Are You a Sunday Christian?

 


Praise be to Jesus! I have stopped being a “Sunday Christian” a long time ago.

These words resonate deeply with anyone who has questioned the authenticity of their faith or the practices of modern-day Christianity. Being a “Sunday Christian” means showing up to church once a week, going through the motions, and then living the rest of the week as if God doesn’t exist. But is this what Jesus intended for His followers?

The answer is a resounding no. Jesus didn’t call us to a once-a-week religion. He called us to a daily relationship—a life of fellowship, prayer, and remembrance of His sacrifice.


What Does It Mean to Be the Body of Christ?

The Church is not a building or a Sunday morning event. It’s the Body of Christ—a living, breathing community of believers who are united in faith, love, and purpose.

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NKJV)

This means that every believer has a role to play, not just on Sundays but every day of the week. We’re called to:

  • Fellowship with One Another: Share life, encourage one another, and grow together in faith.
  • Pray Together: Lift each other up in prayer and seek God’s will as a community.
  • Remember Jesus: Partake in the Lord’s Supper as a reminder of His sacrifice and our unity in Him.

This is the true essence of the Church.


The Problem with “Sunday Christianity”

For many, church has become a ritual—a place to show up, sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, and then go home unchanged. But this is far from what Jesus intended.

“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” — Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)

When our faith is confined to Sundays, we risk becoming like the people Jesus described—outwardly religious but inwardly disconnected from Him. This kind of Christianity lacks power, purpose, and transformation.


The Call to Genuine Discipleship

Jesus didn’t call us to be spectators; He called us to be disciples. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus every day, learning from Him, obeying His commands, and living out His mission.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” — Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

This means:

  1. Deny Yourself: Surrender your desires, plans, and priorities to Jesus.
  2. Take Up Your Cross: Be willing to sacrifice and suffer for the sake of the gospel.
  3. Follow Jesus: Walk in His footsteps, living a life of love, humility, and obedience.

Being a disciple isn’t easy, but it’s the most fulfilling way to live.


The Importance of Righteous Judgment

The Bible calls us to judge righteously, and this is a principle we must take seriously. While we’re not to judge others hypocritically or harshly, we are called to discern what aligns with God’s Word and what doesn’t.

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” — John 7:24 (NKJV)

This means evaluating the practices and teachings of the Church in light of Scripture. If something doesn’t align with God’s Word, we have a responsibility to address it—not out of pride or criticism, but out of love and a desire for truth.


How to Move Beyond “Sunday Christianity”

If you’ve been feeling disconnected or dissatisfied with your faith, here are a few steps to move beyond “Sunday Christianity”:

  1. Cultivate a Daily Relationship with God: Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and worship every day.
  2. Join a Genuine Fellowship: Find a group of believers who are committed to living out their faith authentically.
  3. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve your church, community, and those in need.
  4. Live on Mission: Share the gospel, make disciples, and live as a witness for Jesus in every area of your life.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’ve stopped being a “Sunday Christian,” you’re on the right path. Genuine faith isn’t about rituals or appearances—it’s about a daily, life-changing relationship with Jesus.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

Keep pursuing authentic fellowship, righteous living, and a deeper walk with Christ. The world doesn’t need more “Sunday Christians”—it needs disciples who live out their faith every day.


Call-to-Action

Have you struggled with being a “Sunday Christian”? How have you moved toward a more authentic faith? Share your story in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to live as the true Body of Christ—united, purposeful, and faithful every day of the week.

Remember, faith isn’t a Sunday event—it’s a daily journey. Walk in it boldly!

Why Do People Easily Fall Into Evil Ways?

 


In our modern world, almost every product we purchase comes with a manual. Whether it’s a smartphone, a car, or even a simple kitchen appliance, the manual provides clear instructions on how to use it, maintain it, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. These guidelines are designed by the creator of the product, who understands its inner workings and knows exactly how to optimize its performance. Without the manual, we’d be left guessing, potentially damaging the product or failing to use it to its full potential.

Interestingly, as human beings, we too come with a "manual." Our Creator—The Author of life—knows exactly how we function, what we need to thrive, and how to "fix" us when we’re broken. Just as a product manual sets boundaries and provides instructions, The Author has given us guidelines, principles, and paths to follow to ensure we live fulfilling, purposeful lives. These boundaries aren’t meant to restrict us but to protect us and help us reach our full potential.

However, there’s a third party involved—a force that seeks to disrupt, distort, and destroy the original design. This force opposes The Author and His intentions for humanity. It thrives on confusion, chaos, and rebellion, tempting us to ignore the manual and go our own way. When we yield to this influence, we often find ourselves lost, broken, and far from the life we were meant to live.

Think about it: when a product’s manual is lost or ignored, the product often malfunctions or becomes useless. The same is true for us. When we lose sight of our "manual"—the principles and guidance provided by our Creator—we wander aimlessly, searching for answers in all the wrong places. We try to fix ourselves with temporary solutions, only to end up in dead ends or worse, deeper trouble. This is why so many people fall into evil ways—they’ve lost their connection to the original source of truth and guidance.

But here’s the good news: no matter how far you’ve strayed or how lost you feel, your manual is never truly out of reach. The Author of your life is always ready to help you rediscover it. You don’t need a degree, a PhD, or any special qualifications to reconnect with Him. All it takes is a simple, sincere request—a heartfelt prayer—to invite Him back into your life.

If you’re feeling lost, confused, or stuck in a cycle of poor decisions, you can start today by saying these words:

"Dear Author of my life, I understand that I’m lost. If You are real and willing to help me, I ask You to reveal Yourself to me and guide me back to the right path. Thank You."

This simple prayer is the first step toward rediscovering your manual and realigning your life with its original design. The Author knows you intimately, and He’s ready to help you fix what’s broken, restore what’s lost, and guide you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.

So, are you one of those who’ve lost their manual? If so, know that it’s never too late to find it again. The Author is waiting for you to reach out. All you have to do is ask.

Prayer for Success in Life: Trusting God’s Promises in Times of Struggle

 


Success in life often feels like an uphill battle, especially when faced with challenges like unemployment, financial strain, or uncertainty about the future. But through faith, perseverance, and trusting in God’s promises, we can overcome these obstacles and experience breakthroughs. I want to share my personal story of how God turned my situation around and provide a prayer for success that you can hold onto in your own journey.

My Journey to Success

There was a time in my life when I was without a job and struggling financially. It was a difficult season, but God used it to grow my faith in ways I never expected. During this time, an Indian pastor visited our church and conducted a series of teachings on building faith. His messages deeply impacted me, and I was eager to learn more.

After the series ended, I drove him to another church and later dropped him off at the airport. Before leaving, he gave me some money as a token of appreciation. When I cashed it, I noticed an advertisement that caught my attention: “How to Earn Online.” The cost of the one-day course was nearly the exact amount I had received. I felt a strong prompting to invest that money, believing in the principle of sowing and reaping. I boldly declared, “I will sow and reap again and again,” trusting in God’s promises.

I followed the instructions from the course, using my laptop and a dongle to access the internet. Days turned into a week, and nothing seemed to happen. My wife and our two young daughters kept asking me, “Any updates?” It was discouraging, but I held onto my faith. On the tenth day, I received a reply: I had been selected for the job! This was a turning point for us. It opened the door for me to continue sowing and reaping, and it became a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping

The Bible teaches us the principle of sowing and reaping: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7). When we sow in faith—whether it’s our time, resources, or efforts—we can trust that God will bring a harvest in His perfect timing. The key is to remain steadfast and trust in His promises, even when we don’t see immediate results.

A Prayer for Success in Life

If you’re seeking success in your career, finances, or any area of life, I encourage you to pray this prayer with faith and expectation:

“Father, Lord God Almighty, I thank you for your Word and the promises you have kept for us in the Bible. You see the hearts and desires of everyone reading this. Lord, I ask that you give them hope and understanding that you are their provider. You alone can supply all their needs and wants according to your riches in glory. I command your blessings upon them. Open doors of opportunity, favor, and breakthrough in their lives. Let them receive what you have in store for them, and may they be a blessing to others as well. I pray for wisdom, guidance, and perseverance as they walk in faith. In Jesus’ matchless name, I pray. Amen.”

Practical Steps to Achieve Success

While prayer is powerful, it’s also important to take practical steps toward your goals. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:

  1. Trust in God’s Timing
    • Success doesn’t always happen overnight. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow.
  2. Invest in Yourself
    • Like I did with the online course, invest in learning new skills or improving existing ones. This can open doors to new opportunities.
  3. Stay Persistent
    • Don’t give up when results aren’t immediate. Keep sowing seeds of effort and faith, and trust that God will bring the harvest.
  4. Seek God’s Guidance
    • Pray for wisdom and direction in every decision. God’s plans for you are good, and He will guide you toward success.
  5. Be a Blessing to Others
    • As you experience success, use it to bless others. Generosity and kindness are key principles in God’s economy.

Final Thoughts

Success in life is not just about achieving material wealth or career milestones; it’s about walking in God’s purpose for your life. My story is a testament to the fact that when we trust in God’s promises and take steps of faith, He can turn our struggles into victories. Remember, the principle of sowing and reaping is real, and God’s Word never fails.

If you’re in a season of waiting or uncertainty, hold onto this prayer and trust that God is working behind the scenes. He sees your efforts, hears your prayers, and will bring success in His perfect timing. Keep believing, keep sowing, and watch God do amazing things in your life!

If this resonated with you, feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Let’s encourage one another as we walk this journey of faith and success together.

You are Blessed!

God Wants You Healthy More Than Anyone Else

 


Have you ever wondered if God really cares about your health? Maybe you’ve prayed for healing—for yourself or a loved one—and wondered if God is listening. Let me assure you: God is more than willing and wants you to be healthy. In fact, His desire for your well-being is greater than anyone else’s in the whole world.

The Bible is filled with promises of healing, health, and wholeness. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re expressions of God’s heart for His children. Let’s explore why God wants you healthy and how you can walk in the fullness of His healing promises.


God’s Heart for Your Health

From the very beginning, God’s desire has been for His people to live in health and wholeness. When He created Adam and Eve, He placed them in a perfect environment where there was no sickness, pain, or death. Even after sin entered the world, God provided a way for us to be restored—through Jesus Christ.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” — 3 John 1:2 (NKJV)

This verse shows that God’s will for us includes physical health. He doesn’t just care about our spiritual well-being; He cares about every aspect of our lives, including our bodies.


Healing Is Part of God’s Nature

Healing isn’t just something God does—it’s who He is. One of His names in the Bible is Jehovah Rapha, which means “The Lord who heals you.”

“I am the Lord who heals you.” — Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)

This name was revealed to the Israelites after God delivered them from Egypt and provided for their needs in the wilderness. It’s a reminder that God is not only our Savior but also our Healer.


Jesus Demonstrated God’s Will for Healing

During His ministry on earth, Jesus healed everyone who came to Him. He didn’t turn anyone away or tell them it wasn’t God’s will for them to be healed.

  • He healed the blind (Matthew 9:27-30).
  • He healed the lame (John 5:1-9).
  • He healed the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
  • He even raised the dead (John 11:43-44).

“Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” — Matthew 9:35 (NKJV)

Jesus’ actions show us that healing is always God’s will. If it weren’t, Jesus wouldn’t have healed everyone who came to Him.


Healing Is Part of Your Inheritance

When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t just pay for our sins—He also bore our sicknesses and diseases.

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV)

This means that healing is part of your inheritance as a child of God. Just as salvation is a gift you receive by faith, so is healing.


Why Doesn’t Everyone Experience Healing?

If healing is God’s will, why doesn’t everyone experience it? This is a complex question, but here are a few things to consider:

  1. Faith Plays a Role: Jesus often linked healing to faith (Matthew 9:22, Mark 5:34). Faith is the bridge that connects us to God’s promises. For example, in the story of Padma’s Miracle: A Testament of Unshakable Faith, we see how unwavering faith in God’s promises led to a miraculous breakthrough.
  2. Timing and Sovereignty: Sometimes, God’s timing is different from ours. He may be working in ways we can’t see.
  3. Spiritual Warfare: The enemy opposes God’s will and tries to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
  4. Lack of Knowledge: Many people don’t know that healing is part of their inheritance in Christ.

While we may not always understand why healing doesn’t happen immediately, we can trust that God is good and His promises are true.


How to Walk in God’s Healing Promises

Here are some practical steps to walk in the fullness of God’s healing promises:

  1. Declare God’s Word: Speak Scriptures like Isaiah 53:5 and 3 John 1:2 over your life.
  2. Pray in Faith: Ask God for healing, believing that He wants to heal you.
  3. Seek Prayer and Support: Ask others to pray for you and stand in faith with you.
  4. Take Care of Your Body: Honor God by making healthy choices in your diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’re struggling with sickness or pain, take heart. God is more than willing to heal you. His desire for your health is greater than anyone else’s in the whole world.

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NKJV)

Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep declaring God’s promises. Healing is your inheritance, and God is faithful to fulfill His Word.


Call-to-Action

Have you experienced God’s healing in your life? Share your story in the comments below to encourage others. Let’s build a community of faith that stands on God’s promises and celebrates His goodness.

Remember, God wants you healthy more than anyone else. Walk in that truth today!

You Are Perfect!

 


How often have you heard someone say, “I’m not perfect”? It’s a common phrase, often spoken with a sigh, as people look at their flaws, mistakes, or outward circumstances. But here’s the truth: God says you are made perfect.

This perfection isn’t based on your education, wealth, health, or even your own experiences. It’s not something you can earn or achieve through your efforts. Instead, it’s the result of the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross—a perfect sacrifice that fulfilled the will of God the Father and made us whole in Him.


The World’s View of Perfection

The world’s idea of perfection is often tied to outward appearances or achievements. We’re told that we need to be smarter, richer, healthier, or more successful to be “perfect.” But this standard is impossible to meet. No matter how much we strive, we’ll always fall short.

This is why so many people feel inadequate, insecure, or unworthy. They’re chasing a version of perfection that doesn’t exist. But God offers us a different standard—one that’s not based on our performance but on His grace.


God’s View of Perfection

In God’s eyes, perfection isn’t about what we do—it’s about what Jesus has already done. When Jesus died on the cross, He took our sins, our flaws, and our imperfections upon Himself. In exchange, He gave us His righteousness, His holiness, and His perfection.

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV)

This verse tells us two incredible truths:

  1. We are already perfect in Christ: Through His sacrifice, we’ve been made complete and whole.
  2. We are being sanctified: While we’re already perfect in God’s eyes, He’s still working in us to reflect that perfection in our daily lives.

The Difference Between Outward and Inward Perfection

It’s important to understand that our perfection in Christ is a spiritual reality, not an outward appearance. We may still struggle with sin, make mistakes, or face challenges in life, but these don’t define us. What defines us is our identity in Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become new creations. Our old selves—with all their flaws and failures—are gone, and we’re made perfect in Him. This doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle, but it does mean that our struggles don’t change who we are in God’s eyes.


Living in the Truth of Your Perfection

Knowing that we’re perfect in Christ changes everything. It frees us from the pressure to perform, the fear of failure, and the need for approval. Here’s how you can live in the truth of your perfection:

  1. Declare God’s Truth: Speak Scriptures like Hebrews 10:14 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 over your life. Remind yourself daily that you are perfect in Christ.
  2. Reject the World’s Standards: Stop comparing yourself to others or striving to meet impossible expectations. Your worth is found in Jesus, not your achievements.
  3. Embrace God’s Grace: When you make mistakes, don’t dwell on them. Instead, thank God for His grace and move forward in His love.
  4. Walk in Confidence: Live boldly, knowing that you are loved, accepted, and perfected by God.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’ve been feeling inadequate or unworthy, take heart. God says you are perfect—not because of anything you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for you. His sacrifice on the cross was enough to make you whole, complete, and flawless in God’s eyes.

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” — Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV)

You don’t have to strive for perfection anymore. In Christ, you already are perfect.


Call-to-Action

What does being “perfect in Christ” mean to you? How has this truth changed the way you see yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to live in the freedom and confidence of our identity in Christ!

Remember, you are perfect—not by your own efforts, but by the completed work of Jesus. Walk in that truth today!

The Role of Curiosity

 


Learning Beyond Books

“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” — Deuteronomy 11:19

When we think of education, we often picture textbooks, lesson plans, and structured classroom settings. But the truth is, some of the most profound learning happens outside the pages of a book. Education is not confined to a desk or a schedule—it happens in conversations, in daily tasks, and in the moments between lessons. As parents and educators, we have the incredible opportunity to teach our children not just academics, but life skills, values, and faith through the everyday moments we share with them.


Education Is a Lifestyle

Deuteronomy 11:19 reminds us that teaching our children is not a one-time event or a rigid curriculum. It’s a lifestyle. It’s about weaving lessons into the fabric of daily life—whether you’re sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, or getting up.

Here are some ways learning happens beyond books:

  1. Conversations: The discussions you have with your children—whether about current events, family values, or their dreams—are powerful teaching moments.
  2. Daily Tasks: Cooking, cleaning, and even grocery shopping can teach math, responsibility, and life skills.
  3. Nature Walks: Exploring the outdoors can spark curiosity about science, geography, and God’s creation.
  4. Family Devotions: Reading the Bible and praying together instill faith and spiritual growth.

Every moment is an opportunity to teach, guide, and inspire.


The Power of Modeling

Children learn not only from what we say but also from what we do. They watch how we handle stress, how we treat others, and how we prioritize our time. This is why modeling is such a powerful teaching tool.

For example:

  • If you want to teach kindness, let your children see you helping a neighbor or showing compassion to someone in need.
  • If you want to teach perseverance, let them see you working through a challenge without giving up.
  • If you want to teach faith, let them hear you pray and see you trust God in difficult situations.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1

As parents, we are our children’s first and most influential role models. Let’s make the most of this responsibility by living out the values we want to instill in them.


Everyday Moments as Teaching Opportunities

Here are some practical ways to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities:

  1. In the Kitchen: Teach fractions while baking, discuss nutrition while preparing meals, or talk about the science of heat and chemical reactions.
  2. On a Walk: Point out different plants and animals, discuss the weather, or use the time to talk about God’s creation and creativity.
  3. During Chores: Use household tasks to teach responsibility, teamwork, and the value of hard work.
  4. At Bedtime: Share stories from your own life, read a Bible passage, or discuss the highs and lows of the day.

These moments may seem small, but they leave a lasting impact.


The Role of Curiosity

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a sense of curiosity. When we encourage them to ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek answers, we’re fostering a love for learning that goes beyond textbooks.

For example:

  • If your child asks why the sky is blue, take the time to explain—or explore the answer together.
  • If they’re curious about how a car engine works, watch a video or visit a mechanic to learn more.
  • If they wonder about a Bible story, read it together and discuss its meaning.

Curiosity is the spark that ignites lifelong learning.


A Holistic Approach to Education

Homeschooling—and parenting in general—is about more than academics. It’s about nurturing the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. When we embrace a holistic approach to education, we prepare our children not just for tests and grades, but for life.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” — Luke 2:52

This verse reminds us that true growth involves intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social development. As parents, we have the privilege of guiding our children in all these areas.


A Message for Parents

If you’re feeling the pressure to stick to a rigid curriculum or meet certain academic standards, take a deep breath. Remember that some of the most important lessons your child will learn happen outside the pages of a book.

Embrace the everyday moments. Use them to teach, to connect, and to disciple. And most importantly, trust that God is with you in this journey. He has given you everything you need to raise your children well.


Call-to-Action

What are some of your favorite “learning beyond books” moments with your children? Share your stories and ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire and encourage one another to make the most of every teaching opportunity.

Remember, education is not just about what’s in the books—it’s about the life you live and the lessons you share along the way.

Was Jesus Striped 39 Times Before Crucifixion?

 


For years, I’ve heard Christians say that Jesus was whipped 39 times before His crucifixion. Some even claim that all sicknesses in the world fall into 39 categories, and that’s why Jesus endured 39 stripes. Others suggest that Roman law prohibited more than 40 lashes, so the soldiers stopped at 39 to avoid breaking the law.

But here’s the surprising truth: The Bible never specifies the number of times Jesus was whipped. So where did this idea come from, and is it accurate? Let’s explore this topic biblically and historically to separate fact from tradition.


What Does the Bible Say About Jesus’ Scourging?

The Bible provides limited details about Jesus’ scourging. Here’s what we know:

  1. Jesus Was Scourged:
    “Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.” — John 19:1 (NKJV)
    Scourging was a brutal form of punishment where the victim was whipped with a multi-tailed whip, often embedded with sharp objects like bones or metal.
  2. It Was Part of His Suffering:
    “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
    This verse is often cited to connect Jesus’ scourging with our healing, but it doesn’t specify the number of stripes.
  3. The Purpose of Scourging:
    Scourging was intended to weaken the victim before crucifixion, making the process even more painful and humiliating.

Where Did the Idea of 39 Stripes Come From?

The belief that Jesus was whipped 39 times likely stems from a misunderstanding of Jewish law and tradition, not Roman practices. Here’s the breakdown:

  1. Jewish Law on Flogging:
    In Jewish law, the maximum number of lashes a person could receive was 40 (Deuteronomy 25:3). However, to avoid accidentally exceeding this limit, the Jews would often stop at 39 lashes.
  2. Roman Scourging:
    The Romans, who crucified Jesus, had no such limit. Roman scourging was brutal and often resulted in severe injury or even death. The number of lashes depended on the severity of the crime and the mood of the soldiers.
  3. Misapplied Tradition:
    Over time, some Christians may have combined Jewish flogging traditions with Jesus’ scourging, leading to the belief that He received 39 stripes. However, this is not supported by Scripture or historical records.

Who Punished Jesus: Romans or Jews?

It’s important to clarify who was responsible for Jesus’ punishment. While the Jewish leaders accused Jesus and pressured Pilate to crucify Him, it was the Romans who carried out the scourging and crucifixion.

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him.” — Matthew 27:27 (NKJV)

The Romans had no law limiting the number of lashes, and their scourging was far more severe than Jewish flogging. Therefore, the idea that Jesus was whipped exactly 39 times to comply with Roman law is historically inaccurate.


The Danger of Twisting Scripture

The belief that Jesus was striped 39 times is an example of how traditions and assumptions can sometimes overshadow biblical truth. While it’s not necessarily harmful to believe this, it’s important to base our faith on what Scripture actually says, not on human traditions or assumptions.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

When we add to or twist Scripture, we risk distorting the truth and leading others into confusion.


The True Significance of Jesus’ Scourging

While the exact number of stripes Jesus received isn’t specified in the Bible, the significance of His suffering is clear:

  1. He Bore Our Sins: Jesus endured unimaginable pain to pay the price for our sins.
  2. He Secured Our Healing: Isaiah 53:5 connects His wounds with our healing, emphasizing the spiritual and physical restoration we receive through His sacrifice.
  3. He Demonstrated God’s Love: Jesus’ willingness to suffer shows the depth of God’s love for us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NKJV)


A Message of Encouragement

Whether Jesus was whipped 39 times or more, the most important truth is that He suffered for us. His sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation, healing, and hope.

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” — Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV)

Let’s focus on the heart of the gospel—Jesus’ death and resurrection—rather than getting caught up in traditions or assumptions.


Call-to-Action

What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you heard the belief that Jesus was whipped 39 times? Share your perspective in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to study Scripture carefully and build our faith on its unchanging truth.

Remember, the power of the gospel isn’t in the number of stripes Jesus received—it’s in the fact that He willingly suffered and died for us. Let’s honor His sacrifice by living in the fullness of His love and grace.