Tag: Questions

Posted on

SPIRITUAL BULLIES: WHEN HOLINESS BECOMES A WEAPON

Let’s be real—some Christians can be bullies. 😳 Yeah, I said it. Not the type that steals your lunch money, but the kind that makes you feel like a spiritual cockroach before God. They swing their Bibles like battle axes, quoting verses faster than a WhatsApp forward, and before you know it—you’re questioning if you’re even saved.

But wait—how do we address this without falling into extremes? We can’t just dismiss correction (because real accountability is biblical), but we also can’t allow a culture where people are spiritually manipulated, guilt-tripped, and shamed into submission. So, let’s break it down:

1. WHO ARE SPIRITUAL BULLIES?

You know them. They could be the overly zealous church member who polices everyone’s behavior. The preacher who shouts, “You’re going to hell!” more than “God loves you.” Or the person who makes their personal convictions law for everyone else.

They operate in different forms:

🔹 The Legalist: “If you don’t wear a suit to church, you’re dishonoring God.”
🔹 The Guilt-Tripper: “So you’re telling me you didn’t fast for 40 days? Wow. Just wow.”
🔹 The Super-Spiritualist: “I had a dream that you need to sow a seed or your destiny is in danger.”
🔹 The Scripture Sniper: Always quoting verses out of context to attack, not to edify.

2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SPIRITUAL BULLYING

This isn’t a modern-day problem. Even Jesus had to deal with spiritual bullies—THE PHARISEES. These guys were the original religious gangsters. They made following God look like an extreme sport.

“They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”

📖 Matthew 23:4

Jesus wasn’t impressed. He called them hypocrites, blind guides, and whitewashed tombs (ouch!). Why? Because they made religion about performance, not relationship.

Another example? Job’s friends. Instead of comforting him, they took turns telling him why he must have sinned. Classic spiritual bullying—making assumptions about someone’s struggles and pushing the blame on them.

3. WHY DO PEOPLE BECOME SPIRITUAL BULLIES?

Nobody wakes up and says, “I want to be a religious tyrant today.” But here’s why it happens:

🔹 Insecurity: Some people use spirituality as a mask to cover their own struggles. If they can make you feel less holy, they feel more holy.
🔹 Control: Others love power. If they can make you dependent on them for “divine direction,” they get to play god in your life.
🔹 Miseducation: Some genuinely think they’re doing God’s work by being harsh. They confuse boldness with being rude.
🔹 Pride: “I have reached a level in Christ you will never understand.” Some people equate knowledge with superiority.

4. WHEN CORRECTION BECOMES MANIPULATION

Here’s the tricky part—Christians ARE called to correct each other (Galatians 6:1). But there’s a difference between correction and condemnation.

🔹 Correction says, 

“Hey, I noticed something off. Let’s talk about it and grow.”

🔹 Condemnation says, 

“You’re a disappointment to God. I don’t even know if you’re saved.”

One is love; the other is control.

5. ARE YOU BEING SPIRITUALLY BULLIED?

Ask yourself:

✅ Do they make you feel like your relationship with God isn’t good enough?
✅ Are they always focusing on your failures but never your growth?
✅ Do they use fear to keep you in check?
✅ Do they expect unquestioning obedience to their authority?
✅ Do they act like they have “exclusive” revelations you can’t get on your own?

If so, you might be dealing with a spiritual bully.

6. HOW TO DEAL WITH SPIRITUAL BULLIES (WITHOUT BECOMING ONE YOURSELF)

So what do you do? Because let’s be honest, our flesh wants to clap back. But God’s way is different.

✅ Stand Firm in Your Identity – Your relationship with God isn’t based on someone else’s approval. If they say, “You’re not spiritual enough,” remember: God calls you His child, and that’s enough (John 1:12).
✅ Know the Word for Yourself – So no one can use it against you. Jesus countered the devil’s misinterpretations with the right context (Matthew 4:1-11).
✅ Set Boundaries – It’s okay to say, “I appreciate your concern, but I’ll take this to God myself.”
✅ Correct in Love, Not Pride – If you see someone else being spiritually bullied, don’t fight pride with pride. Help them without becoming the same thing you’re against.

7. FINAL THOUGHTS: HOW TO SPOT A TRUE SPIRITUAL LEADER

Not everyone who corrects you is a spiritual bully. Some people truly want to help you grow. So how do you tell the difference?

A true spiritual leader:
✅ Leads with humility, not arrogance (Philippians 2:3-4).
✅ Encourages growth, not guilt (2 Corinthians 7:10).
✅ Points to Jesus, not themselves (John 3:30).
✅ Gives room for grace, not just rules (Romans 6:14).

Spiritual bullies push you down. True shepherds lift you up.

🚀 CLOSING THOUGHT:

Christianity is not about oppression; it’s about transformation. God didn’t save us so we could live in fear of “not measuring up.” He saved us so we could grow in Him—not under the weight of religious pressure, but in the freedom of His love.

So if you’ve been bullied by “super-spiritual” people, let this be your reminder: Jesus didn’t come to start a club for the perfect. He came for the broken, the weak, the outcast—and He calls them His own. 💙🔥

What do you think? Have you ever dealt with spiritual bullies? How did you handle it? Let’s talk! 👇💬

Posted on

Does God Have Favees? Or Are Some People Just… Special? 😏

Let’s be real. Sometimes, it feels like God has His guys.

You pray, fast, and even sow seed, but somehow, Sister Chinyere testifies again that she got a miracle alert—without praying! 😳

You hustle, stay faithful, and trust God, but Brother Samuel (who just repented last week) lands a dream job effortlessly.

Meanwhile, you’re like: “God, shey You dey whine me ni?” 😭

So… does God play favorites?

God’s VIP List?

If we’re being honest, some Bible verses seem to suggest that God does, in fact, have special people:

📖 “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” – Romans 9:13
📖 “David is a man after My own heart.” – Acts 13:22
📖 “The disciple whom Jesus loved…” – John 13:23 (John was clearly feeling himself 😂)

So, is God partial? Does He pick and choose His favorites while the rest of us just manage?

Favoritism vs. Favor

First, let’s clear something up—God doesn’t have favorites the way humans do. But He does give favor.

And favor isn’t random; it’s a response to alignment, purpose, and relationship.

Think about it:

  • Abraham left everything to follow God—so God made him a father of nations.
  • David spent years seeking God in the wilderness—so God anointed him as king.
  • Mary was highly favored, not because she was lucky, but because she was chosen for a divine assignment.

Favor isn’t about God picking names out of a hat; it’s about walking in step with Him.

But Why Do Some People Seem to Get More? 🤔

Some reasons include:

1️⃣ Assignment-Specific Favor: God gives more to those carrying bigger responsibilities. Think of Joseph—he suffered for years because his favor was tied to a nation-saving destiny.

2️⃣ Closeness Brings More: James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” If you sit at the front row of grace, you’ll hear more and receive more.

3️⃣ Kingdom Economy: Some people understand and apply spiritual principles better—like generosity, obedience, and faith—so they reap the rewards.

So, What About Me?

Here’s the good news: God isn’t hoarding blessings for a select few. His table is big enough for everyone.

You don’t have to be the next David or Esther to be loved by God. In fact, you already are:

📖 “For God so loved THE WORLD…”

(John 3:16)

No VIP section, no exclusives. Just open invitation.

The real question is—are you sitting at the table or just staring from afar?

Your Turn!

Have you ever felt like God was favoring others over you? What’s your experience with divine favor? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🚀🔥

Posted on

Is Western Christianity Biblical or Just Cultural?

We’re about to dive headfirst into this topic, breaking it down layer by layer like peeling an onion (hopefully without tears). We’ll explore the history, the subtle shifts, the dangerous distortions, and how to return to a faith that’s purely biblical, not just cultural.

Brace yourself. This might get uncomfortable—but truth has a way of doing that.

Is Western Christianity Biblical or Just Cultural?

Have We Rewritten the Faith to Suit Our Preferences?

I. Where Did This All Begin?

To understand whether Western Christianity is more biblical or cultural, we have to take a quick history lesson.

1. The Early Church – Pure, Persecuted, and Uncompromising

The first Christians were countercultural rebels. They didn’t blend in—they stood out. Christianity wasn’t just a Sunday gathering; it was a life-consuming movement that:

✔ Met in homes (Acts 2:46)
✔ Sold possessions to help the poor (Acts 4:32-35)
✔ Faced severe persecution but never compromised (Acts 5:40-42)

No one joined Christianity for status, prosperity, or comfort—it was a call to die to self and live for Christ.

Then something changed.

2. The Roman Influence – When Faith Got Political

In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity. Suddenly, the persecuted faith became the state religion. Good news, right? Not entirely.

What happens when faith is mixed with political power? Christianity shifted from a movement of radical discipleship to a structured institution:

✔ Christianity became mainstream (no more underground churches).
✔ Church leadership became hierarchical (bishops, councils, and eventually popes).
✔ Government and faith intertwined, creating state-controlled religion.

While this helped spread Christianity, it also injected culture into faith, making it harder to separate what was biblical from what was political or traditional.

3. The Reformation – A Fight for the Bible Over Tradition

Fast forward to 1517, Martin Luther sparks the Protestant Reformation. He realizes the church had drifted from Scripture and was now promoting man-made traditions:

🚫 Selling indulgences (paying money for forgiveness of sins? Seriously?)
🚫 Elevating church leaders as ultimate authorities (instead of Scripture)
🚫 Salvation by works + faith (instead of grace alone)

Luther’s biggest fight? Bringing the Bible back to the people. His famous stance:

“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason, I cannot recant. Here I stand, I can do no other.”

The Reformation was a victory for biblical Christianity, but here’s where it gets tricky—every revival movement carries cultural baggage.

Which brings us to…

II. How Western Culture Has Shaped Christianity

Now that we’ve seen where we started, let’s examine where we are today.

The Western world (Europe & America) has had a massive influence on modern Christianity, both good and bad.

Let’s break down four key areas where culture has shaped faith:

1. Individualism vs. Biblical Community

👉 “Jesus is my personal Savior.”

Nothing wrong with that, right? Actually, this is both biblical and cultural.

✔ The Bible teaches that salvation is personal (Romans 10:9).
❌ But Western culture takes this further—faith becomes just “me and Jesus”, ignoring the community aspect of Christianity.

Contrast this with biblical Christianity:

✔ The early church was deeply communal. They shared everything (Acts 4:32).
✔ They lived life together daily. No such thing as “lone-wolf Christianity” (Hebrews 10:25).

The Western cultural shift: Faith became private and individualistic—which is why many Christians today struggle with accountability, church commitment, and true fellowship.

2. The Comfort-Driven Gospel – Faith Without the Cross

Western culture idolizes comfort. And sadly, so does much of Western Christianity.

👉 Sermons get shorter because people have short attention spans.
👉 Worship services feel like concerts instead of God encounters.
👉 Messages avoid conviction so that no one feels uncomfortable.

But let’s be real: Christianity was never meant to be comfortable.

Jesus said:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”

(Luke 9:23)

❌ Modern Christianity says: “God just wants you to be happy.”
✅ Biblical Christianity says: “God calls you to be holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)

If our faith costs us nothing, it may not be true Christianity—just a cultural imitation.

3. The Prosperity Gospel – Jesus as a Money Machine

If you’ve ever heard: “God wants you to be rich and successful!”—congratulations, you’ve encountered Westernized Christianity’s greatest export: the prosperity gospel.

🚫 “Sow a seed of $1000 and God will bless you!”
🚫 “If you have faith, you’ll never struggle financially!”
🚫 “God wants every Christian to drive a Benz!”

But here’s what Jesus actually said:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven.”

(Matthew 6:19-20)

Now, does God bless His people? Absolutely.
Does He promise material wealth to every believer? Nope.

Western Christianity often equates God’s favor with financial success—but Scripture teaches that blessings come in many forms (spiritual growth, character, joy in suffering).

4. Secular Influence – When Culture Redefines Truth

Western society loves moral flexibility. The world says:

❌ “Truth is subjective.”
❌ “Follow your heart.”
❌ “Don’t judge—love means accepting everything.”

And sadly, many churches have absorbed this thinking.

But the Bible is clear:

✔ Truth is absolute. “Your WORD is truth.” (John 17:17)
✔ Our hearts are deceptive. “The heart is deceitful above all things.” (Jeremiah 17:9)
✔ Love means truth-telling. “Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)

Western Christianity sometimes compromises truth in order to be “inclusive” and not offend people. But Jesus didn’t come to fit into culture—He came to change it.

III. How Do We Return to Biblical Christianity?

So, what now? How do we strip away cultural distortions and get back to biblical faith?

1. Test Everything Against Scripture

Culture changes. The Bible doesn’t (Isaiah 40:8).

2. Prioritize Obedience Over Comfort

Faith isn’t about convenience—it’s about commitment (Luke 9:62).

3. Seek a Kingdom Perspective

Christianity isn’t American, African, or Asian—it’s a global, eternal kingdom (Revelation 7:9).

4. Stay Connected to Authentic Christian Community

Isolation weakens faith—community strengthens it (Acts 2:42).

🔥 Your Turn!

👉 Do you think Western Christianity has drifted from biblical faith?
👉 What cultural influences do you see in your own faith?
👉 How can we return to true, biblical Christianity?

Let’s talk! Drop your thoughts in the comments. 🚀🔥

https://forms.gle/tNUb2EwdyfJSPqCu8

Posted on

Does God Still Speak Today, or Are We Just Hearing Ourselves?

“God told me…” Wait, did He really?

You’ve probably heard someone say, “God spoke to me.” Maybe they meant it literally, like a voice from the sky, or maybe they just felt something deep inside. But have you ever wondered—does God actually still speak today, or are we just hearing our own thoughts?

If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most important questions a Christian can ask. Because if God really speaks, then hearing Him could change everything about how we live. But if we’re just making things up, then… well, that’s a serious problem.

So, let’s break it down—Does God speak today? If so, how? And how can we know it’s really Him and not just our own imagination?

1. Has God Ever Spoken? (Let’s Check the Bible)

First things first—did God ever speak in the past?

The Bible is packed with examples:
✅ Audible voice: God spoke to Moses from a burning bush (Exodus 3:4-6).
✅ Dreams & visions: Joseph and Daniel received divine messages (Genesis 37:5-11, Daniel 7).
✅ Angels: Gabriel told Mary she’d give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
✅ Inner conviction: The Holy Spirit guided believers (Acts 16:6-10).
✅ Through Jesus: “In the past God spoke through the prophets… but in these last days He has spoken through His Son.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

So yes, God has spoken before. But that still leaves the big question—does He still speak now?

2. Does God Still Speak Today?

Some people believe God stopped speaking after the Bible was completed (this is called cessationism). Others believe God still speaks in various ways (this is called continuationism). But here’s what we know for sure:

A. God Speaks Through His Word (The Bible)

“All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16)

The Bible is God’s primary way of speaking today. It’s unchanging, clear, and available to everyone. If you want to hear God, start with Scripture—because He already wrote down everything we need to know about Him.

So before asking, “God, speak to me!” ask, “God, what have You already said?”

But does that mean He never speaks in other ways? Not necessarily.

B. God Speaks Through His Spirit

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice…” (John 10:27). The Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and leads believers. Have you ever had a strong sense that you needed to do something good? Or felt deep peace (or discomfort) about a decision? That could be the Holy Spirit speaking.

C. God Speaks Through Circumstances & People

God can guide us through life events, open doors, and even wise counsel from others. Proverbs 11:14 says, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

D. God Speaks Through Dreams, Visions, and Impressions

The Bible shows God using dreams and visions—but be careful. Not every dream is from God (sometimes it’s just the pizza you ate last night!). Any impression or dream must align with the Bible to be from Him.

3. How Do I Know It’s Really God? (Not Just My Thoughts?)

This is where it gets tricky. How do we know we’re actually hearing God and not just talking to ourselves? Or worse—getting deceived?

A. The Bible Test

God will never contradict His Word. If you “hear” something that goes against the Bible, it’s not God. Period. Example:
🚫 “God told me to leave my spouse and marry someone else.” (No, He didn’t—Matthew 19:6).
🚫 “God said I don’t need to forgive that person.” (Nope—Matthew 6:14-15).

B. The Fruit Test

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). If a message leads to love, peace, and righteousness, it’s more likely from God. If it brings confusion, fear, or selfish ambition, be careful—God isn’t the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

C. The Confirmation Test

If you believe God is saying something, look for confirmation.
🔹 Does Scripture back it up?
🔹 Does wise counsel agree?
🔹 Do circumstances align?

If it’s really God, He will confirm it in multiple ways.

4. What If I Don’t Hear Anything?

Sometimes, we long to hear God but feel… silence. What then?

A. Check Your Heart

Are you truly listening? Or are you only listening for what you want to hear?

B. Go Back to the Word

God has already spoken through the Bible. If you’re not hearing anything, start there.

C. Keep Walking in Faith

Sometimes, God is quiet to grow our faith. Even when we don’t hear Him, He’s still leading us. Remember Job? God was silent for a long time, but Job still trusted Him.

5. So… Does God Speak Today?

Yes. But He speaks in different ways, and we must be careful to discern His voice.

What Does This Mean for You?

✅ Don’t chase supernatural experiences—chase Jesus and His Word.
✅ Test everything—God’s voice never contradicts Scripture.
✅ Stay humble—sometimes, we get it wrong. Be willing to admit when you misheard.
✅ If you’re not sure… wait. God isn’t in a rush, and He will confirm His word.

Your Turn!

👉 Have you ever felt like God spoke to you?
👉 How do you personally discern God’s voice?
👉 What questions or doubts do you still have?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s talk! 🚀🔥

https://forms.gle/FJ173cxNNq2HutLL6

Posted on

Chosen or Choosing? Does God Decide Our Fate, or Do We?

Ever wondered if your choices really matter? Like, are you the driver of your own destiny, or is God behind the wheel, controlling every turn?

Think about it—if God already knows who will be saved, does that mean some people are just doomed from the start? If salvation is purely God’s choice, does that mean our faith and obedience don’t matter? And if we actually have free will, does that make God less sovereign?

This question has divided Christians for centuries.

Some say, “God is in full control of salvation!”

Others respond, “But He gave us free will!”

And the crazy thing? Both seem to be in the Bible.

So, let’s wrestle with one of the most profound mysteries of faith:

Do we choose God, or did He already choose us?

1. The Case for “God Chooses” (Predestination)

Imagine you’re applying for university, but instead of you picking the school, the school picks you—before you even know what education is. That’s how some people view salvation.

Key Scriptures:

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.”

(Ephesians 1:4)

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

(Romans 9:16)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you.”

(John 15:16)

This is where Calvinism (or Reformed Theology) comes in.

It teaches that:

✔️ God, in His sovereignty, has already chosen who will be saved (the elect).

✔️ No one comes to God unless He enables them (John 6:44).

✔️ If salvation depends on human effort, it’s no longer grace but works.

What About Those Who Aren’t Chosen?

This is where things get uncomfortable. If God predestines some people for salvation, does He also predestine others to be lost?

That’s called double predestination—the idea that just as God elects some to eternal life, He also passes over others, allowing them to continue in their rebellion.

Paul wrestles with this:

“Shall the thing formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have You made me like this?’”

(Romans 9:20-21)

This can feel unfair. But the argument goes: If God is truly sovereign, doesn’t He have the right to do as He wills?

But hold on… doesn’t that contradict other parts of the Bible?

2. The Case for “We Choose” (Free Will)

Now, let’s flip the script. Imagine a father stretching out his hand to a child. The father doesn’t force the child to take his hand—the child has to choose to grasp it.

Key Scriptures:

“Choose this day whom you will serve.”

(Joshua 24:15)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish.”

(John 3:16)

“God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

(2 Peter 3:9)

This is the Arminian (or Free Will) Perspective, which says:

✔️ Salvation is offered to everyone, but you must accept it.

✔️ God desires all people to be saved, but He won’t force them (1 Timothy 2:4).

✔️ Faith is a response to God’s grace, not an automatic result of election.

But Doesn’t That Make God Less Sovereign?

Some argue that if humans have free will, it could mean God isn’t fully in control. What if someone rejects Him? Wouldn’t that mean God’s will isn’t always done?

This leads to another big debate:

Does God predestine based on His will alone (Calvinism)?

Or does He predestine based on who He foreknows will believe (Arminianism)?

Romans 8:29 hints at this:

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined.”

Some believe this means God’s choice is based on knowing ahead of time who would choose Him.

So, which one is true?

3. Where Do Predestination and Free Will Connect?

At first glance, these two ideas seem contradictory. But what if… they actually work together?

Think of it like this:

Imagine salvation as a door. On the outside, you see a sign that says, “Whoever Will May Come.”

But once you step inside, you turn around and see another sign that says, “Chosen Before the Foundation of the World.“

God’s Sovereignty + Our Responsibility = The Mystery of Salvation

How Both Are True in Scripture:God is 100% sovereign. He knows the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10)We are 100% responsible. We must choose to follow Him. (Acts 16:31)

Salvation is a gift, not earned. But a gift must be received. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Some theologians explain it like this:

🔹 From God’s perspective (eternal view): He knows exactly who will be saved and has predestined their salvation.

🔹 From our perspective (human view): We genuinely make choices that determine our eternal destiny.

This paradox isn’t something to “solve.” It’s something to trust—because the truth is, no one comes to God apart from His grace, but no one is turned away who truly seeks Him.

4. What Does This Mean for Us?

At the end of the day, this debate shouldn’t just stay in our heads—it should shape how we live.

🔥 Instead of stressing, seek Jesus! (Matthew 6:33)

🔥 Instead of debating endlessly, share the gospel boldly! (Romans 1:16)

🔥 Instead of wondering if you’re “chosen,” make sure you choose Him today! (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Because one thing is certain: No one ever got to heaven by debating theology—but plenty have by trusting in Jesus.

What Do You Think?

👉 Do you lean more towards predestination or free will?

👉 Can both be true at the same time?

👉 How does this change how you live your faith?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s wrestle with this together! 🔥😊

https://forms.gle/FJ173cxNNq2HutLL6