Why Must We Long for Spiritual Things?

February 24, 2026 Reflexions

Introduction

A. The Definition of Longing In the Greek New Testament, the word for "longing" or "desiring" is epithumeo. It describes an intense desire, a strong internal impulse that is persistent and driving. It is not a passing wish, but a hunger that moves the soul toward its object.

B. The Misplaced Hunger of the World Most people spend their lives longing for the temporal: a better job, a larger house, a newer vehicle, or financial prosperity. While these things have their place, they are not the ultimate purpose of our existence.

C. The Kingdom Priority The Bible teaches us to direct our deepest desires toward spiritual realities. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:33, we must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We long for spiritual things because they are the only things that remain and the only things that lead us to eternal life.

Central Question: Why must we long for spiritual things?

I. Because Spiritual Desires Lead Us to Salvation

Longing is the compass of the soul. Where you point your desires, your life will follow.

A. Longing for God's Deliverance

Psalm 119:174 — "I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law is my delight." The Psalmist reveals that his priority was not earthly escape, but divine rescue. When we long for salvation, we find joy in God's Law because we recognize it as the path to Him.

B. Joy in the House of the Lord

Psalm 122:1 — "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" Spiritual longing produces a natural joy in corporate worship. If there is no desire to congregate with the saints, it is a diagnostic sign that the heart's spiritual fire is fading.

C. Determination in Seeking

Psalm 27:4 — "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life..." David didn't just "wish" to be near God; he sought it with determination. True spiritual desire is active, not passive.

Doctrinal Principle: Salvation belongs to those who seek God with all their heart, for He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

II. Because Only God Can Satisfy the Human Soul

There is a vacuum in the human heart that the world can never fill.

A. The Thirst of the Deer

Psalm 42:1-2 — "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." The imagery here is extreme: a deer in a parched land, desperate for life-giving water. We must ask ourselves: Are we thirsty for God, or have we allowed ourselves to be "filled" with the junk food of the world?

B. Christ, the Living Water

Juan 4:13-14 — Jesus taught the Samaritan woman that physical water only satisfies for a moment, but the water He gives becomes a spring welling up to eternal life. Material things provide temporary distraction; spiritual things provide eternal satisfaction.

C. Diligent Seeking

Psalm 63:1; Isaiah 26:9 — The thirsty soul seeks God "early" and "in the night." It is a 24-hour preoccupation because the soul knows its source of life.

Doctrinal Principle: The human soul was created by God and for God; therefore, nothing else in the universe can truly fill it.

III. Because God’s Word is Our Spiritual Sustenance

Just as the body requires bread, the spirit requires the Truth.

A. Gasping for the Commands

Psalm 119:131 — "I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands." The Psalmist describes himself like a person breathless, desperate to inhale the Word of God.

B. Asimilating the Truth

Ezekiel 2:8; 3:1-3 — God commanded the prophet to actually eat the scroll. This teaches us that the Word must be asimilated and digested into our very being, not just heard with the ears.

C. The Hunger of a Newborn

1 Peter 2:2 — "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." A healthy baby cries when it is hungry. Do we cry out for the Word of God, or have we lost our appetite due to spiritual sickness?

Doctrinal Principle: Without spiritual food, there is no growth. Those who do not eat the Word remain "infants" in Christ, unable to discern good from evil (Hebrews 5:13-14).

IV. Because Spiritual Desire Produces Service and Maturity

Our internal longings manifest in our external works.

A. An Open Heart to the Truth

Acts 13:7 — Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, "longed to hear the word of God." His spiritual hunger opened the door for the Gospel to transform his life and his region.

B. The Ambition to Serve

1 Timothy 3:1 — "Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." God approves when we long to take on spiritual responsibility. This isn't about seeking a title, but about an internal "impulse" to serve the body of Christ.

Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual desires are the evidence of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. A heart that longs for God will inevitably long to serve God's people.

V. Because Spiritual Things are Eternal

We must long for what lasts.

2 Corinthians 4:18 — "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

The house you live in will one day crumble. The car you drive will eventually rust. Even the body you inhabit will return to the dust. But your relationship with God, the fruit of the Spirit, and the treasures laid up in heaven are eternal. When we allow material longings to take first place, we fall into idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

Conclusion

Why should we long for spiritual things?

1. Because they are the path to our Salvation.

2. Because they are the only things that Satisfy the soul.

3. Because they are our necessary Sustenance.

4. Because they lead to Service and growth.

5. Because they are Sacred and Eternal.

Is your heart "panting" for God today, or is it gasping for the things of this world? Let us repent of our earthly distractions and ask the Holy Spirit to give us a fresh hunger for the things that truly matter.

How must we walk in a holy manner?

February 24, 2026 Reflexions

Walking in Holiness: A Divine Mandate

Introduction

A. The Call to Holiness The Christian has been summoned to a life of holiness for one primary reason: our God is holy. As 1 Peter 1:15-16 declares, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

B. The Mirror of Conduct Our "walk"—how we carry ourselves day by day—is the ultimate proof of our identity. It demonstrates who we truly are and, more importantly, whom we serve.

C. The Biblical Meaning of "Walking" In the language of the New Testament, to "walk" (peripatéō) is a metaphor for a person's lifestyle. It encompasses the entirety of our daily conduct: our habitual actions, the architecture of our thoughts, and the gravity of our decisions.

The question before us today is: How must we walk in a holy manner?

I. Walk in a Manner Worthy of Your Calling

Ephesians 4:1 — "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."

A. Integrity Between Word and Deed

Paul, writing from a prison cell, does not ask for sympathy but for consistency. A man or woman of God must practice what they preach. Without coherence between our lips and our lives, our testimony loses its power.

B. The Meaning of "Worthy"

The Greek word axiōs refers to a set of scales. It implies "balance" or "equal weight." Our behavior should "weigh" as much as the glorious calling we have received. If the calling is high, the conduct must be high.

C. The Price of the Calling

We were called by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), a calling made possible only by the precious blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Because the price paid for us was infinite, our standard of living cannot be mediocre.

D. Landmarks of a Worthy Walk

• With Humility, Gentleness, and Patience: Bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:2).

• In Newness of Life: Leaving the grave of sin behind (Romans 6:4).

• According to the Spirit: Not governed by fleshly impulses (Romans 8:4).

• By Faith: Guided by God's promises, not just what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).

• In Good Works: Fulfilling the purpose for which we were created (Efesios 2:10).

Holiness is not a dry theory; it is a daily practice.

II. Do Not Walk as the Gentiles Walk

Ephesians 4:17 — "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking."

A. A Visible Distinction

The difference between a believer and the world should be as unmistakable as the difference between high noon and midnight.

B. Characteristics of a Godless Walk

When someone walks without God, their life is defined by:

1. Futility of Mind: Empty thoughts that lead nowhere.

2. Darkened Understanding: An inability to perceive spiritual reality.

3. Hardness of Heart: A callousness toward God and conscience (Eph. 4:18-19).

4. Greed and Licentiousness: A never-ending hunger for impurity.

Doctrinal Principle: Holiness requires a moral separation from the sinful system of this world (2 Cor. 6:17). A Christian cannot live as if they have never been transformed.

III. Walk in Love

Ephesians 5:2 — "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Christian holiness is not just about what we don't do (separation from evil); it is about what we do (manifesting Christ's love).

• The Supreme Model: We are commanded to love exactly as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35).

• The Divine Tutor: We are "taught by God" to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).

• The Permanent Debt: In the Christian life, the only debt we are allowed to keep is the debt of love (Romans 13:8).

• Love Without Hypocrisy: True love is not a feeling or a greeting; it is demonstrated through tangible actions and truth (Romans 12:9; 1 John 3:18).

IV. Walk as Children of Light

Ephesians 5:8 — "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

A. Our Identity in a Dark World

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). We are called to shine like stars in a crooked and depraved generation (Filipenses 2:15-16).

B. The Function of Light

1. It Illuminates: It brings the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:6).

2. It Guides: Like a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105).

3. It Reveals: It exposes things for what they truly are (Juan 3:19-20).

If the light does not shine, it fails its only purpose.

V. Walk Not as Fools, but as Wise

Ephesians 5:15-16 — "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..."

A. The Walk of the Fool

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). The biblical fool:

• Spouts folly and rejects discipline (Proverbs 15:2, 5).

• Stirs up strife and conflict (Proverbs 18:6).

B. The Walk of the Wise

The spiritually wise person:

• Redeems the Time: They understand that time is a stewardship and that the days are evil.

• Treasures Knowledge: They seek the Word over opinion (Proverbs 10:14).

• Fears the Lord: They turn away from evil because they respect God (Proverbs 14:16).

Holiness requires spiritual intelligence and constant diligence.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that holiness is not an unreachable mystical state reserved for a few. It is the "walk" of every true believer.

• It is a Worthy walk.

• It is a Different walk.

• It is a Loving walk.

• It is a Bright walk.

• It is a Wise walk.

If you claim to be a child of God, your footsteps must tell the same story as your faith. Let us determine today to align our walk with our calling.

Three Terrible and Appalling Things Before God

February 24, 2026 Reflexions

Three Terrible and Appalling Things Before God

Introduction

A. The Divine Proclamation In the book of Jeremiah 5:30-31, God speaks through the prophet to declare that something "appalling and horrible" was taking place in the land of Judah. This was not a minor infraction or a cultural misunderstanding; it was a state of absolute spiritual emergency.

B. The Anatomy of Abomination The Hebrew word for "appalling" (shammah) carries the weight of something that causes one to gasp in horror. It communicates moral rot, spiritual filth, and a state of desolation. It wasn't just an error in judgment; it was a deep-seated spiritual decay.

C. The Triple Corruption God identifies three specific groups that had merged to create this stench in His nostrils:

1. The Prophets who spoke lies.

2. The Priests who ruled by their own authority.

3. The People who loved it that way.

D. The Consequence This collective rebellion provoked the judgment of God. Today, we must analyze these three realities to ensure we do not repeat the "terrible and appalling" mistakes of the past in our modern context.

I. Something Terrible: Prophets Who Prophesy Falsely

Jeremiah 5:31 — "The prophets prophesy lies..."

A. The True Calling of the Prophet

In the Old Testament, the prophet (nabi) was a "mouthpiece." They were called directly by God to speak exactly what was commanded—no more, no less.

• Numbers 12:6: God spoke to them through visions and dreams.

• Deuteronomy 18:18: God promised, "I will put my words in his mouth."

• Doctrinal Principle: The authority of the message depended entirely on its divine origin, not the messenger's charisma.

B. The Gravity of Distortion

Under the Mosaic Law, a false prophet was subject to the death penalty (Deuteronomy 13:1-10; 18:20-22). Why? Because to distort the Word of God is to poison the soul’s only source of life.

C. The Corruption in Jeremiah’s Day

The prophets of that era had become spiritual "yes-men."

• Jeremiah 6:13-14: They cried, "Peace, peace," when there is no peace.

• Micah 3:5, 11: They tailored their messages based on who paid them.

• Isaiah 28:7: They were physically and spiritually intoxicated, reeling while seeing visions. They traded the "burden of the Lord" for the "approval of men."

D. Application for Today

Paul warned Timothy that a time would come when people would "accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires" (2 Timothy 4:3). When a preacher softens the reality of sin or accommodates the message to fit cultural trends, it is appalling to God.

• Doctrinal Emphasis: Preaching must be faithful to the Scripture, regardless of the public's appetite.

II. Something Terrible: Priests Who Rule by Their Own Authority

Jeremiah 5:31 — "...the priests rule by their own authority..."

A. The Divine Design of the Priesthood

God intended for the priests to be the guardians of the Law and the mediators between Himself and His people (Exodus 19:6). They were to lead by the Word, not by their whim.

B. Sacerdotal Corruption

When the leaders stop following the Map (the Word), the travelers get lost.

• Hosea 4:6: "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge."

• Malachi 2:6-8: The priests, who were supposed to preserve knowledge, caused many to stumble by their instruction. They ruled "by their own hands," meaning they used their positions for personal power rather than divine service.

C. Application for the Church

Today, we believe in the "Priesthood of all Believers" (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6). Every Christian has a priestly duty to represent Christ.

• A Solemn Question: Are we leading others to Christ by our example, or are we "ruling by our own authority"—living according to our own desires while wearing a religious mask? When spiritual leadership lives in open contradiction to God’s Word, it is "terrible" in His sight.

III. Something Terrible: The People Love It That Way

Jeremiah 5:31 — "...and my people love it this way."

This is perhaps the most alarming part of the text. Corruption in the pulpit is one thing, but a demand for corruption from the pews is a death knell for a nation.

A. The Rejection of Truth

The people of Judah did not want the truth; they wanted comfort.

• Isaiah 30:9-10: They literally said to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions."

• Nehemiah 9:26: They went so far as to kill the messengers who dared to admonish them.

B. The Danger of Itching Ears

The truth confronts, corrects, and transforms. Lies, however, provide temporary comfort while leading to eternal condemnation.

• Romans 16:18: Many are deceived by "smooth talk and flattery."

• 2 Timothy 4:3: People seek out what their "itching ears" want to hear.

C. The Final Question

Jeremiah ends this section with a devastating question: "But what will you do in the end?"

• John 12:48: The Word that we reject today will be the judge that condemns us on the last day.

• Doctrine of Final Judgment: God will demand an account based on His revealed Word. There will be no excuses for those who chose "pleasant lies" over "painful truths."

Three Terrible and Appalling Things Before God

Conclusion

It was "appalling and horrible" to God because:

1. The Truth was Exchanged for Lies: The prophets betrayed their calling.

2. Authority was Usurped: The priests served themselves instead of God.

3. The Heart was Hardened: The people preferred a comfortable lie to a saving truth.

God is looking for a people who love the truth even when it hurts, and leaders who fear God more than they fear the opinion of the crowd.

Preaching On 1 John 1:7 - What it Means to Walk in the Light

February 23, 2026 Sermons

What it Means to Walk in the Light: A Study on 1 John

Introduction

A. Etymology of the term In the original Greek of the New Testament, the verb for "walk" is peripatō. This word does not simply mean to travel from point A to point B; it refers to one's "conduct," "lifestyle," or "habitual behavior." To walk in the light is to have the very trajectory of your life defined by God’s presence.

B. Reflecting the Source Scripture tells us that "God is light" (1 John 1:5). Therefore, a Christian united to Christ is not a source of light, but a reflector of it. As Jesus commanded in the Sermon on the Mount, we are to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

C. Context of John’s Epistle The Apostle John wrote this letter to a church facing the threat of early Gnosticism—a philosophy that claimed one could possess secret spiritual "knowledge" while living in habitual sin. John writes to shatter this illusion, proving that spiritual reality is always evidenced by moral conduct.

Proposition: To walk in the light is to live in continuous fellowship with God, obeying His Word, imitating Christ, and practicing the truth.

I. Living in Continuous Fellowship with God

1 John 1:7 — “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

A. A Continuous Action

The Greek verb peripatōmen ("we walk") is in the present continuous tense. This indicates that walking in the light is not a one-time emotional experience or a momentary flash of piety. It is a persistent, daily habit. John is not describing those who occasionally stumble into the light, but those whose life direction is defined by it.

B. As He is in the Light

God does not merely dwell in light; He is light. As Paul describes in 1 Timothy 6:16, He dwells in "unapproachable light." This light represents God's nature: absolute holiness, crystalline purity, and perfect truth.

• Doctrinal Principle: The holiness of God is the foundational reason for the believer’s call to sanctification. We walk in light because our Father is the Father of Lights.

C. The Two-Fold Blessing

1. Horizontal Fellowship: True Christian unity is impossible without vertical fellowship. When we walk in God's light, we find ourselves walking alongside other believers.

2. Continuous Purification: The text says the blood of Jesus cleanses (present tense) us.

◦ Doctrine of Atonement: While the sacrifice of Christ justified us once and for all, His blood provides a "fountain of cleansing" that remains active as we walk in obedience, dealing with the daily sins we commit.

II. Walking in the Light is Keeping His Commandments

1 John 2:3 — “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.”

A. The Evidence of True Knowledge

John argues that the test of "knowing" God is not an intellectual feeling, but an ethical result. Jesus taught, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). To claim to know God while living in rebellion is, quite simply, a lie (1 John 2:4).

B. Remaining in God

Obedience is the "glue" of our relationship with the Father (1 John 3:22-24). This obedience produces:

• Confidence in Prayer: When our will aligns with His commands, we pray with boldness.

• Communion with the Spirit: The Holy Spirit dwells comfortably in a heart that seeks to obey (John 14:17, 23).

• Doctrinal Principle: Obedience is not legalism (trying to earn salvation); it is the fruit of regeneration (the evidence that we have been saved).

III. Walking in the Light is Walking as Christ Walked

1 John 2:6 — “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

A. Imitating the Perfect Model

Jesus is our "Protótypon"—the original pattern. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38) and committed no sin (1 Peter 2:21-22). Peter tells us that Christ left us an example so that we might "follow in his steps."

B. Personal Purity

Walking as He walked requires a commitment to purity.

• 1 John 3:3: We must purify ourselves just as He is pure.

• While Christ was inherently pure, we must actively engage in the purification of our hearts (James 4:8) and souls (1 Peter 1:22).

C. Justice and Sacrificial Love

• Practice Justice: To walk in light is to do what is right in the eyes of God (1 John 3:7).

• Sacrificial Love: Just as Christ laid down His life for us, we must be willing to sacrifice our comforts, time, and even our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16; John 15:13).

IV. Walking in the Light is Walking in Truth

2 John 4 — “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth...”

A. The Joy of Integrity

There is no greater joy for a spiritual leader than to see believers living with integrity. "Walking in truth" means there is no gap between our Sunday profession and our Monday practice.

B. The Regulator of Conduct

The Truth is not a set of suggestions; it is the regulator of our behavior (3 John 3-4).

• Moral Integrity: Honesty in business and speech.

• Consistency: Being the same person in the dark as you are in the light.

• Biblical Submission: Recognizing that Truth is not relative or subjective; it is the revealed Word of God.

• Doctrinal Principle: Truth is not a matter of opinion; it is a divine revelation that demands our total submission.

Preaching On 1 John 1:7 - What it Means to Walk in the Light

See Also

Conclusion

To walk in the light is the highest calling of the human soul. It is more than a religious duty; it is a life of vibrant, active communion with the Creator. It means:

1. Continuous Fellowship with the Holy God.

2. Faithful Obedience to His life-giving commands.

3. Active Imitation of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

4. Absolute Integrity by living according to the Truth.

Are you walking in the light today, or are there corners of your life still hidden in the shadows? The blood of Jesus is ready to cleanse, and His light is ready to guide.

Preaching On James 4:8 Draw Near to God

February 23, 2026 Reflexions

Draw Near to God: The Mandate for Spiritual Intimacy

Introduction

A. The Audience of the Epistle In James 4:8, the Apostle is not primarily addressing the unbelieving world, but rather believers who had allowed their fellowship with God to grow cold. This was not a crowd suffering from doctrinal ignorance, but from spiritual apathy.

B. The Diagnosis of the Heart The problem among these believers was worldliness, a divided heart ("double-mindedness"), and a creeping spiritual chill. They had not lost their knowledge of God, but they had lost their closeness to Him.

C. God’s Gracious Invitation God intensely desires communion with His people. He is not a distant, disinterested deity; He is ready and willing to draw near to us. However, His holiness demands a response of repentance and sincerity from our side.

D. Universal Access Unlike the powerful rulers of this world who require appointments and protocol, God offers free access. Because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we can approach the Creator of the universe at any moment (Hebrews 4:16).

Proposition: Drawing near to God is a divine mandate that results in restoration, fellowship, and spiritual victory.

I. Drawing Near to God is a Commandment

A. It is Not Optional

The word "Draw near" (or “Approach”) is in the imperative mood. It is not a suggestion for the "super-spiritual"; it is a divine order. To move away from God is to move toward ruin.

• Psalm 73:27-28: "Those who are far from you will perish... But as for me, it is good to be near God."

• Doctrinal Principle: Communion with God is the "oxygen" of the spiritual life. Without it, the soul begins to suffocate in worldliness.

B. The Manner of Our Approach

Scripture defines exactly how we are to approach the Holy One:

• With Confidence: Not based on our merit, but on the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

• With Sincerity: A heart without hypocrisy (Hebrews 10:22).

• With Faith: Believing that He exists and rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

C. The Rejection of Superficiality

God is not impressed by religious performance or lip service.

• James 1:6-8: He rejects the "double-minded" man who tries to keep one foot in the Kingdom and one foot in the world.

• Isaiah 29:13: God warns against those whose hearts are far from Him even while their mouths speak His name.

• Doctrinal Emphasis: God looks past the outward appearance and examines the integrity of the heart.

II. How Can We Draw Near to God?

The Bible provides a clear roadmap for two types of people:

A. For the Unbeliever (Initial Access)

For those outside of Christ, the path to God is through the Gospel response:

1. Hear: Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17).

2. Believe: Trusting in the sacrifice of the Son (John 3:16).

3. Repent: Turning away from sin toward God (Acts 2:38).

4. Confess: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9).

5. Be Baptized: For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

B. For the Believer (Restoration of Fellowship)

When a Christian sins, they do not necessarily lose their salvation immediately, but they do lose their communion. The "signal" is blocked by the static of sin.

• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us..."

• The Process: It requires genuine humbleness, confession, and a "cleansing of the hands" through repentance.

• Doctrinal Principle: Sanctification is a continuous process of staying clean before God to maintain unbroken fellowship.

III. Obstacles to Spiritual Intimacy

James 4:8 identifies the two primary barriers that keep us at a distance from the Almighty.

A. Unconfessed Sin

"Wash your hands... purify your hearts."

• Psalm 24:4-5: Only those with clean hands and a pure heart can stand in His holy place.

• Isaiah 59:1-2: It is not that God’s ear is too dull to hear; it is that our iniquities act as a wall of separation. Sin breaks the flow of intimacy.

B. Double-Mindedness

This is the attempt to live in two worlds. One day we are with God; the next we are chasing the world's values.

• Warning: James 4:4 is blunt—friendship with the world’s system is enmity toward God. You cannot be "near" God while embracing what He hates.

IV. The Results of Drawing Near to God

God’s promise is reciprocal: “And he will draw near to you.”

• 1. Peace: When we are near Him, we receive the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

• 2. Exaltation: God lifts up those who humble themselves in His presence. True honor comes after true humility (1 Peter 5:6).

• 3. Victory over Temptation: Many try to fight the devil while living far from God. That is a recipe for defeat.

◦ The Divine Order (James 4:7-8):

1. Submit to God.

2. Draw near to Him.

3. Resist the devil.

4. Then he will flee.

Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual victory is a byproduct of divine proximity.

See Also

Conclusion

Drawing near to God is a command, but it is also the greatest privilege of the human experience. He is waiting for you to take the first step toward Him so that He may take a thousand steps toward you.

Do not allow sin or a divided heart to keep you in the cold. Cleanse your hands, purify your heart, and come back to the Father who loves you.

Preaching On Will of God: The Necessity of Submission

February 23, 2026 Sermons

Why Must We Accept the Will of God?

Introduction

A. The Necessity of Submission In this study, we explore the fundamental call to accept the will of God, regardless of the circumstances. Acceptance is not merely a passive endurance; it is an active, faithful response to His sovereignty, even when His plans seem difficult, painful, or impossible to understand through human logic.

B. The Heritage of Faith Throughout the Holy Scriptures, we find a "cloud of witnesses" who accepted God's will despite suffering, loss, or the threat of death. They did not view their trials as reasons to abandon God; rather, they saw them as opportunities for their faith to be refined and their eternal rewards to be secured.

C. Our Current Conviction Today, we need those same convictions. We live in a world that promotes self-will and personal comfort, yet the Christian is called to a faith that does not negotiate with divine decrees.

Proposition: We must accept the will of God because He is Sovereign, He is Good, and His will is Perfect.

I. Biblical Examples of Submission to the Divine Will

Doctrine is best understood when illustrated by those who lived it. Let us examine the giants of faith who chose God's way over their own.

A. Abraham: Obedience Without Destination

• Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8: Abraham was commanded to leave his land, his relatives, and his security. He obeyed and went out, even though he did not know where he was going.

• Doctrinal Teaching: True faith obeys even when the destination is hidden.

B. Job: Acceptance in the Midst of Suffering

• Job 1:21; 2:10: In a single day, Job lost his wealth and his children, and soon after, his health. Yet he declared: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." He refused to charge God with wrongdoing.

• Doctrinal Teaching: God is sovereign even in our pain. Our trials do not cancel out His goodness.

C. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Fidelity Unto Death

• Daniel 3:15-18: Facing a fiery furnace, these three men chose the possibility of death over the certainty of idolatry. Their conviction was: "But even if he does not [deliver us], we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods."

• Doctrinal Teaching: The will of God is more precious than the preservation of physical life.

D. Jesucristo: The Supreme Example of Submission

• Matthew 26:38-39; Philippians 2:8: In the Garden of Gethsemane, faced with the weight of the cross, Jesus prayed: "Not as I will, but as you will." * Doctrinal Teaching: Our salvation was only made possible because Christ accepted the Father's will over His own human desire to avoid the cup of suffering.

E. Peter, John, and Stephen: Obedience and Martyrdom

• Acts 4:18-19; 5:29; 7:54-60: The Apostles declared that it is necessary to obey God rather than men. Stephen, the first martyr, accepted a violent death while fixing his eyes on the glory of God.

• Doctrinal Teaching: Accepting God's will may cost us our status or our lives in this world, but it secures our place in the next (Galatians 1:10).

F. Paul: Accepting the "No"

• 2 Corinthians 12:7-9: Paul pleaded three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed. God’s answer was not healing, but a promise: "My grace is sufficient for you." Paul accepted this, boasting in his weakness so that Christ's power might rest on him.

II. What Does it Mean to Accept God's Will Today?

Accepting His will is not just about enduring tragedy; it is about active obedience to His revealed Word in our daily lives.

1. Accepting Divine Discipline: Hebrews 12:5-7 reminds us that discipline is proof that we are God’s children. To resist His correction is to fight against our own spiritual growth (Acts 5:38-39).

2. Sovereignty of the Word: We must receive the Bible not as the words of men, but as the actual Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Accepting His will means total submission to Scripture.

3. The Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as holy and pleasing to God.

◦ Doctrine of Sanctification: Christianity is not just a belief system; it is a life consecrated to His purposes.

4. The Mandate of Forgiveness: Matthew 6:14-15 makes it clear: to refuse to forgive is to reject the will of God.

5. Intercession and Honoring Family: God wills that we pray for all people (1 Timothy 2:3) and that we honor and care for our parents (1 Timothy 5:4).

6. Accepting Loss for Christ’s Sake: Like the believers in Hebrews 10:34, we should accept the "confiscation of our property" or the loss of worldly gain with joy, knowing we have better and lasting possessions in heaven.

III. Why Must We Accept His Will?

1. Because God is Sovereign: He is the Creator; we are the creation. He has the absolute right to rule.

2. Because His Will is Perfect: Romans 12:2 describes His will as "good, pleasing, and perfect." He sees the end from the beginning; we only see a small part of the picture.

3. Because Resistance is Futile and Harmful: To struggle against His will is to fight against the One who loves us most.

4. Because it Glorifies God: Our submission in the dark proves to the world that God is worth more than our comfort.

5. Because it Brings Eternal Reward: Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Preaching On Will of God: The Necessity of Submission

See Also

Conclusion

Accepting the will of God is the ultimate evidence of true faith. It is easy to say "Thy will be done" when the sun is shining and the path is easy. But the depth of our discipleship is proven when we can say it through tears, through loss, and through "thorns."

God does not promise that His will will always be easy, but He does promise that His grace will be sufficient. Will you stop negotiating with God today and start submitting to Him?

Preaching On John 6:68 To Whom Shall We Go?

February 23, 2026 Reflexions

To Whom Shall We Go? The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Christ

Introduction

A. The Apostolic Verdict In John 6:68, we find one of the most profound confessions in the New Testament. Simon Peter, speaking on behalf of the twelve, responds to a piercing question from Jesus with a question of his own:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

B. The Context of Crisis This passage serves as the climax of the "Bread of Life" discourse. Jesus had just revealed Himself as the Bread that came down from heaven (John 6:35) and confronted the crowds for seeking Him only for material gain—for physical bread that perishes (John 6:26). They wanted a Provider; Jesus offered Himself as the Savior.

C. The Offense of Truth When Jesus taught the hard truths of total dependence on Him, the response was immediate: “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60). The truth is often uncomfortable to the unregenerate heart. Humanity, by nature, prefers "smooth things" over sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Isaiah 30:9-11).

D. The Great Desertion The result was tragic: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (John 6:66). Turning to the Twelve, Jesus asked: “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Peter’s response is the anchor for every believer today: To whom shall we go?

I. The Decision is Inevitable: Two Ways

Life is not a series of infinite spiritual paths; it is a choice between two diametrically opposed directions.

• Only Two Gates and Two Paths: In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus simplifies human existence into two options. There is a wide gate leading to destruction and a narrow gate leading to life. There is no middle ground, no "third way," and no spiritual neutrality.

• The Responsibility of the Individual: We are commanded not to follow the crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2). Truth is not a democracy; it is not determined by popularity. Salvation does not depend on how many people are walking a path, but on whether that path is Christ.

• The Impossibility of Dual Loyalty: Matthew 6:24 reminds us that no one can serve two masters. We cannot walk toward the world and toward God simultaneously.

• The Call to Choose: Like Joshua commanded Israel, we are told to "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Our present decision regarding Christ determines our eternal destination (Matthew 25:41, 46).

Doctrinal Application: While the Fall has deeply corrupted human nature, Scripture affirms our moral responsibility. Every man is accountable before God to respond to the divine call.

II. The Alternative to Christ: The Path of Sin

If we turn away from Christ, we do not go toward "nothing"; we inevitably return to the dominion of sin.

• Sin Brings Death: It is not merely a mistake; it is a terminal condition. It results in physical death, spiritual deadness, and eternal separation (Romans 6:23).

• Sin Creates a Barrier: The problem is not that God lacks the power to save, but that our iniquities have built a wall between us and our Creator (Isaiah 59:1-2).

• Sin Enslaves: The world offers "freedom" as the ability to sin, but Jesus defines freedom as the ability not to sin. Without Christ, man is a slave to his lusts (Romans 6:17).

• Sin Deceives and Hardens: It promises pleasure but delivers destruction, hardening the heart against God's grace (Hebrews 3:13; Romans 7:11).

• Sin is Rebellion: It is anomia—lawlessness. It is a direct strike against the authority of God (1 John 3:4).

Doctrinal Emphasis: We believe in the Total Depravity of man—that sin has affected every part of our being. Without Christ, there is no "Plan B." If we leave Him, will we go to hollow philosophies? To temporary pleasures? To certain death?

III. Christ is the Only Answer

Peter did not say, "We will look for better options." He recognized that Jesus was not a choice among many, but the only source of life.

• Words of Eternal Life: Only Christ speaks words that transcend time and satisfy the soul's eternal hunger (John 6:68).

• The Exclusive Way: Jesus did not claim to be a way, but the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). This is the absolute exclusivity of the Gospel.

• The Perfect Advocate: When we stumble, we have Christ as our Advocate before the Father, interceding on our behalf (1 John 2:1).

• The Only Mediator: There is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).

• The Only Savior: Acts 4:12 leaves no room for doubt: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

Doctrinal Emphasis: We uphold the Solus Christus—Christ Alone. His redemptive work is sufficient, His grace is central, and His Person is the only satisfaction for the human heart.

Preaching On John 6:68 To Whom Shall We Go?

See Also

Conclusion

The question "To whom shall we go?" is not a question of confusion, but a declaration of conviction. When the world turns back, when the "hard sayings" of Scripture challenge our comfort, and when the majority chooses the wide gate, we stand with Peter.

We stay with Jesus because there is nowhere else to go. No other religion offers grace; no other philosophy offers hope; no other person offers life. Christ is not just the best option; He is the only Life.

Our Life is Fleeting: How Then Should We Live?

February 22, 2026 Reflexions

Our Life is Fleeting: How Then Should We Live?

Introduction

The Holy Scriptures repeatedly compare our lives to things that are brief, fragile, and temporary. These comparisons are not meant to discourage us, but to remind us of a fundamental truth: we are just passing through this world. We are not permanent residents of this earth; we are pilgrims.

• 1 Peter 1:17: "Live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear."

• 1 Peter 2:11: "I urge you, as foreigners and exiles..."

Despite these warnings, many people live as if they will never die, pouring all their energy into a world that is fading away. The critical question we must answer is this: If our life is so brief, how then should we live it?

I. Biblical Descriptions of the Brevity of Life

The Bible uses vivid, earthly metaphors to illustrate the fragility and transience of our existence.

1. Like a Vapor (Mist)

• James 4:14: "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Just as the morning mist burns off under the heat of the sun, our life is visible for a fleeting moment and then simply evaporates into the atmosphere of eternity.

2. Like a Shadow

• 1 Chronicles 29:15; Job 8:9; Psalm 102:11: A shadow has no substance and no permanence. It moves according to the light and eventually disappears into the night. Our days pass quickly, and we cannot hold them back.

3. Like a Breath

• Job 7:7; Psalm 39:5: A breath lasts only a second. This is how short our existence is when measured against the backdrop of God’s eternity.

4. Like Grass and Flowers

• Psalm 90:5-6; Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24: Grass flourishes in the morning but is dry and withered by evening. Flowers bloom with beauty, but they are incredibly delicate. Youth, strength, and physical beauty are temporary seasons that inevitably fade.

5. Like Spilled Water

• 2 Samuel 14:14: "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered." Once water is poured out on the soil, it cannot be gathered back into the jar. Every day that passes is gone forever; we cannot relive or reclaim a single wasted moment.

Central Doctrine

Human life is temporary; eternity is the only permanent reality. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that "people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." The brevity of life is a clarion call to live with an eternal perspective.

II. How Should We Live?

Since we know our time is short, the Bible instructs us on how to steward our remaining days with wisdom.

1. Do Not Boast About Tomorrow

• Proverbs 27:1; James 4:16: To boast about our future plans without acknowledging God is a sin of arrogance. We see this in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21). He planned for many years of ease, but God said, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you."

• Doctrinal Principle: Self-sufficiency is a form of practical idolatry.

2. Recognize God’s Sovereignty

• James 4:15: "Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'" Our lives do not belong to us. Psalm 31:15 declares, "My times are in your hands." We must yield our schedules and our ambitions to the Sovereign King.

3. Choose Spiritual Value Over Material Wealth

• James 1:9-11; 1 John 2:17: Wealth is as fleeting as the wildflower. Social status and bank accounts do not change our fundamental fragility. We must invest in what lasts.

• Doctrinal Principle: Eternal value always outweighs temporal gain.

[Image comparing a pile of gold coins next to a Bible and a glowing crown, illustrating the contrast between temporal wealth and eternal rewards]

4. Live According to the Word of God

• 1 Peter 1:23-25: Everything human passes away, but "the word of the Lord endures forever." If our lives are to have any lasting impact, they must be built on the unchanging Truth.

• Doctrinal Principle: The final authority for the Christian life is the Scripture. We must be regulated by God's will and constant obedience.

5. Be Prepared for Eternity

• Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:7-8: We must store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. A faithful believer lives with their eyes fixed on the "crown of righteousness" that the Lord will award on that final day.

Practical Application

If life is indeed brief, we must act with urgency:

1. Do not delay your obedience: If God has called you to do something, do it now.

2. Do not delay your reconciliation: Forgive and seek forgiveness today.

3. Do not delay your service: Use your gifts for the Kingdom while you still have breath.

4. Do not delay your repentance: Tomorrow is not promised.

As Ephesians 5:15-16 commands: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Our Life is Fleeting: How Then Should We Live?

See Also

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that life is a mist, but it is a mist that determines our eternity. Do not live for the shadow; live for the Substance. Do not live for the grass that withers; live for the Word that endures. Every day is a gift from God and a responsibility before Him.

How To Prepare for the Adversities of Evangelism: Sent as Sheep Among Wolves

February 22, 2026 Reflexions

Sent as Sheep Among Wolves: Preparing for the Adversities of Evangelism

Introduction

In Matthew 10, Jesus commissions His disciples to preach the Kingdom of Heaven. However, He does not send them out with false illusions of ease, popularity, or comfort. On the contrary, He reveals with startling clarity the difficulties they will face, while simultaneously providing the spiritual tools necessary to endure them.

True evangelism always encounters opposition. Where there is light, there will inevitably be resistance from the darkness. Just as the first disciples were prepared by the Master, we too must be equipped to handle the adversities that accompany the Gospel message.

I. Preparation of Character: Wise and Innocent (v. 16)

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Jesus uses four powerful figures to describe the reality of the evangelist:

1. Sheep among Wolves: Sheep represent gentleness, total dependence on the Shepherd, and obedience. The wolves represent a hostile world—full of opposition, violence, and deception (Matthew 7:15). The believer is not the aggressor; he is a faithful witness.

◦ Doctrinal Truth: The Church is humanly vulnerable but divinely protected.

2. Shrewd as Snakes: This "shrewdness" (or prudence) is not cowardice; it is strategic wisdom. It is knowing when to speak and when to keep silent. It is knowing when to advance and even when to flee for safety (Matthew 10:23).

◦ Examples: Paul escaping Damascus in a basket (Acts 9:23–25) and the believers scattering during persecution to spread the Word (Acts 8:1).

◦ Scriptural Basis: "Walk wisely" (Ephesians 5:15–16) and "The prudent see danger and take refuge" (Proverbs 22:3).

3. Innocent as Doves: This implies purity, transparency, and an absence of malice. The evangelist does not respond with manipulation or violence.

◦ Scriptural Basis: Be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19).

Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual wisdom avoids unnecessary suffering, and the character of the messenger must always reflect the purity of the message.

II. Mental Preparation: Expecting Persecution (vv. 17–18)

Jesus did not sugarcoat the future. He announced a four-fold opposition: local councils (courts), synagogues (floggings), governors, and kings. All of this would happen "on my account."

The book of Acts confirms this reality:

• Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4).

• Paul before Gallio (Acts 18) and eventually before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 24–26).

• 2 Timothy 3:12: "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Doctrinal Principle: Persecution is not a sign of failure; it is evidence of faithfulness.

III. Spiritual Preparation: Depending on the Holy Spirit (vv. 19–20)

“Do not worry about what to say or how to say it... for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Jesus promises supernatural assistance. When the disciples stood before authorities, they did not rely on oratorical training but on the power of God.

• Acts 4:13: Authorities were amazed because they saw "ordinary, unschooled men" who spoke with the power of the Spirit.

• 2 Timothy 1:7: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Doctrinal Principle: The Holy Spirit provides supernatural capacity to the believer in the midst of opposition. We do not trust in our eloquence, but in His presence.

IV. Emotional Preparation: Enduring Personal Rejection (vv. 21–22)

Jesus warns that the Gospel can divide even the most intimate bond: the family. "Brother will betray brother to death..."

The Gospel confronts sin, and because of this, it can create friction at home.

• John 15:18–19: The world hates you because you are not of the world.

• James 4:4: Friendships with the world’s values is enmity against God.

• 1 John 2:17: The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Doctrinal Principle: Fidelity to Christ may bring temporary loneliness or familial rejection, but it will never result in divine abandonment.

V. Preparation in Hope: Persevering Until the End (vv. 22–23)

“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Perseverance is not an optional "extra" for the super-Christian; it is the evidence of genuine salvation.

• Revelation 2:10: "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown."

• Hebrews 10:38–39: We are not of those who shrink back, but of those who have faith and are saved.

• Matthew 10:28: Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

Doctrinal Principle: True salvation produces the fruit of perseverance until the final day.

Practical Application for Today

How do we prepare for the adversities of sharing the Gospel today?

1. Form Christian Character: Balance shrewd wisdom with dove-like purity.

2. Adjust Expectations: Realize that opposition is a normal part of the Christian walk.

3. Surrender Control: Depend totally on the Holy Spirit rather than your own cleverness.

4. Accept the Cost: Be prepared for social or familial rejection.

5. Look to the Prize: Persevere with your eyes fixed on eternity.

How To Prepare for the Adversities of Evangelism:

Conclusion

Jesus hid nothing from us. He told us the path would be narrow and the wolves would be many. But He also gave us His Spirit, His wisdom, and His promise: He has already overcome the world.

What is the Reward of Helping Others?

February 22, 2026 Reflexions

The Divine Investment: What is the Reward of Helping Others?

Introduction

The book of Ecclesiastes, often perceived as a somber reflection on the vanity of life, contains within its eleventh chapter a powerful and proactive principle: Giving is a spiritual investment.

King Solomon, the wisest man to walk the earth, teaches us that helping our neighbor is not a loss, but a sowing. We live in a culture deeply scarred by "The Cult of Self"—where everyone wants to receive, but few are willing to release. However, the Kingdom of Heaven operates on a different economy. The Bible teaches that God blesses us so that we may become conduits of blessing.

As Hebrews 13:16 declares: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Today, we will explore five biblical truths regarding the reward of a generous life.

I. Givers Take the Initiative (v. 1)

“Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.” (NIV)

The old King James Version says, "Cast thy bread upon the waters." To the casual observer, throwing bread into the water looks like waste. But in the ancient Near East, this referred to maritime commerce—sending out goods on a journey of faith.

1. Giving is Sowing: You cannot have a harvest without first releasing the seed. Generosity requires the faith to let go of what is in your hand today to receive what God has for you tomorrow.

◦ Gálatas 6:7: "A man reaps what he sows."

◦ 2 Corinthians 9:6: "Whoever sows generously will also reap generously."

2. The Watered Garden: Proverbs 11:24–25 reminds us that the person who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed. When you "water" someone else's life with help, God ensures your own soil does not go dry.

Doctrinal Principle: God has established a spiritual law of sowing and reaping. Giving is not a subtraction from your bank account; it is an addition to your spiritual legacy.

II. The Benefit May Not Be Immediate (v. 1)

“...for after many days you will find it again.”

We live in an age of "instant gratification," but God often works in "seasons." The reward may take time to mature, but its arrival is certain.

1. God as the Debtor: Proverbs 19:17 tells us that "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." When you give, you are essentially depositing into a Divine Account. God is the most faithful debtor in existence; He always pays His interests.

2. Serving the Hidden King: Jesus confirmed this in Matthew 25:40. When we help the "least of these," we are not just helping a human being; we are serving Christ Himself.

3. Present and Future Rewards: The blessing is two-fold. There is a promise of provision in this life (Proverbs 28:27) and an eternal reward where our works follow us into the presence of the King (Revelation 14:13).

III. Multiplication Through Distribution (v. 2)

“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.”

Solomon encourages us to multiply our kindness. The idea is to diversify our generosity, reaching out to as many as possible.

1. Continuous Generosity: We are called to be "rich in good deeds" (1 Timothy 6:18). Our work should not just be for our own survival, but so that we have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).

2. The Flow of Blessing: Luke 6:38 provides the visual of a "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over."

◦ Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Doctrinal Principle: God does not just replace what you give; He multiplies what is placed in His hands with a generous heart.

IV. The Danger of Waiting for Perfection (v. 4)

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.”

Waiting for the "perfect conditions" is often just a spiritualized excuse for selfishness.

1. Do Not Postpone Goodness: Proverbs 3:27–28 warns us not to say "come back tomorrow" when we have the means to help today. Faith without works is dead (Santiago 2:15–16).

2. The Good Samaritan Lesson: In Lucas 10:30–35, the Priest and the Levite waited for a "safer" or "cleaner" time to help. The Samaritan helped in the moment of crisis. Delayed help is often useless help.

3. The Opportunity Window: We must do good as we have the opportunity (Gálatas 6:10). Failing to do the good we know we should do is defined by Scripture as sin (Santiago 4:17).

V. The Highest Motive: Love for God

True biblical generosity is not "buying" God's favor; it is a response to His grace.

1. First, Give Yourself: The Macedonian church gave out of "extreme poverty" because they first gave themselves to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:2, 5). When your heart belongs to God, your wallet cannot stay closed.

2. Stewardship Perspective: We must realize that we own nothing. "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand" (1 Chronicles 29:14).

3. Evidence of Life: 1 John 3:17 challenges us: if we see a brother in need and close our hearts, how can the love of God be in us? We gave because we first received grace (Matthew 10:8).

Doctrinal Principle: Generosity is the fruit of salvation, not the cause of it. We don't give to be saved; we give because we are saved.

Summary: What is the Reward?

What, then, is the "return" on our investment?

• Inner Joy: The satisfaction of being an instrument of God.

• Spiritual Blessing: Growth in Christlike character.

• Divine Provision: God's promise to supply our needs.

• A Living Testimony: The world sees Christ through our open hands.

• Eternal Reward: Treasures laid up in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy.

See Also

Conclusion

God is calling us to be men and women of open hands. Don't wait for the clouds to clear or for your bank account to overflow. Cast your bread upon the waters today. Invest in seven, even eight. Trust that the God who sees in secret will reward you openly, both in this age and in the one to come.

How to resolve conflicts in the best way?

February 22, 2026 Reflexions

Resolving Conflicts the Godly Way: Lessons from the Tongue

Introduction

Conflict is an unavoidable reality of human life. However, for the child of God, the issue is not the presence of conflict itself, but rather how we choose to handle it. God legitimately expects His children to manage disputes spiritually—governed by the Holy Spirit—rather than carnally, governed by our impulses.

Many of us are quick to quote Proverbs 15:1–7, yet few of us are quick to practice it. We often prefer to settle scores our own way, but the Word of God provides a "more excellent way." In this passage, we find six divine principles for resolving conflict in a manner that glorifies God.

I. Maintain Calmness and Kindness (v. 1)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Conflict often feels like a fire. Our words act either as water or as gasoline.

1. The Gentle Answer as a Spiritual Weapon: "Gentle" (or soft) implies a conciliatory and meek spirit. Harsh words stoke the flames of fury, but a gentle tongue can extinguish a storm before it begins.

2. Biblical Examples: * Gideon: In Judges 8:1–3, Gideon faced harsh criticism from the Ephraimites. Instead of defending his ego, his humble response calmed their anger.

◦ Nabal vs. Abigail: In 1 Samuel 25, Nabal’s harshness nearly provoked a massacre, but Abigail’s humble intervention saved an entire household from bloodshed.

Doctrinal Principle: Meekness is not weakness; it is "power under control." It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) that allows us to master our emotions rather than being mastered by them.

II. Speak with Wisdom and Veracity (v. 2)

“The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”

Wisdom involves knowing not just what to say, but how and when to say it.

1. Verify Your Information: Do not engage in conflict based on rumors or second-hand information. The wise person meditates before responding (Proverbs 15:28).

2. Speak to Edify: Our goal should be to impart grace to the hearers (Eph. 4:29). A fool speaks before he thinks; a wise person thinks before he speaks.

Doctrinal Principle: Truth and grace must walk together. Like Christ, our communication should be full of both (John 1:14).

III. Remember the Supreme Judge (v. 3)

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

Conflict is never a "private" matter; there is always a third Party present.

1. God is Watching: Nothing escapes His gaze. He sees our motives, our tone, and our secret thoughts (Psalm 33:13–14).

2. The Accountable Life: We will give an account for every idle word spoken (Matthew 12:36–37). This should motivate us to act with "reverent fear." We shouldn't seek to "win" the argument, but to please the Lord.

Doctrinal Principle: The believer’s final accountability is not to their opponent, but to the Tribunal of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).

IV. Use Words to Heal, Not to Wound (v. 4)

“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

The difference between verse 1 and verse 4 is subtle but deep: Verse 1 appeases anger, but verse 4 heals the heart.

1. Healing Power: A "soothing" or "wholesome" tongue acts as a "tree of life" (Proverbs 11:30). It brings restoration to broken relationships.

2. Solution-Oriented Speech: Many people enter conflicts looking for someone to blame. The Christian should enter conflict looking for a way to restore.

Doctrinal Principle: Every believer is called to be a "minister of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18).

V. Stay Teachable and Humble (v. 5)

“A fool spurns an ancestor’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”

Conflict often persists because of the "pride of being right."

1. Admit Your Errors: We are not always right. Humility breaks the cycle of generational or relational conflict—whether between father and son or husband and wife.

2. The Danger of Obstinacy: To reject correction is to remain in foolishness (Proverbs 5:22–23).

Doctrinal Principle: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humility is the lubricant that makes the gears of reconciliation move.

VI. Speak to Edify and Spread Understanding (v. 7)

“The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.”

Our words are merely the "fruit" of our heart's "root."

1. The Source of Speech: Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34–35). If your heart is full of Christ, your words in conflict will reflect Him.

2. The Discipline of Silence: We must be quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19). In a multitude of words, sin is unavoidable (Proverbs 10:19).

Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual maturity is evidenced by the "bridle" we place on our tongue (James 3:2).

Practical Application: The Triple Filter

Before you engage in a difficult conversation or respond to a provocation, run your words through this "Triple Filter" based on Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6:

1. Is it True? (Veracity)

2. Is it Good? (Edification)

3. Is it Useful/Necessary? (Imparting Grace)

If your response fails any of these three, the most spiritual thing you can do is remain silent.

How to resolve conflicts in the best way?

Conclusion

God has not left us in the dark regarding our relationships. He has shown us that words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). When we choose a soft answer, seek the truth, remember God’s presence, and offer healing, we transform a battlefield into a garden of restoration.

Bible Study about Malachi 1:2–12 The Priority of Divine Love and the Call to Honor

February 21, 2026 Bible Studies

Bible Study: The Priority of Divine Love and the Call to Honor

Base Text: Malachi 1:2–12

Introduction

Date & Context: Written approximately 430 BC, Malachi is the final voice of the Old Testament. The wall of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, and the Temple sacrifices had resumed, but the initial enthusiasm of the return from exile had soured into cynicism and formalistic ritualism.

Language: The book uses a unique "disputational" style—a series of questions and answers between God and His people. It is a confrontational yet deeply relational dialogue.

Key Principle:

God first affirms His love, then confronts our disobedience. He establishes the "why" (His grace) before addressing the "what" (our failure).

I. “I Have Loved You” (Malachi 1:2)

The book opens not with a list of rules, but with a declaration of affection. Before God corrects, He comforts.

1. A Historically Demonstrated Love: God’s love isn't a vague feeling; it is rooted in action. He redeemed them from Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:8) and set His heart on them (Deuteronomy 10:15).

2. A Sovereign Love: "I have loved Jacob." This refers to God's elective grace (Romans 9:13). It highlights that God chooses us based on His character, not our performance.

3. Manifested in Christ: The "love" mentioned in Malachi finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

◦ John 3:16: The extent of His love is the gift of His Son.

◦ 1 John 4:9, 19: We love because He first loved us.

Application: Our relationship with God never begins with our merits; it always begins with His initiative.

II. “I Have Chosen You” (Malachi 1:2)

Election is a central theme in Malachi. Israel did not find God; God found Israel.

1. An Exclusive People: Scripture describes the chosen as a "treasured possession" (Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2).

2. Chosen in Christ: According to Ephesians 1:4, we were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless.

3. Called by the Gospel: We are not called through mystical visions or modern "revelations," but through the hearing of the Word (Romans 8:28, 2 Thessalonians 2:14).

4. A Royal Priesthood Today: In the New Covenant, believers are a "chosen people" and a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6).

Application: Do not despise the privilege of belonging to God. Election is a call to responsibility, not just a badge of status.

III. “I Will Defeat Your Enemies” (Malachi 1:4)

God contrasts the restoration of Israel with the desolation of Edom (Esau). This serves as a reminder that God protects His own.

• Divine Protection: God is our deliverer (1 Samuel 12:11) and our refuge (Psalm 46:1).

• Source of Strength: Because God fights for us, we can endure all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 13:6).

IV. “You Shall Be Magnified” (Malachi 1:5)

God promises that His name will be great beyond the borders of Israel.

• An Unshakable Kingdom: While earthly empires crumble, the Church—the Kingdom of God—is the only institution that will never be destroyed (Matthew 16:18, Hebrews 12:28).

• The Final Victory: Eventually, all things will be subjected to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:24).

V. The Admonition of God (Malachi 1:6–12)

Having established His love, God now addresses the "polluted bread" on His altar.

1. Where is My Honor? (v. 6)

If God is a Father, He deserves honor (Exodus 20:12). If He is a Master, He deserves obedience (Lucas 6:46). Everything we do should be for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

2. Defiling the Altar (vv. 7–8)

The people were offering blind, lame, and sick animals—sacrifices they wouldn't dare give to a human governor.

• The Standard: God required the best (Leviticus 22:22, Deuteronomy 15:21).

• Modern Worship: Are we giving God our "scraps"?

◦ Singing: Is it from the heart? (1 Corinthians 14:15)

◦ Communion: Do we approach it with reverence? (1 Corinthians 11:27–29)

◦ Giving: Is it a priority or an afterthought? (1 Corinthians 16:2)

3. Acting as Enemies (v. 10)

God says He would rather someone shut the Temple doors than continue with half-hearted worship.

• Relationship over Ritual: God desires mercy, not just sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).

• The Danger of Worldliness: Friendship with the world is enmity toward God (James 4:4).

4. Profaning the Name (v. 12)

We profane God’s name when our lives contradict our lips.

• Hypocrisy: Causes the Gentiles to blaspheme (Romans 2:24).

• Testimony: We are called to live honorably among unbelievers (1 Timothy 6:1, 1 Peter 2:12).

Bible Study about Malachi 1:2–12 The Priority of Divine Love and the Call to Honor

Conclusion

Malachi 1 is a mirror. It shows us a God whose love is vast and sovereign, but also a God who refuses to be "second place" in our lives. True worship is the only appropriate response to such a great love. It is not enough to offer something; we must offer our best, for His name is great among the nations.