Faithful Writing

Time is a precious gift that God has given to each one of us. It is a resource that, once spent, can never be regained. As Christians, we are called to make the most of every opportunity and to redeem the time that God has entrusted to us. In Ephesians 5:15-16, the Apostle Paul writes, " Be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil ." In this devotional, we will explore the importance of redeeming the time and how we can live purposeful, intentional lives for the glory of God.   I. Understanding the Value of Time To redeem the time, we must first understand its value. Time is a limited resource, and we each have only a finite amount of it. In Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, " Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom ." James 4:14 reminds us that our lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. The Bible consistently encourages us to recognise

John 8:36 if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.   Addiction is a devastating and all-consuming force that has the power to destroy lives, families, and communities. It is a battle that many of us have faced, either personally or through the experiences of loved ones. As Christians, we are not immune to the temptations and struggles of addiction. But we have a powerful ally in our fight against this enemy: the Lord Jesus Christ. We will now explore how we can overcome addiction through the power of Christ and the support of our church.   The Struggle with Addiction The struggle with addiction is a deeply personal and often isolating experience. It's easy to feel as though we are alone in our battle, that no one else could understand the pain and anguish we face each day. But we are not alone. The Bible tells us we have a loving and compassionate God who understands our struggles and is always ready to help us.   Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who canno

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may get overpowered, two can withstand it; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.   These verses remind us that God did not create us to walk through life alone. God designed us for companionship and community, and the bond between husband and wife is a perfect example of this divine plan. In a world that often feels cold and isolating, the warmth and comfort of a loving spouse are truly a gift from above.   Matthew 19:6 They are no more two, but one flesh. What God has joined together, let not man split apart.   As we consider the significance of being together with our spouses, let us remember our marriages are not only about our happiness and fulfilmen

Acts 9:3-5 Saul came near Damascus: and suddenly a light from heaven shined around him: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus...' The Christian tradition has long been a source of inspiration and guidance for believers seeking to deepen their understanding of and relationship with God. Central to this tradition is the belief in the unity of Jesus and the Father, a doctrine that has been the subject of much debate and controversy throughout the history of Christianity. Let us examine the underpinnings of this belief, drawing on key biblical passages and, by doing so, shed light on the profound implications of this doctrine for our understanding of God, Jesus, and the nature of reality itself.   The Biblical Foundation We root the belief in the unity of Jesus and the Father in the teachings of Jesus himself, as recorded in the New Testament. In

It is very common for individuals to resist God's Word and the Holy Spirit, we may catch ourselves doing it now and then. This resistance often stems from a desire to maintain control over one's life and views, to avoid the discomfort of confronting one's sins, or to follow the ways of the world rather than submitting to the Lord. The dangers of resisting God's Word and the Holy Spirit are profound and far-reaching, with consequences that can affect not only our spiritual well-being but also our relationships, mental and physical health, and our eternal destiny.   Foremost, resisting God's Word and the Holy Spirit can lead to a hardened heart. The Bible warns us of this danger in Hebrews 3:7-8: " Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness." When we resist the Holy Spirit's guidance and refuse to submit to the truth of God's Word, our hearts become hardened, making i

Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for some have unknowingly entertained angels. Angels have long captured the imagination and fascination of people throughout history. We often depict them as heavenly beings, messengers of God, and guardians of humanity. In Christian art and iconography, angels have been depicted in various forms, from the ethereal, winged beings of Renaissance paintings to the more abstract, geometric representations found in contemporary Christian art. They have also been the subject of countless hymns, prayers, and devotional practices, reflecting the deep fascination and reverence that believers have for these celestial beings.   Angels are created beings, distinct from both God and humans. They are spiritual beings, not bound by the physical limitations of the human body, and they possess a range of supernatural abilities, such as the power to appear and disappear at will, to take on human form, and to travel between the heavenly and earthly r

Throughout the history of Christianity, believers have faced various trials and tribulations as part of their spiritual journey. However, the concept of tribulation and the Great Tribulation can be difficult to understand and are entangled. Let us explore the differences between tribulation and the Great Tribulation, and shed light on their nature, purpose, and significance. Tribulation The word 'tribulation' comes from the Latin 'tribulum', which was a threshing instrument used to separate the wheat from the chaff. In a metaphorical sense, tribulation refers to a time of great suffering and adversity, during which the faithful face testing and refinement. The concept of tribulation is based in the biblical narrative, with many passages referring to times of distress and hardship. For example, in the Old Testament, the Israelites experienced tribulation during their enslavement in Egypt (Exodus 1-14) and during their exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 25:11). In the New Testame

Exodus 23:9 Also you shall not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing as you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, I want to share a message that is of great importance to our faith and our duty as Christians in this unstable world. It is a message of love, acceptance, and witnessing to those who are in need, particularly the migrants and refugees who have sought a new home, a new beginning, and a new life.   I want to begin by reminding us all the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, where He said, " For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in " (Matthew 25:35). This verse is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for and extend a helping hand to those who are in need, regardless of their background, nationality, or the circumstances that have led them to our doorstep.   As

Matthew 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few Today we are witnessing a rapid increase in secularism and religious pluralism. This phenomenon has become a prevalent topic of discussion, raising concerns among Christians about how we should respond to these changes. While some may view the rise of secularism and religious pluralism as a threat to Christianity, it can also be seen as an opportunity to grow and show the love of Christ.   Understanding Secularism and Religious Pluralism Before delving into the Christian response to secularism and religious pluralism, it is crucial to understand these concepts. Secularism refers to the separation of religion from public life and the neutrality of the state towards all religious beliefs. It advocates for a society where religious considerations do not dictate public policy, and are sometimes actively excluded. Whereas religious pluralism is the coexistence of diverse religious bel

Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. The Christian faith has long affirmed divine providence, which refers to God's sustaining and guiding presence in the world. This belief has been a source of comfort and assurance for many Christians who trust that God's wisdom and love will ultimately bring about the best outcome for their lives. However, Christians must be cautious not to allow this belief to lead us to neglect our responsibility to obey God and teach others about the importance of obedience. One of the fundamental tenets of Christianity is that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This teaching is essential to the Christian faith, as it reminds us that our salvation is a gift from God, and we cannot e