Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: growing together in Christ

  • Shame on you!

    I’ve come to realize that many pastors are hesitant to discuss money because they’ve been taught and told not to speak on the topic. However, Paul addressed this issue on several occasions. Are pastors inferior to an apostle? Paul made it clear in Ephesians that both are mandated by Christ Jesus for His ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-14) While I understand that some people assume the role of a pastor but lack the necessary skills or love for God’s ministry. Some view the ministry not as a calling but as a profession, even worse, as an opportunity to gain wealth. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)

    No wonder Paul said, “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17) This article applies only to the latter group: people who are genuinely committed to doing God’s work.

    Here’s the silent truth: Pastors are even ridiculed when people discover that someone has been supporting them, despite the clear biblical teaching that it’s the right of the pastor to receive support.

    For example, Paul said, “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14) It’s the right of pastors to receive their living from the Gospel, because it’s commanded by Jesus Christ (Luke 10:2-8).

    Paul also said, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Galatians 6:6) This clearly teaches that the giving and receiving of ministry support is directly between the teacher and the learner.

    Furthermore, Jesus instructed His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.” (Luke 10:2-7)

    Despite these clear teachings, God’s workers often face little support and are subjected to ridicule and accusations of wrongdoing. Paul himself expressed his frustration, stating, “Did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted? Because I preached God’s Gospel to you without charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone. The brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.” (2 Corinthians 11:7-9)

    The Corinthian church was biblically obligated to actively support Paul’s ministry in their midst. Scripture emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help God’s workers, declaring, “Therefore, we ought to support God’s workers like these, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (3 John 1:8)

    Despite this clear mandate, Paul did not receive the support that was rightfully due him from the Corinthians. Instead, he endured their criticisms. In response, he wrote:

    “I am here for the third time, ready to come to you. I will not be a burden because I seek not what is yours but you. Children are not obligated to save for their parents, but parents for their children. I will gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But since I did not burden you, you say, I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit.” (2 Corinthians 12:14‑16)

    Paul’s words reveal his profound love for the Corinthians and his willingness to sacrifice for their spiritual growth, even without receiving the support that was biblically warranted. This passage serves as a reminder to recognize, honor, and assist those who faithfully labor in God’s work, fulfilling the partnership that Scripture envisions between God’s servants and His people.

    God designed it that way. Both God’s workers and Christians who support them are considered workers in the Gospel. (3 John 1:8) God intended it to be a partnership. Therefore, Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippians, saying, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5) The Macedonians and the Philippians are essentially the same people. Paul revealed that they are his sole supporters, stating, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.” (Philippians 4:15)

    John teaches that those who prevent people from directly supporting God’s workers are considered evildoers. (3 John 1:9-11)

    Demetrius, who welcomes and supports God’s workers, contrasts sharply with Diotrephes, who refuses and hinders others from doing the same. It is crucial to discern who you listen to and follow.

    Shame on you, Diotrephes! You are wrongfully accusing God’s workers of wrongdoing by denying them support and hindering others from doing so. Let’s not be deceived by the cunning and deceitful reasoning of some people who exploit your ignorance of Bible teachings. Regrettably, some have accused God’s workers of wrongdoing while neglecting accountability in their own collections of donations from God’s people.

    I am simply stating the truth. I have received an unusual call from God. My mission is to study the Bible, explain its teachings clearly and without restraint, and share them with others. God’s people should not be offended by God’s Word. If you have any doubts, I encourage or even challenge you to study the Bible thoroughly. Discover for yourself the authentic teachings of the Scriptures.

    P.S. This is a follow through to my previous posting “Supporting Christian Workers: A Biblical Approach”

    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 Wedding Vow

    Recently, a friend from afar came to visit us. She inquired about my journey to becoming a pastor. To summarize my experience, I explained that I spent six years in an organized church, where I received a salary. However, for close to twelve years now, I have been serving independently, conducting Bible studies without a salary. Instead, I trust in God for voluntary contributions. She was amazed by God’s goodness and grace.

    Is it permissible for a pastor to engage in money-making ventures or be employed in secular work while also serving God? Paul addressed this question in 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.

    “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does He not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:7-14)

    Jesus told a person who wanted to follow Him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Luke 9:58)

    We do not follow Jesus for material gains, but rather for forgiveness, restoration to God, and the gift of eternal life. This principle applies to everyone, including both pastors and disciples of Christ.

    Jesus warns those who wish to follow Him that it won’t be easy. It’s not a bed of roses; life’s challenges will still arise. He further emphasized this by telling another potential follower, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

    It’s ironic that many Christians often put Jesus or the Bible on the backseat when life’s troubles or even busyness arise. This is not a true way to follow Jesus Christ. Following Him can be summarized by the wedding vow: “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

    Oddly, Jesus even states, “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.” (Matthew 10:37)

    The journey of following Jesus is a narrow path with no other options. Hence, Jesus earlier in Luke 9 teaches: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)

    Doesn’t seem to have options there, do we? It requires a strong commitment to follow Him, regardless of the consequences or obstacles. Jesus Christ invites us, saying, “Come, follow Me,” with no qualifications or exceptions.

    During our Bible study, we often come across a passage in Scripture that leads to disagreement among some participants about its applicability to everyone. Consider Christ’s directive: “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” (Mark 10:21).

    Is this an isolated teaching in Scripture? It is not. Jesus, in Luke 12:33-34, teaches something similar that applies to all who wish to be His disciples: “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 12:33-34)

    The central message of Christ Jesus is not to demand that we sell all our possessions, but rather to emphasize that we should not love material wealth more than we love God. We need to place our hearts in the right position, as stated in Matthew 6:19-21. Jesus further explains, “No one can serve two masters; either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

    We should follow Jesus with full conviction and trust. Take some time to reflect on whether you can endure the journey of following Him. The cost may be high, but the reward is priceless—eternal entry into God’s kingdom. Remember that when we decide to follow Jesus Christ, we are bound by a sacred commitment, like a wedding vow.

    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!

  • Family, our First Ministry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!

  • Immanuel, Our Confidence

    I went into a writing hiatus due to a circumstance my sibling was facing. I was greatly affected by it because he is thousands of miles away from me, and his wife is going through a health condition. If you have read my blog posting entitled “Regarding Wilmer,” he was the one who offered and asked me about the Christian service for my departed son.

    I’m not going to divulge private details concerning the health status, but the doctor categorized it as a critical condition. My brother has been with me each time I was in trouble. Now that he is in a difficult situation, I can’t even be with him, all because of this pandemic. I believe a lot of people can relate to the same predicament nowadays. I wanted to be comforted by the Lord, so that I can comfort my brother, so as I always do, I turned to the Scripture. And Psalm 34 came to me, and I hope my reflection on this psalm would also be a comfort to anyone reading this blog who perhaps is in a similar circumstance.

    The 150 Psalms of the Old Testament Bible must first be recognized as Jewish in nature. It is Jewish literature of songs and hymns written from the time of Moses to those of Ezra and Nehemiah. This history spans from Mount Sinai, where Moses received God’s Covenant with Israel, to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the Second Temple, which was ultimately renovated by King Herod during the Roman era. Psalms therefore impart prophecies of God in relation to His Covenant with Israel, reflections of the psalmist, and truths about the nature of God. Psalm 34 is one of the psalms written by David.

    In order for us to truthfully understand the meaning and beauty of Psalm 34, we ought to first identify the occasion of this psalm. See Psalm 34:1.

    Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!

    The title of this psalm provides a hint; only one narrative fits the description of Psalm 34:1: the story of David in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.

    And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands?’”

    And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?”

    From the English translation, it might appear to be two different occasions, because Psalm 34 referred to a person named “Abimelech,” while in 1 Samuel 21:10, “Achish king of Gath” was the one confronting David. The Lexicon Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions however, among other things, defined Abimelech, as “the king of Gath in David’s time; perhaps a title of Philistine kings.” Therefore, Psalm 34:1 and the narrative of 1 Samuel 21:12-13 are linked together, referring to one and the same incident in David’s life.

    Now, having settled the issue of relevance, between Psalm 34 and 1 Samuel 21:10, let us move on to other details of both writings. In 1 Samuel 21:12, the Bible said, “David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.” Perhaps David was afraid that Achish now having recognized him might turn him over to Saul, who obviously was deviously jealous of David’s more prominent status. See 1 Samuel 21:11.

    And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David king of the land? Did they not sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and david his ten thousands?’”

    In reality Saul still reigned as king over Israel, not David, but obviously the Jews have considered David as the standby king waiting to be enthroned. This was the reason for Saul’s envy and insecurity, hence he pursued David and wanted him dead. More importantly, because Saul had broken the commandment of the LORD, the prophet Samuel told him that:

    The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for He is not a man, that he should have regret. (1 Samuel 15:28-29)

    One of the highlights of David’s stories should be that of his battle with Goliath. David was a lad when all Israel was challenged by Goliath to a man-to-man fight (1 Samuel 17:10). Not one person from the mighty army of Saul dared to fight with Goliath (1 Samuel 17:11). Nobody would venture to do so because Goliath was a giant champion warrior from the Philistines. In this context, it was well understood that the inability of Israel to stand before Goliath’s challenge was an insult to the name of YHWH, the LORD God of Israel. Such an understanding may be seen clearly through the words of the lad David as he sought the approval of Saul to face Goliath in the battle. See 1 Samuel 17:36-37.

    Your servant has struck down both lion and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defiled the armies of the Living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!

    I guess we all knew the conclusion of that encounter. Goliath was defeated by the lad David in the name of the LORD of hosts with a sling and a stone in his hand (1 Samuel 17:45,49). Fast forward now to 1 Samuel 21:10-15, David was no longer the young lad but was now an experienced commander of Israel’s armies. When he encountered Achish king of Gath, out of fear, he acted insane. Surely it was a decline from being a brave young lad who faced and defeated Goliath, to man reduced to humiliation.

    Many of us are like that. I also fell to the same temptation. If you have read my blogpost entitled “Regarding Wilmer,” you would see how boldly I embraced and sought the Gospel of Jesus Christ right at the wake of my only son and after. The fears and questions that I faced then may be considered my Goliath which I had encountered and overcome by the grace of God. As we walk the journey of faith, sometimes we become too trusting of ourselves, our achievements, our status, our resources, or people around us. So we begin to live our lives, perhaps unconsciously forgetting God’s moment-by-moment’s divine providence. Then when moments of difficulty or trials are upon us, our faith would be challenged.

    I may say my brother’s predicament became a challenge to me. No, I never doubted God. I felt burdened and sorrowed by my inability to be with my brother, forgetting that although I am thousands of miles away from him, the Lord is forever present. That may have been the experience of David. He forgot that God has already anointed him to be King over Israel so there was no way that Achish king of Gath could have him killed without being King of Israel first. See 1 Samuel 16:1, 7, 11-13.

    The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for Myself a King among his sons.”

    But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD look on the heart.”

    Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

    Take note then that David was God’s anointed King over Israel before he fought Goliath. The victory of David over Goliath therefore occurred in accordance with God’s divine providence making him King of Israel. In essence, David was sent by God, not Saul, to fight Goliath. Many times in our journey with the Lord we fail to remember that we are a child of God, precious in His sight. Therefore, there is no coincidence or chance encounter but only divine appointment or providence. There should be no fear whatever comes before us because Jesus is Immanuel – God with us.

    True enough, God’s mysterious working in David’s life came to light in 1 Samuel 22:1-2,5.

    David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.

    Then the prophet of God said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.

    After these twin divine workings of God, David, no longer alone, now had an army of four hundred men. Also David was timely aided by the prophet of God, thereby avoiding a massacre by Saul’s men (1 Samuel 22:18-19). Henceforth, David began to seek God’s guidance and was spiritually restored. That I believe was the background for David’s utterance in Psalm 34.

    Our walk with Jesus is not a guarantee that we will always be shielded from life’s challenges. Life’s troubles will always be part of our daily living because man was formed from dust so to dust our mortal body will return. Therefore, mankind is not immune to decay. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:45,47-49, states,

    Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the Last Adam became a life-giving spirit … The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the Second Man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the Man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the Man of heaven.

    But the Good News is, Jesus Christ came. He fulfilled all the prophecies and requirements of the Mosaic Law. Subsequently, the promised salvation of God is now a reality. Our present existence, therefore, should make no difference— for Christ Jesus reigns then and forevermore. Jesus Christ is Immanuel: God with us (Matthew 1:23). We then should live with full conviction that “neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)

    In normal times we are quick to fall into complacency, disregarding God’s daily presence and guidance. We tend to make decisions as if we are masters of our lives. The Bible states “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20). As Christians purchased by the blood of our Lord Christ Jesus who now reigns, so He alone is the Master of our lives, not us.

    The proclamation of the Gospel should be done through our daily living. We live by the truths and promises of the Word of God every day. We need not be sent out, as missionaries, that the Eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ be made known to the rest of mankind. Rather, the true Christian living should reflect the truth of the Gospel.

    P.S. I will ponder more on the thoughts, thanksgiving and confidence of David as expressed in Psalm 34 in my next blog posting.

    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!