You Are the Only Bible Some People Will Ever Read

Acts 4:20 says, “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Stop for a moment and think about that. As a Christian, do you realize the responsibility you carry? Do you see that the way you live, the way you speak, the way you treat people is a message? The answer is yes. You have a calling. Evangelization is not optional—it is a duty, a privilege, and sometimes the only chance someone will ever encounter Christ.

Look around. So many people have never stepped foot in a church. Many have never held a Bible in their hands. They live in a world consumed by screens, social media, and artificial realities—scrolling endlessly, consuming curated images, watching life through a lens that filters out what is true and eternal. They are disconnected, searching for meaning, but surrounded by noise. And here’s the truth: you may be the only Bible they will ever read.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone… written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God.” Every act of kindness, every moment of patience, every word of truth, every choice to forgive or to love reflects the Gospel. Your life is the letter God is writing to a world desperate for hope.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Can you see it? In this artificial world, your authenticity is radical. Your love, your integrity, your faithfulness are acts of evangelization.

Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:12, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Ask yourself: Are you living in a way that points others to Christ? Or are your actions blending into the noise?

Marriage, in the Bible, is a sacred covenant designed to reflect the relationship between Jesus and the Church. It is a bond that goes beyond emotion, rooted in commitment, unity, and self-sacrifice. Paul describes this mystery in Ephesians 5:31-32 when he writes that a man will leave his father and mother, be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh, likening it to Christ and the Church. This profound truth reminds us that just as Jesus left His Father to unite with His bride, we too are called into a covenantal relationship with both God and our earthly spouse.

God desires a deep and personal relationship with His people, as seen in Hosea 2:16, where He declares, “In that day, you will call me ‘my husband’ and no longer call me ‘my master.’” This reflects the intimacy and commitment that He seeks, one not based on obligation or fleeting emotions but on love and covenant. In the same way, marriage is not sustained by passion alone but by a steadfast commitment to walk through life together.

Many people, however, struggle with this idea of commitment. They burn with passion for God, much like Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 7:9: “But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Yet, they fail to take the step of truly binding themselves to Him. Passion is a beautiful beginning but is not what sustains a relationship. Just as earthly marriage requires vows and perseverance, our relationship with God must move from mere feelings into a solid covenant that stands firm even when passion fades.

The ultimate example of this is Jesus, who humbled Himself by leaving heaven and taking on human form to unite with His bride, the Church. Philippians 2:6-8 explains this sacrifice, saying, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” Through His sacrifice, Jesus demonstrated the essence of covenantal love—laying down His own desires for the sake of unity with His beloved. This mirrors the foundation of marriage, where two individuals become one flesh, leaving behind their former lives to join together in love and purpose, as Genesis 2:24 teaches: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

But here lies an essential question: if you cannot commit to God, how can you commit to a spouse? If we are unwilling to honor our covenant with God—praying, worshiping, and serving faithfully—why would He entrust us with the sacred responsibility of a marriage covenant? Matthew 6:33 gives us the answer: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Prioritizing our relationship with God is the foundation for being prepared to honor a future spouse with the same dedication.

Jeremiah 31:31-32 speaks of God’s unwavering love when He refers to Himself as a husband to His people, even when they broke the covenant: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors… because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, declares the Lord.” This steadfastness is a model for us, reminding us that love is not always about passion but about choosing to stay faithful through every challenge.

Finally, Revelation 19:7-9 celebrates the ultimate union between Christ and His Church: “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” This vision points to the eternal covenant we are called to share with God, one rooted in unity and love.

1. Fear and Its Impact

Begin by defining fear as a natural human response to perceived threats. It’s something we all experience, but when unchecked, fear can lead to anxiety and control our lives in ways that hinder our faith.

Scripture Reference:

Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you…”

This verse reassures us that even when we feel fear, God is with us, offering His strength and support.

2. Fear, Faith, and Anxiety: A Biblical Perspective

In the Bible, fear often represents a lack of faith, which is different from recognizing real danger. Fear focuses on “what if” scenarios, which are rooted in uncertainty. Faith, however, calls us to trust God even when we don’t see the full picture. When we let fear grow, it can turn into anxiety, which is rooted in anticipating future harm or struggles.

Scripture Reference:

Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus teaches here that worry (anxiety about the future) distracts us from the present and distances us from trusting in God.

3. Illustration with After Earth

I recently watched this movie, After Earth, and it got me thinking a lot about fear. In the movie, the characters face creatures that can only detect people when they’re afraid, sensing their fear through pheromones. The main character learns to “ghost”—to remain calm in the face of danger so he can’t be detected. It’s a powerful image of how fear can control us and attract more harm if we don’t manage it.

This reminded me of how our own fears work. Often, fear isn’t the same as actual danger but a response to something that might happen. Fear is an anticipation of a future threat, not something that’s right in front of us. The Bible gives a similar view: we’re called to walk in faith rather than be ruled by fear, because fear, when left unchecked, leads to anxiety and can distort our ability to see things clearly.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul tells us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” This verse shows that God doesn’t want us to live in fear or anxiety but to replace fear with His strength and presence. Like in After Earth, when we let go of our fear, we often discover we can face what’s ahead with confidence, rather than worry.

4. The Spiritual Response to Fear

Emphasize that fear is not inherently sinful, but our response to it can either lead us closer to God or away from Him. By focusing on prayer, faith, and surrendering our fears to God, we find peace in His promises.

Example:

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This passage encourages believers to bring their fears and anxieties to God. By shifting our focus from fear to trust in God, we gain peace beyond what we could ever understand.

5. Application: Practical Steps to Overcome Fear

Offer practical steps for overcoming fear and anxiety through faith. This can include:

Daily Prayer and Meditation: Starting each day by surrendering worries to God.

Focusing on the Present: Like Jesus’ teaching in Matthew, don’t let tomorrow’s worries overwhelm today’s peace.

Seeking God’s Strength: Remembering that God is with us even in moments of fear (Isaiah 41:10).

Meditating on God’s Promises: Remind ourselves of verses like Psalm 23:4, which affirms that God is with us, even in “the valley of the shadow of death.”

Related Passage:

Psalm 56:3-4 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.”

The psalmist acknowledges fear but immediately turns to trust in God, showing that faith is the antidote to fear.

6. Conclusion

Wrap up by reinforcing the message that fear is a natural feeling, but as followers of Christ, we’re called to respond in faith, not fear. We can acknowledge fear but should choose to act in courage, trusting in God’s plan and presence.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, we witness technological advancements that once seemed like science fiction. From microchips that enable transactions to cryptocurrencies transforming how we handle money, many of these innovations can raise questions about their connection to biblical prophecies regarding the end times. As Christians, we must stay vigilant, discerning how these developments align with Scripture and the signs of the times.

Introduction: Technology and Prophecy Technological progress has always been a part of human history, but recent developments, especially in the realms of finance and commerce, seem to echo themes found in the Bible. One of the key prophecies related to these advancements can be found in Revelation 13:16-17, which describes how people will be unable to buy or sell unless they have the "mark" of the beast. This mark is a crucial element of the end times, allowing those who bear it to access basic needs and engage in commerce, while those who reject it are cut off from society.

We can draw parallels between this prophecy and modern advancements like the introduction of microchips that can be implanted in the body. These chips have already been used to make payments in various countries, allowing users to buy food or gain access to restricted areas. When we see this kind of technology gaining popularity, it prompts us to reflect on the biblical warning that such control over commerce could be tied to darker spiritual realities.

The Mark of the Beast: Control Over Commerce In Revelation 13:16-17, we read:

“It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.”

This passage highlights a future system where economic transactions are regulated by those who accept the mark of the beast. Many believe that technological innovations like cryptocurrencies and microchips could eventually be part of a system where financial transactions are controlled and restricted to those who conform to a certain authority. The Bible describes this "mark" as being tied to the worship of the beast, a figure that embodies rebellion against God.

Cryptocurrencies, while currently decentralized, represent a shift away from traditional financial institutions. In a world where governments or other authorities could enforce control over digital currencies, it's not hard to imagine a future where access to these resources could be restricted or manipulated.

Warnings and Consequences: Taking the Mark The Bible is clear about the consequences of accepting this mark. In Revelation 14:9-11, those who accept the mark and worship the beast are warned of severe consequences:

“If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury.”

For those who accept the mark, there will be a great spiritual cost. Revelation 16:2 also speaks of "ugly, festering sores" afflicting those with the mark, a physical manifestation of the consequences tied to their allegiance to the beast.

While modern technology itself is not inherently evil, it’s important to remember the potential for these tools to be used in ways that align with the prophetic warnings in the Bible. The introduction of systems that control whether individuals can buy or sell based on their compliance with certain rules should raise red flags for Christians.

The Role of Discernment In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Paul warns that the end times will be marked by widespread deception:

"Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed."

As believers, we must remain discerning. Not every technological advancement is a fulfillment of prophecy, but we should keep our eyes open to the potential for these developments to lead to greater control and manipulation, especially regarding our ability to buy and sell.

Conclusion: Preparing for What’s to Come Technology is advancing rapidly, and many innovations, like microchips and cryptocurrencies, may soon play a pivotal role in daily life. These advancements bring convenience but also raise concerns about control and dependence on systems that could restrict access to basic necessities. The Bible warns us of a time when economic systems will be tightly regulated, allowing only those who bear the mark of the beast to participate. As these technological shifts occur, we should remain alert and grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

Following my recent Bible study titled Dating Delilah, a series preached by my pastor, I want to highlight a few more key points from Samson's story. In Judges 16:28, we see Samson making his final, heartfelt plea to God: “Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, ‘O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.’” It’s really moving to think about this—Samson had only made two big prayers in his life. The first was for water after a tough battle (Judges 15:18), and the second was this desperate request for strength. Even though Samson had a divine calling and had seen God answer his prayers before, he chose to ask for strength to get revenge instead of seeking wisdom or self-control.

Samson’s story is incredibly sad. Despite knowing from birth that he had a special purpose, he made a series of poor choices. He got drunk, had relationships with prostitutes, and was ultimately betrayed by Delilah. Her name means "temptation," and she played a big role in his downfall by leading him astray. Samson’s eyes, which had once been a source of his troubles, symbolized his ruin. He saw a Philistine woman in Timna, married her despite his parents' objections, and she and her family were later killed by the Philistines. He then fell for Delilah, a prostitute he met in Gaza, which added to his disgrace. His eyes were gouged out, and he was imprisoned and forced to grind grain.

Samson led Israel for 20 years, but his life serves as a cautionary tale. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and resisting temptation and pride. Even though Samson is listed in Hebrews 11:32-34 as someone of faith—“And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight”—his story is still a tough one to swallow. The Bible offers many examples of faithful living, such as Joseph's integrity, David's repentance, and Daniel's steadfastness. Samson’s life, on the other hand, is unfortunately an example of what not to do.

Last Sunday, I heard a powerful sermon titled "Dating Delilah, Dating Darkness" at my church. The message focused on how we often collaborate with sin, drawing from the story of Samson, a man chosen by God and blessed with incredible strength. However, his downfall began when he fell in love with Delilah, a Philistine prostitute woman who did not share his faith.

Samson first met Delilah in the Valley of Sorek, where she captured his heart. Despite being warned by God not to align with the Philistines, Samson pursued this relationship, ultimately leading to his downfall. Judges 16:4-6 tells us, "Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, 'See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him.'"

Delilah was persistent, and after several attempts, she finally convinced Samson to reveal that his strength was tied to his uncut hair, a symbol of his covenant with God. Judges 16:17 says, "So he told her everything. 'No razor has ever been used on my head,' he said, 'because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.'"

The tragedy deepened when Delilah betrayed Samson for money. Judges 16:18-20 states, "When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, 'Come back once more; he has told me everything.' So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him." In verse 20, it says, "Then she called, 'Samson, the Philistines are upon you!' He awoke from his sleep and thought, 'I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the Lord had left him."

This was a stark reminder of how small sins—like Samson's disobedience—can lead to significant consequences. When Delilah cut his hair, Samson lost not only his strength but, more importantly, the presence of God.

My pastor, Rich Wilkerson, emphasized the importance of being careful about who we align ourselves with. He said, "Whoever you align your life with will either push you forward or pull you back. The problem is that when you face a problem or an obstacle, if you’ve attached yourself to someone in the middle ground, they’ll go the other direction in a crisis. And I don't know about you, but in a crisis, I need somebody who has the same faith as me. I need someone who knows how to pray when I'm suffering. I need someone who, when my back is against the wall, will say, 'We may not have the resources, but we know the One who's still in charge.'"

He also warned us to be cautious because, as the scripture says, "Samson was in love with her" (Judges 16:4), showing that you can be the right person and still fall for the wrong one. You can be a carrier of light but still find yourself in love with darkness.

The story concludes with Samson's tragic but redemptive death. After being captured and blinded by the Philistines, he was brought to their temple for their amusement. In Judges 16:28-30, we read, "Then Samson prayed to the Lord, 'Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.' Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines!' Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived."

Proverbs 12:9 says, "Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food." This ancient wisdom highlights a truth that remains relevant in today's culture, particularly in places like Miami, where consumerism and the desire to show off wealth are rampant.

In Miami, a city known for its glitz and glamour, it's common to see emerging individuals striving to present a facade of success. Many people are more concerned with appearances than with genuine financial stability. They buy luxury cars, wear expensive clothes, and dine at high-end restaurants, not necessarily because they can afford it, but because they want to be seen as successful by others.

This behavior mirrors the warning in Proverbs 12:9. The verse suggests that it is better to live a modest life and have your needs met than to project an image of wealth while struggling privately. In the pursuit of status and recognition, many end up in debt and financial trouble, all for the sake of maintaining an illusion.

Another relevant verse is Ecclesiastes 4:6, which says, "Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." This reinforces the idea that seeking peace and contentment is more valuable than chasing material wealth and societal approval.

Additionally, Matthew 6:19-21 teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage encourages focusing on spiritual wealth rather than material possessions.

The culture of consumerism in Miami, fueled by social media and societal expectations, encourages people to prioritize appearance over substance. However, true wisdom lies in understanding that real success is not about what others see but about living within your means and finding contentment in what you have.

Before delivering one of His greatest sermons on the mount, Jesus was accompanied by a multitude of Jews and Gentiles. His fame had spread through cities and provinces across many territories. Scripture does not specify whether the crowd believed He was the Messiah or if there was at least more faith than mere curiosity.

Even without meeting all requirements, Jesus turned away no one. All who came to Him seeking answers found them. He did not reject anyone based on nationality or any other criterion. Jesus listened and acted with mercy towards all. He not only healed physically but also spiritually through His teachings of the Gospel. The Lord Jesus consistently showed acts of mercy because His faithfulness surpasses even the clouds (Psalm 36:5).

It's gracious to know that Christ does not reject anyone who comes to Him with a contrite heart and confidence in His power. Likewise, since Christ is the faithful example for all actions: how do you respond to others' requests for help? Have you been available to assist those who believe you can collaborate with them?

In just a few verses, Luke describes four ways in which Christ helped that multitude: He was present, listened to their needs, provided spiritual liberation, physical healing, and proclaimed the Gospel. Christ saw the suffering of the multitude and took action to alleviate it when they came to Him. Like Christ, we should help our neighbors by showing mercy towards their limitations. Just as He "comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Corinthians 1:4).

There are numerous ways to help someone today, not only with material goods but also spiritually through prayers, intercessions, fasting, proclaiming the Truth, among many others. Sometimes, someone needs a friendly shoulder right now; someone needs to hear about Christ now; there's someone you can help today. For all these ways are acts of mercy through the compassion of a heart focused on God's grace.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Paul, when discussing the consecration of our bodies to the Lord, calls us to live a lifestyle contrary to that of the world—a standard of living beyond the norms of this world.

This means going against the flow, not indulging in the same pleasures, pastimes, and behaviors of the world. It doesn't matter if you are seen as old-fashioned or outdated; God hasn't changed, and neither has His Word!

You can't know God's will without first abandoning a worldly lifestyle. The Apostle Paul is clear and emphatic: we should not conform to the world. It doesn't matter if everyone thinks it's normal, acceptable, or "everyone's choice." If it goes against the Word of God, I should not accept it!

When we, individually, do not conform to the world, the results are noticeable collectively in the body of Christ. After calling the Church in Rome to a committed life in Jesus, the Apostle Paul goes on to discuss gifts and their use within the body.

You cannot develop your gifts without first developing a lifestyle of renunciation and sacrifice.

Hey, you were not called to resemble the world, to live like the world, or to accept what the world accepts. You were called to resemble Christ, to live a holy life, and to shine the Light that is in Him.

In the passage from Matthew 11:20-24, Christ rebukes the cities that did not repent after His visit. Corazim, Bethsaida, and Capernaum had the opportunity to see and hear what many prophets longed for, yet they did not believe. These cities were Israelites and were in a privileged position for knowing the Mosaic Law. However, this theoretical knowledge was not enough without spiritual understanding. Christ knew this and rebuked them, stating that if the truth had been revealed to Tyre, Sidon, or Sodom, they would have repented long ago.

These three cities were not mentioned just to provoke jealousy among the Jews but to warn us about the greater responsibility of those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, but a heart that does not convert. This refers to those who claim to know Christ but choose sin (John 15:22).

Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities and often enemies of Israel. They symbolize those who did not have the opportunity to hear about Christ, but if they had, they would have been transformed. For them, little was given, and therefore, little will be required on the Great Day of the Lord.

Sodom represents the peoples who lived before Christ. They did not know the Mosaic Law or God's plan. But if they had heard about Him, they would have followed the truth. If Sodom had seen and heard what Israel saw and heard, it would have remained until today. Therefore, on the Day of Judgment, there will be less severity for the Sodomites than for those who know the plan of salvation

Just as Israel had direct contact with Christ, the peoples of the New Covenant have a greater responsibility because they are aware of the mysteries of God's grace. For us, of the New Covenant, much has been given, and therefore, much will be required (Luke 12:47,48). There will be greater severity for those who hear the words of the Messiah than for those who never knew them. To whom much has been entrusted, much is expected (Colossians 1:26,27).

Divine logic expects more from you, who know what displeases and pleases God, for much has been entrusted to you, and therefore much will be asked of you. For what would be worse: letting go of the plow knowing the truth or erring without knowledge? Knowing this, what have you done with the treasure of God's knowledge: obeyed or neglected?

For, 'if someone deliberately continues to sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice can cover those sins. There is only the terrible expectation of judgment and of a raging fire that will consume all adversaries of God.