Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: Genesis 8:21-22

  • How to Be Better in 2026

    I saw on YouTube Karen Davila asking, “What should people do to be better in 2026?” (Disclaimer: I didn’t listen to the full interview. So I am just sharing her question and not in any way agreeing or disagreeing with Pastor Peter Tanchi’s answer.) Here’s the link to that interview. 

    The answer to that question was spoken by Christ Jesus two thousand years ago, saying, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

    We live in a chaotic world, and we tend to fall into its rhythm when we pursue material things. That’s when temptation and compromises often occur. The Bible states, “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 6:10)

    People do not necessarily love money instantly, but when they covet the things of this world — like a nice house, car, and more – they realize that the pursuit of a lot of money is important.

    God has been the provider since the very beginning, after He created all things. Even when Adam sinned against God, His creative provisions remained available, but man had to work by the sweat of his brow to eat (Genesis 3:17-19). However, after the flood in Noah’s days, when God punished people for living in sin and denying His presence, He restored His blessings of the ground for provision. See Genesis 8:21-22.

    “And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in His heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.’”

    Here is one of many passages in Scripture that disproves the teaching that God will destroy all humanity a second time because of sin. Instead, God provided us with the Gospel so that everyone can have a chance to inherit eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20; Habbakuk 2:14; Revelation 14:6).

    There has never been a time when the Earth failed to provide enough for food. Scarcity, lack of food, and hunger have always been caused by mankind, not God. Just study human history. The greed of the rich, powerful, and influential has always led them to gather more than they need, leaving only a little for others. So, if we follow the ways of the world, we end up competing against ourselves. 

    Am I suggesting that we can survive without competing with others? First, we must acknowledge that God is good, true, and faithful. See Hebrews 13:5. 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.’” There is a saying that goes, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” So yes, we do not need to compete aggressively in a dog-eat-dog world. God can bless and provide for His people even in the midst of a wilderness, like Exodus.

    We need to understand what it means to live by faith. Jesus Christ teaches us to trust God because He cares about us. See Luke 12:22-24, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

    Secondly, Christ Jesus states, “Instead, seek God’s 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 12:31-34)

    We cannot be true Christians without being part of His kingdom. As subjects of Jesus Christ, our King, we are under His reign and belong to His kingdom. As King, Jesus cares for, protects, and provides for His people. The challenge for us is whether we trust God to care for, protect, and provide — not in the way the world does, but with confidence that He truly does. Living by faith is at the heart of our lives. 

    David, in Psalm 37, said, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the LORD loves justice; He will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.” (Psalms 37:25-29)

    The land mentioned in this text is not the physical land of Jerusalem, but rather the New Jerusalem described in various biblical passages, including Psalm 48, Jeremiah 31:23 referring to the New Heaven and New Earth (Jeremiah 31:31-40; Revelation 21:1-5), Hebrews 11:8-10, Hebrews 12:22-24, and Hebrews 13:8-14. This New Jerusalem is a reality experienced and understood by faith, existing in the presence of God. 

    There is much more to discuss on this topic. However, to keep this brief and to answer Karen Davila’s question, once we become Christians, there is no such thing as a good or bad year. Just look at the story of Cain and Abel. From the world’s point of view, Cain has defeated Abel by murdering him, because from the world’s perspective, the survivors are always the victors. But from God’s perspective, and according to the Bible, the victor is Abel. God avenged Abel’s death and Abel was resurrected to be in God’s presence forever. Consider these passages in Scripture:

    “You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.” (Matthew 23:33-35)

    “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.” (Hebrews 11:4)

    Both verses show that Abel was remembered by God, and he has since been enjoying God’s presence, as promised in Hebrews 11:39-40. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, states, “But when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” (1 Corinthians 13:10)

    Christ Jesus, the Son of God, will bring to completion all things when He comes.

    Paul, in Philippians, states, “And I am sure of this, that God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). The Greek word for “completion” here is synonymous with perfection. See Galatians 3:3, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” The word for “perfected” in Galatians is the same Greek word as “completion” in Philippians.

    No Christian is perfect in themselves; instead, we are being made righteous through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 1:16-17, etc). Also see Hebrews 9:11-12. 

    “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”

    When was our eternal redemption secured or perfected? See Hebrews 9:28, “So also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

    Eternal redemption and perfection mean salvation. Christ Jesus finished His work for salvation at His return, contrary to most teachings and beliefs. Therefore, eschatology, or the doctrine of the last things, is crucial and not a minor doctrine as many pastors suggest.

    This makes it clear why Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

    Jesus Christ sat on His throne after completing His death, resurrection, and ascension, and He completed and fulfilled all Scriptures with His return in judgment against Old Covenant Jerusalem (Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:20-28). Old Covenant Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans, as prophesied in Scripture. Remember that according to Daniel 2:36-45, the kingdom of heaven will arrive during the reign of the fourth Gentile kingdom over Israel. Historically and biblically, we see God fulfilling Scripture with the rise of the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and finally Rome. At no point in the Bible does it indicate that the Roman Empire would split into two parts, as some Christians today suggest, calling it the Revived Roman Empire. This is the idea of futurism, which is basically the teachings and beliefs of contemporary Christianity.

    Now, continuing on my discussion of the topic of perfection, Jesus teaches, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). Is it simply about selling everything? Oh yes, in Acts, some believers have sold everything and shared it with the early church (Acts 2:44-45). However, nowhere did Paul and the other apostles teach this. So, what’s truly the point of Christ Jesus telling the rich man to sell everything and follow Him?

    Read Matthew 19:16-26. First, Jesus made clear that perfection cannot be attained by adherence to the Mosaic law (Matthew 19:16-21; Galatians 3:10-11), but it is the work of God (Matthew 19:26; Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus Christ told him to sell everything because he loved his wealth more than God and Jesus Christ. See Matthew 19:22, the Bible reveals, “When the young man heard that, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.”

    No one can truthfully claim to follow Jesus Christ until they renounce everything and fully commit themselves to God and Christ Jesus. Hence, Jesus Christ declares, “In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33)

    Renouncing does not literally mean giving everything away. Rather, it means our money or material possessions should not come before our love for God and Jesus Christ. Scripture states, “No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

    So what’s the conclusion? Paul stated, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) 

    It’s about transformation—a shift in heart and perspective. Yes, we need money for daily needs. During times of war or financial crisis, our money can lose its value. Land, gold, and other precious metals? If there’s civil war, revolution, or similar upheavals, no one can carry those things in large amounts, especially land, which is immovable by man. In the end, what truly sustains us is God’s grace. Consider this story told by Jesus Christ. 

    “Then Jesus told them a parable: ‘A rich man’s land was very productive. He thought to himself, “What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? I will do this,” he said. “I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. Then I’ll say to myself, ‘You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.’” “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared — whose will they be?’ “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest? Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he do for you — you of little faith? Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be provided for you.” (Luke 12:16-31)

    Christians, let’s be people of God’s kingdom and not of the world. Like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, recognize that we are just sojourners in our current physical existence. Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). Our material possessions will all be left behind when we leave this physical life. If we are in Christ Jesus, what we possess eternally are the blessings of God’s kingdom. So why not seek to be true citizens of God’s kingdom? 

    Oh yes, some might argue that at least they intend to leave their wealth to their children and their children’s children and so on, but we are also well aware of the fact that many siblings quarrel over the wealth left behind by a parent. Jesus Christ, for a good reason, states, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:23-24) So, are we really leaving blessings for them, unless, of course, we have taught them about faith? The Bible states, “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). Let God bless our children as He blesses us, because we live by faith and are always thankful for His grace. And God have proven Himself faithful and true. So, let’s leave behind a legacy of life rooted in faith rather than wealth, especially if it’s questionably acquired. 

    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!

  • Priceless!

    Many people blame God when life becomes difficult, asking questions like, “Why did God allow this to happen?” Is God really uncaring? Did He create a miserable life for us?

    In the beginning, God created man, provided him with a suitable partner, and placed them in His garden. However, there was a condition: they were forbidden from eating the fruit from a particular tree. But Adam, humanity’s representative before God, chose to disobey the covenant. Consequently, troubles have plagued humanity ever since.

    The Bible recounts the first murder following their banishment from the garden and mentions how, as human populations grew, God observed their persistent wickedness. It states, “Every intention of the thoughts of man’s heart was only evil continually.” This contradicts the very intention of God in creation, as evident in Genesis 1:3-31, where each day of God’s work is described as good or very good.

    So, is it really God’s fault that humanity is in such a fallen state? Isn’t it rather a result of humanity’s own choices to reject God and His goodness?

    Despite humanity’s rebellion, God allows people to live until their physical lives come to an end. Only then does God take back the source of life from them. Ecclesiastes 12:7 states, “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

    God alone is the source of life. When humanity attempts to govern itself, it faces the consequences of separation from God. He warned Adam, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree in the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17). Adam’s spiritual or covenant death was a result of breaking that covenant. God does not revoke what He has given—the breath of life—until the physical body expires. Although God intended for humanity to live forever, as shown by the presence of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden because they lost their right to eternal life.

    God always provides for us. He reversed the curse on the ground that had made it unproductive due to Adam’s sin, as described in Genesis 3:16-19. However, this promise came after He had judged the world with the flood during Noah’s time. The LORD stated, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:21-22).

    Remarkably, even after Adam’s curse, God’s purpose in creating humanity in His image remains unchanged. He promised the Seed of the woman. Hence, the Scriptures proclaim, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).

    This promise is not limited to those under the Mosaic Law but extends to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. As Galatians 3:24-28 states, “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

    In the beginning, God nurtured Adam and Eve in the garden, even after their expulsion from it. Scripture states that God made garments of skins and clothed them. Similarly, He cared for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. God regarded Israel as a special nation among the nations until they rejected Christ Jesus. However, He was not surprised by Israel’s rejection of Him; it had been prophesied. In Genesis 3:15, God declared, “I will put enmity between you (the serpent) and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Christ Jesus was the promised offspring of the woman. In contrast, Old Covenant Israel is described as the offspring of the devil, as seen in John 8:44-45. Jesus addressed the unbelieving Jews, saying, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.”

    John the Baptist had the same description for the unbelieving Jews, see Matthew 3:7, “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?’”

    With the arrival of Christ Jesus, God extends His care to all who believe in Him, offering the gift of eternal life. All we need to do is believe and trust in God’s goodness. As Paul states in Romans, “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).

    Life in this world will not always be trouble-free. Everything tangible and physical is subject to corruption and decay. The Christian life is rooted in the spiritual, even as we live in the flesh. We are called to salvation and yet remain here on Earth because it is our mission to share the Gospel of Christ with others. This calling is not limited to being a missionary; it involves being part of God’s work and living accordingly. That is the true essence of Christianity. Therefore, let us cultivate a legacy of sharing the message of Jesus and His Gospel, so that others might also join us in eternal life.

    I urge all Christians to refrain from dividing ourselves over doctrinal differences. Let us humbly embrace the true teachings of the Bible and strive for unity in faith. Paul clearly states in Ephesians that Christianity comprises one body and one Spirit. We are called by one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6).

    Understand the parables of Jesus: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.’” (Matthew 13:44-46)

    The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only gift that anyone can carry into eternity—God’s kingdom. Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom of heaven is here (Luke 17:20-21). We should learn from the Bible to understand that there is nothing more valuable than discovering God’s kingdom. It is truly priceless!

    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!

  • Day or Night

    Verse of the day taken from Bible.com. Our circumstances do not separate us from God; rather, it is the absence of faith and trust in Him. In fact, God remains faithful even when people are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13).

    The verse highlights a significant point: God will always be faithful. Because He is good, He will continue to provide for our needs. After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, who represents humanity before God after Adam. In Genesis 8:21-22, God says, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.”

    God will always stay true to His Word and promises. Therefore, we should ask: “Why is it being taught that God will destroy not only the Earth but also heaven itself with the return of Christ Jesus?”

    In Isaiah 66:1, Scripture states, “Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool; what is the house that you would build for Me, and what is the place of My rest?” Think again, what has been taught and held as Christian beliefs? Would God truly destroy heaven, His throne, and Earth, His reign?

    Let us take a moment to reflect on the verse of the day: “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NLT). The key phrase here is “to all who call on Him in truth.” God’s righteousness is closely connected to His truth, and He does not tolerate hypocrisy. He calls everyone to worship and follow Him in truth and spirit (John 4:24). Therefore, no one can genuinely claim faith in God or Jesus Christ without adhering to His truth.

    Scripture teaches us: “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan for peace find joy. No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:19-22).

    Years ago, I bumped into a predecessor in pastoral ministry who shared a troubling story with me. He spoke of a person notorious for working against pastors who do not yield to his demands. This individual called him, asking the pastor to share the faith with a gravely ill deaconess—a woman known to both of us as a passive supporter of his malicious ways.

    I hope I am mistaken, but can you understand the mindset of the person who made this request? He is notorious for creating problems for pastors whenever it benefits him. To my knowledge, he has done this at least three times, but there may be many more instances in the past that we are unaware of. He seems to believe he can deceive God and evade justice, perhaps thinking he can emulate the grace shown to the thief on the cross; you can refer to Luke 23:39-43 if you’re not familiar with the story. He may be hoping that, at the last moment, he and those like him can confess their sins and escape the consequences of their actions.

    However, Scripture warns us: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

    Christians, faith, and truth cannot be separated. Conniving together for evil works against the righteous for whatever earthly benefit would never be tolerated by God. Because God is righteous and true. Let’s evaluate our ways to see if we indeed have called on God in truth?

    There is no such thing as half-truth. It’s either truth or a lie. We Christians are called to renounce our worldly ways. How then can anyone justify deceit and yet claim faith in Jesus Christ?

    Concerning life, Jesus Christ teaches, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. ‘I tell you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.’” (Luke 12:1-7)

    The Christian walk is not a journey in compromises. Nothing we did in darkness is kept from God. Rather, we are called to walk the faith. The Bible says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

    Reflect carefully about your confession and faith. Only a truthful confession of faith counts with God. Hence, the Christian life will always be challenging. Anyone who claims to be a Christian and yet involves themselves in lies better wake up. For God’s omniscience sees through our hearts and minds. Let us therefore walk the talk.

    The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian Christians, said: “But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5)

    We belong either to the day or night. There’s no middle ground. God cannot be deceived. We can always rely on His righteousness and grace.

    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!