The Word of God

Matthew 13 focuses on Jesus’ teaching through parables that reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. These parables, using everyday scenarios, illustrate different aspects of God’s kingdom, including its growth, value, and the responses of people to His message. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23): Jesus begins with the Parable of the Sower , where a farmer sows seeds on four types of soil: the path, rocky ground, thorny ground, and good soil. Only the seed on the good soil grows and produces a crop, illustrating that people respond to God’s Word in different ways. In His explanation, Jesus explains that the seed represents the Word of God , and the types of soil represent different responses to it. Those who are distracted, shallow, or hindered by life’s worries do not bear fruit, but those with receptive hearts grow and multiply in faith. Key Verse : "But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one wh...

Matthew 12 recounts growing opposition to Jesus’ ministry, highlighting controversies over the Sabbath , confrontations with the Pharisees , and discussions of Jesus’ authority. Jesus also teaches about the kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and genuine discipleship. Controversy over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14): Jesus’ disciples pick grain on the Sabbath because they are hungry, leading the Pharisees to accuse them of breaking the law. Jesus responds by referencing how David ate consecrated bread when in need and how priests work on the Sabbath without guilt. Jesus declares, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8), asserting His authority over the Sabbath. He emphasizes that mercy is more important than strict sacrifice, citing Hosea 6:6. Later, in a synagogue, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, asking if it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. The Pharisees plot to kill Him for this act, showing their hardened hearts...

Matthew 11 focuses on Jesus’ ministry, highlighting both the doubts of John the Baptist and the unbelief of many who witnessed Jesus’ miracles. Jesus calls for faith and humility, reveals His divine identity, and offers rest to those who trust in Him. John the Baptist’s Doubt and Jesus’ Response (Matthew 11:1-6): While imprisoned, John the Baptist hears about Jesus’ works and sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is the Messiah or if they should expect someone else. Jesus replies, listing His miracles: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor hear the good news. He tells John’s disciples to report what they have seen and heard. Jesus concludes by saying, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me” (Matthew 11:6), encouraging faith even amid doubt. Key Verse : "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear...

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are unique accounts of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Each was written with a specific audience and purpose in mind, giving us a multifaceted view of Christ and His message. Let’s explore their distinct perspectives and focus: 1. The Gospel of Matthew Audience : Primarily Jewish Focus : Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy linking Jesus to Abraham and David, underscoring His legitimacy as the promised Jewish Messiah. This Gospel includes more Old Testament references than any other, aiming to show Jewish readers that Jesus fulfilled messianic prophecies. Matthew highlights Jesus as King and Teacher, focusing on His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and emphasizes the kingdom of God as Jesus fulfills God’s promises to Israel. Key Verse : “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to ful...

Obedience to God is a vital yet often challenging part of a faith journey. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who responded to God’s call, demonstrating trust in His wisdom even when the path was unclear. One of the most profound examples is the prophet Hosea, who obeyed God’s command to marry Gomer, a woman who would later be unfaithful. This act became a symbol of God’s love for Israel and His desire for His people to return to Him. Hosea’s story shows us that obedience is not always easy, but it is always meaningful and rewarding in God’s kingdom. 1. The Heart of Obedience: Trusting God’s Plan At its core, obedience is a response of trust. It’s about aligning our actions with God’s will, even when we may not understand the full picture. Hosea’s marriage to Gomer likely involved personal pain and struggle, yet he followed God’s instruction. His obedience became a testimony of faith, illustrating that God’s commands are purposeful, even when they challenge our understandi...

In Matthew 10, Jesus formally calls and sends out His twelve apostles , giving them authority to perform miracles and preach the message of the kingdom. He instructs them on how to conduct their ministry, prepares them for persecution, and teaches them about the cost of discipleship. The Twelve Apostles and Their Mission (Matthew 10:1-4): Jesus gathers His twelve disciples, giving them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal diseases. These twelve apostles are: Simon Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (who would later betray Jesus). This list highlights that Jesus called a diverse group of individuals, many from humble backgrounds, to carry out His mission. Key Verse : "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness" (Matthew 10:1). Instructions for the Mission (Mat...

Matthew 9 describes a series of miracles and teachings by Jesus, displaying His authority to forgive sins, heal sickness, and restore lives. This chapter also highlights the growing opposition to Jesus and His call to discipleship. Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man and Forgives His Sins (Matthew 9:1-8): Jesus returns to His hometown, where some men bring a paralyzed man to Him. Seeing their faith, Jesus says to the man, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven" (Matthew 9:2). The teachers of the law accuse Jesus of blasphemy because only God can forgive sins. To demonstrate His authority, Jesus tells the man to get up, take his mat, and go home. The man is healed instantly, and the crowd praises God. Key Verse : "But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (Matthew 9:6). The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13): As Jesus passes by a tax collector’s booth, He calls Matthew (also called Levi) to follow Him. Matthew immediately leav...

Matthew 8 describes a series of miracles and teachings performed by Jesus, showcasing His authority over disease, nature, and the spiritual realm. Through these miracles, Jesus reveals His compassion and power, underscoring His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4): As Jesus comes down from the mountain, a man with leprosy approaches and kneels before Him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reaches out, touches him, and says, "I am willing. Be clean!" The man is immediately healed. Jesus instructs him to go to the priest and offer the gift commanded by the Law as a testimony. This miracle reveals Jesus' willingness to heal and His compassion for the outcast. Key Verse : "Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!' Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy" (Matthew 8:3). The Faith of the Centurion (Matthew 8:...

The book of Jude has a significant message for the concept of the "remnant" in the Bible, which refers to a faithful group of believers who remain steadfast in their faith amidst widespread rebellion, compromise, or apostasy. Jude’s short letter is a powerful warning against false teachers, ungodly influences, and the corruption infiltrating the church, but it is also an exhortation to the faithful—the remnant—encouraging them to hold firmly to the truth and remain pure in a world of moral and spiritual decay. 1. Calling Out the Faithful Amidst Apostasy Jude begins his letter by addressing those who are “called, loved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1). He urges this faithful group to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3). The remnant in Jude’s time was faced with the challenge of standing against false teachers who promoted ungodly behaviors and denied the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Jude’s call to “con...

The phrase “perished in the gainsaying of Korah” is another warning from Jude 1:11, where Jude describes the consequences faced by those who reject God’s authority. Jude compares false teachers to infamous figures from the Old Testament—Cain, Balaam, and Korah—to illustrate how pride, greed, and rebellion against God’s appointed leadership can lead to destruction. Korah’s story, found in Numbers 16 , serves as a warning against rejecting God’s authority and trying to seize power for personal pride and ambition. The Story of Korah’s Rebellion: Numbers 16 Korah was a Levite who, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korah challenged the God-given authority of Moses and Aaron, accusing them of elevating themselves above the congregation. He argued that all of Israel was “holy” and that Moses and Aaron had no right to lead over the people. This rebellion was motivated by pride, jealousy, and a desire for power. Rebellion Against God-Orda...

The “error of Balaam” is a warning from the New Testament against pursuing personal gain and self-interest at the expense of God’s truth and righteousness. In Jude 1:11, Balaam is mentioned alongside Cain and Korah as examples of people who led others astray by disregarding God’s commands: “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.” Each of these characters represents a different form of rebellion, with Balaam’s error specifically highlighting the dangers of greed, spiritual compromise, and deception. The Story of Balaam: Numbers 22-24 To understand the “error of Balaam,” we need to look at Balaam’s story in Numbers 22-24 . Balaam was a prophet in Moab whom Balak, the king of Moab, hired to curse Israel as they approached the Promised Land. Although Balaam initially claimed that he could only speak the words God gave him, he repeatedly entertained Balak’s offers of wealth and honor, show...

The "way of Cain" is a phrase rooted in the Bible, referring to the path of disobedience, selfish ambition, and rebellion against God. The term is famously mentioned in Jude 1:11, where Jude warns believers about following ungodly paths: “Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” Here, the "way of Cain" is linked to a rejection of God’s ways and a self-centered, destructive mindset. Understanding the Way of Cain in Scripture To understand the "way of Cain," we need to look back to the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve, both presented offerings to God. Abel’s offering, given in faith and obedience, was accepted, while Cain’s was not. Cain’s response was jealousy and anger, leading him to murder his brother Abel. Several aspects define the “way of Cain”: Self-Will over God’s Will Unlike Abel, who offered a pleasin...

Understanding the types of judgment described in Scripture is essential for grasping God's ultimate plan for humanity. The Bible outlines three distinct types of judgments: one for unbelievers who have died, one for living unbelievers at Christ’s second coming, and one for believers at the judgment seat of Christ. Each judgment serves a unique purpose and reflects God's righteousness, mercy, and justice. 1) The Great White Throne Judgment - Judgment of Dead Unbelievers The Great White Throne Judgment is the final judgment of unbelievers who have died without Christ. This judgment occurs after the Millennium and is described in detail in Revelation 20. Resurrection of Damnation : Jesus references this in John 5:28-29 , where He speaks of two resurrections – one for life and one for damnation. Those who did evil, rejecting God’s salvation, will be resurrected to face the Great White Throne. Based on Works : Revelation 20:11-15 highlights that this judgment will be based on works...

  Satan (The Devil) – Isaiah 14:12-15, 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:9 Spirit of Fear – 2 Timothy 1:7 Spirit of Lying (Lying Spirit) – 1 Kings 22:22-23 Spirit of Divination (Fortune-telling Spirit) – Acts 16:16 Spirit of Haughtiness (Pride) – Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 21:4 Spirit of Heaviness (Depression) – Isaiah 61:3 Spirit of Whoredom (Unfaithfulness) – Hosea 4:12, Hosea 5:4 Spirit of Jealousy – Numbers 5:14, Proverbs 6:34 Spirit of Deception – 1 John 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Spirit of Antichrist – 1 John 4:3, 2 John 1:7 Spirit of Bondage – Romans 8:15 Spirit of Infirmity – Luke 13:11-13 Spirit of Error – 1 John 4:6 Spirit of Stupor (Slumber) – Romans 11:8, Isaiah 29:10 Spirit of Rebellion – 1 Samuel 15:23 Spirit of Harlotry (Idolatry and Sexual Sin) – Hosea 5:4, Hosea 4:12 Spirit of Death – Revelation 6:8 Spirit of the Occult – Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Spirit of Seduction – 1 Timothy 4:1 Unclean Spirits (Demons) – Matthew 12:43, Mark 5:2-13 Spirit of Poverty – D...

Living a life that pleases God is the ultimate goal of the Christian journey. It means aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with God’s will and striving to reflect His character in all we do. This isn’t about perfection, but about a sincere heart that continually seeks to grow closer to God, following His commands and embodying His love in the world. Key Principles of Living a Life That Pleases God Seek God First in Everything A life that pleases God is one that prioritizes Him above all else. Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). This means putting God at the center of our decisions, our relationships, and our ambitions. When we prioritize God’s will, we align our lives with His purposes and find the true fulfillment He promises. Walk in Faith and Trust God The Bible reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith involves trusting God in all circum...

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is a powerful example of faith, courage, and unwavering devotion to Christ. His story in Acts 6-7 teaches us not only about standing firm in faith during persecution but also about embodying Christ’s love and forgiveness, even toward those who oppose us. Here are key lessons from Stephen’s life and his encounter with persecution that can inspire us in our own walks with God. 1. Faithfulness in Serving God Stephen was known as a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5) and “full of God’s grace and power” (Acts 6:8). He started his ministry by serving tables for the widows and orphans, showing that he valued service in even humble tasks. Stephen’s willingness to serve others, even in practical roles, made him a trusted leader and an example of humility. Application : Stephen’s life reminds us that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humble service. No matter what role we are called to, when we serve faithfully, God can use us power...

James and John, the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), were two of Jesus’ closest disciples, known for their fervor and ambition. They left their lives as fishermen to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:21-22), becoming part of His inner circle and witnessing pivotal events in His ministry. Over time, they were transformed from impulsive young men into powerful leaders in the early church. A unique story about their mother’s prayerful request for them helps highlight both their personal journeys and God’s fulfillment of their calling in ways they could not have imagined. The Mother’s Request and Jesus’ Surprising Response One of the most striking moments in the Gospels involving James and John is when their mother, Salome, approached Jesus with an unusual request. In Matthew 20:20-21, she asked Jesus to grant that her sons sit “one at [His] right and the other at [His] left in [His] kingdom.” This bold petition wasn’t necessarily selfish but reflected her hope for her sons’ dedication to God’s work. ...