Faithful Writing

The concept of the 'fool' is one that is both intriguing and instructive. The books of Psalms and Proverbs offer a rich tapestry of verses that delve into the characteristics and consequences of foolishness. In the book of Psalms, the Psalmist presents the fool in a spiritual context. Psalm 14:1 states, " The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works; there is none who does good. " Here, the fool is depicted as one who denies the existence of God, and this denial leads to corruption and evil deeds. This verse suggests that the root of foolishness lies in the rejection of divine authority and moral standards.   Similarly, in Psalm 53:1, the psalmist reiterates, " The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. " This repetition underscores the Bible's assertion that the rejection of God is the epitome of fooli

Today, we will examine key reasons Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah, and why the Torah foreshadows His coming. This topic requires a deep understanding of both Jewish and Christian beliefs, as well as the historical and cultural context in which these beliefs developed. The Jewish rejection of Jesus as the Messiah is based on several fundamental tenets of Jewish belief. First, Jewish messianic expectations are rooted in many prophecies found in the Jewish Scriptures, many of which, according to Jewish interpretation, Jesus did not fulfil. For instance, the Jewish Messiah is expected to bring about an era of universal peace and rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, neither of which occurred during Jesus' lifetime.   Second, the concept of a divine Messiah is viewed as incompatible with Jewish monotheism. The Jewish faith strictly adheres to the belief in one indivisible God. The Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of God is rejected by Jews as polytheism. This is a similar vi

Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Today, I wish to share with you a message of hope, of inspiration, and of divine justice. The scripture tells us in Revelations 22:12, " Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done ." This profound message from our Lord Jesus Christ is a reminder that God rewards us according to our works.   In our journey of faith, there are times we may feel overlooked, unappreciated, or even forgotten. We may toil in the vineyard of the Lord, and yet, it seems as though our efforts are in vain. But I am here today to encourage you, to uplift your spirit, and to reassure you that God is a just God. He sees your works, He knows your heart, and He will reward you according to your deeds.   God's reward system is not like that of the world. The world may reward the loudest, the most visible, the most influential. But God, in His infinite wisdom and justice, rewards us not base

Joel 2:25 I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten The Christian faith is a journey, a pilgrimage marked by peaks of celebration and valleys of despair. Yet, amid the highs and lows, there is a constant and unwavering theme that echoes throughout the scriptures — the theme of restoration. The concept of restoration is deeply woven into the fabric of our faith, offering a beacon of hope and a promise of renewal to those who believe. The Bible is replete with stories of restoration, where God intervenes in the lives of His people, guiding them from a state of despair to a place of abundance and peace. From the prodigal son who was welcomed back with open arms, to the nation of Israel restored after years of exile, these narratives of restoration serve as profound reminders of God's unending love and His power to mend what is broken. In the Old Testament, the prophet Joel speaks of God’s promise of restoration. This powerful verse encapsulates the essence of divine

Revelation 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!   The colours purple and scarlet have been historically associated with power, wealth, and religious authority, particularly in the context of Rome and the Vatican. White and gold are colours that have been historically associated with purity, divinity, and wealth. This essay aims to analyse the significance of these colours to Rome, and their implications in a historical & theological context.   Purple A colour often associated with royalty and nobility, has been a significant emblem of power since ancient times. The Roman emperors, for instance, were known for their use of the 'trabea', a ceremonial garment dyed in Tyrian purple, which was considered the regalest of purples. This colour was obtained from a species of sea snail, making it expensive and thus a symbol of wealth and power. In the C

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, completed in 1611, is renowned for its scholarly rigour and textual accuracy. However, modern versions of the Bible have seen several passages from the KJV omitted. I will list and examine some of the most notable of these omissions and the implications they have for our understanding of the Christian faith. The first significant omission concerns the Johannine Comma (1 John 5:7-8). In the KJV, these verses read: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." This passage, which explicitly articulates the doctrine of the Trinity, is absent from most modern Bible versions. The reason for this omission is primarily textual. The Johannine Comma is not present in the earliest Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, and regarded by some scholars as a l

In a world filled with uncertainty, chaos, and ever-changing political landscapes, it is easy to become disillusioned and disheartened. We often look to politicians and world leaders for answers, solutions, and hope. While it is natural to seek guidance from those in positions of authority, as Christians, we remember that our ultimate trust should be placed in the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout history, countless political leaders have come and gone. Some have made a positive impact, while others have left a trail of destruction in their wake. However, one thing remains constant: the unwavering love, grace, and sovereignty of our Heavenly Father. In times of turmoil, we must remind ourselves of the words found in Isaiah 40:28-31:   Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives strength to the weak, Even the youths

Proverbs 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. The Old Testament Law is often viewed as a set of moral guidelines for the ancient Israelites. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the Torah also contains a wealth of practical, hygiene-related rules, groundbreaking for their time. The miraculous foreknowledge contained within these texts is further evidence of the divine inspiration within the holy scriptures. These rules, which maintained cleanliness and prevented the spread of disease, saved countless lives, and laid the foundation for modern public health practices. More can be gleaned by exploring the historical context of the Law, specific hygiene rules it contains, & how these rules have contributed to the preservation of human life and the advancement of public health throughout history. Historical Context The Old Testament Law was given to the Israelites around 1440 BCE, during a time when the understanding of disease

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I cannot over-emphasise the importance of discerning truth and the need to separate ourselves from false churches and teachings. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be vigilant in our faith, ensuring that we are rooted in the truth of the Gospel and not led astray by false doctrines or deceptive practices. In a world where many claim to speak for God, it is crucial that we exercise discernment & remain steadfast in our pursuit of the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Revelation 18:4 calls us to come out of Babylon. As followers of Jesus, we must be vigilant in our faith, ensuring that we are not caught up in the sinful ways and traditions of the world, but remain steadfast in our pursuit of the truth of the Gospel. In a world full of temptations and distractions, it is crucial

 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us celebrate and reflect on the beautiful gift of pregnancy. It is a miraculous journey, filled with hope, anticipation, and joy. Throughout the Bible, we witness how God blesses families with the gift of children, and we are reminded that each life is a precious creation, formed in the image of our Heavenly Father. As we meditate on this sacred time, let us be filled with gratitude and optimism for the lives that are being formed and the families that are growing in love and faith.   The Promise of New Life In the beginning, God created man and woman, and He blessed them with the gift of procreation. The Lord said to them, " Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it " (Genesis 1:28). From the very start, the miracle of pregnancy has been a testament to God's divine plan for humanity. When a woman becomes pregnant, God gives her the incredible responsibility and privilege of nurturing a new life. This new life is

I want to speak to you about a topic that is very close to my heart and affects many among us: self-loathing. Self-loathing is a feeling of intense dislike or hatred towards oneself, often stemming from a lack of self-worth and self-esteem. It can manifest in various ways, such as negative self-talk, feelings of worthlessness, and even self-destructive behaviours. As believers in Christ, we are called to love ourselves as God loves us. Yet, self-loathing is an issue that plagues many Christians, causing them to feel unworthy of God's love and grace. If you are struggling with self-loathing, I want you to know that you are not alone, and there is hope in the healing power of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in Psalm 139:14, " I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well ." This verse reminds us that God created each one of us with intention and purpose. We are not accidents or mistakes, but we are the handiwo

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.   I have been privileged to delve into the rich tapestry of our faith, exploring the origins, development, and impact of Christianity throughout the centuries. Time and again, I have been struck by the central role that the study of God's Word has played in the lives of believers, both individually and collectively. Today, I would like to share with you some insights on the importance of studying God's Word and encourage you to prioritise in your own spiritual journey. The Bible is no ordinary book. It is the inspired Word of God, a divine revelation that has been preserved for us through the ages. As the Apostle Paul writes, " All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work " (2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, lift up holy hands without wrath and doubt I want to encourage each one of us to embrace the importance of praying for others. This is not just a nice thing to do; it is a divine mandate, a sacred calling, and a powerful means of grace. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes, " Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people " (Ephesians 6:18). We do not limit this command to our family members or close friends; it extends to our brothers and sisters in Christ, our neighbours, and even our enemies. The act of praying for others expresses our love and compassion. It is a way of lifting them up before the throne of grace, where God can pour out His blessings, healing, and strength upon them. As Christians, we are called to be a people of prayer, and intercessory prayer is a crucial part of our spiritual lif

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of God's divine intervention displaying His boundless love and mercy for His children. Even in the face of adversity, God's grace and power can transform the darkest of situations into moments of profound growth and spiritual nourishment. As we delve into the Scriptures, let us remember that our faith in God enables us to experience the miraculous transformation from curses to blessings.   Joseph: From Slavery to Leadership (Genesis 37-45) The story of Joseph is a powerful testament to God's ability to turn a curse into a blessing. His envious brothers sold into slavery Joseph, the favoured son of Jacob. Despite this treacherous act, God was with Joseph and blessed him with wisdom and favour. Joseph eventually became the governor of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, and saved his family from

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him. Today I bring a message of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has the power to transform our lives, our relationships, and our communities. It is a message that calls us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with the One who loves us beyond measure. It is a message of love, obedience, and faithfulness. I invite you to open your hearts and minds to the life-changing truth of God's Word as we explore together the vital connection between loving Jesus and keeping His word. Our key text for today's devotional comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 14, verse 15, where Jesus says, " If you love me, keep my commandments." At first glance, this statement may seem straightforward. However, upon closer examination, we discover it contains profound insights into our relationship with Christ and the path to true spiri

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares upon Him; because He cares for you. Worry. We have all experienced it. It is that nagging feeling that something might go wrong, or that we are not good enough, or that we are failing in life. It can be overwhelming, and it can feel like we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. But the good news is that we do not have to bear this burden alone. God is with us, and He wants to help us overcome our worries and anxieties. Today, let us explore what the Bible says about worry and how we can find peace and rest in God's loving embrace.   The Problem with Worry Worry is a natural human emotion, but it can be harmful when it consumes our thoughts and prevents us from living the abundant life that God has planned for us. Jesus Himself addressed worry in His Sermon on the Mount, saying:   " Can any of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow? The

John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that bears fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”   These words of our Lord Jesus teach us the importance of spiritual growth and fruitfulness in our lives. As Christians, we are called to be fruitful, to bear the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We cannot bear these fruits on our own, but only through our union with Christ, the true vine. When we talk about cutting off unfruitful branches, we are referring to those aspects of our lives that are not in line with God's will and purpose for us. These could be habits, relationships, or attitudes, that hinder our spiritual growth & prevent us from bearing the fruits of the Spirit.   Recognise unfruitful branches The first step in cutting off unfruitful branc

John 8:56,58 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. In the realm of religious discourse, Christianity and Islam share a complex and intertwined history. Both faiths trace their roots to the Abrahamic tradition, and they share similarities in their foundational stories, moral teachings, and theological beliefs. However, despite these commonalities, there are fundamental differences between the two religions in interpreting the Holy Bible.   God's Nature One of the most fundamental differences between Christianity and Islam lies in their respective conceptions of God's nature. The Old Testament presents a monotheistic vision of God, who is both transcendent and immanent, personal, and relational. He actively engages with humanity, forming covenants, and revealing His will through the prophets. The New Testament reveals the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of