The immediate consequences of Adam’s fall, the representative of all humanity, were evident in the story of Cain and Abel. Cain, acted like the devil, he murdered his brother Abel. Jesus Christ condemned the unbelieving Old Testament Jews, declaring, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
We may therefore say, anyone who destroys Christ’s body, His church, is the same. Hence, Christ’s command to the apostles, in John 13, was to love one another. And it is echoed throughout the NT Scripture.
Consequently, the notion that humanity has become utterly depraved, lacking the capacity to please God, can be challenged by the same narrative. The story of Abel’s offerings, which were pleasing and acceptable to God, exemplifies this. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Abel did not attain salvation for himself. After the fall of Adam, mankind retains the ability to choose between good and evil. Nevertheless, they have lost the ability to return to the original condition of God’s creation—in His image and likeness. Refer to Genesis 5:1-3, and compare Adam’s condition when God created him to that of Adam having Shem. After the fall, Shem no longer reflects God’s likeness, but Adam’s.
Here’s one reason, among many others, why I didn’t embrace the Reformed perspective of the Bible. I believe we should study the Bible without the bias of history, whether from the early church fathers or the Reformation, but only from the historical context of the biblical church, which is covered in the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation.
The letters of Paul were apologetic, serving as a defense of the faith against the prevalent false teachings, particularly targeting Judaism and Judaizers. These principles remain relevant today. Just as comparing counterfeit money to genuine money requires learning, understanding, and intimate knowledge of the genuine ones, so too does it require learning, understanding, and intimate knowledge of the genuine teachings of the Bible. So, even if the counterfeit money continues to evolve and appear like the genuine money, it will still be distinguishable to you. The same may be said for the Christian teachings.
Scripture is timeless, but it has cultural nuisances that needed to be understood, learned and correlated to today. So Paul’s words continue to resonate now, he said: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
And again Paul instructed, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
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Peter , in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
The book of Proverbs warns us twice, saying, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). This highlights the tendency of humans to follow their own paths instead of adhering to biblical teachings. Sad to say, this behavior is also evident among many who claim to be Christians.
The Christian walk is filled with challenges. There’s a reason Christ said, “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matt. 10:36). Family and loved ones have a significant impact—both positive and negative—on our journey with Christ Jesus.
In Matthew 12:46-50, while Jesus was speaking to a crowd, He was interrupted by someone who told Him, “Your mother and brothers are outside wanting to speak to you.” This raises some questions: Why weren’t Jesus’ mother and brothers listening to Him? Didn’t they realize that His ministry was far more important than what they wanted to say? Couldn’t they wait until later to talk to Him?
Some suggest that His earthly family was simply concerned for His well-being, which we’ll explore further. However, from within its context, Jesus responded, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” He then pointed to His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matt. 12:48-50).
Did Jesus suggest that His earthly mother, Mary, and His siblings by Joseph were not acting according to the will of God the Father? This raises questions about whether their actions were solely motivated by concern for His well-being. At least, that doesn’t seem to be the main point of the narrative. Additionally, John noted, “For not even His brothers believed in Him” (John 7:5).
When Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph realized He was missing. After finding Him in the temple, where He was discussing matters with the teachers, Jesus asked them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” At this moment, Luke made a notable remark: they did not understand what He was saying to them (Luke 2:49-50).
This is not to say that Christ was against His earthly family; on the contrary, He valued family. Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 5:8 states, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This, among many other messages, emphasizes the importance of caring for your family. As Christians, our family is our first ministry—we should share the message of Jesus Christ with them. However, we must be cautious; if our family does not follow Christ, they can become a hindrance to our spiritual walk with Him.
In John 15, Jesus told His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). This means that no Christian can bear fruit without being connected to Christ Jesus. Jesus went on to say, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:6). This language indicates judgment; for more insight, refer to Matthew 3:7-10.
True disciples of Christ Jesus bear much fruit, thereby glorifying God the Father. In John 15:7-8, Jesus declared, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this, My Father is glorified—that you bear much fruit and prove to be My disciples.”
Jesus’ statement, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you,” should not be interpreted as a simple promise of “claim and receive,” as some professing Christians suggest. Instead, it is meant for Christians who genuinely aspire to bear fruit and become true disciples of Jesus Christ.
True disciples of Christ Jesus remain in Him and in His Word. This serves as a warning to us Christians who believe we can stay connected to Christ without engaging with His Word. Believing in Christ cannot be separated from knowing His teachings. In other words, if we claim to have faith in Jesus Christ, we must also honor His Word. To honor Christ’s Word, we should be doers of it, not just hearers.
It’s important to remember that, in Christ’s parable, only the good soil—the one who hears the Word and understands it—will bear fruit (see Matthew 13:23). When tempted by the devil, Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
Not all Christians have the privilege of having a family that shares their faith. Some must navigate the complex relationship between their family ties and their commitment to Christ, as well as their fellowship with other believers. Scripture warns that consistently associating with those who live in opposition to God’s teachings can lead to spiritual decline, causing one’s love for Christ to diminish (see James 4:4).
No one can remain a Christian without God’s Word. Just as food is essential for our daily sustenance, God’s Word is crucial for maintaining our relationship with Christ Jesus. As Christians, we are called to lead others to Christ, not to allow ourselves to be led away from His Word.
In the story of Martha and Mary, Martha expresses her frustration to Jesus because she feels overwhelmed with her many tasks, while Mary does not help her. Jesus responds to Martha, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). What is the good portion? The Bible explains that Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching (Luke 10:39).
Have you chosen the better portion, like Mary did? Has anything distracted you from hearing God’s words? Christ Jesus commended Mary for choosing the good portion. What about us? Isn’t the purpose of our weekly gatherings to keep us focused on His word? Isn’t that also the goal of our Bible study meetups — to engage everyone and foster learning from God’s Word? Is there anything so significant that it should prevent us from learning from Scripture? Complacency is a dangerous path for us as Christians.
At one point, Christ’s earthly family—His mother and brothers—struggled to understand His actions and words. This is illustrated in the Gospel of Mark: “Then Jesus went home, and the crowd gathered again, so much so that He and His apostles could not even eat. When His family heard about this, they went out to take charge of Him, saying, ‘He is out of His mind.’” (Mark 3:20-21)
That’s why Christ said, as we read earlier: “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:36-39)
Christ Jesus personally experienced how His earthly family briefly became a hindrance to His ministry. Therefore, we may say that He spoke from both personal experience and from God’s perspective.
Lot serves as a notable example in this context. When God called Abraham to follow His path, Lot chose to accompany him willingly. As their journey continued, their flocks grew so large that they needed to part ways. Lot settled in Sodom, a city notorious for its rampant sexual immorality. The Scriptures indicate, “Now the men of Sodom were wicked and great sinners against the LORD” (Genesis 13:13). When God decided to punish Sodom, Lot hesitated to leave and had to be forcefully evacuated (Genesis 19:16). This story illustrates how our surroundings and the people we interact with can significantly influence us. Consequently, Christ warns, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).
Always keep in mind the words of Christ. We all desire for our families and loved ones to know Christ Jesus and attain salvation. However, this can only be accomplished through God’s Word. Essentially, this is what Christ meant when He told His disciples, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Be discerning and avoid falling into the trap of Satan’s malevolent activities, which are not necessarily the devil himself but his equivalent evil works.
Much like the story of Adam and Eve, the devil takes advantage of human emotions to exploit our weaknesses. Throughout history, the human heart has often served as the devil’s playground. This was demonstrated by Christ Jesus Himself when, for a brief moment, Peter acted as an adversary. By trying to deter Christ from His mission, Peter was hindering Him from dying on the cross—the very act meant for the salvation of all who believe in Him (see Matthew 16:21-23).
As you can see, even Peter became a hindrance to God’s work for salvation. The same goes for Mary and Jesus’ siblings, as I explained earlier. Many times, we fail to recognize that people within our own social circle could act as obstacles, hindering us from following Jesus Christ.
The basic meanings of “Satan” and “the devil” are as follows:
“Satan” means “adversary” or “accuser.” In the Book of Job, Satan accuses God of favoring Job, claiming that Job’s only reason for devotion to God is the divine guidance and care he receives.
On the other hand, “the devil” refers to a “slanderer” and represents the arch-enemy of humanity’s spiritual well-being. Jesus described the unbelieving Jews as “sons of the devil” because they continually distorted God’s word, preventing people from attaining salvation. In this way, they acted like murderers and liars, similar to the devil.
Both definitions are taken from the Easton Bible Dictionary.
God’s design for the family was intended to be a blessing for humanity. However, the devil corrupted this original creation, leading to strife within families. After the fall of Adam, the first murder occurred when Cain killed his brother, Abel. Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him but ultimately sold him into slavery, causing immense grief for their father, Jacob. Jesus Christ was betrayed by his own disciple, Judas, and by his people, the Jews, who handed him over to be crucified.
Just as Eve became a temptation to Adam by offering him the forbidden fruit, Adam also failed Eve by not protecting her from Satan’s lies. The fall of Adam and Eve occurred because they loved each other more than they loved God, valuing created things more than the Creator Himself. This aligns with Paul’s argument in Romans 1:18-32. Although this passage references Old Covenant Jews, it applies to both Adam and Eve as well as Israel, all of whom had knowledge of God.
Christians should be discerning when faced with temptation and remain committed to the teachings of Christ Jesus, regardless of what may hinder their ability to truthfully follow Him. As Christ said, “Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39)
In Jewish tradition, the phrase “to lose one’s life” goes beyond just the concept of death; it encompasses a variety of life’s tragedies. This includes experiences such as bankruptcy, a broken marriage, family conflicts, or any unfortunate events and suffering. A prominent example of this is the story of Job, who endured the loss of his family, wealth, and health during his trials. In his despair, Job lamented, “Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse? For then I would have lain down and been quiet; I would have slept; then I would have been at rest” (Job 3:11-13). Essentially, Job was expressing that he would be content with death, not because he wished to die, but because in death, he would no longer experience pain and suffering.
In contrast, Jesus’ reference to finding one’s life pertains to the privileges of existence—such as wealth and family—even if these privileges come at the expense of contradicting God’s will; see Luke 12:16-21 as an example.
Again, Jesus Christ said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-33)
Christ’s instruction and warning in Matthew 10:34-39 align with the passage in Luke 14:26-33 that you just read. These teachings are not isolated; they are significant and deserve our serious reflection. It’s important to clarify that Jesus is not anti-family. However, our natural inclination towards family can complicate our faith.
Throughout Christian history, many individuals have chosen to follow Christ but not always with their families. Recognizing this dilemma, Paul offered some advice: “To the rest, I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. And if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. If the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to them, and to which God has called them. This is my rule in all the churches.” (1 Corinthians 7:12-17)
Paul did not contradict Jesus’ teachings or support divorce. Instead, he encouraged couples to live in harmony and to maintain mutual respect for one another, even if they held differing beliefs. He emphasized that Christians should never compromise their faith and must remain steadfast in their relationship with Christ Jesus. This is what Paul meant when he said, “God has called you to peace.” Similarly, in his instructions in Philippians, Paul urged believers to submit to God’s peace in the midst of inconsequential conflict. This can be seen in Philippians 4:1-7.
Terah, the father of Abraham, decided to live in Haran until his death (Genesis 11:31-32). In Joshua 24:2, it is noted that Terah worshipped other gods. This suggests that one of the reasons Abraham was called to leave Haran was to follow God’s guidance more freely and distance himself from idol worship. Similarly, just as Abraham was called, we too are called to follow Jesus Christ.
It’s ironic, isn’t it? The same tactic has been used against Christians, taking advantage of our natural social connections, yet many still give in to the same temptations. This underscores the frailty of humanity and, unfortunately, reveals that many have never fully understood the profound teachings of God.
Do you understand Christ’s response to Peter’s question: “See, we have left everything to follow you. What, then, will we receive?” (Matthew 19:27)? Jesus replied, “Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or lands for My name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)
Once again, let me reiterate that Christ Jesus isn’t anti-family. He understands the plight of those wanting to follow Him, which comes with a cost. Are you willing and ready to follow Jesus at all costs?
This message is for those navigating complex family dynamics. Not everyone shares the same faith, and the Apostle Paul encourages us to find peace in God. Abraham found his peace by trusting in and following God’s guidance. Paul also provided advice for couples with differing faiths. Shouldn’t we learn from the examples of Jesus Christ, Abraham, and Paul and apply those principles in our own lives?
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Peter , in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Passage this morning: “Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking about them.” (Matthew 21:42-45)
Conclusion: Faith is a prerequisite to be kingdom people (Matt. 8:10). Scripture states, “Without faith, no one can please God (Hebrews 11:6).” To develop faith, we must understand and believe that Jesus Christ is the Word and that they are one. No Christian can claim to believe in Jesus Christ and yet doubt His Word. The Bible is then the centerpiece of how we learn to live as Christians and be kingdom people.
Jesus, in John 15, emphasized that unless we abide in Him and His Word, we cannot bear fruits. Israel, however, failed to bear fruits because they rejected the True Vine, Jesus Christ. Due to their pride and desire to rule over God’s vineyard, they failed to produce any fruit. Tragically, they even killed Jesus Christ, the true heir of the vineyards, as revealed in Matthew 21:33-45.
We Christians should learn from the Scriptures’ teachings and avoid repeating Israel’s mistakes. Consider John 11:45-50, Scripture said: “Many of the Jews who had come with Mary and witnessed what Jesus did believed in Him, but some went to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus had done. Consequently, the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council and asked, ‘What should we do? For this man performs numerous signs. If we allow Him to continue in this manner, everyone will believe in Him, AND THE ROMANS WILL SEIZE BOTH OUR POSITIONS AND OUR NATION.’ However, one of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, responded, ‘You are completely ignorant. You do not comprehend that it is better for one person to die for the people than for the entire nation to perish.’” (John 11:45-50)
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time, defended the institution they had established, fearing to lose their authority, they ultimately killed Jesus Christ and later the people who had come to believe in His teachings.
Destiny has nothing to do with history repeating itself; rather, it’s because people failed to learn from history. The Bible provides historical accounts of Old Covenant Israel and the early church to illustrate the mistakes of the past. Learning from the past should guide us not to repeat their mistakes. Christians, we cannot preserve the sanctity of the church through human means or ideas. Instead, we must learn from the Bible to avoid the mistakes of the past and follow the word of God. By abiding in Christ Jesus and His Word, we will bear fruits for Him.
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Peter , in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
In a game of chess, various pieces come into play, with the pawns positioned at the front lines. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the queen. The queen holds immense significance as she can command the pawns to launch attacks and has the king’s ear. Sometimes, the situation can reverse, with the king coercing the queen. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on the power dynamics at play.
This concept relates to the reality of ministry work. Enemy lines are not always clear. Like Judas, some may appear friendly but ultimately betray you.
Paul, in a letter to the Corinthians, expressed profound sorrow and anguish, pouring out tears to convey his immense love for the church (2 Corinthians 2:4). In a similar manner, I am writing this article.
While the ministry is rooted in spirituality, our adversaries resort to worldly tactics. For instance, consider reading the Book of Acts alongside Paul’s letters to gain insights from Scripture. Observe how Paul’s adversaries attempted to coerce and demean his ministry, a similar strategy employed against Jesus Christ. Consequently, Christ cautioned His followers, saying, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
Independent ministry—spreading and explaining God’s word—is priceless. It allows us to witness firsthand God’s work in our midst. However, it’s often in hindsight that we truly appreciate God’s wondrous workings. Faith alone is our strength—trusting Jesus Christ. As we study and learn from the Scriptures, they guide us during challenging times and shield us from temptations, such as pleasing people instead of God. In essence, our study and learning from the Bible constitute theology. Theology provides us with a clear understanding of God, enabling us to serve Him according to His character and will. Yes, theology culminates in doxology, but without a proper understanding of God through theology, we might end up worshipping for the wrong reasons. For instance, consider Old Covenant Israel. They worshipped God, but their misguided understanding—theology—of God’s workings led them to reject and crucify Jesus Christ. Let’s cease playing with words and acknowledge that only sound theology serves as the sole foundation of an acceptable doxology to God. Christians, burdened with the responsibility of serving Jesus Christ, are required to attend seminaries or Bible colleges precisely to be trained in proper theology. Why diminish its significance in God’s ministry?
It can be confusing when we were informed of one thing while in the seminary and then another after graduating and serving in churches. I vividly recall a seminary professor warning us that if he heard us preach without considering the Bible’s context, he would have a shotgun ready to shoot us down. Of course, this was merely a way to emphasize the importance of being faithful to the Bible. However, once after I had preached, the same person happened to be in the congregation. He approached me, encouraged me for faithfully preaching according to Scripture, and then abruptly advised me to tone down my sermons. He claimed that the congregation wasn’t ready for such a sermon. Isn’t that confusing? Nevertheless, one thing I’ve learned from the Bible is that there will be hypocrisy within the ministry. As Christ said, there will be sheep in wolves’ clothing. So, be wise as serpents but innocent like doves. In other words, don’t learn from their crooked and evil ways.
I chose to serve independently, knowing that in conventional ministry settings, there will always be people to please, even if they are ethically and biblically out of line. If you want to retain your pastoral job, you must accept that there will be pressure and manipulation. However, I have chosen to serve Jesus Christ as guided by His Word, so I must decline invitations to join any existing congregation that has developed its own culture, traditions, or practices. By God’s grace, I have found a way to serve Jesus Christ without any strings attached. This means no regular salary—everything is by faith. Through the years, God has proven Himself to be faithful to His words and promises. It has been eleven years of trusting Jesus Christ for everything. We do not send letters asking for support; we pray and trust God for our lives.
Is it challenging? Yes, it can be quite intimidating. However, this fear often arises from a lack of understanding of God. I reflect on God’s Word and how He provided for Elijah during the famine, the Israelites in the wilderness, and Paul during his ministry journeys. Even Jesus Christ and His apostles did not rely on miracles like transforming stones into bread. Jesus exemplified living and working the ministry by faith. For instance, check out Luke 8:1-3; some of His followers supported them.
I have been constantly reminded by Scripture: “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ This allows us to confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’ Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:5-8)
Independent ministry is indeed possible, and it’s not a new concept. Throughout Scripture, Christ Jesus, Paul, and Elijah, to name a few, have successfully operated independently. It’s essential to have faith that God alone is your provider. Rather than pursuing individuals to support you, direct your attention to God’s workings, which inspire His people to feel compelled to support Christian ministry.
Despite facing challenging circumstances, Paul was encouraged by Christ Jesus to persist in his ministry in Ephesus. Jesus told him, “Do not be afraid; keep speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you. I have many people in this city who belong to Me.” (Acts 18:9-10)
Ministry in Ephesus was not an easy task. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, described his opponents as follows:“What advantage would I gain if I fought with beasts in Ephesus? If the dead are not resurrected, ‘Let us feast and drink, for tomorrow we shall perish.’” (1 Corinthians 15:32)
It’s all about trusting Jesus Christ and His Word. Instead of obsessing over finding God’s people seeking our support, we should discern and remain faithful to whom we serve—Jesus Christ, and no one else. Believe it or not, many years ago, as I prepared to embark on my journey here in the Queen City of the South to serve Him, God impressed verses from Acts 18:9-10 on me. These were the very words God gave Paul as he commanded him to remain in Ephesus. Despite my tenure with a local church expiring, I stayed because I felt God’s call to remain. I prayed for His leading, and He reaffirmed imposing the same words from Acts 18:9-10. Unlike a man who changes his will simply because circumstances differ, I didn’t sense any indication from Him that it was time to leave. The invitation from the local church, which marked the completion of my two tenures spanning six years in total, was part of God’s plan to bring me here. God truly works in His mysterious ways. As has been my practice and discipline, guided by His word and His leading, my independent ministry, centered around Bible studies, came into existence.
Remember Christ’s words: “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘He who ate My bread has lifted his heel against Me.’ I am telling you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may believe that I am He. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the one who sent Me” (John 13:16-20). Christ Jesus, sent by the Father, did not roam freely wherever He pleased but remained steadfastly obedient to His call and mission (Matthew 10:5-7). After His death and resurrection and prior to His ascension, Christ Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8). Similarly, Christ, who sends us, should be our guiding light, enabling us to serve Him with utmost reverence. Avoid being misled; instead, focus on Him who calls, and those who recognize your divine calling from Jesus Christ.
Learn from the ministry of Elijah. He singlehandedly confronted 450 prophets of Baal and defeated them. However, in a surprising twist of events, when threatened by Jezebel, he fled for his life and hid in a cave. After recovering his strength, God called his attention to the work he was assigned to do. God doesn’t expect Elijah to convert all of Israel back to Him; instead, He expected Elijah to be faithful to His call and to reach a remnant, of whom only God knows (1 Kings 19:18; Romans 11:2-5; 2 Timothy 2:19).
Focus on Jesus Christ and His Word, and you will surely discern His leading. Remember, God changes not.
Paul, concerning the church, said, “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’ Now, in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay. Some are for honorable use, while others are for dishonorable purposes. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:19-21)
When Paul referred to “a great house,” he was speaking about the church in a general sense. It’s important to recognize that not all organized and registered Christian churches necessarily embody God’s church, as not everyone within those churches may truly belong to Him. This conclusion is drawn from Paul’s teachings in the earlier mentioned passages.
Local churches may have been founded by God-fearing individuals, but over time, various factors can influence their direction and integrity. It’s essential to be cautious when defending these institutions, as they can be prone to controversies and scandals. In trying to protect the organization, one might inadvertently cause harm to God’s people.
I arrived at this understanding through studying Scripture and drawing from my personal experiences, which helped me better comprehend the true essence of ministry.
It is common among Christians to accuse a pastor of stealing sheep from churches when someone from their congregation accompanies him. However, it is important to remember that no one owns God’s flock except Christ Jesus alone. I recall an elder once told us that if our members left us and joined another church, we should not blame the other church. Instead, we should ask ourselves, “Why is it that they perceive the grass greener over there?”
Let us strive to be worthy of serving and following Jesus Christ, whether as a minister of the word or as a partner in God’s ministry. We should be useful to our Master, Jesus Christ, and ready for every good work.
Don’t be caught off guard. Spiritual warfare isn’t just about battling demonic forces. More often, it’s a battle against wolves disguised as sheep. Paul warned, “And it’s no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it’s no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be proportional to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
I’m documenting my journey, hoping it might inspire other pastors to do the same. If you’re bound by protocols that contradict biblical teachings, you don’t need to seek another local church. Nor should you abandon your God-given work. Pursuing other professions solely for financial gain is even more detrimental. Doing God’s work isn’t limited to the confines of registered and organized churches. Seek God’s leading. Innovate, but whatever you do, stay faithful to God’s word. Scripture affirms, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Unless otherwise guided by God, remain steadfast in your current location. Serving Jesus Christ is both a gift and a call from Him. Honor Him with your unwavering devotion. Ultimately, our accountability lies with Him.
If we genuinely care about Christ’s church, let’s take a moment to reflect on its current state and make necessary changes. Always remember to adhere to the Bible. Sharing is caring. Many fallen soldiers of the Word have been lost, and we must not allow this trend to continue if we truly want to remain faithful to God’s call to share the Gospel. I’m sharing this unsolicited word of advice with young ministers of the word. I hope this article helps you as you navigate your ministry.
This article may seem one-sided. I understand and have personally witnessed pastors who have exploited their positions and abused God’s people. I have fought hard to disinvite such kind of pastors. But my good intentions were maliciously used against me. People of the same field knew better who’s who, don’t you think? Be discerning and don’t rely solely on hearsay; observe instead. Similarly, Jesus Christ said, “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17) Eventually, everything will be revealed and made clear. Therefore, be cautious not to find yourselves on the side of darkness when the truth comes to light. This is why the Bible warned Christians against gossipers and the like.
I hope you don’t mind my straightforwardness; I’m just calling a spade a spade.
Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.
Peter , in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
“In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, He (Jesus) began to say to His disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:1-2)
The Bible, due to the hypocrisy of supposedly religious people, narrated these words of Jesus Christ: “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor is anything hidden that will not be known.” This phrase was recorded twice in Luke’s Gospel. In Luke 8, Jesus used this phrase after explaining the Parable of the Sower to His disciples (Luke 8:11-15). He then went on to say, “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. Therefore, take care 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)
Jesus Christ in this instance cautioned the disciples that if they had truly understood what He had taught them, then they were good soils, and they should live up to what they had learned and remained as such. However, if not, perhaps they were just pretentious, like the Pharisees. Jesus then assured them that whatever they thought they knew, had, or gained would be taken away from them. Clearly, this is judgment language. Conversely, if they had remained faithful to His Word, Jesus assured them that more would be given to them.
Life’s challenges can either make or break an individual. As the saying goes, “The true color of the paint is only revealed after being stirred.” Similarly, our Christian walk would only be evident after we have steadfastly adhered to God’s word, even amidst hardships or blessings that life may bring.
The Book of Proverbs emphasizes that every word of God is true and serves as a shield for those who seek refuge in Him. However, it cautions against adding to His words, as this may lead to God’s rebuke and be found a liar. The author of Proverbs presents two requests: to deny them not during his lifetime; that is, to remove falsehood and lying from his life. He also asks for neither poverty nor riches but only the food that is necessary for him, lest he become excessively satisfied and deny God or, conversely, become impoverished and resort to stealing, profaning the name of his God.(Proverbs 30:5-9)
This proverb has been a guiding principle in my life since I became a Christian, especially now that I am a servant of God’s Word.
The true blessing in life is to know Jesus Christ. Once we have known Him, we should yearn for an intimate relationship with Him. This intimacy is not achieved through our imagination or second-guessing of who Jesus is. Instead, we have the Bible, God’s revelation of Himself, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, which teach us about Him.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, 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.” (John 14:6-7)
If it weren’t for the Scriptures, we would be left questioning or debating without end about Jesus or the path to God the Father. We wouldn’t have the correct theology, knowing that the only way to the Father is through Christ Jesus, not through Mary or any other individual who was made a saint by a religious order. The Bible twice states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). Wouldn’t it be ironic to discover the truth only after it was too late? This is the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus; check out Luke 16:19-31.
In the Gospel of John, Thomas, at one point, did not have a proper theology of God and of Jesus Christ. He was confused, unable to relate to the circumstances at hand, after Jesus told them He alone is the way to the Father. Wouldn’t it be much more confusing today, now that Jesus no longer physically walks on Earth? No wonder we have different sects or denominations today. How would anyone desiring to believe in Jesus Christ discern which teachings are true? Isn’t proper theology then a must?
Scripture affirms that God continues to communicate with us, but only through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). However, this communication is no longer in His incarnated state or manifested in a theophany, but rather through His Word, the Bible. Scripture declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
If Thomas, who had the privilege of directly seeing and hearing from Jesus Christ, found it so difficult to comprehend, certainly wouldn’t it be so much more today without theology or proper teachings of the Bible? Especially in today’s digital age, where both true and false narratives are prevalent, how can we discern which one to believe? Isn’t it paramount that we grasp the fundamental principles of our faith? Paul emphasized that the sole foundation of Christianity lies in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11), and this should be the guiding principle in building His church (1 Corinthians 3:9-10; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:19-22).
In Luke 12, the second time Jesus used the phrase, “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known (Luke 12:2)”, it can be interpreted in two ways. First, in conjunction with its immediate preceding context, Luke 12:1, Jesus was reassuring the disciples that the pretentious religiosity of the Pharisees, which they should avoid, would be exposed. On the other hand, it could also be that the disciples’ accurate proclamations of His Gospel would not be in vain (Luke 12:2-3). Consequently, although they might be in danger due to the Pharisaic evil influence and plots, they need not fear man (Luke 12:4-7).
As Christians, especially those who have the responsibility of sharing Christ Jesus full-time, we should not be hesitant or uncertain about what we confess, share, and teach. The reality of our faith and ministry profoundly impacts our eternity, and those who listens to us (1 Timothy 4:16). God is not a man who judges from a distance; He witnesses everything and comprehends the true state of our hearts. While some may deceive, as the Pharisees did during Jesus’ time, no one can outsmart God.
Being a doctor, engineer, architect, judge, or any other profession is a serious matter because it can be critical to one’s health or life. This is especially true for Christians, especially pastors or teachers of the Bible, because it involves not just this temporal existence but eternity. The Christian life and ministry are not just fancy things to do and discard without consequences. God judges our intentions, and He knows the true condition of our hearts, whether we are doing it for Him or for some other worldly reason. Paul declared, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple (i.e., the church) 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. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’” (1 Corinthians 3:16-20)
There’s a reason why Jesus advised His disciples to be wary of the influence of the Pharisees. It’s contagious and can spread rapidly, like a virus. Any professing Christian who has fallen into that state should seek God’s mercy and grace, hoping to be awakened before it’s too late. Yet, the irony of life is that regret is always too late.
Christians who are burdened to bring back their sliding brethren should do so with caution. Scripture said, “If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” (Gal 6:1, NLT)
Christians who have remained steadfast in God’s word should always be watchful, like in the pandemic days. We armed ourselves with preventive measures and distanced from those who have contracted COVID-19, especially the vulnerable. Since it’s easily transmissible, likewise Pharisaic trends, pretentious as they are, can be persuasive and pervasive, catching you flat-footed, compromising your faith and eternity.
Once again, I wrote this article in the spirit of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 2:4, with affliction, pain, and love for whoever it may concern.
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!
Note: All underlined or highlighted words can be clicked for definitions or Scripture references.
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!
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!
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!
Most people enjoy hearing the positive aspects of being a Christian. Yes, Christians are assured of God’s presence and grace. However, Christianity comes with a price. Jesus Christ called on all who desire to follow Him to bear his own cross.
“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’ (Matthew 16:24-26)”
Christ Jesus carried and went to the cross in obedience to God the Father. Christians, in the same way, ought to carry our own cross in obedience to God’s word. Therefore, anything or anyone that hinders us from obeying God’s word becomes a cross we must carry if we truly want to follow Jesus Christ.
Again, Jesus Christ declared, “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 10:37-39)”
There are no ifs or buts in following Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ faithfully fulfilled Scripture; we, in turn, ought to fully adhere to His Word. Whatever you consider impossible, entrust it all to Jesus, so that we may faithfully follow Christ.
In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the water. Having been assured by Christ that it was He, Peter exclaimed, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus responded, “Come.” Peter then stepped out of the boat and walked on the water, eventually reaching Jesus. However, when he encountered the wind, he became frightened and began to sink, crying out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus promptly extended His hand and grasped him, asking, “Why did you doubt, you of little faith?” (Matthew 14:26-31)
Following Jesus Christ comes with a price: it demands our unwavering allegiance, commitment, and trust—an all-or-nothing proposition. That’s why faith is the key.
We are not expected to walk on water to demonstrate faith. Instead, we should trust His providential grace in our daily lives and extend grace to others, especially when we have been given more. For further reading, refer to Luke 18:17-30 and Luke 19:2-10.
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!
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!
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 