Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: Kingdom of heaven

  • Scripture vs. Assertion: The Truth About the Second Coming

    Photo taken from a FB posting of Emily Madrigal

    Franklin Graham is the son of the celebrated evangelist Billy Graham, who gained prominence in the late 40s and was credited with a resurgence of Christianity during the 1960s and 1970s. Following in his father’s footsteps, Franklin has become a prominent religious figure in his own right, often speaking on contemporary issues.

    Ironically, Franklin Graham’s assertion regarding the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ is inaccurate. People tend to accept and believe what they are told rather than what the Bible states. John lived during the era of Revelation. Scripture notes in Revelation 1:9, “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

    John was evidently living during the period of tribulation described by Jesus in Matthew 24:9–22. Jesus spoke of only one tribulation, and He never said it would be stretched to today.

    Jesus stated in Revelation 1:19, “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.” John was directed to record what was shown to him; know that the Greek tense in the whole statement is consistently present.

    Here is the verse with its tenses: “Write therefore the things that you have seen (TVM 5748, Present, Indicative), those that are (TVM 5719, Present, Active, Indicative) and those that are to take place (TVM 5738, Present, Passive, Infinite) after this.” This suggests that the events John observed occurred within his lifetime—his present and future, not ours.

    John’s visions therefore act as immediate warnings to the recipient churches. Consequently, Jesus declares in all of His letters with the phrase: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

    In one church, Jesus offers assurance:“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Revelation 3:11)

    Jesus warns about false prophets, stating, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.” (Matthew 24:24–26)

    Do you grasp the warning of Jesus Christ? Be cautious of those who say “look,” which suggests claims about his physical and visible arrival.

    This confusion often stems from a misunderstanding of Acts 1:11, where the angels state, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

    The passage didn’t say Jesus would return in physical form. Let’s let Scripture speak on this matter, 1 Timothy 3:16 states, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: Jesus was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, TAKEN UP IN GLORY.

    Acts 1:9 says, Jesus was taken up in a cloud. That’s the expression of glory, like in Exodus, God appears to Israel in the pillar of cloud by day, and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).

    In Exodus 19:9, “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” Scripture made clear Israel may only hear but not see.

    In Exodus 34:5–8, the text describes the LORD descending in the cloud and passing before Moses, prompting worship; however, Scripture does not indicate that God was visible to him.

    At Damascus, when Jesus appeared to Saul—later called Paul—the biblical record indicates that Saul and his companions heard only a voice; no one saw Jesus, because at His ascension, carried away by the cloud, He had returned to His glory (Acts 9:1–7).

    This same expression of glory is what is meant in Luke 21:27, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

    Now compare the next verse, Matthew 24:27, with Zechariah 9:14: “Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning; the Lord GOD will sound the trumpet and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south.”

    Was Jesus not quoting Zechariah 9:14 regarding His return? “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:27)

    Keep in mind the context of Zechariah 9, it’s about the coming of the King riding on a colt or donkey (Zechariah 9:9). This was fulfilled by Jesus’ Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-5).

    Now, see Jesus’ teaching on the Wedding Feast:

    Matthew 22:2-10 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a King who gave a wedding feast for His Son, and sent His servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again He sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared My dinner, My oxen and My fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized His servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The King was angry, and He sent His troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then He said to His servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

    Jesus Christ is the Son who was crucified by the Jewish Religious Leaders. They rejected His reign, but the wedding feast went on. Their rejection didn’t stop the kingdom of heaven from advancing, as supposed by contemporary teachings and beliefs.

    This advancement involves both the gathering of the faithful and the judgment of those who oppose it, a theme that continues in Jesus’ later warnings. Look at the verses following Jesus’ warning about false prophets (Matthew 24:24–26), Matthew 24:27–28: “For as the lightning comes out of the east and shines even to the west, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered.”

    Matthew 24:28 echoes Deuteronomy 28:49: “The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the end of the earth, swooping down like the eagle, a nation whose language you do not understand.”

    Matthew 24:28’s vultures should be rendered “eagles, G105.” The foreign nation—linked biblically to Matthew 22:7 and historically to Rome—descended like the eagle upon Old Covenant Israel, ending the Jewish rebellion and burning the temple in 70 AD.

    This judgment on Jerusalem sets the stage for understanding the timeline of Jesus’ return. Jesus in Matthew 23:36-38 states:

    “Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… See, your house is left to you desolate.” (Matthew 23:36-38)

    Ironically, nobody seems to take seriously Jesus’ words in John 21. The passage focused on the restoration of Peter. Peter learned from Jesus about his martyr death for the Gospel. He then asked Jesus about John. Jesus replied, “If it is My will that John remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” (John 21:22)

    Scripture made clear that Jesus didn’t say John wouldn’t die, but that he would still be alive when Jesus comes (John 21:23). This aligns perfectly with what Jesus tells His apostles about His return.

    “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28) Mark 9:1 and Luke 9:27 reflect the same point.

    Peter, Paul, and James, writing to their contemporary Christians, say, “The Lord is at hand” (1 Peter 1:13; Philippians 4:5; James 5:7-8) They all understood the coming of Jesus to be at hand, or in their era, not in our future, as many pastors and preachers propose today.

    The Bible is not overly difficult to understand. Yet we must study from the Scriptures rather than human writings, or their mistakes may become ours. That is why I encourage focusing on the Scriptures rather than relying on Bible commentaries, creeds, and confessions.

    Studying the Bible resembles assembling a jigsaw puzzle. If a piece is misplaced or lost, finishing the narrative or image becomes impossible. This challenge faces modern Christianity, producing conflicting interpretations of the Scriptures.

    A careful review of the Reformers’ writings—such as John Gill’s commentary from a Reformed viewpoint—shows they viewed themselves as the elect of the last days and the pope and Roman Catholic Church as the beast. This approach reflects eisegesis rather than exegesis of the Bible. Eisegesis contrasts with exegesis because it involves projecting a pre-existing belief system onto the Scriptures. By contrast, exegesis lets the Scriptures guide us toward biblical truths.

    Paul instructed us pastors, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

    Again, Paul warned, “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)

    We who teach the Bible are accountable for what we teach. James warned, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1)

    Teach only what you have personally studied and learned from the Scriptures. Jesus is the Word; hence, only then may we truly learn from the Bible.

    In the course of my journey teaching the Bible, I decided to learn and teach only from the Bible. I then saw the inconsistencies of contemporary Christian teachings and beliefs. With this foundation, I was led to a new resolve: to let the Scriptures speak for themselves.

    I share my insights with my family first, then with my current Bible studies and beyond. Is it simple? Not really, since Paul warned that “People will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” (2 Timothy 4:3).

    As the Chinese proverb suggests, “It takes three days to learn mistakes, but three years to learn good virtues.” Regrettably, the biblical warning holds: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

    People often follow the crowd, seeking comfort in numbers rather than truth. Yet Scripture commends the Bereans, who received the word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to confirm its truth (Acts 17:11). Many forget the very teachings of Jesus:

    > “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

    True discipleship calls for careful study of God’s Word and a commitment to follow Christ, even when the path is difficult and unpopular. The majority may choose the wide road, but life is found only in the narrow way through Jesus Christ.

    > “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

    The truth is: People ought to seek the salvation of Jesus Christ. The church, on the other hand, must return to the true teachings of the Bible. Preaching and sharing the Gospel is a mandate to us Christians. The Bible states:

    “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an Eternal Gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.” (Revelation 14:6)

    Eternity is with Jesus Christ. He desires everyone to be saved and have an abundant life (John 10:10). Abundant means to be rich towards God, see Luke 12:13-21. Jesus told us not to worry about our day-to-day needs, nor tomorrow. But to seek His kingdom and all these things will be added to us. (Luke 12:22-31)

    The “last days” are a thing of the past; they belong to Old Covenant Israel. We are living past that period, Scripture states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

    With the New Creation, the age of grace—eternal because the Gospel is eternal—requires only that we live and believe in Jesus Christ. The world’s clamor is merely temporary. Like any other event, it will soon pass.

    So, believe the Gospel. Live for Jesus Christ. Share His Word. This is our joyful calling, Jesus states, “faith begins like a mustard seed, which is small,” but if we nurture our faith, it will grow and carry people into His grace.

    In Matthew 17:20, “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.’”

    Take note that Jesus uttered the same promise in Luke 18:27, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” The context of which is leading someone into His grace, the salvation in Jesus Christ.

    Jesus Christ came, and we are now in the era of grace, His New Covenant. There are a lot of people still living outside His grace; let’s not be bothered by all the noises, but realize that the noises provide an opportunity for us to tell people about Jesus Christ and His grace. But be careful not to engage in scare tactics that coerce people into confessing their faith. That kind of evangelism is never the way of Jesus, His apostles, or the Scriptures.

    P.S. Anyone interested in the topic here might also look at earlier work on comparable or related themes: “Rethinking the Church: A Call to Biblical Priorities”; “Take Heart! Jesus said, ‘I Have Overcome the World’”; “Sharing Insights from Scripture (Temple & Sabbath)”; “It’s a Matter of the Heart”; “Not by Water but by Fire”; “A War Based on a Lie”; “It Is Done! (Revelation 21:6)”; “Great Power comes with Great Responsibility”; “Is Hebrews 10:25 Truly about Sunday Gatherings of Christians?”; “Confusion Is Not Of God”; “Was Salvation Completed at the Cross?”; “Are there Minor and Major Doctrines in the Bible”; “Does God Elect People to Salvation?”; “The Gospel Heralds God’s Kingdom and the Time of the End”; “End Times Brouhaha”; “Parousia Myths”; “Hallucinations of a Rapture”; “Delusions of Rebuilding the Temple”; “Confused Christianity”; “Oops! They Did It Again”; “Utopia”; “The Unending Last Days”; “Dating the Book of Revelation”; “The Eternal Gospel”; “The Eschatological Divide”; “The Runaway Bridegroom”; “Scripture vs. Tradition”; and many more.

    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!

  • Rethinking the Church: A Call to Biblical Priorities

    Christians have become overly focused on constructing buildings they call churches. Yet a building without believers is nothing more than a structure—a gathering place at best. As a song says, “A house is not a home when there’s no one there.” Likewise, a building, no matter how grand, is not the church if God’s people are absent.

    Before the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church aimed to construct the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. However, lacking sufficient resources, they introduced the doctrine of indulgence to trick people into donating money. In today’s world, the same strategy may be employed to fund and execute building projects by simply calling them the church.

    This fixation on building projects may be influenced by Western trends that many imitate without careful consideration. Some may have thought it’s good for personal legacy. However, these developments often lead to resentment in neighborhoods, as they generate traffic and inconvenience, effectively becoming obstacles to the Gospel itself. However, the mission of God’s people is clear: to spread the Gospel to the world, not to confine it within walls.

    The coming of Jesus Christ and the rapid spread of the Gospel during the Roman Empire were no mere coincidences. The Pax Romana established a period of relative peace, while the vast network of Roman roads provided safe and efficient travel. These conditions created a literal and figurative highway for the message of Christ to reach distant lands with remarkable speed.

    In contrast, modern Christianity often faces internal obstacles. Institutionalized churches, once intended to safeguard and organize the faith, can sometimes become barriers to the unrestrained sharing of the Gospel. Bureaucracy, divisions, and rigid structures may hold back the very mission they were meant to support. In this light, one might wonder: has modern Christianity, through its own systems, become its greatest hindrance?

    Some interpret Hebrews 10:25 as a directive to gather regularly in sanctuaries or buildings. However, the phrase “meet together” appears only twice in the New Testament—Hebrews 10:25 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1—and should be understood as referring to God’s promise to regather Israel, as also seen in Romans 11:25-27. A careful reading of Romans indicates that this regathering was being fulfilled during Paul’s own lifetime.

    Paul writes:

    “I ask, then, has God rejected His people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? ‘Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have demolished Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.’ But what is God’s reply to him? ‘I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:1-5)

    Here, the “present time” refers to Paul’s own era—the final days of Old Covenant Israel—where a remnant, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, was preserved. Paul himself was an example of the remnant chosen by grace (Romans 11:1-5). He makes it clear that he is speaking of Old Covenant Israel, as he also notes in Romans 9:27: “And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved.’”

    If there are any doubts about the expiration of the Old Covenant, one only needs to look at Hebrews 8:13. It declares, “In speaking of a new covenant, God makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Furthermore, Hebrews 9 highlights the Jewish temple, the physical symbol of the Old Covenant, which no longer stands today.

    Thus, the call to “meet together” is biblically and historically tied to God’s regathering of Israel rather than a universal command for modern believers to hold scheduled gatherings in sanctuaries or buildings.

    The true church is not a building but the community of believers who confess Christ and live in faith. Jesus described the kingdom of heaven as a net gathering fish of every kind (Matthew 13:47-49): the Gospel is the net, the world is the sea, and the church—the true church—are the good fish gathered into God’s kingdom.

    The early church wholeheartedly devoted itself to the apostles’ teachings (Acts 2:42), which are now reflected in the New Testament Scriptures, and to fellowship with one another. They met daily, not just for the weekly gatherings we often see today, but in the temple courts and later in homes (Acts 5:42; 12:12; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2). Unlike the modern practice of gathering in large buildings open to all, with sufficient parking and amenities, the early Christians shared life together in intimate home settings. This approach made it easier to distinguish genuine believers from those who were merely nominal. In this context, new believers were intentionally introduced to Christian groups, much like Barnabas personally connected Paul to the church (Acts 9:26-27). This created a clear sense of accountability and belonging.

    Consequently, Paul’s instruction that the church must be purified was doable (1 Corinthians 5:7-13), applying discipline to those claiming to be brothers yet living in sin. Because everyone is known to each other, Jesus Himself instructs a step-by-step approach to correction (Matthew 18:15-17), which ultimately leads to purging unrepentant sin from the church. A real church is marked not by walls but by lives aligned with God’s Word.

    Resources should therefore be directed toward spreading the Gospel, training believers (2 Timothy 2:2), and supporting faithful workers (3 John 5-8)—rather than pouring funds into concrete and mortar. Jesus declared that He would build His church on the rock of Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:18). Peter confessed: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16).” Scripture states, “therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am the One who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” (Isaiah 28:16)

    Scripture clearly teaches that Christ is the “Rock” (1 Corinthians 10:4), the firm foundation and cornerstone of Zion, which is His church (Hebrews 12:22-24). With Christ Jesus as its head, the church is described as the “true temple” (John 2:19-22; Colossians 1:18). Paul reminds believers: “Do you not know that you (i.e. the church) are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Further study of the following passages—1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-6—reveals that the church is indeed God’s spiritual temple. Therefore, placing great emphasis on physical buildings misrepresents God’s word and the true nature of His church.

    Instead of spending hundreds of millions, even billions, of pesos, why not consider renting? Some individuals generously donate, so why not construct a modest gathering place instead of large buildings with only a few attendees? Additionally, some may even be willing to lend out spaces for meetups and gatherings focused on reading and studying God’s word. As Paul instructed Timothy, “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13)

    God’s workers should be honored (Hebrews 13:7), equipped (2 Timothy 2:15), and sent into the harvest where it truly lies—outside the four walls, in marketplaces, homes, daily encounters, and we don’t need to go far; our very neighborhood (Matthew 9:37-38). The church is God’s people, not the structures we maintain. Let’s stop wasting resources on buildings and instead fully commit to the work Christ commanded: proclaiming the Gospel and building His kingdom through lives, not bricks.

    The church is, at its core, an assembly, though it does not always reflect the modern notion of a congregation. According to Scripture, it is the spiritual gathering of the firstborn, whose names are inscribed in heaven (Hebrews 12:22–24). This sacred assembly may appear as a local fellowship of believers or as individuals scattered across various regions, each faithfully fulfilling their service to God in their own context. For instance, Aquila and Priscilla, after being expelled from Rome, settled in Corinth (Acts 18:1-2). They contributed to God’s ministry by carefully explaining the Gospel to Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). Even while distant from Paul, they remained his fellow workers in Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3).

    Paul reminds us that the church is composed of members with different gifts. As Ephesians 4:11 states, God appoints some to be pastors, some to be evangelists, and others to be teachers. While a single individual may at times perform the tasks of all three, these are the only offices that currently remain. 

    The New Testament defines apostles as direct witnesses of Christ—His life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension (1 Corinthians 9:1). Paul declared that he was the last of the apostles, uniquely chosen (1 Corinthians 15:8-9). His calling as the apostle to the Gentiles carried great responsibility (Romans 11:13; Acts 9:15-16). Paul’s extensive travels, numerous hardships, and eventual arrival in Rome—then viewed as the edge of the known world—highlight complete fulfillment of Acts 1:8. It is thus understandable that he authored most of the New Testament writings. 

    Through his mission, the Gospel effectively reached the whole world, fulfilling the prophecy that it would go to the ends of the earth, contrary to the claims of modern Christianity (Colossians 1:6, 23; Romans 10:18; 15:19; 16:25-26; Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; Acts 1:8, 28:15-31). 

    Furthermore, there is no scriptural basis proving that Peter ever ministered in Rome. The mention of “Babylon” in 1 Peter 5:13 is often misinterpreted as Rome, yet Revelation 17:5-6, 17:18, and 11:8 identify “Babylon the Great” as Old Covenant Jerusalem—the city where Jesus was crucified—rather than Rome.

    Similarly, there are no prophets today since all divine revelations have been completed in the book of Revelation. As Paul teaches in Romans 12:7-8, some are gifted in serving, others in giving, and some in showing mercy. Each of us is called to faithfully fulfill the role that matches the gift God has given us.

    Consequently, if Christians mistakenly view the church primarily as physical spaces—such as buildings, sanctuaries, and halls—they end up striving to fill every empty seat, even gathering those who are unconverted, like guests without a wedding garment— that is, faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17-20; 21:28-32; Romans 1:16-17; 3:21-26; 5:17; 13:14; Galatians 3:27-29; Ephesians 4:21-24). This is why Scripture declares, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:9-14)

    Reflect on the Scriptures and be discerning. Do not simply follow others without understanding, for Jesus said, “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14) Let us not imitate the Pharisees, who forsook God’s Word to cling to the traditions of men. (Mark 7:8)

    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!

  • It’s a Matter of the Heart

    Today, the Roman Catholics celebrate Palm Sunday. Scripture tells us this was the triumphant entry of Jesus, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, the coming of the King. 

    Scripture states, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and He shall speak peace to the nations; His rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:9-10) In other words, Jesus Christ, the King who rode on a donkey, was to liberate Israel and bring peace to all people – that’s the meaning of sea to sea, to the ends of the earth.

    Reading from Matthew 21:4-9, hysteria and excitement were all over Jerusalem. They exclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

    “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” is taken from Psalm 118, specifically verses 24-26. This psalm is recited annually during the Feast of Tabernacle, which serves as a rehearsal for the promise of Israel’s regathering. However, the Jews misunderstood its significance. They were perplexed by Christ’s denouncement of the temple (John 2:13-20). Moreover, as mentioned in John 2:13, the upcoming Jewish feast they were about to celebrate was not the Feast of Tabernacle, but the Passover. To add to the complexity, the religious leaders refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, poisoning the minds of the Jews causing them to reject Him.

    Luke tells us Jesus knew He would be rejected; Scripture said He wept. 

    “And when Jesus drew near and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’” (Luke 19:41-44)

    The triumphant entry of Jesus Christ was the tipping point for Israel, a point of no return. Because of their rejection of Christ Jesus, judgment came upon them in 70 A.D. Here, Jesus spoke about the second and final destruction of the temple, saying, “and they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation”. Precisely Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 23:36-24:2. Of which, the disciples understood as the return of Jesus and the end of the age – See Matthew 24:3. 

    “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?’”

    Did Jesus failed to bring peace? Of course not. Jesus declared to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (John 14:27-28)

    Sadly, like the unbelieving Jews that rejected Jesus Christ, Christians today have the same expectation and misconception of God’s promise of peace.

    Paul states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

    God’s peace does not mean we will be spared from troubling times. An example from Daniel, he was left in the den of lions, without a doubt a life threatening circumstance, and yet, was left unharmed by the lions, see Daniel 6. Scripture concludes, “So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” 

    God’s peace comes by faith in Him. The present war in the Middle East has tremendous consequences for the world. Economists and political analysts have projected difficulties and hard times ahead. But as a Christian, we ought to know who holds tomorrow. So live in faith. Walk by faith, and God will sustain us. 

    Crucial to understand as well is the fulfillment of God’s Word is never dependent on man’s actions. Contrary to what is being taught and believed, the rejection of the Jews didn’t delay the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Jesus Christ fulfilled Scripture, ushering in His kingdom. The Bible states, “Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

    God’s kingdom cannot be shaken, because it’s a spiritual kingdom. Not a physical one like the kingdom of David or Solomon. Jesus Christ declares, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36)

    Again, Jesus Christ states, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

    Jesus Christ states, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

    Paul states, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) God’s kingdom is a matter of the heart, consciousness, and faith. Consequently, significant to ask: What is the condition of our hearts? Do we really have a heart of worship and believe in Jesus Christ?

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share 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!

  • A War Based on a Lie

    Let me warn Christians that anyone who claims and teaches that the present conflict in Iran is a prelude to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is delusional and false. All the prophecies in the Old Testament were fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

    After His resurrection, Jesus Christ declared, “These are My words that I spoke to you (i.e., the disciples) while I was still with you. Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44) During His sermon on the mount, Jesus emphasized, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). In essence, Jesus Christ proclaimed that He was fulfilling Scriptures from the very beginning of His earthly ministry and even after His resurrection. It’s crucial to understand that if Jesus didn’t fulfill all Scriptures, He wouldn’t be true to His Word and couldn’t be the Christ. However, Jesus certainly is the Christ.

    Hebrews teaches that the coming of Jesus Christ signaled the last days. See Scripture, “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). The Bible says “it’s the last days”, not millennia. Peter affirmed it’s the last days in Acts 2:16-40, same as Paul and other apostles (2 Timothy 3:1; James 5:3; 2 Peter 3:3).

    Contrary to contemporary Christian teachings, God’s kingdom cannot be postponed. Daniel prophesied that it will come during the reign of the fourth Gentile kingdom ruling over Israel, asserting that it’s certain and sure (Daniel 2:44-45). Rome was the fourth empire after Babylon (Daniel 2:36-38), Persia, and Greece (Daniel 8:20-21). The fact is, even the Jewish religious leaders, despite denying Christ, knew its time; hence, Jesus said they were forcing themselves into the kingdom. See Luke 16:16, “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”

    The teaching about a Revived Roman Empire was developed to circumvent God’s declarations. There are many more lies invented to justify their assertions, and sadly many Christians have fallen into their myths and deceptions.

    God’s kingdom is spiritual. The Bible nowhere teaches it would be physical. Jesus made clear it’s not coming in ways that can be observed. 

    Jesus Christ declared the arrival of God’s kingdom; see Luke 17:20-21, “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There!” for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.’”

    See Christ’s conversation with the Samaritan woman: “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’ The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” (John 4:21-26)

    Without a doubt, Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who was to come. He came, therefore the Messianic kingdom was inaugurated; that’s the reason the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Take note, Jesus did say, with His coming, Jerusalem would cease to be the place for worship. Believers are no longer confined to spaces or a sanctuary, but are to worship God in truth and spirit. 

    The Messianic kingdom was spoken in Psalm 2. Jesus Christ is the King of Zion, a fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaiah 7:14 as declared in Matthew 1:22-23. The Bible never spoke of a gap in the prophetic fulfillment of God’s kingdom. The talk of a rapture is nonsense. With the coming of Jesus, the Messianic kingdom has begun. Paul, in Acts, declared the fulfillment of Psalm 2, “And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this He has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You’” (Acts 13:32-33). The Messianic kingdom is God’s kingdom – the kingdom of heaven – as heralded by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-2) and announced by Jesus Christ to have arrived (Matthew 4:17; 12:28; Luke 11:20).

    What is too hard to understand? It’s plain and simple. But contemporary Christianity resists the truth and insists on what they have been told and taught. Example of the lie below:

    Taken from Tony Campbell

    Now that another Middle East crisis is at hand, soothsayers once more are abound. But Jesus Christ alone is the true prophet of God, to whom we ought to listen. At the transfiguration of Jesus, God declared, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5) 

    Christians, let us not be alarmed by claims or teachings that supposedly the end of the world is coming. The Bible never spoke of the end of the world, but the end of the age. Jesus Christ taught about two ages only, the present age and the age to come, see Mark 10:29-30 and Luke 18:29-30. By “present age or in this age”, Jesus didn’t mean our time but the Old Covenant age – the period in which He came, lived, died, and resurrected, which consists of regulations, offerings, and animal sacrifices – see Hebrews 9:1-15. The Bible teaches that Christ Jesus has made it obsolete, with the passing of the Jewish temple (Hebrews 8:13). Making it impossible for the Mosaic regulations to be observed and practiced. The Bible declared Christ Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15; 12:24).

    Paul, in Ephesians, expounded on the mystery of God about the church also teaches only two ages (Ephesians 1:21-22).

    However, Jewish survivors of the A.D. 70 destruction of the temple continued in disbelief, so they came out with the Talmudic writings. Prominent on its declaration is a third rebuilding of the Jewish temple, which was nowhere taught in the Old or New Testament Scripture, but has been promoted by some Christians who hold dispensational theology. Beware of what you are learning, believing, and teaching. You might be disseminating falsehoods. 

    Study the Bible thoroughly with a clear mind, free from biases introduced by mainstream Christianity. Just a few decades after Jesus Christ’s resurrection, false gospels began spreading, prompting Paul to confront them by writing letters to various churches (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4). Also, the writing of the gospels ensued— Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Today, it remains an issue even millennia later. The root cause seems to be Christianity’s tendency to rely on the writings of early church fathers, those of the Reformers, or modern scholars rather than the Bible itself.

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

  • Priceless!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    With the arrival of Christ Jesus, God extends His care to all who believe in Him, offering the gift of eternal life. All we need to do is believe and trust in God’s goodness. As Paul states in Romans, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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!

  • Hope Springs Eternal

    Photo taken from Cebu Daily News

    In these troubling times, it’s heartwarming to hear stories of human goodness. Here’s a link to a heartwarming tale of a stray dog finding a loving home in the US.

    The Bible said, “The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain,” says the LORD.” (Isaiah 65:25)

    Let’s learn from this story of a stray dog. Many are struggling and may be falling into depression. All it took was a chance encounter with a stranger who was willing to extend a helping hand. The rest is up to us. If you responded positively to that opportunity, your chances of bettering yourself are now possible. However, never abuse a gracious offer. They only offer you a hand, not their entire person.

    Depression is the fear of being alone in your misery, but that’s never true. Scripture states, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (which means, God with us – Matthew 1:23).” That’s Jesus Christ.

    In the Book of Revelation, the Bible proclaims, “And I heard a resounding voice from the throne declaring, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God has come to man. He will reside among them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them as their God.’” (Revelation 21:3)

    The Jerusalem temple, the visible manifestation of the First Heaven and First Earth, has ceased to exist. This aligns with Jesus Christ’s teachings in Scripture, as it has passed away. For reference, check out Matthew 24:1-35.

    Paul, in his letter to the church of Corinth, declared, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they have become a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

    The New Creation has been a constant presence since the arrival of Christ Jesus, marking the inauguration of God’s kingdom. (For Scripture references, see Luke 17:20-21 and Matthew 12:28.) Its fullness becomes a complete reality with the destruction of the Old Covenant Jewish temple. Jesus declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19) Clearly, the temple about to be destroyed was the Jerusalem temple. Christ Jesus, along with His church, constitutes the New Temple (Ephesians 2:19-22 and Ephesians 5:23), which He established by His resurrection.

    Though it is sad that the organized church has mangled the image of God’s church. Often times, it becomes a stumbling block for people to believe the Gospel. Nevertheless, never be afraid to be alone, especially if you are truly a Christian.

    Regardless of what happens, God promises never to abandon or forsake us. As it says in Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

    Scripture also warns that “the love of money brings trouble” (1 Timothy 6:10). Instead, seek God’s blessings, as it says in Proverbs 10:22, “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”

    There is hope in humanity, after all. God’s goodness shines through in the hearts of those who are always ready to care and help. However, they must embrace the Gospel. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. It is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

    Share the Gospel, but do not imposed rules, regulations, or practices that are not explicitly taught in Scripture. The Bible intended God’s church to be a community, not an organization.

    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!

  • 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!

  • 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!