Spiritual

If you had only a few hours left to live, what would truly matter? This question from Apostle Joshua Selman’s sermon What Seekest Thou? left me thinking deeply. In life, we chase many things—success, money, validation—but at the end of the day, what is it that we are really seeking? This message reshaped my perspective on life, priorities, and the pursuit of true peace. The Six Human Needs Apostle Joshua Selman explained that every human being is ultimately seeking to fulfill six fundamental needs: These needs are what drive human behavior. However, many of us try to meet them in the wrong ways—through wealth, relationships, or worldly achievements—only to realize they never truly satisfy. That is why true peace can only be found in God. Who is Apostle Joshua Selman Apostle Joshua Selman is a renowned Nigerian preacher, teacher, and founder of Koinonia (Eternity Network International). Known for his deep revelations of Scripture and passionate teachings on intimacy with God, purpose, and spiritual growth, he has impacted millions worldwide. His messages challenge believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ and walk in divine purpose. The Peace That Comes from God One of the most profound lessons from the sermon was the emphasis on the peace that Jesus gives. The world offers temporary peace—peace that depends on circumstances, success, or relationships. But Jesus offers a different kind of peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NIV) This peace is not the absence of troubles, but the presence of God in the midst of them. Many people think that once they achieve a certain level of success or stability, they will finally have peace. But even those who seem to have everything still experience emptiness. True peace comes from knowing that no matter what happens, God is in control. What Seekest Thou? Apostle Joshua Selman challenged us to ask ourselves: What am I truly seeking? Many people seek success, power, or recognition, believing that these things will bring fulfillment. But without God at the center, they lead to frustration and disappointment. I realized that much of what I was seeking was rooted in fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of not being enough. But when I started seeking God first, everything changed. The Bible says: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV) When we prioritize God, He takes care of everything else. We no longer have to chase after things that were never meant to define us. Finding Rest in God One of the most comforting parts of the message was the reminder that we don’t have to carry life’s burdens alone. Many of us are exhausted, trying to control everything, trying to prove ourselves, trying to be enough. But Jesus invites us to find rest in Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NIV) Rest is not just physical; it is also emotional and spiritual. When we surrender our worries and desires to God, we find a peace that nothing in this world can offer. Living with Eternal Perspective If we truly understood that life is temporary, our priorities would change. The pursuit of material things, status, and human approval would no longer consume us. Instead, we would focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God, loving others, and fulfilling our divine purpose. Apostle Joshua Selman’s message reminded me that at the end of life, none of our achievements will matter if we did not seek God first. Success, recognition, and even relationships will fade, but our souls will remain. The question we must ask ourselves is: Did we live for the things that truly matter? Conclusion What are you seeking? If it is money, success, or validation, you will never find lasting fulfilment. But if you seek God, He will not only meet your needs but give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. The kind of peace that cannot be shaken by life’s uncertainties. As we move forward, let’s choose to seek what truly matters. Not temporary achievements, but eternal treasures. Not the fleeting approval of people, but the lasting presence of God. And in doing so, we will find the peace and fulfilment that our souls long for. Wait! before you go, check out Lessons Solomon’s mistakes or check out 7 bible life lesson that will transform your life. John TholeJohn Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations. johnthole.co.za

Acts 16:30-32 tells us about a jailer who asked the apostles, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Their answer was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” They then shared the word of the Lord with him and his family, leading to their salvation. This passage highlights the simplicity of salvation in the New Testament. But what does salvation mean, and how does it apply to us today? Let’s explore the concept of salvation, both from the Old Testament and the New Testament perspectives. Old Testament Salvation In the Old Testament, salvation was largely linked to faith and obedience. One of the best examples of this is Abraham. Genesis 15:6 tells us that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s faith, not his works, made him righteous before God. This shows that even in the Old Testament, faith was essential for a relationship with God. Additionally, God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were expected to obey the Law, which distinguished them from other nations. Following the Law was essential for maintaining a state of ceremonial cleanliness before God. If they sinned, they were separated from God, and a sacrifice was needed for atonement. Before Christ’s arrival, even those who had faith in God and followed the Law couldn’t enter heaven directly due to their sins. They awaited the coming of Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, to pay the price for their redemption. The New Covenant and the Grace of Christ The arrival of Jesus Christ marks a significant turning point in humanity’s relationship with God. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, the gap between humanity and God was closed, not just for Jews but for all people—Jew or Gentile. This New Covenant brought salvation to everyone, regardless of nationality or previous status with God. Under the New Covenant, we are saved by grace, not by works or sacrifices. It is no longer about following the Law to achieve righteousness. Salvation is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ, as famously stated in John 3:16:“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Salvation is a gift of grace, and it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past. The transformative power of Christ is available to everyone. Romans 10:9-11 explains it clearly:“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” This new reality frees us from the burdens of trying to earn our way into heaven. Salvation comes through belief in Jesus and His finished work on the cross, not through our personal merit. What Must I Do to Be Saved? The process of salvation is simple, yet life-changing. Here are the steps: Procrastinating about salvation is dangerous, as none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. As Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Seize the moment and receive Christ now. The Importance of a Teachable Spirit After receiving salvation, it’s important to adopt a teachable spirit. Becoming a Christian isn’t just about securing a place in heaven—it’s about walking with God and growing in His wisdom. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Being a disciple means you are a student of Jesus, willing to learn and apply His teachings. Salvation Prayer If you’re ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is a prayer to guide you: “God, I thank you for sending Jesus to save me. Today, I give you my life. I believe that Jesus lived, died, and rose again for my salvation. I confess Him as my Lord and Savior. Take over my life and transform me. I am yours, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” Conclusion Salvation is available to everyone, regardless of your background or past mistakes. It is a gift of grace that requires faith in Jesus and a willingness to let Him lead your life. Don’t wait until it’s too late—receive Him today and start your journey with Christ. To continue learning about salvation and growing in your faith, consider joining a Bible study group or exploring more resources like Bible Gateway for scriptural insights. John TholeJohn Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations. johnthole.co.za