Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Author: Eric

  • The Sufficiency Of The Gospel

    Jesus performed two feeding miracles. On both occasions, the crowd was gathered with Him in a desolate place: the feeding of the five thousand Jews and the feeding of the four thousand Gentiles (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10). The miracle of feeding the five thousand is mentioned in all four gospels of the New Testament, while only Matthew and Mark record the feeding of the four thousand Gentiles (see Matthew 15:29-38).

    “Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And He went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at His feet, and He healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to Him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.”

    Take note of Matthew 15:31 in bold letters. After Jesus fed the four thousand, the crowd recognized that His deeds were from the God of Israel. This indicates that the crowd consisted of Gentiles. In contrast, after the feeding of the five thousand, the crowd acknowledged the significance of Jesus’ sign and said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” This statement, found in John 6:14, clearly references the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Hence, Paul said “For Jews, demand signs, and Greeks seek wisdom.” (1Co 1:22)

    In Matthew 15:33 again in bold letters, the disciples might seem to have forgotten Jesus’ earlier miraculous feeding of the five thousand. However, that’s unlikely. All of Israel was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the promised Prophet of God. But this was not just any prophet, but the one foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—you shall listen to Him.” Like Moses, Christ Jesus, the Great Prophet of God, would lead them in a second and final exodus.

    If the disciples knew that Christ could perform miraculous feedings at any time, why did they still doubt? Like many Jews of their time, the disciples didn’t expect that the same grace would be offered to the Gentiles. This misunderstanding was detrimental if the disciples were to remain faithful to God’s work. The same applies to our present context. The preaching and teaching of the Gospel cannot be separated from theology. The doctrine of salvation (soteriology), the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology), the doctrine of Christ Jesus (Christology), the doctrine of the last things (eschatology), etc.

    Modern Christianity dislike doctrines. They thought its divisive and complex. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ can only be truthfully understood along with the Bible’s doctrines. The doctrines of the Scripture is the unified message of the Gospel and Christ Jesus.

    Fast forward to Paul’s ministry. He undoubtedly faced similar challenges from the Jews, who struggled to believe in Christ Jesus. Ironically, their strong bias for Jewish prominence caused them to rely heavily on the Mosaic Law, which became a barrier to accepting God’s grace. This theme is clearly outlined in Paul’s letters to the Romans and the Galatians.

    “I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” (Rom 9:1-8)

    Paul argued similarly in Galatians, saying: “Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Gal 3:21-29)

    The Jewish people have no justification for being intolerant towards the Gospel. The Old Testament clearly teaches that salvation is available to everyone who believes, regardless of race or ethnicity.

    To prove my point, click to see Genesis 12:1-3; 18:17-18; 22:17-18; three times God reiterated to Abraham that His salvation is for everyone. It is important to note, that Paul’s comprehension of the Gospel cannot be belitted. Apart from being a Pharisee trained in the OT Scripture (Acts 22:3), he received the Gospel through a revelation from Christ Jesus (Gal 1:11-12). So he authoritatively explains in Galatians 3:8-9

    “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

    And again, in Galatians 3:11-14, Paul said:

    “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

    Doubtless then, that the Gospel is sufficient for everyone who believes. Sadly though, the Jews opted to reject God’s grace and seek their own righteousness (Rom 10:1-4). Presently, a lot of Christians rightly teach that “salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone”. But they seem to have not learned from the mistakes of the Jews. Once baptized, Christians would be subjected to regulations and rules; like church membership, weekly attendance, etc.

    Christ Jesus offers a simplified Christianity. But men, like the Old Covenant Jews, have to complicate it. Isn’t that the reason why Christianity comes in different denominations and forms?

    In conclusion, Paul wrote: “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?” (Col 2:20-22)

    Christ Jesus offered a simplified Christianity, let us therefore keep Christianity simple.

    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 Sunday Cliché

    So they say, “You should go to church on Sundays.” In reply, let me share an excerpt from the song A House is not a Home:
    A chair is still a chair, even when there’s no one sittin’ there
    But a chair is not a house and a house is not a home
    When there’s no one there …

    Similarly, a Christian family is a church. A group of Christians meeting together in a church. But a building with no Christians is not a church. A mixed gathering of Christians and nominal Christians is not a church either. So, a church is not a place that Christians need to go on Sundays. Instead, Jesus Christ said, “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” (Mat 18:20)

    Consequently, when we gather as a family to study the Bible – with me, a pastor, leading them in the study of the Scripture, together with other people – what then is lacking? Do we need a choir singing to complete our gathering?

    Yes, we do meet on Sundays. We meet mostly online – not in the same manner as conventional Christianity does. Sundays just happen to be a common free day for everyone. And my family together at home, others in their respective homes meeting us online, we meet mainly to study the Word of God.

    “Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.” (Rom 16:5)

    “The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.” (1Co 16:19)

    “Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.” (Col 4:15)

    “Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:” (Phm 1:1-2)

    House church was normative then. It isn’t wrong then, how can it be wrong now? It preserves the sanctity of the church better than mass gatherings. Unless of course, the host of the house church allows false teachers to be part of their gatherings – or worse, was allowed to lead the church. Isn’t that a more dangerous thing among mega-churches today? See all congregations that have opened their doors to the now infamous, late Ravi Zacharias.

    The ideal model for house churches is to have, if possible, both parents leading the family in the reading and study of God’s Word. I understand in most cases it’s a son or a daughter who first came to faith. If the family is amicable to learn the faith, then by all means let the matured Christian in their midst lead – whosoever that may be. But if it’s not workable at the moment, then by all means join your pastor online for the study of the Word. Keep in mind that anyone who leads should be properly mentored first and tested, not a recent convert (1Tim 3:6-7). Pastors should focus on the training of believers in the study of God’s Word (Ephesians 4:11-14), not spoon-feeding them but training them to exegete the Scripture.

    Worship? Jesus Christ said, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mat 15:8-9)

    Sure, anyone could offer a song of praise to the Lord. But the idea of recruiting people based on their singing talents just to form a choir and yet unconverted or living in sin should be stopped.

    Christ Jesus again teaches: “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.” (Jhn 4:23-24)

    The Christian life – that is, living according to the will, purpose, and teachings of Christ Jesus – isn’t that the true essence of worship?

    On the other hand, are you sure everyone going to the Sunday gathering is a Christian? If so, then, there should be no conflicts, evil schemings, and the like. The bigger the congregation, the more complex the gathering becomes, making it far more difficult for a pastor to discern intimately the attendees.

    Actually the Bible warns us, saying:

    “Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness? And what agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? And what mutual agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said, “I will live in them and will walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” Therefore “come out from their midst, and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch no unclean thing, and I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters,” says the All-Powerful Lord.” (2Co 6:14-18, NET)

    Understand that the passage above applies to the context of the church. By extension, it certainly applies to our choices for life partners. Scripture says in marriage the couple becomes one, no longer two separate individuals. Therefore, by carelessly choosing an unbeliever as a partner in life, you knowingly complicate the body of Christ.

    The Bible said, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1Co 3:16-17)

    On the other hand, as individual Christians, we shouldn’t isolate ourselves from unbelievers. Otherwise, who are we to reach out and share the Gospel to? Let the light of the Gospel shine before others. Sharing the Gospel is not all talk. Scripture said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (Jas 1:22).” Demonstrate your faith by your life and deeds, not words only.

    I do not mean to say that everyone going to the Sunday gatherings is not a Christian. Rather, not everyone is a Christian. That’s a fact that cannot be denied, otherwise, you are in denial or worse a hypocrite.

    So, why not gather and have fellowship only with those you know and ascertain are Christians? Study the Word of God together. Listen and care for one another, without any fear of judgment or being a target of rumormongering.

    On the other hand, for proponents of the church hierarchy, the need for the leadership of presbytery, or the need to meet regularly on a Sunday, kindly provide me clear and straightforward passage in Scripture upholding your positions. If it’s just by inference to tradition, then it’s just a personal conviction, a tradition of men. It does not hold water. Now, if your argument is based on Hebrews 10:25, then it’s evident you don’t know the Scripture.

    Learn the discipline of exegesis. Study Hebrews 10:25 from its context. Check the Greek word for “meet together”, cross reference the word within the entire NT writings, and see how it was used and alluded to. After you have done a proper study on the word and have learned its true meaning, surely you would understand how Hebrews 10:25 has been manipulated and misused. This also applies to everyone who insists that Sunday is the Lord’s day, once you have studied it rightly.

    The command in Scripture to appoint an elder (Titus 1:3) was to protect the Christian community from false teachings. It does not call on an elder or elders to formulate rules, regulations, or anything similar to govern a congregation, only to rebuke and correct false doctrine.

    Modern Christianity has deviated from the Scripture’s model of a church. The church is not an organization formulated and governed by men. The redeemed body of Christ Jesus, the communities of believers, with Christ Jesus alone as the Head of the body – that is the true church of the Scripture.

    Keep in mind Christ’s Word: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Mat 16:18)

    Christ Jesus will always be the Rock (1Co 10:4), the cornerstone (Acts 4:11) of God’s true temple (Eph 2:19-21), and the church.

    Let us not be part of the modern, yet complex Christianity. Turn to Jesus Christ and His Word, and learn Christianity simplified. At the end of the day, it’s all about the faith.

    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 Teachings of Jesus Christ is Life and Spirit (John 6:63)

    Our study this morning is from John 15:15-18.

    “The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man [Jesus Christ] has learning, when He has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on My own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of Him who sent Him is true, and in Him there is no falsehood.”

    So, how do we know that we are learning from Jesus Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, not from men? The teaching should always be in sync with the Scripture. Unlike today, a lot of Christian doctrines are misaligned, opposing each other.

    Example: Christians teach that at the moment of death, believers would go to heaven, and yet they also say Jesus has yet to return. However, Jesus, in John 14:6, said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Christ beforehand also said, “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.” (John 14:1-3)

    We all know forty days after Jesus’ resurrection [Acts 1:3], He ascended to the Father, thereby fulfilling His promise to prepare and return to take the believers to be with Him in heaven. So, if the Christian teaching today is correct, and He has yet to return, then no one can go to the Father at the moment because Jesus promised and made clear He alone is the way to the Father, and He would return to take the believers to heaven. In other words, before Jesus’ return, heaven should be off-limits to us.

    That truth is reinforced by Hebrews 9:28: “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.”

    Christians today aren’t the only ones waiting for Christ’s return. The contemporaries of Paul and Peter, Christians before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, were waiting as well. See passages below.

    “so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Co 1:7)

    “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Php 3:20)

    “For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1Th 1:8-10)

    Paul and his generation of Christians were waiting for Christ’s return. Peter made clear however, the return of Christ Jesus and His salvation would be consummated in his generation. See 1Peter 1:10-13.

    “CONCERNING THIS SALVATION, the prophets [OT prophets] who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours [Peter’s contemporary Christians] searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when He [God] predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. IT WAS REVEALED TO THEM THAT THEY WERE SERVING NOT THEMSELVES [OT prophets] BUT YOU [Peter’s contemporary Christians], in the things that have now been announced to you [Peter’s contemporaries] through those who preached the good news to you [Peter’s contemporaries] by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. THEREFORE, PREPARING YOUR [Peter’s contemporary Christians] MINDS FOR ACTION, AND BEING SOBER-MINDED, SET YOUR HOPE [Peter’s contemporary Christians] FULLY ON THE GRACE THAT WILL BE BROUGHT TO YOU [Peter’s contemporary Christians] AT THE REVELATION [or appearing] OF JESUS CHRIST.”

    Peter, therefore rightly reiterated Jesus’ Word and promise. See Matthew 16:28. “Truly, I say to you [Peter and his fellow apostles], there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

    Unless perhaps, the then apostles of Christ are still alive today – similar to the conspiracy theory about Elvis Presley being alive still and in hiding somewhere 😝.

    If somebody promised to meet you at a specific time then stood you up, what do you make of that person? Trustworthy or not? Oh, maybe you would say perhaps he has a legitimate reason for being remiss of his word? But that can’t be true with Christ Jesus. The promised great prophet of Deuteronomy 18:15-22; Acts 3:22-23; Acts 7:37.

    Do you understand the implications of such teaching? Asserting that Jesus Christ is yet to come; contrary to the claim of the Scripture. It opposes the very Word and promise of Christ Jesus. Therefore, futurist preachers today are actually – perhaps unknowingly but still by inference – saying Jesus failed in His Word and promise. The renowned, actually it should be infamous, C.S. Lewis said perhaps Jesus was hallucinating so He said those words to His apostles. Lewis even said, “Matthew 24:34 is the most embarrassing verse in the Bible” because Jesus promised to return to the generation of His apostles, but He did not. [https://www.behindthegospels.com/p/surprised-by-cs-lewis-the-most-embarrassing]

    I don’t know about most Christians, but I would always adhere to Jesus Christ and His infallible words. It cannot be that Christ remised on His Word. Rather, if the Bible says one thing and the contemporary teaching opposes it, the Bible being infallible would mean it is always right. It’s our Christian duty to study the Bible until we have reconciled with God’s Word, discerning the truth. If modern Christian teaching does not stand up to the scrutiny of Scripture, then it ought to be disputed and corrected – even if it would invite attacks from critics because they insist on their truth.

    Let me forewarn everyone though, back in the garden of Eden and with the temptation of Jesus Christ, it was the devil who had twisted God’s Word. No wonder, therefore, the unbelieving Jews opposed Christ’s Words, so Jesus refers to them as children of the devil (John 8:44-45). Certainly, we would not want to be in opposition to God’s Word.

    In conclusion, Scripture said,

    “He [Jesus Christ] was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times [last days] for the sake of you [Peter’s immediate audience or readers] who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 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; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (1Pe 1:20-25)

    Scripture made clear, that no one was mysteriously born again, but by the unchanging imperishable Word of God. Would you rather trust in man’s teachings or only the Word of God? Seek and discern the source of your learnings. Was it from man’s imagination or the diligent and careful study of God’s Word? Truthful teaching of God’s Word should always adhere to, not oppose, clear and straightforward teachings of the Scripture.

    Jesus Christ said, “The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” (John 6:63)

    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!

  • Did Jesus Know?

    It’s erroneous to say the incarnate Jesus Christ didn’t know the time of His return. That’s not what Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 were teaching [Click on the highlights to read the passage] because that is borderline, if not already is, Kenosis theory. Such understanding runs opposite to the purpose (John 20:30-31) and opening statements (John 1:1-3, 14-18) of John’s Gospel.

    “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31)

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him [the Word], and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3)

    “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about Him, and cried out, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.’”) 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. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, He has made Him [Jesus Christ] known.” (John 1:14-18)

    As to what Matthew and Mark were referring to “the day or that hour that was known only to the Father”? Did Jesus not say, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30)? So the incarnate Christ Jesus must know.

    Here is a clue for Christ Jesus’ declaration in both Matthew 24:36 & Mark 13:32. Always take note of His Word. Jesus Christ said:

    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18)

    Incidentally, both Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 were preceded by the phrase “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Isn’t that precisely what Jesus Christ declared in Matthew 5:18? [Again, click on the highlights to read and see] Jesus Christ came not only to fulfill the OT law but all prophecies as well.

    “Then He [Jesus Christ] said to them, “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)

    Let Scripture explain Scripture. But to learn that discipline, we must first unlearn traditions that are not supported by Scripture. Once again, keep in mind Christ’s teachings: “It is only by hearing His Word and after we have understood it that we may become good soil.”

    “As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”(Matthew 13:23)

    So here is my final clue. Christ Jesus in both Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 was quoting an OT prophecy, and declaring the certainty of its fulfillment in the generation of Jews He was speaking to. Click on the highlighted link to see. Always respect the context. In both passages, from the context, Jesus Christ was teaching and asserting the certainty of things He declared to occur within the generation of His disciples.

    The grave error of today’s readers of the Scripture is that instead of applying the Scripture to its contextual audience—of course unless specified otherwise by the Scripture—they read the Scripture always like it applies to current events. For millennia, that’s been the erroneous habit of Christian readers of the Scripture. So in every century, perhaps as short as decades, there is a sensational declaration that Jesus Christ is coming soon.

    Didn’t Jesus Christ promise the apostle John He was coming soon? Twice at the beginning of Revelation (Rev 1:1; 3:11), and thrice at the end (Rev 22:7; 22:12 ; 22:20).

    “Soon” to us can never be “soon” to John. Similarly, if it’s soon to John, then it’s definitely not soon to us. Unless you have a different vocabulary for “soon”.

    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!

  • Parenting Is A Lifelong Endeavor

    Sadly a lot of family squabble has been broadcast in the socmed. Parents need not justify their efforts in rearing their children to whom they are now. Once your children become estranged from you, whoever fault it may be, ranting against them will just aggravate your relationship. Reconciliation would be next to impossible.

    The Bible teaches parents must provide and rear their children well. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of children to honor their parents. However, once either one, the parents or their children, have neglected their God-given duty and responsibility, ranting against each other would be of no good use, especially if reconciliation is your goal.

    Parents who have done well raising their children should just understand. Sometimes that’s just it, children becoming independent need time and space for themselves. Like us before, they are now in the process of finding themselves or looking for a lifetime partner. Give them time.

    On the other hand, if your children are more fond of having other people around them than you, perhaps you have to self-evaluate yourself and your family. You may not have a healthy family contrary to your beliefs.

    But either way, learn from the story of the lost son (Luke 15:15-32). Parents should always be ready, waiting for the day their children would mature and perhaps learn from their mistakes or find in their hearts to forgive our shortcomings.

    Reconciliation is always easier when no stones are thrown against each other, especially in public. Parents should sometimes learn to turn the other cheek when berated by their children (Matthew 5:39). Like them, we all are still growing and maturing.

    If needed, and a good opportunity arises for conversation, always talk to your adult children with respect and a mild manner. Respect begets respect. There is no pride lost in preventing ugly words from being uttered. Keep in mind the Word of God: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

    Sometimes we ought to learn to “speak no evil, see no evil, and hear no evil”. Let God be the judge and reward us for our good deeds. Parenting is a lifelong endeavor. We continue to be parents even after our children become adults. Never give up the privilege of being a parent. Always be present when called upon, never intending to interfere. Always be ready when needed, never wanting to be supported. Always on standby without judgment, caring and praying that they would not need us to step in.

    Though Scripture says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother (Pro 29:15)”, keep in mind instructions and discipline should be when they are young. See the Scripture below on parenting.

    “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” (Pro 13:1)

    “A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.” (Pro 15:5)

    “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.” (Pro 15:20)

    “He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.” (Pro 17:21)

    “A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.” (Pro 17:25)

    “A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.” (Pro 19:13)

    “He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.” (Pro 19:26)

    “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” (Pro 23:22)

    “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.” (Pro 23:24-25)

    “Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, ‘That is no transgression,’ is a companion to a man who destroys.” (Pro 28:24)

    The Bible is never one-sided. See Paul’s instructions about the parent-child relationship.

    “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)

    Blessings!

    If you want to follow our journey of unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture, you can stay updated just head to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Subscription is free.

  • The Silent Killer

    A lot of Christians were triggered by Marcionism recently. Somehow the noise has died down. I hope Christians will not fall into the same trap again. Following a pastor or a preacher without being a Berean (click the highlight to see its meaning).

    Sadly, another heresy has been spreading for decades, in the guise of discipleship – the kenosis theory. Here is an excerpt from GotQuestion.Org on its error:

    There are some false teachers who take the concept of kenosis too far, saying that Jesus gave up all or some of His divine nature when He came to earth. This heresy is sometimes referred to as the kenosis theory, but a better term is kenoticism or kenotic theology, to distinguish it from biblical understanding of the kenosis.

    Click this link to read full article from GotQuestion.Org.

    Keep in mind that Jesus Christ was of the virgin birth (Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23; Lk 1:35). An impossible task humanly speaking. Hence, Jesus Christ was divine at conception, He was born (Lk 1:30-35), grew up (Lk 2:22-52), and was crucified (Acts 2:22-24; Acts 5:30-31; Ps 2:1-8) without losing His divinity at any time, and yet He also was fully man during His incarnation.

    It is therefore wrong to follow the teachings that Christ Jesus as a child was taught and discipled by His human parents, Joseph and Mary. See John 17:8, Jesus Christ said:

    “For I (Jesus Christ) have given them the words that You (God the Father) gave Me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.”

    Again, Jesus Christ declared in John 14:24.

    “The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine but is from the Father who sent Me.”

    In Luke 2:52, Scripture’s intent was for the reader to understand that Christ’s divinity was demonstrated since childhood. Read the context, Luke 2:40-52. Not that, like us, we grew in wisdom as we aged.

    Click on video below to see R.C. Sproul’s biblical exposition of Christ’s kenosis.

    The apostle Paul in Ephesians explained the purpose of Christ’s gift for the office of pastors. See Ephesians 4:11-14.

    “And He (Jesus Christ) Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.”

    In other words, pastors are tasked to stand guard against false teachings and teachers. They also are mandated to train Christians about the truth, teaching them to discern false teachings. Here, in this blog, I’m defending the biblical persona of Christ Jesus (Christology) that has been compromised by kenosis theory.

    Ironically, unlike recent heresy in the form of Marcionism which began locally, the heresy on kenosis was imported abroad, and then locally spread in the guise of discipleship.

    Shouldn’t we have learned from the recent pandemic? Borders control is needed to prevent the spread of deadly diseases. In the case of heresy, pastors are tasked to stand guard against heresy, false teachings, and teachers. They have to keep the sanctity of Christ’s body, therefore watching its borders. And yet, it was the local pastors who welcomed the said heresy into their congregation. Even aiding its spread, whether knowingly or unknowingly, with both Christ Jesus certainly has condemnations for such people. See 2Peter 2:1.

    “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”

    See also Matthew 18:6, Jesus Christ said.

    “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.”

    Now, let’s take a look at John 10:7-16, to discern whether you have under-shepherds of Christ Jesus or hirelings.

    “Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd. I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

    Christians, discern carefully if indeed your pastors are truly under-shepherds of Christ Jesus. Have you learned only the true teachings of Jesus Christ, therefore listening solely to Christ’s voice? Because only then are we part of God’s flock, with Jesus Christ alone our One Great Shepherd.

    Once more, Jesus Christ said, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand.” (Jhn 10:27-28)

    Be watchful, we might have a false assurance of salvation. Salvation can be found in Christ alone, through the inerrancy of His Word. Listen and learn only from Christ’s voice (the inerrancy of His Word). Heresy can be a silent killer.

    “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with Him (Jesus Christ), we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him (Jesus Christ and His Word), He also will deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful— for He cannot deny Himself. Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 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.” (2Ti 2:11-15)

    Blessings!

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  • Numbers Do Lie

    Accountants always believe in numbers. They can study your books of account to know whether a business is doing good or bad. So they say, “Numbers don’t lie,” but it’s not necessarily true in terms of Christian ministries.

    Boracay used to be the most sought-after beach resort in the Philippines, but news reports below said it’s no longer true today. Here once more is proof that nothing lasts forever. During its heyday, every investor milked the island to make money, without any consideration of its long-term negative effect on nature. Improper waste disposal of the masses, among other things, had eroded the sanctity of the island. Similarly, the same has long occurred in the modern church or Christianity.

    Christians always have the desire to multiply their number and yet, they refuse to keep biblical disciplines, compromising truths of the Bible, thereby throwing away the sanctity of the church. Negligence will always have its cost. It’s like falling into quicksand, the more resistance Christians exert, keeping even further away from biblical truths, the deeper they sink.

    Mind you, Christianity is not simply about learning biblical truths, but learning biblical truths and living it out. As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” The apostle Paul said it adequately: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, TO OFFER YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV‭‭)

    Don’t be mistaken; Paul was not asking Christians to keep the discipline during Sunday gatherings. The pronoun “your” here, used by Paul, is in the Greek plural. Therefore, by “bodies or body”, Paul was calling upon individual Christians, as a member of Christ’s body, to live their everyday life in godliness, and that is his call for the church’s spiritual act of worship, thereby keeping the sanctity of the church.

    Consequently, see Paul’s words to the misbehaving church in Corinth:

    “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.” (1Co 5:6-7)

    Again, see how serious was Paul in his call for church’s sanctity. Once again, Paul said:

    “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.”” (1Co 5:9-13)

    Look, Paul even quoted from Deuteronomy, the Scripture “purge the evil person from among you”, to demonstrate that his call was not from him alone, but God Himself.

    Sadly though, even today, a lot of modern churches refuse to deal away the bad eggs that are among them. Worse, they appear to be in a state of denial, pretending that all is well and good. Hence, the rust that is within them, which they refuse to reckon with, has eaten up its entire structure. That is the common sad story of many Christian congregations. Most start well, yet somehow end badly. Those who struggle to survive are actually in a near-comatose state.

    So what is the common mistake?

    John chapter six started by telling us a large crowd had been following Christ Jesus. The crowd was said to be five thousand people. To modern Christian thinking, that’s a successful ministry, isn’t it? All because modern Christianity has adopted the world’s concept of success and CEO mindset – it’s all about the numbers and ROI (return on investment). Consequently, by such a barometer or measurement of success, Christ Jesus would have a failed ministry. See John 6:66-67. “After this many of His (Christ Jesus’) disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”

    To add insult to injury, out of the twelve, one even betrayed Jesus Christ. Yet, truly Jesus Christ was faithful to His ministry. The disciples came to know the truth about Him. See the preceding verses. “Simon Peter answered Him (Jesus Christ), “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.” (John 6:68-71)

    Christianity is never about the numbers. In God’s kingdom and workings, numbers do lie. It’s not about the quantity but the quality. Christianity is about the one lost sheep recovered. It’s about Christians learning the Scripture and living by the Scripture. The failure of a church is always due to its non-adherence to the Scripture. Christians cannot let God’s truth slide or be diluted due to concerns about attendance or a decrease in memberships. Christians cannot compromise God’s truth, for that alone keeps or upholds the sanctity of God’s church. Jesus Christ was never concerned His large following would be diminished. Jesus Christ 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)

    See also the words of Christ Jesus to the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation. It has no ifs or buts, only compliance with God’s standards.

    On the flip side, faithfulness to God’s truth would have its sure reward. Every Christian has a role to play. Every investment – be it time spent, money offered, or anything else done for the spread of the Gospel – would have its return. And God alone rewards our faithfulness, notwithstanding whether we are early or late in His ministry. Christ Jesus taught that truth in Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the Lord’s vineyard vis-a-vis His laborers; everyone would have one single and common reward – that is, entrance into God’s kingdom.

    Now, if anyone would desire something else other than be part of God’s kingdom people, then sorry to say this: you are repeating the sin of Adam and Eve. They both succumbed to the temptation of the serpent, which is the devil, foolishly rejecting God, who alone is our sufficiency in all things.

    Christians, stop compromising the faith. Do not lose sight of God’s true concern. Numbers mean nothing to God if it lacks quality. Elijah was wrong thinking he had failed vis-a-vis his call for Israel to return to God. The Bible said, “Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Rom 11:2-5)

    God alone calls people to salvation (Rom 11:4). The Gospel is always God’s means in calling people to salvation (Rom 10:14-17). God concerns Himself with the faithful remnant, not the entirety of Old Covenant Israel (Rom 11:4-5). Saving faith comes only by hearing the Words of Christ (Rom 10:17). The same applies to us Christians today. We should only and always be concerned about the truthfulness of our Gospel message and the validity of its message in our daily lives.

    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 Way: Scripture Alone

    It has always been asked of me, “How can I best explain the Gospel to an intellectual person? Like a scientist, a doctor, or someone who is a wide reader or a good researcher.”

    To answer, we must first be willing to reject and disprove traditions that have been prevalently taught and believed upon but cannot be supported by Scripture. Jesus Christ said, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

    Again Jesus Christ told the unbelieving Jews, “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear My word. 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, because 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. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.” (John 8:43-45)

    Therefore, to do so, we must first be well acquainted with the Scripture. We need to know the truth. Explain thoroughly the teachings of Christ Jesus. Do not be shy to refute conventional teachings or beliefs that are unfounded in the Word of God.

    Yes, I understand it’s a long process. That’s exactly why Christ Jesus spent three years teaching His disciples. Consequently, Christians also must be immersed in discipleship. By discipleship, that means learning to approach Scripture correctly respecting its context, immediate audience, and the specific teaching or message of Christ Jesus on a particular passage in the Bible.

    It is a time-consuming process, and it does not guarantee a positive response from most. But remember, Jesus Christ, didn’t focus on the most, only on those who have been willing to follow Him notwithstanding its cost.

    Once more, see Scripture: “All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, He said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.”” (Matthew 13:34-36)

    Take note that the parables of Jesus were not meant to conceal but utter what has been hidden; in other words, parables are meant to unveil the truths of God’s Word. Also, only to those few disciples did Jesus explain further the truth. No, it’s not because they were the chosen ones; rather, they came to ask and inquire about the truth.

    Let us therefore not rush the process; rather be disciplined in keeping the process. In time, perhaps it could even be beyond our lifetime, it shall bear fruit.

    Remember that Jesus Christ did not call us to start a church. Jesus Christ clearly said He alone would build His church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 3:3-6). We Christians are simply commanded to spread (Ephesians 4:15) and live by the Gospel (Philippians 3:17-20; Hebrews 10:38).

    Lastly, it is a reality that we could create enemies or people would not find us pleasing once we stand by God’s truth. That’s exactly why Jesus Christ said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

    Christianity is a journey, and in our journey, we ought to know and discern the way. Jesus Christ alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). It would be ironic for us to follow the crowd but miss the way.

    Jesus Christ 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.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

    Christianity cannot be a multifaceted truth but the one single way to truth. Yet, there is diversity of supposed truths presented and proposed by Christians of different denominations, even among those who claims to be non-denominational. That is exactly why intellectual skeptics find post-modern Christianity confusing or worse a lie; hence, a stumbling block to the faith.

    Jesus Christ alone is the Door (John 10:7,9) and the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Upon Him and His Word alone should we follow, believe and teach. Christ Jesus alone is the One Way to true Christianity. Let us be humble enough to learn from His word, the Bible. Scripture Alone.

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  • Faith, a concept or a way of life?

    Many times Christians think of faith as an idea or concept, not a way of life. So many say, “I still need to live, be rational and practical about life.” Consequently, they end up compromising their faith. But Scripture said, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

    Christians cannot simply let wrongdoings, especially those that compromise the integrity of Christ and His Church, slide – even if it would have detrimental human consequences. For the Christian walk is a matter of faith and belief in Christ Jesus and His Word.

    “Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

    Blessing!

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  • Walk By Faith, Not By Sight

    In the last 2000 years, the world remained as chaotic as before. Perhaps it’s true that with the advancement of medicine, technology, and civil society, living standards today are far better than the barbaric days of humanity. Yet, a quick look at world events would tell us it isn’t so. In the West, people have been shot dead by random shooters. In some other parts of the world, dictators continue to reign over its people. Hunger remains to be a problem all over the world and many more issues. With that, we Christians are left grasping for answers because many times we have been asked, “When would God rectify the wrongs in the world?”

    God had done His part by sending His Son Jesus Christ to redeem people from the fall of humanity. Yes, I’m referring to Genesis 3, the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus Christ came proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17).” It is sad though that most of present-day Christianity fails to see the reality of Christ’s pronouncement. Consequently, they also fail to communicate the true reality of God’s Word. See Revelation 11:15.

    “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.””

    The Book of Revelation was prophetic, not historical. It was written before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Contrary to the popular view it was sometime in 90 A.D. Click and read my blog on “Dating of Revelation”. Notice that I present it in the past tense because the prophecy of Revelation 11 has been fulfilled. Revelation cannot be a historical narrative simply because it’s an “apokalupsis” (Greek for revelation). It’s a disclosure or unveiling of events to come in John’s time. See Revelation 1:9-10.

    “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet”

    Next, see Revelation 1:19. “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.”

    Let me first make clear: “The Lord’s Day” isn’t Sunday, as suggested by some Christians. John was foreseeing events of “the Day of the Lord” or the Day of God’s judgment and salvation (see Acts 2:20-21; 1Corinthians 1:7-8; 1Corinthians 5:5; 2Corinthians 1:13-14; 1Thessalonians 5:2; 2Thessalonians 2:1-2; 2Peter 3:10).

    Take note that in Revelation 1:19, John was told the things that he was to see would take place after Christ’s revelation. In other words, it’s happening soon – soon to John, not to us living millennia after the writing of Revelation.

    See further Christ’s warning regarding the time and any attempt to alter His word. See Revelation 22:16-20.

    ““I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you (John) about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

    Now, what is the context of Revelation 11:15? It speaks of the judgment against Old Covenant Jewish Temple, see Revelation 11:1-2.

    “Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.”

    So John foresaw the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s words against Old Covenant Israel, see Luke 21:20-27.

    ““But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth (in the Greek, it could alternately be translated as “land”) and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

    What was the sin of Old Covenant Israel? They rejected the Lord Jesus Christ and killed His prophets and apostles. But how do we know Revelation 11 was about Old Covenant Israel? First, the introduction of chapter eleven spoke clearly of the destruction, (i.e., trample) of the Jewish Temple. Then, in verses 7 and 8, the murderers of God’s witnesses were inhabitants of the “great city” where Jesus Christ was crucified – so that’s none other but Jerusalem.

    The “times of the Gentiles” pertain to the four Gentile empires ruling over Israel as prophesied and made clear in the Book of Daniel. Daniel identified the first three empires as Babylon, Mede Persia, and Greece (Daniel 2 & 8). John, on the other hand, prophesied about the events happening in the fourth and last Gentile empire ruling over Jerusalem, and that’s Rome (Revelation 13 &17).

    The kingdom of the world of Revelation 11:15 pertains to the Old Covenant Jewish world, while the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ though spiritual is real and everlasting. Years before the fall of Old Covenant Jerusalem, the apostle Paul declared, “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

    God never neglects on His word and promises. Many like to suggest that Jesus Christ is yet to return fulfilling His word and promise. God forbid, but by their claim, they have made Jesus Christ to be a liar, not true to His word. For as long as our present world rejects Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then it will always be chaotic because it is ruled by man, not God. Christians, on the other hand, should keep in mind that our citizenship is with heaven (Philippians 3:20). So indeed, we ought to walk by faith, not by sight (2Co. 5:7). We are troubled by the things around us, so we fail to see the reality that God is indeed with us.

    Learn to see beyond the thorns then we will see the beauty of the Rose. That’s the reality of our Christian walk. The psalm below, written by David, is a Messianic Psalm. Memorized this psalm cause that’s the reality of living under Christ’s New Covenant.

    “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalms 23:1-6)

    Blessings!

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