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Why Jesus Sometimes Told People to Stay Silent

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JEFF TURNER

In Luke 5, Jesus healed a man with leprosy. But instead of telling him to share the news, Jesus gave a surprising instruction. He told the man not to talk about it. This wasn’t a one-time request. Throughout His early ministry, especially in Galilee, Jesus often asked people not to tell others about His miracles.

This might seem confusing at first. Why would Jesus want to keep quiet about such powerful and compassionate acts? The reason is that the miracles were not the full message. Jesus wasn’t simply here to fix physical problems, cast out demons, or feed the hungry. These signs pointed to something greater, but they were not the main message.

Jesus knew that the full meaning of His mission would only be clear after His death and resurrection. Until then, He kept the message limited. After He rose from the dead, everything changed. Then, He told His followers to go out and share the gospel with the whole world.

The core message of Christianity is not physical healing or temporary help. It is the good news that Christ died for our sins and rose again to give eternal life.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15

The Gospel Requires Words

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AMY TURNER

Some people repeat a phrase connected to St. Francis of Assisi, though there is doubt he ever said it. The phrase suggests that one should share the gospel mainly by actions, using words only if needed. At first it may sound wise, but it leaves out something important. Words are not optional when it comes to spreading the message of Christ.

Paul makes this clear in Romans 10:13-14, where he asks how people can believe if they have never heard, and how they can hear without someone speaking. Faith grows when the good news is spoken. Actions may support the message, but the gospel itself must be said.

Sharing the message with words is not only important but also the way people come to know the truth of Christ.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15

The Rogers Family affirms the Lord’s eternal presence, power with “He’s Still God”

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SPECIAL HORIZON & SONLITE RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 26, 2025) — For their Horizon Records debut, The Rogers Family have chosen a rollicking affirmation of the Lord’s eternal presence and power that exemplifies the group’s respect for the Southern Gospel tradition — and their mastery of the genre’s signature harmonizing.

“We’re so excited to officially release our brand new single, ‘He’s Still God,'” enthuses Rebekah Shields, who takes the lead through most of the song. “This upbeat and joyful song has quickly become one of our favorites to sing, and we pray it becomes an encouragement to you as well. No matter what life brings, it’s a powerful reminder that He’s still God… and He’s still on the throne!”

Kicked off with an interchange between legendary studio multi-instrumentalist David Johnson’s fiddle and the piano of the family’s mother, Kim Shields, “He’s Still God” features the group’s own creative arrangement. Its first verse is sung by the trio of youngsters — Rebekah, Samuel and Hannah Shields — but another verse follows as Rebekah takes the lead, and as the song progresses, the shape of the chorus is repeatedly recast, with different voices emerging to take the lead and offer the triumphant lyric:

He’s still God (He’s still God), who rolled back the troubled water
He’s still God (He’s still God) and He’s still in control
He’s still God (He’s still God) though the world may be raging
He’s still God (He’s still God) He can calm your troubled soul
When it seems (when it seems that) that you have been defeated
Speak His name (Speak His name) and you are not alone
He’s ever listening (He’s ever listening) for the cry of His children
He’s still God (He’s still God) and He’s still on the throne

With its snappy call-and-response, down home feeling and intricately intertwined voices, “He’s Still God” offers both a memorable listening experience and, for those who have not yet heard them, an outstanding introduction to The Rogers Family.

No One Knows the Day or Hour, yet another Prediction About the Rapture

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DAVID INGRAM

You don’t see my name on the website too often. Mostly because so many others are better at saying things that need to be said. But today, I’ll make an exception.

Matthew 24:36 makes it clear that no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return. Matthew says that not the angels in heaven, nor even the Son, but only the Father. This truth is a direct warning against those who claim to predict the timing of the Second Coming. I realize that some don’t use the word “rapture” because it’s not in the Bible. I think we all know it refers to Jesus’ return, so let’s hold that debate for another day.

When a South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, insists that the Rapture will take place on September 23 or 24, 2025, he places himself in direct contradiction to the very words of Jesus. Any attempt to put a date on such an event is not only speculative but also unbiblical, since Scripture emphasizes readiness at all times, not countdowns to a specific day.

Mhlakela’s so-called “divine prophecy,” shared on YouTube and in his interview with Centtwinz TV, reveals a troubling pattern: presenting certainty where the Bible gives none. Scripture consistently reminds believers to be watchful and prepared because Christ’s return will come suddenly and unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). By fixing a date, Mhlakela misleads his audience into placing their hope in his personal claim instead of in the sure promises of God. This not only undermines biblical authority but risks damaging faith when his prediction inevitably fails, as all such predictions have in the past.

The responsibility of every preacher is to point people to Christ and His Word, not to their own revelations. In Matthew 24, Jesus stresses the importance of faithfulness, watchfulness, and endurance, not of prediction-making. By claiming to know what the Bible says cannot be known, Mhlakela shifts attention away from the gospel and onto himself.

Could Jesus come back today or tomorrow? Of course! Does Mhlakela have a prophecy from God? Well, the verse above says no one knows the day or hour. Mhlakela says he’s narrowed it down to two days. This is something we’ve heard from many mislead preachers in the past including Edgar Whisenant back in the 1980’s and Harold Camping in the 1990’s.

Christians are urged to measure every teaching against Scripture and to reject messages that contradict its clear truths. Isn’t the call of Christ not to chase dates but to live faithfully and expectantly every day, ready for His return at any moment?

Staying Separate from the World in Spiritual Work

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JEFF TURNER

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the Apostle Paul tells believers not to join with non-believers. While some apply this verse to marriage, its main focus is broader and more urgent. Paul’s concern is not first about marriage, but about spiritual partnerships. He is warning the church in Corinth against forming religious or ministry connections with those who do not share their faith.

The Corinthian church was facing real trouble—false teachers had entered the community and gained influence. Paul saw this as dangerous. He reminded them that light and darkness do not mix, and that Christ has no partnership with evil. Believers are not to rely on non-believers to achieve spiritual goals.

For specific guidance on marriage, Paul speaks clearly in 1 Corinthians 7, where he says that a Christian should marry only within the faith. This leaves no doubt. But the instruction in 2 Corinthians 6:14 goes deeper, warning believers not to compromise in any work that relates to the kingdom of God.

This teaching still applies today. The church must remain distinct from the world, avoiding alliances that might weaken its witness.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2