Why True Disciples Don’t Leave Church Because of Offense

One day, people sought Jesus with the intention of making Him king. Instead of accepting it, He withdrew and, at a point, delivered a very hard message that many could not accept. That single message shook their expectations and exposed their true motives. By the end of that moment, He had lost more than 80% of His followers, showing that not everyone who follows is truly committed.

After that, He turned to His disciples and asked a very direct question: “Will you also go away?” Their response was powerful and revealing: “To whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life.” They stayed with Jesus because they understood something deeper. They were not just following a man—they were following truth, and they knew they could not find it elsewhere.

On another occasion, Jesus rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan.” That was a strong and direct correction, yet Peter was not offended and did not walk away. A disciple who truly understands why he is following Jesus will not allow words—whether pleasant or harsh—to drive him away. Conviction keeps him grounded, not emotions.

If we are honest, many people in today’s generation would have accused Jesus of being too harsh or insensitive. Some would have said He was rude or disrespectful. Others would have taken offense immediately and left. In fact, many would have concluded that such a place is not where they belong, simply because they were corrected or confronted.

Here is the bitter truth: people who truly know why they are in church, and understand the reason for serving God, do not leave because of offense. Their focus is not on people—it is on God. They are not easily shaken by what others say or do because their commitment goes beyond human interactions.

Some may say, “I will go and serve God in another church.” But think about it—was it God who offended you in the place you left? If your service is truly unto God, then your consistency should not depend on how people treat you. You will remain focused because you understand that it is God who rewards, not men.

Interestingly, we all work in offices where colleagues insult, gossip, criticize, and sometimes treat us unfairly. Yet, we rarely consider leaving our jobs because of that. We endure, adjust, and continue working. But when it comes to church, many are quick to walk away at the slightest offense. That contrast says a lot about priorities and understanding.

My brother, my sister—if you leave the church because of offense, you are not yet functioning as a disciple; you are operating like part of the multitude. And Jesus Himself showed that He would rather keep a few committed disciples than a large crowd with no real conviction or value for the kingdom.

The truth is, it is better to work with two willing and committed people than with a multitude that drags its feet. Jesus understood this clearly. That is why He asked His disciples if they also wanted to leave—He was testing their conviction, not begging for their presence.

May God grant us wisdom to understand why we follow Him, and the strength to remain grounded regardless of what comes our way.

My Healing Testimony: How God Healed Me Without Medication

When I finished secondary school, I fell sick. Before that time, I had been living what I would describe as a supernatural life, where I hardly depended on drugs or injections. I trusted God completely for my well-being, and that had been my reality for a long time. But this time, things changed in a way I did not expect, and it shook me deeply because it was not my usual experience.

I became seriously ill and was given seven injections along with several medications to take. I followed the instructions and took everything as prescribed, hoping to recover quickly. However, despite all the medication, there was no improvement in my condition. Instead of getting better, I remained the same, and that began to trouble me because it was not what I was used to.

As a youth leader, many people kept coming to the house to check on me. While I appreciated their concern, I became uncomfortable with the constant sympathy and the repeated “sorry” I was hearing. It began to affect me emotionally, so I decided to leave home for a while and stay at a friend’s place where I could have some quiet and avoid the attention.

One day, while I was lying down at my friend’s place, I heard a voice ask me a question that immediately caught my attention. The voice said, “Do you think this illness can be treated with medication?” The moment I heard that, something clicked inside me. I understood that it was more than just a random thought—it was a call to shift my focus.

Without wasting time, I made up my mind to return home and pray. It was already around 6 p.m. when I got back, and as I arrived, I realized that everyone in the house had gone to church. I was completely alone in the house, and that moment felt very intentional, as though it had been arranged for me to have that encounter without any distraction.

So I began to pray, and I spoke honestly from my heart. I said, “Father, I was not there when the Bible was written, so I cannot say whether what was written is right or wrong. But I have read in the Bible that Jesus was wounded for my transgressions and bruised for my iniquities. I thank You because drugs cannot handle this sickness. Therefore, heal me now, in Jesus’ name.”

A few minutes after I finished praying, something unusual happened. I suddenly felt as though someone poured cool water on my back, and the sensation was so real that it startled me. I immediately wondered who could have done that, but then it quickly came to my mind that I was alone in the house, and there was no one around who could have poured water on me.

So I asked aloud, “Who poured water on me?” And then I heard that same voice again, saying, “But you were asking God for something.” At that moment, everything became clear to me. I knew instantly that what I had just experienced was the answer to my prayer, and a deep conviction settled in my heart.

Immediately, something rose inside me—a boldness to act on what I believed had just happened. Before that time, I never took cold water; I always preferred warm water because I was careful with my health. But at that moment, I said within myself, “If this is truly the answer, then let me prove it.” So I went ahead and took cold water without hesitation.

Nothing happened. There was no negative reaction, no discomfort, no sign of sickness. I was completely fine, and at that point, I knew that something had truly changed. That was the end of the sickness, and from that moment, I never went back to taking the drugs again because I was completely healed.

That experience marked a turning point in my life. It made the Word of God real to me in a way that goes beyond reading or hearing—it became something I had personally experienced. It strengthened my faith and gave me a deeper confidence in God’s power to heal and to respond when we call on Him.

The Word of God is true, and you can rely on it.

The Art of Pleasant Speech: What Colossians 4:6 Really Means.

I woke up on the 18th of June, 2025, and as part of my usual routine, I opened Open Heavens to read the daily devotional. It was one of those mornings where you expect a normal reading, but something unexpected happens—something that stays with you long after you are done reading.

As I turned to the page, my eyes went straight to the memory verse for the day. It was simple, yet deeply thought-provoking. I read it once… then again… and the more I read it, the more questions began to form in my mind.

Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

At first glance, it sounded beautiful—but I paused and asked myself a very honest question:

What does it really mean for my speech to be “with grace” and “seasoned with salt”?

These were not just poetic words. They carried weight. They suggested a standard—a way of speaking that is intentional, refined, and impactful. But I needed clarity. I wanted to understand this instruction in a way that I could actually apply in my everyday life.

I knew that sometimes, older translations like the King James Version can sound a bit abstract, so I decided to check a more modern translation to get a clearer picture. I opened the Good News Translation and read the same verse again.

Colossians 4:6 (GNT)

“Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.”

This version struck me immediately.

Two words jumped out at me—pleasant and interesting.

That was when everything began to shift in my understanding.

The instruction was no longer abstract. It became practical. It became something I could evaluate in my daily conversations.

I began to reflect on my own speech:

• Are my words pleasant?
• Are they interesting?
• Do people feel better after speaking with me, or drained?
• Do my words build, or do they quietly tear down?

These questions stayed with me.

I realized that many of us speak without intention. We talk every day, but we rarely think deeply about how we speak. We focus on what we want to say, but not always on how it is delivered. Yet, according to this Scripture, how we speak matters just as much as what we say.

That curiosity pushed me further.

I decided to do more research on what it really means to have pleasant and interesting speech. I wanted to understand the principles behind it, not just from a spiritual perspective, but also from a practical, everyday communication standpoint.

So I started asking questions, digging deeper, and exploring ideas around communication, tone, delivery, and impact.

That journey of curiosity didn’t just give me answers—it gave me direction.

It eventually led me to write a book titled “The Art of Pleasant Speech.”

What started as a simple question from a Bible verse became a full exploration of how our words shape our lives.

In the process of writing and reading the book, I discovered something powerful:

Your words are not just sounds—they are tools.

• They can open doors or close them.
• They can build relationships or destroy them.
• They can heal or hurt.
• They can attract people or push them away.
• Your words are, in many ways, your legacy.

People may forget what you did, but they often remember how you made them feel—and your words play a huge role in that.

One of the things I intentionally did in the book was to combine humor with real-life lessons. I didn’t want it to feel like a lecture. I wanted it to feel relatable, engaging, and practical—something you can read and immediately begin to apply.

Because the truth is, life becomes easier and more enjoyable when you learn how to speak well.

When your words are pleasant, people are more open to you.

When your speech is interesting, people are more willing to listen.

When your responses are thoughtful, you stand out without even trying.

That is exactly what the Scripture meant when it said, “that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

It’s not just about talking—it’s about responding with wisdom, timing, and grace.

And this is a skill that can be learned.

Many people assume that good communication is something you are born with, but that is not entirely true. It is something you can develop with awareness and practice.

You can learn:

• How to control your tone
• How to choose your words wisely
• How to speak in a way that connects with people
• How to respond instead of react

And when you begin to grow in this area, you will notice changes in every part of your life—your relationships, your work, your influence, and even your personal confidence.

I have read The Art of Pleasant Speech twice already, and I still plan to read it again. Not because I don’t understand it, but because it is the kind of content that keeps revealing new insights each time you revisit it.

It’s practical. It’s relatable. And most importantly, it is something you can use immediately.

So let me leave you with this thought:

If your words truly shape your life…

Then learning how to use them well is not optional—it is essential.

Your words are your daily seeds.

What you say consistently is what you will eventually see.

If you want to grow, influence, and connect better with people, then you must pay attention to how you speak.

To get a copy of the book, click on the link below and start your journey toward mastering the art of pleasant speech.

God Wants You Well

My brothers and sisters, God wants you well—more than you even desire to be well. Do not listen to people who say God is using sickness to test you. That idea does not reflect the true nature of God.

Throughout the Bible, there is no clear place where God used sickness to test His people. Some may point to the story of Job, but even there, the sickness did not come from God—it came from the devil. God allowed the process, but He was not the source of the affliction.

Now, listen to what God is saying to you:

3 John 1:2

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

God’s desire is clear—He wants you to be in health. This is not secondary to Him; it is part of His will for your life.

The same sacrifice that dealt with sin also addressed sickness. Sickness, like sin, is not from God—it is a result of the fallen world and the work of the enemy. God does not desire either of them to have a place in your life.

Now consider this:

Romans 8:32

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

If God could give us His only Son, Jesus, then sound health is not too much for Him to give. Healing is not beyond His ability, nor is it outside His willingness.

As you read this, if there is any sickness in your body, you can stand on this truth. Speak against it. Command it to leave in the name of Jesus.

God wants you well.

Rise and be healed.

The Word of God Is Medicine: How God’s Word Brings Healing.

There are a few things the devil does not want man to do—pray and study the Word of God. The reason he fights so strongly against the study of the Word is simple: if you truly get the Word into your spirit in any area of your life, the devil loses his hold in that area. The Word of God brings light, and once light comes, darkness cannot remain. This is why distractions, laziness, and excuses often come whenever it is time to study the Word. The enemy knows what is at stake. He understands that a believer grounded in the Word is a believer he cannot easily manipulate or oppress.

What I mean is this: if you truly receive the Word of God concerning healing into your spirit, it changes your reality. It is no longer just something you heard—it becomes something you know. At that point, fear of sickness begins to lose its grip over you. The devil does not want believers to come into that level of understanding and confidence. He would rather keep people dependent, confused, and uncertain. But once the truth of God’s Word settles in your heart, it produces results that cannot be easily reversed.

Let us look at what the Scripture says:

Proverbs 4:20–22

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

What I want us to focus on is verse 22. The Bible says the Word of God is life to those who find it and health to all their flesh. This means the Word is not just spiritual—it has a direct impact on your physical body. It carries life, and that life flows into every part of you. The Word is not empty; it is active and powerful. It works from the inside out, transforming both spirit and body.

If you take time to study the Hebrew meaning of the word translated as “health,” you will discover something deeper—it actually means medicine. This gives us a clearer understanding of what God is saying. So, if we read that verse again with this understanding, it becomes even more powerful:

Proverbs 4:22

For they are life unto those that find them, and medicine to all their flesh.

Now you can see it clearly—the Word of God is medicine. Not just a suggestion, not just encouragement, but actual medicine for your body. This is why the Word must not be treated casually. It is something to be taken seriously and consistently. Just like physical medicine must be taken regularly to be effective, the Word of God must also be taken in daily for it to produce results in your life.

This truth is further confirmed in another passage:

Psalms 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Notice that God did not send something else—He sent His Word. The Word carried the power to heal and to deliver. This shows us that healing is embedded in the Word itself. Wherever the Word goes, it carries the ability to restore, repair, and make whole. That is why neglecting the Word is not a small matter—it is ignoring the very solution God has provided.

So whenever you are sick, what you need is medicine—and according to Scripture, the Word of God is that medicine. The Word has the capacity to heal because everything we see today was created from it. The visible world came from the invisible Word of God. That means the Word has authority over everything it created, including your body. When you take in the Word, you are introducing divine power into your system.

You can “eat” the Word by reading it, meditating on it, speaking it, and believing it. This is how it enters your spirit and begins to work. And you don’t have to wait until you are sick before you take this medicine. You can take the Word consistently to build strength and keep sickness away. Prevention is always better than cure, and the Word of God works both ways.

So now, let me ask you a simple but important question:

How often do you take this medicine?

How frequently do you eat the Word of God?

Because your consistency will determine your results.

8 Qualities of Insecure Leaders: Lessons from Saul’s Leadership Failure

 

1. They Feel Threatened by Talented People

When the women sang about killing ten thousands while Saul killed thousands, something broke internally. It wasn’t just about the song—it was about what Saul believed the song meant. He interpreted someone else’s success as his own decline. From that moment, appreciation turned into suspicion, and admiration turned into silent hostility.

A secure leader would have seen David as an asset, someone who strengthened the kingdom. But insecurity doesn’t think that way. It turns gifted people into perceived threats. Instead of building with them, insecure leaders begin to watch them, measure them, and eventually resist them.

2. They Struggle to Delegate (Fear of Being Overshadowed)

Saul did give David responsibility, but not from a place of confidence or mentorship. He promoted him outwardly, but emotionally distanced himself from him. It wasn’t empowerment—it was a way to manage his own discomfort. Rather than drawing David close to guide and develop him, Saul created space to protect his position.

This is how insecure leadership often works. Delegation happens, but with the wrong motive. Instead of building others, it becomes a strategy of control and separation. The leader keeps true influence close while sending capable people far enough not to feel threatened by their growth.

3. They Crave Constant Validation

After disobeying God, Saul’s immediate concern was not repentance—it was reputation. He asked to be honored before the elders, even though he knew he had done wrong. That moment reveals a lot about his internal state. His focus was not on being right, but on looking right in front of people.

Insecure leaders depend heavily on how they are perceived. Their identity is tied to public approval, so they work hard to maintain an image, even when reality says otherwise. Instead of dealing with the root issue, they try to manage appearances, hoping respect can be preserved without true accountability.

4. They Take Credit but Avoid Blame

When Saul was confronted about his disobedience, he shifted responsibility to the people. He acknowledged the action but refused to own the decision. This is a classic sign of insecurity—protecting self-image at all costs. Accepting full responsibility would have meant admitting failure, and that was something he could not comfortably do.

You’ll notice this pattern clearly:

Success becomes personal: “I did it.”

Failure becomes shared or external: “They caused it.”

A secure leader reverses this thinking. They take responsibility when things go wrong and share credit when things go right. But insecurity flips that order, always trying to stay in a favorable light.

5. They Compare Themselves Excessively

Comparison is what turned Saul’s discomfort into anger. The moment he began measuring himself against David, he lost his sense of peace and direction. Instead of focusing on his role as king, he became consumed with how he ranked beside someone else. That shift is subtle, but very dangerous.

When a leader starts comparing constantly, their focus changes:

From purpose → to position

From assignment → to competition

From growth → to insecurity

At that point, leadership becomes strained, because decisions are no longer based on wisdom but on emotional reactions to others’ progress.

6. They Resist Feedback

When the prophet corrected Saul, he didn’t pause to reflect—he responded with defense. He insisted he had obeyed, even when the evidence said otherwise. That reaction wasn’t just stubbornness; it was insecurity trying to protect itself from exposure.

Insecure leaders often see correction as a personal attack rather than an opportunity to grow. Feedback threatens the image they are trying to maintain, so they resist it, explain it away, or reject it completely. Over time, this blocks growth and isolates them from truth.

7. They Control Through Fear

As Saul’s insecurity deepened, his leadership became more aggressive and destructive. Ordering the killing of the priests showed how far he had drifted. At that point, leadership was no longer about guidance—it had become intimidation. Fear replaced trust, and control replaced influence.

Fear-based leadership creates a certain kind of environment:

People obey, but without trust

People comply, but without loyalty

People stay, but with tension and silence

It may produce short-term control, but it always damages long-term stability.

8. They Hide Information / Act Secretively

Saul’s plan to trap David was done quietly and indirectly. He didn’t confront him openly; he chose manipulation instead. This is another sign of insecurity—operating behind the scenes to control outcomes without being seen. Transparency feels risky, so secrecy becomes a tool.

Insecure leaders often hide intentions because openness would expose their fear or motives. They prefer subtle moves, hidden plans, and indirect actions. But over time, this erodes trust, because people can sense when something isn’t clear or genuine.

Final Insight

When you step back and look at all of this, one thing becomes clear: Saul’s problem was not external—it was internal. He lost his sense of identity, and once that happened, everything else began to shift. Talent looked like a threat, correction felt like an attack, and people became either tools or enemies.

That’s the real lesson here. Leadership is not sustained by position or authority—it is sustained by inner stability. When a leader is secure within themselves, they can build others, accept truth, and lead with clarity. But when insecurity takes root, it quietly distorts everything, no matter how powerful the position may seem.

How to Put God’s Word First: Faith Before Medicine

Let me share a story of what happened some time ago during one of our evangelism outreaches. It clearly shows the place of the Word of God in many Christian lives today.

We went out for evangelism on a Sunday morning, and a lady we met complained of being ill. I felt led to pray for her, so I called the brothers and sisters around for us to pray together.

As we gathered and were about to pray, a sister suddenly asked her, “Have you gone to the hospital?”

Honestly, I wasn’t happy with that question at that moment, even though I didn’t say anything.

Don’t get me wrong—it is good and wise to go to the hospital when necessary. I am not against that at all. But in that moment, we were about to pray. Why not allow us to finish first before bringing that up?

I don’t know exactly why she asked that question, and I am not condemning her for asking it. But the timing revealed something deeper.

It showed how quickly our minds go to physical solutions before we respond to what the Word of God instructs us to do.

Now, let me ask you a sincere question: When you fall sick, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Is it prayer and acting on the Word of God? Or is it taking medication and going to the hospital?

If your default response is always the latter, then it simply shows that your mind is not yet aligned with what the Word of God teaches.

It means, in a practical sense, you are not putting the Word first. We must learn to put the Word of God first in every situation, including our health.

If we truly put the Word first and stand in faith, there are situations where we may not even need medication.

However, it is also important to be balanced. If we put the Word first and, at that point, our faith is not yet strong enough to carry us through, there is nothing wrong with seeking help through medical care or going to the hospital.

But the key is this: what comes first? Is it the Word—or something else? Let us train ourselves to respond first with the Word of God. Let us build a habit of trusting God before anything else.

Because when the Word truly comes first in our lives, it begins to shape our thinking, our responses, and our outcomes.

Let’s always put the Word first.

Dealing with Negativity in Church: Lessons from Sanballat in Nehemiah

 

Nehemiah 4:1 (GNT)

When Sanballat heard that we Jews had begun rebuilding the wall, he became furious and began to ridicule us.

Being a church worker for some time now, I have observed some troubling things among Christians that should not be, yet they exist.

You remember in the book of Job when the sons of God gathered, and the devil also came along. In the same way, whenever children of God gather, the children of the devil are also present in some form.

However, not everyone who displays negativity is a child of the devil. Some have simply not been nurtured or trained to properly discern between good and evil. Others have not renewed their minds with the Word, and as a result, they still exhibit worldly character even while serving in church.

If you find yourself exhibiting any of the attitudes discussed here, take it as an opportunity to reflect and seek God for transformation.

There are people in the church today who play the role of Sanballat. Some are aware of what they are doing, while others are not fully conscious of it.

There is a group of people in church who are not very interested in the work of God. They often claim they do not have “time” to dedicate to the work. Yet, when they see someone else giving their time wholeheartedly to the work, they become uncomfortable or even angry.

This reaction often comes from the fact that they see such individuals beginning to gain influence and recognition from leadership. Naturally, when someone works diligently and consistently, they tend to be noticed by those in authority. This is a principle in life that cannot be ignored.

Because of this, some people feel threatened by the growing visibility or influence of others. Since they are not willing to engage in the work themselves, they also resist seeing others progress in it.

This attitude can become stronger when the person involved is placed in a leadership position. At that point, such individuals may begin to spread various things about them—sometimes truths taken out of context, other times outright falsehoods.

They may gossip, criticize, and say all kinds of things with the intention of discouraging the person from giving their best to the work.

Their goal is often to draw your attention away from your assignment and redirect it toward them. If you are not careful, you may fall into that trap. Remain focused.

If a brother or sister is honored for their work, it irritates them. If the person is given a position, it bothers them. If the person speaks, it offends them. Eventually, almost everything about that person becomes a source of irritation.

If you have not encountered such individuals yet, you likely will. And if you recognize these tendencies in yourself, then it is a call to repentance and renewal.

Something Is Missing in Christianity: Understanding the True Meaning of Being Born Again

Most times, I sit down and think deeply about this Christian life. I reflect, I question, and I try to understand what exactly we are living for and what we have truly received.

One thing keeps coming to my mind again and again: we are always taught what not to do.

We hear a lot of teachings about sin and worldly living. From the pulpit, in meetings, and even in personal conversations, the emphasis is often the same. You must have heard statements like: “Don’t live a sinful life,” “Love not the world,” repeated over and over again by pastors and teachers.

Some present it in more refined language: “Live a holy life,” “Let Jesus be seen in your everyday life,” “Don’t commit fornication,” “Don’t steal,” and so on.

These are the major kinds of messages we hear consistently as Christians.

Now, don’t get me wrong—these messages are good, necessary, and important. They help shape character, guide behavior, and keep believers on the right path. They remind us of what is wrong and what should be avoided.

But I have come to realize that this kind of message, as important as it is, focuses mainly on teaching us how not to live like the world.

And that brings a serious question to my mind:

Is this all a born-again Christian needs to know?

If Christianity is only about what we should not do, then something is missing. Because life is not sustained by avoidance alone.

This new life we call “born again”—what exactly is its content?

What did we really receive when we became born again?

Why don’t we hear more teachings about the nature of this new life?

Why are preachers not talking deeply about the possibilities embedded in the life we now have in Christ?

These questions keep coming to my heart whenever I think about the born-again experience.

Because if all we know is what to avoid, then we are only living a life of restriction, not a life of expression.

Christianity becomes reduced to a list of “don’ts” instead of a revelation of “what is now possible.”

There are dimensions of this new life that go beyond just avoiding sin.

• There is power.
• There is transformation.
• There is a new identity.
• There is a new way of thinking.

There is a new capacity to live differently—not just by effort, but by nature.

But many times, these things are not talked about enough.

There are certain truths about this born-again life that, if someone begins to teach them in many churches today, people may quickly conclude that the person is preaching heresy—or worse, that they have gone off track spiritually.

And that, in itself, is something to think about.

Why is it that truths about the life we claim to have are often resisted when they are brought to light?

Why are we more comfortable hearing about sin than hearing about the fullness of life in Christ?

Many Christians today do not truly understand the possibilities of the new life they have received.

And to be honest, I must say I am still learning too. I don’t claim to know it all.

But there are glimpses—small insights that God has shown me—that suggest there is far more to this life than what we commonly hear.

There are things about this life that go beyond just trying not to sin.

There is a dimension where righteousness is not just an action, but a nature.

There is a place where love is not forced, but flows naturally.

There is a level where obedience is not a struggle, but a response to who you have become.

There are realities in God that many believers have not yet stepped into—not because they are not available, but because they are not being emphasized.

And sometimes, even when they are mentioned, they are quickly dismissed.

So, I find myself asking this question again:

Why is there so little teaching about the content and possibilities of being born again?

Why are we not exploring what this life can produce?

Why are we not being shown what is truly possible for a man or woman who is in Christ?

Why are we not being stretched to grow into the fullness of this life?

Because if we only focus on avoiding sin, we may miss the purpose of the life we have received.

The Christian life is not just about staying away from darkness—it is about walking fully in the light.

It is not just about what you have left behind—it is about what you have stepped into.

It is not just about sin management—it is about life transformation.

Something very significant is missing.

And until we begin to ask these questions, seek deeper understanding, and open our hearts to learn, we may continue living far below what God has made available to us in Christ.

Effeminacy and the Church: What Does the Bible Really Say About Gender Expression?

Many things that once shocked society have slowly become normal in our generation. One of such issues is the growing trend of men adopting feminine appearances—wearing female clothing, using makeup, plaiting their hair, and presenting themselves in ways traditionally associated with women.

What makes this even more concerning is that this trend is no longer limited to the world; it is gradually appearing within church spaces as well. This raises an important question for believers: Should a man who dresses like a woman be allowed to function normally in the church?

Opinions differ widely on this matter, but rather than relying on opinions, we must return to the Word of God to understand what the Bible actually says.

Do you think it is normal for males to dress like females—wearing female clothes, earrings, plaiting their hair, and adopting feminine appearances?

Are these things acceptable in the church? Should a brother be allowed to dress like a female and still function in the church?

I know many people have different opinions about this, but it is important that we discuss it so that you can decide for yourself whether it is right or wrong.

In the School of Disciples (SOD), there is a frequently used statement that no one should forget: Know yourself, know your enemies, and know the weapons of your warfare.

SOD is a discipleship training program in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). If you have not attended it before, you should consider doing so—you will be glad you did.

So first, we must know ourselves, and then we must know our enemies. With the increasing appearance of men dressing like women—even within church environments—we need to ask an honest question: Is there any possibility that the devil is at work?

Could this be another strategy to draw as many people as possible away from God?

When you look closely at what we are discussing, you may notice that this trend seems to appear more frequently in the music sector. Why is this so?

We will examine this issue in two ways: first from the Bible, and then from observations in today’s world.

When you read the Bible, you will come across the word “effeminate.”

In 1 Corinthians 6:9, the Bible says:

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.”

When you study the root word in Greek, it is malakos, which simply means “soft.”

This word has often been connected with behavior or appearance that reflects feminine traits in men.

The term effeminate has also been associated with homosexual behavior. In homosexual relationships between men, one person may attempt to take on the appearance or role traditionally associated with a female.

This can include speaking in a feminine manner, plaiting hair, wearing female clothing, using makeup typically used by women, or even altering the body to appear more feminine.

Over time, these practices gradually increased and went largely unchecked until they began to seem normal in our generation. When these things first started becoming visible, many people strongly opposed them. But as time passed, society slowly accepted them, and today many people no longer see anything wrong with them.

However, if the Bible speaks clearly against something, then as Christians we should also stand against it.

Another passage that emphasizes the distinction between male and female is Deuteronomy 22:5, which says:

“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining the distinction God created between male and female.

The Bible also warns believers not to simply follow cultural trends. Romans 12:2 says:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Christians are called to live according to God's standards rather than copying the practices of the world.

Am I saying we should begin to discriminate against people who struggle with these things? Not at all. But we do have a responsibility to speak the truth of God’s Word.

Secondly, I once listened to a woman who said she had served the devil for eighteen years, and she shared something that I would like to mention here.

She said that when a man has sold his soul to the devil, the devil sometimes requires that the person publicly display what he has done in secret. According to her, one of the ways this may happen is by pushing the person to appear on stage dressed in female attire.

This idea can be disturbing because many people may see such behavior and think the person is simply trying to be funny or entertain the audience, without knowing what may have happened behind the scenes.

When the devil wants to promote an idea that will eventually enslave people, he often uses celebrities because he knows many people follow celebrities and imitate their lifestyles without asking questions.

Many people copy the lifestyle of celebrities they know very little about. Whether they realize it or not, when someone begins to imitate behaviors that oppose God’s design, they may open themselves to spiritual influences that keep them bound to those habits.

Over time, the person may become a slave to that lifestyle and begin to serve it as an idol.

In that sense, whenever a man deliberately adopts behaviors meant to erase the distinction God created between male and female, he may unknowingly be moving away from God’s design.

The devil is always eager to keep people in ignorance while they slowly move away from God.

His goal is to turn people against God’s instructions. Whatever the Bible clearly says a person should not do, he will push people toward it and then label it with phrases like “It does not matter.”

But believers must be careful not to allow the standards of the world to replace the truth of God’s Word.

The goal of discussing these things is not to condemn anyone but to bring clarity from the Scriptures. The church must always be a place where truth is spoken with love.

If God’s Word identifies certain behaviors as wrong, then believers must have the courage to stand by that truth, even when society moves in a different direction.

At the same time, we must remember the hope of the gospel. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:11:

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

This shows that no matter how far someone has gone, God’s grace still has the power to transform lives.

Our responsibility as believers is to stand for truth, show compassion, and point people back to God’s design.

My prayer is that the many things our generation now says “do not matter” will not become serious issues when we stand before God on the last day.

May God give us wisdom and understanding in Jesus’ name.

Why Every Christian Needs Apologetics: Defending Your Faith with Confidence

 

Recently, I took a course on apologetics, and I can confidently say it is one of the best things that has happened to my life.

We live in a generation where people echo other people’s opinions without any substantive evidence, yet they present those opinions as if they are absolute truth.

You will also notice that people sometimes come against you with statements they cannot verify. Most times, someone else said such things about you, and they simply believed it without questioning.

You will also discover that some people try to counter ideas that could have helped others, using claims and statements they themselves cannot prove.

In all these situations, there is a simple and effective way to handle them—one that allows both parties to leave the conversation better informed and without unnecessary conflict: politely ask questions that require the person making the claim to provide proof.

There is one statement I got from the class that I will never forget:

“Whoever makes a claim bears the burden of proof.”

That single statement has helped me not just in ministry, but also in life generally.

If you come to me and make a claim or say something about me, the first thing I want to find out is whether what you are saying can be proven. If it can be proven, then it carries weight, and I can take it seriously and work on my life if necessary.

But if there is no proof, then the statement is left the way it came—it dies on arrival.

You must have heard people say things like:

“The church is the problem of Nigeria.”

“All pastors are businessmen.”

“Religion is the foundation of our problems in Nigeria.”

“There are too many churches, and that is why there are no companies in Nigeria.”

Many of the people making these statements do not have substantial evidence to back them up. Most of them are simply repeating what they have heard from others.

When you ask them to provide proof for their claims, you quickly realize that they do not have any solid point at all.

You may have also come across atheists and not known how to engage them in a meaningful and productive way. Apologetics will help you handle such conversations with clarity and confidence.

Many Christians avoid preaching to Muslims, and I often wonder why. I once overheard a Christian I respect greatly say that Christians and Muslims serve the same God. I chose to remain silent at that moment because I did not want to engage in an argument then.

However, it is important to understand your faith well enough to communicate it clearly and effectively.

This is why apologetics is important—it equips you with understanding, clarity, and the ability to communicate truth with wisdom.

So, if you have not enrolled in an apologetics class and you are interested, feel free to reach out to me to be part of the next batch.

Why Was the Stone Rolled Away from Jesus’ Tomb? Meaning of the Resurrection Explained

When I think about the resurrection of Jesus, many questions come to my mind. Questions like: Who folded the clothes in which Jesus was wrapped after His resurrection? Why was the stone rolled away? Why was an angel sitting on the stone?

Today, let’s focus on one of these questions: why was the stone at the tomb rolled away? Have you also thought about it?

If the stone was not rolled away, would Jesus not have resurrected? Can a stone hold Jesus in the grave if it was not removed? Do physical things like stone have the power to prevent a spirit from moving?

When we begin to reflect deeply on the resurrection, we realize that it is not just a historical event but a powerful revelation of God’s authority over death, limitation, and the physical world. It also reveals God’s intention to make the truth accessible and undeniable to all who seek it.

When you read:

John 20:19 (NKJV)

“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”

John 20:26 (NKJV)

“And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’”

From these passages, we see that Jesus appeared to His disciples even when the doors were shut.

One of the passages clearly tells us that they locked themselves in because of fear of the Jews. This suggests that the doors were tightly shut—possibly the kind that could not be easily opened.

Yet, Jesus appeared in their midst and communicated with them.

So, if He could appear when the doors were shut, it shows that a physical barrier like a stone could not prevent Him from resurrecting.

This leads to a thought that kept coming to my mind, which I believe explains the reason the stone was rolled away.

The stone was rolled away so that everyone could clearly see that Jesus was no longer in the grave.

Anyone, like Peter, could go into the tomb and confirm that He had risen without any barrier preventing access.

The stone was rolled away so people could see clearly that the cloth used to wrap Jesus’ body after His death was still there, but His body was no longer in the tomb.

In other words, God was giving the whole world a clear sign that Jesus had truly resurrected. It was as if God was saying, “If you want to confirm His resurrection, go and see for yourself. The barrier that would have prevented you has been removed.”

This is truly powerful. It shows that God intentionally removed any obstacles that could hinder anyone from discovering the truth about the resurrection of Jesus.

So, if you want to know more about His resurrection, God has already removed the barriers—go and see, study, and learn for yourself.

Another very important point to understand before we conclude is that Jesus’ body that was placed in the tomb was a natural, mortal body.

The body that was buried was one that could be stopped by walls, one that could be killed, one that could feel hunger, become tired, and had many limitations.

But the body that resurrected was a glorified body with no limitations, as seen in the passages we read.

So how did the body that was buried in corruption rise in incorruption?

The reason is simple: God is showing us what happens to anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The Bible says Jesus is the firstfruits among many brethren.

Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

1 Corinthians 15:20 (NKJV)

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

From these passages, we understand that Jesus went through this to show us what we will also experience.

Yes, if you believe in Jesus and are saved, you and I will be resurrected with the same kind of glorified body that Jesus had. It is a special body, yet it still looks like a recognizable human form.

So, when we all resurrect, we will see ourselves and still recognize one another.

The final aspect of this new life is that the spirit of anyone who believes in Jesus is made alive. This means such a person can now have a restored relationship and communion with God.

Thank God for the resurrection—it has given us so many blessings that we will only fully understand in eternity.

Why God Works Through Men: Lessons from the Story of Lazarus

There are a few people I have met who claim to be very spiritual. When they talk and act, they make you feel like they have reached a level where they no longer need any man. Honestly, I just laugh.

When you read through the Bible, you will quickly discover that no work of God on earth was completed without the involvement of man.

Whenever God wants to do something significant on earth, He partners with man to make it happen. This is why we must understand the importance of submitting to the right people God places in our lives.

Let me show you what I mean using the story of Lazarus.

The Bible tells us that Lazarus had been dead for four days, and Jesus came and raised him back to life. But when you read that story carefully, you will notice something very interesting—Lazarus’ hands and feet were bound.

I always wonder how Lazarus was able to stand up when his hands and feet were tied.

If you don’t fully understand what I mean, try this simple exercise: ask someone to bind your hands and feet, then try to stand up. You will immediately realize how difficult, if not impossible, it is.

Yet, Lazarus stood up.

That tells you something powerful—the resurrection power lifted him. The power of God brought him back from the dead and even enabled him to stand.

I believe this is one of the most remarkable parts of Lazarus’ resurrection. The power of God did for Lazarus what no human being could ever do.

After he came back to life, he was still wrapped in grave clothes, and then Jesus gave a command:

“Loose him and let him go.”

Now, this raises an important question.

Couldn’t the same power that raised Lazarus from the dead also remove the grave clothes?

I strongly believe that the resurrection power could have taken off the grave clothes instantly—just like it happened in the case of Jesus.

So why did Jesus ask people to remove the grave clothes manually?

The answer is simple and very profound.

God always makes room for the participation of man when He is working.

He does what man cannot do, and then He leaves what man can do for man to handle.

God brought you into salvation through His Word—that is something only He can do. But your growth, your training, and your transformation into everything God wants you to be will involve both God and man.

That is why submitting to the people God has placed over you—and allowing them to play their role in your life—is one of the fastest ways to grow and become all that God has called you to be.

God starts the work, but He often uses men to help complete the process.

Every Human Is a Container: What Is Filling Your Life—God or the Devil?

This may sound like a strange way to describe a person, but if you think about it carefully, it is actually very accurate. Every container is created for one purpose—to hold something. A container without content has little value because its purpose is incomplete until it is filled.

In the same way, every human being has an inner vacuum that desires to be filled. There is something within us that constantly longs for meaning, purpose, and connection with something greater than ourselves.

Whether people realize it or not, that inner vacuum pushes humanity to search for the divine. This is why throughout history human beings have always sought something to worship. Some people fill that vacuum with idols, philosophies, money, power, or pleasure. Others seek to fill it with God.

But the truth is this: every human life will be filled with something.

We already know that a container is a vessel that carries content. In the same way, you are a vessel.

What gives value to a container is the content it carries. If the content inside a container is bad or undesirable, the vessel itself becomes useless. But if the content is good, the container becomes valuable and needed.

No matter how beautiful or strong a water container is, if the water inside it is polluted, no one will want it. As a matter of fact, most containers are discarded once their content has been used up. We will talk more about discarded containers later.

Think about this for a moment: what would happen if a man spends all his time beautifying the container while the content inside it is not valuable?

Will either the container or the content be desired?

This is exactly what many of us do today. We focus almost entirely on the container. We worry about what people say about us, what we wear, what we eat, how much money we make, and how others perceive us. Yet we give little or no attention to the content of our lives.

But your content is far more important than your container.

Let me ask you again: do you pay attention to your content?

Your value is directly connected to the value of the content you carry. If the content is not valuable, the container itself becomes useless.

However, there is something that makes human containers different from ordinary containers: your will.

You have the ability to decide what content will fill your life.

In the natural world, people usually design containers to fit the content they want to carry. Manufacturers carefully produce containers that match the kind of product they intend to deliver. And when people choose containers, they select the one that best suits the content they want.

Once a container is created, it has no right to decide what content will be placed inside it. If the producer decides to change the content the container was originally designed for, the container cannot protest. It cannot ask, “Why are you using me for something else instead of what you created me for?”

In other words, inanimate containers have no authority over their content.

But this is not the case with human beings.

Human beings have the right to decide what content will fill their lives. God has given us this freedom. One day we will be judged for the kind of content we allowed our lives to carry.

So when someone claims that they have no control over what is happening in their life, that is not completely true. Every person has the ability to choose what they allow to fill their life.

There are only two kinds of content that can ultimately fill a human life: God or the devil. Good or evil.

Many people choose to allow the devil to fill their container. When that happens, the results become visible in their lives. Wickedness, envy, hatred, fornication, drunkenness, malice, and many other destructive behaviors begin to appear.

These behaviors are the outward manifestations of the devil’s content in a human life.

Someone once observed that if you remove the letter D from the word devil, you are left with evil. Wherever the devil operates, evil eventually follows.

But when a person allows God to fill their life, the results are completely different.

God produces a godly lifestyle. The person begins to manifest love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, humility, and self-control.

A life filled with God will move toward peace because God is the Prince of Peace. Goodness surrounds a person who carries God because God Himself is good.

The good news is that every human being can decide which content will fill their life—God or the devil.

But there is something important to understand about this freedom.

While we have the right to choose our content, we do not have the right to choose the consequences of that choice.

The consequences come automatically with whatever content we allow into our lives.

If a man chooses the devil and his life begins to go in a direction he does not like, he cannot simply reject the outcome. The only way to change the outcome is to change the content.

The direction of your life—whether it ends well or poorly—is determined by the content you choose to carry.

Earlier we mentioned that containers are often discarded once their content has been used.

This raises an important question: what happens to human vessels after their content has finished using them?

Let us first look at what the devil does with the vessels he uses.

When the devil finishes using a vessel, he discards it. His ultimate intention is destruction. He uses the vessel to expand his influence, spread wickedness, and draw others into his purpose. But once he is finished, he abandons the vessel.

Some people are discarded through early death. Others are discarded through shame and disgrace. Some are left to suffer in sickness, addiction, or misery. But the final destination for the devil’s vessels is destruction and eternal separation from God in hell fire. 

The devil does not value human life because he did not create it. He does not understand what it took to create a human being, so human life has little worth to him.

If the devil is using someone today, they should not rejoice. He is only preparing them for destruction. For some people, that destruction even begins while they are still alive.

But God treats His vessels very differently.

God never discards the vessels He uses because He created them. His desire is for His vessels to be useful in this world and then spend eternity with Him in heaven.

This is why God declares clearly in Scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

God’s desire for every human being is to enjoy a relationship with Him here on earth and then continue that relationship with Him forever in eternity.

So now we return to the most important question of all.

Take a moment and examine your life carefully.

Your words reveal it.

Your actions reveal it.

Your choices reveal it.

What is the content of your container?

Because one day the value of the container will be revealed by the content it carried.

And when that day comes, only one question will truly matter:

What filled your life?

The Futility of “Jara”: Why Christians Must Stop Chasing Material Blessings

Before I share a story with you, let’s talk a little about what “Jara” is.

In case you are reading this and you are not a Nigerian, and you are wondering what “Jara” means, let me try and define it clearly.

“Jara” is the small extra portion of a product given to you for free by the seller as an incentive to make you come back to buy more. This is usually practiced when you buy measurable products like rice, beans, or garri.

Now, let me tell you a story.

A lady went to the market and bought a few cups of rice. The seller gave her a very small extra portion of rice as “Jara,” and this made her very happy.

She went home and kept talking so much about the “Jara” she was given. She told everyone how lucky she was to have received “Jara.”

She went on to explain how much she knew God before God touched the heart of the seller to give her that “Jara.” She even said she prayed all night, asking God to grant her favor before the seller so she could receive “Jara.”

She then went to church to give a testimony about how God granted her so much favor, allowing her to enjoy “Jara” from the seller.

To her, she felt very special to God because the seller gave her “Jara.” Anyone close to her who did not get the same measure of “Jara” she received, in her mind, either did not know God or was not favored.

To her, you had to truly know God to enjoy this kind of “favored Jara.”

She flaunted the “Jara” everywhere she went. This “Jara” became the basis for determining the class of people she related with.

If you did not have plenty and visible “Jara,” you were not in her “class” and did not qualify to be around her.

She showed everyone she knew the “Jara” the seller gave her because it made her feel special, important, and different.

If you have followed up to this point and understood what I am saying, you should already be wondering why this woman is making so much noise about such a small addition—something that is not even enough to solve any real problem.

You might even be tempted to ask if the woman is thinking straight, because the “Jara” she got is not even enough to feed her child for a single meal.

Now, here is the point.

This is exactly what many Christians do with the “Jara” God has given to us.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

What is supposed to be an addition—something secondary and insignificant compared to the things of the kingdom—is what many of us have magnified today.

Money, houses, cars, landed properties, and material possessions are all the “Jara” God has given to us. Yet, many of us focus on and celebrate this “Jara” as if it is the main thing.

In our churches today, most testimonies revolve around the “Jara” people have received from God.

Gone are the days when people testified about how God used them to win souls, heal the sick, or cast out devils. Now, almost all our attention is centered on “Jara.”

This is what many people now use to judge whether you truly know God or not. Some even believe that the more “Jara” you have, the more favored you are by God.

But God never intended for us as Christians to define our lives by how much “Jara” we have or do not have.

Luke 12:15 (GNT)

“And he went on to say to them all, ‘Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be.’”

Be careful not to allow your life to be controlled by “Jara,” but rather by the true values of the kingdom.

Because at the end of the day, “Jara” is only an addition—it was never meant to be the focus.

God Does More Than You Ask: A Powerful Lesson from Solomon and Abraham.

 

I was online today and saw something that boosted my faith, and I want to share it with you.

A person left a comment saying, “Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave him wisdom, wealth, and fame. Abraham asked for a child, and God gave him a generation…”

That statement caught my attention deeply. I didn’t even bother finishing the rest of the write-up because I had already received what I needed. In that moment, something settled in my heart—God is not limited to what we ask Him for. He goes far beyond it.

Many times, when we come to God in prayer, we come with very specific requests. We ask based on what we think we need at that moment. But God, in His wisdom, sees the bigger picture. He doesn’t just see your present need—He sees your future, your purpose, and the generations connected to your obedience.

Think about Solomon. In 1 Kings 3:9–13, Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead His people. That was a sincere and selfless request. But God responded in a way that reveals His nature. He said, in essence, “Because you did not ask for riches or the life of your enemies, I will not only give you wisdom, but I will also give you riches and honor.” Solomon asked for one thing, but God added what he did not even think to ask for.

The same pattern appears in the life of Abraham. In Genesis 15:2–5, Abraham’s concern was simple—he wanted a child. But God lifted his eyes beyond just one child and showed him the stars, telling him that his descendants would be as numerous. Abraham asked for a son, but God gave him a nation—generations that would come after him.

This reveals something powerful about God: He is not a minimal giver. He is not a God who gives just enough to satisfy a request. He is a God who gives according to His abundance.

That is why Ephesians 3:20 (GNT) says:

“To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of.”

Pause and think about that.

“More than we can ask.”

“More than we can think.”

This means that even your highest prayer, your boldest request, your biggest expectation—God can go beyond it.

So why does it sometimes feel like God is not answering?

Why does it seem like He is silent or delaying?

The truth is, delay is not denial. God is not ignoring you. He is working. Many times, He is preparing you for what you asked for, and at the same time preparing what you asked for to be able to sustain you.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that He makes all things beautiful in His time. Not our time—His time. And His timing is always perfect.

Sometimes, if God answers too quickly, we may not be ready for the weight of the blessing. So He allows a process. That process may not be comfortable, but it is necessary.

Another thing to understand is that God’s answers are often bigger than the question we asked. What you are praying for may just be a small part of what God intends to do in your life.

You may be asking for a job, but God is preparing a platform.

You may be asking for provision, but God is preparing influence.

You may be asking for a breakthrough, but God is preparing a testimony that will bless many others.

Isaiah 55:8–9 says that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways. That means His approach to answering your prayer will not always match your expectations—but it will always be better.

So don’t lose heart.

If it feels like God is taking too long, remind yourself that He is a generous giver. He is not trying to withhold from you—He is working things out in a way that will exceed what you asked for.

James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. That means what is coming your way will not be incomplete, it will not be half-done, and it will not be lacking. It will be good, perfect, and fitting for your life.

One day, you will look back and realize that if God had answered your prayer the way you wanted, you would have missed something greater. You will see how He connected things, how He aligned people, how He orchestrated events behind the scenes.

And you will say, “God did it—and He did much more than I asked.”

So cheer up.

Hold on to your faith. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep believing.

Your breakthrough is not far away. It is closer than you think.