Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Month: March 2023

  • Let’s Be Real

    Next week all Christendom would be remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, more popularly known as the Holy Week. For the sake of clarity, the term “Holy Week” was nowhere spoken in the Bible, it’s a later invention, see caption on quotation below.

    In the Greek and Roman liturgical books, it is called the Great Week because great deeds were done by God during this week. The name Holy Week was used in the 4th century by St. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, and St. Epiphanius of Constantia. Originally, only Good Friday and Holy Saturday were observed as holy days. Later, Wednesday was added as the day on which Judas plotted to betray Jesus, and by the beginning of the 3rd century the other days of the week had been added.

    https://www.britannica.com/topic/Holy-Week

    Historically, Jesus Christ came to fulfill God’s promise of the Messiah. Yes, the Jewish religious leaders of Old Covenant Israel rejected Christ Jesus and sent Him to be crucified. To quote Joseph, son of Jacob, perhaps his words foreshadowed God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today (Genesis 50:20)”.

    God’s sovereign will for salvation prevailed. Jesus Christ died to overturn the curse of the Adamic Law (Genesis 2:15-17) – the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Consequently, Paul wrote “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive (1Corinthians 15:22)”. Take note, the Adamic death has to do with spiritual death, not physical. So Jesus Christ resurrected back to life offering the law of the Spirit (Romans 8:2; 1Corinthians 15:45). The Gospel is the law of the Spirit, the good news of the New Covenant. See 2Corinthians 3:5-9.

    Not that we (Paul and his co-workers) are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter (Mosaic Law) but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.

    The Mosaic Law (Galatians 3:17-19, 23-26) was an annex to the Law of Sin and Death (Adamic Law Genesis 2:15-17) to make evident the need for God’s grace (Romans 7:7-13), the Gospel.

    See Romans 8:1-4 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life (the New Covenant or the Gospel) has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death (Adamic Law, Genesis 2:15-17). For God has done what the law (Mosaic Law, Galatians 2:15-21), weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us …”

    Let’s be real, because of God’s grace, Christians ought to focus on the grace of God made available through Christ Jesus our Lord. We are not saved by faith just so we may continue in our sinful ways (see Romans 6:10-12) but to be the light and salt of the world. Christians ought to live according to the grace and Words of Jesus Christ.

    Formerly, we too were lost and were doomed to die without salvation. It was only and still is, by the grace of God that we now have salvation and eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus. Hence, the unavoidable physical death of all humanity no longer reigns over us because Jesus Christ said, “Whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life (John 5:24)”.

    I do not mean that Christians have overcome physical death; rather, our existence would no longer be halted by physical death, for we would eternally be in the presence of God.

    To be “light and salt” means we should exemplify the Christian standard of living by faith and in obedience to the Words of Jesus Christ. The Bible never spoke of Christians being perfect in themselves, but rather perfection through faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9, 12).

    Simply said, Christians should not be an oxymoron to the confession of faith. Salvation is by faith in Christ alone, and so does everything else in life. So Jesus Christ said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

    Christians should not have a life of duality. Worshipping God when with Christian people, but in their day-to-day, professional or business lives, they are no different from people who worshipped money and power, just to enrich themselves with unrighteous wealth instead of true riches. Jesus Christ said, “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Luke 16:11-13)

    Money isn’t the enemy of Christianity. It’s simply a means for trade. Scripture said “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He (God) has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

    The love of money is no different from Idolatry. The apostle Paul said “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossions 3:5)

    Moreover, the unbelieving world is not the enemy of Christianity; rather, they are the focus of the Gospel. Therefore, the outreach of every Christian.

    A restaurant, no matter how good its aesthetics are, would soon lose its appeal if the food turned out to be not so good or bad. Similarly, Christianity should not leave a bad taste on people, thereby losing its appeal to the lost. But the truth of the matter is, it isn’t Christianity in the real sense that has lost its focus but pretenders to Christianity destroying the Gospel of Christ.

    Consequently, the real and true enemy of Christianity has to be the wolves in sheep’s clothing. The apostle Paul spoke of such people as “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power … (2Timothy 3:5)” Make no mistake, by “power”, Paul was talking about the faith, the Gospel, the Scripture itself, which alone has the power to transform people for Christ Jesus. Wolves in sheep’s clothing have no regard for God’s Word and the Lord’s sheep (Acts 20:29-30; John 10:12).

    Hence, Paul in the succeeding verses went on to say, “But as for you (Timothy), continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. I charge you (Timothy) in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you (Timothy), always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2Timothy 3:14 – 4:5)

    The same Christian mandate holds true today. We ought to be perfectly correct as we teach God’s Word. No compromise, no modification, always remain true to the Scripture. Otherwise, we fall into the same mold – having the appearance of godliness but denying its power.

    Paul addressing the problem within the church of Corinth said: “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1Corinthians 5:6-8)

    Christians, for the good of our ranks, should be willing to cleanse out the rotten ones. In reality, within each Christian congregation gathering each week, there are not many rotten ones, but those few rotten ones are just so poisonous that they can easily misdirect the many to agree with their agendas and doings.

    Termites, once detected in the house, should be remedied at once. Delays or dilly-dally after detection could cause the whole house to be damaged later. Restoration of a hugely damaged house is more costly than rebuilding a new ones. Similarly, Christians should never have second thoughts about addressing the termites or rotten ones within their congregation – fast and quick.

    See Paul’s instruction to Timothy, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.” (1Timothy 5:17-20)

    Compromises or ignoring wrongs within the church were never recommended in Scripture. Do not say “The church is a place for sinners”, that is a misrepresentation of God’s word regarding the church. Rather the church is the assembly of repentant sinners that have been transformed by God’s grace.

    Jesus Christ, before sending out the apostles to preach about the kingdom of heaven, the Gospel, said: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).” The religious people of Jesus’ day, the spiritual leaders of Old Covenant Israel, were the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Just as it was then, it remains the same today. We also have wolves in sheep’s clothing from within supposedly Christian institutions.

    I do not mean the whole organized Christian congregation but within their midst. However, it must be recognized we also have true people of God within their ranks. Let everyone be reminded of Jesus’s words, saying, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

    Seek the Scripture. Always let the Scripture be the guiding truth in decision-making. Do not be afraid to start anew once God’s truth has been compromised. Leave and start your journey through the guidance of God’s word.

    Again, Paul warned: “Pay careful attention to yourselves (Christian elders of Ephesus) and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:28-30)

    The danger within the Christian community has always been from within their ranks. Learn from the Old Testament stories of Israel. Every time Israel has fallen out of the Scripture and turned to the ways of the world, it was then that Israel became apostate. They sought to do things not according to the guidance of the Word of God, but according to the pattern of ungodly people.

    Historically, all Christian congregations almost always have a remarkable and humble beginning. They have a simple idea of establishing a place for gathering together; that is, to worship, care for one another, and honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Sadly, with time, each Christian community has the same tale to tell – deterioration from within their ranks.

    Perhaps, history was simply repeating itself. Like Israel, Christians have sought charismatic leaders – leaders who appear to stand above the rest. Forgetting that the true Christian leader, being a true follower of Jesus Christ, should imitate his/her Master. Jesus Christ never appeared above the rest in terms of appearance but always by His teaching and Word.

    Let’s be real. Stop calling a congregation a church if it has a mix of seekers still contemplating renouncing his/her old ways. All Jesus Christ said about such people was “You are not far from the kingdom of heaven”. Go read Mark 12:28-34.

    But in contrast, Zacchaeus, having been found and befriended by Jesus Christ, offered to undo his mistake, giving away his wealth to repay those whom he had defrauded (surely, as a taxman, he had wronged many). The Lord Jesus declared said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he (Zacchaeus) also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Go read Luke 19:1-10.

    Christianity is all about total surrender to Christ Jesus our Lord. Recognizing our wrongs, shortcomings, and our need of Christ Jesus for salvation and everything else in life. Joining a weekly worship service without experiencing any of the above does not make a person Christian.

    Let us call a spade, a spade. The church ain’t the institution, nor was it the building where people gather each week. Rather, the church is God’s people, redeemed by His grace. They are the body of Christ, with Christ alone being the Head of His church.

    Concerning the church, Paul said, “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5)

    To the church in Ephesus, Paul wrote, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6)

    Now see 1Corinthians 3:5-8, Paul used agricultural and architectural language to describe the church: “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

    Stop saying “I’m a member of this or that church”, for there is no church that was/is built by man but by Christ Jesus alone. Jesus Christ declared before Peter, saying, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.”

    Take note that Peter wasn’t the rock by which Jesus would build His church, rather Jesus Christ was and will always be the Rock, see 1Corinthians 10:4; the cornerstone of His church (Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1Peter 2:4-7) and the church is God’s spiritual house (1Peter 2:5); also, the holy temple and God’s dwelling place (Ephesians 2:19-22).

    Forget not what Jesus Christ had said to the Samaritan woman concerning God’s true temple or the place for worship. See John 4:21-24.

    “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming,and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’”

    Let’s be real. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus tell His disciples to collect money for the building of a worship center or building. Rather, Jesus Christ asked them to preach the Gospel of the kingdom.

    Let’s be real. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus tell His disciples to gather all believers into one building. Rather, the first-century church gathered in their homes and houses. It’s doable then, more so now. No parking problems. No costly buildings to build and maintain.

    Let’s be real. Jesus Christ offered His life to release His people from the bondage of regulations, shackles, restrictions, and the like. All Jesus Christ demands from us Christians is a true confession of faith to His Lordship and salvation offered. Living a life of faith, trusting His Word and promise – that is the true essence of true Christian worship, in spirit and truth.

    Let’s be real. Only Jesus Christ holds the key to God’s kingdom and His church. No application for church membership. No regulations for church membership. No human-developed confessions are needed. Rather Christians became members of God’s house – the church – through faith in Christ Jesus alone. See Ephesians 1:13-14 “In Him (Jesus Christ) you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our (the church’s) inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.”

    We need not second guess Paul’s mention of the Church’s inheritance. See Ephesians 5:5 “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

    In conclusion, allow me to remind everyone of God’s Word. To be real, always remember, that the Scripture said, “For we (Paul and Christian workers) are God’s fellow workers. You (the church) are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it (the foundation that Paul laid; that is, Christ Jesus). Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

    Christ Jesus is the sole foundation of God’s church. Hence, there are no numerous churches, but all true Christians are members of the body of Jesus Christ – His church or assembly.

    Blessings!

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  • Following Jesus

    Colonial mentality is still very much embedded in the minds of most people, especially here in the Philippines. Simple discipleship approaches have to be imported from foreign soil. No wonder Christianity here has always been challenged, without real progress.

    Discipleship is never about programs. Approaches might differ according to each cultural background but the main task of discipleship remains the same. Programs without truthful teaching of God’s Word cannot be real discipleship. If programs are just approaches so that Christianity would adjust to the likings of unbelievers or nominal Christians, then it’s already a failure even at the onset.

    A lot of people lose interest in Christianity not because of the Gospel message, but mainly due to the hypocrisy or conflicting nature of supposedly Christians. Yes, professing Christians (wolves in sheep’s clothing) are the main stumbling block to Christianity.

    Jesus Christ called on His prospective disciples saying “Follow me”. Christ’s call on people to follow Him – that’s the essence of real discipleship. Now, to follow Jesus does not simply mean eating with Him or walking with Him, but to learn from His teaching. Hence, discipleship without truthful teaching of God’s Word is not discipleship – it’s simply a bandwagon in the guise of discipleship.

    Here are the Words of Jesus Christ concerning His call for discipleship. See Matthew 10:24-39. I am separating it into two parts for clarity’s sake.

    First, Jesus Christ said:

    ““A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the Master of the house (Jesus Christ is the Master of God’s house, the church) Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of His household. “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him (God) who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges Me (Jesus Christ) before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven.”

    Doing discipleship is never a walk in the park. It would have its challenges. You would always be maligned, gossiped, or backstabbed; it all comes with the work. So we cannot be onion-skinned. Just shake off the dust if it doesn’t work out. But never leave the potential disciple if he/she is truly seeking to follow Jesus Christ.

    Second, Jesus Christ went on teaching:

    “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

    Jesus Christ told us, disciples should continue the journey of following Him even when opposition seems to overwhelm us. Even loved ones or family members could oppose our journey. Yet, if we chose to save it, that would be the end of our discipleship journey. On the other hand, if we persist on our journey, surely we will find Jesus and not be lost on our way.

    Jesus Christ was not all talk without application. He demand commitment to discipleship, taught it, and applied it to Himself.

    Jesus Christ exemplified discipleship, teaching only from the perspective of the Trinity God. See John 7:16, “So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not Mine, but His (God the Father) who sent Me.” Check out also John 12:49.

    Even the Holy Spirit, the 3rd Person of the Holy Trinity, has always been consistent with the Word of God. See John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

    Perhaps James, one of Jesus’ brothers by Joseph, appeared also to oppose His way. Jesus was ridiculed by His own and yet He persisted following the Father’s will. See John 7:2-5.

    “Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So His (Jesus’) brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works You are doing. For no one works in secret if He seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For not even His brothers believed in Him.”

    Yet, it was after Jesus Christ had faithfully followed the will of the Father – died on the cross, resurrected, and ascended; thereby, fulfilling Scripture – did James became His determined apostle.

    Worry not that our relationship with people might be compromised by following Jesus Christ. But trust His heart, goodness, and grace. Just as James found grace in Christ Jesus, Scripture assured us saying “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

    The main goal of discipleship should be QUALITY, not QUANTITY. But that has always been a challenge to workers of the Word ‘cause discipleship is never an overnight journey. Jesus Christ spent three years teaching the disciples. Sadly, the quest for QUALITY disciples has always been challenged by demands for QUANTITY. The issue of ROI (Return on Investment) from supporting organized Christianity forced workers of the Word to fast-track, thereby compromising truthful discipleship.

    On the other hand, sad to say but we also have pastors who seem not able to teach only from the Bible. They relied on human-tailored Bible study materials, most of which – if not all – have compromised from the truth. Human biases are very obvious for Christians who truly understand Scripture. Consequently, we have well-meaning Christian leaders who have no option but to send pastors to join discipleship conferences. Worse, even with joining such conferences nothing seems to progress. So, at the end of the day, we see pastors and Christian leaders joining discipleship conferences to no avail.

    Learning discipleship begins with learning to study and teach the Word of God. Before the disciples were sent out to preach, they had to know the message. Paul went around the Roman Empire teaching the Word of God only after he had personally been called by Jesus Christ and taught by Him. See Galatians 1:11-12.

    “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”

    Paul’s understanding of Judaism didn’t suffice. He needed to see the connection between the Old Testament Scripture vis-a-vis that of Jesus’ teaching (New Testament Scripture) and work. Yes, Jesus Christ didn’t offer a new teaching; rather He connected the OT Scripture with His Word ‘cause Christ came to fulfill all Scripture (Matthew 5:17).

    Apollos’ preaching in Ephesus was called upon and augmented so that it may fully adhere to the teaching of Jesus Christ. See Acts 18:24-26.

    “Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

    Admit it or not, human-tailored discipleship materials come and go. It has become like a fashion trend. Whichever material was used, after its initial launch or sometime later, Christians are always left hanging, not knowing what’s next.

    Let us teach Christians how to study the Bible so that they may qualify to teach and lead others. That should be the foundational rule in discipleship. See Ephesians 2:19-21.

    “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (the church), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple (the church) in the Lord.”

    Make no mistake the foundation of truthful Christianity has always been Jesus Christ and His Word – nothing more, nothing less.

    Here then are the guiding passages for discipleship:

    “You then, my child (Timothy), be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me (Paul) in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2Timothy 2:1-2)

    Discipleship won’t suffice by simply inviting Christians to a short seminar and providing them with materials to follow. We all know most Christians are not well-versed in Scripture. They have questions, and they would be asked questions. Hence, we need to have Christian mentors who are truly equipped to handle the Scripture rightly (2Timothy 2:15). Consequently, with our present context launching a congregation-wide discipleship is not possible – simply because we need qualified mentors, truly equipped in Scripture. It cannot be denied, that not everyone who goes to a Sunday Christian gathering is a committed Christian. Worse, it’s a fact that we have unconverted people joining such gatherings. Sadly, we also have them among supposedly Christian leadership.

    Next, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My WORD, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31-32)

    Discipleship is not simply a movement armed with a human-tailored material within or outside a congregation. Rather, it’s all about following Jesus Christ; again, it’s about learning and teaching from His Word. Faith is learned when we knew intimately and believe the One whom we follow.

    On the other hand, here is a guide for Christian mentors to know if a person is not ready to be a disciple:

    “When many of His (Jesus’) disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in Himself that His disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray Him.) And He said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted Him by the Father.” After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” (John 6:60-66)

    Incidentally, I’m not endorsing the idea of “election or predestination” in our present context. We have to understand that Christ’s expression of “election language or metaphor” was due to the impending judgment coming upon Old Covenant Jews, who sent Jesus to be crucified. See Paul’s letter to the believers.

    “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!” (1Th 2:14-16)

    Similar to God’s initial judgment against Old Covenant Israel, it was the Babylonians who became God’s instrument for judgment; Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in 586 B.C. Now, with God’s final judgment upon Old Covenant Israel, it was the Romans destroying Jerusalem and the temple in 70 A.D.; hence, true to Paul’s words “God’s wrath has come upon them at last (1Thessalonians 2:16). Also, fulfilling Jesus’ word concerning that final destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (Matthew 23:37-38; 24:1-2,15-21).

    Jerusalem today, without the temple, ceased to be God’s Old Covenant Israel. And mind you, there was no further prophecy of another rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple in Scripture. Whatever was prophesied in the Old Testament Scripture concerning a rebuilding of the temple was initially fulfilled during Nehemiah and Ezra’s time and until that of Herod’s temple. The New Testament Scripture has no direct prophecy of another temple to be rebuilt. Therefore, without Scripture, it’s just a myth or fictional story telling.

    Understandably, the temple in Jerusalem was a mere shadow of the true reality of God’s promise dwelling with His people. Jesus Christ, by His resurrection and ascension, commenced the building of His temple – the church. See 1Corinthians 3:16.

    “Do you not know that you (Greek plural, not individual, the collective body of Christ, the church) are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

    Next, 1Corinthians 6:19. “Or do you not know that your body (Greek plural, not individual body but the collective body of Christ, the church) is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”

    Also, 2Corinthians 6:16. “What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we (collective body of Christ, the church) are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

    Again, Ephesians 2:19-22. “So then you (Gentiles) are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints (the Jewish believers) and members of the household of God (the collective body of Christ, the church), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

    Finally, 1Peter 2:4-5. “As you (Greek plural, the collective body of Christ, the church) come to Him (Jesus Christ), a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves (same with the first “you”, plural) like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

    On the flip side of God’s judgment pronouncement on Old Covenant Israel, similarly important was God’s promise of grace to the generation of Jews that saw Jerusalem and its temple destroyed. See Romans 11:5-7, the apostle Paul said: “So too at the present time (Paul’s time, not ours) there is a remnant (of Jews, see Romans 9:27), chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened …”. The believing Jews were clearly the elect spoken in Scripture.

    You may want to see Ephesians 1:4-6; 2Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1Peter 1:1-2 among other Scriptures on the topic of the believing Jews of Paul’s generation, as the elect.

    In our quest to make disciples, let us not commit the mistake of omitting the Word of God as the main means for discipleship. Keep in mind that our commission for discipleship came from the Lord Jesus Christ, not men. Let us not be pressured by the idea of ROI, but disciple people by the Word of God. It does not need to be fast-tracked. Practice discernment, some may be ready but most are not. Focus on those who truly honor God’s Word. Remember always that our accountability is to the Word, Jesus Christ.

    Now, if the issue you are confronting has to do with the ministry support, and you have been coerced to do otherwise, walk away! Trust God for your sustenance. As the saying goes, “God is never early, yet He is never late.” In hindsight, after you have trusted God in everything, you will see God’s work in display – he has led you out of your Egypt and parted the sea, protected and delivered you, not to the wilderness but His promised land. That is the reality and sum of following Jesus Christ. No ifs, no buts. Just trust and believe.

    Scripture said, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

    Blessings!

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