God Created Hell to Punish Satan and His Followers

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mark 9:44, KJV)

God created hell to punish Satan and all his followers. Hell is a place of torment, reserved for all who live a life in opposition to God’s will. It is not God’s desire that this place of torment be man’s destination.

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11, KJV)

God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, for the destiny of this soul is hell, and God’s heart is greatly saddened. If the wicked turns from his evil ways, the Lord rejoices, for that soul will live—not just on this earth, but when he dies, he will live eternally in glory with Him.

The Precious Death of the Saints in God’s Sight

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15, KJV)

We must understand that the death of the righteous is invaluable to God, for it is the occasion when His own are freed from all evil. Death is the moment when the righteous are victoriously taken from this earthly life to heaven, where they will see the Lord Jesus Christ as He is.

Does Hell Exist? The Bible Confirms It Clearly

Yes, hell exists! The Bible has numerous verses that explain it with great clarity!

Hell: A Place of Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. (Luke 13:28, KJV)

Hell Is a Place of Eternal Pain

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. (Mark 9:43-49, KJV)

Reserved for Those Who Forget God

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17, KJV)

From hell, it is possible to see the glory that exists in heaven, and from heaven, it is not possible to glimpse the sadness that exists in hell!

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:23, KJV)

Jesus Christ Came to Deliver Man from Hell and Death

As we have already published in another study, humanity distanced itself from the glory of God due to original sin. Jesus Christ came into the world so that our sins might be forgiven, and thus we might once again have the opportunity to enter heaven.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, KJV)

God loved the world in such a way that He sends His only Son so that we might have the right to eternal life. Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ has eternal life, for when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we obey His commandments and His word.

The mercy and love of God are available to everyone who desires to receive Him as their only and sufficient Lord and Savior. We abandon our evil ways to follow a new path according to the Lord’s will. And the Lord delivers us from the condemnation of hell, making us heirs of heaven and guaranteeing us eternal life.

For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Psalm 86:13, KJV)

The Enemy Fights to Lead Souls to Hell

The enemy fights daily to lead thousands upon thousands of people to hell. Through the works of the flesh, and everyone who lives in such practices will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21, KJV)

That is why we must seek to produce the fruits of the Spirit, that is, only by producing good fruits will we reach the kingdom of heaven.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26, KJV)

Every time we disobey God, we are distanced from His glory, and the more we distance ourselves from the glory of God, the more we walk toward hell. The enemy of our souls is roaring like a lion seeking whom he may devour; for this reason, accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life.

Produce the fruits of the Spirit, abandon old practices, walk in the ways of God, and allow Jesus to guide your life completely. Only by drawing near to God will your soul be saved from the fire of hell.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6, KJV)

The Fall in the Garden of Eden

When we meditate on Romans 3, we remember that Adam and Eve allowed themselves to be led by the influence of the serpent, which was the most cunning of all the animals that God had created in the garden.

On one occasion, the serpent asks the woman: “Is it true that God said, ‘You shall not eat from every tree of the garden’?”.

The woman knew God’s ordinances and responded to the serpent: “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but from the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You shall not eat from it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’”

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23, NIV)

Temptation and Disobedience

The serpent induced Eve to disobedience by saying that they would not die. The serpent’s argument was that God knew that on the day they ate from the fruit, their eyes would be opened and they would be like God, knowing good and evil.

Disobedience removed Adam and Eve from the garden, and now all have sinned and were destitute of the glory of God.

The woman saw that the tree was attractive to her eyes and its fruit seemed delicious. Eve in her heart desired the wisdom that the fruit would give her.

Eve took from the fruit and ate it and, not heeding God’s ordinance, Eve besides eating from the fruit also gave it to Adam.

At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked. Therefore, they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

We were destitute of the glory of God!

Sin Enters the World

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12, NIV)

We know that all sinned before the law was given, but since the law did not exist, their sins were not charged against them. We know that from the time of Adam until Moses, all died, including those who did not disobey an explicit command from God, as Adam disobeyed.

Adam is a representation of the one who was still to come. We must highlight that there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gift. Through the sin of one single man, death came to many. Much greater than Adam’s sin is the grace of God and his gifts that came upon many through one single man, Jesus Christ.

Grace That Overcomes Sin

We understand that through Adam sin entered the world, but through Jesus Christ forgiveness, grace, and mercy entered the world. The result of God’s gift is infinitely different from the result caused by Adam’s sin. While Adam’s sin led to condemnation, God’s gift enables us to be declared righteous before him, despite our many sins.

Disobedience produced sin, therefore death reigned over many through the sin of one single man. Even greater is the grace of God and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will reign in life through one single man, Jesus Christ.

It is true that one single sin of Adam brought condemnation to all, but one single act of righteousness by Christ removed the guilt and brought life to all. Because of disobedience to God, many became sinners. But because of the obedience of one single person to God, many will be declared righteous.

The Law and the Abundance of Grace

The law was created so that all would perceive the gravity of sin. But as sin increased, grace became even greater. Just as sin reigned over all and led them to death, now grace reigns, which declares us righteous before God and results in eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

We are imperfect and sinners who seek to improve every day, and when we fail and recognize it, we confess and abandon it. God with his infinite mercy purifies us from our sins.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NIV)

The price of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden distanced us from the Glory of God, but the obedience of Jesus Christ and his infinite-love inserts us again as children and heirs of the Kingdom.

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There are moments when it is necessary for us to dip in the Jordan River, for only then will we be able to reach the greatness of God. Jordan has a very extraordinary meaning, as it is a masculine name of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew Yarden, from the word yarad, which means “to descend,” “to run,” “to flow.” The name has the sense of “the one who runs” or “the one who descends.”

Many times, due to positions, ranks, and roles we occupy, we are taken by pride, by our ego, and we fail to see the greatness of God around us.

And Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. (2 Kings 5:1)

Naaman was a very important man and held a position of great relevance, but behind this great and successful man there was a poor leper. Behind this great man was a Naaman who had an illness greater than the leprosy he carried with him: it was his ego, his self.

The Captive Girl and Unshakable Faith

The king of Syria had great respect for Naaman, for he was the commander of his army; through him, the Lord had given great victories to Syria. Naaman was a valiant warrior, but he suffered from leprosy. At that time, Syrian raiders had invaded the territory of Israel, and among the captives was a girl who became a servant to Naaman’s wife.

We can learn much from this illustrious unknown who, even though taken captive, did not deny the faith and love of God. This girl knew a living God who could heal Naaman of his leprosy.

Every place that God puts us, He desires that we be His instruments on this earth. There will be moments when God will do things that we will never understand, for God desires that through us someone’s life be transformed.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8,9)

God’s thoughts are not like our thoughts, nor are our ways like the ways of the Lord. That girl, even though placed as a servant in the house of a stranger, as an instrument of God, will say to her mistress:

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. (2 Kings 5:3)

That girl had every reason to wish evil upon Naaman, but on the contrary, God was present in this girl’s life in such a way that she looks at the situation and sees the opportunity to present to that family a living God capable of performing miracles.

Naaman’s Journey and the King’s Reaction

Naaman tells the king what the Israelite girl had said to him, and the king of Syria gives him permission to visit the prophet. The king gives Naaman a letter of introduction to the king of Israel. Naaman set out taking 350 kilograms of silver, 72 kilograms of gold, and ten changes of clothing.

The letter that was taken to the king of Israel said in it: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want the king to cure him of his leprosy.” Then the king of Israel, upon reading the letter, tears his clothes and says: “Am I God, able to give or take life? Why does this man ask me to cure a leper? As you can see, he is looking for a pretext to attack us!”

And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. (2 Kings 5:6,7)

Elisha, the man of God, learned that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, and he sends him a message: “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” And at that exact moment Naaman goes with his horses and chariots to Elisha’s house.

Naaman’s Indignation at the Simplicity

Naaman, upon arriving at Elisha’s house, believed that the prophet should simply receive him, and that it would be enough for him to wave his hands over his head so that he would be cured of his illness. The reception was completely different from what Naaman imagined, for the one who receives Naaman is not the prophet, but one of his messengers.

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. (2 Kings 5:10,11)

We can understand that Naaman was going through this process because he needed to understand that his human position was worth nothing before God. Naaman’s ego needed to be broken, for he thought the prophet should receive him and not his messenger. Naaman believed that the miracle could be obtained without sacrifice. Many times we have the opportunity to receive our miracle, but we ourselves reject the voice of God with our selfish choices.

Naaman’s miracle was already practically underway, but we all know that the Jordan, the river that descends, was not one of the best. And not always what pleases our eyes will be what God will use to bless us, for God often uses what has the least value to transform into a supernatural tool.

Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. (2 Kings 5:12)

Naaman was indignant at having to dip in the Jordan River. Many times we do not see that we are already halfway through the process to receive our victory.

The Persuasion and Obedience that Heals

For the miracle to happen in Naaman’s life, all that was left was for him to dip, for even in his house the girl who had been taken captive had already said what Naaman should do.

The prophet had already pronounced a word over Naaman’s life; now it only depended on him to obey the word of God through the prophet, which was simply to dip seven times.

Naaman, instead of seeing obedience, simply gives place to the indignation that blinded him.

His officers tried to convince him, saying: “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”

Many times pride, the self, the ego, prevents us from seeing the miracle that is already in front of us. The miracle was already in front of Naaman, but his pride prevented him from seeing it.

Those men said something very reflective to Naaman, for God was not asking Naaman to do anything impossible, but only for Naaman to dip 7 times.

If the prophet had asked Naaman to do anything else, he certainly would have done it, but the prophet said only: go and dip seven times and you will be healed.

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. (2 Kings 5:14)

Eternal Lessons from a Transformative Story

We learn from an unknown young girl, from the messenger, and from the officers some very valuable legacies.

From a young girl: We learn that wherever we are we must take the opportunity to speak of our God.

From the prophet: We learn that we must obey the voice of God so that lives may recognize the power and sovereignty of God.

From the servants: We learn that when we think about giving up, we must know that what God is asking us is only the possible, for the impossible God Himself will accomplish.

And if He has pronounced a word over our lives, He is faithful to fulfill it, for He watches over His word and in no way will it return empty.

The Organization of the Kingdom and Daniel’s Distinction

King Darius divided the kingdom into 120 provinces and appointed a high official to govern each one of them. In addition, he selected Daniel and two other men as administrators to oversee the high officials and protect the king’s interests.

We can see that Daniel quickly stood out with superior ability compared to all the other managers and high officials. Due to the ability that Daniel demonstrated, King Darius considered placing him as leader over the entire kingdom. Daniel possessed extraordinary intelligence because of his “excellent spirit.”

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. (Daniel 6:3, NKJV)

Envy and the Conspiracy Against Daniel

Daniel’s success aroused envy among the other administrators and high officials. They began to seek possible faults in the way Daniel handled management issues, but they found nothing to criticize or condemn.

Daniel was known for his honesty, great responsibility, and unwavering reliability. The only reason they “managed to accuse him” was because of his close connection with God.

Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” (Daniel 6:5, NKJV)

The Crafted Decree and the Cunning Proposal

The administrators, officers, and high officials went to the king with the aim of setting a trap for Daniel. They presented the king with a proposal in which he should issue a decree that had to be strictly followed.

In this decree, for the next 30 days, any person who prayed to God or to anyone except the king should be thrown into the lions’ den.

All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. (Daniel 6:7, NKJV

The high officials and officers harbored deep envy toward Daniel, conspiring and plotting against his faithfulness to the law of his God. They all united to persuade the king to issue a decree, knowing that Daniel would not comply with it, and thus the king would be forced to order the death penalty. Daniel’s story teaches us to act with integrity, even in the most difficult situations, without compromising our biblical convictions, for that is how we honor God.

Daniel’s Faithfulness in the Face of Danger

When he learned that the law had been signed, Daniel was not intimidated. Instead, he went home and, as was his custom, knelt in his room with the windows open toward Jerusalem. He used to pray three times a day and express gratitude to his God. Despite the officials’ resistance, they went to Daniel’s house and found him seeking God.

Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near and spoke before the king concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” Then they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” (Daniel 6:11-13, NKJV)

The king was deeply disturbed and sought a way to rescue Daniel. He spent the entire day pondering how to free him from this circumstance. Later that night, his advisors approached and reminded him: “Your Majesty, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, no decree signed by the king can be revoked.”

The Lions’ Den and the King’s Hope

The lions’ den was underground and had an opening at the top, covered by a large stone. This opening, sealed by the king, indicated that no one could access the den without his permission. Due to Daniel’s integrity and exceptional spirit, he was admired by the king, who also respected Daniel’s God. Thus, when the king rigorously applied his decree, he expressed hope that God would deliver Daniel from the lions’ den.

Then, the king ordered Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the lions’ den. He said to Daniel: “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” Then a stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that no one could free Daniel.

It is interesting to note that the king seemed aware of the deliverance granted by God to Daniel’s three friends in the situation of the fiery furnace.

The king returns to the palace and spends the night fasting. His heart was so saddened that none of the usual entertainments cheered him, and he could not sleep. The next morning, the king hurries to the lions’ den.

And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! (Daniel 6:20-21, NKJV)

The Miracle and Daniel’s Response

And Daniel explains that God sent an angel who shut the lions’ mouths, protecting him from any harm, because Daniel was considered innocent in God’s eyes. The king is extremely happy and orders Daniel to be pulled from the den, finding him without a single scratch. This miracle happened due to Daniel’s complete trust in God.

Divine Justice and the New Decree

After Daniel was removed from the lions’ den, the king orders that those who falsely accused him be thrown into the den with their families. Then, the king issues a decree.

And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and crushed all their bones before they ever came to the bottom of the den. Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. (Daniel 6:24-27, NKJV)

According to the Word of God, Daniel prospered greatly in the kingdom of Darius and during the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel teaches us to stand firm in God, trusting fully in the Lord, even in the face of envy and falsehood directed at us. It is essential to act with integrity and honesty in all the places we frequent, for God is greatly pleased with those who follow these principles. The Bible teaches us that our enemies will not succeed, as seen when the men who tried to harm Daniel were quickly overpowered by the lions.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17, NKJV)

Faith! Such a small word, but with gigantic effectiveness, for faith is capable of making impossible things happen.

Through faith, we see nowadays people being healed from illnesses that, in the eyes of medicine, would be impossible.

Faith has the power to transcend what is natural, that is, faith has the power to surpass limits, making everything that was in the invisible realm visible.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the proof of things we do not yet see. Through faith, our brothers in the past received good testimonies, and they echo to this day.

The Christian is able to understand that the entire universe was created by the word of God. When we observe the gallery of the heroes of faith, we see that faith in a person’s life has the power to accomplish extraordinary things.

What Can Faith Do in a Person’s Life?

By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this, he showed himself to be a righteous man, and God approved his offerings. And even after a long time, though dead, he still speaks to this day through his example.

By faith, Enoch was taken to heaven without experiencing death; “he was not found, because God had taken him.” Because, before this event, Enoch dedicated his life to pleasing God.

These and other heroes from the gallery of Hebrews 11 are examples of what faith is capable of doing in a person’s life.

We can mention various illustrious figures of faith, such as Abraham, Sarah, Noah, among others, who, through their faith, even after death, still speak to this day.

And 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. (Hebrews 11:6)

This verse makes clear the need to draw closer to God, believing that he exists and that he is ready to attend to everyone who seeks him with all their heart. It is impossible to please God without true faith.

Faith consists in obeying God’s will for our lives. Noah, through faith, built a vessel that would save his family from the flood.

Noah is an example of obedience and faith, for God had warned him about things that had never occurred on earth.

By faith, God, in that scenario, condemned the rest of the world, and Noah received the righteousness that comes through faith.

Many times, God will speak to us about extraordinary things that have never happened before, and it is in that moment that we must put faith into action, that is, trust entirely in God and his purposes.

Faith Accompanied by Works

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)

The Bible teaches us that faith must be accompanied by works; the two must go side by side. In a more didactic way and so that everyone understands.

Imagine that we will speak about God on a cold and rainy night to a homeless person; that is faith.

We need to fulfill this entire verse, which is faith plus works, and what is the work in this moment? We have already used faith, which is speaking about Jesus.

Now, we need to perform the work, which is, on this cold and rainy night, literally sheltering and clothing those who are out in the open.

We understand that faith and works walk together; those who are in the world do need to know the Lord Jesus Christ, but our works must also be manifested in their lives.

Works without faith are dead, just as faith without works is dead faith.

True faith always manifests itself in obedience to God and with compassionate acts toward the needy.

Faith generates obedience within the human being, because we believe in God, and only those who believe in God can truly obey him.

You see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect. (James 2:22)

We understand that James is not saying that faith and works save us, for that would be like separating faith from works. James argues just the opposite; he argues about faith in action.

Faith and works can never be separated, since works proceed naturally from faith.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6)

The Bible teaches us that a person is saved by faith:

Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ for all who believe [on Him as Savior]; for there is no distinction. (Romans 3:22)

Paul describes with precision the nature of this faith. A living faith in a living Savior; faith so vital that it cannot fail to express itself in acts motivated by love.

Faith that stops loving and obeying Christ, losing genuine interest in the work of the Kingdom of God and clearly failing to resist sin and the world, is not saving faith.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

When our faith is tested, perseverance has the opportunity to grow. In the race of faith, the Christian will always be tested by God. The Christian who trusts entirely in God remains persevering and facing the deserts of the Christian walk.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

In this world, we will face various afflictions, but Jesus teaches us that only in him will we find true peace. The Lord himself encourages us by saying: “Take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The Lord Jesus teaches us that, just as he renounced sin and lived a life in obedience to God the Father, we too can live a life of faith and obedience to God. And just as he overcame, we too will be able to overcome the world.

Faith is within each of us; the more intimate we are with God, the more we allow him to be the owner of our heart. Certainly, many supernatural things will manifest through the power of faith.

Many wonder: how to pray? First, we must understand that prayer is a request directed to God.

To pray, we need faith, that is, we must be confident that God is attentive to our prayer.

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. (Psalm 102:17)

There are several models that teach us how to pray, and we will describe the simplest ways to talk to God daily.

First Model: The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Listen to the Lord’s Prayer and subscribe to our channel. Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9

This is the simplest prayer model and also the one that our Lord Jesus Christ left as an example for each of us.

Second Example: A Simple and Personal Prayer

In this second example, we will also use a simple way to talk to God. Where we will express what we desire, as if we were speaking respectfully to a person.

Lord God Almighty, I know I am small, but I come into your grand presence. First, to thank you for everything.

I also come here, O God, to express my needs before you, for I am entirely dependent on your care.

The Lord knows all my needs, as well as my afflictions. Now, I place in your hands my afflictions, needs, my family, my children, and all those around me.

I also ask the Lord to bless my health, my sentimental life, my spiritual life, and do in me, O God, your will and your desire. In the name of Jesus. Amen!

Above, we have a simple example of a prayer, done randomly, that is, when we expose to God all our needs.

Note that this prayer resembles a dialogue with a person, and that is exactly it, for the Holy Spirit of God is gathering all our prayers and taking them to God.

How to Pray If I’ve Never Prayed?

Perhaps you are wondering: how to pray if I’ve never prayed? Talking to God and entering His presence is something simpler than it may seem.

God is not interested in whether you speak beautifully or not, whether your oratory is good or not, but rather, God is interested in hearing the most sincere words from your heart.

If, at the moment you pray, you feel like crying, cry, for God does not resist a broken and contrite heart, and He Himself will wipe away all the tears from our face.

Prayer can be spoken or done in silence, and the more you talk to God, the more intimacy you will have with Him.

Prayer has the power to make illness disappear, people be set free, and make the difficult become possible.

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22)

The Connection with Psalm 23

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remind us of Psalm 23:4:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

The Golden Statue of Nebuchadnezzar

The story of these three men of God begins when King Nebuchadnezzar makes a golden statue 90 feet high and 9 feet wide and sets it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

The king then sends messengers to all the high officials, administrators, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates—in short, the message was sent to all the authorities of the provinces—so that they would come to the dedication of the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

The Bible relates that all these authorities came and stood before the statue that the king had set up.

The Royal Decree and the Order to Worship

At a certain moment, the herald cried out: “Peoples of all races, nations, and languages, hear the king’s order! When you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and other musical instruments, bow down to the ground to worship the golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. Whoever does not obey will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace!”.

King Nebuchadnezzar ordered all peoples, races, nations, and languages that, at the sound of the musical instruments, everyone should bow down and worship the golden statue that he himself had set up.

The Denunciation and the Refusal of the Jews

Some of the astrologers went to the king and denounced the Jews, saying to the king that everyone should bow down and worship the golden image when they heard the sound of the trumpet, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and other musical instruments.

And what was proposed in this decree was that anyone who did not obey would be thrown into the blazing furnace. Some Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, whom the king had appointed over the province of Babylon, paid no attention to the king’s decree and refused to serve the gods and did not worship the golden statue that the king had set up.

The King’s Fury and the Second Chance

King Nebuchadnezzar became furious and ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to be brought before him. When they were brought into the king’s presence, he said to them: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, is it true that you refuse to serve my gods and to worship the statue I have set up?”.

The king then grants one more chance for the three to bow down and worship the statue he had made. If they refused, they would then be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar did not understand that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego served a living God and proposed a challenge to them, saying:

And who is the God who will deliver you out of my hands? (Daniel 3:15)

The Faithful Response in the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, even while in the “valley of the shadow of death,” respond to the king saying:

We do not need to answer you in this matter. (Daniel 3:16)

These three men of God described here understood that if they were thrown into the blazing fiery furnace, the God they served could indeed deliver them from the king’s hands, as well as from the blazing fiery furnace.

And even if God did not deliver them from the fiery furnace, they would still remain faithful to God, not worshiping the gods nor the golden statue that the king had set up.

The Order to Throw Them into the Furnace

Nebuchadnezzar’s heart at that moment was filled with fury against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, for the Bible describes that Nebuchadnezzar’s face at that moment was distorted with rage.

Then the king ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual, selected the strongest men from his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were thrown into the furnace fully clothed with their robes, turbans, mantles, and other garments.

Divine Deliverance in the Flames

We learn that in the moment we are facing the valley, God shows Himself present, teaching us that He is with us.

And because the king’s word was urgent, and the furnace was exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the midst of the blazing fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:23)

And since the king, in his wrath, had demanded such hot fire in the furnace that the flames killed the soldiers who threw the three in there.

Thus, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, bound, fell into the intense flames.

God’s Care Even Before the Fall

We can observe that deliverance happens even before they fall into the fiery furnace, for the men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to the furnace died because the flame of the fire was so intense that they could not withstand it, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego remained alive—it was already God’s care for these three men.

The Fourth Man in the Fire

And when they fall into the midst of the intense flames, Nebuchadnezzar rises in astonishment and asks his counselors:

Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” (Daniel 3:24)

For at that moment Nebuchadnezzar was no longer seeing just three men, but he saw four men, and according to what he will describe, the fourth man resembled a son of the gods. Nebuchadnezzar then relates: “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt!”.

King Nebuchadnezzar was impacted by the scene he was witnessing, trying to get as close as possible to the door of the furnace, and spoke, saying:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out and come here! Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the midst of the fire. (Daniel 3:26)

The Miracle Visible to All

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came out from the midst of the fire of the blazing fiery furnace, the high officials, administrators, governors, and counselors gathered around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothes were not burned. They did not even smell of smoke.

The Exaltation of the Living God

The name of the living God at that moment was praised from Nebuchadnezzar’s mouth, who says:

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, for they violated the king’s word, preferring to yield their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (Daniel 3:28)

The name of the Lord was only magnified, for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego understood that going through the valley of the shadow of death means: if God wants to grant us deliverance, we will not die, but if He allows us to die, we will certainly be with Him in glory.

The Lesson of Not Fearing Man

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego understood that God will always be above all, teaching us that we should never fear man.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

After going through the moments of the valley of the shadow of death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego gained even higher positions in the province of Babylon.

We should not fear death or the harm that man can cause us, but rather understand that even if we die, everyone who dies with Christ, even if they die physically, will certainly live in eternity.

Security in the Secret Place of the Most High

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1, KJV)

God desires to provide security for His children and for all who place themselves under His will and ever-present protection. In other words, God’s protection is available everywhere to those who seek Him and dwell constantly in His presence.

Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High means that the closer we draw to God and His Word, the more He grants us peace and deliverance from the dangers that surround us. This intimacy with the Lord brings rest and safety.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:2, KJV)

The psalmist, deeply connected to God, declares with conviction that the Lord is his refuge and fortress. This declaration reveals an intimate relationship, showing that God draws near to those who trust in Him.

Deliverance from Traps and Diseases

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. (Psalm 91:3, KJV)

Only God has the power to deliver us from the evil traps of this world. He demonstrates His care by protecting us from deadly diseases, ensuring safety amidst dangers.

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (Psalm 91:4, KJV)

God’s care is likened to a bird sheltering its young under its wings. His faithfulness is our armor, a shield that protects us from all harm.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. (Psalm 91:5-6, KJV)

When we cultivate intimacy with God, this connection makes us so confident that no terror, whether by day or night, can shake us. God’s presence dispels all fear.

God’s Unshakable Protection

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:7-11, KJV)

The psalmist describes the unshakable security of those who trust in God. Even if many perish around us, those who make the Lord their refuge will remain protected. God sends His angels to guard us in all our ways, ensuring that no evil or plague approaches.

Victory Over Evil and Promise of Deliverance

In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.” (Psalm 91:12-14, KJV)

God promises deliverance to those who love Him and trust in His power. He equips us to overcome dangers, symbolized by the lion and the serpent, and places us in a secure place because we know and honor His name.

Divine Response and Abundant Life

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation. (Psalm 91:15-16, KJV)

When we call upon the Lord, He hears our cries and promises to be with us in every moment. In times of trouble, God rescues us, honors us, and grants us long life and salvation as a reward for our faithfulness.

Call to Action

May we share this word of faith with those who have not yet encountered God. The message of Psalm 91 invites us to trust in divine protection and live under the shadow of the Almighty.

If this message has touched your heart, do two simple things:

• Leave a comment to edify our faith.
• Share on social media so that other lives may be impacted by God’s power.

Since ancient times, death has been an enigma that both fascinates and frightens us. But where did this phenomenon called death come from? What is its origin? According to the Bible, death arose due to human disobedience in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis 2:16-17.

The Origin of Death in the Garden of Eden

In the beginning, God created a perfect world where humanity lived in harmony with nature and with God. God granted humans free will, that is, the ability to choose. It is important to understand that with free will, we are capable of making decisions that directly influence the course of our lives, taking responsibility for them.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17, ESV)

Humans were permitted to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, they disobeyed God’s command and ate the forbidden fruit, which brought death as a consequence.

Death as a Consequence of Sin

Death is a direct consequence of the separation between humanity and God. When humans disobeyed, they were separated from the source of life, which is God. The Bible states:

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, ESV)

Why did God impose such a severe consequence? Why did human disobedience bring death not only to them but to all humanity? The answer lies in the holy and just nature of God. He is holy and just, and sin cannot remain in His presence. Disobedience broke the perfect communion humans had with God, making death an inevitable consequence of this separation.

Death is not only an individual consequence but also an inheritance that affects all humanity. The Bible explains:

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5:12, ESV)

The Hope of Salvation in Christ

Despite the reality of death, the Bible points to the hope of salvation. God promised to send a Savior to restore the relationship between humanity and Him, bringing eternal life. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to the world to die for our disobedience and rise again to give us eternal life.

Death remains part of our reality, but it is no longer the end of the story. Jesus’ resurrection defeated death, and the Bible assures that all who believe in Him will have eternal life. Creation will be restored for God’s glory, and death will be swallowed up in victory.

Abundant Life: God’s Original Purpose

Death is an undeniable reality of human existence, but it is not the purpose for which we were created. The Bible teaches that humans were created in God’s image and likeness, placed in the Garden of Eden to live in perfect communion with Him. They had unlimited access to the garden’s resources, except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Thus, death is not part of God’s original purpose for humanity. It is a consequence of disobedience, a rupture in the perfect relationship with God. Even so, God did not abandon His creation. He provided a plan to restore communion with humanity and offer eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10, ESV)

This abundant life refers not only to eternity but also to a full and meaningful life here on earth. Jesus came to free us from the power of sin and death so that we can live the life God planned for us.

How Can We Experience Abundant Life?

How can we live this abundant life? The answer is in Jesus Christ. By believing in Him as our Lord and Savior, we are reconciled with God and receive eternal life. Moreover, we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a full life.

The Holy Spirit gives us strength to overcome sin and live according to God’s will. He grants us spiritual gifts to serve God and others, along with peace that surpasses all understanding, even amidst life’s challenges.

In the biblical study of Romans 8, we find valuable teachings on how to live a new life under grace, marked by holiness and spiritual adoption. Before moving forward, it is essential to understand the meaning of grace according to the Bible.

What is Divine Grace?

Grace represents the unconditional and undeserved favor of God toward humanity. It is the expression of divine love manifested in forgiveness, mercy, and salvation offered to all without distinction. Divine grace is a gift that cannot be earned through human merits but is freely given as an act of divine love and kindness.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1, ESV)

The apostle Paul teaches that, apart from the grace of Christ, we lead a life of misery and defeat, becoming captives to sin. In contrast, when we choose to live in holiness, we find freedom from condemnation and victory over sin. This is only possible for the Christian who maintains constant communion with God.

The Importance of Communion with God

It is essential to seek the Lord’s presence daily, strengthening faith and spiritual connection. By cultivating a life of prayer, studying the Word, and practicing love for our neighbor, we draw closer to God’s grace and distance ourselves from the traps of sin.

As Christians, we must understand that the journey of faith is a daily walk, where support and fellowship with other brothers and sisters in faith also play a fundamental role. Thus, by following Christ’s teachings and pursuing holiness, we find true freedom and joy that come from communion with the Heavenly Father.

By receiving the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us, we are freed from the chains of sin and move toward a new life under grace and glorification in Christ.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weakened through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:2-4, ESV)

The Law of the Spirit of Life

The law of the Spirit of life mentioned in Romans 8:2-4 represents the power and life of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of God’s children. When the Holy Spirit enters our lives, we are automatically freed from the power of sin. The fullness of the law of the Holy Spirit is manifested when we dedicate ourselves to following His guidance. By committing to obedience, we perceive a new power working within us, enabling us to overcome sin.

Jesus freed us from the condemnation of sin and death. However, when we allow sin to dominate us, we become its slaves and return to being under the law of sin, subject to physical and spiritual death. But when we follow the law of the Holy Spirit, we are led to eternal life and achieve freedom.

Let us understand that by choosing to live in accordance with Jesus’ teachings and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes, we experience this new life—that is, an inner transformation that frees us from the chains of sin. Instead of being slaves to our weaknesses and imperfections, we are strengthened by God’s grace and find the true path to freedom and abundant life. By following Christ’s principles, practicing love, compassion, and kindness, we become truly free to live in fullness and harmony with God’s divine purpose for our lives.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, ESV)

The Consequences of Sin and the Promise of Eternal Life

When the Bible states that the wages of sin is death, it warns us that the consequences of our actions are not always immediate but can manifest in unexpected and often painful ways. The “wages of sin” can be understood as the negative repercussions of our wrong choices, which affect not only ourselves but also those around us. It is a reminder to be mindful of our actions and always seek the path of righteousness and love for our neighbor.

Romans 6:23 alerts us not only to physical death but also to spiritual death, as sin separates us from God, leaving us lost, empty, and extremely vulnerable to the enemy’s traps. However, it is important to remember that redemption and forgiveness are always within our reach. Just as spring follows winter, hope and renewal can flourish in our lives, bringing light and warmth even in the darkest moments. By recognizing our mistakes, seeking divine forgiveness, strengthening our faith, and persevering, we can overcome any obstacle and find the way back to God’s presence.

When the Holy Spirit has full freedom to dwell, work, and rule in our lives, it generates in us the ability to live a life of reverence and obedience to God, fulfilling His law. This reveals the presence of divine justice and holiness.

Living in Duality: Flesh versus New Life Under Grace

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:5-14, ESV)

Living According to the Flesh

Living according to the flesh means desiring and satisfying the sinful desires inherent in human nature. This includes finding pleasure and occupying oneself with these desires, which encompass not only fornication, adultery, hatred, ambition, selfishness, anger, resentment, and similar attitudes but also addictions such as pornography, drugs, and emotional or mental pleasure in sexual scenes or similar things.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21, ESV)

New Life Under Grace

Living a new life under grace means living in obedience and submission to the desires of the Holy Spirit. It is essential to focus on God’s will and constantly remember that we are always in His presence, being assisted by Him at all times.

By living according to the Spirit, we find peace and direction for our lives. Following the desires of the Holy Spirit leads us to make wiser decisions and act with love and compassion in our daily interactions. It is a path of spiritual growth and strengthening of our faith, allowing us to experience the fullness of life in communion with God.

Is It Possible to Obey Both the Flesh and the Spirit?

The answer is no! It is impossible to satisfy both the desires of the flesh and the desires of God simultaneously. When we give in to the desires of the flesh and indulge in sin, we become enemies of God, which can lead to eternal condemnation.

Holiness is one of God’s attributes, manifested in His purity, perfection, and infinite goodness. God’s holiness is the essence of His divine nature, reflecting His absolute separation from evil and His immaculate perfection. God desires that, just as He is holy, we seek a life of holiness to live in harmony and communion with Him. The pursuit of holiness allows us to grow spiritually and draw closer to the divine essence. By cultivating virtues such as love, compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness, found in Galatians 5:16-26, we become more like God. As we follow this journey, we not only draw closer to God but also help build a better world, filled with peace and love, where those around us can see God in our lives through our actions and way of living.

When we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit begins to dwell in us. There is a constant battle against everything that seeks to restrict God’s work in our lives. The enemy works tirelessly to draw us away from the presence of the Holy Spirit, aiming to pull us back into a sinful lifestyle, seeking to regain control over us.

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. (Isaiah 59:2, ESV)

In the spiritual battle against Satan, it is essential to be prepared to overcome our earthly passions and desires, resisting temptations that lead to sin and following God’s designs. If we persist in sinful practices such as sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like, we are walking toward spiritual death by distancing ourselves from communion with God.

When we choose not to fight against the desires of sin, we automatically transition from spiritual life to spiritual death, meaning we lose the right to the eternal life we received when we accepted Jesus. However, it is important to remember that we can always seek forgiveness and redemption through sincere repentance and the pursuit of a life more aligned with Jesus’ teachings of love and compassion. The path of faith and spiritual renewal is always open to those who desire to reconcile with God and continue in the race of faith.

Spiritual Adoption and Divine Inheritance

Being led by the Holy Spirit ensures our salvation, as we live in complete sanctification, separating ourselves from and resisting the sinful desires of the body and the world. Beyond becoming children of God by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He begins to dwell in us, guiding our thoughts, actions, and words according to divine commandments.

All our impulses are directed by the Holy Spirit, suppressing sinful works, for we live not according to our desires but according to God’s will. Being led by the Holy Spirit means receiving exhortation and warning, and we must persevere in faith, resisting apostasy from faith in Christ.

Only when we are in full communion with the Word of God can we hear the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a life of prayer and constant seeking of God. To strengthen our faith, it is essential to seek sound teachings aligned with the Word of God. We must practice the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our faith journey, as they will be the foundation and structure for our spiritual walk.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:15-17, ESV)

The Reality of Suffering in the Christian Life

We can understand that living in the Holy Spirit is not just a path of ease. Just as the Lord Jesus Christ suffered, we, as His followers, are also subject to experiencing moments of joy and suffering.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. (Matthew 5:10-11, ESV)

It is important to remember that, even in the face of adversity, our faith and perseverance strengthen us to live under grace and face the challenges that arise in our path. As Jesus taught us, steadfastness in our principles and trust in divine justice guide us toward overcoming tribulations. Therefore, when we encounter moments of difficulty, we must remember the Lord’s words and keep our hope and love unshaken. For, as promised, the reward for those who remain faithful is the kingdom of heaven. May we follow Christ’s example, living with compassion and forgiveness, even in the face of the trials life presents.

We suffer in the walk of faith because we belong to God, do His will, and reject the world for being different.