Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: faith

  • Hymns or Contemporary Christian Music?

    Some Christian congregations argue that hymns should be sung during gatherings, not contemporary music. Is there really a basis for such contention? Three times in the New Testament, Paul spoke about hymns; Ephesians 5:19 & Colossians 3:16.

    “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” (Ephesians 5:19)

    “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

    The third was in Acts: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, was the authority behind Luke; he wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts.

    Yes, all of the New Testament writings have apostolic authority. The same may be said of Hebrews, though modern Bible scholars debate over its authorship. Keep in mind Peter’s statement: “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Though Peter here refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, are we to believe that the New Testament Scriptures are not of divine inspiration? Here is Paul’s testimony that he received divine inspiration from Jesus Christ:

    “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12)

    John also, attested that his writings was of divine inspiration from Jesus Christ:

    “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servants (i.e. John and the rests) the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.” (Revelation 1:1-2)

    Note: ScriptureDirect, a Greek linguistic tool, clearly distinguishes between “servants” and “his servant John”. The former is described as a plural noun, while the latter is singular. Here’s the link to download the app.

    Peter also implied that his letters were divinely inspired. See 2 Peter 3:15-16, “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.” (2 Peter 3:15-16)

    Now, the hymns that some Christians ascribe to are not the hymns that Paul referred to. By hymns, Paul referred to the Psalms in the Bible, which are of divine inspiration. Inerrant and prophetic, they speak about the coming of the Christ or Messiah, or the Messianic kingdom. All hymns written outside the Scripture were authored from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and after the Reformation. 

    Modern Christian songwriters, like their secular counterparts, draw inspiration from their personal experiences and observations. Theology also significantly influences their songwriting. It’s important to note that no Christian would contest that no post-AD 70 Christian songwriters can claim the inerrancy of their lyrics, unlike those of the Psalms in the Bible. Hebrews 1:1-2 states, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” This implies that Jesus Christ holds the final revelation of God.

    A thorough examination of all the New Testament Scriptures reveals that none of its writings mention the fall of Jerusalem as a historical event. Instead, they emphasize that God’s judgment is imminent and about to be fulfilled at the time of their writings. Since all Scripture was written before A.D. 70, the fall of Jerusalem, a pivotal event that could not have escaped the writings of the New Testament, it is evident that all New Testament Scripture was composed before this date. For further clarification, please refer to this link, which explains that even Revelation was written before the fall of Jerusalem, contrary to the 90s suggestion made by some modern biblical scholars who relied on the writings of early church fathers from the second century of Christianity. None of them were infallible; a quick online search would easily reveal how they contradicted facts. For instance, Irenaeus’ book, ironically titled “Against Heresies,” Book two, chapter 22, claims that Jesus lived to be around 50 years old before His crucifixion. This is a clear contradiction of Scripture. Luke 3:23 explicitly states that Jesus was 30 years old when He began His ministry. According to the accounts of the John’s Gospel, which count the Passover Feasts He was present to and His crucifixion, His ministry lasted approximately 3.5 years. Modern Bible scholars have relied on Irenaeus’ writings to suggest that John wrote Revelation in the 90s. So, who should we believe: the Bible or Irenaeus? Should we rely on the internal evidence of Revelation or Irenaeus?

    Now, back to our topic, are hymns outside the Bible more reliable and truthful to the Scripture than modern Christian music? I would say it’s a case-by-case basis, or maybe not. Am I suggesting that we ought not to listen to modern hymns and contemporary Christian music? No, I am not. 

    Modern hymns and contemporary Christian music are no different from personal testimonies of conversion narratives to the faith. They are not universal to all; we came to faith in different ways, but should have one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:5-6). 

    Why don’t Christians simply agree to disagree for the time being regarding modern hymns and contemporary Christian music? Let’s prioritize learning from the Bible, which is of utmost importance. As stated in Ephesians 5:25-26, by faith, we have been sanctified, cleansed, and washed for Christ Jesus. By studying the Scriptures, we can individually grow in our understanding of God’s Word. Consequently, we will be able to discern which modern hymns and contemporary Christian music are not aligned with the Scriptures.

    The same process should be experienced by each individual Christian. We all ought to grow in faith.  Paul states, “And Christ gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head — Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-15)

    We no longer have the apostles with us. And I will argue that neither do we have prophets because Jesus already came. He spoke God’s revelation to us, which are now in our Bibles. Perhaps we still have evangelists, pastors, and teachers, but all of whom should be known and verified by their teachings and lives. Jesus Christ declares, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

    Discern carefully, have you learned from the Rock, no other but Jesus Christ? Be careful not to be part of those who sought the wide gate (Matt 7:13-20), instead of the narrow gate, the way of Christ (John 14:6-7). Christ Jesus may no longer be with us physically, but His presence can be learned and experienced through the Scriptures. Paul states, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

    Again Paul declares, we ought not to seek things that can be seen but the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Once we have learned to be guided by the things unseen, that is by faith in Christ Jesus, then unlike Adam, nothing in this world can entice you to forsake God. 

    So, should we focus on hymns or contemporary Christian music? Let’s not get bogged down by trivial matters. Instead, let’s focus on the Word of God, and we’ll no longer be concerned with such things. Only then can we truly serve Jesus Christ. Remember Christ’s words, “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14)

    Peter , in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references. Freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribing directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!

  • Change for the Better

    As I study the Bible, I realized Christians have misunderstood the doctrine of “election” as the selective picking and choosing act of God, rather than God’s mercy and grace. Let us take a look at Paul’s words in Romans regarding the fate of Old Covenant Israel.

    “But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: ‘About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.’ And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’ What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” (Romans 9:6-18)

    Paul’s quotation from Exodus 33:19, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion (Romans 9:15),” provides context for explaining God’s election. The Old Testament stories serve as narratives that illustrate God’s redemptive works. Recall that Israel was destined for destruction at Mount Sinai, and God’s presence should no longer be with them (Exodus 32:30-33:3). However, upon Moses’ pleas, God extended grace and mercy to Israel through His election. See Paul’s confirmation on Romans 9:16, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

    The doctrine of election has caused considerable division, confusion, and arrogance among its followers. However, election was an act of God’s mercy and grace, not a selective process of choosing individuals for salvation, as it has been misinterpreted in modern Christianity. How did God’s mercy manifest in Old Covenant Israel?

    Paul asserts, “For Christ is the end of the (i.e., Mosaic) law for righteousness to everyone (i.e., both Jew and Gentile) who believes.” (Romans 10:4) In Galatians, Paul further explains, “So then, the law was our (i.e., Israel’s) guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24) Finally, Paul concludes, “Therefore, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) So he went on to state, “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:18)

    The Book of Acts proves the Gospel reached the end of the then-known world of the Jew-the Empire of Rome. Paul was imprisoned in Rome preaching the Gospel to both Jew and Gentile (Acts 28:17-31). Doubtless then, God’s declaration in Acts 1:8 was fulfilled and documented by Luke, bringing to a conclusion, therefore, Christ’s Word concerning the end of Old Covenant Israel. Jesus Christ states:

    “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. ‘So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.’” (Matthew 24:14-21)

    If there’s any disagreement with Christ’s declaration and its fulfillment, let the Word of God stand as a witness, not man. Luke, in writing a parallel account of Christ’s declaration, states:

    “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. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:20-24)

    “Times of the Gentiles” refers to the end of Gentiles lording over God’s people. God told Daniel about this:

    “And in the days of those kings (i.e. fourth kingdom of “iron and clay”, see Daniel 2:40-43) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”” (Daniel 2:44-45)

    Jesus Christ fulfilled Daniel’s prophecy and is the cornerstone upon which the church is built. As stated in Matthew 16:18, “the gates of hades shall not prevail upon it.” John asserts “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36).

    Christ Jesus did not come to establish a physical kingdom, but rather a spiritual one. He declared, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) On another occasion, when the Pharisees inquired about the kingdom of God’s arrival, Jesus responded, “The kingdom of God is not coming in a manner that can be observed, nor will they proclaim, ‘Look here!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is already within you.” (Luke 17:20-21) The advent of Jesus, the Christ, signifies the manifestation of God’s kingdom. Initially, it is an “already but not yet” until Jerusalem was destroyed with finality in 70 A.D.

    God’s grace upon Old Covenant Israel was manifested through the Gospel proclamation. Paul’s quotation in Romans 10:15 declaring God’s grace and mercy on everyone who believes the Gospel was cited from Isaiah 52:7, and Nahum 1:15 which says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” Same as in Nahum, Isaiah states, “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of Him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.”

    In both Old Testament passages, the Scripture refers to Christ—”the feet of Him”—as the bearer of the Gospel. Both Isaiah and Nahum preached of a coming period of grace and mercy in the midst of God’s judgment. Paul’s quotation of Isaiah 52:7 and Nahum 1:15 was changed from “Him” to “those” because the disciples of Jesus—that’s Paul and everyone else who preaches the Gospel—preach nothing else but the Words of Christ Jesus. They are the extension and messengers of the Gospel, for as long as the Gospel was preached precisely according to Christ’s Word. See Isaiah 49:5-6:

    “And now the LORD says, He who formed Me (i.e. Jesus) from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him; and that Israel might be gathered to Him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and My God has become My strength— He says: “It is too light a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.””

    Isaiah obviously was speaking about Jesus Christ, and His Gospel is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Paul and Barnabas applied Isaiah 49:6 to themselves, see Acts 13:46-47:

    “And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you (i.e. the Jews). Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”‘”

    The same application was done for Paul’s change from “Him” to “those” in his quotation of Isaiah 52:7 and Nahum 1:15.

    Does God still elect people to salvation? Old Covenant Israel has ceased. Hebrews 8:13 states, “In speaking of a new covenant, He makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13) Israel today is just like any other person on Earth. They ceased to be God’s people without Christ. Paul states, “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh (i.e. circumcision, sign under the Mosaic Covenant). 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.” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

    So does God elect people to salvation as it has been taught today? Such teaching simply has no basis in Scripture. Again, Paul asserts, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Consequently, Paul states as well, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) The Gospel is the manifestation of God’s grace and mercy to everyone who believes. God does not arbitrarily decree some to salvation and others to damnation.

    I understand that most would find my exposition perplexing. But it is so mainly because we have been convinced to see, understand, and believe Christian teachings in its present form. True Christian doctrines are founded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, not of biblical scholars or renowned pastors or Christian figures. Paul states, “For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:4-11)

    I became a Christian and later on a pastor after the tragic passing of my only son. God amazingly turned our brokenness for His glory by turning my family and me to His Gospel. That is the reason I am seriously studying the Bible and willing to change my perspective when it’s contradicted by Scripture’s teachings. Yes, it comes with a cost. Fellow believers who hold to contemporary Christian teachings will ridicule and persecute you. But Christ did say that’s exactly what will happen once you faithfully follow Him. Jesus states, “A disciple is not above His teacher, nor a servant above His master. It is enough for the disciple to be like His teacher, and the servant like His master. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of His household” (Matthew 10:24-25). And we only have one true Teacher, no other than Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesied His coming, saying:

    “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as He hears it, He answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:18-21)

    Let us all learn from the Teacher, Jesus Christ, who is the Word (John 1:1, 14-18). During the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, God declares, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35) Have you been listening to Jesus or to the traditions of men?

    In conclusion, a change of perspective isn’t inherently negative, provided that the change aligns our faith and beliefs with Scripture. The Bible states:

    “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus interpreted to the disciples in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27)

    “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

    “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

    “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13)

    “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)

    Paul state, “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)

    The Reformation initiated by Martin Luther and others was a significant turning point in Christian history. However, it didn’t entirely restore the Bible’s teachings to its original state. We ought to make the change for the better and for good. This can only be achieved through the interpretation of Scripture by Scripture, reconciling the Old Covenant Scriptures with the New Covenant and vice versa.

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

  • The Best Testimony

    Personal conversion testimony is valid for as long as we have kept the faith. Though God remembers our actions in the past, He is more concerned about how we have kept the faith. That’s the point of Paul’s assertion saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

    Let us not gravitate to personal testimonies that never became a lifetime commitment. That’s the reason we get surprised when spiritual giants get caught in controversy. Paul states, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11:1)

    The Bible tells us, “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” (Acts 8:13)

    And yet, Simon, perhaps not being able to overcome his old self. He tried to buy from Peter the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-19). So Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” (Acts 8:20-23) 

    Our water baptisms serve as a personal testament to our repentance of sins and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Like a survey, they reflect the moment, not the end, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus. Therefore, only in hindsight can people truly validate our transformation for Christ Jesus. 

    Back when I was still in Metro Manila, I often heard this phrase on a Christian radio station: “If you are still talking about what you have done in the past, then you have not done anything new.” Christians need to constantly walk the talk and live by their faith. Once saved, always saved is only true if one has kept the faith. The best testimony you can give is your life.

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

  • What about Faith?

    Christians often find it challenging to understand God’s concept of faith. As mentioned in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This means that faith is not based on what we can immediately perceive or touch. Instead, it relies on a steadfast belief in God’s truthfulness. Therefore, we trust that He cares for us and will fulfill His wonderful purpose for our lives—our salvation. Paul emphasizes this in Romans when he states, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).

    “All things” encompasses the smaller aspects of life, such as our daily needs, in comparison to the “breath of life” that makes us living beings. Jesus Christ teaches us not to worry about these lesser things when he says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life—what you will eat or drink, or about your body—what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)

    Christians, we should prioritize the truly important matters—specifically, eternal life. We must not compromise our faith in God out of fear over a lack of resources, which can lead us to become overly focused on the pursuit of money. This is why Jesus said, “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)

    I have often found myself at a crossroad, deciding whether to follow God without knowing what lies ahead. The last time this happened was when my tenure as a pastor in a local church was unjustly ended. Although I completed my term, it was not renewed. I recall someone telling me that if I had just let things slide, I would still be the pastor of that church. However, I simply cannot compromise my faith in God and His Word. I chose to persist and trust Him to lead the way.

    Now, here I am, independently conducting Bible studies and writing about the truths concerning the faith. Just recently, I ran into one former church council member. I shared with him that stepping out to do ministry on my own has been a great blessing from God.

    Let us continuously be aware of the precious gift that God offers to everyone. As Paul states in Ephesians 2:8, salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone. Therefore, let’s persevere in our faith and diligently seek His kingdom and righteousness. Allowing a wrong to slide isn’t adhering to God’s righteousness, is it? Jesus teaches us that if we faithfully sought His kingdom and righteousness, all these other things— our daily provisions— will also be given to us (Matthew 6:33). This is essentially the message of Proverbs 10:22: “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”

    Faith in Jesus Christ is at the center of Christianity. It is inconceivable, isn’t it, to have a faithless Christianity? Consequently, Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”

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

  • Discipleship Simplified

    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!