Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Category: Devotional

  • Lament into Praise

    God works in mysterious ways. Instead of focusing on pent-up frustration, I turned on Spotify to listen to Christian music while reading the verse of the day from a Bible app as a starting point to studying a whole book or passages. This morning it’s Micah 6:8. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

    Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, all kings of Judah—a contemporary of Isaiah. It was a time of prosperity, and Micah denounced the wealthy for oppressing the poor and warned of God’s impending judgment (Micah 1:3-5). The northern kingdom had actually fallen during Micah’s ministry, in 722 BC, and Judah almost did as well (2 Kings 18-20). 

    Micah prophesied against the rulers and prophets of both Judah and Israel, who falsely claimed to speak from God (Micah 3). The highlight of Micah’s prophecy concerns the last days, the arrival of God’s kingdom (Micah 4:1-7; Isaiah 2:2-4; Romans 10:8-18), and Christ Jesus (Micah 5:2-5). Micah 6:6-8 reveals God’s heart and desire for His people: “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:6-8)

    God changes not. Micah 6:6-8 is precisely reflected in Hosea 6:6, which was quoted twice by Jesus Christ, first in Matthew 9:12-13, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Christ’s coming was to offer a second chance, a restoration to God.

    The Bible states that everyone is born of Adam, born after Adam had fallen from the grace of God (Romans 5:12). Jesus Christ, therefore, is our only way back to God. He is the mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:11-12, 15; 12:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:25). The Bible states, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22).” That’s the essence of our Christian water baptism. We die to Adam and are alive in Jesus, rising out of the water a new person in Christ . But unless we acknowledge being sinners, then Christ’s calling or the Gospel makes no sense to us. And unless we truly have become a new person in Christ, then our water baptism does not mean a thing. Water baptism is just an expression of one’s testimony that the person now belongs to Jesus Christ.

    The second time is in Matthew 12:6-8, “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

    Jesus Christ is the true temple of God (Matthew 12:6; John 2:19, 21). Christ is the Head, and the church is His body (Colossians 1:18), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Himself is the cornerstone, and by His death and resurrection, we Christians grow together into a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2). 

    Yes, we Christians, the holy temple in the Lord, is greater than the Old Covenant Jerusalem temple. Hence, Jesus, in John 4 states, “Believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and IS NOW HERE, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24)

    What does it take to worship God in spirit and truth? Surely, it does not mean simply going to the Sunday worship service or a building where Christians supposedly gather for worship, but to walk the talk. Here’s Paul’s words regarding worship: “I appeal to you (i.e. the church) therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

    Let me be clear, Paul, by “your bodies” refers to the church. See Romans 12:5, “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

    Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath—a declaration Jesus revealed about Himself, making known that He is the God of creation (see Matthew 12:8; Genesis 1:1-2:2). Yes, Genesis creation account isn’t about God’s narration of His creation of all things, though indeed He alone is the creator of all things (Psalm 33:6-9; Colossians 1:16-17). God in Genesis used creation language to reveal His creation of His people. Hence, Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:6, quotes Genesis 1:3, to explain God’s Old Covenant vis-à-vis the New, and God’s Old Covenant people vis-à-vis the New, His Church.

    John also did the same, quoting Genesis 1:3, and referring it to Jesus, the Word. He even used the same opening phrase in Genesis “in the beginning” to connect the two. See John 1:1-5, “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, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

    God, through Christ Jesus, creates a new people for Himself, and we—the church—are God’s New Covenant people. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19) But have we truly learned from God’s Word?

    • How is it that Christians are still enticed by the world and its riches, if we have known true riches is only with Jesus Christ?
    • Have we Christians shown justice and mercy to our fellowmen?
    • Have our pastors truly been speaking Christ’s Word? Are we worshipping God and Jesus Christ in truth and in spirit? Why is it there are a lot of nominal Christians?
    • Have we been sharing the faith to our loved ones, fiancés, friends, and children? Why is it many times Christians fear men rather than God?
    • And I have a lot more vented frustrations having seen Christianity in its present mode. Until when will a Christian truly walk by faith? Does everyone need to have a Damascus experience or a denial like that of Peter before walking truthfully with Jesus? Sadly, many have walked the way of Judas, denying Jesus because He doesn’t suit their expectation of the Christ.

    Jesus Christ, without a doubt, has arrived. His kingdom is a present reality, though it isn’t of this world. When asked by the Pharisees when God’s kingdom would come, Jesus states, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

    The Bible states, “For Jesus must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). Isn’t death destroyed already? If not, why are pastors saying in wakes, “Our Christian friend is now with the Lord Jesus Christ or in a better place?”

    Christians have misunderstood the concept of death being destroyed. It doesn’t imply that Christians would cease to die physically. Instead, death is no longer an end to life, as Jesus states, “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not face judgment but has transcended death to life.” (John 5:24)

    Here’s the proof from Scripture that “death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The Bible, in 1 Corinthians 15:56 states, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.”

    Do we still have the Jerusalem temple standing today? If not, how can the Mosaic Law now be observed? Didn’t Christ’s death make obsolete the Mosaic regulations of animal offerings? With the second and final destruction of the Jerusalem temple, Daniel’s visions of the end came to be fulfilled. Scripture states, “When the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end; all these things would be finished (Daniel 12:7)”. The Mosaic law is the power of the Old Testament people (Deuteronomy 7:6-11), and it has become obsolete, fulfilled in Christ Jesus (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 9; Luke 24:25-26; 24:44). Similarly, we Christians are nobody before God except by faith in Christ Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant.

    Even Adam’s death no longer holds power over Christians. Paul, in Romans, explains, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (i.e., the Gospel) has set you free from the law of sin and death (i.e., the law of Adam’s death [Genesis 2:16-17]). For what the law (i.e., the Mosaic law) could not accomplish because it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, so that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4)

    Christians, let us live by faith in Jesus Christ, then we shall see the workings of God’s kingdom. And in Him alone will we find peace, and not be frustrated. For Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Paul states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Let me be clear, with Paul, Jesus is near, but now God’s with us [Matthew 1:23; Revelation 21:1-3].) Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) Therefore, compared to Paul’s era, today’s Christians have the assurance of God’s peace. Unlike the beliefs and teachings of contemporary Christianity, the promises of Jesus are not delayed or long in coming; instead, they are a present reality.

    Let us therefore turn our lament into praise. That’s how the psalms were written. That’s how prophets of the Old Testament comforted themselves. At the end of our laments, let us learn that God alone is our peace. Therefore, as Paul states, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

    All glory be to God and Jesus Christ alone!

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

  • Morning Meditation

    A Psalm of David. Penned by a son of Korah. It reveals David’s heart during a time of deep sorrow, reflecting on the rebellion against him. This was a result of his actions when he took Bathsheba and killed Uriah. It’s a psalm that speaks of repentance, but also of trust in God’s kindness and forgiveness.

    All of us in one way or another have fallen short of God’s glory. It is impossible to live up to the standards of the Holy God. That’s precisely the reason Christ Jesus came to offer us a second chance. Scripture states, “For our sake God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2Co 5:21) Let us therefore not be downhearted. God’s grace is sufficient for our weakness. Always trust in His grace. Paul said, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col 3:2) Only then may we not fall into sinning.

    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.” Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references. Freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribing directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!

  • It’s a Matter of the Heart

    Today, the Roman Catholics celebrate Palm Sunday. Scripture tells us this was the triumphant entry of Jesus, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, the coming of the King. 

    Scripture states, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and He shall speak peace to the nations; His rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:9-10) In other words, Jesus Christ, the King who rode on a donkey, was to liberate Israel and bring peace to all people – that’s the meaning of sea to sea, to the ends of the earth.

    Reading from Matthew 21:4-9, hysteria and excitement were all over Jerusalem. They exclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

    “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” is taken from Psalm 118, specifically verses 24-26. This psalm is recited annually during the Feast of Tabernacle, which serves as a rehearsal for the promise of Israel’s regathering. However, the Jews misunderstood its significance. They were perplexed by Christ’s denouncement of the temple (John 2:13-20). Moreover, as mentioned in John 2:13, the upcoming Jewish feast they were about to celebrate was not the Feast of Tabernacle, but the Passover. To add to the complexity, the religious leaders refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, poisoning the minds of the Jews causing them to reject Him.

    Luke tells us Jesus knew He would be rejected; Scripture said He wept. 

    “And when Jesus drew near and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’” (Luke 19:41-44)

    The triumphant entry of Jesus Christ was the tipping point for Israel, a point of no return. Because of their rejection of Christ Jesus, judgment came upon them in 70 A.D. Here, Jesus spoke about the second and final destruction of the temple, saying, “and they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation”. Precisely Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 23:36-24:2. Of which, the disciples understood as the return of Jesus and the end of the age – See Matthew 24:3. 

    “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?’”

    Did Jesus failed to bring peace? Of course not. Jesus declared to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (John 14:27-28)

    Sadly, like the unbelieving Jews that rejected Jesus Christ, Christians today have the same expectation and misconception of God’s promise of peace.

    Paul states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

    God’s peace does not mean we will be spared from troubling times. An example from Daniel, he was left in the den of lions, without a doubt a life threatening circumstance, and yet, was left unharmed by the lions, see Daniel 6. Scripture concludes, “So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” 

    God’s peace comes by faith in Him. The present war in the Middle East has tremendous consequences for the world. Economists and political analysts have projected difficulties and hard times ahead. But as a Christian, we ought to know who holds tomorrow. So live in faith. Walk by faith, and God will sustain us. 

    Crucial to understand as well is the fulfillment of God’s Word is never dependent on man’s actions. Contrary to what is being taught and believed, the rejection of the Jews didn’t delay the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Jesus Christ fulfilled Scripture, ushering in His kingdom. The Bible states, “Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

    God’s kingdom cannot be shaken, because it’s a spiritual kingdom. Not a physical one like the kingdom of David or Solomon. Jesus Christ declares, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36)

    Again, Jesus Christ states, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

    Jesus Christ states, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

    Paul states, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) God’s kingdom is a matter of the heart, consciousness, and faith. Consequently, significant to ask: What is the condition of our hearts? Do we really have a heart of worship and believe in Jesus Christ?

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

  • What about the sparrows?

    Remember Elijah. In times of famine, God alone can send sparrows to provide us with sustenance (1Kgs 17:1-6). David, in Psalm 37, declared, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. He is ever generous, and his children become a blessing.” (Psalms 37:25-26)

    Trust God always! God is good all the time. His faithfulness never wavers and endures forever.

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

  • The Wedding Vow

    Recently, a friend from afar came to visit us. She inquired about my journey to becoming a pastor. To summarize my experience, I explained that I spent six years in an organized church, where I received a salary. However, for close to twelve years now, I have been serving independently, conducting Bible studies without a salary. Instead, I trust in God for voluntary contributions. She was amazed by God’s goodness and grace.

    Is it permissible for a pastor to engage in money-making ventures or be employed in secular work while also serving God? Paul addressed this question in 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.

    “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does He not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:7-14)

    Jesus told a person who wanted to follow Him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Luke 9:58)

    We do not follow Jesus for material gains, but rather for forgiveness, restoration to God, and the gift of eternal life. This principle applies to everyone, including both pastors and disciples of Christ.

    Jesus warns those who wish to follow Him that it won’t be easy. It’s not a bed of roses; life’s challenges will still arise. He further emphasized this by telling another potential follower, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

    It’s ironic that many Christians often put Jesus or the Bible on the backseat when life’s troubles or even busyness arise. This is not a true way to follow Jesus Christ. Following Him can be summarized by the wedding vow: “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

    Oddly, Jesus even states, “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.” (Matthew 10:37)

    The journey of following Jesus is a narrow path with no other options. Hence, Jesus earlier in Luke 9 teaches: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)

    Doesn’t seem to have options there, do we? It requires a strong commitment to follow Him, regardless of the consequences or obstacles. Jesus Christ invites us, saying, “Come, follow Me,” with no qualifications or exceptions.

    During our Bible study, we often come across a passage in Scripture that leads to disagreement among some participants about its applicability to everyone. Consider Christ’s directive: “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” (Mark 10:21).

    Is this an isolated teaching in Scripture? It is not. Jesus, in Luke 12:33-34, teaches something similar that applies to all who wish to be His disciples: “Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:33-34)

    The central message of Christ Jesus is not to demand that we sell all our possessions, but rather to emphasize that we should not love material wealth more than we love God. We need to place our hearts in the right position, as stated in Matthew 6:19-21. Jesus further explains, “No one can serve two masters; either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

    We should follow Jesus with full conviction and trust. Take some time to reflect on whether you can endure the journey of following Him. The cost may be high, but the reward is priceless—eternal entry into God’s kingdom. Remember that when we decide to follow Jesus Christ, we are bound by a sacred commitment, like a wedding vow.

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

  • A Reflection on God’s Goodness

    Adam’s punishment for breaking God’s covenant was not only death, he would also toil for his food until he died (Genesis 3:17-19). However, this curse was reversed after the flood during Noah’s days, as seen in Genesis 8:20-22.

    “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in His heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.’”

    God’s restoration of His blessings to human toil was evident through His covenant with Noah. For that alone, we should be grateful for God’s grace.

    In fact, Jesus teaches us Christians to love even our enemies because God has a common grace for everyone. Check out Matthew 5:44-45, Psalm 145:9 and Acts 14:17. So why is there suffering and scarcity of food or resources for people? It is because of man’s selfishness and greed. Hence, in Christ’s parable in Luke 12:15-21, the rich man who has an abundant harvest is condemned to die because he laid up treasures for himself and is not rich towards God. 

    Christians, there have been talks of an impending economic hardship or collapse. Learn from the story of 1 Kings 17. There was a drought, and therefore, famine ensued. Elijah, a man of God, was shielded from the drought and famine. God asked him to go to the brook and commanded ravens to bring him food. Later, the brook dried up, and he was commanded to go to a widow, whom God commanded to feed Elijah. 

    Elijah came to the widow. She was destitute, with only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug, enough for her to prepare her and her son’s last meal. Strangely, Elijah told the widow to go prepare food and bring it first to him. 

    If you have been reading this story in the Bible, perhaps at this point in the story, anyone would say Elijah thought only about himself. Because the widow had already told him she had nothing left except her last resources for her and her son’s last meal. But reading on would reveal Elijah was simply exercising his faith in God. God told him to go to this widow for provision (1 Kings 17:8).

    The widow, clearly burdened by God, did exactly what Elijah told her to bring him food first. The Bible then narrates, “And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that He spoke by Elijah.” (1 Kings 17:15-16)

    The widow and her son actually benefited from the presence of Elijah, because God was with him. They experienced God’s divine providence because the widow honored God by responding positively to God’s instructions spoken through Elijah. 

    Christians, if God can provide for Elijah, the widow, and her son in strange ways, and He changes not, He would do the same if only we would trust God, even in the midst of economic difficulties. 

    The Bible in Psalm 37 states, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when He delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:23-25)

    Jesus Christ teaches us not to worry about food, drink, or clothing. God provides for even the birds, so how much more will He care for us, who are far more precious to Him? These worries often consume the thoughts of those who do not believe, but our heavenly Father knows all our needs. Instead, we should seek first His kingdom and His righteousness—through Christ Jesus (Romans 10:4)—and God will take care of our daily needs (Matthew 6:25-33).

    If we claim to believe in John 3:16, which states that eternal life is in Christ Jesus, why is it so difficult for us to trust that Jesus Christ cares for our daily needs? Stop worrying and have faith in God’s Word.

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

  • Find Your Way

    Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we must prioritize reaching out to those who are lost rather than getting distracted by the many. If you understand the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), you’ll see my point.

    In Luke 15:1-7, it is important to correctly identify the characters in the story. The religious leaders criticized Jesus for associating with tax collectors and sinners. In the context of Luke, the term “sinners” does not literally refer to lawbreakers; rather, it pertains to Galileans, specifically the ten lost tribes of Israel (as mentioned in Luke 13:1-2).

    To illustrate this point, let’s consider the third parable in Luke 15, which specifically addresses the Pharisees. The Pharisees are depicted by the self-righteous elder son in the parable of the “Two Sons” (Luke 15:11-32). The ten lost tribes, on the other hand, are represented by the lost son, who in the parable was warmly welcomed back by his father after seeking forgiveness from both God and his father (Luke 15:21). Additionally, Jesus, when sending out His disciples, instructed them to go nowhere among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans, but rather to seek out only the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).

    So similarly, in Luke 15:1-7, the ninety-nine sheep in the open country symbolize the Pharisees and the two tribes of Israel—Judah and Benjamin—that remained in covenant with God after Solomon’s kingdom was divided, as noted in 1 Kings 12:21-24. Moreover, it’s important to mention that only those from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were involved in the first rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:5, 4:1). The one lost sheep represents the ten lost tribes of Israel, whom the Pharisees regarded as sinners. This is reminiscent of Hosea 11:12, which states, “Ephraim has surrounded Me [God] with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One.” Additionally, tax collectors, viewed as traitors by the Jews for collecting taxes on behalf of Rome, are also classified among these so-called sinners.

    Ephraim became the leading tribe of the northern kingdom (Joshua 17:15; Judges 3:27), and the capital, Samaria, was located in Ephraim’s territory. In fact, Scripture sometimes refers to Israel as simply “Ephraim,” due to the size of the tribe (e.g., Isaiah 11:13 and Jeremiah 31:6). – Excerpt from GotQuestions.Org.

    Consequently, always let Scripture be our guide in matters of the church. Before leading someone to Christ Jesus, it’s crucial to acknowledge the current state of the church. Our predicament arises from the fact that Christians primarily relied on writings from early church fathers rather than Scripture. When we examine the history of the church, we tend to focus on the Reformation period and beyond. Instead of the Book of Acts, which chronicles the birth of the church, we concentrate on human writings. In essence, as long as Christians continue to study human writings, the doctrines of Jesus Christ will remain elusive and subject to ongoing debates.

    Considering the various requirements, practices, and regulations in modern Christianity, one could argue that the church resembles the Sanhedrin of Jesus’ time. The Jewish religious authorities had traditions and customs that often diverged from God’s Word. In Mark 7:1-13, Christ makes a crucial point when He says, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). It’s no surprise that today, churches engage in debates about issues like the method of water baptism, forms of church governance, and other practices that are not clearly outlined in Scripture.

    However, we know that repentance is explicitly a prerequisite for baptism. This raises an important question: Why is there so much controversy surrounding infant baptism? Can an infant genuinely repent before being baptized? I think it’s possible that the Reformation’s doctrine of infant baptism was just a response to the Roman Catholic practice of baptism of infants or children. These questions reflect the troubling state of modern Christianity.

    A call to return to the traditions of the Reformation does not necessarily lead to a genuine return to the roots of Christianity. Instead, a true effort to revisit the traditions of the early Church should focus on the teachings found in the Book of Acts. This represents the real essence of “Scripture alone.” Unfortunately, this essence has been obscured by interpretations that incorporate the traditions, practices, and opinions of the early Church fathers. Although proponents may deny it, this approach effectively equates the Bible with the teachings of the Church fathers.

    Moving forward, instead of focusing on reconstructing the current state of the church, let’s begin anew. Many have attempted a second Reformation, but it’s time to start from the beginning. Instead of relying solely on human-created discipleship materials, we should prioritize studying the Bible deeply. The principles of discipleship are clearly outlined in the Gospels by Christ Jesus, Acts, and letters attributed to the immediate apostles of our Risen Lord.

    It is essential to first learn how to properly interpret Scripture. Remember, God is the true author of each book of the Bible, which means there can only be one correct interpretation of Scripture. It is irresponsible to second-guess the Bible. Our duty is to study and learn so that we can effectively teach the Bible.

    You don’t need to study in seminary to learn how to interpret Scripture properly; this can be done through our online Bible study sessions. However, I wonder how many people are truly interested.

    Nevertheless, for those who yearn to learn, find your way. With a will, there’s always a way. It’s not about not understanding Scripture, it’s about indifference.

    Many years ago, while I was still contemplating entering seminary training, these passages in Scripture guided my decision-making. The Bible said, “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:20-21) There is no other way to the truth except by the Word of Jesus Christ, our Teacher.

    Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, it’s important to start fresh. Focus on reaching out to those who are not already part of conventional Christianity. Take inspiration from the Bible, specifically Acts 18:5-6, which states, “When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. When they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.’”

    It can be challenging to change deeply ingrained habits or beliefs. Just as some faced risks in the synagogues (as noted in John 9:18-23), many who are entrenched in conventional beliefs may resist new ideas. Therefore, it’s crucial to share the Gospel with those outside of conventional Christianity. Once they have discovered the truth, it will be difficult for anyone to convince them otherwise.

    However, do not completely disregard those who are part of conventional Christianity but are genuinely seeking the truth. Individuals with a sincere passion for the Bible will respect the Scriptures and be open to learning. They just need proper guidance along the way.

    The church’s mandate is not to develop methods that make the Gospel more appealing to the majority. Instead, our responsibility is to teach the truths of the Bible, regardless of the consequences. We do not serve Jesus Christ while seeking the approval of our peers. Rather, we are called to be faithful to the Chief Shepherd of God’s flock (1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 24:31-46). Unfortunately, when it comes to the matter of Christ’s return, many churches have become like the “boy who cried wolf.” If you understand what I mean, bless you!

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

  • Why exchange blessings for a lie?

    “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. 

    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!

  • A reflection on the story of Cain and Abel

    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!

  • Learn from the past and bear fruits for Christ Jesus.

    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!