Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: Matthew 28:19-20

  • How to Be Better in 2026

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

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

    We live in a chaotic world, and we tend to fall into its rhythm when we pursue material things. That’s when temptation and compromises often occur. The Bible states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

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

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

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

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

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

    Am I suggesting that we can survive without competing with others? First, we must acknowledge that God is good, true, and faithful. See Hebrews 13:5. The Bible teaches, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” There is a saying that goes, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” So yes, we do not need to compete aggressively in a dog-eat-dog world. God can bless and provide for His people even in the midst of a wilderness, like Exodus.

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

    Secondly, Christ Jesus states, “Instead, seek God’s kingdom, and these things will be added to you. ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’” (Luke 12:31-34)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Do it Rightly

    One of the remarkable prophecies in the Bible pertains to the arrival of the Son of God. Scripture proclaims, “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. From the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

    Christ, the incarnate Jesus, was born and lived a life much like ours—fully human yet free from sin, and, unlike us, fully divine. He shared wisdom inspired by God the Father, accomplished His mission, and willingly went to the cross for the redemption of our sins. He died and stayed in the tomb for three days and three nights, as He had prophesied (Matthew 12:40) and as foretold in Hosea 6:2. On the third day, He was resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:4). For forty days, He appeared alive (Acts 1:3) before being taken up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16)—not in a bodily form, as many had assumed. Stephen saw Him standing at the right hand of the throne of God (Acts 7:56) just before his martyrdom, indicating His reign. This fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7. Therefore, Jesus reigns now and forevermore.

    Scripture declared: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool; what is the house that you would build for Me, and what is the place of My rest?’” (Isaiah 66:1) The idea of the third Jerusalem temple isn’t a Christian teaching, because God’s throne is in heaven, not earth. He reigns over all creation in heaven. Yet, God now dwells among us Christians; hence, Scripture said Jesus Christ and His Church is the New Temple (Ephesians 2:19-22). Temple  means to dwell, same with tabernacle. In other words, it means God dwells with His people, the church; hence, God’s people is the New temple. 

    The church then isn’t a place, neither is it an organization or institution, but an assembly of Christians. When would Christians, especially pastors, correct that misunderstanding? I hope it’s not due to the fact that you want and need to keep Christians coming into your congregation? Don’t get me wrong. I am not against collective gatherings of the church, for as long as the integrity of the church isn’t compromised. However, the question often asked “Where do you go to church?” is a misrepresentation of the true meaning of the church. 

    Christians invite people to embrace the Gospel, so it is wrong to say we can invite anyone to the church. It’s only after they have repented and believe, then they become a part of God’s church. Contrary to popular belief, God’s church is not a hospital. Instead, it is the gathering of the redeemed, who have been healed by the grace of God. Their perfection lies not in themselves but in the blood of Christ Jesus. Hence, Paul instructing Christians said: “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’” (1 Corinthians 5:11-13)

    Again, Paul declared: “Do you not know that your bodies (i.e. the individual Christian) are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

    Once more, Paul declared: “Do you not know that you (“you” Greek plural, i.e. the church) are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you (“you” Greek plural, i.e. the church)? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

    Christians have overlook their responsibility to evangelize and disciple individuals before welcoming them into the church, the body of Christ. This oversight can lead to confusion and challenges when believers interact with those who do not understand the faith. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul advises the church, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” It is a serious error to allow a predator to infiltrate and prey on the flock.

    This leads to the conclusion that launching discipleship programs within the church, which include both believers and non-believers, is akin to putting the cart before the horse. Such an approach simply won’t be effective.

    Let’s be honest: do you often see familiar faces joining one discipleship program after another? There aren’t many new faces, are there? Evangelism and discipleship go hand in hand; they are intrinsically linked. One cannot truly exist without the other. However, it’s never too late to make a change. In John 6, many disciples followed Jesus, but when He began to teach the truth about Himself, the Scriptures say, “Many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him” (John 6:66). We must be willing to face the consequences of change.

    But of course, that’s unacceptable, epecially since the mindset of ROI (return of investment) has been instituted into the leadership. Therefore, the reality of the present-day churches would just persist, like a spinning carousel without stop, increasing its speed, until something gets detached, damaging its structure. 

    Like any God-fearing Christians in conventional churches, I also desire to see the church healthy and effective for evangelism and discipleship. But how can the church do her role, if Christians among yourselves are the ones receiving discipleship without end?

    I have seen Christians leaving a congregation then starting a new one. They may have successfully drawn people into their congregation, but by repeating the same mistakes – bringing people to church without first evangelism and discipleship – in time they are back to square one. They intended to do a 180 degree change but ended up with a 360, finding themselves right where they left. Frustrating and disappointing, I can relate. 

    Stop concentrating only on numbers and instead adopt the methodology of Christ Jesus. Begin small and exclude those who are not ready. As we see in Scripture, the small group—including Paul, who was specifically called for missions outside of Judea—became the catalyst that, within forty years, reached the far corners of the then-known world – Rome. Ultimately, that was where Paul ended up, as we read in the book of Acts, wasn’t it?

    Many have not noticed, but Paul had repeatedly declared the Gospel reaching the end of the world. See passages below:

    (1) “But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’” (Romans 10:18)

    (2) “but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” (Acts 26:20) The Gentiles receiving the Gospel also implied the ends of the world. No one was excluded anymore. And that’s exactly what Israel refused to do, though it should have been their mandate from the beginning of their creation as God’s people. See Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”

    (3) “This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.” (Romans 15:22-24) Rome, clearly represents the ends of the then known world. 

    (4) “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” (Colossians 1:3-6)

    Again, it’s not too late to make the change, and do it properly. But sacrifices ought to be done. The first step, however, is recognizing that it’s been done wrong. 

    Jesus shared a parable saying, “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property” (Matthew 25:14). In this parable, Jesus represents the man who goes on a journey, which symbolizes His death, resurrection, and ascension. He entrusted His property—the church—to His servants.

    In the parable, each servant was given talents according to their ability (Matthew 25:15-18). These talents represent Jewish money or resources. Therefore, when the master returned and discovered that one servant had buried his single talent in the ground, he rebuked him, saying, “Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest” (Matthew 25:27).

    The command of Jesus Christ is, and has always been, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20)—not just to construct buildings and label them as churches. Christians are given different talents for evangelism and discipleship. However, many have wasted their talents by focusing on activities unrelated to these missions.

    Concerning God’s church, Paul explained, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building (i.e., the church). According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Co 3:6-11)

    The sole and true foundation of the church is Christ Jesus and His Word. Paul here called on Christians to be concerned and faithful to God’s Word. The ultimate goal of the church, God’s people, is to build a community of Christians. This is what Jesus mandates us to do. Unfortunately, some Christians, perhaps misled by tradition and practice, have prioritized physical structures over people.

    So, ask yourselves, according to the parable of Jesus in Matthew 25:14-30: how will you be received by Him—faithful or unfaithful?

    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!