Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: Bible study

  • “Great Power comes with Great responsibility.”

    Photo taken from CNN.com

    The article says, Ajoy, now 34, is one of a growing network of “ex-evangelicals” who have removed themselves from what they now view as the damaging beliefs of some evangelical, Pentecostal, and Baptist churches. She runs a popular TikTok account discussing faith and, among other things, the effects of traumatic religious experiences that can last for years – even a lifetime. Click to read the full article below.

    Scaring people into believing doesn’t work. It has resulted in people who claim to believe in Christ Jesus but wouldn’t endure for their faith. Their sole desire was to be raptured and escape the supposed seven years of tribulation that follow the rapture.

    Here is a short video explaining how the teaching about rapture came to exist.

    Paul, in his letter to the church, emphasized, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict that you witnessed I had and now hear that I still endure.” (Philippians 1:29-30)

    John, the apostle of Christ Jesus, was already facing tribulation. John in Revelation said, “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.” (Revelation 1:9) Yes, the tribulation that Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 24:9-14, which applies to His followers— Christians of John’s era.

    How can we be certain that this applies to the first-century Christians, particularly during John’s time? Jesus spoke of a Great Tribulation that would follow, as mentioned in Matthew 24:15-35. This refers to the Old Covenant Jews, specifically the destruction of the temple and city by the Romans.

    If you are not convinced, see the context of Matthew 24, leading to Christ’s teaching on the tribulation and great tribulation. Scripture in Matthew 24 told us: “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when His disciples came to point out to Him the buildings of the temple. But He answered them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’ As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’” (Matthew 24:1-3)

    What age was ending? Jesus only spoke of two ages. Refer to Mark 10:29-30: “Jesus declared, ‘Truly, I say to you, no one who has forsaken home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or possessions for my sake and for the gospel will not receive a hundredfold reward in this present age—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, eternal life.’”

    The present age that Jesus spoke of was the Old Covenant Age, while the age to come is the New Covenant, which we understand as the Church Age.

    One significant piece of evidence that the Old Covenant Age has ended is the absence of the Jewish temple. The Book of Hebrews illustrates this point, specifically in Hebrews 9:8-28. Let’s examine these passages to understand their proper teaching.

    First, the scripture teaches us that the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section (the temple) is still standing, which symbolizes the present age. (Hebrews 9:1-10)

    Next, from Hebrews 9:11-26:

    Under this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper; they only address food, drink, and various washings—regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. However, when Christ appeared as the High Priest of the good things that have come, He entered once for all into the holy places—not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

    If the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, can sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

    Therefore, Jesus Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be established. A will takes effect only at death; it is not in force while the one who made it is alive. Thus, not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.

    When every commandment of the law was declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” In the same way, he sprinkled the blood on the tent and all the vessels used in worship. Indeed, under the law, almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

    Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves required better sacrifices than these. For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

    He did not need to offer Himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own; otherwise, He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages (the term “aiōn” in Greek could be translated as “age,” not necessarily “ages”) to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

    Lastly, Hebrews 9:27-28:

    Just as it is appointed for man to die once and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.

    The Christian church has lost its grip on truth. When will Christians wake up to realize that their primary mission is not simply to maintain the existence of the organized church? The means does not always justify the end. Christians should uphold the truths of the Bible. If believing in those truths causes some Christians to leave, so be it.

    We can learn from the story in John 6. Jesus Christ shared the truth about Himself with the Jews, but they found it strange and unacceptable. Scripture states, “When many of Christ’s disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’” Jesus, aware that His disciples were grumbling, responded, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:60-63).

    Jesus went on to say: “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him. (John 6:65-71)

    Paul, in Romans 10:17, concluded his lengthy discourse on election, which began in Romans 9, by stating, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” God calls people through His Word. Jesus has earlier emphasized this concept in John 6:63, saying, “My Word is spirit and life.” This is the biblical manifestation of election, not a supernatural, random selection by God.

    Following the story of John 6, in another similar occasion, “Jesus said to Jews, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My own accord, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear My WORD.” (John 8:42-43)

    Christianity revolves around Jesus Christ and His Word, nothing more and nothing less. I encourage fellow Christians to engage in a sincere study of God’s Word. There is a reason why believers should attend seminary and graduate before becoming pastors; this training equips them to teach from Scripture correctly.

    However, If they still cannot teach solely from the Bible, they should seek additional training to learn how to handle the Bible correctly, as instructed by the apostle Paul (2 Timothy 2:15).

    Let me remind everyone of what the apostle James said about us who teach from the Bible: “My brothers, not many of you should become teachers, for you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)

    A lot of Christians desires to learn from the Bible. As the saying goes in a Spiderman movie, “With great powers comes great responsibility”, the same may be said of us who teach from the Bible. Jesus Christ said, “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40)

    In Isaiah 30:20, the Bible promised, “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.” Christ Jesus is the manifestation of God’s promised Teacher. Shouldn’t Christians seek to learn from Him alone? Jesus is the Word (John 1:14-17). He further emphasized in Luke 6:40 that we could emulate Him by comprehending 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!

  • “Was Salvation Completed at the Cross?”

    Common belief teaches that Christ Jesus completed His work for salvation at the cross. Perhaps mainly due to His last word, “It is finished” (John 19:30), before breathing His last. However, such understanding would be challenged by another clear statement in Scripture: “So also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” (Hebrews 9:28) Appearing a second time, isn’t that Christ’s Second Coming? Consequently, salvation was not completed at the cross, contrary to common belief, but at the Return of Jesus Christ.

    The purpose of Bible study is to make clear the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Modern Christianity has a lot of teachings and practices that are not consistent with the Bible.

    We may not realize its implications. But a lot of critical thinking people have been turned off by popular and traditional beliefs because they fail to see consistency in common Christian beliefs and the Bible.

    Let us be reminded by Christ’s words: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to fall away — it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

    When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He was referring to His mission as the suffering servant outlined in Isaiah 53 and various other Scriptures, such as Psalm 22:14-18. Paul explicitly explained what was fulfilled at the cross in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, stating, “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you truly are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Paul was referring to the Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread (see Leviticus 23:4-8). These Jewish festivals were rehearsals, and Christ Jesus was the fulfillment of each one. Clearly, from Leviticus 23, there were more festivals after the Passover and Unleavened Bread.

    For those who argue that Hebrews 9:28 is the sole passage that teaches salvation was completed only upon Jesus’ return, consider this alternative passage:

    Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Since God the Father is in heaven, Jesus implies that no one can go to heaven without His intervention.

    However, before emphasizing this point, Jesus first reassures His disciples, saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

    Once again, God the Father is in heaven. Jesus talks about His ascension. He then assures His disciples that upon His return they would be with Him.

    In other words, like Hebrews 9:28, heaven would only be accessible to the disciples after the return of Jesus Christ.

    Don’t you think it’s time to reexamine Scripture? Evaluate carefully, and see whether prevailing teachings and beliefs are aligned with the Bible’s teachings.

    Christians cannot be declaring lies. Hence, Paul teaches, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

    Thus far, I’ve cited Hebrews 9:28 and John 14:3 to illustrate that salvation is yet to be fully realized without Jesus Christ’s return. This raises a crucial point.

    The Bible teaches a doctrine of “already but not yet.” This applies to the period between Christ’s first and second coming. “Already but not yet” means that the moment a person confesses and maintains their faith in Christ Jesus, God’s promise of salvation becomes a certainty. However, the full realization or completion of Christ’s redemptive work was not yet achieved at the time of the New Testament writings. One aspect that many overlook is that Christ Jesus would fulfill all things within the generation of His immediate disciples.

    Checkout Christ’s declaration to His immediate disciples: “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44)

    Modern Christianity missed out on the timeframe of God’s word. Certainly, God’s promised salvation had already been completed. God’s wrath on Old Covenant Israel has been fulfilled, the Jewish temple no longer stands, and the Old Covenant regulations have all ceased. Without the temple, modern Israel, even if they desire to continue the OT regulations of the Bible, can no longer do so.

    In essence, modern Christianity misinterpreted Christ’s Second Coming. Consider Hebrews 6:1-2, which states, “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” If the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming, which heralds His final judgment, was considered elementary doctrine even millennia ago, why do Christians continue to teach about Christ’s return today? It’s quite puzzling, isn’t it? Actually, “elementary” in Greek means “beginning or preliminary,” so Hebrews was suggesting that we leave the preparatory doctrine because Christ’s return signifies the completion of God’s unshakable and eternal kingdom (See Hebrews 12:22-28).

    I’ll delve deeper into this topic and explore related concepts in subsequent blogs.

    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!

  • Are there Minor and Major Doctrines in the Bible?

    The concept of the “end of the world” is not found in the Bible. It’s a mistranslation; the Bible actually refers to the “end of the ages.”

    In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul writes, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, to whom the end of the ages has come.” In this context, “them” refers to Old Covenant Israel, as Paul declares that the end of the ages has arrived for them.

    Furthermore, Hebrews 9:24-26 explains, “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer Himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own; for then He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” 

    Isn’t it evident that with the incarnate coming of Jesus Christ, Old Covenant Israel reached the end of the ages?

    With the temple destroyed and the Old Testament regulations no longer applicable, this signifies the conclusion of the Old Covenant era, paving the way for the New Creation or New Covenant era, as ushered in by Christ Jesus. Consequently, Paul asserted in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

    Isn’t the New Covenant also the everlasting covenant? Hebrews 13:20 states, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant.” Since it is an eternal covenant, why do we still hear teachings about an impending end? Doesn’t this seem contradictory to God’s word?

    Scripture only mentions two ages. Jesus Christ said, “And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)

    Paul also mentions these ages: “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21)

    Additionally, Paul writes, “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding Him up to contempt.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)

    Scripture also notes, “As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’” (Matthew 24:3)

    Have you noticed that the disciples associated the destruction of the Jewish temple with the return of Christ and the end of the age? Remember the Bible speaks of only two ages: the coming of Jesus Christ marked the coming end of the first age, and His return will bring it to completion. The New Covenant is eternal and therefore has no end. As a result, the disciples of Christ were living in the intermediate period of the two ages. This concept is highlighted in the Book of Hebrews, which states: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

    According to the Bible, what age should we be in today, millennia after the destruction of the temple? It seems illogical for Christians to talk about a coming end. The Jewish temple has long been gone, just as Christ Jesus had declared its end, making it unreasonable for some Christians to discuss the rebuilding of the temple, especially since the Bible does not indicate that a third temple in Jerusalem will be constructed. This belief is not a Christian teaching; rather, it stems from those who continue to adhere to Judaism, which implies a rejection of Christ Jesus. Sadly, numerous Christians have fallen to this lie.

    Claims regarding the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple have been circulating for decades, and those who support these teachings can be compared to the boy who cried wolf. Deuteronomy 18:15-22 cautions us against such individuals, identifying them as false prophets. Conversely, any assertions that contradict Christ’s declarations inadvertently label Jesus a liar. No wonder, Paul asserted and declared: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1Ti 4:16)

    Many Christians mistakenly believe that the doctrine of Christ’s return is a minor issue that does not impact one’s salvation. However, the doctrines of the Bible are interconnected; they form a unified teaching about Christ Jesus and His offer of salvation.

    Consider John 14:1-7:

    “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

    Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?”

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”

    This passage emphasizes the importance of understanding Christ’s teachings, including His return, as part of the holistic message of salvation.

    Jesus emphasized two important points here. First, He is the only way to the Father. Second, no one will be able to be where He went until He returns. Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.”

    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!

  • Does God elect people to salvation?

    I recall feeling unsettled after attending the seminary for just a few days. I struggled with comprehending the concept of election, which teaches that God chooses individuals for salvation. Seeking clarification, I reached out to my pastor, who affirmed that the idea of election is indeed present in the Bible. However, I still harbored reservations about it. It wasn’t until I delved deeply into the New Testament on my own that I realized how pervasive the theme of election is throughout the Bible. Ultimately, I embraced election as a doctrine, but even after becoming a pastor, I remained cautious about it.

    The concept of God’s election is evident in various biblical passages. For instance, in the Gospel of John, God is described as the one who chooses individuals. Jesus states, “Unless the Father draws someone, no one can come to Him.” Similar themes can be found in Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, Romans, 2 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, and 2 John. While these passages were certainly accurate during the time of the apostles, their relevance may not be universally applicable in today’s context. In this blog, I aim to explore this topic further and highlight aspects that have often been overlooked.

    Christians should not be confused by those who emphasize the doctrine of election in relation to salvation today. The teachings on election found in the Bible are specific to the context of Old Covenant Israel and are not directly applicable to us. For instance, if you read Paul’s letter to the Romans with proper attention to its context and timeline, you will clearly understand this. See Romans 9:6-11.

    “But it’s not as though the word of God has failed. Not all descendants of Israel are part of Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring. Instead, the promise states, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ This means that it’s not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are considered God’s offspring. This is what the promise said: ‘About this time next year, I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.’ Moreover, even when Rebekah conceived children through Isaac, who was not yet born and had done nothing good or bad, God’s purpose of election was maintained. It wasn’t because of their works, but because of God’s call. Paul here spoke of two distinct children of God: those born of the flesh and those born of the promise, with election applied to the latter.”

    Paul explains a similar concept in Galatians 4:21-28, using Sarah and Hagar as symbols of two distinct covenants. Hagar represents the earthly Jerusalem during Paul’s time, while Sarah symbolizes the New Jerusalem, which is heavenly. Paul, speaking to the church, made clear that they are the children of the promise; see Galatians 4:28, “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.” I highly recommend reading the entire passage from Galatians 4:21 to 5:6. The heavenly Jerusalem is also referred to as the New Heaven and New Earth; click and see Revelation 21:1-2.

    In Romans 11:28, Paul addresses the misunderstanding about Old Covenant Israel, stating, “Regarding the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But regarding election, they are beloved because of their forefathers.” A key issue we encounter is the tendency to overlook timestamps in Scripture. In this context, Paul clarifies, “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace” (Rom 11:5). He explicitly uses the phrase “at the present time,” referring to the era of the Apostle Paul, not our own.

    Consequently, Paul, by election, was referring to the remnants of Old Covenant Israel. Consider again these two passages: first, Paul stated, “And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,’” (Romans 9:27); second, “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5)

    Why only a remnant of Israel? Because that was the promised of God in the OT Scripture. Here are a couple of Old Testament prophecies about God recovering a remnant of Israel: “In that day the Lord will extend His hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of His people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea.” (Isaiah 11:11)

    Again, God said, “In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For the Lord GOD of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth.” (Isa 10:20-23)

    Jesus Christ, on His Sermon on the Mount said, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Mat 7:13-14)

    The elect were those who discovered the narrow path—the way to salvation. Scripture proclaims, “Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life,” and He alone is the path to the Father (John 14:6). In a particular parable of Christ, Jesus teaches that they were those who had heard the word and understood (Matthew 13:23).

    Therefore, don’t worry about whether you’ve been elected or not. Instead, focus on whether you’ve truly surrendered to Jesus Christ and honored His Word. 

    God has only one means in His call for salvation, as evident in Romans 10:12-17.

    “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on Him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing Through the word of Christ.”

    When Christ Jesus called upon people to follow Him, He unveiled the truth about Himself and His mission, which is the Gospel. 

    At Pentecost, Peter preached the Gospel of Christ, inviting people to believe in Jesus. 

    Stop changing God’s methods for calling people to salvation. The Gospel is the only path to salvation. God doesn’t select individuals through some mysterious means; instead, He uses the preaching of the Gospel. For more information, refer to the following Scriptures: Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:17-18; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 4:3-7; Galatians 1:6-7; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 3:6-7; Colossians 1:4-6; 2 Timothy 1:8-9; and 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, where Paul clearly states, “For we know, dear brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you because our Gospel came to you not only in word but also in power and the Holy Spirit, with full conviction. You know the kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

    “Chosen” here is actually the same Greek word for “election,” G1589. Therefore, Paul clearly teaches that election is not a mystery as some believe, but rather, people are elected to salvation by responding to the Gospel message.

    The 16th-century doctrine of election contradicts the teachings of the Bible. If we adhere to it, aren’t we being self-righteous and claiming salvation while putting others in doubt? Self-righteousness is not commended in Scripture. It is precisely because of self-righteousness that the Old Covenant Israel missed out on their opportunity for salvation, as evident in Romans 10:1-4.

    Paul declared: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

    Let’s be straightforward. In the 16th century, Christians were engaged in a struggle against the heresy of Roman Catholicism, presenting counterarguments to its flaws. Unfortunately, in their efforts, they inadvertently introduced teachings that are not found in Scripture. Moreover, we are certain that only the Bible is inspired. Therefore, it would be more advantageous to study the Bible directly rather than relying on the writings of reformers, who are undoubtedly not infallible.

    Here are the declarations from their own creeds and confessions:

    WCF 1:4, The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the Author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.

    WCF 1:9, The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture, is the Scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it may be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.

    WCF 1:10, The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.

    WCF 31:3, All synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as a help in both.

    Defending the inerrancy of the Bible should not be seen as arrogance, even though some may view it that way. However, it is important to be cautious when defending Reformed doctrine to ensure that you do not misrepresent or alter God’s Word. Anyone who prioritizes human teachings over divine Scripture cannot be considered a true disciple of Christ Jesus.

    In conclusion, we can only assert that we were called by God through His Gospel. Regarding the concept of election in the Bible, it is evident that the remnant of Israel was the elect. Therefore, I pose a question to anyone who continues to hold this doctrine today: “From whom did God elect you to be His remnant?”

    Election and calling are two distinct terms in the Bible. Paul attributed election specifically to Old Covenant Jews, while calling applies to both Jews and Gentiles, as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 1:24.

    Now, in line with our discussion, I would like to point out some fundamental flaws within our current church. The primary responsibility of Christian ministers is to make the Bible clear and understandable to everyone. During our seminary training, we received comprehensive education in hermeneutics and other subjects that equipped us with the knowledge necessary for proper Bible exegesis. So, why do some individuals complicate what should be a straightforward explanation? I can only speculate that it might be because they haven’t been diligently studying the Bible, delving into its intricate nuances, customs, and metaphors. Perhaps they have been content to focus on human writings, whether from the 16th century or modern times.

    Paul gave two key instructions to Timothy, ministers of the word like us today:

    First, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

    People could be saved or lost by what we teach. Always teach the right doctrine and live accordingly.

    Second, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

    We can only be approved by God if we have handled His word rightly. Therefore, it is our duty to study before we preach or teach. First, we should understand the word before we talk. Here’s the irony today: Churches have been inviting outside speakers, some without the approval of their pastors. They do this because they are pleased with or know the speaker. They don’t understand that such behavior has been condemned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, calling the church worldly. We all know that worldliness has no place in God’s church.

    Pastors are supposed to be guardians of God’s flock, but unfortunately, not everyone truly understands the Bible even after graduating. On the other hand, we have leaders who, perhaps with good intentions, but lack the necessary biblical knowledge. Consequently, they rule based on their own understanding, similar to how CEOs make decisions. This is partly due to the fact that we no longer adhere to the qualifications for elders and deacons outlined by Paul. This dilemma is prevalent in most churches today. However, which group falls short first—pastors, unqualified elders, or deacons? This is another classic chicken-and-egg scenario.

    Many Christians, frustrated by the state of the church, choose to split off and start anew. It’s true that building from scratch is easier than renovating old, damaged structures. However, starting anew without proper guidance and a clear understanding of the Bible ultimately leads you back to where you began. You intended to make a complete 180-degree change, but it’s just a 360-degree turn. Regrettably, people realize they’ve returned to their starting point late in the journey.

    Learn from the Bible. It doesn’t necessarily have to be about numbers; it’s about the quality of people you have around you. Recognize each person’s gifts and guide them to fulfill their roles. Let everyone know that there’s no hierarchy in the church, except for Christ Jesus and His Word. Everyone is important for the well-being of God’s church.

    We may not realize its true potential until years later, or even after we’re gone. However, just as we guided our children with God’s Word and demonstrated what it means to live by faith and His Word, they would continue to follow the same path even after we’re gone. Just as we witness with Christ Jesus and His apostles, Paul with his disciples—Timothy, Titus, Luke, and many others—so on and so forth. Remember that the church is Christ’s body, not anyone’s possession, but Christ Jesus Himself.

    Stop dwelling on your mistakes. If necessary, start anew. However, begin with a strong foundation, which is the Word of God.

    Scripture teaching about the church said, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)

    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!

  • Another Open Letter to the Church:

    Quoting Paul’s words, “For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” Speaking God’s truth in love, as taught in 2 Corinthians 2:4, so I share out of love for God’s church.

    Without a doubt, no one can truly be a Christian without doctrine. Doctrine refers to a set of beliefs or teachings that define one’s faith. In the context of Christianity, doctrine encompasses the fundamental truths about Jesus Christ, His salvation, His kingdom, and other related matters. Consequently, no Christian can claim to believe in Christ Jesus without being deeply concerned about the doctrine. Paul emphasized the significance of vigilance and perseverance in one’s life and doctrine, stating, “Be vigilant about your life and doctrine. Persevere in them, for if you do, you will save both yourself and your listeners.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

    Clearly, doctrine and faith are closely intertwined; it’s impossible to claim one without the other. The Christian faith is a set of doctrines centered on Christ Jesus. It’s no wonder that twice Paul condemned those who distorted the Gospel (see Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:2-4). The Gospel is God’s doctrine for salvation. Ignorance and arrogance are dangerous predicaments for individuals claiming to be Christians. Be discerning and avoid falling for such lies.

    The Bible alone holds the authority to definitively speak about God’s doctrine for salvation. When read and taught in its context, Scripture remains inspired and inerrant. Consequently, Christians must be aware of potential errors, human influences, or biases that may arise when they read and listen to extra-biblical literatures. Scripture quotes must always be consistent with the biblical teaching of their text. The apostle taught Christians, saying, “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that YOU MAY LEARN BY US NOT TO GO BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.” (1 Corinthians 4:6)

    Lately, with the recent events in Israel, many Christians have been making predictions about the future, claiming they are based on biblical prophecy. However, a closer look at their approach reveals that they have been quoting Scriptures without considering their context. I challenge anyone who claims to have found a prophecy about a third rebuilding of the Jewish temple in the Scriptures to provide the specific passage.

    Paul gave a warning to the church, saying, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

    That time occurred during Paul’s era, and unfortunately, it persists to this day. As I mentioned in my article “A Love Letter to the Church,” “since the decline in doctrinal standards has been ongoing for decades, if not centuries, defective doctrines have become the norm. Consequently, truthful biblical teachings have become indistinguishable to most Christians.” We don’t require another reformation; instead, we need a renewed interest in biblical truth. We can’t find it unless we revisit the writings of the first-century church, the Bible, and learn from there. That’s why our ministry is named “Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture.” May God grant us grace to make time for this, even amidst our busy schedules. If securing our future here is important to you, I emphasize that our spiritual well-being is of utmost importance cause it’s about now and forevermore.

    Paul emphasized this in his letter to the church, “Let us focus on the unseen rather than the visible. The visible is fleeting, while the unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

    P.S. After encountering contradictions in the traditional teachings of the church, I made an effort to relearn Scripture. Despite knowing that Scripture is a unity, I couldn’t reconcile the traditional teachings. With the help of my seminary training, I embarked on a journey of restudying the Bible. As God promised in Proverbs 2:1-5, if we receive God’s words, treasure its commandments, and make ourselves attentive to its wisdom, yearning for understanding like that of hidden treasures, we will be given understanding and knowledge.

    With utmost humility and confidence in the Lord, I share that my understanding of the Scripture has grown. By God’s grace, I have found the courage to teach and explain it in my Bible study groups. If I were solely concerned with gaining acceptance and personal benefits, would I risk challenging the prevailing popular beliefs? However, driven by concern for my own salvation and the hope of reuniting with my departed son, I could not remain silent and continue adhering to conventional Bible teachings. Recognizing that my ultimate reward lies with the Lord Jesus Christ, I have chosen to openly share the Word to honor God and out of love for His church. Ultimately, God alone is the ultimate arbiter of truth, as revealed in His sacred Bible.

    Keep in mind that back in the days of Jesus Christ and the early church, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious order, was the recognized authority of Scripture. However, they led the people astray. Therefore, titles alone do not signify authority in conveying the truthful teachings of God’s word; correct exposition does. Hence, Paul emphasized, “Do your utmost 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) Didn’t Paul uphold the doctrines of the Bible? 

    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 Love Letter to the Church

    Since June is an occasion for fathers, I am writing this letter to call on the attention of Christian fathers. Many Christian fathers are unable to minister to their families these days, perpetuating a cycle of decline. Since most Christian churches grow through birth rather than evangelism, it’s no surprise that we’re witnessing a decline in Christian leadership over time. To address this present dilemma, we must train the next generation in biblical interpretation. We should teach them how to properly explain Scripture, as people have been prioritizing communication skills over faithfulness to the content. Consequently, we see Christians adopting diverse and peculiar doctrines.

    However, since the deterioration in doctrine has been occurring for decades, if not centuries, defective doctrines have become the norm. Consequently, truthful biblical teaching has become indistinguishable to most Christians.

    The sanctity of the church hinges on two key aspects: right doctrine and Christian living, and these two aspects are intrinsically linked. How can we discern true Christian living if our doctrines are flawed? How can the church remain unified if each individual has their own interpretation of the church or its doctrine? Remember that Paul emphasized that true Christian unity rests on its doctrine. See Scripture below: 

    “As a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to walk in a manner befitting your calling. Be humble and gentle, patient, and loving towards one another. Let us strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We are one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the ONE hope that belongs to your calling. We have ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.

    Grace has been given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it says, “When He ascended on high, He led a host of captives and gave gifts to men.” (In saying “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)

    He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and the teachers to EQUIP the saints for the work of ministry and to BUILD UP the body of Christ, the church. Until we all attain to the UNITY OF FAITH (i.e. beliefs or doctrines) and knowledge of the Son of God, we will mature into men, reaching the measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, human cunning, and deceitful schemes.” Rather than SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, we are to grow up in every way into Christ, the head of the church, from whom the whole body (i.e. the church), joined and held together by every joint, when each part works properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:1-16)

    Love, as defined in Scripture, encompasses, rather centers on, right doctrines. So, why has the church chosen to prioritize protecting its aesthetics over its inner self or constitution (i.e., its doctrines)? Until when will Christians continue to be pretentious, claiming that everything is well with the church?

    Lies, deceptions, or prosthetics can only keep those who are indifferent, naive in Scripture, or fatally attached due to relational bonds, but not the thinking, intellectually inclined, and truth-seeking Christians. Are you truly not aware of the reasons behind the church’s failures? The church has long ceased to effectively fulfill its mandate from Christ. 

    If you claim ignorance, then you don’t deserve to lead the church (1Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) . However, if you are aware of the situation, your silence and indifference are harming God’s church. Let me remind everyone of Paul’s words: “If anyone destroys God’s temple (i.e., the church), God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:17)

    Each Christian is obligated to uphold the sanctity of God’s church, particularly ministers, pastors, elders, deacons, and those who claim to be reverends. 

    Quoting Paul’s words: “For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 2:4)

    As the saying goes, “Sharing is caring.” Let’s consider this article in the context of loving and caring for God’s church. 

    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!

  • Family, our First Ministry

    Today we held our weekly family gathering, which includes only my wife, our two daughters, and me. We started this tradition shortly after leaving organized or conventional church. Over time, others joined us, and wanting to share the grace we’ve experienced with those attending, we opened our meetups to their family members, resulting in our Sunday gatherings. Unfortunately, due to negative comments and intrigues from people around their family members causing disharmony, learning from Scripture’s example, we decided to focus solely on those who are genuinely seeking the truth. We hope that as they become better equipped, they will reach out to their own families later.

    Meanwhile, I noticed that during our online Sunday Bible studies, my family often felt left out because most of the interaction occurred with people meeting me online. They were right beside me, yet unable to participate or see screen shares. With my wife’s support, I decided to hold separate sessions exclusively for our family. As a result, I now have a second session every Sunday, in addition to our regular Bible study session. 

    Despite an awkward start today, I was able to communicate the importance of remaining faithful in studying God’s word. We ended the session on a positive note, and the initial discomfort faded. I pray that our devotion to studying God’s word will help them navigate the challenges and questions they face in life.

    True blessings come from God’s words. We should not only hear God’s words but also strive to understand them if we desire to be the good soil described by Christ Jesus (Matthew 13:23; Luke 8:15). We came to faith not solely for ourselves but so that our lights may shine before others. This is especially true for our children and partners in life. Jesus Christ said, “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.” (Luke 8:16-18)

    Our claim to Christian faith holds no meaning unless God’s word lives within us and shines before others. As James says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

    Paul adds, “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)

    I share this as a reminder and encouragement to my Christian friends: prioritize your first ministry—your family. I use the word “first,” not “primary,” because your family is within your immediate sphere of influence. Therefore, I do not suggest they be your priority, especially if they do not align with you in faith. That’s why Jesus gave the challenge to anyone who wants to follow Him: “Do not think 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 set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39)

    Parents, everyone comes to faith under different circumstances. It’s rare, like us, to find faith after the loss of a loved one, such as our son. However, our circumstances shouldn’t be an excuse. For those whose families have disagreements with the faith, it becomes their ministry field. As Christians, we shouldn’t yield to opposition; instead, we should be strong in our faith. Otherwise, how will our light shine before them?

    On the other hand, if family members become too destructive and resist the faith, you may need to live your faith in the midst of opposition. In such cases, we might have to adopt Christ’s words in Matthew 10:14: “And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.” I don’t mean to abandon them; instead, we should continue to keep them in our prayers. Perhaps, by God’s grace and mercy, they too will find their way to Him in time.

    Meanwhile, like a soldier preparing for a battle, Christians should be trained and discipled so that when the time comes, we are equipped to lead our once hostile family or loved ones to the faith.

    The Christian life or journey is not always a smooth ride; there will always be humps and bumps. However, if we truly want to reach our destination or goal, we must persevere through the rough terrain until we achieve our objective.

    The Bible, at least four times, expresses the idea that “what is impossible to man, all things are possible with God.” Therefore, we should not give up but keep our faith in God. 

    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!

  • Focus on the Subject

    Some Christian pastors argue that the church vanished after Revelation 3, suggesting that this indicates the rapture of the church. However, consider the photo above: did everything around the mushroom disappear, or was the focus solely on the mushroom? This analogy suggests that the idea of a church rapture is not necessarily valid. Rather, John shifts his focus to the judgment of Old Covenant Israel. This is evident in Revelation 11:15, where the seventh angel blows his trumpet, and heavenly voices proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”

    In John’s Gospel (the Book of Revelation was also written by him), Christ Jesus, confronted by the Sanhedrin, the religious order of the Jews, declared, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting so that I might not be handed over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

    Therefore, the kingdom that Christ Jesus conquered was that of the Old Covenant Israel. In Matthew 21, when confronted by the chief priests and Jewish elders, questioning His signs and authority to teach, Jesus Christ responded, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits” (Matthew 21:43). Now, let’s consider the language of imminence that Christ Jesus spoke to the seven churches in Revelation. 

    First, to Ephesus, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I WILL COME TO YOU and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I WILL GRANT TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:5-7)

    Repentance is only possible during one’s lifetime, not after death, as demonstrated by Christ’s teachings in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). Therefore, Jesus’ warning is directed at the living church of Ephesus, urging them to repent before His return. Isn’t it logical then that Jesus implied His return would be in their lifetime?

    Second, to Smyrna, “Don’t be afraid of what you’re about to endure. The devil is about to imprison some of you for ten days, testing your faith. Be steadfast until death, and I’ll give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. THE ONE WHO CONQUERS WON’T BE HARMED BY THE SECOND DEATH.” (Revelation 2:10-11)

    The second death occurred at the final judgment of Christ Jesus, as described in Revelation 20:11-15. Concerning Christ’s deliverance and justice, refer to Luke 18:1-8, where Christ delivers a parable about an unjust judge. Jesus emphasizes the swift and imminent nature of His justice, stating that it would be speedy. I doubt the faithful Christians of Smyrna understood a millennial as the idea of such swift justice. However, it’s important to note that Christ’s teachings in Luke 18:1-8 were delivered in the context of Luke 17:20-31, where Jesus speaks about the coming of His kingdom. More importantly, in Luke 18:8, Jesus implicitly assures His disciples that His swift justice would be with them during their lifetime. Jesus said “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)

    Third, to Pergamum, “Repent, or I’LL COME TO YOU SOON and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I’ll give some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it, a name known only to the one who receives it.” (Revelation 2:16-17)

    Jesus prophesied that His coming to Christians in Pergamum would be imminent, not a millennium later. Why do Christians choose to complicate the straightforward statements of Christ Jesus? Keep in mind that Jesus Christ warns not to add or deduct from His Words written in Revelation: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, ‘SURELY I AM COMING SOON.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:18-20)

    Fourth, to Tyatira, “HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL I RETURN. The one who conquers and keeps My works until the end will receive authority over the nations and rule them with an iron rod, just as I received authority from My Father.” (Revelation 2:25-27)

    Isn’t “until I return” an assurance of imminent arrival? Jesus Christ, once again, assures churches of John’s lifetime that they should keep the faith because He is coming soon.

    Fifth, to Sardis, “remember what you received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you don’t wake up, I WILL COME LIKE A THIEF, and you won’t know when I will attack you again. However, there are still a few names in Sardis, people who haven’t defiled themselves, and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed in white garments, and I will never erase his name from the book of life. I will proclaim his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:3-6)

    The phrase “coming like a thief” suggests that Jesus’ return will be an unexpected event. This underscores the significance of the church’s role during this momentous occasion. If no one is present to witness it, what purpose does it serve for Christ to emphasize to the church that His return will be like a thief in the night? It’s important to remember that this message was addressed to the church during John’s time. In other words, the church wouldn’t have a precise understanding of the exact time of Christ’s return, but it would certainly be within the lifetime of John and his immediate audience.

    Sixth, to Philadelphia, “I AM COMING SOON. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown. The one who conquers will become a pillar in the temple of My God. They will never leave it, and I will write on them the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God from heaven, and My own new name.” (Revelation 3:11-12)

    I suppose this time, it’s quite straightforward to understand. Jesus Christ had promised Christians in Philadelphia that His return would be imminent, not in the distant future of churches during John’s lifetime, but even ours, as futurists have led many to believe.

    Lastly, the seventh, to Laodicea, “Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to them and eat with them, and they will eat with Me. The one who conquers will be granted a place with Me on My throne, just as I conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:20-22)

    Jesus Christ was speaking to the church of Laodicea, not to us. This is a recurring theme in John’s writings, referring to churches in his lifetime. Unless you believe that John would remain alive, as John clarified in his Gospel that this was not what Christ had told Peter. Instead, John wrote, “Jesus said to Peter, ‘If it is My will that he (John) remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’” See John 21:20-25. Can you comprehend Christ’s declaration to Peter? Or have you been blinded by tradition to the point where it seems incomprehensible to you? Jesus Christ implicitly communicated to Peter that His return would occur during John’s lifetime.

    Christ Jesus has fulfilled His purpose and promises. He declared that He alone would establish His church. The church is eternal, and even Hades has no power over it as seen in Matthew 16:18-19. The church is not just a parenthesis to Israel, its fulfillment signals the end of Old Covenant Israel. Keep in mind that “hades and death” were thrown to the lake of fire before John declared the passing of the first heaven and first earth and the coming of the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Incidentally, the first heaven and the first earth refer to the Old Covenant, while the New Heaven and New Earth is the New Covenant. Consequently, Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh (that is, circumcision). Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

    See Galatians 6:11-15, for a parallel teaching of Paul on circumcision and flesh: “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing IN THE FLESH WHO WOULD FORCE YOU TO BE CIRCUMCISED, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. FOR NEITHER CIRCUMCISION COUNTS FOR ANYTHING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION, BUT A NEW CREATION.”

    I completely understand if my discussion here might have confused you. I was in a similar situation many years ago. However, after being persuaded by Christ’s words, I dedicated myself to a serious and sincere study of God’s word. Today, there is a resurgence of Christians embracing the authentic teachings of the Bible. If you want to understand, all you need to do is to keep your focus, read, and study the Bible. While reading the Bible, avoid getting sidetracked by unnecessary details and focus on the main subject. In God’s own time, you will fully comprehend Scripture.

    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!

  • Christian Responsibility

    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!