Common belief teaches that Christ Jesus completed His work for salvation at the cross. Perhaps mainly due to His last word, “It is finished” (John 19:30), before breathing His last. However, such understanding would be challenged by another clear statement in Scripture: “So also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” (Hebrews 9:28) Appearing a second time, isn’t that Christ’s Second Coming? Consequently, salvation was not completed at the cross, contrary to common belief, but at the Return of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of Bible study is to make clear the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Modern Christianity has a lot of teachings and practices that are not consistent with the Bible.
We may not realize its implications. But a lot of critical thinking people have been turned off by popular and traditional beliefs because they fail to see consistency in common Christian beliefs and the Bible.
Let us be reminded by Christ’s words: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to fall away — it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He was referring to His mission as the suffering servant outlined in Isaiah 53 and various other Scriptures, such as Psalm 22:14-18. Paul explicitly explained what was fulfilled at the cross in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, stating, “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you truly are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Paul was referring to the Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread (see Leviticus 23:4-8). These Jewish festivals were rehearsals, and Christ Jesus was the fulfillment of each one. Clearly, from Leviticus 23, there were more festivals after the Passover and Unleavened Bread.
For those who argue that Hebrews 9:28 is the sole passage that teaches salvation was completed only upon Jesus’ return, consider this alternative passage:
Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Since God the Father is in heaven, Jesus implies that no one can go to heaven without His intervention.
However, before emphasizing this point, Jesus first reassures His disciples, saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)
Once again, God the Father is in heaven. Jesus talks about His ascension. He then assures His disciples that upon His return they would be with Him.
In other words, like Hebrews 9:28, heaven would only be accessible to the disciples after the return of Jesus Christ.
Don’t you think it’s time to reexamine Scripture? Evaluate carefully, and see whether prevailing teachings and beliefs are aligned with the Bible’s teachings.
Christians cannot be declaring lies. Hence, Paul teaches, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
Thus far, I’ve cited Hebrews 9:28 and John 14:3 to illustrate that salvation is yet to be fully realized without Jesus Christ’s return. This raises a crucial point.
The Bible teaches a doctrine of “already but not yet.” This applies to the period between Christ’s first and second coming. “Already but not yet” means that the moment a person confesses and maintains their faith in Christ Jesus, God’s promise of salvation becomes a certainty. However, the full realization or completion of Christ’s redemptive work was not yet achieved at the time of the New Testament writings. One aspect that many overlook is that Christ Jesus would fulfill all things within the generation of His immediate disciples.
Checkout Christ’s declaration to His immediate disciples: “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44)
Modern Christianity missed out on the timeframe of God’s word. Certainly, God’s promised salvation had already been completed. God’s wrath on Old Covenant Israel has been fulfilled, the Jewish temple no longer stands, and the Old Covenant regulations have all ceased. Without the temple, modern Israel, even if they desire to continue the OT regulations of the Bible, can no longer do so.
In essence, modern Christianity misinterpreted Christ’s Second Coming. Consider Hebrews 6:1-2, which states, “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” If the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming, which heralds His final judgment, was considered elementary doctrine even millennia ago, why do Christians continue to teach about Christ’s return today? It’s quite puzzling, isn’t it? Actually, “elementary” in Greek means “beginning or preliminary,” so Hebrews was suggesting that we leave the preparatory doctrine because Christ’s return signifies the completion of God’s unshakable and eternal kingdom (See Hebrews 12:22-28).
I’ll delve deeper into this topic and explore related concepts in subsequent blogs.
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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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (Proverbs 10:6)
Many times, Christians suffer lapses, forgetting they are God’s people. In their quest to make life better, they get themselves hooked on temptations. Initially, they struggled between keeping the values taught in the Bible and engaging with the ways of the world. But just like any temptation, once you engage in it, it’s addictive. Soon, it becomes natural, and you justify it with all sorts of rationality.
Remember God’s words: “The mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” The father of wickedness, Satan, enticed Eve first, then Adam. As you can see, Satan first attacks the vulnerable one, then weaponizes what God has created for good – Adam’s love for his wife – and causes Eve to coerce him to do the same. Never go into the playing field of Satan. Christians, let’s stay in the realm of God’s kingdom, and trust Him for everything.
Forget not the first part of Proverbs 10:6 which says, “Blessings are on the head of the righteous.” Christians are blessed by God. Let our joy always be in the eternal and unseen things – that is, we belong to God’s kingdom.
Christ Jesus is our righteous King. He provided us life eternal, His kingdom, so wouldn’t He also care for our physical needs? Jesus Christ said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) “So the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21) “Instead, seek God’s kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:31)
What do “these things” consist of? It is what we eat, drink, wear, and let me add, everything that is ESSENTIAL for this life. So, truly there is nothing to worry about. I’m not suggesting that life in Christ Jesus would be trouble-free. Troubles will always be present around us, because the world remains fallen, but not God’s kingdom. Live your life for God, trust Him for everything, and the blessings of God will always be on your head. So Jesus Christ declared: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44) Once we Christians have found God’s hidden treasure – that is, God’s truth about His kingdom – nothing would be more precious to us than His Word. So we abide in His Word, trusting Him for His grace.
Learn from the story of Exodus. Manna and quail were collected daily, not weekly, monthly, or annually. Anyone who got to collect more than enough for the day, for his family, the leftovers were spoiled (Exodus 16:11-27). The Christian life is not about bread or food alone, but the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Unless Christians learned of that truth and principle, they could never rightly teach or lead others to do the same. Therefore, they failed to be lights of the world. Every Christian should know what Jesus said about those who kept their lights covered; check out Luke 8:16-18.
The Bible warns, covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). So whenever people yearn for the riches of the world, which are all temporal, we become like Adam and Eve, forsaking true blessedness for a lie.
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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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
One of the remarkable prophecies in the Bible pertains to the arrival of the Son of God. Scripture proclaims, “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. From the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Christ, the incarnate Jesus, was born and lived a life much like ours—fully human yet free from sin, and, unlike us, fully divine. He shared wisdom inspired by God the Father, accomplished His mission, and willingly went to the cross for the redemption of our sins. He died and stayed in the tomb for three days and three nights, as He had prophesied (Matthew 12:40) and as foretold in Hosea 6:2. On the third day, He was resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:4). For forty days, He appeared alive (Acts 1:3) before being taken up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16)—not in a bodily form, as many had assumed. Stephen saw Him standing at the right hand of the throne of God (Acts 7:56) just before his martyrdom, indicating His reign. This fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7. Therefore, Jesus reigns now and forevermore.
Scripture declared: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool; what is the house that you would build for Me, and what is the place of My rest?’” (Isaiah 66:1) The idea of the third Jerusalem temple isn’t a Christian teaching, because God’s throne is in heaven, not earth. He reigns over all creation in heaven. Yet, God now dwells among us Christians; hence, Scripture said Jesus Christ and His Church is the New Temple (Ephesians 2:19-22). Temple means to dwell, same with tabernacle. In other words, it means God dwells with His people, the church; hence, God’s people is the New temple.
The church then isn’t a place, neither is it an organization or institution, but an assembly of Christians. When would Christians, especially pastors, correct that misunderstanding? I hope it’s not due to the fact that you want and need to keep Christians coming into your congregation? Don’t get me wrong. I am not against collective gatherings of the church, for as long as the integrity of the church isn’t compromised. However, the question often asked “Where do you go to church?” is a misrepresentation of the true meaning of the church.
Christians invite people to embrace the Gospel, so it is wrong to say we can invite anyone to the church. It’s only after they have repented and believe, then they become a part of God’s church. Contrary to popular belief, God’s church is not a hospital. Instead, it is the gathering of the redeemed, who have been healed by the grace of God. Their perfection lies not in themselves but in the blood of Christ Jesus. Hence, Paul instructing Christians said: “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 5:11-13)
Again, Paul declared: “Do you not know that your bodies (i.e. the individual Christian) are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)
Once more, Paul declared: “Do you not know that you (“you” Greek plural, i.e. the church) are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you (“you” Greek plural, i.e. the church)? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
Christians have overlook their responsibility to evangelize and disciple individuals before welcoming them into the church, the body of Christ. This oversight can lead to confusion and challenges when believers interact with those who do not understand the faith. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul advises the church, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” It is a serious error to allow a predator to infiltrate and prey on the flock.
This leads to the conclusion that launching discipleship programs within the church, which include both believers and non-believers, is akin to putting the cart before the horse. Such an approach simply won’t be effective.
Let’s be honest: do you often see familiar faces joining one discipleship program after another? There aren’t many new faces, are there? Evangelism and discipleship go hand in hand; they are intrinsically linked. One cannot truly exist without the other. However, it’s never too late to make a change. In John 6, many disciples followed Jesus, but when He began to teach the truth about Himself, the Scriptures say, “Many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him” (John 6:66). We must be willing to face the consequences of change.
But of course, that’s unacceptable, epecially since the mindset of ROI (return of investment) has been instituted into the leadership. Therefore, the reality of the present-day churches would just persist, like a spinning carousel without stop, increasing its speed, until something gets detached, damaging its structure.
Like any God-fearing Christians in conventional churches, I also desire to see the church healthy and effective for evangelism and discipleship. But how can the church do her role, if Christians among yourselves are the ones receiving discipleship without end?
I have seen Christians leaving a congregation then starting a new one. They may have successfully drawn people into their congregation, but by repeating the same mistakes – bringing people to church without first evangelism and discipleship – in time they are back to square one. They intended to do a 180 degree change but ended up with a 360, finding themselves right where they left. Frustrating and disappointing, I can relate.
Stop concentrating only on numbers and instead adopt the methodology of Christ Jesus. Begin small and exclude those who are not ready. As we see in Scripture, the small group—including Paul, who was specifically called for missions outside of Judea—became the catalyst that, within forty years, reached the far corners of the then-known world – Rome. Ultimately, that was where Paul ended up, as we read in the book of Acts, wasn’t it?
Many have not noticed, but Paul had repeatedly declared the Gospel reaching the end of the world. See passages below:
(1) “But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’” (Romans 10:18)
(2) “but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” (Acts 26:20) The Gentiles receiving the Gospel also implied the ends of the world. No one was excluded anymore. And that’s exactly what Israel refused to do, though it should have been their mandate from the beginning of their creation as God’s people. See Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”
(3) “This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.” (Romans 15:22-24) Rome, clearly represents the ends of the then known world.
(4) “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” (Colossians 1:3-6)
Again, it’s not too late to make the change, and do it properly. But sacrifices ought to be done. The first step, however, is recognizing that it’s been done wrong.
Jesus shared a parable saying, “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property” (Matthew 25:14). In this parable, Jesus represents the man who goes on a journey, which symbolizes His death, resurrection, and ascension. He entrusted His property—the church—to His servants.
In the parable, each servant was given talents according to their ability (Matthew 25:15-18). These talents represent Jewish money or resources. Therefore, when the master returned and discovered that one servant had buried his single talent in the ground, he rebuked him, saying, “Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest” (Matthew 25:27).
The command of Jesus Christ is, and has always been, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20)—not just to construct buildings and label them as churches. Christians are given different talents for evangelism and discipleship. However, many have wasted their talents by focusing on activities unrelated to these missions.
Concerning God’s church, Paul explained, “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 (i.e., the church). 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. 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.” (1Co 3:6-11)
The sole and true foundation of the church is Christ Jesus and His Word. Paul here called on Christians to be concerned and faithful to God’s Word. The ultimate goal of the church, God’s people, is to build a community of Christians. This is what Jesus mandates us to do. Unfortunately, some Christians, perhaps misled by tradition and practice, have prioritized physical structures over people.
So, ask yourselves, according to the parable of Jesus in Matthew 25:14-30: how will you be received by Him—faithful or unfaithful?
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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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
The concept of the “end of the world” is not found in the Bible. It’s a mistranslation; the Bible actually refers to the “end of the ages.”
In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul writes, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, to whom the end of the ages has come.” In this context, “them” refers to Old Covenant Israel, as Paul declares that the end of the ages has arrived for them.
Furthermore, Hebrews 9:24-26 explains, “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer Himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own; for then He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”
Isn’t it evident that with the incarnate coming of Jesus Christ, Old Covenant Israel reached the end of the ages?
With the temple destroyed and the Old Testament regulations no longer applicable, this signifies the conclusion of the Old Covenant era, paving the way for the New Creation or New Covenant era, as ushered in by Christ Jesus. Consequently, Paul asserted in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Isn’t the New Covenant also the everlasting covenant? Hebrews 13:20 states, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant.” Since it is an eternal covenant, why do we still hear teachings about an impending end? Doesn’t this seem contradictory to God’s word?
Scripture only mentions two ages. Jesus Christ said, “And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)
Paul also mentions these ages: “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21)
Additionally, Paul writes, “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding Him up to contempt.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)
Scripture also notes, “As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’” (Matthew 24:3)
Have you noticed that the disciples associated the destruction of the Jewish temple with the return of Christ and the end of the age? Remember the Bible speaks of only two ages: the coming of Jesus Christ marked the coming end of the first age, and His return will bring it to completion. The New Covenant is eternal and therefore has no end. As a result, the disciples of Christ were living in the intermediate period of the two ages. This concept is highlighted in the Book of Hebrews, which states: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)
According to the Bible, what age should we be in today, millennia after the destruction of the temple? It seems illogical for Christians to talk about a coming end. The Jewish temple has long been gone, just as Christ Jesus had declared its end, making it unreasonable for some Christians to discuss the rebuilding of the temple, especially since the Bible does not indicate that a third temple in Jerusalem will be constructed. This belief is not a Christian teaching; rather, it stems from those who continue to adhere to Judaism, which implies a rejection of Christ Jesus. Sadly, numerous Christians have fallen to this lie.
Claims regarding the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple have been circulating for decades, and those who support these teachings can be compared to the boy who cried wolf. Deuteronomy 18:15-22 cautions us against such individuals, identifying them as false prophets. Conversely, any assertions that contradict Christ’s declarations inadvertently label Jesus a liar. No wonder, Paul asserted and declared: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1Ti 4:16)
Many Christians mistakenly believe that the doctrine of Christ’s return is a minor issue that does not impact one’s salvation. However, the doctrines of the Bible are interconnected; they form a unified teaching about Christ Jesus and His offer of salvation.
Consider John 14:1-7:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of understanding Christ’s teachings, including His return, as part of the holistic message of salvation.
Jesus emphasized two important points here. First, He is the only way to the Father. Second, no one will be able to be where He went until He returns. Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.”
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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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
I recall feeling unsettled after attending the seminary for just a few days. I struggled with comprehending the concept of election, which teaches that God chooses individuals for salvation. Seeking clarification, I reached out to my pastor, who affirmed that the idea of election is indeed present in the Bible. However, I still harbored reservations about it. It wasn’t until I delved deeply into the New Testament on my own that I realized how pervasive the theme of election is throughout the Bible. Ultimately, I embraced election as a doctrine, but even after becoming a pastor, I remained cautious about it.
The concept of God’s election is evident in various biblical passages. For instance, in the Gospel of John, God is described as the one who chooses individuals. Jesus states, “Unless the Father draws someone, no one can come to Him.” Similar themes can be found in Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, Romans, 2 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, and 2 John. While these passages were certainly accurate during the time of the apostles, their relevance may not be universally applicable in today’s context. In this blog, I aim to explore this topic further and highlight aspects that have often been overlooked.
Christians should not be confused by those who emphasize the doctrine of election in relation to salvation today. The teachings on election found in the Bible are specific to the context of Old Covenant Israel and are not directly applicable to us. For instance, if you read Paul’s letter to the Romans with proper attention to its context and timeline, you will clearly understand this. See Romans 9:6-11.
“But it’s not as though the word of God has failed. Not all descendants of Israel are part of Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring. Instead, the promise states, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ This means that it’s not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are considered God’s offspring. This is what the promise said: ‘About this time next year, I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.’ Moreover, even when Rebekah conceived children through Isaac, who was not yet born and had done nothing good or bad, God’s purpose of election was maintained. It wasn’t because of their works, but because of God’s call. Paul here spoke of two distinct children of God: those born of the flesh and those born of the promise, with election applied to the latter.”
Paul explains a similar concept in Galatians 4:21-28, using Sarah and Hagar as symbols of two distinct covenants. Hagar represents the earthly Jerusalem during Paul’s time, while Sarah symbolizes the New Jerusalem, which is heavenly. Paul, speaking to the church, made clear that they are the children of the promise; see Galatians 4:28, “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.” I highly recommend reading the entire passage from Galatians 4:21 to 5:6. The heavenly Jerusalem is also referred to as the New Heaven and New Earth; click and see Revelation 21:1-2.
In Romans 11:28, Paul addresses the misunderstanding about Old Covenant Israel, stating, “Regarding the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But regarding election, they are beloved because of their forefathers.” A key issue we encounter is the tendency to overlook timestamps in Scripture. In this context, Paul clarifies, “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace” (Rom 11:5). He explicitly uses the phrase “at the present time,” referring to the era of the Apostle Paul, not our own.
Consequently, Paul, by election, was referring to the remnants of Old Covenant Israel. Consider again these two passages: first, Paul stated, “And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,’” (Romans 9:27); second, “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5)
Why only a remnant of Israel? Because that was the promised of God in the OT Scripture. Here are a couple of Old Testament prophecies about God recovering a remnant of Israel: “In that day the Lord will extend His hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of His people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea.” (Isaiah 11:11)
Again, God said, “In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For the Lord GOD of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth.” (Isa 10:20-23)
Jesus Christ, on His Sermon on the Mount said, “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.” (Mat 7:13-14)
The elect were those who discovered the narrow path—the way to salvation. Scripture proclaims, “Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life,” and He alone is the path to the Father (John 14:6). In a particular parable of Christ, Jesus teaches that they were those who had heard the word and understood (Matthew 13:23).
Therefore, don’t worry about whether you’ve been elected or not. Instead, focus on whether you’ve truly surrendered to Jesus Christ and honored His Word.
God has only one means in His call for salvation, as evident in Romans 10:12-17.
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on Him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing Through the word of Christ.”
When Christ Jesus called upon people to follow Him, He unveiled the truth about Himself and His mission, which is the Gospel.
At Pentecost, Peter preached the Gospel of Christ, inviting people to believe in Jesus.
Stop changing God’s methods for calling people to salvation. The Gospel is the only path to salvation. God doesn’t select individuals through some mysterious means; instead, He uses the preaching of the Gospel. For more information, refer to the following Scriptures: Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:17-18; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 4:3-7; Galatians 1:6-7; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 3:6-7; Colossians 1:4-6; 2 Timothy 1:8-9; and 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, where Paul clearly states, “For we know, dear brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you because our Gospel came to you not only in word but also in power and the Holy Spirit, with full conviction. You know the kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”
“Chosen” here is actually the same Greek word for “election,” G1589. Therefore, Paul clearly teaches that election is not a mystery as some believe, but rather, people are elected to salvation by responding to the Gospel message.
The 16th-century doctrine of election contradicts the teachings of the Bible. If we adhere to it, aren’t we being self-righteous and claiming salvation while putting others in doubt? Self-righteousness is not commended in Scripture. It is precisely because of self-righteousness that the Old Covenant Israel missed out on their opportunity for salvation, as evident in Romans 10:1-4.
Paul declared: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Let’s be straightforward. In the 16th century, Christians were engaged in a struggle against the heresy of Roman Catholicism, presenting counterarguments to its flaws. Unfortunately, in their efforts, they inadvertently introduced teachings that are not found in Scripture. Moreover, we are certain that only the Bible is inspired. Therefore, it would be more advantageous to study the Bible directly rather than relying on the writings of reformers, who are undoubtedly not infallible.
Here are the declarations from their own creeds and confessions:
WCF 1:4, The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the Author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.
WCF 1:9, The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture, is the Scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it may be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.
WCF 1:10, The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.
WCF 31:3, All synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as a help in both.
Defending the inerrancy of the Bible should not be seen as arrogance, even though some may view it that way. However, it is important to be cautious when defending Reformed doctrine to ensure that you do not misrepresent or alter God’s Word. Anyone who prioritizes human teachings over divine Scripture cannot be considered a true disciple of Christ Jesus.
In conclusion, we can only assert that we were called by God through His Gospel. Regarding the concept of election in the Bible, it is evident that the remnant of Israel was the elect. Therefore, I pose a question to anyone who continues to hold this doctrine today: “From whom did God elect you to be His remnant?”
Election and calling are two distinct terms in the Bible. Paul attributed election specifically to Old Covenant Jews, while calling applies to both Jews and Gentiles, as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 1:24.
Now, in line with our discussion, I would like to point out some fundamental flaws within our current church. The primary responsibility of Christian ministers is to make the Bible clear and understandable to everyone. During our seminary training, we received comprehensive education in hermeneutics and other subjects that equipped us with the knowledge necessary for proper Bible exegesis. So, why do some individuals complicate what should be a straightforward explanation? I can only speculate that it might be because they haven’t been diligently studying the Bible, delving into its intricate nuances, customs, and metaphors. Perhaps they have been content to focus on human writings, whether from the 16th century or modern times.
Paul gave two key instructions to Timothy, ministers of the word like us today:
First, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
People could be saved or lost by what we teach. Always teach the right doctrine and live accordingly.
Second, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
We can only be approved by God if we have handled His word rightly. Therefore, it is our duty to study before we preach or teach. First, we should understand the word before we talk. Here’s the irony today: Churches have been inviting outside speakers, some without the approval of their pastors. They do this because they are pleased with or know the speaker. They don’t understand that such behavior has been condemned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, calling the church worldly. We all know that worldliness has no place in God’s church.
Pastors are supposed to be guardians of God’s flock, but unfortunately, not everyone truly understands the Bible even after graduating. On the other hand, we have leaders who, perhaps with good intentions, but lack the necessary biblical knowledge. Consequently, they rule based on their own understanding, similar to how CEOs make decisions. This is partly due to the fact that we no longer adhere to the qualifications for elders and deacons outlined by Paul. This dilemma is prevalent in most churches today. However, which group falls short first—pastors, unqualified elders, or deacons? This is another classic chicken-and-egg scenario.
Many Christians, frustrated by the state of the church, choose to split off and start anew. It’s true that building from scratch is easier than renovating old, damaged structures. However, starting anew without proper guidance and a clear understanding of the Bible ultimately leads you back to where you began. You intended to make a complete 180-degree change, but it’s just a 360-degree turn. Regrettably, people realize they’ve returned to their starting point late in the journey.
Learn from the Bible. It doesn’t necessarily have to be about numbers; it’s about the quality of people you have around you. Recognize each person’s gifts and guide them to fulfill their roles. Let everyone know that there’s no hierarchy in the church, except for Christ Jesus and His Word. Everyone is important for the well-being of God’s church.
We may not realize its true potential until years later, or even after we’re gone. However, just as we guided our children with God’s Word and demonstrated what it means to live by faith and His Word, they would continue to follow the same path even after we’re gone. Just as we witness with Christ Jesus and His apostles, Paul with his disciples—Timothy, Titus, Luke, and many others—so on and so forth. Remember that the church is Christ’s body, not anyone’s possession, but Christ Jesus Himself.
Stop dwelling on your mistakes. If necessary, start anew. However, begin with a strong foundation, which is the Word of God.
Scripture teaching about the church said, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
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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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
The immediate consequences of Adam’s fall, the representative of all humanity, were evident in the story of Cain and Abel. Cain, acted like the devil, he murdered his brother Abel. Jesus Christ condemned the unbelieving Old Testament Jews, declaring, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
We may therefore say, anyone who destroys Christ’s body, His church, is the same. Hence, Christ’s command to the apostles, in John 13, was to love one another. And it is echoed throughout the NT Scripture.
Consequently, the notion that humanity has become utterly depraved, lacking the capacity to please God, can be challenged by the same narrative. The story of Abel’s offerings, which were pleasing and acceptable to God, exemplifies this. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Abel did not attain salvation for himself. After the fall of Adam, mankind retains the ability to choose between good and evil. Nevertheless, they have lost the ability to return to the original condition of God’s creation—in His image and likeness. Refer to Genesis 5:1-3, and compare Adam’s condition when God created him to that of Adam having Shem. After the fall, Shem no longer reflects God’s likeness, but Adam’s.
Here’s one reason, among many others, why I didn’t embrace the Reformed perspective of the Bible. I believe we should study the Bible without the bias of history, whether from the early church fathers or the Reformation, but only from the historical context of the biblical church, which is covered in the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation.
The letters of Paul were apologetic, serving as a defense of the faith against the prevalent false teachings, particularly targeting Judaism and Judaizers. These principles remain relevant today. Just as comparing counterfeit money to genuine money requires learning, understanding, and intimate knowledge of the genuine ones, so too does it require learning, understanding, and intimate knowledge of the genuine teachings of the Bible. So, even if the counterfeit money continues to evolve and appear like the genuine money, it will still be distinguishable to you. The same may be said for the Christian teachings.
Scripture is timeless, but it has cultural nuisances that needed to be understood, learned and correlated to today. So Paul’s words continue to resonate now, he said: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
And again Paul instructed, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.
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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
The book of Proverbs warns us twice, saying, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). This highlights the tendency of humans to follow their own paths instead of adhering to biblical teachings. Sad to say, this behavior is also evident among many who claim to be Christians.
The Christian walk is filled with challenges. There’s a reason Christ said, “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matt. 10:36). Family and loved ones have a significant impact—both positive and negative—on our journey with Christ Jesus.
In Matthew 12:46-50, while Jesus was speaking to a crowd, He was interrupted by someone who told Him, “Your mother and brothers are outside wanting to speak to you.” This raises some questions: Why weren’t Jesus’ mother and brothers listening to Him? Didn’t they realize that His ministry was far more important than what they wanted to say? Couldn’t they wait until later to talk to Him?
Some suggest that His earthly family was simply concerned for His well-being, which we’ll explore further. However, from within its context, Jesus responded, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” He then pointed to His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matt. 12:48-50).
Did Jesus suggest that His earthly mother, Mary, and His siblings by Joseph were not acting according to the will of God the Father? This raises questions about whether their actions were solely motivated by concern for His well-being. At least, that doesn’t seem to be the main point of the narrative. Additionally, John noted, “For not even His brothers believed in Him” (John 7:5).
When Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph realized He was missing. After finding Him in the temple, where He was discussing matters with the teachers, Jesus asked them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” At this moment, Luke made a notable remark: they did not understand what He was saying to them (Luke 2:49-50).
This is not to say that Christ was against His earthly family; on the contrary, He valued family. Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 5:8 states, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This, among many other messages, emphasizes the importance of caring for your family. As Christians, our family is our first ministry—we should share the message of Jesus Christ with them. However, we must be cautious; if our family does not follow Christ, they can become a hindrance to our spiritual walk with Him.
In John 15, Jesus told His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). This means that no Christian can bear fruit without being connected to Christ Jesus. Jesus went on to say, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:6). This language indicates judgment; for more insight, refer to Matthew 3:7-10.
True disciples of Christ Jesus bear much fruit, thereby glorifying God the Father. In John 15:7-8, Jesus declared, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this, My Father is glorified—that you bear much fruit and prove to be My disciples.”
Jesus’ statement, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you,” should not be interpreted as a simple promise of “claim and receive,” as some professing Christians suggest. Instead, it is meant for Christians who genuinely aspire to bear fruit and become true disciples of Jesus Christ.
True disciples of Christ Jesus remain in Him and in His Word. This serves as a warning to us Christians who believe we can stay connected to Christ without engaging with His Word. Believing in Christ cannot be separated from knowing His teachings. In other words, if we claim to have faith in Jesus Christ, we must also honor His Word. To honor Christ’s Word, we should be doers of it, not just hearers.
It’s important to remember that, in Christ’s parable, only the good soil—the one who hears the Word and understands it—will bear fruit (see Matthew 13:23). When tempted by the devil, Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
Not all Christians have the privilege of having a family that shares their faith. Some must navigate the complex relationship between their family ties and their commitment to Christ, as well as their fellowship with other believers. Scripture warns that consistently associating with those who live in opposition to God’s teachings can lead to spiritual decline, causing one’s love for Christ to diminish (see James 4:4).
No one can remain a Christian without God’s Word. Just as food is essential for our daily sustenance, God’s Word is crucial for maintaining our relationship with Christ Jesus. As Christians, we are called to lead others to Christ, not to allow ourselves to be led away from His Word.
In the story of Martha and Mary, Martha expresses her frustration to Jesus because she feels overwhelmed with her many tasks, while Mary does not help her. Jesus responds to Martha, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). What is the good portion? The Bible explains that Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching (Luke 10:39).
Have you chosen the better portion, like Mary did? Has anything distracted you from hearing God’s words? Christ Jesus commended Mary for choosing the good portion. What about us? Isn’t the purpose of our weekly gatherings to keep us focused on His word? Isn’t that also the goal of our Bible study meetups — to engage everyone and foster learning from God’s Word? Is there anything so significant that it should prevent us from learning from Scripture? Complacency is a dangerous path for us as Christians.
At one point, Christ’s earthly family—His mother and brothers—struggled to understand His actions and words. This is illustrated in the Gospel of Mark: “Then Jesus went home, and the crowd gathered again, so much so that He and His apostles could not even eat. When His family heard about this, they went out to take charge of Him, saying, ‘He is out of His mind.’” (Mark 3:20-21)
That’s why Christ said, as we read earlier: “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 up 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.” (Matthew 10:36-39)
Christ Jesus personally experienced how His earthly family briefly became a hindrance to His ministry. Therefore, we may say that He spoke from both personal experience and from God’s perspective.
Lot serves as a notable example in this context. When God called Abraham to follow His path, Lot chose to accompany him willingly. As their journey continued, their flocks grew so large that they needed to part ways. Lot settled in Sodom, a city notorious for its rampant sexual immorality. The Scriptures indicate, “Now the men of Sodom were wicked and great sinners against the LORD” (Genesis 13:13). When God decided to punish Sodom, Lot hesitated to leave and had to be forcefully evacuated (Genesis 19:16). This story illustrates how our surroundings and the people we interact with can significantly influence us. Consequently, Christ warns, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).
Always keep in mind the words of Christ. We all desire for our families and loved ones to know Christ Jesus and attain salvation. However, this can only be accomplished through God’s Word. Essentially, this is what Christ meant when He told His disciples, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Be discerning and avoid falling into the trap of Satan’s malevolent activities, which are not necessarily the devil himself but his equivalent evil works.
Much like the story of Adam and Eve, the devil takes advantage of human emotions to exploit our weaknesses. Throughout history, the human heart has often served as the devil’s playground. This was demonstrated by Christ Jesus Himself when, for a brief moment, Peter acted as an adversary. By trying to deter Christ from His mission, Peter was hindering Him from dying on the cross—the very act meant for the salvation of all who believe in Him (see Matthew 16:21-23).
As you can see, even Peter became a hindrance to God’s work for salvation. The same goes for Mary and Jesus’ siblings, as I explained earlier. Many times, we fail to recognize that people within our own social circle could act as obstacles, hindering us from following Jesus Christ.
The basic meanings of “Satan” and “the devil” are as follows:
“Satan” means “adversary” or “accuser.” In the Book of Job, Satan accuses God of favoring Job, claiming that Job’s only reason for devotion to God is the divine guidance and care he receives.
On the other hand, “the devil” refers to a “slanderer” and represents the arch-enemy of humanity’s spiritual well-being. Jesus described the unbelieving Jews as “sons of the devil” because they continually distorted God’s word, preventing people from attaining salvation. In this way, they acted like murderers and liars, similar to the devil.
Both definitions are taken from the Easton Bible Dictionary.
God’s design for the family was intended to be a blessing for humanity. However, the devil corrupted this original creation, leading to strife within families. After the fall of Adam, the first murder occurred when Cain killed his brother, Abel. Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him but ultimately sold him into slavery, causing immense grief for their father, Jacob. Jesus Christ was betrayed by his own disciple, Judas, and by his people, the Jews, who handed him over to be crucified.
Just as Eve became a temptation to Adam by offering him the forbidden fruit, Adam also failed Eve by not protecting her from Satan’s lies. The fall of Adam and Eve occurred because they loved each other more than they loved God, valuing created things more than the Creator Himself. This aligns with Paul’s argument in Romans 1:18-32. Although this passage references Old Covenant Jews, it applies to both Adam and Eve as well as Israel, all of whom had knowledge of God.
Christians should be discerning when faced with temptation and remain committed to the teachings of Christ Jesus, regardless of what may hinder their ability to truthfully follow Him. As Christ said, “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.” (Matthew 10:38-39)
In Jewish tradition, the phrase “to lose one’s life” goes beyond just the concept of death; it encompasses a variety of life’s tragedies. This includes experiences such as bankruptcy, a broken marriage, family conflicts, or any unfortunate events and suffering. A prominent example of this is the story of Job, who endured the loss of his family, wealth, and health during his trials. In his despair, Job lamented, “Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse? For then I would have lain down and been quiet; I would have slept; then I would have been at rest” (Job 3:11-13). Essentially, Job was expressing that he would be content with death, not because he wished to die, but because in death, he would no longer experience pain and suffering.
In contrast, Jesus’ reference to finding one’s life pertains to the privileges of existence—such as wealth and family—even if these privileges come at the expense of contradicting God’s will; see Luke 12:16-21 as an example.
Again, Jesus Christ said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-33)
Christ’s instruction and warning in Matthew 10:34-39 align with the passage in Luke 14:26-33 that you just read. These teachings are not isolated; they are significant and deserve our serious reflection. It’s important to clarify that Jesus is not anti-family. However, our natural inclination towards family can complicate our faith.
Throughout Christian history, many individuals have chosen to follow Christ but not always with their families. Recognizing this dilemma, Paul offered some advice: “To the rest, I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. And if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. If the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to them, and to which God has called them. This is my rule in all the churches.” (1 Corinthians 7:12-17)
Paul did not contradict Jesus’ teachings or support divorce. Instead, he encouraged couples to live in harmony and to maintain mutual respect for one another, even if they held differing beliefs. He emphasized that Christians should never compromise their faith and must remain steadfast in their relationship with Christ Jesus. This is what Paul meant when he said, “God has called you to peace.” Similarly, in his instructions in Philippians, Paul urged believers to submit to God’s peace in the midst of inconsequential conflict. This can be seen in Philippians 4:1-7.
Terah, the father of Abraham, decided to live in Haran until his death (Genesis 11:31-32). In Joshua 24:2, it is noted that Terah worshipped other gods. This suggests that one of the reasons Abraham was called to leave Haran was to follow God’s guidance more freely and distance himself from idol worship. Similarly, just as Abraham was called, we too are called to follow Jesus Christ.
It’s ironic, isn’t it? The same tactic has been used against Christians, taking advantage of our natural social connections, yet many still give in to the same temptations. This underscores the frailty of humanity and, unfortunately, reveals that many have never fully understood the profound teachings of God.
Do you understand Christ’s response to Peter’s question: “See, we have left everything to follow you. What, then, will we receive?” (Matthew 19:27)? Jesus replied, “Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or lands for My name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)
Once again, let me reiterate that Christ Jesus isn’t anti-family. He understands the plight of those wanting to follow Him, which comes with a cost. Are you willing and ready to follow Jesus at all costs?
This message is for those navigating complex family dynamics. Not everyone shares the same faith, and the Apostle Paul encourages us to find peace in God. Abraham found his peace by trusting in and following God’s guidance. Paul also provided advice for couples with differing faiths. Shouldn’t we learn from the examples of Jesus Christ, Abraham, and Paul and apply those principles in our own lives?
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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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Passage this morning: “Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone 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)
Conclusion: Faith is a prerequisite to be kingdom people (Matt. 8:10). Scripture states, “Without faith, no one can please God (Hebrews 11:6).” To develop faith, we must understand and believe that Jesus Christ is the Word and that they are one. No Christian can claim to believe in Jesus Christ and yet doubt His Word. The Bible is then the centerpiece of how we learn to live as Christians and be kingdom people.
Jesus, in John 15, emphasized that unless we abide in Him and His Word, we cannot bear fruits. Israel, however, failed to bear fruits because they rejected the True Vine, Jesus Christ. Due to their pride and desire to rule over God’s vineyard, they failed to produce any fruit. Tragically, they even killed Jesus Christ, the true heir of the vineyards, as revealed in Matthew 21:33-45.
We Christians should learn from the Scriptures’ teachings and avoid repeating Israel’s mistakes. Consider John 11:45-50, Scripture said: “Many of the Jews who had come with Mary and witnessed what Jesus did believed in Him, but some went to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus had done. Consequently, the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council and asked, ‘What should we do? For this man performs numerous signs. If we allow Him to continue in this manner, everyone will believe in Him, AND THE ROMANS WILL SEIZE BOTH OUR POSITIONS AND OUR NATION.’ However, one of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, responded, ‘You are completely ignorant. You do not comprehend that it is better for one person to die for the people than for the entire nation to perish.’” (John 11:45-50)
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time, defended the institution they had established, fearing to lose their authority, they ultimately killed Jesus Christ and later the people who had come to believe in His teachings.
Destiny has nothing to do with history repeating itself; rather, it’s because people failed to learn from history. The Bible provides historical accounts of Old Covenant Israel and the early church to illustrate the mistakes of the past. Learning from the past should guide us not to repeat their mistakes. Christians, we cannot preserve the sanctity of the church through human means or ideas. Instead, we must learn from the Bible to avoid the mistakes of the past and follow the word of God. By abiding in Christ Jesus and His Word, we will bear fruits for Him.
Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.
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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
In a game of chess, various pieces come into play, with the pawns positioned at the front lines. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the queen. The queen holds immense significance as she can command the pawns to launch attacks and has the king’s ear. Sometimes, the situation can reverse, with the king coercing the queen. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on the power dynamics at play.
This concept relates to the reality of ministry work. Enemy lines are not always clear. Like Judas, some may appear friendly but ultimately betray you.
Paul, in a letter to the Corinthians, expressed profound sorrow and anguish, pouring out tears to convey his immense love for the church (2 Corinthians 2:4). In a similar manner, I am writing this article.
While the ministry is rooted in spirituality, our adversaries resort to worldly tactics. For instance, consider reading the Book of Acts alongside Paul’s letters to gain insights from Scripture. Observe how Paul’s adversaries attempted to coerce and demean his ministry, a similar strategy employed against Jesus Christ. Consequently, Christ cautioned His followers, saying, “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).
Independent ministry—spreading and explaining God’s word—is priceless. It allows us to witness firsthand God’s work in our midst. However, it’s often in hindsight that we truly appreciate God’s wondrous workings. Faith alone is our strength—trusting Jesus Christ. As we study and learn from the Scriptures, they guide us during challenging times and shield us from temptations, such as pleasing people instead of God. In essence, our study and learning from the Bible constitute theology. Theology provides us with a clear understanding of God, enabling us to serve Him according to His character and will. Yes, theology culminates in doxology, but without a proper understanding of God through theology, we might end up worshipping for the wrong reasons. For instance, consider Old Covenant Israel. They worshipped God, but their misguided understanding—theology—of God’s workings led them to reject and crucify Jesus Christ. Let’s cease playing with words and acknowledge that only sound theology serves as the sole foundation of an acceptable doxology to God. Christians, burdened with the responsibility of serving Jesus Christ, are required to attend seminaries or Bible colleges precisely to be trained in proper theology. Why diminish its significance in God’s ministry?
It can be confusing when we were informed of one thing while in the seminary and then another after graduating and serving in churches. I vividly recall a seminary professor warning us that if he heard us preach without considering the Bible’s context, he would have a shotgun ready to shoot us down. Of course, this was merely a way to emphasize the importance of being faithful to the Bible. However, once after I had preached, the same person happened to be in the congregation. He approached me, encouraged me for faithfully preaching according to Scripture, and then abruptly advised me to tone down my sermons. He claimed that the congregation wasn’t ready for such a sermon. Isn’t that confusing? Nevertheless, one thing I’ve learned from the Bible is that there will be hypocrisy within the ministry. As Christ said, there will be sheep in wolves’ clothing. So, be wise as serpents but innocent like doves. In other words, don’t learn from their crooked and evil ways.
I chose to serve independently, knowing that in conventional ministry settings, there will always be people to please, even if they are ethically and biblically out of line. If you want to retain your pastoral job, you must accept that there will be pressure and manipulation. However, I have chosen to serve Jesus Christ as guided by His Word, so I must decline invitations to join any existing congregation that has developed its own culture, traditions, or practices. By God’s grace, I have found a way to serve Jesus Christ without any strings attached. This means no regular salary—everything is by faith. Through the years, God has proven Himself to be faithful to His words and promises. It has been eleven years of trusting Jesus Christ for everything. We do not send letters asking for support; we pray and trust God for our lives.
Is it challenging? Yes, it can be quite intimidating. However, this fear often arises from a lack of understanding of God. I reflect on God’s Word and how He provided for Elijah during the famine, the Israelites in the wilderness, and Paul during his ministry journeys. Even Jesus Christ and His apostles did not rely on miracles like transforming stones into bread. Jesus exemplified living and working the ministry by faith. For instance, check out Luke 8:1-3; some of His followers supported them.
I have been constantly reminded by Scripture: “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ This allows us to confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’ Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:5-8)
Independent ministry is indeed possible, and it’s not a new concept. Throughout Scripture, Christ Jesus, Paul, and Elijah, to name a few, have successfully operated independently. It’s essential to have faith that God alone is your provider. Rather than pursuing individuals to support you, direct your attention to God’s workings, which inspire His people to feel compelled to support Christian ministry.
Despite facing challenging circumstances, Paul was encouraged by Christ Jesus to persist in his ministry in Ephesus. Jesus told him, “Do not be afraid; keep speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you. I have many people in this city who belong to Me.” (Acts 18:9-10)
Ministry in Ephesus was not an easy task. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, described his opponents as follows:“What advantage would I gain if I fought with beasts in Ephesus? If the dead are not resurrected, ‘Let us feast and drink, for tomorrow we shall perish.’” (1 Corinthians 15:32)
It’s all about trusting Jesus Christ and His Word. Instead of obsessing over finding God’s people seeking our support, we should discern and remain faithful to whom we serve—Jesus Christ, and no one else. Believe it or not, many years ago, as I prepared to embark on my journey here in the Queen City of the South to serve Him, God impressed verses from Acts 18:9-10 on me. These were the very words God gave Paul as he commanded him to remain in Ephesus. Despite my tenure with a local church expiring, I stayed because I felt God’s call to remain. I prayed for His leading, and He reaffirmed imposing the same words from Acts 18:9-10. Unlike a man who changes his will simply because circumstances differ, I didn’t sense any indication from Him that it was time to leave. The invitation from the local church, which marked the completion of my two tenures spanning six years in total, was part of God’s plan to bring me here. God truly works in His mysterious ways. As has been my practice and discipline, guided by His word and His leading, my independent ministry, centered around Bible studies, came into existence.
Remember Christ’s words: “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘He who ate My bread has lifted his heel against Me.’ I am telling you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may believe that I am He. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the one who sent Me” (John 13:16-20). Christ Jesus, sent by the Father, did not roam freely wherever He pleased but remained steadfastly obedient to His call and mission (Matthew 10:5-7). After His death and resurrection and prior to His ascension, Christ Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8). Similarly, Christ, who sends us, should be our guiding light, enabling us to serve Him with utmost reverence. Avoid being misled; instead, focus on Him who calls, and those who recognize your divine calling from Jesus Christ.
Learn from the ministry of Elijah. He singlehandedly confronted 450 prophets of Baal and defeated them. However, in a surprising twist of events, when threatened by Jezebel, he fled for his life and hid in a cave. After recovering his strength, God called his attention to the work he was assigned to do. God doesn’t expect Elijah to convert all of Israel back to Him; instead, He expected Elijah to be faithful to His call and to reach a remnant, of whom only God knows (1 Kings 19:18; Romans 11:2-5; 2 Timothy 2:19).
Focus on Jesus Christ and His Word, and you will surely discern His leading. Remember, God changes not.
Paul, concerning the church, said, “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’ Now, in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay. Some are for honorable use, while others are for dishonorable purposes. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:19-21)
When Paul referred to “a great house,” he was speaking about the church in a general sense. It’s important to recognize that not all organized and registered Christian churches necessarily embody God’s church, as not everyone within those churches may truly belong to Him. This conclusion is drawn from Paul’s teachings in the earlier mentioned passages.
Local churches may have been founded by God-fearing individuals, but over time, various factors can influence their direction and integrity. It’s essential to be cautious when defending these institutions, as they can be prone to controversies and scandals. In trying to protect the organization, one might inadvertently cause harm to God’s people.
I arrived at this understanding through studying Scripture and drawing from my personal experiences, which helped me better comprehend the true essence of ministry.
It is common among Christians to accuse a pastor of stealing sheep from churches when someone from their congregation accompanies him. However, it is important to remember that no one owns God’s flock except Christ Jesus alone. I recall an elder once told us that if our members left us and joined another church, we should not blame the other church. Instead, we should ask ourselves, “Why is it that they perceive the grass greener over there?”
Let us strive to be worthy of serving and following Jesus Christ, whether as a minister of the word or as a partner in God’s ministry. We should be useful to our Master, Jesus Christ, and ready for every good work.
Don’t be caught off guard. Spiritual warfare isn’t just about battling demonic forces. More often, it’s a battle against wolves disguised as sheep. Paul warned, “And it’s no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it’s no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be proportional to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
I’m documenting my journey, hoping it might inspire other pastors to do the same. If you’re bound by protocols that contradict biblical teachings, you don’t need to seek another local church. Nor should you abandon your God-given work. Pursuing other professions solely for financial gain is even more detrimental. Doing God’s work isn’t limited to the confines of registered and organized churches. Seek God’s leading. Innovate, but whatever you do, stay faithful to God’s word. Scripture affirms, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Unless otherwise guided by God, remain steadfast in your current location. Serving Jesus Christ is both a gift and a call from Him. Honor Him with your unwavering devotion. Ultimately, our accountability lies with Him.
If we genuinely care about Christ’s church, let’s take a moment to reflect on its current state and make necessary changes. Always remember to adhere to the Bible. Sharing is caring. Many fallen soldiers of the Word have been lost, and we must not allow this trend to continue if we truly want to remain faithful to God’s call to share the Gospel. I’m sharing this unsolicited word of advice with young ministers of the word. I hope this article helps you as you navigate your ministry.
This article may seem one-sided. I understand and have personally witnessed pastors who have exploited their positions and abused God’s people. I have fought hard to disinvite such kind of pastors. But my good intentions were maliciously used against me. People of the same field knew better who’s who, don’t you think? Be discerning and don’t rely solely on hearsay; observe instead. Similarly, Jesus Christ said, “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17) Eventually, everything will be revealed and made clear. Therefore, be cautious not to find yourselves on the side of darkness when the truth comes to light. This is why the Bible warned Christians against gossipers and the like.
I hope you don’t mind my straightforwardness; I’m just calling a spade a spade.
Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.
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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Blogging has faced criticism from some Christian ministers, particularly those in positions of authority. Some bloggers and vloggers have been accused of misrepresenting themselves and spreading false information, which is true, but not all. However, can we assert that all Christian ministers are truly faithful to God’s word? If so, we wouldn’t have diverse interpretations of the Bible. Similarly, some bloggers and vloggers may have been consistent with truthful facts, while others are not. Therefore, it would be unfair to categorize people based on their status. Instead, people are defined by their convictions and words. In Christian ministry, the Bible alone stands as the foundation of truth, but it must always be handled rightly and properly expounded.
I started blogging during my seminary days. A professor introduced us to the concept, and I briefly began a few blogs before discontinuing them. Since English grammar wasn’t my strong suit, so I stopped writing altogether.
When I transitioned to the pastorate, we were asked to contribute to the church’s quarterly magazine. I recall that for the next six years, I was required to write one article per quarter. However, I stopped writing when I began and was preoccupied with my independent Bible study ministry.
It’s been eleven years since we began our ministry. I don’t recall the exact date I resumed writing, but this time, I created this blog website to reach a wider audience.
The pandemic gave me more time to write, and it became more practical due to the social distancing health protocols. As a result, my ministry has expanded to include blogging, explaining God’s Word, and conducting online Bible studies.
God certainly works in mysterious ways. I hope my writings will continue to be useful and relevant even after I’m gone.
I believe it still would be, as Ecclesiastes declared, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done. There is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything that is said, ‘See, this is new’? It has already existed in the ages that have passed.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)
The Christian endeavor to do better would not end. Contrary to popular beliefs, the Christian age would not end with the rapture. The Christian age, which commenced at the Pentecost of Acts 2, continues and will continue for eternity. God’s church is the manifestation of His kingdom, which I would like to detail next.
The Book of Hebrews said, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving – take note, it’s in the present, active, participle – a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28)
Note: In Greek, the “present active participle” serves as a verbal adjective, signifying an action that is ongoing or repeated. It occurs simultaneously with the main verb in a sentence, providing additional context and detail to the action being described.
Therefore, God’s unshakable kingdom is already at work, present yet awaiting its completion. Christ’s Church represents God’s kingdom on Earth, unlike the Davidic kingdom of the Old Covenant, which ended disastrously. The kingdom was initially split into two— Israel and Judah— due to the sins of Solomon and Rehoboam. Israel fell into the Assyrian Empire, Judah into Babylon, and finally Rome. In contrast, the New Covenant kingdom of Christ Jesus is eternal and unshakable, as evident in Hebrews 12:22-28.
See Scripture: “But you have come – againtake note it’s in the Second Perfect, Active, Indicative –to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24, NASB)
Did you notice that Hebrews explicitly stated that God’s church is the new heavenly Jerusalem? This is synonymous with the New Heaven and New Earth as described by John in Revelation, who refers to her as the bride of Christ Jesus—the church (Revelation 21:1-2). It’s commendable that the NASB translation of the Bible faithfully retained the word “church,” unlike most modern English translations.
Note: In Greek, the “second perfect active indicative” form is used to express a completed action that occurred in the past and carries lasting implications or a state that continues into the present.
No wonder, in Luke 17:20-21, the Bible provides another proof that God’s kingdom is already present during Christ Jesus’ incarnation.
The scripture states, “When the Pharisees asked Jesus about the kingdom of God, He replied, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming in a way that can be seen or heard. It is already among you.’”
In Revelation, Scripture proclaims, “The kingdom of the world has become – that note, Second Aorist, Middle Deponent, Indicative – the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)
Note: In Greek, a “second aorist middle deponent indicative” verb form shows a completed action from the past. It mainly uses the middle voice, but the verb is considered deponent. This means it has only middle (or middle and passive) forms, while still having an active meaning.
Therefore, Since John had witnessed Christ Jesus, who proclaimed that the kingdom was present among them, John addressed his contemporary audience, the church of his era, in Revelation. He declared, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” Consequently, God’s kingdom has permeated the world, and its fulfillment lies in the generation that first witnessed its arrival.
Whether you believe Christ Jesus has returned fulfilling His promise to come in the lifetime of His apostles, as stated in Matthew 16:28; Matthew 10:23; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27, and many other passages of the Bible or not, the fact remains that God’s kingdom has arrived as Jesus Christ Himself declared in Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 12:28; Luke 11:20; Romans 14:16-17; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28. Take time to carefully study those passages. Remember that if you unreasonably reject God’s word, you are not opposing me, but rather God.
As Gamaliel told the religious order of his time accusing Peter and John of falsehood, “So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” (Acts 5:38-39)
Do not be misled by teachings like that of the rapture and the likes. Popular as they may be, it does not mean they are true to the Bible. Unless you can defend it conclusively with Scriptures.
Christ Jesus and His apostles confronted prevailing popular traditional beliefs and teachings. They went against the then recognized and accepted religious order. Who is in the right? If you know your Bible, you know the answer to that.
Keep in mind religious titles and positions do not count in the eyes of God, unless they uphold and honor God’s word (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). God’s truth can only be proven through faithful exposition of the Bible.
I write for two primary reasons: to preserve the sanctity of God’s word and to clarify theological concepts or ideas found in Scripture. My hope is to enrich the spiritual lives of Christians by revealing God’s truth. Isn’t theology then a means of edifying the church? Paul’s ecclesiology in Ephesians, which explains the doctrine of the church, wasn’t it for her edification? If a pastor, or someone in a Bible college or seminary, disagrees, perhaps they don’t understand Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians chapters one to two. If this is the case, then Christianity is certainly in danger of losing its identity.
Compass, used for navigation, always points north, aligning with Earth’s magnetic field, guiding travelers on their journeys. Similarly, in life, we must learn from the sole source of truth, the Word of God. Preserving the sanctity of God’s Word, as it has been taught and explained in the Bible, is crucial. It should remain the True North in our life’s journey. If it were distorted, misinterpreted, or misbelieved, people would be misled and have misguided faith.
Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.
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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 