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All Spiritual Blessings are IN CHRIST

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

From this verse we learn that those who are “IN CHRIST” have been given spiritual blessings. There is a very important distinction being made by this verse; those “IN CHRIST” from those who are “OUTSIDE of CHRIST.”

Paul describes those who are (or were) outside of Christ: “…who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph 2:1-3), and “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12, emphasis added seb). There’s more going on in these chapters, but for our discussion we must recognize that there are NO SPIRITUAL blessings for anyone OUTSIDE OF CHRIST! This must serve as a warning for everyone. Living outside of Christ is like standing exposed in the open wilderness during a ferocious storm—far beyond the sturdy walls of a fortified city or the secure shelter of a stormproof refuge.

The winds howl, lightning cracks without mercy, torrents of rain lash, and unseen predators circle in the darkness. Every step is perilous: the ground shifts underfoot, thunder drowns out any cry for help, and the cold seeps into the bones with no warmth to counter it. There is no barrier against the elements, no refuge from judgment, no covering from the wrath to come. There’s only vulnerability, isolation, and inevitable ruin.

Jesus Himself described this danger vividly in the parable of the two builders (Matthew 7:24-27): The foolish man built his house upon the sand. When the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Outside of Christ, life is built on shifting, unstable ground. No matter how impressive the structure appears, the inevitable storms of life, temptation, trial, and final judgment will sweep it away completely.

In stark contrast, the wise man built his house upon the rock. The same rain fell, the same floods came, the same winds blew and beat upon that house—yet it stood: for it was founded upon a rock.

Do you remember what Jesus declared to Peter in Matthew 16:18? “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” That Rock is Christ!

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS ARE IN CHRIST!

Agape
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who defines good fruit?

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“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

The Bible uses agricultural metaphors to describe spiritual reality: some speak of fruitful branches connected to the true vine (Jesus), bringing glory to the Father and proving genuine discipleship (John 15:8), while others warn of land (or lives) that produce only thorns and briers—unfruitful, rejected, near cursing, and destined for burning (Heb 6:8).

Jesus teaches that true character is revealed by what we produce (e.g., Matthew 7:16–20, no grapes from thornbushes). The contrast is stark: fruitful lives reflect connection to Christ and yield good things (love, obedience, character, good works), while thorn-bearing lives show disconnection, barrenness, or harm.

Here’s a good question; who defines what is fruit and what are thorns? That’s the crucial question, isn’t it? In a world full of opinions, subjective morality, and cultural shifts, who gets to decide what counts as good fruit (fruitful, glorifying to God) versus thorns and briers (unfruitful, worthless, harmful, or rebellious)?

Before we look into bearing fruit, let’s answer the question. The Bible warns about human centered standards that lead astray, and produce unfruitful or harmful outcomes.

Who Doesn’t Define GOOD FRUIT?
TRADITIONS of men can never define good fruit (Mark 7:7). Traditions often elevate above or nullify God’s command. The danger is in the possibility of practicing vain worship that cannot honor nor glorify God.

HEART (“It feels right to me”) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The danger lies in self-deception; what “feels good” can justify sin or error, yielding thorns of pride and rebellion instead of humble submission to God’s revealed will. Our feelings never override God’s word.

OPINIONS of men or of the majority. Naaman is a perfect example of this. Despite his terrible condition, his opinion about how it was to be done turned him in a rage away from the cure. “I thought… 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” (2Kings 5:11-12). The danger lies in following hapless & happy ignorant mobs into destruction, (Matt 7:13-14; 15:14).

RELIGIOUS performance to be seen of men. Jesus highlighted those who practiced their religion to “be seen of men” (Matt 23:5-7; 6:2,5,16). He went onto say, “Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” The danger lies in that showmanship never produces lasting fruit. Kudos from men is a lousy reward (Galatians 1:10).

NICE in appearance masks the rotten fruit. Paul warned repeatedly about masquerade parties. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2Cor 11:14; 2Pet 2:1-3; Acts 20:29-30). The danger is in the subtle seduction of charming exteriors that hides the destructive heresies, leading souls astray.

SEASONAL TRENDS shift like winds. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Fads come and go, but the word of the Lord endures forever (1Peter 1:24-25). Chasing novelties yields fleeting, unprofitable results rather than enduring fruit rooted in Christ’s truth. The danger is immaturity and instability.

Good fruit is defined solely by God’s revealed Word. Relying on unreliable sources risks producing thorns (worthless, harmful growth) that leads to rejection. Abide in the doctrine of Christ alone for fruit that glorifies the Father.

Agape
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WILL SILVER HIT $100?

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But there’s something better.

Since January of 2025 silver has skyrocketed from around $30 an ounce to over $90 as of this writing. Most of the gain happening in only the last 90 days.

The 1-year chart for silver prices, spanning from early 2025 to mid-January 2026, illustrates a classic pattern of gradual, persistent upward momentum that eventually culminates in dramatic gains. The metals prices have exhibited a slow, uneven climb through much of the year, with periods of consolidation, minor pullbacks, and steady accumulation. This incremental progress—often just a few percentage points month-over-month—built the foundation for an explosive breakout in late 2025 and early 2026, propelling silver to new all-time highs. The graph resembles many long-term growth phenomena: a compounding curve where small, consistent advances compound into life changing results, turning what seems modest & boring into something extraordinary.

The silver growth chart serves as a powerful metaphor for the value of small incremental growth in any domain—whether personal development, skill-building, financial habits, or spiritual disciplines. Just as silver didn’t surge overnight but accumulated value through persistent upward pressure over time, meaningful change rarely comes from flashy, one-time efforts; it emerges from daily, seemingly minor choices that compound relentlessly. A few minutes of reading Scripture each day may feel insignificant in the moment, yet over years, these habits forge profound transformation. The Bible echoes this principle in passages like Proverbs 13:11 “Wealth gained hastily dwindles, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it,” reminding us that lasting growth often stems from patient, incremental faithfulness rather than shortcuts.

But there’s more…
While people are frantically buying (or selling) to capitalize on this phenomenal growth, there is something far greater than silver and gold combined. The Scriptures repeatedly declare that the Word of God surpasses even the most glittering earthly treasures. As Proverbs 8:19 proclaims, wisdom of God is “better than gold, yea, than fine gold,” and its revenue exceeds choice silver. Psalm 119:72 echoes this, “the law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver,” while Psalm 19:10 describes God’s precepts as “more to be desired… than gold, yea, than much fine gold” and sweeter than honey. These verses remind us that no amount of precious metal—however explosive its appreciation—can match the eternal value, guidance, joy, and life-giving power found in God’s unchanging Word.

Putting it all together, as the markets frenzy over silver’s explosive growth, the Scriptures reveal an infinitely superior treasure that grows through small, faithful, daily habits of reading, meditating, and obedience to God’s word. Little by little we will gain great and precious gems that work in our hearts that compounds into spiritual riches eclipsing any earthly gain. The precious treasures of unshakable wisdom, lasting joy, eternal security, as we “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18).

Agape
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Hero of Faith: Ebed-Melech

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EBED-MELECH

You may never have heard of Ebed-melech. His story is found in the book of Jeremiah. He is known for rescuing Jeremiah from the pit. As a foreigner and a eunuch, his actions reveal profound courage, compassion, and faith in the God of Israel. The prophet Jeremiah had been thrown into a muddy cistern by hostile officials who viewed his prophecies of Jerusalem’s fall as treasonous. Left to sink in the mire, Jeremiah faced certain death amid the city’s famine.

“Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin; Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying, My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.  Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.” (Jeremiah 38:7-13)

This rescue was no small feat. In a city gripped by fear and betrayal, Ebed-Melech stood alone as the one willing to defend God’s prophet when even the king wavered.

Before the final fall of Jerusalem, God sends a personal message to Ebedmelech through Jeremiah: “Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.  But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey (prize) unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 39:15-18)

Ebedmelech trusted God, and God remembered his courage. By rescuing Jeremiah, he sided with God’s messenger against popular opposition. He didn’t lead an army; he just did what was right. Nothing more is said of him, but the scriptures record for all time this simple act of faith. Ebed-Melech’s story illustrates timeless truths: God notices those who trust Him. This outsider shone as a beacon of faith, reminding us that trusting God includes simple acts often while standing alone for what is right.

Agape

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Happy New Year: 2026 Bible Reading Plan

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BIBLE READING RESOLUTION

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

I asked a fellow one day if he knew why people read the Bible daily. He said that he didn’t really know why. It got me thinking about why we ought to read the Bible.

In a world filled with confusion, relativism, and aimless wandering, we desperately need to immerse ourselves in the Bible, God’s inspired Word. As Ephesians 5:17 urges, we must not live foolishly but understand the WILL OF THE LORD, which is revealed clearly through Scripture. John 17:17 declares that GOD’S WORD IS TRUTH ITSELF; the objective anchor in an age of shifting sand of public opinions, guarding us from deception. Moreover, 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE FOR THE HOPE WITHIN US, a readiness that comes only from knowing and internalizing biblical truth. Finally, recognizing that it is not in man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23), we turn to Psalm 119:105, where GOD’S WORD BECOMES A LAMP TO OUR FEET AND A LIGHT TO OUR PATH, illuminating our purpose and guiding us safely through life’s journey. Without regular reading of the Bible, we stumble in darkness; with it, we walk confidently in God’s eternal direction.

Get A Bookmark; it’s the easiest Bible Reading Plan.
A simple bookmark can be one of the most powerful tools for staying consistent in Bible reading, even without following a formal plan. Life is unpredictable with busy schedules, unexpected interruptions, and shifting priorities that can easily derail our good intentions to read Scripture daily. But a bookmark quietly solves this problem by marking exactly where we left off, so we know where to go when we pick back up the Bible again. No need to remember the last chapter or verse, no pressure to “catch up” on missed days, and no guilt over abandoning a rigid reading schedule. It allows us to resume right where we stopped, whether that was yesterday, or last week. This simple device keeps the habit alive, allowing steady progress through the Word over months and years. Over time, that humble bookmark becomes a faithful companion helping us build a lifelong rhythm of reading His Word; one verse, one chapter, one bookmark placement at a time.

I have found it most effective to set a time to read each day. In the early years I would read just before bed (a great strategy if you’re trying to avoid screen time at the end of the day). This helped me to go to sleep with God’s word on my heart. Now a days I read in the mornings (Monday – Friday) following a 5-day reading plan to read through the whole bible in one year. May God’s word be a blessing to you as you read in 2026.

Agape
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Gratitude: God expects it

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Gratitude; God expects it.

November’s cozy gatherings and pumpkin-spiced moments spark a flicker of gratitude in many of us. Yet, as Black Friday ads flood our screens and holiday shopping takes over, thankfulness often gets trampled under a scramble for deals. God’s Word, however, doesn’t limit gratitude to a single day like Thanksgiving. Scripture reveals that God expects His people to live with thankful hearts every day.

Gratitude refocuses our hearts toward His goodness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This is no suggestion; it’s God’s clear expectation.

A compelling example of His displeasure with ingratitude comes from Numbers 11:1-6, where the Israelites grumbled about their wilderness provisions, longing for Egypt’s food instead of praising God for their miraculous deliverance. Their complaints provoked God’s anger, and fire broke out in their camp as a consequence. This stark moment shows that ingratitude dismisses God’s provision, and brings on God’s anger.

Today, when we fixate on what we lack (especially amid our seasonal materialistic rush) we risk echoing the Israelites’ error. Ingratitude is among the conditions that invoke God’s anger, (Romans 1:21). Gratitude, as psychologist Robert Emmons notes in his studies, shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, helping us see God’s hand in every detail, from daily bread to His unending grace. We don’t need science to tell us what scripture already reveals (Matt 6:25-34).

Gratitude in our worship will deepen our connection to God. Psalm 100:4 says, “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” God expects gratitude because it acknowledges His sovereignty and faithfulness. When we thank Him daily, whether for an answered prayer or strength in trials, we are acknowledging His blessings in our lives (James 1:17). This counters the fleeting gratitude of social media posts that fade as holiday sales dominate. By making thankfulness a habit, we fulfill God’s desire for a people who recognize His goodness, drawing closer to Him in a world that often pulls us away.

Finally, a grateful heart is essential to being the light of the world that we are showing others, meeting His expectation for us to live as His light. Colossians 3:15-17 urges us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” and act “with gratitude.” Thankfulness fuels the brightness of our light and allows us to pierce the shadows of darkness, drawing others to Christ. When we’re grateful, we’re less likely to look like the word (in judgment or envy), and more likely to be a blessing to others. Gratitude strengthens our connection to those around us. In a season tempting us to value “things” over people, gratitude keeps us grounded in what matters.

God expects our gratitude every day, not just on Thanksgiving Day. Start now; thank Him for one thing each morning, big or small. Let’s glorify Him, avoiding the Israelites’ mistake, and let a thankful heart shine His love daily.

agape

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God is not for CALVINISM

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God Is Not a Calvinist

The Bible presents a God of boundless love, genuine invitation, and impartial justice. Yet Calvinism (through its doctrines of unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace) paints a different portrait: a God who sovereignly chooses some for heaven and others for hell, apart from their response. This article examines nine biblical truths that directly contradict core Calvinist claims. God is not a Calvinist because…

1. He Teaches Man Is Free to CHOOSE

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness… And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:14–15, ESV)

God does not mock His creatures with illusory commands. Joshua’s charge assumes real moral ability to choose between serving God or idols. Calvinism’s unconditional election denies this freedom, claiming the unelect cannot choose God. But Scripture places responsibility squarely on human shoulders.

2. He Desires ALL to Be Saved

“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3–4)

Paul roots evangelism in God’s universal salvific will. Calvinism redefines “all” as “all kinds of people” (i.e., the elect from every nation). But the Greek pantas anthrōpous means every human without exception. God’s desire conflicts with their decree that guarantees most will perish.

3. He LOVES the Whole World

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Calvinism limits Christ’s death to the elect. Yet “world” (kosmos) here is all-encompassing (every sinner, not a pre-selected subset). Salvation hinges on whoever believes, not whoever was chosen before time.

4. Jesus Is the Propitiation for the Whole World

“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1–2)

John destroys limited atonement in one sentence. Christ’s blood satisfies God’s wrath for every sin of every person. The offer of forgiveness is universal and sufficient—though not universally applied (due to unbelief, not divine decree; see Romans 1:20-32).

5. Jesus Was Willing, but ISRAEL Was Not

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often would I have gathered your children… and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)

Jesus’ lament exposes the myth of irresistible grace. Divine will (“I would”) clashes with human refusal (“you were not willing”). Grace woos, but does not compel. The same crowd that rejected Christ could have repented; if they had been willing.

6. He Is NOT Willing That Any Should Perish

“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Peter ties God’s patience to a universal hope for repentance. Calvinism inserts “any of the elect” and “all of the elect,” but the text says any and all—period. God delays judgment to give every sinner opportunity (2Peter 3:15).

7. He Warns Believers of the Possibility of Falling

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Calvinism’s perseverance of the saints teaches true believers cannot fall away. Yet Paul warns the Corinthian church—regenerate Christians—of real spiritual danger. Apostasy is possible; perseverance is commanded, not guaranteed. The Bible is full of warnings against apostasy.

8. He Says Baptism Saves

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience…” (1 Peter 3:21)

Calvinism often treats baptism as a mere symbol with no saving efficacy. Peter disagrees: baptism saves—not magically, but as the God-ordained moment of calling on the name of the Lord (cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 10:13; Mark 16:16). It is the normative entry into Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom 6:3–4; Colossians 2:11-12).

9. He Teaches Babies Are Safe—We Do Not Inherit Adam’s Guilt

“The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father…” (Ezekiel 18:20)
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Calvinism’s total depravity includes inherited guilt—infants are “vipers in diapers,” born condemned. But:

  • David said of his dead infant, “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sam 12:23)—implying the child was saved.
  • Jesus held up children as models of the kingdom, not objects of wrath.
  • Ezekiel rejects transgenerational punishment.

Sin’s consequence is death (Rom 5:12), but guilt is personal. Babies are safe until the age of accountability.

Conclusion: A God Worth Proclaiming

The God of Scripture loves every sinner, died for every sin, and pleads with every heart. He does not play favorites (Acts 10:34–35). He does not mock with insincere offers. He does not damn the innocent.

Calvinism’s God decrees reprobation before birth of certain individuals and spares selected individuals.


The Bible’s God says, “Choose this day… Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!” (Isa 45:22)

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Evidence for our Faith: Grateful not hateful

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Gratitude and Happiness: Be Grateful not Hateful

Imagine waking up to a day where every thought feels heavy, every interaction strained. Now picture flipping that script by choosing gratitude over resentment. I heard a phrase the other day that resonates well with the teaching of the New Testament, “BE GRATEFUL, NOT HATEFUL.”

Paul’s letters to the early church brim with encouragement to embrace thankfulness, not just as a feel-good habit but as a way of changing our life. Paul knew gratitude could reshape our minds, relationships, and faith.

Gratitude rewires our mental health. Paul urges in Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” He’s not dismissing life’s struggles but pointing to a remedy: pairing prayer with thanks.

Studies, like those from psychologists at the University of California, show gratitude reduces stress and boosts resilience. When we focus on what’s good (God’s provision, a kind word, a new day) our perspective shifts. Instead of spiraling into worry or bitterness, we anchor ourselves in hope. Paul’s wisdom aligns with modern science: thanking God in tough times doesn’t erase pain but builds a mental bridge to peace, because our mind can only focus on one thought at a time.

Gratitude also affects our relationships. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This isn’t about ignoring conflict but choosing to see others through a lens of appreciation. When we’re in the midst of a strained friendship or family tension, gratitude can be a game-changer. When we thank God for the people in our lives, even the challenging ones, we start noticing their value. Science is discovering what the Bible already reveals. Research from the Journal of Social Psychology suggests expressing gratitude strengthens bonds, fostering empathy and reducing hostility. Paul’s urging for thankfulness nudges us to replace grudges with grace, softening hearts and healing divides. If we have a complaint, let us also have grace, reminding ourselves of that person’s good qualities that brought us together in the first place and give thanks to God (James 1:17).

Gratitude can also fuel spiritual growth. In Colossians 3:17, Paul says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Gratitude isn’t usually automatic; it’s a decision that draws us closer to God. When we thank Him for His faithfulness, as Psalm 100:4-5 encourages, we’re reminded of His goodness and sovereignty, which can deepen our faith. Unlike fleeting emotions, gratitude roots us in God’s eternal promises, making us less swayed by life’s ups and downs. Paul’s exhortation isn’t about denying hardship but about seeing God’s faithfulness giving us hope and purpose.

So, let’s take Paul’s inspired words to heart. Start small: thank God for one thing today; a sunrise, a friend, His promises. Replace a bitter thought with a grateful one. Be grateful, not hateful, and watch how gratitude transforms your heart and world.

Agape

Sources: Insights drawn from biblical texts (Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Colossians, Psalms) and studies from the University of California and the Journal of Social Psychology.

Evidence for our Faith: Gratitude

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Gratitude and Happiness: Science Catches Up to the Bible

Picture waking up with a heart brimming with thanks, even when life feels like a storm. It’s like a quiet spark of joy, isn’t it? The Bible has long championed gratitude as a way of life, and now science is unveiling its power, showing how this practice transforms our minds, relationships, and faith. Gratitude isn’t just a passing feeling; it’s a powerful attitude that fits God’s design, blending biblical wisdom with modern discoveries in a way that is both timeless and exciting.

Gratitude reshapes our mental health, anchoring us in hope. Research by psychologist Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude scholar, shows that keeping a daily journal of things you’re thankful for can reduce stress and boost well-being. In a 2003 study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Emmons found that participants who reflected on gratitude reported less depression and greater optimism after just weeks. This resonates with Psalm 40:5 which proclaims, “Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” The psalmist knew that gratitude expands our perspective on life, filling our hearts with God’s countless blessings. Science confirms this, revealing how gratitude rewires our brains to seek the good, even in tough times.

Gratitude can strengthen relationships, bringing us closer in ways that reflect God’s love. A 2014 study in Emotion by Sara Algoe showed that expressing thanks fosters trust and deepens connections. When we voice gratitude, it sparks a cycle of kindness, making both giver and receiver feel valued. This echoes 1Thessalonians 5:18 in the KJV, where Paul exhorts, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” By thanking others, we build connections with others rooted in love. A heartfelt “thank you” can transform a moment into a lasting bond, mirroring the relational heart of the Gospel (see Luke 17:11-19).

Finally, gratitude fuels spiritual growth, drawing us nearer to God. When we practice thankfulness, we train our hearts to remember that He is with us in every moment, deepening our trust. Philippians 4:6 in the KJV urges, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” This isn’t mere advice; it’s a roadmap for a joy-filled life. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to trusting in God’s promises. Science supports this: studies show gratitude fosters a sense of purpose and connection to something greater, aligning with the biblical summons to live in awe of God’s goodness.

In a chaotic world, gratitude is a quiet revolution. The Bible, written centuries ago, aligns beautifully with what science now reveals. Researchers like Emmons and Algoe highlight gratitude’s benefits, while scriptures like Psalm 40:5, 1Thessalonians 5:18, and Philippians 4:6 proclaim its already revealed eternal truth. God’s word beckons us to embrace gratitude daily, not as a task, but as a strategy that changes our minds, relationships, and faith. So, let’s begin today: pause, give thanks, and see how God’s wisdom, that science finally realizes, illuminates your life.

agape Sources: Studies by Robert Emmons (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2003) and Sara Algoe (Emotion, 2014). Biblical references from Psalm 40:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and Philippians 4:6 (KJV).

Evidence for our faith: I aint ‘fraid of no Zombies

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No Ghosts, Zombies, or Draculas: The Bible’s Rejection of Wandering Spirits and Unfinished Tasks

The Bible, throughout both Old and New Testaments, offers no support for the chilling tales of disembodied spirits, zombies, demons, or Dracula-like undead haunting the earth or lingering to complete unfinished business. Pop culture, from gothic novels to Hollywood horror, profit on such fears, but Scripture is clear: human work, including obeying the gospel, must be done in life, and death leaves no room for wandering souls or monstrous transformations. The complete absence of evidence for these ideas calms our fears of death with the urgency of living faithfully now.

The Bible consistently teaches that our work, including spiritual obedience, is confined to this life. Ecclesiastes 9:10 in the Old Testament urges, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” This verse shuts the door on the idea of ghosts lingering to finish unresolved tasks. The New Testament echoes this urgency, particularly in obeying the gospel. In 2Corinthians 6:2, Paul writes, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” There’s no biblical hint of posthumous chances to complete spiritual work or haunt the earth as spirits to punish the living. Ghostly tales of unresolved business are purely fictional, not rooted in Scripture.

The notion of humans becoming zombies or undead creatures like Dracula also finds no place in the Bible. Dark tales of vampires rising from graves or mindless corpses are absent from both Testaments. Instead, Scripture portrays death as final for human endeavors, under God’s authority. Psalm 146:4 states, “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” This leaves no room for undead transformations. The language of the Bible never states, hints, nor has examples of humans becoming cursed, vampiric beings. The Bible’s silence on such horrors confirms they are literary inventions, not divine truth. There is one biblical account of a deceased man wishing someone could go back to warn his family, but they could not (Luke 16:19-31). If haunting to complete unfinished business was possible, that would have been a great time for Jesus to tell us about it.

Likewise, the idea of humans becoming demons lacks evidence. The New Testament distinguishes demons as separate spiritual entities, not transformed human souls (demon possession was limited to the time of Christ to demonstrate His deity and power, and to affirm the authority of the apostolic age in the first century). Scripture never suggests that people risk becoming demonic after death. What are called “demons” in the Bible are known to be fallen angels, distinct from humans, who followed Satan in his rebellion against God (e.g., Rev 12:9; Luke 10:18).

The Bible’s clear message is that life is the time to obey the gospel and complete our work, with no provision for ghosts, zombies, or Draculas. Death ends our work on earth, but God’s word holds no terrors if we obey the gospel and live faithfully starting today.

Agape

PS; this also means that we shouldn’t wait until death or the judgment to find out if we’re saved. We can know from God’s word today. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;” (2Cor 5:10-11a)