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 call for discipleship has veered off course. Many have projected their ministries as discipleship but have primarily focused on strategies. While some of these are indeed proper ways to do discipleship, those are mere forms, lacking substance. The true essence of discipleship lies in teachings about Christ Jesus, His church, salvation, and many other biblical truths. That’s the short answer to our title’s question.
In today’s context, discipleship has been centered around activities like food, games, and camaraderie, which have neglected the true essence of Christian fellowship. True fellowship is built on shared faith, belief, and a deep understanding of God’s word. It is a call for partnership, as illustrated by the passages below, which offer a comprehensive explanation of this concept.
The apostle Paul writing to a church said, “I am filled with gratitude for your constant remembrance in all my prayers for you all. I pray with joy because of your PARTNERSHIP in the gospel from the very beginning until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5)
Note that the word “partnership,” translated from the Greek word “koinōnia,” is the same Greek word translated as “fellowship”. So the ultimate objective of discipleship is to establish a fellowship or partnership.
How did the Philippians partner with Paul? First, they shared a common faith (as evident in Philippians 1:25-30). Second, they diligently supported Paul’s ministry (as demonstrated in Philippians 4:15-18).
See Acts 2:41-47, “Those who received his word were baptized, and approximately three thousand souls were added that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and FELLOWSHIP, breaking bread and praying together. Awe filled every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles. All who believed were united and shared everything in common. They sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to those in need. Day by day, they attended the temple together and shared meals in their homes. They received their food with joy and generosity, praising God and being well-liked by everyone. The Lord continued to add to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Doubtless, Christians’ fellowship is a partnership that involves sharing God’s grace. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Galatians 6:6-7, stating that those who learn the word should share all good things with those who teach. He warns against deception, emphasizing that whatever one sows, they will reap. In this partnership, servants of God’s word and learners are equal partners in the ministry. It is crucial to not shortchange each other but to share all good things. Hebrews 13:16 further underscores this principle, encouraging us not to neglect doing good and sharing what we have, as such sacrifices are pleasing to God. The same truth about fellowship is evident in Romans 15:26-27 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Next passage, “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of TAKING PART in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5)
In the context of Corinthians, the same Greek word for fellowship and partnership was translated “taking part.” This implies that fellowship requires involvement and, once again, a genuine concern for the common good.
Next, consider Ephesians 3:8-10, the apostle Paul said, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the PLAN of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
In this passage, koinōnia refers to God’s plan that enables Christians to grasp the truths of His mystery. This passage serves as a call for a deeper understanding of God’s word. As Paul explained in Romans, “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!’” (Romans 10:14-15) Christians are called to honor those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Jesus Christ declared, “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 13:20) Be cautious not to reject or malign those who faithfully serve God’s word.
As you can see, fellowship isn’t just about spending time together. It does not simply involve playing games, eating together, but more importantly, sharing each other’s burdens, studying, and understanding God’s word.
In John’s epistle, he declared, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have FELLOWSHIP with us; and indeed our FELLOWSHIP is with the Father and with His son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1-3)
John emphasizes that genuine Christian fellowship cannot be devoid of God’s truth. Christians can only be in fellowship with fellow believers. Paul declared, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Isn’t this truth a contradiction with our present order of the church? Are you certain you have been fellowshipping only with believers every Sunday? Isn’t that the reason so-called churches today are chaotic? In your discipleship programs, are you imparting God’s truths? Have you been diligently studying Scripture accurately? While many Christians dislike theology, it is the cornerstone of true Christian fellowship.
The Book of Revelation concludes with Christ Jesus’ final words to the church. It explains the fulfillment of all prophecy, as Scripture states, “And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also, He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ And He said to me (John), ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this inheritance, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.’” (Revelation 21:5-7)
Unfortunately, as long as Christians have diverse interpretations of God’s Word, the truthful teachings of Christ Jesus will never be universally proclaimed. However, this does not mean that we cannot know God’s truth by our own. We simply need to study the Word of God diligently.
Once more, Paul cautions Christians, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Rom 16:17-18) Mind you, Paul wasn’t referring to what has been taught today but the teachings of his generation— the Scripture.
John emphasizes the significance of adhering to God’s truth. He asserts that those who disregard Christ’s teachings do not have God. Conversely, those who remain steadfast in his teachings are blessed with the Father and the Son. Additionally, John warns against accepting individuals who bring false teachings into one’s home or offer greetings, as such actions can contribute to their wicked deeds. (See 2 John 1:9-11.)
Discipleship centered around God’s word is the true essence of discipleship. It involves learning and living in accordance with His teachings. Jesus Christ affirms, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Discipleship is not a program or strategy; it is a call to follow Jesus Christ and abide in His Word.
In John 6, after Jesus Christ unveiled truths about Himself and the purpose of His coming, His large following dwindled. Scripture stated, “When many of His disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a difficult saying; who can listen to it?’ (John 6:60). After this, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him” (John 6:66). Are we superior to Christ Jesus? Are we more adept at presenting God’s truth that we measure ministry success based on the number of people joining Christian programs? Or perhaps these programs fail to impart the challenging truths about following Jesus Christ? Perhaps these programs lack substance; they are designed to entice people rather than teach them to bear their crosses and follow Christ Jesus? Christ’s parable of the sower cannot be a mistake. Consider that only one type of soil is suitable—the one that listens to God’s word and comprehends. Perhaps Christians ought to carefully assess their programs if they have gained widespread acceptance. Verify if their programs indeed are aligned with God’s word. Christians’ ministry is never measured by numbers but by substance.
Peter’s message at Pentecost was a resounding success, attracting three thousand souls to faith. Could this number be a majority compared to the vast crowd gathered at Pentecost? Scripture declares, “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, for the Lord will carry out His sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.’ And as Isaiah predicted, ‘If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah’” (Romans 9:27-29). Paul further emphasized God’s words, stating, “So too at the present time, there is a remnant, chosen by grace” (Romans 11:5). A remnant certainly does not represent the majority; rather, it is a small remaining quantity of a total number. Do you dare say Scripture was wrong? Or perhaps, Christian ministers today are better than Jesus Christ? Instead of focusing on the ninety-nine who never realized they too were lost, let’s focus on the one sheep that was lost but has returned. Isn’t that the teachings of Christ Jesus in His parable of the lost sheep? (Luke 15:1-7)
Jesus Christ declared, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Be cautious, as the Bible, particularly in Proverbs, twice warns, “There is a way that appears to be right to a man, but its end leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)
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!
Christians have always been eagerly anticipating a better tomorrow—a day when all our earthly troubles would cease to exist. Most Christians believe this will happen upon the return of Jesus Christ.
The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, declared in Scripture, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope,” Jeremiah 29:11. This passage has been misinterpreted and misused, often falsely taught as a guarantee of material prosperity. One possible reason for this misinterpretation is the translation of the Hebrew word “shâlôm,” which means “peace or tranquility,” into “prosper” in the New International Version (NIV).
Jeremiah 1:1-2 introduces Jeremiah’s ministry, which began during the 13th year of Josiah’s reign as the king of Judah. The Bible Hub timeline suggests that Jeremiah’s ministry started around 627 B.C. and lasted for approximately 40 years. This ministry culminated in the downfall of the nation of Judah and the destruction of its capital, Jerusalem, in 586 B.C., as recorded in Jeremiah 52.
It’s fascinating to observe that, as per God’s Word in Jeremiah 29:10, the rebuilding of the temple was completed in 516 B.C., precisely seventy years after the Jews were exiled to Babylon (586 B.C.). Subsequently, the exiles returned and joyfully celebrated the dedication of God’s house (Ezra 6:14-16).
Jeremiah 29:11 therefore proclaims God’s promise of “peace” to His people, even amidst severe judgment against Judah. This may seem contradictory, but it’s not. It’s crucial to understand that God declared a seventy-year captivity and exile against the Jews as a punishment for their sin before their return and the rebuilding of the city and the temple (see Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10). In retrospect, we know that after their return and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple, most of the Jews remained unfaithful to the LORD God, breaking His Covenant (see Malachi 1:14; 3:8-9). How then do we make sense of Jeremiah 29:11? Surely, God cannot be promising one thing then failing to deliver.
Let us explore the full promise of God in Jeremiah 29:11-14.
“For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you My promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
Daniel, God’s prophet after Jeremiah’s ministry, was a young man among the exiles in Babylon (Daniel 1:1-6). After seventy years had passed, Daniel remembered Jeremiah’s prophecy of Israel’s return and yearned for its restoration (Daniel 9:1-2). He then prayed to God for mercy and the rebuilding of God’s temple (Daniel 9:17-19). However, to his dismay, God announced a second desolation of the Jewish temple before forgiveness, atonement, and restoration to God’s presence becomes a reality (Daniel 9:20-27). Notably, God used the number “seventy,” but instead of years, it was seventy prophetic weeks (Daniel 9:24), culminating in the final “week” or “one seven.” Additionally, Daniel aligned God’s judgment of Israel with that of Deuteronomy 28-31, stating, “As it is written in the Law of Moses” (Daniel 9:13) – blessings for obedience, and God’s curse for disobedience.
I won’t delve into explaining Daniel 9:24-27 because it would significantly extend the length of this blog post. However, it’s important to remember that all prophecies will be fulfilled when the “abomination of desolation” spoken by Daniel has come to pass (Dan 9:26-27; Matt 24:15). Interestingly, Jesus Christ specifically predicted that the event would occur when the temple was destroyed, emphasizing its finality (Matthew 23:36-38; 24:2-3, 14-21). The second and final destruction of the Jewish temple was future both to Daniel and at the time of the incarnate Jesus Christ. Check out two key verses from Matthew 24:14-21.
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),” Matthew 24:15 says. Without a doubt, Jesus was referring to Daniel 9:24-27. Of utmost importance, Jesus declared, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, and never will be,” Matthew 24:21, a reference to Daniel 12. This declaration highlights the end of the Old Covenant Israel.
As I have mentioned earlier, the desolation of the temple occurred in 70 A.D. Understand also that though there was a return of the Jews in 1948, unlike the first return, the temple was never rebuilt. Without the temple, the Jews ceased to be God’s people. God has removed His dwelling presence from Old Covenant Israel.
So back to Jeremiah 29:12-13, God next declared, “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.” Interestingly, Jesus Christ spoke the reverse to the unbelieving Jewish religious leaders. See John 7:33-34. “Jesus then said, ‘I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to Him who sent Me. You will seek Me and you will not find Me. Where I am you cannot come.’”
Now, comparing Jeremiah 29:12-13 with that of Isaiah 65:24, God declared, “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” It’s the same comforting assurance saying that God now hears—an exact contrast to God’s pronouncement of judgment against Israel, that even if they call upon the LORD, He would not listen. See Jeremiah 11:11 & 14:11-12; Isaiah 1:15; Ezekiel 8:17-18; Micah 3:4; Zechariah 7:13-14; Luke 13:24-28; all spoken against Old Covenant Israel.
Finally, see Jeremiah 29:14, God said, “I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” From where were the Jews exiled? Jerusalem, isn’t it? Amazingly, Isaiah 65 spoke of a New Jerusalem, which was also spoken by John in Revelation.
Once again, let’s compare Isaiah 65:17-19 with that of Revelation 21:1-4. In Isaiah, God said, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth … I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; NO MORE SHALL BE HEARD IN IT THE SOUND OF WEEPING AND THE CRY OF DISTRESS.” Now in Revelation 21:1-4, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God … HE WILL WIPE AWAY EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES, AND DEATH SHALL BE NO MORE, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE MOURNING, NOR CRYING, NOR PAIN ANYMORE, for the former things have passed away.”
Aren’t both passages expressing the idea of “peace and tranquility”? Precisely God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11. Reading from the Christian Standard Bible, it says, “For I know the plans I have for you”— this is the LORD’s declaration —“plans for your well-being [Shâlôm, meaning peace in the Hebrew language], not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Therefore, in Jeremiah 29:14, God’s promise of return isn’t about the physical land of Jerusalem, but the heavenly one. The Jewish return and rebuilding of the temple during the time of Nehemiah, Zerubbabel and Ezra fell short of fulfilling God’s promise. Now, consider this: in Revelation, John was in the tribulation, exiled to Patmos (Rev 1:9), as prophesied by Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:9-21 to His apostles. He foresaw the imminent arrival of God’s New Heaven and New Earth, the heavenly Jerusalem, as well as the passing of the Old Covenant Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2). Therefore, Jeremiah 29:11-14, Isaiah 65:17-25, and Revelation 21-22 all spoke about the time of the New Creation.
Do we still see the Jewish temple standing in Jerusalem? The Dome of Rock now stands at the very site of the former Herod’s temple-a restoration and expansion of Zerubbabel’s second temple. This was the temple where Jesus taught the Scripture occasionally, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D., just as prophesied by Christ Jesus, therefore bringing to an end the Jewish Age (click and read Matthew 23:36-24:3; 24:14-21).
See Luke’s account concerning God’s vengeance against Israel and its desolation. “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.” (Luke 21:20-22)
The desolation of Jerusalem marked the end of the Old Covenant Israel-the Jewish age. As Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old had passed away; behold, the the new has come.” Undoubtedly, Christians now experience the blessings of God’s New Covenant. While we may still encounter challenges worldwide, we should keep the peace of God—that is, our belief and faith, knowing that He holds our future in His hands. In reality, our tomorrow is already here; Christ Jesus has conquered the curse of Adam’s fall. All we need to do is persevere in our faith, regardless of our current temporal circumstances.
Truly ironic that modern Christianity has been teaching the reverse. They insist the Jews continue to be God’s people despite them denying Christ Jesus. To justify their teachings, they invented a future coming of Jesus Christ and a second grace for Israel, contradicting everything that Paul had taught in Romans 9-11; Galatians 3-5, and his many other letters. I surmise this happened because Christians fail to study the Bible. Instead of delving into Scripture, they chose to study from men’s writings. Rather than exegeting the Scripture, they chose to study Bible commentaries. Keep in mind that only the Bible is inerrant; all else has erred.
With the arrival of the New Heaven and the New Earth, God’s New Covenant finally became a full reality. Revelation 21:22-23 said, “And I [John the Beloved] saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” In John 2:19, the incarnate Jesus Christ declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” to which John later explained in his Gospel, “But He [Jesus Christ] was speaking about the temple of His body (John 2:21)”. The apostle Paul then explained the church was the body of Christ Jesus, see Ephesians 2:19-22. “So then you [Gentile Christians] are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints [1st Century Jewish Converts to Christianity] and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets [Scripture, both Old and New Testament], Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
With the coming of Christ Jesus, Galatians told us there is no longer distinctions between Jews and Gentiles. All that are in Christ Jesus are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to His promise. Click and read Galatians 3:25-29. So why does Modern Christianity insist that Jews today remains to be people of God? Aren’t they digressing from the true message of the Gospel?
Incidentally, for proper biblical ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church), understand that only Christ Jesus builds His Church and no one else. The incarnate Jesus Christ declared in Matthew 16:18, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock, I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Hades not having power over the Church means death no longer has power over the Church. Therefore, salvation and eternal life have become a reality, not just a promise. Christ Jesus is the Rock, not Peter; click and read 1Co 10:4.
Jesus Christ promised His disciples “peace” before His betrayal, crucifixion, and death. See John 14:27, where Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Doesn’t this imply that believing in Christ Jesus is the key to finding peace even in difficult times? The same “peace” that Paul urges Christians to have in his letter to the Philippians (see Philippians 4:6-7). Therefore, in Scripture, “peace” is synonymous with faith and belief. In other words, Christians cannot claim faith and belief without experiencing God’s peace. That is, trusting Him that everything will be well because He is in control.
Jeremiah 29:11 is God’s promise of peace fulfilled through Christ Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and return, completing therefore His New Covenant. Yes, Jesus has already secured our future, and it’s here now for all who believe in Him. To truly comprehend this, we must cultivate faith and trust in His word, as He consistently communicated through 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!
Although others may teach about a possible chance even after death, the Bible is unequivocal that our sole opportunity for salvation lies in this present life or existence. Jesus Christ, through a parable, imparted this profound truth.
“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31)
Here are some detailed facts:
After death, both Lazarus and the rich man found themselves in Hades. Hades was the place of death before God’s final judgment at the coming of Christ Jesus (as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:10, John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:11-14, and so on).
The rich man, who had lived luxuriously and cared little for Lazarus’ destitute state, ended up in the place of torment. In contrast, Lazarus, despite being poor, was also in Hades but in a blissful state, in Abraham’s bosom.
Perhaps you might ask, “Why did Lazarus find himself in a state of bliss? Was it simply because he was poor?” The answer to that question wasn’t explicitly stated in the story, but rather in the context of the parable. See Luke 16:13-16:
Jesus Christ said, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed Him. And He (Jesus) said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”
The parable was spoken in response to the Pharisees’ hardness of heart. They refused God’s offer of salvation because they had much to give up—they were lovers of money. Consequently, by inference, Lazarus, despite having no riches, was dependent on God’s mercy and trusted in His grace, which explains why he ended up in Abraham’s side. Keep in mind that Abraham was the father of faith, as Paul states in Romans 4:9-12. Therefore, by implication, Lazarus also, lived in faith.
Hoping that this simple explanation would clear out myths about death and heaven. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, said, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)
Easton’s Bible Dictionary explain: According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens,
(a) The firmament, as “fowls of the heaven” (Gen 2:19; Gen 7:3, Gen 7:23; Psa 8:8, etc.), “the eagles of heaven” (Lam 4:19), etc.
(b) The starry heavens (Deu 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mat 24:29).
(c) “The heaven of heavens,” or “the third heaven” (Deu 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Psa 115:16; Psa 148:4; 2Co 12:2).
Clearly, at the time of Paul, heaven remained inaccessible to man. He was only privileged to glimpse a vision of heaven even before Christ had returned.
Furthermore, in Christ’s parable, Jesus made it clear that there was a vast chasm between the realms of the living and the dead, and no one from either side could cross over. Therefore, after death, the destination of people was sealed, and they were only waiting for the final judgment. Hence, the idea of praying for the dead is nowhere in the Bible.
Jesus asserted that no one would be permitted to return to the realm of the living after death. Christ further explained that even those who had been informed about His resurrection would ultimately end up in the place of torment in Hades because they had failed to believe the teachings of Moses and the Prophets—a reference to the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus, speaking about His resurrection, said, “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, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44)
The entire Bible is about Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful not to reject His Word.
Yes, God’s offer of salvation through Christ Jesus is a second chance. Better yet, a limited chance because it is only valid while we are still alive. Once we die, our time is up. Go, therefore, and share the Gospel with your loved ones, family, and friends. Knowing that it’s their chance of a lifetime.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
One of the many incredible prophecies of Christ Jesus could be that of His death and resurrection. In Matthew 12:38, when challenged for a sign, Jesus stated, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).
In John 2:19, again being asked for a sign, Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). John explained that Jesus was talking about the temple of His body (John 2:21)
The resurrection of Jesus after three days and three nights in the grave is clearly a central proof that He indeed was the Christ. Sadly, however, the modern church has diminished Christ Jesus’ declaration by insisting on a Friday death and burial, and a Sunday resurrection. This fascination with Sunday has no roots in the early church; rather, it’s a modern concept. Tracing its beginning almost always leads back to the time of Constantine. When politics and religion intermingle, there is always a risk. Christians should remember that Jesus Christ declared to the Jewish religious leaders, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36).
It is indeed difficult to pinpoint the exact day Jesus was crucified. However, if He was to be the sacrificial lamb acceptable to God, He must have fulfilled Scripture. The slaying of the Passover lamb has always occurred on the 14th of Nisan, regardless of the day of the week. On the 15th of Nisan, that is always a special or high Sabbath (John 19:31; Leviticus 23:6-8). Christ’s body was hurriedly placed in the burial site before dusk, just before the special or high Sabbath, as no work can be done on a Sabbath (John 19:40-42).
Since the 14th and 15th of Nisan can fall on different days, similar to how our birthdays shift each year due to the calendar cycle, the number of days between Passover and the Feast of Firstfruits will vary annually. Considering that Jesus Christ was fulfilling His prophecy of three days and three nights, these must be the exact days in between required to fulfill that prophecy.
The Feast of Firstfruits, however, cannot occur on just any day; it always takes place on the first regular Sabbath following the High Sabbath or the 15th of Nisan. Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not occur on a Sunday but rather on a regular Sabbath. Refer to Leviticus 23:10-11:
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and harvest its crops, you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the (15th of Nisan) Sabbath, the priest shall wave it.’” Hence, Paul refers to Jesus Christ as the firstfruits in 1 Corinthians 15:23.
As I have explained, during the Passover festival week, there would be two Sabbaths: the special or high Sabbath (15th of Nisan) and the regular Sabbath. Leviticus 23:10-11 refers to the day (or Sabbath) after the high or special Sabbath. How do I know this for sure? Because the following festival, the Feast of Weeks (commonly known as Pentecost), is counted starting from the day the wave offering of Firstfruits has been presented, which is the regular Sabbath. See Leviticus 23:15-16:
“You shall count seven full weeks from the day (Sabbath) after the Sabbath (15th of Nisan), starting from the day (Sabbath) you brought the sheaf for the wave offering. You will count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the LORD.”
Contrary to common Christian teachings and traditions, Pentecost always falls on a Sabbath, not a Sunday. This distinction is significant for Jewish people. As a result, many modern Christians’ emphasis on Sunday observance has led Jews to reject Jesus Christ and the Gospel, as they believe Jesus did not fulfill Scripture.
So here lies the cause of confusion: modern Christians have been observing the traditions of men rather than adhering to Scripture. Don’t we Christians realize that the words of Jesus Christ, spoken against the Jewish religious leaders, are very much applicable to our discussion here? See Mark 7:6-8:
“Jesus said, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ‘You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.’”
Whenever Christians neglect Scripture and follow the traditions of men, we misread and misapply the Bible. To further prove my point, let’s look at New Testament accounts concerning the resurrection. See Mark 16:1-2:
“When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.”
Mark referred to two Sabbaths in his narrative. Here, the first one is correctly translated into English as “Sabbath,” pointing to the special or high Sabbath. The second, which is translated as “first day of the week,” actually refers to the first regular weekly Sabbath. A quick check on an interlinear Bible would show both terms, “Sabbath” and “week,” were derive from the Greek word #4522, “sabbaton.”
Mary Magdalene and the other women visited the empty tomb on the regular Sabbath, not on a Sunday. This misinterpretation may have arisen during the time of Constantine, as the Romans had an affinity for the Sun God, Sol Invictus. I encourage you to conduct your own research on this topic.
Jesus Christ fulfilled three of the feasts outlined in Leviticus 23. As I mentioned in a previous post, these festivals served as rehearsals, anticipating the coming of the Messiah. This explains the excitement of the Jews when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey (John 12:12-15).
The three festivals are the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread (crucifixion), and the Feast of Firstfruits (resurrection). Please see Scripture for confirmation.
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8: “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Jesus Christ was the Passover lamb; through His sacrifice and offering, He made all who believe in Him righteous (unleavened) in God’s sight.
Furthermore, Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 15:23: “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.”
Without a doubt, Paul referred to Christ’s resurrection as the fulfillment of the Feast of Firstfruits, thus designating Jesus as the firstfruits.
Before I conclude this discussion, I want to highlight what Luke’s Gospel reveals about the expectations of the Jews, particularly Jewish Christians. You can find this in Luke 24:13-27. In this account, the risen Lord Jesus Christ first listened to the conversation of two of His disciples before engaging with them. One of the disciples expressed their hopes by saying, “But we had hoped that He (Jesus) was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened” (Luke 24:21).
Christ’s resurrection comes with the certainty that He would be buried for three days and three nights before rising from the dead. The Jewish religious leaders understood the significance of Jesus fulfilling His prophecy, which is why they placed guards outside the tomb to prevent any human intervention. You can find this account in Matthew 27:62-65. Ultimately, Jesus rose from the dead exactly as He had predicted—”on the third day.”
The purpose of sharing this information is not to confuse or cause discord among Christians. Instead, it aims to educate, clarify, and explain the truths of Scripture, so that Christians may find unity in their faith. Also, it serves to affirm inerrancy of the New Testament Scripture.
Many Christians may easily dismiss this discussion by saying, “Oh, it’s a small thing. The important thing is that I believe in Jesus.” However, we must remember that Christ Jesus warned us to be careful not to become a stumbling block for others in their faith. We live in an age where information is readily available, but both falsehoods and truths are prevalent on the internet. Those who evaluate, study, and scrutinize the Bible alongside Christian claims and practices often choose not to engage with Christianity due to inconsistencies in its teachings, claims, and practices.
Each Christian is a defender of the faith. While being unable to explain God’s word is one issue, being part of the misrepresentation is another matter entirely. It’s essential to recognize that our belief in Christ Jesus comes with a responsibility to others. Jesus Christ and the apostles warned us about the consequences of causing others to stumble in their faith.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16). We Christians possess immense power. Isn’t it often said, “With great power comes great responsibility”? This is the story of Jesus Christ presented in the Gospels from the Feast of Passover to that of the Firstfruits. We know Jesus is the Christ because He fulfilled 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!
Jesus Christ in John 10 proclaims, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). This declaration echoes Ezekiel 34:11, where the Lord God declares, “Behold, I, I Myself will search for My sheep and will seek them out.”
Christ Jesus came to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-18). If He had arrived and left other Old Testament Scriptures unfulfilled for millennia, then His Word would have been deemed incomplete. However, Christ Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-5, 14-18), and He has undoubtedly fulfilled all His promises. Therefore, it is our responsibility to reconcile His teachings with our own.
Being ridiculed by the religious leaders of Israel for mingling with sinners and tax-collectors, Jesus Christ then told them two parables:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:4-10)
In Christ’s parable, the lost sheep represents the sinners and tax collectors who are seeking salvation through His words and teachings. If Jesus Christ fulfills the prophecy in Ezekiel 34 as the Shepherd of God’s flock, then it follows that those who oppose Him and His message are false shepherds.
If God condemned the false shepherds of the Old Testament, would He not do the same today for pastors who do not guide people to His Word?
Christianity centers on God’s Word. Men’s traditions have no authority over God’s Word. Christ Jesus and His Word is the final arbiter of faith and truth.
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!
At its inception, Christianity was not divided. Scripture states, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). Here, Paul refers to the church as the “body” (Ephesians 1:22-23). However, today we see Christians divided among themselves. Why is this the case? Is it solely due to differences in doctrine? Many Christians tend to avoid discussing theological doctrines in order to maintain the unity of the church.
The real issue is not doctrine itself, but rather false doctrines. This concern is echoed in the letters of Paul, Peter, and other New Testament writers. Therefore, Christians should study the Bible to understand the true doctrines of Scripture and achieve unity in faith. This is precisely the goal of our ministry: to teach Christians how to rightly interpret the Word of God.
Unfortunately, many pastors, despite their seminary training, choose to adhere to the writings of men. It is essential for all Christians to agree that the Bible is the only book inspired by God, inerrant, and the sole source of truth for faith. If God’s workers continue down this path, it is not surprising that Christianity remains fragmented, incohesive, and divided.
I was once told, “Pastor, your ministry might not interest a lot of people.” However, we are not seeking a large audience, but rather individual Christians who are eager to deepen their understanding of Scripture. The apostle Paul instructed, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Christians, do not settle for simply listening and hearing. Be like the Bereans; learn to verify teachings against Scripture. Paul warned, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).
Scripture also states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Follow Jesus Christ and His Word—He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
If Christians are united in their faith, there should be minimal conflict. But it has to be the right doctrine and faith. Our ministry’s goal is to strengthen and unify that faith. However, we recognize that this is not always easy, especially within a congregation. Jesus Christ didn’t convert five thousand people at once; He initially started with twelve, one of whom would betray Him. Therefore, it is important to start with individuals or a small group and allow growth to happen naturally.
Jesus Christ told a parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Mat 13:31-32)
Paul teaches, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1Co 3:6)
Pastors and Christians need to understand that we are not tasked with building the church; rather, we are called to equip people with the Word of God. It is Christ Jesus alone who builds His church, as stated in Mattew 16:18. Scripture said, “So then you (that is, Gentile believers) are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints (Jewish Christians) and members of the household of God (the church), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Scripture, both New & Old), Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Eph 2:19-22)
Numbers do not mean anything to God; rather, it is the quality and character of His people that matters.
The Bible teaches, “After this many of His (Jesus Christ’s) 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.”” (Jhn 6:66-70)
At the end of the day, only those who are truly converted and understand the Scripture well will continue to live in faith and spread the 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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
In John 9, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:2-3)
What did Jesus mean by “the works of God”? In John 6:29, we see that the work of God is for people to believe in Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.
John 9 is not solely about miracles and healings; rather, John emphasizes that these events are signs of Christ Jesus (John 20:30-31). Before Christ’s coming, the Jews experienced four hundred years of silence from God—where no miracles or words were spoken (What were the 400 years of silence? | GotQuestions.org; I disagree with the last sentence on this site. To understand why, visit my blog site https://unlearningtraditionrelearningscripture.com). Malachi foretold that Israel should anticipate the arrival of a forerunner preceding the coming of Christ Jesus (Malachi 3:1-5; 4:1-6). Thus, the signs performed by Christ announced His arrival (John 7:31). Although recognized by the religious leaders, they ultimately rejected Jesus, misleading Israel and condemning Him to the cross (John 11:47-48).
Are we faithfully bringing Jesus Christ to the awareness of others? Is our teaching about Jesus Christ aligned with Scripture? As Christians, are we living lives that reflect God’s grace?
We must always be vigilant about what we teach. It is essential to convey only the truths found in Scripture. Paul warned against those who teach about another Jesus or another Gospel (Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)
Let us learn only from the Word of God and not from men. Jesus Christ told a parable: “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 fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40)
True teaching of God’s Word is only truly learned when one is thoroughly trained in it. While reading men’s writings can sometimes be helpful, it should always be approached with discernment and discretion. We must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of others, as this could lead us to mislead those we teach. If that happens, can we still claim to be doing the work of God, which is to lead people to believe in Jesus Christ?
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Not everyone has the privilege of inheriting great wealth from parents or the like. Yes, everyone likes an easy and comfortable life. But not everyone will win the lottery and become an instant millionaire. Some worked hard, sacrificing themselves to build a fortune but with an unfortunate cost. Never allow yourselves to be caught flat-footed.
Jesus Christ said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
Life can be simple and yet enjoyable. You don’t need to have a fancy house or car. Just work for a decent living. Enough to sustain your everyday needs, extras for simple pleasures, and a little bit more for personal and emergency savings.
The Bible said, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11)
Scripture also states, “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” (Proverbs 10:22)
Trust and rely on God’s grace and faithfulness. It’s better to rent an apartment and avoid unnecessary financial strain. While buying a property for the long term may seem desirable and ideal, it’s inherently risky. Only invest in real estate when you can pay for it in cash or with a short-term loan. Remember, no one can predict the future, especially in the long run. A sudden illness or an unexpected tragedy could easily derail your financial plans. Consider the second-hand car market. There are many unpaid loans, so cars are piled up in bank storehouses. And that’s just for a five-year loan.
Once again, Jesus Christ teaches against the desire for earthly wealth, emphasizing that the land of a wealthy man yielded abundant crops. Concerned about where to store his surplus, he decided to demolish his barns and construct larger ones. He envisioned himself saying to his soul, “Soul, you have accumulated ample goods for many years; relax, enjoy, and be merry.” However, God rebuked him, saying, “Fool! Tonight, your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared belong to God.” This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions, as those who accumulate treasure for themselves are not truly rich toward God. (Luke 12:16-21)
Don’t let material wealth deplete your spiritual well-being. Appearances can be misleading. Not everyone living in luxurious mansions or high-end communities is financially secure. Many, if not most, are burdened by substantial debts. Even those who appeared to be millionaires often left behind a legacy of financial obligations.
Life is fleeting, and children grow up rapidly. Cherish your marriage and seize the opportunity to guide your children toward independence, responsibility, and a deep faith in God. Recognize that genuine societal transformation is impossible if families and individuals are fundamentally corrupt. Change begins with us individually. Initiate positive change with your spouse. Commit to discarding unproductive traits or habits that contradict the teachings of Scripture. Only then can both parents impart the same values to their children. As spiritually healthy family sizes increase, sustainable change within society can be initiated numerically, and so on.
Not everyone has found a suitable partner in their faith. However, Christians are called to bear their cross and follow Jesus Christ. Refer to Matthew 10:34-38 for further insight. The Lord Jesus Christ declared, “Do not believe that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to divide a person against their father, a daughter against their mother, and a daughter-in-law against their mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those within their own household. Whoever loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves their son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever refuses to take their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
Was Jesus rude or emotionally detached? No, He wasn’t. Understand that Adam loved Eve more than God, which led him to transgress God’s covenant (Hosea 6:7; Genesis 3:6; 17; 1Tim 2:14). As a creation of God, both male and female, humans were designed to have children and propagate life (Genesis 1:27). Loving created things, including spouses, children, or any human relationship, over God is detestable to Him (Romans 1:18-25; Matthew 10:34-38). It’s important to note that the Bible didn’t teach us to hate each other; instead, Christians should love God above all things (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:28-31).
See also the Bible’s teaching on spouses, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of His body. “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:22-33)
Therefore, be cautious not to misrepresent biblical teachings. God’s purpose is to redeem His creation from corruption. However, the complexity of life and human relationships often hinder this process. In response, Christ Jesus challenges and calls on Christians to prioritize holding onto Him. Afterward, trust God’s grace to also work on your loved ones. As Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).” This doesn’t imply that God will magically make your spouse, children, and loved ones believe in Christ Jesus. Instead, now that you’re a Christian, you may influence them through your life and actions to also believe in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 3:1-2).
Jesus Christ, in His teaching about His kingdom and its growth, said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” (Matthew 13:31-33)
Every Christian is mandated with the task of expanding God’s kingdom. But hypocrisy, deceptions, and lies within Christianity have complicated the proclamation of the Gospel.
So let us be Christians first and through and through. Then our Gospel message would be attractive to the lost. So Jesus Christ said, “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:29-34)
In that passage, Jesus Christ was teaching about maintaining the right focus and faith in God. Many professing Christians were completely taken aback by Christ’s command to “sell everything and give it to the needy” during His encounter with the wealthy young ruler (Matthew 19:21; Luke 18:22). Their downfall was their inability to comprehend the heart of Jesus Christ. It all boils down to the focus of our hearts. No one can genuinely desire to love both God and money and be a true Christian. Jesus Christ made it clear, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
So that is also why Scripture teaches, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
Faith and carvings for money simply cannot go together. Instead, the Bible teaches “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5), and again Scripture says, “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:6-8)
Keep the faith, trusting God not only for your salvation, but more so, concerning the lesser things, our provision for life. Because Jesus Christ said “So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
In conclusion, abandon your pursuit of trivial matters in life. Instead, focus on the most significant aspect of life: the salvation of our souls. Peter, the apostle of Christ Jesus, said, “Though you have not seen Him [Christ Jesus], you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” ( 1 Peter 1:8-9)
The Christian life revolves around faith and living in accordance with it. Never let temporary setbacks in life derail your path. Focusing excessively on minor matters diverts you from the true Christian walk, making it risky and potentially dangerous.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Can a Christian claim to believe in Jesus Christ and yet be ignorant of His Word? This is the paradox of modern Christianity.
As John 1:14-18 and John 1:1 make clear, Jesus Christ is the Word. Therefore, a person can’t claim to believe in Jesus Christ and not know His Word. Some have even rejected the teachings of the Bible while simultaneously claiming to be Christians.
Shouldn’t Christians always be honest and straightforward? If someone hasn’t converted yet, we shouldn’t call them Christians. Attending a Sunday gathering doesn’t automatically make someone a Christian, and neither does water baptism if there’s no genuine conversion.
In their efforts to fill up Sunday gatherings, Christians have been misguided in their approach to growing the body of believers. Instead of sharing the Scripture and teaching people the truth first, they’ve prioritized bringing people to join Sunday gatherings. Many times without clear confirmations, they rush them into baptism without ensuring that they’ve truly converted to Christ Jesus and His Word.
True Christianity requires a deep understanding of the Word of God. We should not rush people into baptism or joining a Sunday gathering but rather share the Scripture with them until they demonstrate full submission to Jesus Christ and His Word.
In reality, as I have discussed in my other blog “Sunday Cliché”, modern Christianity has blended together Christians and nominal Christians. Aren’t you then dangerously exposing new Christians to “wolves in sheep’s clothing”?
Conversion into Christianity is a process. It is not like buying somebody a ticket and sending the person for a ride. Recognize that time is essential for studying the Scripture so that we can fully comprehend God’s Word and grow in our faith. Patiently guide a person to Christ Jesus. If you’re not equipped to teach, then you ought to learn first the fundamentals of the faith. The apostle Paul told Timothy, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also (2Ti 2:1-2)”. That, and that alone, is the true essence of discipleship.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if someone is a Christian is by observing how they respond to life’s challenges and temptations. If they demonstrate a genuine commitment to Christ and His Word, then they are truly a Christian. As the saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
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!
You may also want to read “The Sufficiency of the Gospel”.
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 