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06/12/2026

God's Gingerbread Man! (One of my writing from my book. ("Memoirs Of An Old Country Bishop")

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is my sincere prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this post.

As a young child my grandmother use to set me on her knee and read to me a story entitled “The Gingerbread Man”.

Today I will try to engulf your attention by using a narration of The Gingerbread Man.

God in his infinite wisdom decided he would stoop to the earth and form man in his image and likeness.

He created them, male and female.

God’s ingredient was love, joy, peace, faith, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness and temperance thus God have formed his own Gingerbread Man.

But this man was lifeless.

So God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the Gingerbread Man became Living Soul..

Immediately, the fox (Satan) saw this Gingerbread Man and decided, he wanted to eat him up.

So he began to entice him with other ingredients.

Where God gave him love, Satan offered him hate.

Where God gave him joy, Satan offered him sadness.

Where God gave him peace, Satan offered him the ways of war.

Where God gave him faith, Satan offered him doubt.

Where God gave him longsuffering (patience), Satan offered him a quick fix.

Where God gave him gentleness, Satan offered him roughness.

Where God gave him meekness, Satan offered arrogance.

Where God gave him goodness, Satan offered him violence.

Where God gave him temperance, Satan offered him short temperance.

God placed the Gingerbread Man in the oven (life) and the Gingerbread Man began to solidify and stood up and began to run.

An inner voice (conscience) began say “Run Gingerbread Man, run as fast as you can, run to your heavenly father who is a strong tower where the righteous can run into and be safe.”

“Run Gingerbread Man, run as fast as you can, to the Author and Finisher of your faith.”

“Run Gingerbread Man, run as fast as you can, to that Rock that is higher than I.”

So the Gingerbread Man began to realize that he had a race to run.

And that he had to press to the mark of the high calling, which is in Christ Jesus.

Christian Brothers and Sisters, are you the Gingerbread Man?

Are you running as fast as you can to secure a place in the Kingdom of God?

Run Gingerbread Man while it is light for in the darkness you may meet the fox (Satan) for in Satan there is no light at all.

Think about it.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/12/2026

Jesus Is A Bridge Over Troubled Waters! (One of my writings in my book)

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It is my sincere prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this post.

Today's topic is "Jesus is a bridge across troubled waters."

We began with the disciples in a boat on the sea of Galilee where the storm arose and became quite blusterous.

And the disciples looking at their circumstances lost their faith.

Looking upon the waters they saw this figure of a man approaching them.

As the figure got closer they realized it was the master, Jesus.
And Apostle Peter asked, could he come to meet him?

And Jesus said, come.

And as Apostle Peter began to walk on the water, somewhere in the midst of the storm he lost faith and began to sink.

Jesus lifted him up by the hand and said, where did you loose faith?

He is a bridge over trouble waters.

In our lives we sometimes encounter large oceans of obstacles filled with sharks (sin) barracudas and all other types of spirits intended to destroy your soul.

Sometimes the sharks are drugs.

Sometimes the barracuda is sickness, sometimes the sin is adultery.

But we know that our soul is secure in Christ Jesus.

For your life be hid in Christ Jesus.

We know that by his stripes we are healed.

We know that there is no other name given among men whereby we might be saved other than Jesus Christ.

There have been great men according to the scriptures.
Moses the greatest prophet on earth.

Joshua a man of faith that commanded God to have the sun to stand still.

And the Bible says, God obeyed.

Elijah was able to call fire from heaven on the false prophets of Baal.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was able to endure the fiery furnace.

Jehoshaphat was able to defeat and enormous army.

All these men have a legacy within the Holy Scriptures, but none of them was able to bridge man with God.

Only Jesus and that atoning blood.

That blood which represents his love.

That blood that cries out thus far Satan and no further.

That blood that was able to make a one time sacrifice into the Holies of Holies and rent the vale between man and God from top to bottom.

Yes, Jesus is a bridge over troubled waters.

He is bread in a starving land.

He is water in the midst of a desert.

He is clothing in the time of nakedness (Robe of righteousness).

When your friends forsake he is a friend that stick closer than a brother.

When sickness enter into your body, he says, I am a God that healeth thee.

When your way gets dark, he is the lamp unto your feet and a light unto your pathway.

Sisters and brothers if you don't know Jesus for the pardon of your sin, please seek him while he yet can be found.

Call upon him while he yet hears, for your soul must spend eternity somewhere.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

What Does The Bible Say About Spiritual Warfare?

There are two primary errors when it comes to spiritual warfare—over-emphasis and under-emphasis.

Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out.

Others completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible tells us our battle is against spiritual powers.

The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance.

Jesus sometimes cast demons out of people; other times He healed people with no mention of the demonic.

The Apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6) and warns us to oppose the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10–18).

Ephesians 6:10–12 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This text teaches some crucial truths:

We can only stand strong in the Lord’s power, it is God’s armor that protects us, and our battle is ultimately against spiritual forces of evil in the world.

Ephesians 6:13–18 is a description of the spiritual armor God gives us.

We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit.

What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare?

We are to know the truth, believe the truth, and speak the truth.

We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we face.

We are not to waver in our faith, trusting God’s promises no matter how strongly we are attacked.

Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away.

Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings.

And we are to pray in the power and will of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is our ultimate example of resisting temptation in spiritual warfare.

Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).

Each temptation was combatted with the words “it is written.”

The Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

A word of caution concerning spiritual warfare is in order.

The name of Jesus is not a magic incantation that causes demons to flee from before us.

The seven sons of Sceva are an example of what can happen when people presume an authority they have not been given (Acts 19:13–16).

Even Michael the archangel did not rebuke Satan in his own power but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9).

When we start talking to the devil, we run the risk of being led astray as Eve was (Genesis 3:1–7).

Our focus should be on God, not demons; we speak to Him, not them.

In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare?

We rely on God’s power, not our own.

We put on the whole armor of God.

We draw on the power of Scripture, the Word of God is the Spirit’s sword.

We pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God.

We stand firm (Ephesians 6:13–14); we submit to God; we resist the devil’s work (James 4:7), knowing that the Lord of hosts is our protector.

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2).

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

But No Man Can Tame The Tongue (A Comprehensive Study)

The phrase highlights the inherent difficulty humans face in controlling their speech.

This aligns with the broader biblical theme of human fallibility and the need for divine assistance.

The tongue, representing speech, is a small part of the body but has a significant impact, as seen in James 3:5-6, where it is compared to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire.

The inability to tame the tongue underscores the need for spiritual discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, where self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.

The tongue's untamable nature also reflects the fallen state of humanity, echoing the sentiments of Jeremiah 17:9 about the deceitfulness of the heart.

It is a restless evil:

This phrase suggests the tongue's constant potential for harm and its unpredictable nature.

The term "restless" implies instability and a tendency towards mischief, similar to the description of the wicked in Isaiah 57:20, who are likened to a troubled sea.

The tongue's restlessness can lead to gossip, slander, and falsehood, which are condemned throughout Scripture (Proverbs 6:16-19).

The evil nature of the tongue is a reflection of the inner moral state, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:34, where He stated that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Full of deadly poison:

This metaphor emphasizes the destructive power of words, likening them to venom that can cause spiritual and relational death.

The imagery of poison is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Psalm 140:3, where the wicked are described as having tongues as sharp as a serpent's.

The deadly nature of the tongue's poison can lead to division and strife within the community, as warned against in Proverbs 18:21, which states that death and life are in the power of the tongue.

This phrase serves as a caution to believers to guard their speech and seek wisdom from above, as described in James 3:17, which is pure, peaceable, and gentle.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Apostle James:

The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church.

He is known for his practical teachings on Christian living.

2. The Early Church:

The context in which James wrote, addressing Jewish Christians scattered among the nations, dealing with issues of faith, works, and community living.

3. The Tongue:

A metaphorical reference to human speech and communication, highlighting its potential for both good and harm.

Teaching Points:

The Untamable Tongue:

Despite human efforts, the tongue cannot be fully controlled by human strength alone.

This highlights our need for divine assistance and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Restless Evil:

The tongue is described as "restless," indicating its potential for constant activity and mischief.

Believers must remain vigilant and intentional about their speech.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

Life And Death Are In the Power Of The Tongue (Explanation)

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

This powerful proverb (Proverbs 18:21) highlights how our words carry immense weight.

Speech can build up, heal, and bring life, or it can tear down, discourage, and cause destruction.

We ultimately experience the consequences, or "eat the fruit," of the things we choose to say.

Constructive Words

(Bringing Life)

Encouragement:

Uplifting someone can motivate them to overcome challenges.

Kindness:

Speaking with compassion strengthens relationships and builds trust.

Truth:

Honest, well-intentioned feedback helps others learn and grow.

Affirmation:

Validating someone’s feelings or efforts boosts their self-worth.

Destructive Words

(Bringing Death)

Gossip:

Spreading rumors breaks trust and damages reputations.

Harsh Criticism:

Negative, attacking language can crush spirits and confidence.

Deception:

Dishonesty distorts reality and destroys connections over time.

Anger:

Impulsive or cruel words spoken in frustration can cause lasting emotional scars.

How to Change Your Approach

Pause before speaking:

Give yourself a second to think about how your words will impact the other person.

Speak life into yourself:

The way you talk to yourself matters just as much as how you talk to others.

Focus on solutions:

Frame your thoughts around improvement and positivity rather than dwelling on flaws.

The phrase "life and death are in the power of the tongue" is a famous proverb (Proverbs 18:21).

The tongue's words hold tremendous power to build up, destroy, encourage, or cause harm in everyday life.

Because words shape our relationships, environment, and mindset, here is a quick guide on how to harness this power positively:

Constructive vs. Destructive:

Use words to motivate, heal, and inspire others.

Avoid gossip, harsh criticism, or tearing others down.Positive Self-Talk:

The things you say to yourself impact your mental well-being and confidence.

Speak truths that foster resilience rather than internalizing limitations.

Thoughtful Communication:

Think before you speak. Consider the impact your tone and specific vocabulary will have on the listener.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

The Bridegroom (Explanation and Interpretation)

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

In the Bible, a bridegroom is a man newly married or about to be married.

Beyond literal weddings, the term carries deep spiritual significance, serving as a primary metaphor for God's covenantal love for His people and Jesus Christ's ultimate relationship with the Church.

1. Jesus as the BridegroomIn the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Bridegroom.

When questioned about fasting, He refers to His time on earth as a joyous wedding celebration with His followers.

By claiming this title, Jesus was identifying Himself with God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies that described the Lord as the husband of His people (e.g., Isaiah 62:5).

2. The Church as the BrideThe followers of Jesus, collectively referred to as the Church are described as the "Bride of Christ".

The Apostle Paul illustrates the depth of this relationship in Ephesians 5:25, commanding husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her".

3. God's Covenant with IsraelIn the Old Testament, the relationship between God and Israel is frequently framed as a marriage.

God is the faithful husband, and Israel is His bride.

Passages like Hosea 2:19 highlight God's unfailing commitment, forgiveness, and grace to His people, even when they stray.

4. John the Baptist

(The "Friend of the Bridegroom")

When John the Baptist is asked about his role in relation to Jesus, he describes himself as the "friend of the bridegroom" (modern equivalent to the best man).

His joy was complete in preparing the way and presenting the Bride (the people) to the Bridegroom (Jesus).

5. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

The biblical narrative of the Bridegroom and the Bride culminates in the end times.

In Revelation 19:7-9, history concludes with the "marriage supper of the Lamb," representing the eternal, joyful, and unbroken union between Christ and all believers.

Bridegroom in the Bible:

Symbolism & Meaning

The concept of the bridegroom anchors one of the most powerful allegories in Scripture, illustrating God's permanent devotion, sacrifice, and ultimate union with His people.

Old Testament (God and Israel):

The prophets frequently depicted God as a faithful husband and Israel as His bride.

Passages like Isaiah 62:5 describe the deep delight the bridegroom has over the bride.

New Testament (Christ and the Church):

The imagery shifts to Jesus Christ as the Bridegroom and the Church (all believers) as His bride.

John the Baptist identified himself as the "friend of the bridegroom" (what we call the best man) pointing to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

Jesus Himself uses the metaphor in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (found in Matthew 25:1-13) to teach His followers about spiritual vigilance and readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Ultimate Fulfillment:

The Bible concludes in Revelation 21:2 with the picture of the New Jerusalem "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband," pointing toward the eternal union and "wedding supper" of Christ and His followers

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

"Will A Man Rob God?" (Explanation and Interpretation)

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

The phrase "will a man rob God?" comes from the Bible (Malachi 3:8). It describes the act of withholding tithes, offerings, or your ultimate devotion from God.

In a spiritual sense, it means depriving the Lord of what rightfully belongs to Him and giving Him less than your best.

The Biblical Context (Old Testament)

In the book of Malachi, God asks the provocative question:

"Will a man rob God?

Yet you are robbing me."

When the people ask how they robbed Him, God responds:

"In your tithes and offerings."

The Offense:

The ancient Israelites were holding back the required 10% (tithe) of their agricultural produce and income.

The Purpose:

These tithes were meant to support the temple priests, widows, orphans, and the poor.

By withholding them, the people were essentially keeping for themselves what God had designated for the community and His service.

Modern Meanings & Applications

Today, this concept goes far beyond just money and applies to several aspects of faith:

Finances:

Many Christians use this verse to discuss tithing (giving 10% of one's income to the church or charitable causes).

It serves as a reminder to trust God with finances rather than hoarding resources out of selfishness.

Time and Talents:

People can rob God of the time, energy, and gifts He has given them by keeping those resources strictly for themselves instead of using them to serve others or in worship.

Devotion and Obedience:

The deeper meaning boils down to the heart.

When we give God our "leftovers," whether that is a lack of focus, minimal effort, or half-hearted obedience, we deprive Him of the honor, respect, and preeminence He deserves.

Ultimately, the message is a call to recognize that all blessings and resources come from God.

Giving back to Him, whether through finances or living a devoted life, is viewed as an act of worship rather than a payment.

"Will a Man Rob God?"

Meaning

Found in the Old Testament Book of Malachi, this phrase addresses how people fail to honor God with their resources.

When the people ask "In what way have we robbed You?", the text answers:

"In tithes and offerings".

The Literal Meaning: Under the Old Testament Law of Moses, withholding tithes (giving 10% of one's income to the temple to support priests, widows, and the poor) was viewed by God as stealing what was rightfully owed to His house.

The Spiritual/Modern Meaning:

Many theologians and religious speakers note that this passage goes beyond money.

It broadly means depriving God of the honor, love, and time you owe Him.

You can explore deeper theological breakdowns of this verse in Henry' Commentary.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

How Can I Overcome Temptation?

The Scriptures tell us that we all face temptations.

First Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.”

Perhaps this provides a little encouragement as we often feel that the world is bearing in on us alone, and that others are immune to temptations.

We are told that Christ was also tempted:

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Where, then, do these temptations come from?

First of all, they do not come from God, although He does allow them.

James 1:13 says, “For God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”

In the first chapter of Job, we see that God allowed Satan to tempt Job, but with restrictions.

Satan is roaming on the earth like a lion, seeking people to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Verse 9 tells us to resist him, knowing that other Christians are also experiencing his attacks.

By these passages we can know that temptations come from Satan.

We see in James 1:14 that temptation originates in us as well.

We are tempted when we are “carried away and enticed by our own lust” (verse 14).

We allow ourselves to think certain thoughts, allow ourselves to go places we should not go, and make decisions based on our lusts that lead us into the temptation.

How then do we resist the temptations?

First of all, we must return to the example of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness by Satan in Matthew 4:1-11.

Each of Satan’s temptations was met with the same answer:

“It is written,” followed by Scripture.

If the Son of God used the Word of God to effectively end the temptations, which we know works because after three failed efforts, “the Devil left him” (v. 11), how much more do we need to use it to resist our own temptations?

All our efforts to resist will be weak and ineffective unless they are powered by the Holy Spirit through the constant reading, studying, and meditating on the Word.

In this way, we will be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

There is no other weapon against temptation except the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

If our minds are filled with the latest TV shows, music and all the rest the culture has to offer, we will be bombarded with messages and images that inevitably lead to sinful lusts.

But if our minds are filled with the majesty and holiness of God, the love and compassion of Christ, and the brilliance of both reflected in His perfect Word, we will find that our interest in the lusts of the world diminish and disappear.

But without the Word’s influence on our minds, we are open to anything Satan wants to throw at us.

Here, then, is the only means to guard our hearts and minds in order to keep the sources of temptation away from us.

Remember the words of Christ to His disciples in the garden on the night of His betrayal:

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Most Christians would not openly want to jump into sin, yet we cannot resist falling into it because our flesh is not strong enough to resist.

We place ourselves in situations or fill our minds with lustful passions, and that leads us into sin.

We need to renew our thinking as we are told in Romans 12:1-2.

We must no longer think as the world thinks, or walk in the same way that the world walks.

Proverbs 4:14-15 tells us, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men.

Avoid it, do not pass by; Turn away from it and pass on.”

We need to avoid the path of the world that leads us into temptation because our flesh is weak.

We are easily carried away by our own lusts.

Matthew 5:29 has some excellent advice.

“If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw if from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

That sounds severe! Sin is severe!

Jesus is not saying that we literally need to remove body parts.

Cutting out the eye is a drastic measure, and Jesus is teaching us that if necessary, a drastic measure should be taken to avoid sin.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

What does It Mean That The Letter Kills, But The Spirit Gives Life (2 Corinthians 3:6)?

Second Corinthians 3:6 says, “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

With these words, Apostle Paul summarizes the key difference between the Old and New Testaments:

The first covenant was based on obedience to the written law (the “letter”), but the second covenant is based on the blood of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

There are two parts to this answer, as we look at both the letter and the Spirit.

First, what does Apostle Paul mean by “the letter kills”?

Simply that the Old Testament Law, which is good and perfect (Psalm 19:7), reveals all people as law-breakers (Galatians 3:10).

The law “kills” in that the penalty for breaking God’s law is eternal death in hell (Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8).

As God told Moses the lawgiver, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33).

Even if you sin only once in your whole life, it’s the same as breaking all of God’s laws (James 2:10), just as breaking only one link in a chain breaks the whole chain.

The written law—“the letter” was chiseled in stone by the finger of God and is the unchanging standard by which all are judged.

The law cannot give us righteousness or eternal life in heaven (Galatians 2:16).

It can only condemn us as sinners, and the sentence is death.

Heaven is where perfection is required (Matthew 5:20, 48; 19:16–21), and “the law made nothing perfect” (Hebrews 7:19).

Second, what does Apostle Paul mean by “the Spirit gives life”? Simply that the Holy Spirit rescues us from our hopeless situation.

God saves us from death and grants us eternal life when we are born again through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6), and, later, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.

The words I have spoken to you, they are Spirit and they are life” (John 6:63).

The Holy Spirit was active in the Incarnation of our Savior (Luke 1:35).

It was through the Holy Spirit that Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice to God for our sins (Hebrews 9:14).

The Spirit is the cause of the new birth (John 3:3–8). It is the Spirit who lives in believers (John 14:17), seals them (Ephesians 1:13), and sanctifies them (Romans 15:16).

Jesus came to give us an abundant life, or life “to the full” (John 10:10).

The Holy Spirit living in believers is how Jesus fulfills that promise. The abundant Christian life is marked by the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).

The Old Testament Law could not produce any of that fruit; only the Holy Spirit can, as He lives in us.

The Spirit gives life in that He enables us to reach God’s ultimate goal for us, to be transformed into the glorious image of God’s own Son (2 Corinthians 3:18; also see Romans 8:28–30).

Until the day that we see Christ, the Spirit intercedes with God on our behalf, ensuring our continued forgiveness and preserving the promise of God (Romans 8:26–27).

“The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). Elsewhere, Apostle Paul teaches the same truth:

“But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code” (Romans 7:6).

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

06/11/2026

What Does It Mean That The Heart Is Desperately Wicked In Jeremiah 17:9?

Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (KJV).

The immediate context of the verse speaks of Judah’s sinfulness in spite of all the blessings of God.

Jeremiah 17:1 says, “Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron tool, inscribed with a flint point, on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars.”

Saying that their sin is inscribed on the tablets of their hearts is similar to saying that they are “desperately wicked” in verse 9.

The phrase desperately wicked is from the KJV.

Some of the modern translations use other wording such as “beyond cure” (NIV) and “desperately sick” (NASB and ESV).

The Hebrew word translated “desperately wicked” has the idea of a terminal, incurable illness.

While the immediate context speaks of the nation of Judah, that nation illustrates the human condition that is true everywhere and for everyone.

This is a concept that theologians have called “total depravity.”

Romans 1—3 speaks of the total depravity of mankind.

The following verses serve to illustrate the point:

Romans 1:29–32:

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.

They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.

They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.

Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

Romans 3:9–18: “What shall we conclude then?

Do we have any advantage?

Not at all!

For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.

As it is written:

‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.’

‘Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.’ ‘

The poison of vipers is on their lips.’

‘Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.’

‘Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.’

‘There is no fear of God before their eyes.’”

Not every person will commit all the sins listed above.

Total depravity does not mean that every person is as bad as he possibly can be, but that every person is completely consumed by sin and there is no hope of his turning it around and “getting better’ on his own.

We are “desperately wicked.” Romans 8:8 says, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

In the flesh in context refers to the natural person who has not been regenerated by the Spirit of God.

The “illness” is terminal and incurable, so much so that Apostle Paul describes the unregenerate as “dead in sins” (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13).

The only hope for the sinful human heart is to be supernaturally changed.

Jeremiah 31:33 gives the solution.

Where sin was once inscribed on the hearts of His people, God provides a new inscription:

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord:

I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.

And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Jesus came to inaugurate a New Covenant so that sins could be forgiven and sinners could be born again (John 3:5).

As “desperately wicked” people, we cannot reform our hearts by our own effort.

The only solution is for God to make our hearts new, washed clean from sin and fundamentally reoriented toward pleasing Him.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor

Discovered Being Ministry Incorporated

06/12/2026

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