Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: Inerrancy of the Scripture

  • Is Hebrews 10:25 truly about the Sunday gatherings of Christians?

    Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 26, section 2 states that “saints, by profession, are obligated to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in worshiping God and performing other spiritual services that contribute to their mutual edification. They are also encouraged to assist each other in practical matters, according to their abilities and needs. This communion, as God provides the opportunity, should be extended to all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, regardless of location.” (For reference, click on this link: WCF 26.2, search the table of contents, then go to chapter 26, section 2, and look also for the annotation to Hebrews 10:24-25.)

    The doctrine presented here is not exclusive to Reformed Christians. Many Christians and preachers have misinterpreted and wrongly applied the text in Scripture, believing that Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the significance of Christian gatherings, particularly Sunday gatherings. However, this is not the intended teaching of Hebrews 10:24-25. Let’s read the passage here: “And let us consider how to encourage one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as some do, but rather encouraging one another, especially as the Day approaches.”

    The phrase “meet together” (Greek: episunagōgē, G1997) appears only twice in the New Testament. It specifically refers to the gathering that will occur upon the return of Christ Jesus. The other instance is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:1, where Paul states, “Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together—which is the same in Greek as ‘meet together’ in Hebrews 10:25—to him, we ask you, brothers.” Here, Paul urges Christians of his day to recognize the truth that Christ’s return is imminent within their generation. Note that Hebrews 10:25 emphasizes, “especially as you see the Day—i.e., the Day of gathering together—approaching or drawing near.”

    The term “Day” in verse 25 specifically refers to the Day of the Lord, as evidenced by various biblical passages such as Acts 2:20, 1 Corinthians 5:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:2, and 2 Peter 3:10. Contrary to popular belief, it does not denote Sunday but rather Christ’s Day of Judgment, more commonly known as the Second Coming of Jesus, and the gathering of the church to be with Him(refer to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

    Another misinterpretation arises from the Lord’s Day mentioned in Revelation 1:10. The context of Revelation 1:10 reveals that John was already enduring tribulation (Revelation 1:9). This aligns with Christ’s prophecy regarding the tribulation of His apostles, which ultimately resulted in the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, as described in Matthew 24:9-15.

    “Then they will deliver you (i.e. the apostles) up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 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.’” (Matthew 24:9-16)

    If you’re uncertain whether Jesus in Matthew 24:15 was referring to the destruction of the Jewish temple, consider Luke 21:20-22, which provides a clear and direct statement that it pertains to the destruction of Jerusalem.

    “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.” (Luke 21:20-22)

    The Lord’s Day of Revelation, therefore, is not a reference to a Sunday, as supposed by Christian traditions, but a reference to the Day of the Lord, Christ’s day of judgment. Further evidence may be seen in Revelation 1:19. John was told, “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.” (Revelation 1:19) Take note that the things that John has seen were as follows: “those that are” and “those that are to take place after this”.

    Revelation 2-3 addresses “those that are,” referring to the spiritual states of the existing churches in Asia Minor at the time of John’s writing. These churches are listed as Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11) Christ’s deliberate selection of the seven churches in Asia Minor was based on the symbolic number “seven,” which signifies completeness, as in God’s creation was completed on the Seventh day. Therefore, His commendations and rebukes apply to all churches, urging them to conduct self-assessment and improvement in preparation for His imminent arrival. So, to each church, Jesus states, “He who has an ear, let him hear.”

    • To Ephesus, Christ admonished, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7) The “tree of life” was mentioned as well towards the end of Revelation, when all things have been made new (Revelation 21:5); see Revelation 22:2 and 22:14.
    • To Smyrna, Christ’s commendation, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” (Revelation 2:11) The “second death” was mentioned in Revelation 20:6; 20:14, both of which have to do with the time of judgment. Revelation 21:8 states, the cowardly, the faithless, etc., have no place in the New Jerusalem, but of the lake of fire, which is the second death.
    • To Pergamum, Christ’s admonished, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, inscribed with a new name that no one except the one who receives it knows.” (Revelation 2:17) The “hidden manna” and “a new name” refer to Christ Jesus, the Bread of life (John 6:48-58), and the Word of God (Revelation 19:11-13).
    • To Thyatira, Christ admonished, “Hold fast to what you have until I come. The one who conquers and preserves my works until the end will receive authority over the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron, just as when earthen pots are broken into pieces. Even so, I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:25-29) Christ is the one who rules with a rod of iron. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:13-16) This fulfills Christ’s declaration in Matthew 8:11, “I tell you, many will come from the east and west and will recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” (See also Psalms 2:7-9) This is about the Messianic Reign of Jesus Christ.
    • To Sardis, Christ warned, “The one who conquers will be clothed in white garments, and I will never erase his name from the book of life. I will proclaim his name before my Father and before his angels. Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:5-6) The “white garment” mentioned here is the same as the “white robe” described in Revelation 6:11. It was bestowed upon Christian martyrs and symbolizes the wedding garment of those invited to the Messianic wedding feast of the King’s Son and His Bride. (Matthew 22:11-12 and Revelation 21:2) The “Book of Life” mentioned in Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; 21:27; 22:19; and Philippians 4:3 refers to those who have been marked for redemption by Christ Jesus.
    • To Philadelphia, Christ’s commendation reads, “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. Never shall he leave it, and I will write on him the name of My God, the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from My God out of heaven, and My own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:11-13) This passage is about the “new heaven and the new earth”, the Bride adorned for Her Husband, the holy city and the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2), and the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb (Revelation 21:22).
    • To Laodicea, Christ addressed, saying, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him the privilege of sitting with Me on My throne, just as I also conquered and took My seat with My Father on His throne. Those who have an ear, let them heed what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:20-22) This message is essentially the same as Christ’s words to Thyatira, emphasizing the Messianic Reign of Jesus Christ.

    Another significant aspect we should have noticed is that Christ spoke to each churches in Messianic languages, such as “tree of life,” “second death,” “hidden manna and white stone,” “rule with a rod of iron,” “white garments,” “book of life,” “I am coming soon,” “the new Jerusalem,” and “I will grant him to sit with Me on My throne, as I conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne.” These all refer to the time of judgment and deliverance.

    Finally, the statement “those that are to take place after this”, covers Revelation 4-22. In Revelation 4:1, John heard and he wrote, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Towards the end of Revelation, Jesus states, first, “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7) Then, again, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:12-13) In other words, twice, Christ Jesus mentioned His return.

    Without a doubt, therefore, “the Lord’s Day” mentioned in Revelation 1:10 is not merely a reference to a Sunday. John was witnessing the events of the “Day of the Lord,” the day of Christ’s judgment. Consequently, Revelation begins with the declaration “Behold, Jesus is coming with the clouds” and concludes with Christ’s declaring twice, “Behold, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7, 12). Furthermore, the opening statements of Revelation are crystal clear.

    “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servants 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. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:1-3)

    Consequently, Hebrews 10:25 cautioned Christians against neglecting the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ and the gathering with Him. This warning was raised by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, decades before the writing of Hebrews. It stemmed from the claims that “the Day of the Lord” had come even while the temple was still standing. If true, it would imply that Old Covenant Israel had been restored and spared from God’s judgment. However, this contradicts Christ’s declaration in Matthew 24, where He explained that the end of the Old Covenant Israel would be evident when the temple was desecrated. Moreover, in Matthew 24, following Christ’s repeated declaration of the temple’s desolation (Matthew 24:2; Matthew 23:37-38), the disciples understood Christ’s words and asked, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Christ then recounted the events leading up to His coming and the conclusion of the Old Covenant era. See Luke 21:20-28, Jesus Christ 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. ‘And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’” (Luke 21:20-28)

    Clearly, as stated by Christ Jesus, salvation in its completed state and His Second Coming are not two separate fulfillments, as many Christians believe, but are intertwined together. This is also evident in Hebrews 9:28, which states, “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.” (Hebrews 9:28)

    Hence, there isn’t a major doctrine—salvation—and the latter a minor one, eschatology— Christ’s Second Coming— after all. Redemption, which means “to be set free for a ransom”, is synonymous with salvation. It means we are no longer in bondage to death, but have eternal life. Consequently, Paul declared, “For our sake, God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

    Again, Paul states, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

    Ironically, Hebrews 10:25 has been misinterpreted to refer solely to a Sunday gathering of Christians. However, it goes beyond a Sunday observance and specifically refers to the “Day of the Lord,” as mentioned in Revelation 1:10. There is indeed a pressing need to unlearn outdated traditions and rediscover the teachings of Scripture. I implore God-fearing Christians, those who hold the Word of God in high regard, to make concerted efforts to restore authentic Christian teachings. Christ Jesus is truly honored when we uphold the truths of His Word.

    P.S. Sunday holds no significance in the Scriptures. It was introduced only during the reign of Emperor Constantine, a follower of “Sol Invictus,” the sun god. Below is a Youtube documentary that delves into Constantine’s beliefs.

    The notion that Jesus resurrected on a Sunday contradicts the Scriptures. The phrase “first day of the week” mentioned in Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1, 19, Acts 20:7, and 1 Corinthians 16:2, was a modern translation from “one Sabbath” in Greek, which refers to a regular Sabbath day in a week, distinct from the high or special Sabbath, the 15th of Nissan, during the annual Leviticus 23 festal week of the Passover.

    If Jesus indeed resurrected on a Sunday, then He failed to fulfill all the Scriptures, which Christ claims to do (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:26-27, 44; Matthew 26:54, 56; John 19:24-37; Acts 3:18; 13:29-31, 33; 1 Corinthians 15:4). Paul declared that Jesus’ resurrection was in fulfillment of the Feast of Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:23), Leviticus 23:10-12. God’s instruction for the festival was to wave the sheaf before the LORD on the day after the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:11).

    Which Sabbath was God referring to? During the Passover week, there were two Sabbaths: a regular Sabbath and a special Sabbath. The instruction was to wave the offerings on the day after the special Sabbath, which means it’s the regular Sabbath of the week. How do we know it should be a regular Sabbath and not just any day after the 15th of Nisan? The 15th of Nisan can be any day of the week as long as it falls on that day.

    If it’s not a regular Sabbath, the next festival, Leviticus 23:16, would not align with God’s instruction. Scripture states, “You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, starting from the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering (i.e. the feast of firstfruits, the resurrection day of Jesus). Then, count fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath. On that day, present a grain offering of new grain to the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:15-16) Next, “The priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the LORD, along with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the LORD for the priest. On the same day, proclaim a holy convocation. Hold a holy assembly and refrain from any ordinary work. This is a statute that shall remain in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.” (Leviticus 23:20-21)

    Clearly, except for the special Sabbath on the 15th of Nissan, which was also the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:7-8), all regular Sabbaths during the festival week were referred to as the day for holy convocation. As mentioned in Leviticus 23:2-4, no work should be done on this day. So Christ resurrected on a regular Sabbath, and counting seven full weeks onto the 50th day brings us to Pentecost. Yes, the day of Pentecost is always a Sabbath. All Sabbath, including the special Sabbath (15th of Nisan), were regulated by God, that no work should be done. This explains why the Jews rejected Christ because He performed His signs (healing or miracles) on a Sabbath. However, Jesus responded, “For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”” (Matthew 12:8)

    On a parallel account to Matthew 12’s story, Mark added, “And Jesus said to the Pharisees, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.’” (Mark 2:27-28) Jesus points out that He was the One who commands the Sabbath regulation. Hence, being Lord of the Sabbath, He is not subordinate to its regulations. Consequently, in Matthew’s account on the same story, Jesus declared, “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.” (Matthew 12:6)

    It’s worth noting that in 321 A.D., Constantine issued an edict declaring that on the revered day of the Sun, magistrates and city dwellers should rest, and all workshops should be closed. (Codex Justinianus lib. 3, tit. 12, 3; trans. in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 3, p. 380, note 1)1. Many Christians believed that this edict by Constantine played a significant role in the adoption of Sunday as the official day of worship for Christianity during that era. If this is true, could these traditions that have been passed down through the millennia have influenced the translation of “one Sabbath” from Greek to “First Day of the week,” which is commonly understood as Sunday? Consequently, the resurrection of Jesus was believed to have occurred on a Sunday.

    The YouTube video below refutes the belief that Constantine was genuinely converted to Christianity. It presents evidence that Constantine continued to worship Sol Invictus, the Roman Sun God. If this is the case, Christianity under Constantine was likely legalized for convenience or as a political maneuver. Therefore, while Christianity under Constantine appeared to be advancing, it was also compromised.

    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. Take note, click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!

    1. Constantine/Sabbath,GotQuestion.Org ↩︎

  • Confusion is not of God

    Christians who believe that salvation was completed at the cross should take a moment to reexamine Scripture. Consider Paul’s teachings on salvation: “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then, at His coming, those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule, authority, and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be defeated is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-26)

    Christ’s reign began with His ascension. Peter confirms this by saying, “This Jesus, whom God raised up, and of whom we all are witnesses. Therefore, being exalted at the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you are now witnessing and hearing. David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself declares, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ Therefore, let all the house of Israel be assured that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:32-36)

    The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, was a sign that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. After His resurrection, Christ appeared to His disciples and said, “Thus it is written (quoting Psalm 22), that the Christ should suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. And that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49)

    Remember the Jews were about to stone Jesus when He claimed the same, making Himself equal with God the Father. Check out John 10:30-31.

    Once again, Peter testified about the exaltation and reign of Christ, this time before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Religious Council (Acts 5:27-28). He stated, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God has exalted Him to His right hand as Leader and Savior, to provide repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:30-31)

    Before his martyrdom, Stephen witnessed and declared, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). In this context, Stephen’s reference to Jesus Christ as the Son of Man was not meant to emphasize His humanity as commonly understood, but rather to highlight His divinity.

    For further reference, consider Daniel 7:13-14, which states: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a Son of Man, and He came to the Ancient of Days” – this phrase refers to divinity, sovereignty, and kingship as noted in Daniel 7:9-10 and 7:22 – “and presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him; His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

    Now, let’s revisit Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 15:22-26. He asserted that Christ’s reign would eventually bring everything to a complete and triumphant conclusion, ultimately defeating death. Isn’t that the very essence of salvation? 

    So clearly salvation wasn’t completed at the cross, but only upon His return. To understand what was finished at the cross, click here to read this blog “Was Salvation Completed at the Cross?”

    Paul further explained in 1 Corinthians 15, “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep” – i.e. an expression referring to Christians who died; examples as applied to Stephen (Acts 7:60) and Lazarus (John 11:11-13) – “but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

    The underlined phrase “but we shall all be changed” refers to the transformation – not of the human physical body but that of the Old Covenant body or creation to that of the New Covenant body or creation. See Paul’s declaration in Philippians: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself” (Php 3:20-21). I understand, the explanation here could be difficult to comprehend for now. This is mainly due to our preconceived understanding of the passage, as traditionally taught. See Galatians 4:21-5:1, for Paul’s explanation on the topic. Perhaps 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 is easier to comprehend. Paul declared: “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh” – Paul has repeatedly used the term in reference to law of circumcision, the Old Covenant, see Galatians 5:1-18). “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.” (2Co 5:16-17)

    In conclusion, the Bible teaches that salvation became a complete reality when Jesus Christ returned, as expressed in the phrase, “death is swallowed up in victory.” So, why has the teaching on salvation become confusing, if not misleading? As students of the Bible, we should not feel the need to rationalize because God has revealed everything to us. It simply requires a thorough study of the Scriptures, applying biblical hermeneutics and careful exegesis.

    It’s important to let go of preconceived notions about the end times. Avoid relying on commentaries, renowned scholars, personalities, or even the early church fathers, as they may have erred. The Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 31.3, notes that “all synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred. Therefore, they should not be made the rule of faith or practice, but rather used as a help in both.”

    Scripture alone is infallible and without error. The confusion arises because humans, who are fallible, resist the clear declarations of Christ Jesus and seek alternative interpretations.

    Finally, Paul in Corinthians emphasized, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Now, let’s examine the current state of churches regarding the doctrine of the end times. Do you observe order, peace, and unity among them? We have various denominations, including dispensationalist, post-millennial, and amillennial, among others. If there is no peace and unity, then it is not of God. It should be that simple. God cannot fail in His Word. Jesus Christ, the anointed one of God, cannot fail in His words and promises. He told His living apostles that His return would occur in their lifetime. What is so hard to understand about that? Consider Christ’s declarations to His apostles; here are a few examples: Matthew 16:27-28, Mark 8:28-9:1, Luke 9:27, and Matthew 10:23.

    The only way to refute Jesus’ straightforward statements to His immediate and living apostles was to find one among the eleven apostles of Christ alive and among us today, in our present physical state. Alternatively, by insisting otherwise and twisting Christ’s clear declaration, people have made Him a liar and a false prophet. However, He is not false; He is the Great Prophet promised by God to Moses, who said, “It is to Him that everyone should listen.” Check out Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 3:19-23, Matthew 17:4-5, and Luke 9:35.

    Here’s a fair warning from Christ Jesus: “If they do not heed Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). “Moses and the Prophets” refers to the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures. Christ Jesus clearly stated that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). He reinforced this message after His resurrection, as seen in Luke 24:25-27: “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:25-27).

    Jesus also declared, “These are My words that I spoke to you (referring to the apostles) while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44). Therefore, returning to Luke 16:31, Jesus is essentially saying that anyone who rejects Scripture rejects the truths about Him and His Word. Paul expresses a similar sentiment: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 4:3). May God’s grace be upon everyone reading this.

    Enough of the lies. Anyone genuinely seeking to bring people to salvation would verify the information they share and proclaim. Regrettably, the majority of modern churches have fallen into traditions that have been developed over millennia. Honest students of the Bible should agree that it all began with the early church fathers, revered religious figures. The problem arises when our reverence falls into men rather than Jesus Christ. Paul addressed this error in 1 Corinthians 3 to 4 and emphatically applied his rebuke, exhortation, and teaching on the topic in 1Co 4:6, where he declared, “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, so that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.”

    I write my blog not to attack anyone, but to present the truth. My goal is for readers to be able to recognize and distinguish between truth and falsehood, as well as between tradition and Scripture. Jesus Christ stated, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). To “abide” means to remain steadfast, to continue, and to be fully true to Christ’s teachings. Blessings!

    Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.

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

  • “Was Salvation Completed at the Cross?”

    Common belief teaches that Christ Jesus completed His work for salvation at the cross. Perhaps mainly due to His last word, “It is finished” (John 19:30), before breathing His last. However, such understanding would be challenged by another clear statement in Scripture: “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.” (Hebrews 9:28) Appearing a second time, isn’t that Christ’s Second Coming? Consequently, salvation was not completed at the cross, contrary to common belief, but at the Return of Jesus Christ.

    The purpose of Bible study is to make clear the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Modern Christianity has a lot of teachings and practices that are not consistent with the Bible.

    We may not realize its implications. But a lot of critical thinking people have been turned off by popular and traditional beliefs because they fail to see consistency in common Christian beliefs and the Bible.

    Let us be reminded by Christ’s words: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to fall away — it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

    When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He was referring to His mission as the suffering servant outlined in Isaiah 53 and various other Scriptures, such as Psalm 22:14-18. Paul explicitly explained what was fulfilled at the cross in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, stating, “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you truly are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Paul was referring to the Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread (see Leviticus 23:4-8). These Jewish festivals were rehearsals, and Christ Jesus was the fulfillment of each one. Clearly, from Leviticus 23, there were more festivals after the Passover and Unleavened Bread.

    For those who argue that Hebrews 9:28 is the sole passage that teaches salvation was completed only upon Jesus’ return, consider this alternative passage:

    Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Since God the Father is in heaven, Jesus implies that no one can go to heaven without His intervention.

    However, before emphasizing this point, Jesus first reassures His disciples, saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

    Once again, God the Father is in heaven. Jesus talks about His ascension. He then assures His disciples that upon His return they would be with Him.

    In other words, like Hebrews 9:28, heaven would only be accessible to the disciples after the return of Jesus Christ.

    Don’t you think it’s time to reexamine Scripture? Evaluate carefully, and see whether prevailing teachings and beliefs are aligned with the Bible’s teachings.

    Christians cannot be declaring lies. Hence, Paul teaches, “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)

    Thus far, I’ve cited Hebrews 9:28 and John 14:3 to illustrate that salvation is yet to be fully realized without Jesus Christ’s return. This raises a crucial point.

    The Bible teaches a doctrine of “already but not yet.” This applies to the period between Christ’s first and second coming. “Already but not yet” means that the moment a person confesses and maintains their faith in Christ Jesus, God’s promise of salvation becomes a certainty. However, the full realization or completion of Christ’s redemptive work was not yet achieved at the time of the New Testament writings. One aspect that many overlook is that Christ Jesus would fulfill all things within the generation of His immediate disciples.

    Checkout Christ’s declaration to His immediate disciples: “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44)

    Modern Christianity missed out on the timeframe of God’s word. Certainly, God’s promised salvation had already been completed. God’s wrath on Old Covenant Israel has been fulfilled, the Jewish temple no longer stands, and the Old Covenant regulations have all ceased. Without the temple, modern Israel, even if they desire to continue the OT regulations of the Bible, can no longer do so.

    In essence, modern Christianity misinterpreted Christ’s Second Coming. Consider Hebrews 6:1-2, which states, “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” If the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming, which heralds His final judgment, was considered elementary doctrine even millennia ago, why do Christians continue to teach about Christ’s return today? It’s quite puzzling, isn’t it? Actually, “elementary” in Greek means “beginning or preliminary,” so Hebrews was suggesting that we leave the preparatory doctrine because Christ’s return signifies the completion of God’s unshakable and eternal kingdom (See Hebrews 12:22-28).

    I’ll delve deeper into this topic and explore related concepts in subsequent blogs.

    Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.

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

  • Why exchange blessings for a lie?

    “Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (Proverbs 10:6)

    Many times, Christians suffer lapses, forgetting they are God’s people. In their quest to make life better, they get themselves hooked on temptations. Initially, they struggled between keeping the values taught in the Bible and engaging with the ways of the world. But just like any temptation, once you engage in it, it’s addictive. Soon, it becomes natural, and you justify it with all sorts of rationality. 

    Remember God’s words: “The mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” The father of wickedness, Satan, enticed Eve first, then Adam. As you can see, Satan first attacks the vulnerable one, then weaponizes what God has created for good – Adam’s love for his wife – and causes Eve to coerce him to do the same.   Never go into the playing field of Satan. Christians, let’s stay in the realm of God’s kingdom, and trust Him for everything. 

    Forget not the first part of Proverbs 10:6 which says, “Blessings are on the head of the righteous.” Christians are blessed by God. Let our joy always be in the eternal and unseen things – that is, we belong to God’s kingdom. 

    Christ Jesus is our righteous King. He provided us life eternal, His kingdom, so wouldn’t He also care for our physical needs? Jesus Christ said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) “So the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21) “Instead, seek God’s kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:31)

    What do “these things” consist of? It is what we eat, drink, wear, and let me add, everything that is ESSENTIAL for this life. So, truly there is nothing to worry about. I’m not suggesting that life in Christ Jesus would be trouble-free. Troubles will always be present around us, because the world remains fallen, but not God’s kingdom. Live your life for God, trust Him for everything, and the blessings of God will always be on your head. So Jesus Christ declared: “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.” (Matthew 13:44) Once we Christians have found God’s hidden treasure – that is, God’s truth about His kingdom – nothing would be more precious to us than His Word. So we abide in His Word, trusting Him for His grace. 

    Learn from the story of Exodus. Manna and quail were collected daily, not weekly, monthly, or annually. Anyone who got to collect more than enough for the day, for his family, the leftovers were spoiled (Exodus 16:11-27). The Christian life is not about bread or food alone, but the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Unless Christians learned of that truth and principle, they could never rightly teach or lead others to do the same. Therefore, they failed to be lights of the world. Every Christian should know what Jesus said about those who kept their lights covered; check out Luke 8:16-18.

    The Bible warns, covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). So whenever people yearn for the riches of the world, which are all temporal, we become like Adam and Eve, forsaking true blessedness for a lie. 

    Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.

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

  • Are there Minor and Major Doctrines in the Bible?

    The concept of the “end of the world” is not found in the Bible. It’s a mistranslation; the Bible actually refers to the “end of the ages.”

    In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul writes, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, to whom the end of the ages has come.” In this context, “them” refers to Old Covenant Israel, as Paul declares that the end of the ages has arrived for them.

    Furthermore, Hebrews 9:24-26 explains, “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer Himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own; for then He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” 

    Isn’t it evident that with the incarnate coming of Jesus Christ, Old Covenant Israel reached the end of the ages?

    With the temple destroyed and the Old Testament regulations no longer applicable, this signifies the conclusion of the Old Covenant era, paving the way for the New Creation or New Covenant era, as ushered in by Christ Jesus. Consequently, Paul asserted in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

    Isn’t the New Covenant also the everlasting covenant? Hebrews 13:20 states, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant.” Since it is an eternal covenant, why do we still hear teachings about an impending end? Doesn’t this seem contradictory to God’s word?

    Scripture only mentions two ages. Jesus Christ said, “And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)

    Paul also mentions these ages: “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21)

    Additionally, Paul writes, “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding Him up to contempt.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)

    Scripture also notes, “As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’” (Matthew 24:3)

    Have you noticed that the disciples associated the destruction of the Jewish temple with the return of Christ and the end of the age? Remember the Bible speaks of only two ages: the coming of Jesus Christ marked the coming end of the first age, and His return will bring it to completion. The New Covenant is eternal and therefore has no end. As a result, the disciples of Christ were living in the intermediate period of the two ages. This concept is highlighted in the Book of Hebrews, which 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.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

    According to the Bible, what age should we be in today, millennia after the destruction of the temple? It seems illogical for Christians to talk about a coming end. The Jewish temple has long been gone, just as Christ Jesus had declared its end, making it unreasonable for some Christians to discuss the rebuilding of the temple, especially since the Bible does not indicate that a third temple in Jerusalem will be constructed. This belief is not a Christian teaching; rather, it stems from those who continue to adhere to Judaism, which implies a rejection of Christ Jesus. Sadly, numerous Christians have fallen to this lie.

    Claims regarding the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple have been circulating for decades, and those who support these teachings can be compared to the boy who cried wolf. Deuteronomy 18:15-22 cautions us against such individuals, identifying them as false prophets. Conversely, any assertions that contradict Christ’s declarations inadvertently label Jesus a liar. No wonder, Paul asserted and declared: “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.” (1Ti 4:16)

    Many Christians mistakenly believe that the doctrine of Christ’s return is a minor issue that does not impact one’s salvation. However, the doctrines of the Bible are interconnected; they form a unified teaching about Christ Jesus and His offer of salvation.

    Consider John 14:1-7:

    “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

    Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?”

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”

    This passage emphasizes the importance of understanding Christ’s teachings, including His return, as part of the holistic message of salvation.

    Jesus emphasized two important points here. First, He is the only way to the Father. Second, no one will be able to be where He went until He returns. Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.”

    Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.

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

  • Learn from the past and bear fruits for Christ Jesus.

    Passage this morning: “Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking about them.” (Matthew 21:42-45)

    Conclusion: Faith is a prerequisite to be kingdom people (Matt. 8:10). Scripture states, “Without faith, no one can please God (Hebrews 11:6).” To develop faith, we must understand and believe that Jesus Christ is the Word and that they are one. No Christian can claim to believe in Jesus Christ and yet doubt His Word. The Bible is then the centerpiece of how we learn to live as Christians and be kingdom people.

    Jesus, in John 15, emphasized that unless we abide in Him and His Word, we cannot bear fruits. Israel, however, failed to bear fruits because they rejected the True Vine, Jesus Christ. Due to their pride and desire to rule over God’s vineyard, they failed to produce any fruit. Tragically, they even killed Jesus Christ, the true heir of the vineyards, as revealed in Matthew 21:33-45.

    We Christians should learn from the Scriptures’ teachings and avoid repeating Israel’s mistakes. Consider John 11:45-50, Scripture said: “Many of the Jews who had come with Mary and witnessed what Jesus did believed in Him, but some went to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus had done. Consequently, the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council and asked, ‘What should we do? For this man performs numerous signs. If we allow Him to continue in this manner, everyone will believe in Him, AND THE ROMANS WILL SEIZE BOTH OUR POSITIONS AND OUR NATION.’ However, one of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, responded, ‘You are completely ignorant. You do not comprehend that it is better for one person to die for the people than for the entire nation to perish.’” (John 11:45-50)

    The religious leaders of Jesus’ time, defended the institution they had established, fearing to lose their authority, they ultimately killed Jesus Christ and later the people who had come to believe in His teachings.

    Destiny has nothing to do with history repeating itself; rather, it’s because people failed to learn from history. The Bible provides historical accounts of Old Covenant Israel and the early church to illustrate the mistakes of the past. Learning from the past should guide us not to repeat their mistakes. Christians, we cannot preserve the sanctity of the church through human means or ideas. Instead, we must learn from the Bible to avoid the mistakes of the past and follow the word of God. By abiding in Christ Jesus and His Word, we will bear fruits for Him.

    Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.

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

  • True North of Life

    Blogging has faced criticism from some Christian ministers, particularly those in positions of authority. Some bloggers and vloggers have been accused of misrepresenting themselves and spreading false information, which is true, but not all. However, can we assert that all Christian ministers are truly faithful to God’s word? If so, we wouldn’t have diverse interpretations of the Bible. Similarly, some bloggers and vloggers may have been consistent with truthful facts, while others are not. Therefore, it would be unfair to categorize people based on their status. Instead, people are defined by their convictions and words. In Christian ministry, the Bible alone stands as the foundation of truth, but it must always be handled rightly and properly expounded.

    I started blogging during my seminary days. A professor introduced us to the concept, and I briefly began a few blogs before discontinuing them. Since English grammar wasn’t my strong suit, so I stopped writing altogether.

    When I transitioned to the pastorate, we were asked to contribute to the church’s quarterly magazine. I recall that for the next six years, I was required to write one article per quarter. However, I stopped writing when I began and was preoccupied with my independent Bible study ministry.

    It’s been eleven years since we began our ministry. I don’t recall the exact date I resumed writing, but this time, I created this blog website to reach a wider audience.

    The pandemic gave me more time to write, and it became more practical due to the social distancing health protocols. As a result, my ministry has expanded to include blogging, explaining God’s Word, and conducting online Bible studies.

    God certainly works in mysterious ways. I hope my writings will continue to be useful and relevant even after I’m gone.

    I believe it still would be, as Ecclesiastes declared, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done. There is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything that is said, ‘See, this is new’? It has already existed in the ages that have passed.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)

    The Christian endeavor to do better would not end. Contrary to popular beliefs, the Christian age would not end with the rapture. The Christian age, which commenced at the Pentecost of Acts 2, continues and will continue for eternity. God’s church is the manifestation of His kingdom, which I would like to detail next.

    The Book of Hebrews said, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving – take note, it’s in the present, active, participle – a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28)

    Note: In Greek, the “present active participle” serves as a verbal adjective, signifying an action that is ongoing or repeated. It occurs simultaneously with the main verb in a sentence, providing additional context and detail to the action being described.

    Therefore, God’s unshakable kingdom is already at work, present yet awaiting its completion. Christ’s Church represents God’s kingdom on Earth, unlike the Davidic kingdom of the Old Covenant, which ended disastrously. The kingdom was initially split into two— Israel and Judah— due to the sins of Solomon and Rehoboam. Israel fell into the Assyrian Empire, Judah into Babylon, and finally Rome. In contrast, the New Covenant kingdom of Christ Jesus is eternal and unshakable, as evident in Hebrews 12:22-28.

    See Scripture: “But you have come – again take note it’s in the Second Perfect, Active, Indicative – to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24, NASB)

    Did you notice that Hebrews explicitly stated that God’s church is the new heavenly Jerusalem? This is synonymous with the New Heaven and New Earth as described by John in Revelation, who refers to her as the bride of Christ Jesus—the church (Revelation 21:1-2). It’s commendable that the NASB translation of the Bible faithfully retained the word “church,” unlike most modern English translations.

    Note: In Greek, the “second perfect active indicative” form is used to express a completed action that occurred in the past and carries lasting implications or a state that continues into the present.

    No wonder, in Luke 17:20-21, the Bible provides another proof that God’s kingdom is already present during Christ Jesus’ incarnation.

    The scripture states, “When the Pharisees asked Jesus about the kingdom of God, He replied, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming in a way that can be seen or heard. It is already among you.’”

    In Revelation, Scripture proclaims, “The kingdom of the world has become – that note, Second Aorist, Middle Deponent, Indicative – the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

    Note: In Greek, a “second aorist middle deponent indicative” verb form shows a completed action from the past. It mainly uses the middle voice, but the verb is considered deponent. This means it has only middle (or middle and passive) forms, while still having an active meaning.

    Therefore, Since John had witnessed Christ Jesus, who proclaimed that the kingdom was present among them, John addressed his contemporary audience, the church of his era, in Revelation. He declared, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” Consequently, God’s kingdom has permeated the world, and its fulfillment lies in the generation that first witnessed its arrival.

    Whether you believe Christ Jesus has returned fulfilling His promise to come in the lifetime of His apostles, as stated in Matthew 16:28; Matthew 10:23; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27, and many other passages of the Bible or not, the fact remains that God’s kingdom has arrived as Jesus Christ Himself declared in Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 12:28; Luke 11:20; Romans 14:16-17; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28. Take time to carefully study those passages. Remember that if you unreasonably reject God’s word, you are not opposing me, but rather God. 

    As Gamaliel told the religious order of his time accusing Peter and John of falsehood, “So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” (Acts 5:38-39)

    Do not be misled by teachings like that of the rapture and the likes. Popular as they may be, it does not mean they are true to the Bible. Unless you can defend it conclusively with Scriptures.

    Christ Jesus and His apostles confronted prevailing popular traditional beliefs and teachings. They went against the then recognized and accepted religious order. Who is in the right? If you know your Bible, you know the answer to that. 

    Keep in mind religious titles and positions do not count in the eyes of God, unless they uphold and honor God’s word (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). God’s truth can only be proven through faithful exposition of the Bible. 

    I write for two primary reasons: to preserve the sanctity of God’s word and to clarify theological concepts or ideas found in Scripture. My hope is to enrich the spiritual lives of Christians by revealing God’s truth. Isn’t theology then a means of edifying the church? Paul’s ecclesiology in Ephesians, which explains the doctrine of the church, wasn’t it for her edification? If a pastor, or someone in a Bible college or seminary, disagrees, perhaps they don’t understand Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians chapters one to two. If this is the case, then Christianity is certainly in danger of losing its identity.

    Compass, used for navigation, always points north, aligning with Earth’s magnetic field, guiding travelers on their journeys. Similarly, in life, we must learn from the sole source of truth, the Word of God. Preserving the sanctity of God’s Word, as it has been taught and explained in the Bible, is crucial. It should remain the True North in our life’s journey. If it were distorted, misinterpreted, or misbelieved, people would be misled and have misguided faith.

    Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.

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

  • Another Open Letter to the Church:

    Quoting Paul’s words, “For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” Speaking God’s truth in love, as taught in 2 Corinthians 2:4, so I share out of love for God’s church.

    Without a doubt, no one can truly be a Christian without doctrine. Doctrine refers to a set of beliefs or teachings that define one’s faith. In the context of Christianity, doctrine encompasses the fundamental truths about Jesus Christ, His salvation, His kingdom, and other related matters. Consequently, no Christian can claim to believe in Christ Jesus without being deeply concerned about the doctrine. Paul emphasized the significance of vigilance and perseverance in one’s life and doctrine, stating, “Be vigilant about your life and doctrine. Persevere in them, for if you do, you will save both yourself and your listeners.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

    Clearly, doctrine and faith are closely intertwined; it’s impossible to claim one without the other. The Christian faith is a set of doctrines centered on Christ Jesus. It’s no wonder that twice Paul condemned those who distorted the Gospel (see Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:2-4). The Gospel is God’s doctrine for salvation. Ignorance and arrogance are dangerous predicaments for individuals claiming to be Christians. Be discerning and avoid falling for such lies.

    The Bible alone holds the authority to definitively speak about God’s doctrine for salvation. When read and taught in its context, Scripture remains inspired and inerrant. Consequently, Christians must be aware of potential errors, human influences, or biases that may arise when they read and listen to extra-biblical literatures. Scripture quotes must always be consistent with the biblical teaching of their text. The apostle taught Christians, saying, “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that YOU MAY LEARN BY US NOT TO GO BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.” (1 Corinthians 4:6)

    Lately, with the recent events in Israel, many Christians have been making predictions about the future, claiming they are based on biblical prophecy. However, a closer look at their approach reveals that they have been quoting Scriptures without considering their context. I challenge anyone who claims to have found a prophecy about a third rebuilding of the Jewish temple in the Scriptures to provide the specific passage.

    Paul gave a warning to the church, saying, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

    That time occurred during Paul’s era, and unfortunately, it persists to this day. As I mentioned in my article “A Love Letter to the Church,” “since the decline in doctrinal standards has been ongoing for decades, if not centuries, defective doctrines have become the norm. Consequently, truthful biblical teachings have become indistinguishable to most Christians.” We don’t require another reformation; instead, we need a renewed interest in biblical truth. We can’t find it unless we revisit the writings of the first-century church, the Bible, and learn from there. That’s why our ministry is named “Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture.” May God grant us grace to make time for this, even amidst our busy schedules. If securing our future here is important to you, I emphasize that our spiritual well-being is of utmost importance cause it’s about now and forevermore.

    Paul emphasized this in his letter to the church, “Let us focus on the unseen rather than the visible. The visible is fleeting, while the unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

    P.S. After encountering contradictions in the traditional teachings of the church, I made an effort to relearn Scripture. Despite knowing that Scripture is a unity, I couldn’t reconcile the traditional teachings. With the help of my seminary training, I embarked on a journey of restudying the Bible. As God promised in Proverbs 2:1-5, if we receive God’s words, treasure its commandments, and make ourselves attentive to its wisdom, yearning for understanding like that of hidden treasures, we will be given understanding and knowledge.

    With utmost humility and confidence in the Lord, I share that my understanding of the Scripture has grown. By God’s grace, I have found the courage to teach and explain it in my Bible study groups. If I were solely concerned with gaining acceptance and personal benefits, would I risk challenging the prevailing popular beliefs? However, driven by concern for my own salvation and the hope of reuniting with my departed son, I could not remain silent and continue adhering to conventional Bible teachings. Recognizing that my ultimate reward lies with the Lord Jesus Christ, I have chosen to openly share the Word to honor God and out of love for His church. Ultimately, God alone is the ultimate arbiter of truth, as revealed in His sacred Bible.

    Keep in mind that back in the days of Jesus Christ and the early church, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious order, was the recognized authority of Scripture. However, they led the people astray. Therefore, titles alone do not signify authority in conveying the truthful teachings of God’s word; correct exposition does. Hence, Paul emphasized, “Do your utmost to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Didn’t Paul uphold the doctrines of the Bible? 

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

  • A Love Letter to the Church

    Since June is an occasion for fathers, I am writing this letter to call on the attention of Christian fathers. Many Christian fathers are unable to minister to their families these days, perpetuating a cycle of decline. Since most Christian churches grow through birth rather than evangelism, it’s no surprise that we’re witnessing a decline in Christian leadership over time. To address this present dilemma, we must train the next generation in biblical interpretation. We should teach them how to properly explain Scripture, as people have been prioritizing communication skills over faithfulness to the content. Consequently, we see Christians adopting diverse and peculiar doctrines.

    However, since the deterioration in doctrine has been occurring for decades, if not centuries, defective doctrines have become the norm. Consequently, truthful biblical teaching has become indistinguishable to most Christians.

    The sanctity of the church hinges on two key aspects: right doctrine and Christian living, and these two aspects are intrinsically linked. How can we discern true Christian living if our doctrines are flawed? How can the church remain unified if each individual has their own interpretation of the church or its doctrine? Remember that Paul emphasized that true Christian unity rests on its doctrine. See Scripture below: 

    “As a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to walk in a manner befitting your calling. Be humble and gentle, patient, and loving towards one another. Let us strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We are one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the ONE hope that belongs to your calling. We have ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.

    Grace has been given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it says, “When He ascended on high, He led a host of captives and gave gifts to men.” (In saying “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)

    He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and the teachers to EQUIP the saints for the work of ministry and to BUILD UP the body of Christ, the church. Until we all attain to the UNITY OF FAITH (i.e. beliefs or doctrines) and knowledge of the Son of God, we will mature into men, reaching the measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, human cunning, and deceitful schemes.” Rather than SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, we are to grow up in every way into Christ, the head of the church, from whom the whole body (i.e. the church), joined and held together by every joint, when each part works properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:1-16)

    Love, as defined in Scripture, encompasses, rather centers on, right doctrines. So, why has the church chosen to prioritize protecting its aesthetics over its inner self or constitution (i.e., its doctrines)? Until when will Christians continue to be pretentious, claiming that everything is well with the church?

    Lies, deceptions, or prosthetics can only keep those who are indifferent, naive in Scripture, or fatally attached due to relational bonds, but not the thinking, intellectually inclined, and truth-seeking Christians. Are you truly not aware of the reasons behind the church’s failures? The church has long ceased to effectively fulfill its mandate from Christ. 

    If you claim ignorance, then you don’t deserve to lead the church (1Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) . However, if you are aware of the situation, your silence and indifference are harming God’s church. Let me remind everyone of Paul’s words: “If anyone destroys God’s temple (i.e., the church), God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:17)

    Each Christian is obligated to uphold the sanctity of God’s church, particularly ministers, pastors, elders, deacons, and those who claim to be reverends. 

    Quoting Paul’s words: “For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 2:4)

    As the saying goes, “Sharing is caring.” Let’s consider this article in the context of loving and caring for God’s church. 

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

  • 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!