Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Category: True Christianity

  • Spliced Gospel

    According to vocabulary.com, the earliest records of the word “splice” date back to the early 16th century when it was borrowed from the Middle Dutch verb “splissen.” Sailors used this verb to join ropes end to end by interweaving their strands. In 1912, the infant motion-picture industry adopted the word “splice” to describe the cutting and joining of film during the editing process. Ironically, this is precisely what happens to the modern interpretation of the Gospel—it’s spliced and edited.

    In my previous blog post titled “The Gospel Heralds God’s Kingdom and the Time of the End,” I discussed how the Gospel relates to the conclusion of Old Covenant Israel and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Unfortunately, this message is no longer what is commonly preached and taught in conventional Christianity. As a result, many Christians feel it is acceptable to disregard the doctrine of the last days and instead focus solely on the grace of God. This has led to disagreements among Christians regarding the doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

    Watch all three videos in the intended sequence. I generally agree with most of the first two videos, so my criticism lies in his explanation of “the end of the age.”

    R.C. Sproul was on the right track until he reached Luke 21:24. Here’s an excerpt of the passage where he deviates from the correct interpretation: “Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Although Sproul was able to connect this verse to Paul’s words in Romans 11:25, “A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,” his interpretation of both texts don’t align with their context. R.C. Sproul suggested that if there was a time for the Gentiles, there must also be a time for the Jews. However, he conveniently overlooked the fact that he had repeatedly asserted that the “last days” refer to the Jewish age. Therefore, if we follow his reasoning, it implies that the “last days” encompassed the Jewish age—the era of the apostles until the destruction of the temple—followed by the times of the Gentiles, and then returned to the Jewish age.

    Jesus Christ spoke of only two ages—“in this age and in the age to come,” as mentioned in Matthew 12:32. This concept was also expressed by Christ Jesus in various other passages, such as Mark 10:29-30 and Luke 18:29-30. However, the most profound statement about the two ages can be found in Luke 20:34-36.

    “And Jesus said to them [Sadducees], “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”

    Jesus Christ made a clear distinction between the two ages: resurrection, therefore pointing to salvation, becomes a reality only at the age to come. Check and see, Hebrews 9:28 teaches the same truth. Now, to which age do the Sadducees belong? Obviously, it’s the Jewish age. The temple was still standing. Old Testament temple offerings and regulations were still in effect.

    Hebrews, written in 68 AD, according to Bible Hub Timeline. The temple was still standing before it was destroyed in 70 AD. Hebrews 8:13 says, “In speaking of a new covenant, He makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews was correct; the temple and its regulations were ready to vanish away. Hence, with the destruction of the Jewish temple, all temple regulations halted, and the Jewish age ended.

    But R.C. Sproul was suggesting a return of the Jews. He especially mentioned the Jews’ return to Jerusalem in 1948. Also, the Sixth Day War was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, primarily Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, from 5 to 10 June 1967. Yet, despite all these years, since 1948, that the Jews have returned to Jerusalem, the temple was never rebuilt. The Dome of Rock stands today on the exact spot where the former Jewish temple was built, stood, and then was destroyed. Besides, any suggestion of a re-establishment of another Jewish age contradicts Scripture’s clear declaration of God’s working for salvation. See Galatians 3:25-29.

    “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.”

    In other words, even with the return of the Jews in 1948, the train has passed them, and they’ve missed the ride. That’s exactly the point of the two passages. Actually, Paul was the authority behind both Luke 21:24 and Romans 11:25, which were connected rightly by R.C. Sproul but were interpreted wrongly.

    Let us take a look at both passages within its context.

    “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. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’” (Luke 21:24-28)

    How would the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled? What does Luke mean by “times of the Gentiles”?

    Daniel spoke of “times of the Gentiles ruling over Israel”. God revealed the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. In the dream, there were four Gentile nations to rule over Israel, and it’s on the last or fourth Gentile kingdom when God’s kingdom would be manifested. See Daniel 2:40-46.

    “And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these. And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him.”

    We have the advantage of history guiding us in understanding fulfilled prophecies, but that does not mean it cannot be explained internally by Scripture itself. Rome, the fourth Gentile empire after Babylon, succeeded in ruling over Israel. The Stone has repeatedly been interpreted as a reference to Jesus Christ. In Luke 20, Jesus Christ delivered a parable. At the conclusion of his parable, the Bible states, “But He [Jesus Christ] looked directly at them [Jewish religious leaders] and said, ‘What then is this that is written: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.’ The scribes and the chief priests attempted to seize Him at that very moment, for they recognized that He had uttered this parable in opposition to them, but they were afraid of the people.” (Luke 20:17-19)

    In Acts 4, Peter preaching before the Jews said, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” (Act 4:11)

    The “times of the Gentiles” in Luke 21:24 then refer to the end of the Jewish age and the arrival of God’s kingdom. Isn’t that the time when the “resurrection of the last days” should occur? Look at the context. Luke went on to say, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).” Then, again, Luke added, saying, “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31).”

    God’s complete redemption of His people would occur only when God’s kingdom has been fully consummated. See 1 Corinthians 15:23-27.

    “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under His feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that He is excepted who put all things in subjection under Him.”

    Now let see Romans 11:25 together with its context.

    “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.” (Rom 11:25-28)

    Let’s examine Paul’s statement: “I don’t want you to be unaware about this mystery.” What mystery? That’s the Jew and Gentile are both under God’s New Covenant. Check out Ephesians 2:11-3:6.

    Now, from the context of Romans 11, Paul clearly was now addressing the Gentile Christians, Paul said, “Now I’m speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry (Rom 11:13).”

    In his letter to the believers in Rome, Paul addressed both Jewish and Gentile Christians. However, at this point, he was specifically speaking to Gentile Christians. What was the issue? The Gentile Christians seemed to have misunderstood, thinking that God was done with Israel. They believed they were destined for destruction. To clarify this, Paul explained, “No, not yet. Not until Christ Jesus returns with the fullness of God’s kingdom, they still have a chance.” To support his point, he quoted Scripture, specifically Psalm 14:7 and Isaiah 59:20-22, saying, “In this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob’, “and this will be My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27)

    Who would be saved according to Paul, in Romans 11? It’s the remnant of Israel saved by grace (Romans 11:5-7). That’s also the elect of Paul’s era (Romans 11:25-32), properly applied—“It’s the Jews who responded to the Gospel of Christ Jesus (1 Thess 1:4-5) before the fullness of the Gentiles has come in”, the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 2:40-46), and the consumation of God’s kingdom (1Co 15:23-26).

    Furthermore, R.C. Sproul proposed the possibility of two comings after the incarnate coming of Christ Jesus—one in judgment of Israel (70 AD), and the latter in fulfillment of all Scripture, especially that of National Israel coming to faith. That’s exactly what Paul has been arguing from Romans 9-11. All is not lost for Israel. See Romans 11:1-6, Paul explained, “I ask, then, has God rejected His people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. 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. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

    So here is where Paul and Sproul differed. Paul said “at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” Obviously Paul didn’t mean sometime in his distant future, but at the present time. That’s Paul’s era, so it was Israel’s last days before judgment comes. Sproul on the other hand, suggested the exact opposite, that there is another round of grace for Israel—a second act of grace from God. That has always been the achilles heel of futurism. (Click highlight to see explanation on futurism. I agree with most of the explanation of GotQuestions.Org on futurism except for the last paragraph.)

    See Romans 13:11, Paul promises the church, saying, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” By “you and us”, Paul refers to him and the Christians in Rome of his era, not us today. Romans was written in 57 AD. Paul came to faith in 34 AD. So it has been more than two decades since Paul became a Christian. The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple came in 70 AD, the end of the Jewish age. Isn’t Paul indeed closer to salvation, because after the end of the Jewish age—that’s AD 70—comes the time for eternal life? See again Christ’s words regarding the two ages.

    Scripture said, “And He [Jesus Christ] said to them [the apostles], “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time [Jewish age], and in the age to come eternal life [New Covenant Age].”” (Luke 18:29-30. Also Mark 10:29-30, and etc)

    Respecting context, audience and time revelance is key in understanding the Bible. R.C. Sproul was a prominent figure from the Reformed traditions and yet, he did not argue from the confessions or creeds, only by Scripture. I guess, as in the case of many, like me before, his preexisting ideas from the traditional teachings of the Bible may have hindered his understanding on some Scriptural passages. But he will always have my respect, even though I have to disagree with some points he raised in his video teaching “End of the Age”.

    I do not claim to be more knowledgeable than R.C. Sproul. I followed his teachings once but had to step away when the doctrines became paradoxical. Perhaps being out of conventional Christianity also has its advantages. You are not pressured to submit to preexisting teachings but can freely exegete Scripture. Conform only to Scripture.

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

    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 Mistake, Double the Trouble”

    This morning we studied John 7:16-18. Jesus Christ said, “My teaching is not Mine, but His [God the Father] 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 [God] who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.”

    We have had this passage for some time. There is simply a lot to learn and explore in this passage. Christ Jesus calls on us to learn and teach only from that of God the Father and Jesus Christ, which is also that of the Spirit (John 16:13). As an example, we explore the doctrine of election as it has been taught conventionally. We would like to know if it would pass scrutiny of Scripture. We touched on Romans 9, Galatians 4, and Genesis 17.

    Embracing the conventional teaching on “election” would certainly conclude a “double predestination” – if there are people who are elected to be saved, then there are also people elected to be damned. This has been rejected and debated much. Rightly so, for if God is the God of love and grace, how do we justify saying He picks and chooses those He saves and reprobates others? On the other hand, if “election” is indeed according to the teaching of the Bible – electing and reprobating people for and from salvation – then we ought to find Scripture’s clear teaching on the doctrine. Adhering to confessions, writings of men, would not suffice. Only Scripture is inerrant and infallible.

    As We have studied this morning. Paul’s teaching on election was applied to a specific time and people group. In Romans 9, Paul highlighted one Israel by ethnicity, and the other by promise (see Romans 9:6-13). Two Israels, by two sons of Abraham. Galatians said, “One by Hagar, the other Sarah” (see Galatians 4:21-31) – the latter was by God’s unilateral covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:15-16, 21); the first, on the other hand, was a bilateral covenant by circumcision (Genesis 17:10-14). That’s exactly Paul’s teaching from Galatians 4:21 to 5:10. 

    Herewith is an excerpt from GotQuestions.Org with an explainer of the two covenants. “A covenant is an agreement between two parties. There are two basic types of covenants: conditional and unconditional. A conditional or bilateral covenant is an agreement that is binding on both parties for its fulfillment. Both parties agree to fulfill certain conditions. If either party fails to meet their responsibilities, the covenant is broken and neither party has to fulfill the expectations of the covenant. An unconditional or unilateral covenant is an agreement between two parties, but only one of the two parties has to do something. Nothing is required of the other party.”

    Old Covenant Israel ceased with the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. Without the temple, together with its regulations gone, then Old Covenant Israel could no longer exist (Hebrews 9:1-10). Rightly so, for Christ Jesus was the true acceptable offering for salvation (Hebrews 9:11-15). In Romans 9, written 57 A.D., the temple was still standing; hence, there were still two Israels: one born by the covenant of circumcision (bilateral) and the other born of the spirit (John 3:3, 5-6), or the covenant of faith or promise. 

    So before the end of the Jewish Age, Paul explained the reality of God’s election for the salvation of some Jews (Old Covenant Israel). With Paul saying, “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5)

    The “present time” is not today, but the days of Paul, the era of his generation. So obviously it’s history to us. Paul then concludes in Romans 11:28, saying, “As regards the gospel, they [Old Covenant Israel] are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they [Israel of Promise] are beloved for the sake of their forefathers [forefathers, referring to God’s covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel or Jacob].”

    Therefore, there was no double predestination in reality even then. Old Covenant Israel had been under God’s wrath; hence, they awaited a coming Messiah (Christ Jesus). Look, John the Baptist was announcing exactly that: “Repentance is now, judgment is imminent” (see Matthew 3:2, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”).

    See also Matthew 3:7-10. “But when he [John the Baptist] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! WHO WARNED YOU TO FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME? BEAR FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. EVEN NOW THE AXE IS LAID TO THE ROOT OF THE TREES. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

    “Raising children for Abraham from stones” certainly is not by natural conception or birth. Like the incarnate Jesus Christ, His birth was by God’s promise and His Spirit (Gen 3:15; Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23). So that’s the reason Jesus Christ told Nicodemus, “You must be born again [John 3:3], born of the Spirit not of flesh [John 3:5-7].”

    Without a doubt, the axe was symbolic of God’s wrath and impending judgment. The trees were to be cut from its roots. Isn’t that a metaphor of an impending cessation of Old Covenant Israel? Just as I shared earlier, without the temple and its ordinances, Old Covenant Israel ceased to exist. 

    Keep in mind that with the coming of Christ Jesus, God’s grace has been for everyone. There is no more Jew or Gentile in the eyes of God (Galatians 3:26-29).

    There is no teaching of double predestination in the Bible. God’s church is the manifestation of God’s unilateral covenant with Abraham. It’s a covenant of promise, which rests in Christ Jesus, so it’s also a covenant of faith. Salvation is in Christ Jesus alone, through faith in Him. Faith in Christ Jesus encompasses His deeds and His Word. 

    The Greek word for “election” appeared only seven times in the New Testament Bible. It appeared always in conjunction with Old Covenant Israel (Romans 9:10-11; Romans 11:5, 7 & 28; 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 2 Peter 1:10 & Acts 9:15).

    1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 has to be the most interesting and glaring vis-à-vis the conventional teaching on election, a cherry-picking election. 

    God’s grace has been offered to everyone because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:21-23). Isn’t it paradoxical that God offers grace and yet He elects?

    Now see 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Paul said, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that HE HAS CHOSEN YOU, BECAUSE OUR GOSPEL CAME TO YOU not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

    Point #1. By “we”, Paul refers to himself and his co-workers. In other words, living Christians of his era. That’s respecting time relevance. 

    Point #2. The word translated “chosen” was from the Greek word translated “election” in Romans 9 & 11; 2 Peter and Acts. Therefore, it’s the same. Paul was talking about the election of the Thessalonians believers. That’s respecting the context, audience, and time relevance. 

    Point #3. Therefore, “election or chosen” does not imply or mean God selects, picks, or chooses somebody and outright rejects others. Rather, God elects people by the preaching and teaching of His Word. See 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 again; Scripture said, “God has chosen you because our Gospel came to you”.

    Christ Jesus taught in Matthew 13:18-23 reasons that hinder a person from becoming good soil of His Word. In Matthew 13:23, Jesus Christ concludes, “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.”

    Keep in mind that Jesus Christ is the Sower in His parables (Matt 13:37). He sows the Word of God (Matt 13:18-23). 

    Lastly, the audience of Paul in 1 Thessalonians were Jewish Christians. Once more, see 1 Thessalonians 2:13-15. Paul said, “And we also thank God constantly for this, that WHEN YOU RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH YOU HEARD FROM US, YOU ACCEPTED IT NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN BUT AS WHAT IT REALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH IS AT WORK IN YOU BELIEVERS. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. FOR YOU SUFFERED THE SAME THINGS FROM YOUR OWN COUNTRYMEN AS THEY DID FROM THE JEWS, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displeased God and opposed all mankind.”

    Let us learn well the teachings of the Word so that we may silence those who teach from men’s teachings. The point is not to debate, but to explain to those who truly seek God’s Word but were misled. 

    Truly, there is no double predestination in Scripture, but if anyone misreads Scripture and teaches outside the teachings of the Trinity God, it could end in double the trouble, for you and your hearers. Paul warned, “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)

    Always learn from the Word of God, not men’s teaching. Scripture alone is the arbiter of truth, not men. 

    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!

  • It’s about Faith

    Not everyone has the privilege of inheriting great wealth from parents or the like. Yes, everyone likes an easy and comfortable life. But not everyone will win the lottery and become an instant millionaire. Some worked hard, sacrificing themselves to build a fortune but with an unfortunate cost. Never allow yourselves to be caught flat-footed.

    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)

    Life can be simple and yet enjoyable. You don’t need to have a fancy house or car. Just work for a decent living. Enough to sustain your everyday needs, extras for simple pleasures, and a little bit more for personal and emergency savings.

    The Bible said, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11)

    Scripture also states, “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

    Trust and rely on God’s grace and faithfulness. It’s better to rent an apartment and avoid unnecessary financial strain. While buying a property for the long term may seem desirable and ideal, it’s inherently risky. Only invest in real estate when you can pay for it in cash or with a short-term loan. Remember, no one can predict the future, especially in the long run. A sudden illness or an unexpected tragedy could easily derail your financial plans. Consider the second-hand car market. There are many unpaid loans, so cars are piled up in bank storehouses. And that’s just for a five-year loan.

    Once again, Jesus Christ teaches against the desire for earthly wealth, emphasizing that the land of a wealthy man yielded abundant crops. Concerned about where to store his surplus, he decided to demolish his barns and construct larger ones. He envisioned himself saying to his soul, “Soul, you have accumulated ample goods for many years; relax, enjoy, and be merry.” However, God rebuked him, saying, “Fool! Tonight, your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared belong to God.” This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions, as those who accumulate treasure for themselves are not truly rich toward God. (Luke 12:16-21)

    Don’t let material wealth deplete your spiritual well-being. Appearances can be misleading. Not everyone living in luxurious mansions or high-end communities is financially secure. Many, if not most, are burdened by substantial debts. Even those who appeared to be millionaires often left behind a legacy of financial obligations.

    Life is fleeting, and children grow up rapidly. Cherish your marriage and seize the opportunity to guide your children toward independence, responsibility, and a deep faith in God. Recognize that genuine societal transformation is impossible if families and individuals are fundamentally corrupt. Change begins with us individually. Initiate positive change with your spouse. Commit to discarding unproductive traits or habits that contradict the teachings of Scripture. Only then can both parents impart the same values to their children. As spiritually healthy family sizes increase, sustainable change within society can be initiated numerically, and so on.

    Not everyone has found a suitable partner in their faith. However, Christians are called to bear their cross and follow Jesus Christ. Refer to Matthew 10:34-38 for further insight. The Lord Jesus Christ declared, “Do not believe that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to divide a person against their father, a daughter against their mother, and a daughter-in-law against their mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those within their own household. Whoever loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves their son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever refuses to take their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”

    Was Jesus rude or emotionally detached? No, He wasn’t. Understand that Adam loved Eve more than God, which led him to transgress God’s covenant (Hosea 6:7; Genesis 3:6; 17; 1Tim 2:14). As a creation of God, both male and female, humans were designed to have children and propagate life (Genesis 1:27). Loving created things, including spouses, children, or any human relationship, over God is detestable to Him (Romans 1:18-25; Matthew 10:34-38). It’s important to note that the Bible didn’t teach us to hate each other; instead, Christians should love God above all things (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:28-31).

    See also the Bible’s teaching on spouses, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of His body. “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:22-33)

    Therefore, be cautious not to misrepresent biblical teachings. God’s purpose is to redeem His creation from corruption. However, the complexity of life and human relationships often hinder this process. In response, Christ Jesus challenges and calls on Christians to prioritize holding onto Him. Afterward, trust God’s grace to also work on your loved ones. As Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).” This doesn’t imply that God will magically make your spouse, children, and loved ones believe in Christ Jesus. Instead, now that you’re a Christian, you may influence them through your life and actions to also believe in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 3:1-2).

    Jesus Christ, in His teaching about His kingdom and its growth, said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” (Matthew 13:31-33)

    Every Christian is mandated with the task of expanding God’s kingdom. But hypocrisy, deceptions, and lies within Christianity have complicated the proclamation of the Gospel.

    So let us be Christians first and through and through. Then our Gospel message would be attractive to the lost. So Jesus Christ said, “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 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 12:29-34)

    In that passage, Jesus Christ was teaching about maintaining the right focus and faith in God. Many professing Christians were completely taken aback by Christ’s command to “sell everything and give it to the needy” during His encounter with the wealthy young ruler (Matthew 19:21; Luke 18:22). Their downfall was their inability to comprehend the heart of Jesus Christ. It all boils down to the focus of our hearts. No one can genuinely desire to love both God and money and be a true Christian. Jesus Christ made it clear, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

    So that is also why Scripture teaches, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

    Faith and carvings for money simply cannot go together. Instead, the Bible teaches “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5), and again Scripture says, “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:6-8)

    Keep the faith, trusting God not only for your salvation, but more so, concerning the lesser things, our provision for life. Because Jesus Christ said “So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

    In conclusion, abandon your pursuit of trivial matters in life. Instead, focus on the most significant aspect of life: the salvation of our souls. Peter, the apostle of Christ Jesus, said, “Though you have not seen Him [Christ Jesus], you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” ( 1 Peter 1:8-9)

    The Christian life revolves around faith and living in accordance with it. Never let temporary setbacks in life derail your path. Focusing excessively on minor matters diverts you from the true Christian walk, making it risky and potentially dangerous.

    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!

  • 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!

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • Confused Christianity

    Without a doubt, 21st-century Christianity comes in many shapes and forms. Christians differ in doctrines, but they seem to be unified in believing that the return of Jesus Christ is still in the future, though it has been millennia since Jesus promised His apostles that He would be coming in their generation. See Matthew 16:27-28.

    “For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.””

    The synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, & Luke – have the same assurance concerning the imminent return of Christ:

    “And He (Jesus Christ) said to them (apostles), “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”” (Mark 9:1)

    “For whoever is ashamed of Me (Jesus Christ) and of My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:26-27)

    Not only that, Jesus Christ sending out the twelve apostles, instructing them on His message, said, “And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7)

    “At hand” in the original Greek language means “near,” and near cannot by any means be thousands of years and continuing, as suggested by the Futurists. Jesus Christ did not just give them the message to proclaim, but He reinforced the message with the assurance that it was indeed occurring soon. See Matthew 10:23.

    “When they persecute you (the apostles) in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

    As I researched the validity of Jesus’ words, it’s sad, actually disgusting, to find known Bible scholars saying, “No, Jesus was confused or hallucinating when He uttered those words.” Some dismissed the passages saying, “There must be another meaning for that, but we just have to find out.”

    Funny that for as long as the passages or verses are convenient to their theological position, they adhere to the Words of Christ, but if it doesn’t, then it’s excuses after excuses. Scripture does not need affirmation from men; rather, the Bible is the dispenser of truth because it is the Word of God.

    One of the key disciplines in interpreting Scripture involves recognizing “time statements.” However, Futurists often overlook these time statements in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, and instead suggest that they refer to the future. It’s important to remember that what the apostles considered “the future” is no longer future to us today.

    Hence, statements like “this generation” in Matthew 24:34 no longer make an impact on the readers, for time statements have been disregarded. See Matthew 24:29-34.

    “29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

    So some have suggested “this generation” refers to the generation who saw the literal signs of Matthew 24:29-34. Yet, they miss out on John’s confession in Revelation that he was already in tribulation. See Revelation 1:9.

    “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.”

    Scripture is a unity. The apostles’ writings cannot be different from the Words of Jesus found in the Gospels, the Book of Acts, or the Book of Revelation. Jesus’ words have their foundation in the Old Testament Scripture. The entire Bible is a cohesive revelation concerning the declaration and fulfillment of God’s words.

    See Luke 24:44.

    Then He (Jesus Christ) said to them (The disciples), “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

    In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of fake news online. Most people now get their news from the web, particularly from platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Unfortunately, fake news spreads easily because many individuals click to watch or read without considering the source or the intent of the uploader or poster.

    Even if a Facebook post or YouTube video contains factual information, ignoring the date it was published can severely affect its relevance today. The same principle applies when reading and studying the Bible. It is essential to recognize the audience’s relevance, the timing of statements, and their historical accuracy. Failing to do so can lead to misinterpretations of Scripture, whether by inexperienced readers or poorly informed pastors.

    Jesus Christ warned, “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)

    Find someone who can teach you the disciplines of studying Scripture. Avoid using human-tailored Bible study materials, as they often reflect human influence. It’s important to recognize that even within different Bible translations, traces of human interpretation can be found. Let me be clear: the Bible itself is perfect, infallible, and without error; the issues arise with the translations.

    You don’t need to be a scholar of Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic, but it is beneficial to read the Bible by comparing different translations. Additionally, learning to use language tools, such as lexicons, is essential for in-depth Bible study. There are many free lexicon tools available online or for download. You just need to find someone knowledgeable to guide you in using these tools effectively.

    It’s never too late to start studying Scripture and practicing proper exegesis. Ultimately, Scripture reveals truths about salvation that extend beyond our physical needs and concerns, addressing both our current lives and eternity. Don’t let yourself become part of confused Christianity.

    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!