Tag Archive for: Christ

Unveiling the Mazzaroth: The Biblical Meaning Behind the Constellations

Have you ever looked up at the stars and wondered if they hold a message for you? What if the constellations aren’t about astrology but actually tell God’s story and yours? This Bible-based article shows how the stars, from Virgo announcing Christ’s birth to Leo proclaiming His victory, reveal God’s plan. But Satan has brought deception, twisting the stars into tools for astrology and false guidance, hiding their true purpose. Discover the Mazzaroth, the story God wrote with His own finger and breathed into creation, hidden in plain sight to strengthen your faith and reveal His purpose for your life.

The Bible tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). Yet, many people are unaware of how the stars reveal God’s plans. The Mazzaroth, the Hebrew word for constellations, gives us insights into God’s story of salvation, His design for Israel, and His purposes for humanity.

What Is the Mazzaroth?

The Mazzaroth is mentioned in Job 38:31-33, where God asks Job, “Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen Orion’s belt? Can you bring forth the constellations (Mazzaroth) in their seasons?” This shows that God placed the stars with a purpose. They are not random but part of His divine design.

Many people associate the constellations with astrology, but the Bible’s perspective is very different. The constellations are not for predicting fortunes; instead, they reveal God’s redemption plan. Each one symbolizes a piece of God’s story, from creation to Christ’s victory.

The Story of the Mazzaroth

The Mazzaroth tells a story that begins with a promise of salvation and ends with Christ’s reign as King. Here’s the order of the constellations and their biblical meanings:

  1. Virgo (The Virgin) 👩 – Represents the virgin birth of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14).
  2. Libra (The Scales) ⚖️ – Symbolizes justice and the need for atonement through Jesus (Romans 3:23-26).
  3. Scorpio (The Scorpion) 🦂 – Shows Satan’s defeat by Jesus (Genesis 3:15).
  4. Sagittarius (The Archer) 🏹 – Points to Jesus as the victorious Redeemer (Psalm 45:4-5).
  5. Capricorn (The Goat) 🐐 – Represents Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb (Leviticus 16:15).
  6. Aquarius (The Water Bearer) 🌊 – Symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39).
  7. Pisces (The Fish) 🐟 – Represents believers and the growth of the Church (Matthew 4:19).
  8. Aries (The Ram) 🐏 – Highlights Jesus as the Lamb who takes away sin (John 1:29).
  9. Taurus (The Bull) 🐂 – Signifies Christ’s return in strength and judgment (Revelation 19:11-16).
  10. Gemini (The Twins) 👯‍♂️ – Reflects Jesus’ dual nature as God and man (Philippians 2:6-8).
  11. Cancer (The Crab) 🦀 – Represents the gathering of God’s people into His kingdom (John 14:2-3).
  12. Leo (The Lion) 🦁 – Points to Jesus as the Lion of Judah, reigning forever (Revelation 5:5).

The Tribes of Israel and the Mazzaroth

Each of Israel’s twelve tribes is linked to a constellation. When God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5), it symbolized His covenant with the tribes of Israel. Here is how the tribes align with the Mazzaroth, starting with Nisan, the first month of the Hebrew calendar:

  1. Gad – Nisan (March-April), Aries (The Ram) – Known for strength and courage.
  2. Ephraim – Iyar (April-May), Taurus (The Bull) – Represents fruitfulness and leadership.
  3. Zebulun – Sivan (May-June), Gemini (The Twins) – Associated with trade and living by the sea.
  4. Issachar – Tammuz (June-July), Cancer (The Crab) – Known for wisdom and understanding.
  5. Judah – Av (July-August), Leo (The Lion) – Symbolizes kingship and praise.
  6. Naphtali – Elul (August-September), Virgo (The Virgin) – Swift and eloquent.
  7. Dan – Tishrei (September-October), Libra (The Scales) – Represents judgment and discernment.
  8. Asher – Cheshvan (October-November), Scorpio (The Scorpion) – Blessed with abundance.
  9. Manasseh – Kislev (November-December), Sagittarius (The Archer) – Reflects blessings and triumph.
  10. Benjamin – Tevet (December-January), Capricorn (The Goat) – Known for bravery and protection.
  11. Reuben – Shevat (January-February), Aquarius (The Water Bearer) – Represents renewal and repentance.
  12. Simeon – Adar (February-March), Pisces (The Fish) – Reflects zeal and passion.

What We Learn Today

The Mazzaroth reminds us of God’s design and His plan for salvation. Genesis 1:14 tells us that the stars are for signs and seasons. They point to key moments, like the star of Bethlehem announcing Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:2).

Understanding the Mazzaroth helps us see God’s story in the heavens. For example, Virgo reminds us of Mary’s role in Christ’s birth, and Scorpio reflects Jesus’ victory over Satan. These constellations reinforce the Bible’s message of hope and redemption.

How to Explore Further

Here’s how you can dive deeper into the Mazzaroth:

  1. Read the Bible: Study passages like Job 9:9 and Psalm 19:1-4.
  2. Learn Symbolism: Research how the constellations connect to biblical themes.
  3. Pray: Ask God for understanding of His message in creation.
  4. Stay Focused: Avoid secular zodiac interpretations and focus on biblical truths.

The Mazzaroth is not just an ancient idea; it shows God’s creativity, sovereignty, and love. Studying the constellations allows us to see His glory and understand our place in His plan. The stars remind us of His promises and invite us to trust Him.

As we look to the heavens, let’s marvel at the Creator who placed each star. The Mazzaroth reveals His wisdom and draws us closer to His heart.

God bless you
Tony Francis

What’s the Holy Spirit Saying for January 2025?

What’s the Holy Spirit Saying for January 2025?
What’s the Holy Spirit Saying for January 2025?

Hear what the Holy Spirit is revealing to us for January 2025! Have a joyful and powerful start in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Breaking Generational Curses: Restoring Sanity and Finding Peace in Christ

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 MKJV

I come from a family where my bloodline is marked by insanity and mental health challenges. Living in such an environment and interacting with loved ones who are confused, unstable, and reliant on medications is an incredibly tormenting, exhausting, and traumatic experience—not only for them but also for you because you love and care for them deeply!

I despise the spirit of insanity, the oppressive demons, and the biological weaknesses that leave someone trapped in a state of delusion. Not every case of insanity is demonically inspired, of course; some are rooted in physical weaknesses or brain structure. But regardless of the cause, it is all painful and ugly. Yet, God can heal it—no matter the root. Insanity is, at its core, confusion. And how can someone be at peace with themselves or others when they are so confused and oppressed? We offer them deep mercy and understanding—but not pity—because our faith is in their victory.

Mercy doesn’t mean we compromise our belief in God’s power to heal, restore, and transform them through His love!

I’ve always been amazed at the story of the demoniac, who was filled with legions and became sane, still, and clothed, sitting at the feet of Jesus. He longed to follow Jesus because he had discovered the true light of life—love, and salvation through Christ.

Insanity is not resting in Jesus. It’s like the demonized man, living a loud, chaotic existence, drawing attention to himself, scaring and controlling others, never finding peace or allowing others to have it. That’s insanity. True peace resides in the house of the Lord.

For a long time, I thought only some of my family members struggled with mental health issues! I categorized it: only those who saw therapists or took medication were affected. It never occurred to me that I might carry the same generational curse, albeit expressed differently. I wasn’t on medication for depression, nor had I ever seen a therapist. On the contrary, I seemed sharp-minded, creative, and productive. But my lifestyle was marked by decisions that were, in hindsight, insane. I had confusion in my character and thought processes.

It took an encounter with the Holy Spirit to open my eyes. I realized I was also affected, though it was hidden in a different form. You cannot heal what you don’t recognize, and it takes God to reveal it so He can heal it.

I’m grateful to say I’ve been fully restored after all these years, and I continue to stand in faith for my household, because, as it is written: “I shall be saved with my household” and “I and my household will SERVE the Lord.”

Jesus is still in the business of bringing new beginnings, working miracles, displaying His love, and delivering those oppressed by the enemy. (Acts 10:38)

This too shall pass.

God bless you,
Tony Francis

Speak with Confidence, Lead with Love: How Jesus Modeled Prophetic Ministry!

Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, demonstrated what it means to walk in the Spirit. Today, let’s explore how to prophesy like Jesus and learn from His example!

Recently, I shared the Word of the Lord for the Church, drawing insights from Luke chapter 19. Here, we find a profound exchange between Jesus, our Rabbi, and His disciples, revealing His unique approach to prophecy and words of knowledge. Are you eager to grow in the prophetic and be used by the Lord?

Here’s the story:

“After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’' Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?' They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.' They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and put Jesus on it.” (Luke 19:28-35)

In this passage, Jesus prophesies with great detail, telling His disciples they would find a colt that had never been ridden. His words are bold, accurate, and carry divine authority. Notice that Jesus doesn’t waver or couch His statement with “I think” or “I feel.” He speaks with the full assurance of faith, setting an example for us in prophetic boldness. When we’re in the Spirit, we may experience moments of such assurance where we just know what to declare—and we say it confidently.

Jesus was well aware of the scriptural prophecy that He would enter Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling His Father’s will. But beyond this knowledge, He discerns the precise timing and place, giving details only the Spirit could reveal. When the Holy Spirit moves us to declare something, it’s crucial to speak with clarity, neither watering down the message nor adding unnecessary embellishments. God is glorified not just by what we say, but by how we say it. Many times in my ministry, I’ve experienced this same Spirit-led certainty, where I knew with boldness that the Holy Spirit was speaking.

In a shift within the passage, Jesus models what I call “prophetic interactivity.” He instructs His disciples to say, “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Jesus, knowing full well the owner would ask, could have said, “When they ask you…” Instead, He uses “if anyone asks.” Why? Because Jesus respects human free will, even in prophetic scenarios.

This subtle distinction teaches us something important about the prophetic: it respects people’s freedom to respond. Jesus declared with authority that the disciples would find a colt. However, when it came to the owner’s interaction, He instructed them with wisdom, leaving room for the owner’s decision. Even though Jesus likely knew the owner would agree, He didn’t override free will, emphasizing that the prophetic should be respectful and not impose on someone’s conviction.

But how can we be sure Jesus knew the owner would agree? Consider His instructions—He tells His disciples to untie the colt upon entering the village, implying confidence that permission would be granted. Yet, He still guides them to respond conditionally, saying, “If anyone asks…” Jesus, while confident in the outcome, leaves space for respectful engagement.

Incredible, right? Now, take these principles and apply them. Let’s walk in prophetic wisdom, boldness, and respect for free will, just as Jesus did.

God bless you
Tony Francis

The Year of Wealth Transfer & God’s Glory: A Prophetic Word for 5785 By Prophet Tomi Arayomi

A New Year, A New Light

Rosh Hashanah 5785 marks not just a new year but a new era. This is not merely a year of exposure but a year of the consequences of light shining. The Lord is calling His Church to prepare for a coming wealth transfer and a move of His glory, unlike anything we have seen before.

The Difference Between Anointing and Glory

For years, the Church has operated under the anointing, ministering to the brokenhearted and the captive. But God is calling us to a higher dimension, the realm of His glory. The anointing addresses the consequences of the fall, providing healing and comfort. Glory, however, accesses God's creative power, His first office. It's time for the Church to rise and shine, to move beyond victimhood and into its divine nature.

Kings Will Come to You

As we step into the light of God's glory, a paradigm shift is taking place. No longer will we be sent out; instead, they will come to us. Nations will come to our light, and kings to the brightness of our dawn. This is a sign of respect, honor, and promotion in the spirit.

Living Under the Right Light

God has given us three dimensions of light: the light of His glory, the light of the sun, and the light of the moon. The sun and the moon were created for signs, seasons, and seconds, but the body of Christ is not meant to live by time constraints. We are meant to live in the realm of God's glory, where there is no time, only a movement towards eternity.

The Dangers of the Sun and Moon

The enemy has set up altars against the Church, using the sun and moon to strike God's people. These celestial bodies can be manipulated by those who practice witchcraft and sorcery, influencing human behavior and causing chaos. But God promises protection to those who dwell in His secret place.

Breaking Free from Lunar and Solar Influence

Many of us are living under the influence of the sun and moon, subject to time and chance. Like Solomon, we may accumulate wealth and wisdom but still find ourselves in a state of vexation and anxiety. It's time to break free from these limitations and step into the realm of God's glory, where we can operate outside of regulated seasons and times.

Joseph's Covenant of Wealth

Joseph provides an example of someone who operated in the realm of glory. He had a dream where the sun, moon, and stars bowed down to him, signifying his dominion over time and seasons. God established a Rosh Hashanah covenant with Joseph, which led to his economic prosperity and leadership over the nation.

Joshua's Command Over Time

Joshua also demonstrated authority over the celestial bodies when he held the sun and moon in their place until he had completed a battle. This is a picture of the power that God wants to give His Church in this new season. We will move outside of signs, seasons, and seconds, operating in a realm where we can break the laws of time and nature.

A Quantum Leap into Glory

The realm of God's glory is a quantum leap that allows us to circumvent the laws of time, nature, and physics. We can accelerate our progress and achieve things that would normally take years of study and effort. This is the realm where miracles happen, where the impossible becomes possible.

Conclusion

This Rosh Hashanah, let us choose to live under the light of God's glory. Let us break free from the limitations of the sun and moon and step into our divine destiny. The Lord is releasing His glory upon the earth, and those who are prepared will experience a wealth transfer and a move of His Spirit like never before.

By Prophet Tomi Arayomi

Note: Tomi Arayomi didn't submit this article to our website. We saw a video of him and wanted to feature his confirming prophetic word for 5785 that the Lord gave Tony Francis, too. You can read it here: “Prophetic Word For Year 5785/2025: Witchcraft Control & Wealth Transfer”

The Gospel in it’s simplicity

The call to spread the gospel is a fundamental responsibility of every Christian. The Apostle Paul poignantly raises critical questions in Romans 10:14-15: *“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”* These inquiries emphasize the urgency of our mission. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19, commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, highlighting that sharing the gospel is not merely an option but a divine mandate we must obey. Yet, in today’s world, we encounter a troubling trend where various gospels proliferate, often overshadowing the true message of redemption that Christ preached.

In our contemporary context, many individuals present their own versions of the gospel, often focusing on prosperity, material possessions, and fulfilling the desires of the masses. This so-called prosperity gospel diverts attention from the core message of Christ and creates a distorted view of salvation. The urgency to understand the true gospel has never been more pressing, as we must return to the foundational truths that Christ preached to both the Jews and Gentiles—truths that emphasize the necessity of repentance and redemption.

To present the gospel simply, we must first acknowledge the fundamental problem of sin, which disrupted the perfect relationship between humanity and God. From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, as recorded in Genesis, sin entered the world, leaving humanity in a state of depravity. This separation from God highlights that man, inherently sinful, cannot save himself. Romans 3:23 states, *“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”* underscoring our collective need for salvation. The reality is stark: without divine intervention, humanity faces eternal condemnation and the wrath of God.

Yet, amidst this dire situation, we find the profound love and mercy of God. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that *“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”* God, in His justice and mercy, does not abandon us in our sin but actively seeks to reconcile us to Himself. This reconciliation came at a tremendous cost: the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. As Paul explains in Romans 5:8, *“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”* Through this act of unparalleled love, our transgressions were laid upon Christ, who bore the punishment we deserved.

In this divine exchange, God provided a means for humanity to be justified and made righteous. The blood of Jesus washed away our sins, restoring the broken relationship between God and man. Through faith in Christ, we receive forgiveness and a renewed standing before God. This restoration emphasizes that God invites us to respond with urgency; we must acknowledge our sinfulness and place our faith in Jesus, believing in His resurrection. Romans 10:9 states, *“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”*

In conclusion, presenting the gospel in its simplicity is a call to communicate the profound truths of sin, redemption, and reconciliation. It challenges us to strip away the distractions of modern interpretations and return to the heart of Christ’s message. As we embrace the Great Commission, let us not be swayed by the myriad of gospels that seek to dilute the truth but instead proclaim the authentic gospel of redemption. This is our sacred calling: to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world desperately in need of hope and salvation. Let us remain faithful to our mission, trusting that through our obedience, many will hear and respond to the life-changing message of the gospel.

By Wilson Loidimu Lenantare
Karatina, Nyeri

Ring of Fire Eclipse on the Jewish New Year 5785: A Prophetic Sign?

The information in this article is based on Perry Gaspard's teachings. Enjoy! 

On October 2nd, 2024, a ‘ring of fire' solar eclipse will grace the remote Pacific Ocean, aligning perfectly with the sunset in Jerusalem as trumpets herald the Jewish New Year, 5785. This celestial event unfolds above the geologically active ‘Pacific Ring of Fire', where 75% of Earth's active volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes occur, hinting at an impending transformation in both physical and spiritual realms.

This is no ordinary fire; it's the supernatural “Esh” (Aleph-Shin-Aleph), the Hebrew word for ‘fire'. The first letter, Aleph, signifies ‘the beginning', while Shin represents ‘fire' and ‘change'. It is the primordial fire, emanating from God, and a harbinger of profound awe and transformation. It embodies the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a complete immersion in the divine fire that purges all impurities, leaving only the resurrected ‘you', yearning for God's presence.

Biblical narratives abound with instances of fire accompanying divine revelations. Abraham's covenant with God was marked by a miraculous torch of fire, etching the symbol of eternity – Olam. Moses encountered the burning bush, a conduit for God's voice, and witnessed the awe-inspiring descent of the Lord upon Mount Sinai amidst fire and thunder. The glory of the Lord was described as “like devouring fire” (Exodus 24), the Hebrew “kof-Aleph-Shin” representing the ‘unlimited first fire' of God's blessing. These encounters with divine fire left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it.

Today's message resonates: it's a season to ascend, to release earthly attachments, and embrace this Holy Fire for protection in the challenging times ahead. Just as Elisha witnessed angelic hosts in chariots of fire surrounding him, we too must awaken to this heavenly reality and cast away fear.

The forthcoming eclipse, an astronomical spectacle, carries a profound message. It passes over Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, home to the enigmatic ‘moai', or ‘walking statues', believed to contain the spirits of ancestral leaders, possibly even remnants of the Nephilim, a giant race born of fallen angels. Some of these moai tower over 30 feet tall and weigh over 100 tons, potentially representing these giants. This suggests divine judgment upon rebellious angels and their offspring, the evil spirits that plague our world.

While this judgment may seem distant, it underscores the fact that God's actions often transcend human comprehension. The eclipse, blocking out 87% of the sun's light, will be visible over a sparsely populated region. This suggests that some of the events in these last days are not solely directed at human beings but also at the principalities and powers in heavenly places. The repercussions of divine intervention in the heavenly realm will manifest as world-altering events.

Isaiah prophesied this judgment upon rebellious nations and their ruling celestial entities. Both will face God's wrath in these last days. As Christ reigns supreme, ushering in a new heavenly reality, our lives must reflect this transformation.

The Feast of Rosh Hashanah embodies this shift. It's a time to cease ‘business as usual', offering sacrifices and surrendering to God's refining fire – the ‘Esh'. It's a chance for a fresh start, marked by the acceptance of offerings yielded to the divine presence. The numerical value of the Hebrew letter ‘Hey' is 5, signifying the year we are stepping into. It represents revelation, awe, and the unveiling of aspects of our lives ready for surrender to God. Leviticus 23 instructs us to offer an “offering made by fire unto the Lord”, or “Isha”, during this time. The Aleph-Shin in “Isha” represents fire, and the Hey represents the revelation and awe of the new year.

The early Church experienced this transformative fire, symbolized by the rushing wind and tongues of fire, empowering them with the Holy Spirit. This is our new reality, attainable through complete surrender to God's presence, where the ring of first fire burns away all but the resurrected, Spirit-filled ‘you'.

This is not a time for complacency. It's a season of seismic change, demanding complete surrender and yielding to the transformative power of God's first fire. Only then can we navigate these extraordinary times, standing firm in the face of the coming events.

It is going to be a good fire for God's people and a bad one for those who are not aligned with the Lord!

Divine Walls of Protection

Daniel 3:13-15 (NKJV)

“Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, ‘Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?’”

Reflection:

The devil constantly throws a challenge at sons of God because he knows he cannot directly take hold of them. ( 1 Peter 5:8). He recognizes that the Lord’s protection covers His children. The devil's strategy is to lure believers out of their divine protection and into his zone of attack. This is akin to how Nebuchadnezzar challenged Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to bow to his gods in order to force them out their protection into his stronghold of attack.

Believers are shielded in God's house of protection, with the devil only able to challenge from outside. (Ephesians 6:11) He attempts to entice us to step out of our preserve. Unable to breach our stronghold, the devil resorts to throwing stones at us. It is only the weak who attacks you by standing afar and throw stones at you. These stones come in the form of sickness, financial troubles, hopelessness, pain.etc Ephesians 6:11

To counter these attacks, Christians must build taller walls of protection through prayer. Prayer is the key to strengthening our defenses. Just as the devil threw a challenge at Job through his wife and friends to curse God and be free and endured stones of sickness and loss of properties and children, he remained steadfast in his faith. Job 2:9-10

Joseph also faced the devil's challenge and was thrown into prison. (Genesis 39:20-21) Even Jesus faced the devil’s tests. Despite these trials, they all emerged victorious.

Challenges and stones are part of the Christian battle. By building stronger walls of prayer, we can overcome these trials. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not succumb to Nebuchadnezzar's challenge and were saved from the fiery furnace by God.

Whatever stones the devil throws at you—whether they be trials, sickness, or despair—remember that God is with you. Just as He was with Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, and Jesus, He will protect you and ensure that the devil does not prevail

Stay strong in your faith and continue to build your walls of protection through prayer.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your divine protection and unending grace. As we face the challenges and trials of life, we ask for Your strength to uphold us and keep us within the safety of Your walls. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, to build our spiritual defenses through prayer, and to trust in Your protection against every attack of the enemy. Empower us to overcome every trial, knowing that with You by our side, we are shielded and secure.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen.

Rexford Moses

Are You Living Your Name?

I asked my dad how he came up with my name, Rexford. He told me that while working on a ship, he met a white man who treated him with such kindness that he didn’t know how to repay him. So, when I was born, he named me Rexford, which means Reigning King, in honor of that man.

Growing up, I’ve always felt that my name has shaped my life. Wherever I go, I seem to be recognized and regarded as relevant, a reflection of the name I carry.

The Power of a Name

When choosing names for our children, we often expect the name to have a profound influence on their lives. Many times, we draw inspiration from family members or mentors we hold in high esteem. In my family, one of my uncles is so revered for his humility and devotion to God that many parents, even outside our family, have named their children after him.

Some people take their search for names even further, looking to presidents, pastors, kings, or influential entrepreneurs for inspiration. In the African context, it's common for parents to name their children after their own parents. However, this tradition can lead to tension when expectations are not met, sometimes causing strained relationships, and in extreme cases, even disownment. I know of a family where this very issue led to serious conflict.

Names and Their Meanings

In the Bible, names carried significant meaning, often reflecting a person’s destiny:

  • Abraham means “Father of many nations.”
  • Moses means “Drawn out.”
  • Jesus, a name central to Christianity, means “Yahweh saves” or “God saves.”

Names in biblical times were powerful indicators of a person’s role and purpose. A name not only provides personal identity, but it also holds emotional significance and impacts social interaction.

The Burden of Sinful Names

Before Jesus Christ came, humanity lived under the burden of sin. Sin was deeply ingrained in our identities, passed down through generations. This meant that bearing a name like Rexford implied a connection to this sinful lineage—sinful Rexford.

In those days, priests offered sacrifices—lambs, for instance—to appease God and seek forgiveness. At times, sinners faced severe consequences, such as the earth swallowing them or divine punishment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Redemption of Names

However, with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, everything changed. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus took away the sins of the world. Now, those of us with names like Rexford can bear them without the weight of sin. Forgiveness is available to anyone who confesses their sins and seeks redemption.

As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse speaks of the transformative power of being in Christ. We undergo a spiritual rebirth, shedding our old sinful selves and embracing a new identity in Christ. We are no longer bound by the chains of sin but are renewed and redeemed by God’s grace. This transformation is so profound that we are given a new name—Christian. We can now be called Christlike Rexford or Christlike Kofi.

The name Jesus wasn’t randomly chosen; it was divinely given, signifying His mission to save humanity and reconcile us with God.

Living Up to Your Name

This resonates with the Pentecostal song: “Hw3 Wabrabo so yie, ne din dawoso”, which translates to “Be mindful of your lifestyle because His name is on you.” As Christians, we are called to live a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ. When we live contrary to these principles, we undermine the credibility of our identity as Christians.

  • You can’t be a Christian and live like an unbeliever.
  • You can’t live under the notion that it’s “normal” to fornicate or commit adultery.
  • It’s not normal to have multiple women.
  • You can’t be part of those who manipulate figures, overstate invoices, or engage in corruption.
  • When the boys boast about their sexual conquests, you can’t be part of it.
  • You can’t be part of those who pocket office items or engage in unethical behavior.
  • When the girls head out to inappropriate parties, you can’t join in.

Your name matters. It carries weight, meaning, and responsibility. So, I ask: Are you living by your name?

Rexford Moses

Life Before Birth: God’s Plan for Every Child and the Truth About Abortion

“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” – Luke 2:21

I am not an expert on abortion, nor a Christian counselor in this matter, but I do have my own opinions and beliefs, which align with the Word of God. God is pro-life and commands us not to kill. However, when we decide on something—such as taking a life—we often engage in philosophical arguments, attempting to justify our actions. We create self-deceptive justifications that trap us in situations we mistakenly label as freedom and compassion.

Abortion is the act of ending the life of a human being who cannot defend themselves. In today’s world, we hear countless arguments trying to justify the termination of a conceived child. Many oppose late-term abortions because the baby is fully developed, while some accept early-term abortions, believing that the child is not yet clearly formed. However, whether it’s an early or late-term abortion, it remains an act of killing—a crime.

In Luke 2:21, the Lord named His Son Jesus BEFORE He was even conceived!!! To God, the unconceived child is already an existing being. He sees beyond the early days of conception or late-term development; He views a child as an existing entity even before conception. Now, isn't that something?

Consider the story of the prophet Jeremiah too:

“The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'” – Jeremiah 1:4-5

Shall I say it again? “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you!” Who forms the baby in the womb? God. “Before I formed you.” When you abort a baby, you are interrupting this miracle in progress. You are interfering with God as He forms a life inside the womb! Can you imagine entering the workshop of an artist, destroying the painting he just started creating, and convincing him to be comforted because his artwork is just in the beginning of it? You would be in jail. No one accepts that under any justification, it is still a destruction. Now what about lives, human beings, who are more than a piece of art in a workshop?

God regarded both Jesus and Jeremiah as existing beings even before they were conceived. Not only that, He had a destiny and calling planned for each of them! Isn’t that incredible?

So, if you are still attempting to reason or rationalize that abortion is not an act of killing at any phase of conception, remember that, in God's eyes, it goes beyond conception itself!

Stop deceiving yourself: “You shall not kill.”

I understand the “compassionate” justifications, like suggesting a woman should abort the baby if it is the result of rape. We all feel compassion and sorrow for raped women, but aborting a baby is still an act of killing—a crime.

Instead of taking a shortcut and acting out of anger on an innocent being who is now in the process of being formed and is not at fault, we need to seek deeper solutions. I am not here to provide those solutions, but perhaps you can share some ideas in the comments below.

For instance, what if the government funded the upbringing of this child and covered all the expenses? What if the child could be given up for adoption at birth? What if the baby could be transferred to the womb of a woman who longs for a child? IF WE ARE COMMITTED TO NOT KILLING, WE CAN DEFINITELY THINK OF SOMETHING THAT CAN EASE THE SITUATION AND SAVE THESE PRECIOUS BABIES THAT ARE FULLY FORMED BEFORE GOD EVEN BEFORE CONCEPTION.

Feel free to share this article with your church, a friend who may be misled, or even a politician still debating when to legalize the killing of a baby.

Leave your comment below or maybe your prayer!

God bless you,
Tony Francis