Category: Today’s Word

The Most Important Truth Jesus Taught: Salvation

John 10:10-11.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

To experience the blessings God has prepared for us, we must pay close attention to what Jesus taught. Jesus came to reveal God’s heart, plans, power, and love. His concern was the Father’s concern, and every step He took was in perfect obedience to God’s will. During His public ministry, Jesus taught the most important spiritual truths. Therefore, we must believe and follow what He taught, emphasize what He emphasized, and proclaim what He proclaimed.

The most crucial truth Jesus taught is salvation. He came to save those who are perishing under the power of Satan. Nothing is more essential than the way of salvation. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus in John 3: No amount of religious zeal, pious living, or legalism can bring salvation. “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3).

The work of the Holy Spirit is like the wind—it blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:8). When the Holy Spirit opens a person’s heart, no one can resist the power of God’s love. Evangelism is, therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not dependent on eloquence or persuasive speech. We may invite people to meet Jesus outwardly, but only the Holy Spirit leads them inwardly to saving faith.

God prepares the hearts of those chosen for eternal life, as Acts 13:48 reminds us: “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” When we proclaim the gospel, it is the Holy Spirit who moves and works in the hearts of the hearers. Therefore, we need not be discouraged when someone does not receive the message. As Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Jesus made His purpose clear when He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). We need life because Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy our souls. Since the Fall in Genesis 3, spiritual death has defined the human condition. Nothing we do on our own can reverse the curse we inherited. That is why our Good Shepherd laid down His life for us.

God made His sinless Son to become sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the incredible grace of God that we can never fully grasp. Receiving Jesus is receiving life. As Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26). The name of Jesus is the only name that gives life to the dead—spiritually and physically. At His command, Lazarus, though dead for four days, came out of the tomb alive!

That is why Peter boldly declared, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The end result of our faith is the salvation of our souls (1 Peter 1:9). No matter what trials we face, we must never lose hold of the blessing of salvation. The power of life in Christ overcomes all things.

Return to the cross, where your salvation was completed by the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth (John 19:30). Trust in the Holy Spirit, who is the seal and deposit of your salvation (Ephesians 1:13). Live boldly, proclaiming the message of salvation to all nations.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for the blessing of salvation I have in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to enjoy Jesus’ life and Jesus’ power in every circumstance. Send me to the nations to proclaim the message of salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What Happened to Those Who Met Jesus?

John 20:24-29. Now Thomas, also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

By the grace of God, Peter realized who Jesus truly was and confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). When Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross, a Roman officer and the soldiers guarding Him witnessed the earthquake and all that took place. Terrified, they exclaimed, “Surely He was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).

In today’s Word, the resurrected Jesus appears, and Thomas confesses, “My Lord and my God!” Every person who encountered Jesus throughout history bowed down and worshiped Him. One day, God will make every being in heaven, on earth, and under the earth bow at the name of Jesus. Every tongue will confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10–11).

As the True King, Jesus shattered the power of the enemy with a rod of iron and crushed them like pottery (Psalm 2:9). As the True Priest, He put an end to the relentless cycle of disasters brought by sin through His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). As the True Prophet, He delivered us from the domain of darkness and brought us into His glorious kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). This is the Christ we proclaim—may we never forget it as we share the gospel.

When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus while on his way to persecute believers, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. His life, once consumed by darkness, made a dramatic turn at the moment he met the Eternal Light. God used Paul throughout his life as an instrument to proclaim His name to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel (Acts 9:15). Paul considered his life worth nothing to himself; his only aim was to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus had given him—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace (Acts 20:24).

Have you met this Jesus? How can you meet Him?

By faith, receive Jesus as your Lord and King so He may lead and govern your life. If you truly trust in Him, your prayers will be answered. Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). When you open the door to Him, He will enter your life and dwell with you forever.

Through Christ, you gain the right to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). You begin a new life with Him. He will eat with you as a sign of love and reconciliation. Every day will become a feast with Jesus. You will enjoy the abundance of His kingdom. God will prepare a table before your enemies (Psalm 23:5).

When you realize that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, like Paul, you will confess, “I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15–16). You will find your heart filled with compassion for those who have not yet encountered Christ. Rather than judge them, you will embrace their weakness and pray for them with compassion.

Are you still struggling or failing in life? Make Jesus the Lord of your life. Do whatever He tells you (John 2:5). As long as you remain on the throne of your own life, you will wander, trying to steer your way by worldly methods—never truly finding joy, peace, or rest.

Make Christ the center of your life. Cast your burdens, sins, and worries on Him—He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Lay down your pride, anxiety, and negative thinking. Do not lean on your own understanding. Set aside all unbelief, for the Holy Spirit within you is perfect.

Prayer. Father, thank You for solving all my problems through Christ on the cross. Since meeting Him, I now have true life. Remind me of my identity in Christ in every circumstance. Lead me and reign in me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Who Did Jesus Say He Was?

John 14:7-10. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.

Unfortunately, many people who have been in church all their lives still lack assurance that Jesus is the Christ. Legalism—one of the devil’s most effective tools—has robbed them of the joy of salvation. They remain trapped in a religious lifestyle, having lost the power of true life in Christ.

As a result, churches around the world are steadily losing ground against the forces of darkness, and younger generations have fallen into the grip of Satan. The root cause of these issues is spiritual ignorance. As Scripture says, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). The world does not know the One who came as the answer to all our problems—Christ Jesus our Lord.

Why is Jesus the only answer? Consider what He claimed about Himself: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Because they didn’t understand who Jesus truly was, the Jews picked up stones to kill Him. They tried to destroy the very One who came to save them. Eventually, they crucified Him for claiming to be God. This is the tragic result of spiritual ignorance.

In another instance, Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” The Jews responded, “You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I Am.” At this, they again picked up stones to throw at Him (John 8:56–59).

What they didn’t realize is that Jesus existed even before the creation of the world: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:1–3).

Jesus alone possesses all the qualifications to be the Savior. He alone has the power to crush Satan (Genesis 3:15). He is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14). He is without original sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 3:18). He is not a descendant of Adam but was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).

Jesus died to take away the sins of the world (Genesis 2:17). As the ultimate proof of His divinity, He rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3–5). He was God in the flesh, who destroyed the power of Satan and secured salvation for all of us.

To meet Jesus is to meet God. As He said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). There is nothing impossible for Him. He is fully equal to God in every way. God wants us to know Christ Jesus,

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)

When you understand the uniqueness of Christ, you begin to experience Him personally. You will encounter your True King—crushing Satan under your feet wherever you go. You will meet your True Priest—breaking the curses caused by sin. And you will follow your True Prophet—saving souls from the background of hell.

God has made you a witness of these truths for all nations. So discover your answers in the gospel alone. Bring all things into prayer before the throne of the Triune God.  Live the life worth living—the life of the evangelist.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for drawing me back to You through Christ Jesus, Your Son—the only power over Satan, the only Savior for my sins. Use my life today to proclaim the Good News that Jesus is the Christ, the only way for the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Who On Earth Is Jesus?

John 14:6. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Many believers wander without truly knowing who Jesus is. They have only a partial understanding of salvation and believe in God according to their own thoughts and standards. As a result, they live without assurance or conviction. Though they profess faith, they go through life without experiencing Jesus’ life or Jesus’ power. Their thoughts and actions are no different from those of unbelievers.

No one has had a greater impact on the world than Jesus. Though He never authored a single book, more books have been written about Him than any other person in history. His influence surpasses that of all kings, leaders, thinkers, and generals combined. He has transformed the lives of countless individuals and nations throughout history.

We don’t even know what the next five minutes will bring, yet the life of Jesus was prophesied thousands of years in advance—His birth (Isaiah 7:14), His youth (Hosea 11:1), His suffering and death (Isaiah 53:4–6), and His resurrection (Psalm 16:9), just to name a few.

Why do so many people find peace, purpose, and strength in Jesus? Why do lives undergo fundamental change when a person receives and believes in Him? To answer that, we must first understand the fundamental problem of mankind and its cause.

Scripture declares that the root problem of humanity is sin: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Mankind was created to live in God’s glory, yet we now live in a state where that glory cannot be experienced. We have become ignorant of the One who created us. We are living in a condition we were never meant to be in. The Bible calls this displacement sin—more specifically, original sin.

All humanity has fallen into this state. The true reason people are unhappy is not simply their problems, but their spiritual position. No one can be truly happy while remaining in this state. Created in the image of God, mankind has fallen to the level of animals, and spiritually to the level of Satan. As Jesus said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth… for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

How did sin enter the world? Satan tempted the first man and woman to break God’s covenant (Genesis 2:16–17), offering them something seemingly irresistible: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). Tragically, Adam and Eve took the bait, and with that act came all the curses that plague the human race. Instead of becoming like God, they became slaves of the devil, living under his control.

Sin made us enemies of God. It made us prefer darkness over light (John 3:19). Sin brought eternal death: “For the wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23). This curse cannot be lifted by any human effort or good deeds. Nothing we do can restore peace between God and man.

But because of God’s great love and mercy, the Word became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:1–14). That Word is Jesus, who came to save us from the curse of sin, Satan, and hell. By dying on the cross, Jesus became the only way for us to return to the Father: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Through His resurrection, He overcame the power of sin and death, and He destroyed the one who holds the power of death—the devil (1 John 3:8). Jesus accomplished the work of the Christ by fulfilling the roles of King, Priest, and Prophet!

When you believe that Jesus is the Christ, you are eternally set free from the hands of Satan. God gives you the right to become His child, and He gives you the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. You cannot defeat Satan by your own strength—it is only by the power of Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

Your fight is not against people. Our true battle is against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world—against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Do not give up. God will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20). In Jesus’ name, resist the devil who tries to deceive you at every moment, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

Prayer. Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Christ who destroyed the power of Satan, sin, and hell. I confess that I have been deceived by the devil and was destined for suffering and eternal condemnation in hell. Yet, because of Your great love, You died on the cross to break the power of Satan. You rose from the dead, overcame all the forces of darkness, raised me up with You, and seated me with You in the heavenly realms. Thank You for Your promise of victory over the world. In Your mighty name, Amen.

"It Is I. Don’t Be Afraid!"

Mark 6:45-52. Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Who was this Jesus who walked on water? When the disciples saw Him, they were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. Scripture says, “their hearts were hardened.” Though they had just witnessed an incredible miracle—Jesus feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish—they failed to recognize who He truly was. They saw the miracle but missed the Person—the Bread of Life from heaven. They did not see Jesus as God, the Creator of the very lake they were struggling to cross, the One who transcends time and space.

Who is Jesus to you? Today, about 32% of the world’s population identifies as Christian. Many profess belief in Jesus, yet few understand why He is the only way to God. Some see Him merely as a savior who died for their personal sins, hoping to reach heaven by repenting of their wrongdoings. Others view Him as the founder of a religion, someone to pray to for help with finances, health, family, or success. As a result, many believers approach God no differently than unbelievers or religious people—focused on worldly gain, not eternal truth. Without knowing the true purpose of life, they live like spiritual orphans and beggars, unknowingly running errands for the devil all their lives.

But Scripture declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning” (John 1:1–2). Jesus is the Word. All things were made through Him (John 1:3). In Him was life (John 1:4). And the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus and God the Father are one (John 10:30). To meet Jesus is to meet God. To know Jesus is to know the Father (John 14:7). Even those in the Old Testament were saved by faith in Him (John 8:56).

Jesus came to solve the root of our problems. As the True King, He destroyed the work of the devil (1 John 3:8). As the True Priest, He paid the ransom for our sins by His death (Mark 10:45). As the True Prophet, He delivered us from the destiny of hell (John 14:6). Jesus is not the founder of a religion; He is the Christ—the Anointed One!

Many have founded religions, but none fulfilled the prophecies of the Messiah. Scripture foretold the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the Christ in detail—prophecies only Jesus fulfilled. Unlike other religious leaders who remain in their graves, Jesus’ tomb is empty. He rose again, conquering death and declaring victory over the devil, who held the power of death (Hebrews 2:14). His resurrection proves He is the true and living Savior.

So again—who is Jesus to you? He asked His disciples the same question (Matthew 16:15). It is not enough to believe in Jesus intellectually. Only Jesus must remain at the center of your life (Matthew 17:8). Only then will the powers of Satan, sin, and hell be broken. Only then will the kingdom of God be established within you. Only then will the Holy Spirit begin to work in and through your life.

If you believe that Jesus is the Christ, then you are born of God (1 John 5:1). You possess all the rights and privileges of a child of the Most High. No weapon formed against you will prevail (Isaiah 54:17). To encounter the Word is to encounter Christ. Through prayer, you can move the armies of heaven and release the power of God’s kingdom. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, you will stand as Christ’s witness to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Stop struggling through the storms of life alone. Don’t let your heart remain hardened. Hear Jesus say to you, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Invite Him into your boat—not just as a helper, but as your Lord and your God. Walk with Him, sail with Him, and your life will never be the same.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for being with me in the midst of life’s storms. Soften my heart so I may truly believe and trust in You. Help me experience the power and presence of Christ each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To Experience the Power of Christ

Matthew 8:1-4. When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

At the time of Jesus, leprosy was incurable. Yet for the man with leprosy in today’s passage, one encounter with the Son of God was enough. In the same way, when we place our faith in Christ alone, we will see the end of our problems.

There is a time for everything, and we must not miss the opportunity to meet Jesus. As Scripture says, “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). God gives us many opportunities to receive His grace—through Sunday worship, daily devotions, small group Bible studies, conferences, and retreats. We must make the most of every opportunity He provides.

One of the most common reasons we miss those opportunities is being overly conscious of others. The man with leprosy saw the large crowds surrounding Jesus. That alone could have discouraged him from approaching. But his faith overcame fear. He came forward and knelt before the One who had the power to heal.

People can become stumbling blocks during the very time God desires to pour out His grace. Satan uses people, religion, and legalism to keep us from encountering the living God. Naaman nearly missed his chance to be healed of leprosy because of his pride (2 Kings 5:1–18). If we fix our eyes on our name, status, or interests, we will lose the opportunity to receive God’s grace. We must fix our eyes only on Jesus Christ.

To experience the power of Christ, faith is required. The man with leprosy risked his life to come before Jesus. The law forbade lepers from approaching people, so his act was one of absolute trust in Christ. God responds to this kind of faith. When the Israelites were facing destruction, Queen Esther resolved to go to the king, even though it was against the law, saying, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Similarly, when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were threatened with death in a fiery furnace, they boldly declared before King Nebuchadnezzar that even if God did not save them, they would not bow down to any idol (Daniel 3:16–18). That is the kind of faith God honors—faith that is willing to risk everything for His name and kingdom.

To live with that kind of faith, we must believe in the sufficiency and perfection of Christ. But such faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The man with leprosy not only came to Jesus but also knelt before Him in worship. This showed his full trust and obedience. God works according to our faith. He does not respond to those who believe in Him halfway. It is not that God lacks power, but He delights in wholehearted faith. As Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

The man with leprosy said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He sought God’s will first. That is how Jesus taught us to pray: “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). But how do we know God’s will? Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). God’s will is revealed throughout Scripture. Jesus clearly expressed God’s will with these words: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

God’s will is the establishment of His kingdom—a kingdom where He reigns and where His children live under His care. It is a kingdom where the knowledge of Christ fills the earth, and His name is honored throughout the world. Wherever His kingdom comes, the kingdom of Satan collapses. Saving lives through the gospel is God’s greatest desire. Establishing His kingdom through the gospel movement in every generation has always been His top priority.

When we lose sight of His will, we begin to focus only on our own problems, and we end up running Satan’s errands in everything we do. That is why we must once again discover God’s will for our lives. We must align our desires and plans with His. We must abandon our own thoughts, ways, and ambitions. In every situation, let us ask, “If you are willing.” We need to change both the content and direction of our prayers.

The man with leprosy also had confidence: “You can make me clean.” He believed in God’s power and sovereignty. God’s will is certain to come to pass. If the Lord is willing, we can move forward boldly and witness His works unfold. When Joshua and the Israelites clung to God’s covenant and marched around Jericho, the walls fell without a single fight. When the priests stepped into the Jordan River carrying the ark of the covenant, the waters stopped flowing and the people crossed on dry ground (Joshua 3:15–16). We, too, must firmly hold onto God’s covenant in our own lives as we walk the path of world evangelization.

No matter your current situation, one encounter with Jesus is enough. “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately, he was cleansed of his leprosy.” But how do we encounter Jesus today? Through the gospel—the Word about Christ. That is why the gospel must be preached daily in every mission field. People all around us are desperately waiting for healing from their spiritual disease, just like the man in today’s passage. We must lead them to Jesus, the only answer to all of life’s problems.

To continue experiencing the power of Christ, we must live a life of worship. Jesus told the man, “Go, show yourself to the priest.” In the same way, we must show ourselves to our True High Priest, Jesus, and worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). As we continue to enjoy God’s Word and prayer through worship, we will begin to see real fundamental change and blessing in our lives.

Finally, we are also called to live a life of thanksgiving. Jesus said, “Offer the gift Moses commanded.” Let us reflect on the grace we have freely received through Christ and renew our hearts in gratitude. Thanksgiving will drive out anxiety, jealousy, and hatred, and fill our lives with joy, peace, love, and faith. Eventually, we will find that the only thing remaining in us is thanksgiving. We are called to cast off the garments of legalism and put on the garments of the gospel. Our very lives will become a testimony to those around us.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for healing me from all my problems, just as You healed the man with leprosy. Help me to continue to trust in You completely and to experience the power of Christ at work in me each day. Let my life be a testimony to the people You have placed around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let Us Save Those Who Have Fallen into Idolatry

Mark 5:1-10. They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

Scripture states that idolaters are bound to experience all kinds of suffering throughout their lives. Controlled by unclean spirits, they are drawn to impure things and places. They may even display unusual powers that terrify others. Because evil spirits take over their minds, they are unable to form normal, healthy relationships. Often, they inflict harm upon themselves, both emotionally and physically.

Idolatry is rampant, devastating the lives of individuals, families, nations, and ultimately the world. The Bible explains why: people worship idols because they are separated from God, their true source of happiness and security. Though they may gain material things through idolatry, they find no peace or rest.

In their desperation, they turn to various spiritual activities, but these offer only temporary relief from their present reality. Scripture makes it clear that people live “under the power of the devil” (Acts 10:38) and cannot escape from it on their own.

To save those trapped in idolatry, we must be alert to the real enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We must stay awake in prayer and continue steadfastly in the Word of God. This is the only way to rescue them.

Until the Lord returns (Matthew 25:41), we must fight against the evil one and never let our guard down. We must engage wholeheartedly, single-mindedly, and continually in the gospel movement wherever we are sent.

To this end, let us remain in the Lord and proclaim the gospel of peace and rest — the most powerful way to subdue the aggression of the devil. When the light of the gospel is turned on, the darkness of Satan must flee. Enjoying the Word and prayer is what Scripture calls the filling of the Holy Spirit.

At the cross, Jesus shattered the power of Satan. The Old Testament points to the blood; the New Testament fulfills it at the cross. The blood covenant of the Old Testament has been perfectly fulfilled through Christ’s sacrifice. On the cross, Jesus once for all resolved the problem of idols, sin, and Satan.

To be filled with Jesus, the Christ, is to be filled with the Holy Spirit — the very Spirit of Christ. To overcome the power of Satan, we must be battle-ready:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10–11).

Prayer must remain the top priority in our lives: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).

Always stay on the offensive. Invade the kingdom of Satan through evangelism:
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18).

Save those who have fallen into the hands of Satan and the idols he has made. This is the mission of the church we must recover. Only then will the forces of darkness be silenced. Lead those trapped in idolatry to Jesus, that they may receive and believe that He is the Christ. Help them forsake the idols of their lives. Plant the seed of faith in their hearts, healing their minds and spirits with the Word of God. Testify to the greatness of God’s love.

To this end, Jesus has promised to make you like a rock, unshakable. He has given you authority over the forces of darkness — even the power of hell will not overcome you. You have been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, so that through prayer, you may unleash the power of God and accomplish His will. You have been granted the privilege of approaching the throne of grace with confidence.

Enjoy the blessing of walking with Christ daily. Listen for His voice. Do everything in His presence. Live for what matters most — knowing and proclaiming Christ.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for the privilege of worshipping the living God. Make me strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, so that I may stand against the enemy and rescue those ensnared by idolatry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What Happens When Worshiping Idols?

Matthew 12:43-45. When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.

In today’s Word, Jesus warns against idolatry: “The final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

He is speaking about those who call themselves believers but do not possess true life. They are no different from those of other religions. They do not believe in the living God. They are merely religious—and religion itself becomes idolatry.

Many claim to believe in God, but in reality, they believe in something else. They have been deceived by religion. This is one of Satan’s most subtle strategies: a religious lifestyle becomes a powerful, unseen idol that gives people a false sense of conviction.

Jesus said, “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.” The life of religious people is like this: dry and restless. No matter how long they have been involved in church, they have never truly tasted the grace and peace and power of God.

They have never experienced the Word of God as living and active—bringing life, power, and renewal to their souls. To them, Scripture remains distant and powerless. As a result, their so-called Christian life becomes increasingly burdensome and difficult. Faith feels like a duty rather than a joy. Their hearts grow weary, and their suffering continues without relief.

Likewise, idolaters are deceived, robbed, and oppressed. They have been taught that they must empty themselves, clean up their lives, and put everything in order. This is the realm of religion they strive to enter. Their efforts may seem sincere, admirable, and even holy, but in the end, all their labors are offered to the devil, leading to unexpected consequences.

Jesus warned, “Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there.” A more powerful evil spirit seizes those trapped in religion and makes its home within them!

Religious leaders, sorcerers, and false prophets perform miracles and signs by the power of evil spirits, but their end is destruction. Worse still, their descendants inherit generational curses.

The spirit they serve is a thief who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Because Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), they are completely overtaken by evil without even realizing it.

Thus, all religious efforts become a heavy burden imposed by Satan. There is no true rest in religion. Everything in religion is heavy, demanding, and wearisome. This is why Jesus came as the True Prophet—to give us rest from religion. He said,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

To free us from the law of sin and death, Jesus, our True Priest, shed His own blood to secure eternal redemption. Because of what He accomplished on the cross, we no longer need religion. And as our True King, He rose from the dead, crushing the head of the one who gave us religion in the first place.

Through Christ, you have been set free from the power of religion. Do not remain trapped in a religious lifestyle. Let your religious nature be transformed into the nature of the gospel of grace.

Experience true rest, peace, and joy in Christ alone. By the power of the gospel, rescue those who are struggling under the weight of idolatry and religion.

Prayer. Father, I thank You for giving me the gospel, not a religion to follow. Transform my religious nature into a gospel nature. Help me enjoy the freedom You have given me in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Danger of Idolatry

Exodus 20:4-6. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Why did God command Moses and the Israelites not to make or worship idols? And why, right before they entered Canaan, did He command them to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land along with their idols and sorcerers (Numbers 33:50–56)?

Idolatry brings disaster and calamity. Idols are like needles in the eye and thorns in the side. Without understanding the consequences of idolatry and the importance of the covenant, the Israelites would live as strangers in a land not their own. They would be enslaved and mistreated for more than 400 years.

The purpose of the Exodus was to bring God’s people out of the land of idols—Egypt. The Exodus was about the people of the covenant tearing down idols that had brought disaster and restoring the blessing of worshiping the one true, living God.

The reason for God’s calling of Abraham was the same: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'” (Genesis 12:1). God commanded Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldeans, a land full of idols. God desired to bless Abraham by setting him free from idolatry.

In the same way, God has brought us out from the city of idols—the world: “You followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:2).

God called us to save us from the disasters of idolatry and to empower us to break down the altars of idols everywhere. But are we completely free from the idolatry of the past? Are we tearing down the idols we ourselves and the world have erected?

An idol is anything we place between God and ourselves. Some idols are visible—statues or images—but others are invisible, like our thoughts, ideologies, stubbornness, or anything we place above God’s Word. Invisible idols are often more powerful and harder to break. These hidden idols are so subtle that we may not even realize we worship them. All of these idols block the channel of answered prayer and the flow of God’s grace.

The devil’s temptation is so cunning that it is easy to fall into idolatry. He dared to tempt Jesus: “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.'” (Matthew 4:8–9).

God alone deserves our worship: “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” (Isaiah 42:8). Worshiping the devil or any created thing instead of the Creator invites destruction. We must worship and serve our God alone.

Idolatry also brings generational curses: “Punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” (Exodus 20:5). The consequences of idolatry for future generations are serious. Parents who live under the power of the devil will pass on the same kinds of troubles—if not worse—to their descendants. Their “spiritual DNA,” along with their physical DNA, will be passed on. No matter how much effort they make for their children, every spiritual, mental, and physical problem of the parents will eventually surface in their children’s lives. This is a sobering spiritual reality.

In order to deliver us from this evil and adulterous generation bound by idolatry, God gave His own Son, Jesus, to set us free from the power of idols: “The blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, will cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.” (Hebrews 9:14).

God has loved you with an everlasting love and has drawn you to Himself with unfailing kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). So do not love this world or the things it offers, for nothing in the world can satisfy your hunger and thirst. Place your hope only in the Lord: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31).

Like Paul, we must live by faith in Christ alone: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Only when Christ becomes your True King will the power of idols in your life collapse. You will have victory over idolatry in your mission field.

To stand firm against the idols of this world, knowing and living with Christ must be your life’s highest priority. Again, Paul testifies: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:8–9).

Jesus came so that you may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).  God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9–10). Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, is with you now and forever (Matthew 28:18–20).

Experience the life and power of Jesus in every moment of your life. Only Christ.  Only the Gospel. That is the only way to save the world from idolatry. Why not bow your knee at the name of Jesus and worship Him? God will use your life to set people free from the bondage of idolatry all over the world.

Prayer. Father, I worship You and You alone. Open my eyes to see all my idols and fill me with Your power to demolish them. Use my life to break down the altars of idols in my mission field and to save people from idolatry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.