A CHURCH MINISTER CAN INFORM AND INSTRUCT PEOPLE WITHOUT QUOTING A SINGLE SCRIPTURE AND STILL BE WITHIN SCRIPTURES.

A church minister can inform, teach and instruct people without quoting a single Bible verse and still remain entirely within the teachings and principles of Scripture. Equally, someone can quote several Bible verses on a particular subject and still be wrong in their interpretation, application or understanding of God's Word.

The number of scriptures quoted does not necessarily determine the accuracy of a teaching. What matters is whether what is being communicated is consistent with the truth, principles, purpose and spirit of God's Word.

In his first letter to Timothy, particularly 1 Timothy 1:3–5, 6, Paul addresses the dangers of false teaching and the misuse of religious knowledge. Interestingly, some of the people he was correcting were engaging with the law but were not properly understanding what they were saying or the implications of their teachings.

Paul was concerned about preventing the following:

1. False doctrines

False doctrine involves teaching beliefs or interpretations that contradict the truth of God's Word. A person can use biblical language, quote scriptures and still communicate false doctrine through misinterpretation, distortion or inappropriate application of Scripture.

2. Devotion to myths

What did Paul mean by myths?

In this context, myths refer to unfounded stories, speculative religious narratives and traditions that lack a sound basis in God's revealed truth. Such ideas can distract people from the genuine message of faith and create unnecessary controversies.

The problem is not simply that something is historical or traditional. Rather, it is when people become devoted to unsubstantiated accounts and speculations that do not advance God's truth or the purpose of faith.

3. Endless genealogies

Paul also warns against endless genealogies, which promote controversies rather than God's work, which is advanced by faith.

Genealogies are not inherently wrong. The Bible itself contains genealogies. However, when people become excessively occupied with tracing origins, ancestry or religious lineages in ways that generate disputes rather than edification, they lose sight of what truly matters.

If an argument, teaching or practice is wrong, establishing its historical origin does not automatically make it right. Its correctness must be examined against the truth.

4. Meaningless talk

Meaningless talk refers to speech that does not contribute to truth, understanding, spiritual growth or the genuine purpose of faith.

It can include unnecessary arguments, speculation, empty religious discussions, baseless assertions and debates that produce more controversy than understanding.

Not every lengthy discussion is meaningful, and not every short statement is meaningless. The important consideration is whether our communication serves a worthwhile and truthful purpose.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE OBJECTIVE OF OUR TEACHING AND INSTRUCTION?

Paul makes this particularly clear in 1 Timothy 1:5:

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

We therefore identify four important considerations:

1. Love: Our teaching and communication should be motivated by genuine love for God and people.

2. A pure heart: Our intentions should be free from malice, selfish ambition and the desire to mislead or harm others.

3. A good conscience: We should communicate what we genuinely believe to be right, taking responsibility for our words, actions and their consequences.

4. A sincere faith: Our teaching should arise from genuine faith in God rather than pretence, manipulation or a desire to impress people.

CAN SOMEONE QUOTE SCRIPTURE AND STILL BE WRONG?

Absolutely!

The very people Paul was addressing demonstrate this possibility. In 1 Timothy 1:7, he speaks about those who desired to be teachers of the law but did not understand either what they were saying or the matters about which they made confident assertions.

This demonstrates that quoting the law does not automatically mean that someone understands it, interprets it correctly or applies it appropriately.

CAN SOMEONE TEACH OR INSTRUCT WITHOUT QUOTING SCRIPTURE WORD FOR WORD AND STILL BE IN HARMONY WITH GOD'S WORD?

Absolutely!

A minister can explain truth, give practical examples, offer guidance, address social and family issues, and provide instructions without necessarily quoting a Bible verse in every statement.

For example, advising people to treat one another with dignity, fulfil their responsibilities, avoid dishonesty, protect children, respect others and resolve disagreements peacefully is consistent with biblical principles, even when a particular Bible verse is not quoted.

The important thing is that such instruction must remain consistent with Scripture, rather than contradicting or replacing it.

After all, the purpose of teaching God's Word is not merely to produce people who can quote verses, but people who understand, believe and practise the truth.

James 1:22 reminds us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.

WHAT ABOUT WRITING TO IMPRESS PEOPLE?

Not at all!

My writing and communication are motivated by love, a good conscience and sincere faith. My intention is not to impress people through the use of biblical quotations, sophisticated language or religious arguments, but to communicate what I genuinely believe contributes to truth, understanding and the well-being of people and communities.

And concerning the motives behind our actions and communication, Paul reminds us that God has the final record.

1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."

Human beings may misunderstand one another, make premature judgments or misinterpret the intentions behind someone's communication. However, God sees beyond the words and examines the motives of the heart.

This does not mean that our teachings and actions should be exempt from examination or accountability. Rather, we should be careful not to condemn people's motives without sufficient knowledge, while remaining committed to examining what is taught against the truth.

CONCLUSION

Let us not measure the correctness of a minister's teaching merely by the number of scriptures quoted. Neither should we dismiss sound instruction simply because a minister has not quoted a Bible verse word for word.

Let us pursue understanding, truth, love, pure hearts, good consciences and sincere faith.

The ultimate objective of teaching God's Word is not to win arguments, demonstrate religious superiority or impress audiences. It is to help people understand the truth and live by it.

Elijah Mutua Kirima
Pastor
THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD.

 

"HELL AND HEAVEN" — WHAT SCIENCE CONFIRMS ABOUT THE POWER OF HUMAN CHOICES

While this generation may not be as passionate about religion, particularly in the application of the methods, values and commitments demonstrated by older generations, one thing remains certain: many of the principles our older generations taught us make profound sense, even when examined through the lens of modern science.

It is true that even people born into the poorest circumstances can significantly transform their lives through hard work, smart decisions, diligence, discipline and commitment to personal development. When people apply themselves to education, remain responsible in whatever work their hands find to do, love others, develop good communication skills, maintain positive attitudes, nurture hope and faith for a better tomorrow, and refuse to allow present difficulties to determine their future, they increase their chances of building lives that resemble a little heaven in an otherwise difficult and challenging world.

This does not mean that hard work alone eliminates poverty or that everyone has equal opportunities. Society, institutions, economic conditions and the opportunities available to individuals also matter. Nevertheless, personal choices, discipline and perseverance can make a significant difference in the direction of one's life.

On the other hand, even someone born into a wealthy and well-established family can gradually turn their life into a living hell through indiscipline, irresponsibility, substance abuse, destructive sexual behaviours, dishonesty, lack of commitment and disregard for their responsibilities. Wealth and privilege cannot automatically protect someone from the consequences of destructive choices.

Science has increasingly demonstrated that human choices, behaviours and social environments have significant consequences for individual and collective well-being. Psychology, neuroscience, public health, education and sociology all provide evidence that habits, relationships, attitudes, personal discipline and the environments in which people live influence their development, health, opportunities and quality of life.

Our decisions do not affect us alone. The choices of parents, leaders, teachers, employers, governments, religious institutions and other members of society can either create environments in which people flourish or conditions in which they suffer. In other words, our individual and collective actions have the power to make our homes, communities and societies more like heaven or more like hell.

AND THIS IS WHERE MY MINISTRY COMES IN.

Despite changing generations, new tastes, changing lifestyles and evolving approaches to life, the fundamental principles of human development remain relevant.

Methods of teaching may change. Ways of demonstrating commitment may change. Communication technologies, cultural expressions and approaches to reaching people may change. Religious institutions must also learn to communicate meaningfully with contemporary society.

However, the fundamental message that our choices have consequences, that responsibility matters, that love is essential, that discipline is necessary, and that how we treat other people influences the quality of our lives and communities remains as relevant today as it was in previous generations.

Indeed, almost every field of education, when properly understood and applied, reinforces some of these fundamental truths. Whether we study psychology, economics, medicine, agriculture, engineering, education, law or social sciences, we encounter principles that demonstrate the relationship between knowledge, responsible action and desirable outcomes.

These are truths that religion and the Holy Scriptures taught long before modern science developed the tools and terminology to investigate many of their practical implications.

BUT WHAT ABOUT LIFE AFTER DEATH?

Has science established what happens to human beings after death? Has it scientifically demonstrated whether heaven and hell exist as spiritual realities? No. These remain questions beyond what current scientific methods can conclusively establish.

Science has made remarkable discoveries about human life, the universe and the natural world, but it has not provided a conclusive scientific answer about what happens to human consciousness or personal existence after death.

Therefore, while we should appreciate scientific knowledge and its contribution to human development, we should also recognise the limitations of what science can presently establish.

And here is an important consideration: if the Holy Scriptures communicated truths about human behaviour, relationships, responsibility, discipline, love, justice and the consequences of our choices long before many of these principles received scientific investigation, should we casually dismiss what those same Scriptures teach about eternity?

We do not have to wait until science explains everything before we take spiritual questions seriously.

One argument, often expressed in discussions about faith, is that there is wisdom in taking the possibility of eternity seriously rather than dismissing it without consideration. In the spirit of that argument, a person once observed:

"There is need to believe and stay on the safe side, just in case it turns out to be true."

Ultimately, whether we examine life through religion, science, education or social development, one fundamental lesson remains: our choices matter. They shape our character, influence our relationships, affect other people's lives and contribute to the kind of society we build.

Let us therefore make choices that bring more love, peace, responsibility, justice, prosperity and human dignity into our world, while remaining mindful of our accountability before God.

Heaven and hell are not merely subjects for religious debate. Even in our present earthly experiences, our choices can contribute to conditions that resemble either one.

And beyond this present life, the Scriptures invite us to consider an eternity that science has neither established nor disproved.

Elijah Mutua Kirima
Pastor and Social Worker

THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD.

GOD AS HUSBAND: MODEL AND EXAMPLE OF HUSBANDS AND FATHERS.

 

GOD AS HUSBAND: MODEL AND EXAMPLE OF HUSBANDS AND FATHERS.

Understanding Leadership, Respect, Obedience, Responsibility and Financial Provision

Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself through different relationships and titles, including Father and Husband. These descriptions are not merely expressions of identity; they help us understand His character, His relationship with humanity and the responsibilities associated with these relationships.

Several scriptures refer to God as the Husband of His people, while others describe Him as their Father. These descriptions offer important lessons about marriage, fatherhood, family leadership and the nature of responsible relationships.

Unfortunately, due to economic hardships, changing social expectations and the pressures of modern life, many people have increasingly come to associate the value of a husband and father primarily with financial provision and what money can purchase.

Consequently, where a man does not have enough money to meet the expectations placed upon him, he may lose the respect of his wife, children and even the wider society. His counsel may be disregarded, his leadership questioned and his contribution to the family overlooked.

But is financial provision the only responsibility of a husband and father? Should the respect accorded to a man be determined exclusively by the amount of money he brings home?

I believe we need to understand this subject more deeply.

1. GOD AS HUSBAND: UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF THE RELATIONSHIP

The Bible explicitly describes God as a Husband to His people.

Isaiah 54:5

"For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth."

Jeremiah 31:32

"It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the Lord.

These scriptures reveal something important about the nature of the relationship between God and His people.

God's husbandhood is demonstrated through His commitment, guidance, protection, provision, faithfulness and covenant relationship.

He does not cease being God because His people experience difficulties. Neither does His authority become invalid because they are passing through circumstances in which they do not have everything they desire.

He remains their source of wisdom, direction, correction and hope.

This gives us an opportunity to reconsider what it means to be a husband and father.

A responsible husband is not simply a person who brings money into the home. He is also someone who provides direction, exercises wisdom, protects the interests of the family, offers counsel, promotes unity and takes responsibility for the welfare of those entrusted to his care.

Financial provision is important, but it is not the entirety of husbandhood or fatherhood.

2. RESPECT AND OBEDIENCE ARE IMPORTANT FOR PROPER ORDER

God's relationship with His people also demonstrates that relationships require faithfulness, respect and obedience.

In Ezekiel 16, God describes Israel's unfaithfulness using the illustration of an adulterous wife who abandons her husband.

Ezekiel 16:32

"You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband!"

The wider passage describes the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and disregard for its covenant relationship with God.

The lesson is that a relationship cannot thrive where commitment, faithfulness and respect are continually abandoned.

Similarly, families cannot sustainably thrive where members have no regard for one another, where counsel is consistently rejected and where everyone seeks to exercise authority without accepting responsibility.

The value, authority and respect accorded to a husband and father should not be determined primarily by his financial capacity, but also by his responsibility to provide direction, wisdom, counsel, protection, leadership and care. The wife and children should afford him this opportunity.

A husband is called to lead responsibly, not to dominate or intimidate. God is ever waiting for us to give Him the opportunity without forcing us.

3. GOD'S ORDER FOR RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILY LEADERSHIP

In 1 Corinthians, Apostle Paul explains an order of relationships and responsibility.

1 Corinthians 11:3

"But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God."

This passage presents a structure of headship that has been understood differently across Christian traditions. In the context of marriage, many interpreters understand the reference to women in discussions of this kind as particularly concerning wives.

Ephesians provides a more direct instruction concerning marriage.

Ephesians 5:22

"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord."

How have we submitted to the Lord? Do we say, "Place money on the table before Me, and then My children will listen to you and obey you"? Or do we say, "Even when there is no money on the table and nothing that money can buy, show us how to handle the situation"?

Even when the wife has money, this order applies for Christ's sake:

Ephesians 5:21

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

And:

Ephesians 5:25

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Christ does not guarantee every dollar we want, but He guarantees His love, presence and guidance through whatever we may find ourselves in.

The Bible does not present husbandhood as an opportunity for selfishness or the enjoyment of privileges without responsibility. Rather, it places a serious responsibility upon the husband to love, serve, care for and make sacrifices for his wife and children, where there are children.

The husband's leadership must therefore be informed by Christ's example.

A husband's godly duty is to demonstrate love, responsibility, integrity and consideration as an appreciation of the full biblical meaning of his position.

Likewise, a wife should understand that respect, cooperation and willingness to receive godly counsel are important contributions to the stability and success of marriage.

4. FINANCIAL PROVISION ALONE CANNOT GUARANTEE A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY

Consider a family where the husband provides all the financial resources required.

The wife and children have food, clothing, education, accommodation and other material comforts.

However, there is no respect, no cooperation, no appreciation, no willingness to listen to responsible counsel and no commitment to maintaining family order.

Such a family may have material wealth but still experience serious conflict, emotional suffering, disunity and instability.

Money cannot independently purchase genuine love, respect, trust, peace or responsible relationships.

Indeed, where money exists without wisdom, discipline, accountability and mutual respect, it can become a source of conflict, entitlement, selfishness and eventual destruction.

On the other hand, consider a family where the husband is experiencing financial difficulties but continues to demonstrate responsibility, wisdom, love, commitment and good leadership.

Where the wife and children cooperate, encourage him, participate in finding solutions and respect the positive direction being offered, the family has a stronger foundation upon which to overcome its difficulties.

Such cooperation does not automatically guarantee financial success, but it creates an environment in which solutions can be pursued with greater unity and effectiveness.

A family should not confuse temporary financial inability with an absence of value, wisdom or responsibility.

Even when the expectation of respect suffers blows, the husband should not be quick to escape his responsibility to work, provide according to his ability and contribute to the family's welfare.

5. UNDERSTANDING GOD AS OUR HUSBAND: WE DO NOT RECEIVE EVERYTHING WE ASK FOR

There is another important lesson in God's relationship with humanity.

God calls Himself our Father and Husband, yet believers around the world can testify that they do not receive everything they ask Him for, or necessarily receive it when they expect it.

Sometimes financial provision is delayed. Sometimes circumstances remain difficult despite prayer. Sometimes God provides wisdom and direction rather than immediately removing the difficulty.

Yet believers continue to depend on Him because His relationship with them is greater than the material benefits they receive.

Through His Word, He teaches us how to conduct ourselves, make decisions, exercise patience, avoid destructive behaviour and remain hopeful even in difficult circumstances.

His guidance can prevent situations from becoming worse while helping us identify the right steps towards improvement.

This is an important lesson for husbands and fathers.

A man's contribution to his family should not be measured exclusively by what he can financially provide at a particular moment.

His wisdom, guidance, counsel, encouragement, faithfulness, emotional support and commitment to the family's welfare are also important.

A husband should strive to provide materially, but he must also understand that his responsibility extends to the spiritual, emotional, social and practical wellbeing of his family.

6. RESPECT, UNITY AND PRAISE ARE IMPORTANT FOR A THRIVING FAMILY

The Bible repeatedly encourages believers to maintain a relationship with God characterised by praise, gratitude and faithfulness.

Psalm 150:1–6

The Psalm calls upon God's people to praise Him in His sanctuary, praise Him for His mighty acts and greatness, and concludes:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."

This reminds us that our relationship with God should not be determined exclusively by whether we have received the material things we desire.

Praise, gratitude and faithfulness should remain part of our lives even during difficult seasons.

There is also a family lesson here.

A household filled with hatred, bitterness, disrespect, constant hostility and unnecessary conflict will struggle to achieve its full potential.

Families need an environment where members appreciate one another, communicate honestly, offer constructive counsel, forgive, cooperate and work towards common objectives.

Just as believers are encouraged to maintain their relationship with God through faithfulness and praise, family members should cultivate relationships through love, respect, gratitude and mutual responsibility.

7. UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Biblical leadership is not simply about occupying a position. It is about fulfilling the biblical responsibilities attached to that position.

A father must be a responsible example to his children.

A husband must be committed to the welfare of his wife.

A leader must be willing to listen, correct mistakes, seek wisdom and make sacrifices for the people under his care.

Similarly, wives and children should understand the importance of respect, cooperation, discipline and appreciation rather than making financial capacity the sole measure of a man's worth.

Respect should not be demanded through fear. It should be cultivated through character, responsibility, love and consistency.

And where there is abuse, coercion or danger, seeking protection and appropriate assistance is not disobedience to God.

CONCLUSION: LET US RESTORE THE FULL MEANING OF HUSBANDHOOD AND FATHERHOOD

God describes Himself as both Father and Husband. These relationships help us appreciate that leadership and care involve much more than material provision.

A husband and father has a responsibility to guide, protect, teach, counsel, encourage, correct lovingly, provide according to his ability and promote the overall wellbeing of his family.

Financial provision is important, but it should not become the only standard by which husbandhood and fatherhood are evaluated.

Likewise, respect and obedience are important for proper family order, but they must operate alongside love, justice, dignity, accountability and responsible leadership.

Family members should cooperate in identifying solutions, maintaining peace and pursuing improvement.

A husband who is financially well-off should not assume that providing money excuses him from his other responsibilities. Neither does financial provision give him the right to treat his wife and children with scorn and indignity.

The success of a family is not determined merely by how much money enters the household, but also by the quality of relationships, leadership, cooperation, responsibility and values maintained within it.

Let husbands become responsible leaders rather than dictators. Let wives become supportive partners rather than opponents. Let children learn respect, discipline and responsibility. And let every family member understand that a successful home is built through shared commitment and mutual consideration.

May we learn from God's relationship with His people and appreciate that true leadership is demonstrated not only through what one provides, but also through how one guides, loves, serves and takes responsibility.

God is not merely interested in what we receive from Him; He is also interested in the relationship we maintain with Him. Likewise, marriage and family should be about more than financial benefits. They should be relationships founded upon love, faithfulness, responsibility, respect and a shared commitment to living well.

Elijah Mutua Kirima
Pastor
THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD.