HanJo

Have you ever been laughed at for your faith? Maybe someone teased you for praying or made fun of you for going to church. It hurts, doesn’t it? That feeling of being judged for what you believe.   But here’s the good news — you’re not the first. The earliest followers of Jesus went through the same thing.   1. The Insult That Became Our Identity   Acts 11:26 – “The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”   In the city of Antioch , people started calling them “Christians.” Today we wear that name with pride. But back then, it was a joke. People laughed and said, “Look at those little Christs — always talking about that man who died on a cross.”   Antioch was a thriving city — wealthy, busy, and full of idols. In that culture, people worshiped power, money, and pleasure. Then came this small group of believers who lived differently. They didn’t lie or cheat. They forgave freely. They cared for the poor. They shared what they had. They stood out. ...

Some stories in the Bible hit closer to home than others. Maybe that’s because they speak directly to what many of us wrestle with—feeling rejected, carrying shame, or wondering if we’ve messed up too much for God to still want us. One of those stories is in John 4 . It’s about a woman with a complicated past, a bad reputation, and an encounter with Jesus that changed everything. But before we dive into the moment at the well, let’s look at why this meeting was so unexpected—and so powerful. Jews and Samaritans Hated Each Other To understand this story fully, we need to know the backstory between the Jews and Samaritans. Their division ran deep—and had for centuries. 1. Historical Division Hundreds of years before Jesus, the nation of Israel split into two: The north became Israel (with Samaria as its capital). The south became Judah (with Jerusalem as its centre of worship). In 722 BC, the Assyrian empire conquered the northern kingdom. Foreigners were brought in, people intermarr...

Before I start on with my explanation of the topic, I would like to share a certain scientific fact. It is amazing to know how nature holds answers to questions about God. One need not look anywhere for answers but to the very creation of the Creator. There are things we see and yet neglect it not understanding that it has a concise account in it. I would like to tell you of one such fact. We all see ants everywhere we go. If you have not, then place a small chunk of sugar in the corner of your house. You will see ants around it a couple of days later. And when this happens, you would see ants lining up to take pieces of the sugar back to its hole. Ever wondered, why and how these ants walk in a line neatly one after the other? I hardly could stand still in line back in my school. I started to wonder why and how they do it. That's when I read an article which said that there is a leader among the ants, a commander, who goes out in search for food and when he finds it, ...

There are certain concepts around the study of angels that are understood either to some extent or not at all; one of the concept being the authority to command angels. There are people who believe that they have the authority to command or give orders to angels in heaven to do their bidding. This is a wrong understanding of the notion of angels. The answer to the question, ‘can c hristian command angels?’ is a plain and a simple ‘No’. Foremost, the Bible does not record any man ruling over or ‘commanding’ any angel. Secondly, angels are heavenly beings under the command of one and only King, God Almighty who is the LORD of hosts (we see various biblical verses stating God to be the LORD of hosts). Then how and when do angels assist people? How does it work? It is only when one prays to God or asks for His help that he sends His angels to guard, protect, help, or for whatever reason it is. It is not by anybody’s might, power or ability but it is by His Spirit. Of these, however,...

I heard of a story when i was a child that made me to think what i believe is from my experience or a trend carried down from my forefathers. There lived a devotee in a certain village with his wife and a son who, on a daily basis, without fail, carries out his religious rituals. They even had a small black cat as a pet. The devotee would prepare a small table, about knee height, which would hold 3 items - a coconut, an egg and a chicken's head. Keeping these ready, he would pray to his god. On a particular day, when he finished praying, he opened his eyes only to find the chicken's head vanish into thin air. He could not understand what happend to it. Initially he simply ignored it. But then this happened continuously for about 4 days and he decided to fins out what happens to it. He then installed a CCTV in his room. Next day again he continues with his usual routine. He prays, finishes, opens eyes and finds the chicken's head gone. He goes through the recording c...

At the dawn of day, I dream to go away, Wishing I could fly, Grieving, not to cry. Still, tears streaming down, Loneliness settling in, Staring at the walls in the dark, Wondering why dreams grow thin. Riches I do not wish for, Nor fame anymore, Just one to love, And to be loved. When will you come along, And hold my hand all life long? Whether through storms of ignorance, Or in the depths of solitude— For as long as—whichever is longer— Forever or Eternity.