Our Responsibility in a World of Temptation

Even though Satan knows that he and his angels are destined for hell, he continues to pursue humanity relentlessly, seeking to destroy and turn people away from God. He carries out his role tirelessly until the very end. His purpose is to deceive and test human beings, and he performs this task with full dedication.

Now the responsibility lies with us—to resist the temptations of Satan, to live a holy life that is pleasing to God, and to actively follow the commandments given through the prophets and through Jesus.

Only Peace Can Win: Why the Israel–Hamas War Must End Now

 

War is never good.

It destroys property and infrastructure built with great effort and at enormous expense. It takes lives. It displaces people. Families lose their loved ones. Throughout history, war has always brought poverty, displacement, and destruction. Ending war must therefore be the top priority of those engaged in it, for doing so saves lives, money, and resources.

In the case of the Israel–Hamas conflict, the war began with Hamas. And it can only end if Hamas chooses to end it. Neither Trump nor Putin can stop this war. Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages and refuses to release them. Israel initially attempted negotiations to secure their return, but only partial success was achieved. Meanwhile, devastating damage has been inflicted on the Palestinian people.

As of today, the number of Palestinians killed by Israel is more than 80 times greater than the number of Israeli hostages and those killed by Hamas at the start of the war—and the toll continues to rise daily. Yet Hamas still refuses to release the hostages and bring the war to an end.

Who is benefiting from this war? No one. Everyone is losing. Hamas has lost people and property. Israel has lost lives and resources. Israel continues to burn through ammunition worth millions of dollars just to sustain the fighting. It seems neither Hamas nor its allies truly want peace.

I urge all supporting parties to pressure Hamas to release the hostages and end the war at the earliest. Only then can peace return to the region. Why continue killing, destroying, and displacing people when dialogue could bring an end to the suffering?

Some people seem obsessed with war instead of peace, and that is dangerous. All nations of the world must unite to demand the release of the hostages and help restore peace in the Middle East. The time to act is now. Any delay will only increase the losses—nothing else.

Can Money Really Convert People?

 

The idea that people can be converted from one religion to another simply by being offered money is a common accusation, especially against Christians. But the question remains: can money truly change a person’s faith?

If someone were to offer a large sum of money for conversion, anyone could accept it. Yet no one can see into that person’s heart to know whom they genuinely worship. Faith is not something that can be bought or sold—it is an inner conviction, a personal decision of the heart and mind.

The claim that Christians convert others by offering money does not hold up to reality. In fact, the opposite is true. When someone embraces Christianity after hearing the message of Jesus Christ, they are called to a life of responsibility. The Bible teaches giving through tithes and freewill offerings—not receiving money. Far from financial gain, a Christian is encouraged to live a disciplined life: giving up destructive habits like alcoholism and smoking, learning to care for their family, and respecting others. Often, it is this transformation that leads to financial stability, not external incentives.

If conversion were really as simple as handing out money, then why has it not been used on a large scale by others? Temples in India hold immense wealth—some worth trillions of rupees. If money could truly “convert,” then these resources could easily be used to change the religious landscape of the nation. But history and reality both show otherwise.

The truth is that money cannot convert people; at most, it can buy temporary loyalty. Once the money is spent, such individuals return to their old ways. Genuine faith cannot be produced by financial transactions. It is only God who can transform the heart and mind, leading to real and lasting belief.

In the end, conversion is not a matter of currency—it is a matter of conviction.

Who Really Converts? A Question of Heart and Belief

 

Many people in India, especially Christians, are often jailed on charges of “religious conversion,” mostly in Uttar Pradesh. But my question is: who is actually converting anyone?

I cannot convert a person to a religion. If I had the power to convert people to Christianity, then surely I would have converted all Indians by now! But that is not possible, because conversion is not something a human being can force upon another.

What I can do is share the goodness of Christianity and tell people about Jesus Christ—how He came into this world, died for the sins of humanity, and how God opened a path for mankind to be reconciled to Him through Jesus. This message I can share, but whether a person believes and acts on it lies entirely with the individual.

For example, if someone—let’s call him X—hears the Gospel and feels in his heart that he wants a new life, to follow the teachings of Jesus and live righteously, he makes that decision personally. He chooses to follow Christ and becomes a Christian. Now, can you say that the person who simply shared the message “converted” X? Of course not! That would be ridiculous. X made the choice in his own heart and mind. He converted himself—it was his decision, not the preacher’s.

Think about it: the Hindu-majority party is ruling India today. If conversion were something people could do to others, wouldn’t it be possible to convert all Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs into Hindus? Clearly, that is impossible. Belief is a matter of the heart and mind. Mass conversion simply cannot be done.

Reclaiming Dominion: Humanity’s Role in Spiritual Authority and Creation

The concept of dominion is deeply rooted in the idea of spiritual authority and the role of humanity in God’s creation. This essay explores the multifaceted aspects of dominion, emphasizing its origin in the “day” as created by God. It examines the intricate relationship between light and darkness, the spiritual responsibilities of humanity, and the overarching theme of reclaiming authority over nature and the spiritual realms.

The “day” in the context of creation is portrayed as a union of light and darkness, forming the foundation of all manifestations. This duality is not merely a physical phenomenon but a spiritual principle that governs life and nature. Understanding this relationship is key to comprehending the divine order established by God. The interplay between light and darkness facilitated the creation of the heavens, the earth, and all living beings, demonstrating the interconnectedness and balance required for the universe to function harmoniously.

Humanity’s role in creation is significant, as individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of activating God’s intentions. This activation requires an awareness of one’s spiritual authority and a commitment to reclaim dominion over the earth, sea, and air. The principles governing the earth—such as the necessity of rain and the interdependence of natural elements—highlight the divine order that humans are called to uphold. This stewardship extends beyond physical realms to include spiritual warfare, where believers are urged to reclaim authority over darkness and align with divine purposes.

The narrative emphasizes that dominion is ultimately under the authority of Yeshua, who serves as the head of creation. His example of restoring order and authority is vividly illustrated through miraculous acts, such as walking on water. This event underscores the power of faith and the potential of believers to influence creation through their divine connection. Made in God’s image, humans possess the unique ability to alter the heavens through prayer and fasting, showcasing their spiritual authority and the depth of their relationship with the Creator.

Understanding one’s identity in Christ is central to realizing this authority. Believers are called to recognize their kingship and their role in governing spiritual realms and creatures. This recognition is essential for fulfilling their divine purpose and participating in the restoration of creation. The expectation of creation for the manifestation of the sons of God further underscores humanity’s role in redeeming corrupted elements of air and water, highlighting the interrelationship between faith, nature, and divine intervention.

The essay also delves into the principles of divine intervention and the spiritual realm. It illustrates how beings from another dimension can assist individuals during times of trouble, emphasizing the interconnectedness of water, life, and spiritual powers. This relationship reflects the belief that creation is not merely physical but imbued with spiritual significance. The elements of air and water are fundamental to sustaining life on Earth, impacting food, health, and the overall ecosystem. The narrative calls for environmental stewardship, suggesting that humanity’s actions can lead to the restoration of nature’s integrity.

Finally, the power of belief and faith is highlighted as a means to overcome adversities. The notion that faith can neutralize harmful substances aligns with spiritual teachings about divine protection. It reinforces the idea that humanity’s spiritual authority can influence both the natural and supernatural realms. By reclaiming dominion and engaging in spiritual warfare, believers can fulfill their divine mandate and contribute to the redemption of creation.

In conclusion, dominion in a spiritual context encompasses humanity’s role as stewards of creation, their authority over spiritual realms, and their responsibility to restore order and harmony in alignment with God’s intentions. The interplay between light and darkness, the significance of the “day” in creation, and the power of faith all serve as reminders of the divine order and the potential within every believer to manifest God’s purposes on Earth.

The Challenges of Owning an Electric Two-Wheeler in India: Range Anxiety, Charging Woes, and Battery Costs

Owning an electric two-wheeler in India comes with several challenges that can make the experience less convenient compared to traditional petrol vehicles.

1. Range Anxiety:
The most common issue faced by EV owners is range anxiety—the constant worry about running out of charge before reaching the destination. Electric two-wheelers typically offer a limited range on a single charge, and this range can be drastically affected by real-world conditions like traffic jams. For instance, I've personally experienced this problem multiple times, where my scooter ran out of charge before I could reach my destination. On two occasions, I had to pay around ₹100 to charge my vehicle from a roadside garden owner's outlet. This uncertainty creates a lot of stress, as you are always trying to estimate whether your vehicle has enough power to complete the trip.

2. Lack of EV Charging Infrastructure:
Another major issue is the lack of charging stations along the roads, especially outside major urban areas. Even in cities like Delhi, there are very few places that offer EV charging facilities. If you're stuck with a low battery, finding a place to charge your two-wheeler is often a challenge. Moreover, many people are hesitant to allow EV owners to use their electrical outlets for charging, and those who do allow it often charge exorbitant fees. In areas like Delhi and Noida, it's not uncommon to encounter people asking for very high prices for a simple charge, which adds to the frustration of owning an EV.

3. Declining Battery Life and High Replacement Costs:
Battery degradation is another serious concern. When I first bought my scooter, it offered a range of 120 km per charge. However, after just a few months, the range dropped to 100 km. By the end of the first year, it was down to 80 km, and now, after two years, I’m only getting 40-50 km on a single charge. The decline in battery performance makes it harder to rely on the scooter for longer trips. On top of that, the cost of replacing the battery is almost prohibitive. When I initially bought the bike for ₹82,000, it seemed like a good deal, but now, after two years, a new battery costs around ₹45,000.

Conclusion:
Considering the high cost of battery replacement, limited mobility, and constant range anxiety, the benefits of owning an electric scooter over a petrol one become questionable. With petrol bikes, you can refuel easily and ride without stress, knowing you won’t be stranded due to lack of charging options or declining battery capacity. The convenience and ease of use still favor traditional petrol-powered vehicles over EVs, at least until these issues are addressed.

Redesigning Delhi: Addressing the Chronic Waterlogging Crisis

A few hours of rain on 28th June 2024 Morning in Delhi brought the city to a standstill due to waterlogging in various locations and roads. This recurring issue raises several critical questions and highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive redesign of the city's infrastructure. Proper drainage of rainwater should be a top priority for the Delhi Government.

Every monsoon season, Minto Bridge makes headlines due to severe waterlogging. This notorious spot requires a lasting solution—either by installing an effective drainage system or by constructing an overpass to replace the problematic underpass. The persistent issue at Minto Bridge is a glaring example of inadequate planning and maintenance.

In contrast, most roads in Noida are designed with proper drainage systems, which efficiently manage rainwater, except for a few underpasses. This should serve as an eye-opener for the Delhi Government. The under-construction flyover between Dilshad Garden and Anand Vihar also experienced significant waterlogging, leading to massive traffic jams. This situation is a clear example of poor design and a lack of foresight regarding rainwater drainage.

To prevent future occurrences, the Delhi Government must prioritize the implementation of efficient rainwater drainage systems in all new and existing infrastructure projects. By learning from these challenges, we can build a more resilient and functional urban environment.