help in the expectation of receiving something in return, such as a gesture of gratitude, and may retract their support if they do not receive the expected appreciation. However, offering help to strengthen a relationship can have the opposite effect. Be A Discreet Person God encourages us to carry out good deeds and acts of kindness…
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Paul emphasized in his letter to the Galatians the importance of supporting one another to fulfil the teachings of our Lord. This raises the question of whether it is necessary for us to assist others, or if we have the capability to bear the burdens of others. Additionally, considering that Jesus has already shouldered the burdens of all individuals through His sacrifice on the cross, is it appropriate for us to do so as well? Jesus instructed His followers to carry their own crosses and walk in His footsteps, reinforcing this notion by remarking that each day presents enough challenges…
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When we confide in those who do not know or follow God, they may feel overwhelmed, assuming we seek their support and advice to overcome our distressing circumstances. As a result, the varied suggestions from those we involve in our problems contradict each other, adding to our torment. It is as if we easily ignite a fire in the forest, but struggle to extinguish it. Similarly, we inflate our problems within ourselves, and when they spiral out of control, we become perplexed and blame God for His perceived delay in fulfilling His promises.
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The primary responsibility of the Holy Spirit is to introduce the Redeemer, Jesus, to all people on Earth. The Holy Spirit acquaints us with Jesus, who rescued us from the grasp of sin and saved us from eternal death. Then, the Spirit enables us to have faith in all that God has done to redeem us. Once this knowledge is imparted, the Spirit of God Himself dwells within us as a guardian of our salvation, to present us blameless in the presence of the Holy God, our Heavenly Father.
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Becoming like Jesus is an immensely challenging task for many individuals. Some individuals even consider the desire to become like Jesus as blasphemy, as they fail to comprehend the entirety of God’s love and instead approach Him with fear. Without experiencing His unconditional love, it becomes difficult for one to grasp the true intentions of God. Comparing the incredible love of God to the momentary and conditional love of people, many fail to fathom the depth and breadth of God’s love. Furthermore, the concept of becoming like Jesus may not even register in the minds of some people.
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The Bible instructs us to resist the devil, yet many people struggle with this task. Resistance marks the initial stage of our temptations, while the subsequent struggle occurs when we fail to resist initially. In today’s world, it seems that almost everyone is grappling with the devil and his schemes. Are we fully conscious of our weaknesses that allow the devil to gain entry? Furthermore, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul admonishes us not to provide a foothold for the devil. Once again, do we understand the areas in which we are vulnerable to falling prey to the devil’s…
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In the book of Revelation in the Bible, prophecies concerning the Kingdom of God and His Second Coming are detailed. Being the final book of the Bible, the prophecies are brought to a conclusion. The lives of believers serve as a continuation of the New Testament, the successive pages of the book of Acts. Just as God expected the Jews to spread His love, He now expects His believers to extend His love to all people. Thus, it is crucial for believers to align themselves with God to comprehend His plans well in advance. Whenever believers fall short in this…
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Identifying “Self Pity” within ourselves is challenging because we often perceive it as a justified act. Self-pity conceals itself behind the facade of spirituality and tempts us with superficial religious practices such as listening to spiritual songs, watching worship services, reading the Bible out of habit, depending on other’s prayers for healing, praising God by reading out from books of “Thousand Praises” compiled by a publishing house and reciting prayers without true conviction. Despite these spiritual disguises, one may struggle to recognize the presence of the sin of “self-pity” within them. These spiritual practices give them the satisfaction that they…
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We observe numerous festivals, designating certain days as special and others as inauspicious. The number thirteen is commonly regarded as unlucky. Our timekeeping is based on the movements of the Earth and planets, as well as the positions of the sun, moon, and stars. It is crucial to acknowledge the brevity of our lives, during which we often eschew days on the calendar due to the fear of misfortune. How many days, then, remain for us to relish this existence? Within this fleeting lifetime, we allocate a significant portion to anxiety and trepidation, yearning to escape. To transcend this tumultuous…
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One of the most renowned proverbs in Spanish asserts, “dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres”, which translates to “tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are”. This age-old Spanish saying conveys the idea that a person’s character and actions can be inferred from the company they keep. Friends play a pivotal role in our social lives, contributing significantly to our achievements. Oftentimes, friends share similar mindsets, societal standing, and interests. However, there are also individuals who seek friendship primarily to alleviate their loneliness, leading them to form associations with unsuitable companions.…
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With the rapid growth of the digital world, it has become necessary for us to periodically update the electronic gadgets we use. Over time, these gadgets become obsolete, prompting individuals to purchase the latest versions to maintain their status or the requirements of their jobs. The development of software has played a significant role in driving this need for frequent changes. Cell phone manufacturers diligently keep their customers informed about new versions, ensuring they stay updated with technological advancements. Ironically, we often neglect to apply this same principle in our spiritual lives, despite being granted new grace each morning. Let…
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The holiday season is upon us, a time when people reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the new year. People are especially generous during this time of the year with many taking some time off from work to spend time with family members. Some volunteer at their local homeless shelter or donate their excess belongings to charities such as Goodwill. Some spend the holiday season preparing for the local church activities like carols and the nativity play. Mankind’s generosity knows no bounds during the holiday season but come January all is forgotten. In the hustle and…
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The Scriptures state that even before the creation of this world, God predestined the sacrifice of His only Son to save all people from eternal death. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 4:6). This passage reveals that God, driven by His pleasure and will, orchestrated these events. As…
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In the case of Peter, there existed a doubt regarding the sacrificial death of Jesus, which caused him to experience a fear of being implicated by the Roman government alongside Jesus. This doubt remained hidden within his subconscious, unbeknownst to him, and it was because of this disbelief that he declared his commitment to follow Jesus until death. Jesus, in His wisdom, brought to light Peter’s concealed sin by revealing the impending transgression he was about to commit. Jesus consistently warns us about our hidden sins, although we often fail to comprehend His message due to our inability to recognize…
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When introducing Jesus to the world, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of His identity. Often, we tend to portray Jesus solely as a miracle worker or healer, inadvertently limiting His true purpose and significance. This narrow perception not only restricts His immense power and impact but also disappoints those who seek blessings or healing from Him, as they may not always receive them. It is essential to grasp the deeper essence of Jesus’ presence on Earth, rather than simply view Him as a bestower of miracles or an earthly conqueror. Jesus Himself posed the question to His…
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According to the law of God, the consequence of sin is death, which results in eternal damnation for all souls. However, out of His boundless love, God made a decision to fulfill His law in order to rescue us from this fate. It is important to note that God did not manipulate or nullify His law; instead, He accomplished it by placing the burden of people’s sins upon His Son, Jesus, who was then sacrificed on the cross as an atonement for the transgressions of mankind. Through Jesus’ obedience to His Father’s will, He triumphed over death and rose again,…
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In the contemporary era, edifices of structural significance such as Cathedrals are commonly recognized as sacred places where the presence of God prevails. During ancient times, the Temple held a paramount status amongst the Jewish community, representing the most sacred sanctuary where individuals would undergo purification rituals before entering its Holy place. Notably, Solomon’s Temple featured an impressive Copper Sea, possessing a remarkable capacity to contain 17,430 gallons of water. Functioning as a vessel for priestly purification, this Copper Sea played a crucial role in the sacred cleansing ceremonies. Additionally, the temple housed ten smaller copper basins mounted on carts,…
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Sin and the devil are often conflated, but they are separate concepts. In essence, sin refers to the act of succumbing to our wicked desires and transgressing against the will of God. On the other hand, the devil preys upon those who engage in sinful behaviour. Regrettably, people frequently attribute their own actions against God, saying, “The devil made me do it”. It is important to recognize that while God created both good and evil in this world, His intention was for humanity to remain in His light, shielded from the knowledge of evil. To uphold this, God explicitly prohibited…
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The teachings of the Bible remind us of our inherent humanity and the imperfections we all possess. Scripture emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our shortcomings and receiving forgiveness through the grace of God. One notable parable involves a Pharisee and a tax collector, illustrating the humility and repentance necessary for spiritual growth. The apostle John reinforces this truth by stating that denying our sinfulness is tantamount to falsehood. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms that where sin abounds, God’s grace abounds even more. It is important to note that seeking increased grace and love from God does not…
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Mother Teresa’s impact on society was significant. As a religious icon and philanthropist, she dedicated her life to caring for the poor in Calcutta, India. Despite her kindness and compassion, she was not afraid to take a stand for what she believed was right. While philanthropists like Mother Teresa express God’s love to the millions of underprivileged individuals, many fail to grasp the love of God that has saved them in the first place. Instead, they view these philanthropists as role models for their own personal satisfaction and think that salvation can be attained through good deeds.
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Many individuals struggle with the concept of generational curses, feeling trapped by the perceived negative patterns passed down through their family lineage. It can be challenging for them to break free from this mindset and find a sense of empowerment to forge their own path in life. These beliefs may lead some to attribute every misfortune or setback to the actions of their ancestors, causing them to lose hope and even engage in destructive behavior. However, it is essential to note that history has shown us that individuals have the capacity to make conscious choices that differ from the actions…
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Solemnizing a wedding ceremony at a church or at a place of worship according to one’s respective faith does not turn our decision into God’s decision. Most people take the momentary happiness and peace they have when arriving at their own decision as divine peace. Later, they are unable to trace back the chaos occurring in their marital life to their hasty decision and start to wonder how the decision that was made in heaven ended up in hell.
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In the Old Testament, parents taught their children about God’s miracles, passing down knowledge through generations. This led to a belief that God would perform miracles in their own lives. The victories of their ancestors served as examples of overcoming enemies. Over time, descendants relied on signs and objects, such as the Ark of the Covenant, to remember God. Carrying the Ark confirmed God’s presence and helped them win battles. However, later on, people forgot God’s commandments and saw the Ark itself as God’s presence. The Ark Of God God appointed Eli and his sons as priests in His temple.…
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The whole Scripture reveals the incredible love of God to the world. After understanding the truth that God loves us, do we love Him? Even after becoming His children, we do not love God. Most of us may deny this, assuming that we love God. But when we do not hate sin, it indicates that we do not love God. Even after knowing this, God still loves us to the end. It is bewildering to know that God never ends His love, but it is we who reject it. Jesus leaves the ninety-nine and chases the one running away from…
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Jesus asked the woman standing alone, “Has no one condemned you?” Earlier, a mob had gathered against her to condemn her to death according to the law of Moses. Fortunately, they tried to implement the law through Jesus to make Him guilty of not following the law of Moses thinking that He would defame the law of Moses. Jesus did not come to eradicate the laws but to enact them with His love. The incident narrated by John in chapter eight of his Gospel is the best example of what Jesus did to the law and its punishment. According to…
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Psalm 15 enumerates some probable deeds that keep us near God. This Psalm motivates us to fulfil our oath, even when it hurts or brings us loss, as an eligibility criterion to dwell with God. After taking an oath, if a person knows that fulfilling it will affect him, he should not change his mind. It often misleads people to stick to their wrong decisions and lures them to fulfil their own words rather than the word of God. Judas Iscariot was a victim of this concept and his focus was on fulfilling his word given at the cost of…
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God’s ways of dealing are new every morning, and people cannot understand them. People need precedence in everything to trust and obey. God does explain to us before He accomplishes His will, yet He ignites our faith to do His will in our daily walk of life.
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The Gospel of Matthew recorded the teaching of Jesus driving His servants away from Him, saying I never knew you. God loved us so much and gave His Son to us so that no one should perish but live eternally. God predestined us to call us His children and never forsakes us. Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers and Sisters. Then what makes Him say, “I never knew you”?
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Every three years latest models come on the market, and the old ones become obsolete. The company stops updating the software to its older models. People still go for those outdated smartphones at a lower price because they buy them to show their status to others. Who knows that they purchased it after the new one was released? As far as the buyers of the latest smartphones, they need the updates of the software daily to cope with their job requirements, etc. Though their old smartphones have become obsolete, every aspect of the old one is available in the new…
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Today we are participating in His Holy Communion, not in haste but at ease to remember and rejoice in the freedom God gave us from the clutches of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. People celebrate the Passover once a year, but Jesus asks us to remember His New Covenant as often as we can. Jesus asks us to remember our Father and thank Him for His incredible love. To believers in Christ, it is a daily meal rather than a Last Supper.
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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) Jesus uttered these words during his final hours on this earth. The disciples had gathered with him to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover and it is then that Jesus told His disciples to Take Heart and not be fazed by what was about to come their way. This was the last meal that the group ate together as the lives of those twelve ordinary men would turn…
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Seldom people are encouraged to help others constantly, but many discontinue doing good to others because of not getting a pleasant response. It can happen that the person whom we had helped might end up being our enemy today. Or the people who derived benefits from us to reach a higher level would have forgotten us.
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Despite the teachings through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the idea of connecting worldly blessings to spiritual blessings continues. James criticized the shepherds for giving importance to the wealthy group in the synagogues and the churches. Some affluent Corinthian Christians abused the Lord’s Supper by marginalizing poor Christians.
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We thank God at the end of every year and celebrate it as a well-known and well-accepted festival. The scripture tells us to thank God in all things and all the time. Thanking God only during specific occasions throws light on our ignorance of His protection that is with us every nanosecond. When we thank God for saving us from a dangerous accident, we inadvertently forget that He is guarding us daily before we even sense the threat. Similarly, thanking God at a specific time shows our ignorance or negligence of His hand on us during all the days of…
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We understand the literal meaning of “Rest” as a break from our routine work. Everyone needs rest, and we look forward to the weekends. We think that the holidays would refresh our minds to work better as we need a break from time to time to rejuvenate ourselves. Practically speaking, we are not taking rest but replacing our routine with leisure time, engaging ourselves in entertainment & travel that needs more energy. Our endeavours to give rest to our bodies wouldn’t yield the best results unless and until our minds are tuned to accept a change. God designed our minds…
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John the Baptist desired that God must increase, but he must decrease. How far do our desires comply with John the Baptist? Even if we want to reduce ourselves, the humiliation attached to it does not allow us to accept our decline. We thereby resist our willingness to decrease ourselves and fight against our decline. Likewise, we do not stick to our commitment in other areas too. Why do we not stand by our decisions? Because we like the scriptures that do not make us realize our mistakes but dislike those that awaken our consciousness to identify our guilt.
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Many children of God still live in fear despite being delivered from the clutches of fear. To come out of this fear, we should be aware of the tricks of the evil one. Looking at the Old Testament, we see people living in terror all the time. Knowing how God has delivered us from those terrors will help us do away with those fears. In those days, people were afraid of God to the extent that they wouldn’t even dare utter His name out loud but only write the name Yahweh in their scrolls. As a result, the Holy God…
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A roadmap is a strategic plan that defines a goal or desired outcome and includes the necessary steps or milestones to reach it. It is a high-level document that helps articulate strategic thinking—the why—behind the goal and the plan for getting there. Among various roadmaps, the visionary roadmap visually represents the changes happening within us and our society. It indicates trends in these areas and describes how we will reach the final target and remain relevant despite challenges. One such incredible roadmap is given to us by our Creator, and only the Gospel of John has a record of it.…
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We feel happy and proud when we understand that we are God’s chosen people. Feeling optimistic about this privilege leads to pride. Pride secludes us from the rest of the world, and we restrict the grace of God within a narrow circle of our fellow believers. The scripture tells us that pride goes before the fall. This pride has become a stumbling block in the spiritual growth of believers. From the world’s perspective, chosen means shortlisted or a few deserving candidates out of many. Do we deserve to be saved by God? Knowingly or unknowingly, similar to the attitude of…
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“Shalom” is a salutation by Jewish people at the time of the meeting or parting, that simply means “peace”. In response, people will say “Aleichem shalom”, meaning “to you, peace,” while the literal meaning of Shalom is tranquillity and the absence of agitation, spiritually it explains the divine peace that passes all understanding. As a salutation, this meaningful word, leaving aside all its significance, is used as a simple greeting such as ‘howdy.’ Gradually people forget the powerful meaning of this word and use it to greet each other to initiate a conversation. Eventually, it resulted in people losing their…
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None of us can say that we have received answers to all our prayers and solutions for all our problems. When our difficulties persist, sicknesses linger and people come against us, our faith shatters. We often think as the Psalmist, that I have kept my heart pure in vain and washed my hands in innocence (Psalms 73:13). When we do not claim the above purity, the devil deceives us during difficult situations, saying God hates us. The devil blinds our eyes to see the truth that we are the forgiven children of God. God never hates us but He loves…
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People prefer to watch television for hours together and are reluctant to spend time on prayer. While watching the television, even the thoughts about the inevitable pending jobs do not disrupt us. At the same time, we allow our thoughts to disrupt our prayers. Thoughts like, did we close the windows of our car, switched off the gas supply to the stove, or locked our house properly are some other doubts that come to our mind during prayer time. Apart from these doubts, our recurring worries bother us while praying. We stop praying because we are not getting an instant…
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A rhetorical question is asked merely for effect where no answer is expected. The statement contains our preconceived notions, posed in the form of a question. Likewise, most of our prayers are rhetorical. Once a preacher called the believers to pray for rain in their territory as the land was battling a severe famine. Many people gathered to pray for the rain, and the preacher walked back and forth among the crowds. Then he went up onto the stage and announced to the gatherings that they were not praying for the rain today but would pray to God to help…
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Quicksand is common and found most often where freshwater meets saltwater. It is a fluid made of sand mixed with water or air. It changes its viscosity in response to stress or vibration, making it easier to sink but harder to escape. The ground looks solid, but if we walk on it, the sand begins to lose and cave in. Likewise, in our daily walk with Jesus, some paths may look like normal roads that might suddenly cave in to trap us and hold us from guarding our salvation. Fortunately, researchers claim that in ninety percent of the cases, people…
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We love one another and take care of them. We love our children, and we give them all they need. We love to take care of the sick and the poor and feel proud to stand with them during their helpless situation. Yet, our resources are limited and we cannot go beyond that to help someone. For example, we love to hover around our children but practically we cannot be with them always. Knowing our limitations, God promises to take care of us when we fail to care for our dear ones. Can a mother forget the baby at her…
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“You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth,” Jesus told these words to a group of people who knew nothing about geography, as most of them were fishermen who depended for their livelihood on the nearby sea. They were uneducated and did not know how to articulate their thoughts clearly. Moreover, they were frightened and unable to digest the truth that Jesus was going to His Father. They were ignorant of Holy Spirit, who had to come and stay within them and felt like orphans. In this helpless situation, they were asked to receive the power and…
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We are striving hard to survive among various challenges in this earthly life. While we face trouble in our jobs, diseases or arguments with our loved ones, we stop trusting God and trust every other resource of this world. In this pursuit, the thought of ending our lives frequently comes to mind. When we forget that we are the forgiven children of God, we connect sin to every misfortune. Fear creeps into our minds, and we do not want to live anymore in this world. All of us certainly have to die one day, but ending our lives for not…
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Seeing a bunch of caterpillars crawling on the ground, I often used to wonder how does this ugly creature transform into an eye-catching colourful butterfly. People love catching the beautiful winged insect and try to keep them in the palm of their hands but no one wants to touch a caterpillar. God cleanses us by the blood of His Son and has engraved our transformed image in His palm (Isaiah 49:16). When we see a butterfly, we forget its past stage and don’t fully appreciate the process that transforms them but enjoy the outcome of the transformation. When we witness…
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The world quotes Jesus word’s for turning the other cheek when facing an enemy or persecutor but no one wants to adopt it. Resistance and retaliation appear to be defensive weapons but did not help in defending but ended up avenging ourselves and others. Jesus teaches us not to resist the evil person, which means letting them do whatever harm they would like to do. So is Jesus asking us to lose the battle? Is Jesus changing the trend that the God of the host, who helped His people to win the battles? People think that walking with Jesus is…
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What are our accomplishments? Are we accomplishing someone else’s mission or our own? If someone else is selecting our mission, what are we achieving in our lives? Our education major is not selected by us anymore but is dictated by the market demand or maybe our college guidelines. Our jobs have no relevance to our studies. Seeing this trend some might have a question in their minds if they are actually accomplishing the mission for their life? These chaotic conditions prevail in our lives because we let others fix our life’s mission, and never venture to have our own mission.…
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With the advancement of medical sciences, diagnosis and subsequent treatment have become quite easy. But in the olden days, people did not have these facilities to identify the specific reason, yet they received healing. It might be because of the pure air quality and organic yields. In this modern age, the air quality has become toxic, and the agricultural fields are filled with artificial fertilizers, loaded with chemicals replacing natural manures to get a better yield. Medical sciences are trying to find medicines to treat the damage that the chemicals have caused in the human body. When improved treatment cures…
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We consider the naming ceremony as a sacred event and believe that choosing the correct name, brings blessings and success in the lives of our children. As a result, choosing a name has now become even more complicated, as people think that the prosperity of their children depends on their name. Some people name their children after famous people like presidents, leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs, assuming that their names brought those people success and will do the same for their children. In this process, people avoid naming their children after notorious criminals or warmongers. Everyone has a different method of…
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Christmas celebrations include singing carols, baking cakes, decorating our houses and of course lighting up the Christmas tree. The children enact the nativity play as we remember the sequence of events that occurred during the birth of Jesus. While we sing the famous carol song “Joy to the world,” can we see the present world in joy as the outcome of the birth of Jesus? We have traded the joy of the birth of Jesus for meaningless celebrations, as the whole world joins in our celebrations only to have fun. When opportunists understood that this season makes all sects of…
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According to the Gospel of John, by receiving the Son of God, whom the Father had sent, we have become the children of God. The Gospel explains this further, as children born not of natural descent, a human decision, or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:13). Even the children of natural descendants are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him (Psalms 127:3). God created Adam in His image with the intention of bringing up God-fearing offspring. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit.And wherefore one? That he…
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We all know that our future lays in the hands of our Sovereign God. The psalmist even wrote that “My times are in your hands” (Psalms 31:15), and Paul brought out the fact that God has marked out His people’s appointed times in history along with the boundaries of their lands (Acts 17:26). Our God is Almighty, and He is El Shaddai. He has created everything, and without Him, nothing was made that has been made. Surprisingly, God did not want to have dominion over all His creations alone, but He delegated it to us, whom He created in His…
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In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light amidst the darkness. From where did this darkness come? Does it exist on its own or is there any other power than God has that has birthed it? The Gospel of John explains the role of our Sovereign God in creating all that is visible and invisible in the universe. The light has got such power, that darkness could not overcome it. In other words, only in the absence of light, the dark survives, and when the light flashes, it disappears.
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We deep clean our homes usually before the holiday season because we want to keep our dwelling place cosy and comfortable. This type of deep cleaning can only be done by us than any hired help, as we know the usual hangout spots of dust bunnies and clutter in our homes. We are keen on presenting our home spotless to our friends and family. During the festival of the Jewish Passover, Jesus cleansed the temple court to facilitate the visitors with a clean surrounding. No one else was bothered to clean it during that festive season, and they treated the…
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From its very inception, the institution of Marriage was supposed to unite two individuals to serve God as one body. Over the years, mankind, especially the forefathers and other leaders have had a hand in corrupting this sacred union. Marriage became a means to bear offspring and not a way for its members to unite with the goal of connecting with God. Paul addresses the earlier queries that the congregation had with regard to sexual immorality. While Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians on the subject of marriage may seem like a concession but given how quickly the Institutions (both Church…
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In the Old Testament, we see many occasions of restorations such as restoration of hope, of families, and even of kingdoms. We need hope for restoring the things we have lost, especially hope in God. Once, David had lost his family and the families of his warriors, which resulted in hostility from his supporters. Even in this worst situation, David did not lose hope in God (1 Samuel 30:6). As a result, God restored everything that he had lost. Even today, if we want to get back the things we have lost, we have to trust God. Usually, we lose…
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The past year has pushed everyone to experience a different lifestyle of working from home, leaving aside the hassles of getting ready on time and travelling a long way in traffic. Initially, people found it difficult because of their lifelong habit of coming to the office.
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The modern world runs on the philosophy which states that we should never settle for anything less than what we deserve. That’s the motto of every tech company as well as what they higlight when launching their ‘new and improved’ version of the same device, hoping to make an impression on their potential consumers. In the corporate world, attaining a level of satisfaction is labelled as complacency.
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Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus to fulfil the desire of His Father. However, these followers depended on what they saw and failed to visualize the unseen God, who had sent Jesus to this world.
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The creations reveal the existence of the Creator and the way they function projects the knowledge of the sovereign God. Somehow, many do not reach out to this ultimate truth, but they restrict themselves from this understanding by focusing only on the creations.
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“Don’t be over-righteous” is a familiar caution often given to those who seek God in truth. These are from ‘well-wishers’ who tell their fellow brothers and sisters to attend a Sunday Service and discourage them from involving in spiritual activities like meaningful Bible Studies, Outreach Ministries or Personal Devotion. They are satisfied with what they hear in the Sunday sermons and want others to be satisfied with that without ever reading the Word of God.
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As soon as Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God led him to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The primary temptations are that the devil wants us to prove to him that we are the children of God. This precious relationship is personal between us and our God. Repeatedly. the devil asked Jesus to prove his relationship with His Father, but Jesus firmly denied to prove it to the devil.
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God teaches us to show sympathy towards others, and sometimes He allows us to go through pain to understand other’s pain so that we may sympathetically pray for their remedy. At the same time, we should expect God to show His compassion to us rather than expecting pity from others.
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Christ came to save us from our own sins but did not come to start a religion to help us save ourselves. The world around us has done its best to try and subvert the true meaning of Christmas from us.
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While there are different opinions about the time of the birth of Jesus, we should also know the origins of Christmas. When people gathered in great numbers to celebrate the birth of Jesus, this was named Christmas during the late twelfth century, with its literal meaning being Christ’s Mass. With the coining of the name Christmas, the noble theme of God’s love has been distorted with some fictional characters of fantasies.
The Jordan Valley 