Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Month: October 2026

  • Gospel of Mark (1:16-20): Reflection on the Calling of the First Disciples (#5)

    Our Scripture today recounts the moment Jesus called His first disciples:

    > “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.” (Mark 1:16-20)

    Have you ever wondered why these men immediately left everything to follow Jesus?

    John’s Gospel gives us the context. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was a disciple of John the Baptist. Knowing John’s role as the forerunner of Christ, Andrew understood that John’s declaration meant the Messiah had arrived. When John proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus and even spent the day with Him (John 1:35-42). Andrew then sought Simon and declared, “We have found the Messiah!”

    Simon, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen from Galilee, which was part of the Northern tribes of Israel, referenced in Jeremiah 3:6-8 as being divorced by God. They were waiting for the promised restoration (Hosea 1:10-11). Their decision to follow Jesus was not a sudden or blind choice; it was the response of hearts that recognized the Christ, the chosen Savior of God.

    Jesus’ call to become “fishers of men” is a beautiful play on words. These fishermen were no longer catching fish for a living; they were now called to draw people to God for salvation.

    Our Calling Today

    This story is not just for them—it is for us. Every Christian is called to live out the Gospel, even if not in full-time ministry. As Paul writes, we are to “shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16). Peter reminds us to live holy lives and love one another sincerely:

    > “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:14-15).

    > “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:22-23).

    The Irony in Today’s Church

    It has become increasingly difficult to distinguish Christians from the world. Many who profess to follow Christ often behave worse than non-believers. Why is this happening? Because churches have tolerated wolves in sheep’s clothing, allowing them to remain in their midst and still call it a congregation of God.

    Paul warns the church:

    > “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.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7)

    > “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

    The church is not called to isolate itself from the world but to discipline and guard its own community. For three years, the disciples walked with Jesus, learning His teachings and living them out. The greatest threat to the church comes not from outside, but from within. Paul himself warned the elders:

    > “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which Jesus 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)

    True discipleship must begin before a church is established. Paul emphasized that we are to teach faithful people who will, in turn, teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). This is the foundation of a healthy church community.

    The church is not a walled building where people gather only on Sundays to repeatedly hear teachings on repentance and the basics of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-2). Instead, believers are called to live in harmony, edifying God and Christ in their daily lives. Like the first disciples, we are to respond to Christ’s call with faith and obedience, living as true witnesses of His grace and truth.

    Reflections on Christ’s call

    To truly follow Jesus, one must first encounter and understand who He is—His holiness, compassion, and Lordship. Without grasping His character, discipleship becomes an empty routine rather than a heartfelt response. Similarly, treasuring the Christian life is impossible without first recognizing the depth of one’s lostness and need for salvation. This awareness leads to repentance and a genuine desire for transformation. The call of Jesus is not merely an invitation but a commitment to a lifelong journey of discipleship. As Paul reminds us, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17), emphasizing that it is through God’s Word that our hearts awaken to faith and obedience.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Holy and Reverend is God’s name (Psalms 111:9)

    Photo taken from Wikipedia

    Christendom will soon commemorate Reformation Day, which commemorates the revolt against the erroneous teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Ironically, centuries after the Reformation, the Christian Church did precisely what it had revolted against. They developed traditions that are not found in the Bible. I will cite only one example here: 

    Some pastors held the title of reverend, derived from the Latin word “reverendus,” meaning “worthy of respect” or “one who is to be revered.” However, the Bible exclusively attributes reverence to God. For instance, Psalms 111:9 states, “God sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever. Holy and reverend is His name.” Shouldn’t Christians, despite their religious positions, be mindful of not robbing God of His rightful reverence by attributing it to men?

    The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, rendered the word corresponding to “reverend” as phoberos. This term appears only three times throughout the New Testament—Hebrews 10:27, Hebrews 10:31, and again in Hebrews 12:21—and in each case, it is used exclusively in reference to God.

    In Ephesians 4:11, Christ Jesus specifically gifted the church with the apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists. There is no mention of a reverend. Therefore, why create titles that are not found in Scripture? 

    When Christians loosely attribute to men what is solely God’s, they lose sight of God’s true nature. Vanity in human titles deprives God of what is rightfully His. If we Christians genuinely promote the Gospel, we wouldn’t succumb to the temptation of upholding human vanities. 

    Anyone who disagrees kindly study your Bibles. Let me know if there’s one instance man was attributed with reverence. 

    Isn’t it just a vanity act for human titles? If you’re interested, here’s a related blog: [Vanity in Human Titles].

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Vanity in Human Titles

    Vine’s New Testament Dictionary defines “pastor” in Greek as poimen (G4166), meaning a shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks. This term appears 18 times in the New Testament: 13 times referring to Jesus Christ, 4 times to literal shepherds at His birth, and once to pastors in Ephesians 4:11.

    In 1 Peter 2:25, the Bible states: “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Here, Jesus is both the Shepherd (poimen, G4166) and Overseer (episkopos, G1985), often translated as bishop or elder. This raises the question: is there a difference between “pastor” and “bishop”?

    1 Peter 5:1-4 provides insight:

    “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder … shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight…” This shows that elders (presbuteros, G4245) are called to shepherd (poimainō, G4165) and oversee (episkopeō, G1983). Verse 5 clarifies that presbuteros refers to seasoned believers, not necessarily overseers or bishops (episkopos, G1985). In the New Testament, episkopos appears five times (1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 2:25; Php 1:1; Act 20:28), generally in reference to church leaders.

    Apart from 1 Peter 2:25, where Jesus is the Overseer of our souls, the other occurrences refer to Christian leaders tasked to care for God’s flock: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…” (Acts 20:28). This suggests that pastors and bishops or overseers function as under-shepherds of Christ, sharing in His ministry of guidance and care.

    Paul, in Ephesians 4:11-16, identifies the pastoral office alongside apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers, tasked “to equip Christians for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Biblically, a pastor is called and gifted to unify and ground believers in truth, protecting them from false teachings.

    True Christian unity resides in the doctrines of the Bible, not on trivial matters. That’s exactly Paul’s assertion in Ephesians 4, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph 4:4-6) Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists are called and appointed by Jesus Christ precisely to keep the unity of the faith. (Eph 4:1-16)

    Jesus Himself taught discernment in Matthew 7:13-29, warning against false prophets and emphasizing fruit as the evidence of true ministry. Not all who claim His name are known by Him, highlighting the weight of pastoral responsibility.

    Not all seminary graduates are necessarily pastors in the biblical sense. Many may be better recognized as elders (presbuteros, G4245), faithful and seasoned in the faith but not specifically called to teach. The same may be said of many elders in churches today. Faithful to God, but not necessarily equipped to teach. Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 5:17 reflects this distinction: “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”

    The attached photo caption reads, “Can women be pastors? Let us not limit what God has not limited.” It’s a captivating phrase, but we should also remember that we shouldn’t attribute to anyone what God hasn’t given.

    Discussions about whether women can be pastors should also consider the biblical framework in discussion. Women like Priscilla faithfully taught and explained the gospel (Acts 18:24-26), yet Scripture does not title her as a pastor. Respect and honor are due to all Christian leaders and faithful women, as Paul reminds in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 and Philippians 4:2-3.

    Hebrews 13:7,17 exhorts believers to remember, imitate, obey, and support leaders who watch over their souls, for they will give an account to God.

    Ultimately, earthly titles mean little if Christ Himself does not commend our labor. There’s vanity in human titles. Let our aim be His approval as we work in His vineyard.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Gospel of Mark: Kingdom of God (#4)

    One of the most debated question is about the arrival of God’s kingdom. In our passage today, Scripture says, “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.’” (Mark 1:14-15)

    Scripture translators observe that the phrase “is fulfilled” in this passage appears in the Greek perfect, passive, indicative form. This construction presents the event as a completed and established reality, underscoring its certainty and unchangeable nature. In other words, without a doubt, “the appointed time” (kairos, in Greek) of God’s kingdom has indeed arrived.

    Why then is there so much debate within the Christian community about whether God’s kingdom has arrived? Certainly, Jesus cannot be wrong, as He did indeed announce its arrival. The error must lie with biblical scholars. They have overlooked textual time statements and ignored declarations from Scripture.

    Mark states, “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14-15) John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus said, “The Law and the Prophets— that’s the Mosaic Covenant— were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached …” (Luke 16:16). John the Baptist serves as the last prophet under the Old Covenant, heralding the impending arrival of God’s kingdom or New Covenant. Paul declares, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old (covenant) has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

    A simple look at God’s pronouncement in Daniel regarding the arrival of God’s kingdom would prove true that scholars are in error. Scripture says there would be four gentiles kingdom, starting with Babylon, and during the time of the fourth kingdom God’s kingdom would appear.

    Daniel 2:37-38 clearly identifies Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon as the 1st gentile kingdom. Daniel 2:39 spoke of the second and third kingdoms. Daniel 8:20-21 revealed the identity of the second and third kingdoms—Persia and Greece. Daniel 2:40-43 referred to the fourth kingdom as a mixed marriage between iron and clay. John, in Revelation 17, unveiled the mystery of the unholy marriage between Rome (identified by Revelations 17:9-10 as the Caesars of Rome) and Jerusalem (referred to as the clay in Romans 9:1-4,21; Isaiah 64:8; and Jeremiah 18:3-6). Then Daniel declared, “And in the days of those kings – that’s the iron mixed with clay – the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed (kingdom of God), nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end (Revelation 11:15), and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron (Rome), the bronze (Greece), the clay (Israel), the silver (Persia), and the gold (Babylon, see Daniel 2:32-33). A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” (Daniel 2:44-45)

    Jesus Christ was the stone cut from a mountain by no human hand, Scripture states, “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am the One who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste’” (Isaiah 28:16). Peter, testifying before the Jewish Council states, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)

    Add to that, when challenged by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus declared, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

    God’s kingdom has indeed arrived. John the Baptist heralded the arrival of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus fulfilled Scriptures with His triumphant entry to Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-10; Mark 11:1-9). Both Luke and John clearly states that the triumphant entry was a declaration of Jesus Christ as the coming King:

    “And they brought the colt to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as He rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As Jesus was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”” (Luke 19:35-38)

    “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.” (John 12:12-16)

    A careful study of the Scriptures would prove that God’s kingdom indeed has arrived. But contemporary Christianity doubts, because they expect a utopia would happen. Because that’s what they have been told and taught. Looking around, we indeed don’t see any changes in our world. War, hunger, injustice, and many other chaotic occurrences are still present. But Christians forget; Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

    Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “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 (Jews) 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.” (John 4:22-24)

    The woman then said to Jesus, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:25-26)

    How can God’s kingdom not have arrived since Jesus came? Oh, some may say the kingdom was postponed because the Jews rejected it. But Scripture says otherwise: “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone (Isaiah 28:16; Daniel 2:44-45) that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking about them.” (Matthew 21:42-45)

    God’s kingdom is here, a present and living reality that dwells in the hearts and minds of those who believe His Word. Because of this truth, Christians do not fear death, fully trusting in the promise of Jesus Christ. This same reality moves believers to release their hold on wealth in order to advance the Gospel. It is also this truth that leads Christians to turn away from the patterns of the world and choose to walk by faith. In light of this, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly living as people of the kingdom?

    It’s ironic that Christ’s words remain true today: “Seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matthew 13:13) Despite having the complete Scriptures, the Bible, we still face this challenge. 

    Are Christian scholars, early church fathers, or even the Reformers more credible than the Bible itself? The decision is yours. As for me and my household, we will always adhere to and follow the teachings of God’s Word. If you seek further enlightenment, we warmly invite you to join our Bible study. Please send us a private message or an email through this blog site.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Gospel of Mark (1:9-13): Righteousness by Grace (#3)

    Our passage begins with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when He came up out of the water, immediately He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.’” (Mark 1:9-11)

    Mark situates this moment during the ministry of John the Baptist, who was calling people to repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. Matthew’s Gospel provides more detail, showing John’s initial reluctance: “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” (Matthew 3:14). Jesus responded, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” and John consented (Matthew 3:15).

    Though Jesus was sinless, He submitted to baptism to fulfill God’s plan. That’s what it means when Jesus said, “to fulfill all righteousness.” John the Baptist explained the purpose of his ministry: “I myself did not know Him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” (John 1:31) Through His baptism, Jesus was publicly revealed as the Messiah, in line with the prophecies of Isaiah 40:3-5 and Malachi 3:1.

    This event was divinely affirmed. The Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove, and God the Father declared from heaven, “You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased” (Mark 1:10-11). The same confirmation came from God the Father at the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:7; Matthew 17:5; Luke 9:35). This confirmed Jesus’ identity and His mission.

    Immediately after, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness and fasted for forty days (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:2), where He was tempted by Satan (Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:3-10). Unlike Adam, who fell into temptation, Jesus overcame all of Satan’s attacks, remaining sinless and faithful to God, while angels ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11)

    The apostle Paul writes, “For our sake God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we (the church) might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

    He also declares, “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) This is the grace of God, received through faith in Christ alone.

    Scripture teaches us that Abraham’s unwavering faith in God was considered righteousness (Romans 4:3). Let us be encouraged to live in obedience to God’s will, trusting in Christ, who has triumphed over sin and temptation for us. By doing so, we can also be counted as righteous, which is the essence of being followers of Jesus Christ.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Gospel of Mark: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Word (#2.1)

    John the Baptist declared, “I have baptized you with water, but the Lord will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8) After His resurrection, Jesus appeared for forty days, proving His resurrection and teaching about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3) He said, “You heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4–5) This was fulfilled in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4):

    > “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

    Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, identified this event as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:14–21), declaring that God’s Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, culminating in salvation for “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21).

    Jesus had earlier told Nicodemus that a person must be “born of water and the Spirit” to enter God’s kingdom (John 3:5). He later told His disciples, those who had stayed with Him, saying, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63), showing the deep connection between the Spirit and the Word of God. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 5:25–26, saying Christ sanctifies the Church by “the washing of water with the Word.”

    John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, pointing forward to Christ (Acts 19:1–7). But the true baptism that saves is the baptism of Jesus—by the Word, which is the Spirit. As John himself said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30w). When the Gospel is proclaimed, the Spirit comes with it, as seen in Acts 10:44–46, where the Holy Spirit fell on Gentiles simply by hearing the Word, without any laying on of hands.

    Scripture also clearly states that Jesus Himself never baptized with water (John 4:1–2). Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) Salvation, therefore, is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–22), with the Spirit and the Word working as one. Peter confirms that Scripture is Spirit-inspired (2 Peter 1:20–21), and Paul affirms that the Gospel—the law of the Spirit of life (i.e., the Gospel)—frees believers from the law of sin and death (Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 8:1–4).

    In essence, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the cleansing and life-giving work of God through His Word, fulfilling John’s prophecy about Jesus Christ and securing eternal life for all who believe in His Word.

    The Bible declares:

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

    “And the Word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen His glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

    “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17)

    Here’s an honest question then: Why do some pastors imply there’s something special to be baptized at the Jordan River? Isn’t baptism at the Jordan River the epitome of John’s baptism, which cannot save one who has not received the Holy Spirit? If we have been baptized as Christians, is it not then a regression to submit ourselves for baptism at the Jordan River?

    Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us not only to baptize but also to teach believers to obey all that He has commanded. While water baptism is an outward sign of faith and an important act of obedience, the mission of the Church goes beyond this initial step. If we recognize that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God, then the emphasis must be on guiding Christians to live according to His Word—allowing the Spirit to transform their hearts and actions. Assurance of salvation is vital, but it should be coupled with ongoing discipleship, where believers are taught, challenged, and equipped to follow the commands of Christ daily. True discipleship involves a life shaped by the Word, not just a moment of ritual.

    The parable of the sower, as taught by Jesus Christ, affirms that genuine Christian transformation occurs when one hears and truly understands the Word of God (Matthew 13:23). In harmony with this, Paul teaches in Romans that faith is born through hearing—specifically, by hearing the words of Christ (Romans 10:17).

    Here’s the call for all of us Christians: If we truly desire to improve the church, we must return to the Bible. Let us relearn the authentic teachings of Scripture and let go of traditions that have, over time, weakened the church. Together, we can make the church shine as the true light of the world by faithfully reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!